Urban Local Governments in India: Navigating Challenges for Sustainable Growth

Democratisation and decentralisation are interconnected phenomena. The decentralisation of power from a central authority empowers citizens and guarantees governmental accountability in the exercise of political power. In India, the evolution of democratic institutions has led to increased scrutiny of power centralisation, with advocacy for decentralisation and citizen participation in local governance gaining momentum. Challenges such as inadequate funding, suboptimal planning, and excessive state regulation have led to ineffective and poorer governance. The newly established local self-government is currently in a transitional period and is expected to evolve alongside technological advancements and democratic reforms. The paper analyses the essential attributes of efficient urban governance and the issues and obstacles related to the execution of governance strategies in India.