How are Municipal Corporations established in the Union Territories of India?

The correct answer is By an Act of Parliament.

Key Points

• Municipal Corporations in Union Territories (UTs) are established through Acts passed by the Parliament of India, as UTs are governed directly by the Central Government.
• Unlike states, which have their own legislative assemblies, Union Territories are administered by the President of India through appointed administrators.
• The Parliament enacts laws to create and regulate municipal corporations in UTs, ensuring they fulfill the functions of urban local governance.
• For example, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) operates under the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, passed by Parliament.
• This framework ensures consistency and uniformity in governance across UTs, considering their unique administrative structures.

Additional Information

• Municipal Corporation:
  • It is a form of urban local government that governs cities with a population exceeding 1 million.
  • Municipal corporations are responsible for providing civic amenities such as water supply, waste management, roads, and public health services.
  • They are governed by elected representatives (councillors) and an appointed municipal commissioner.
• Union Territories:
  • Union Territories are regions in India directly governed by the Central Government.
  • Currently, India has 8 Union Territories, including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Puducherry.
  • Some UTs, like Delhi and Puducherry, have partial statehood with legislative assemblies.
• New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC):
  • The NDMC is a municipal council governing the central area of New Delhi.
  • It was constituted under the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, passed by Parliament.
  • The council is chaired by a government-appointed officer, typically an IAS officer.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, provides the framework for urban local governance in India.
  • However, in Union Territories, Parliament has the authority to legislate municipal laws under Article 239 of the Constitution.