Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act | Important Acts and Laws for Judiciary Exams PDF Download

Introduction

• Historical Background: Before independence, Municipality Acts were created under British rule. Post-independence, these acts were aligned with the Indian Constitution.
• Charter Act of 1833: The Act empowered the Governor-General-in Council to create, modify, and revoke laws. Over time, these powers were decentralized to committees and the public.
• State Municipal Acts: State legislatures decide the structure, functions, and powers of local governments through these acts. Urban local governments oversee their implementation.
• Role of Municipal Acts: Municipal Acts guide local government officials on administration and empower municipalities to create local bye-laws.

The Evolution of Local Governance in India

• Introduction: The concept of local governance in India has a long history dating back to the pre-independence era.
• British Era Influence: During British rule, Municipal Acts were first introduced, paving the way for the administration of local bodies.
• Post-Independence Transition: After independence, these Acts were modified and aligned with the Constitution of India to ensure legality and relevance.

Key Features of Municipal Acts

• State-Specific Legislation: Municipal Acts are tailored to each state's requirements, with state legislatures determining the structure, functions, and powers of local governments.
• Enactments and Regulations: State legislatures pass laws governing municipal bodies, while urban local governments oversee the implementation of these regulations.

Role of Municipal Acts

• Guiding Local Government Officials: Municipal Acts serve as a comprehensive guide for officials and representatives of local governments, aiding in the administration of local areas.
• Bye-laws Creation: Municipalities have the authority to create local bye-laws in accordance with municipal administration provisions.

History of Urban Local Governance in Uttar Pradesh

• Legislative Milestones: Uttar Pradesh has a rich history of urban local governance, with various acts being enacted over the years to regulate urban institutions.
• Significant Acts: Acts such as the U.P. Town Area Act of 1914 and the U.P. Municipalities Act of 1916 played crucial roles in shaping urban governance in the state.
• Continued Evolution: The evolution of Municipal Acts and urban local governance reflects the ongoing efforts to streamline and improve local administration across India.

Enactment of Legislation for Urban Local Institutions

• Uttar Pradesh's history of urban local government has been shaped by various acts passed over the years. 
• Notably, the U.P. Town Area Act of 1914 and the U.P. Municipalities Act of 1916 have played significant roles in governing urban local institutions.

Definition and Declaration of Municipalities under the Municipality Act, 1916

The Municipality Act of 1916 defines a 'municipality' in alignment with the Constitution of India. It equates a municipality to an institution of self-government established under specific constitutional articles.

Key Definitions

• The Act defines 'municipality' based on Article 243-P clause (e) as an institution of self-government under Article 243-Q.
• 'Municipal Area' under section 9A is described as the territorial region of a municipality.
• 'Panchayat' as per section 13A aligns with its definition under Article 243-B.

Declaration of Areas

• The Act empowers the governor to declare transitional, smaller urban, and larger urban areas under specific sections. These areas are designated as Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations respectively.
• For example, in the case of 'Rakam Singh v. State of U.P. & Others (2015),' these areas were determined based on population, revenue, employment, and other relevant factors.

Notification of Areas under Urban Governance Act

• Notification of Urban Area Limits: The Governor, as per the provisions of the Act, announces the boundaries of transitional, smaller urban, and larger urban areas as outlined in Article 243-Q(2).
• Declaration of Urban Areas: Section 3 mandates the declaration of transitional, smaller urban, and larger urban areas. The Governor can include or exclude specific areas through subsequent notifications.
• Applicability of Notifications: Section 5 states that all areas specified under the Act are subject to notifications, orders, bye-laws, and other directives issued under this Act or any subsequent legislation in effect at that time.
• Nomenclature: Pursuant to Article 243-Q(1) and Part IX-A of the Constitution, transitional areas are designated as Nagar Panchayats, smaller urban areas as Municipal Councils, and larger urban areas as Municipal Corporations.

Example: In the case of 'Rakam Singh v. State of U.P. & Others (2015),' it was clarified that transitional, smaller urban, and larger urban areas are determined by factors such as population, revenue for local administration, non-agricultural employment rates, etc., specified by the Governor through public notification.

Section 3A

• Committee Designation: As per Section 3A(3)(b), areas notified by the committee established under section 388 or constituted by the Town Area Committee under the Uttar Pradesh Town Area Act, 1914, are termed as Nagar Panchayats from the commencement of the Act until the first constitution of the Nagar Panchayat.

Composition of Municipality

• Role of the President: The president serves as the chairman for both the Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council, ensuring consistent leadership.
• Elected Members:
  • For Nagar Panchayat: The elected members must range from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 24 individuals.
  • For Municipal Council: The elected members should be between 25 to 55 in number.
• Ex-officio Members:
  • All members of the House of the People and the State Legislative Assembly are included, representing all constituencies within the municipal area.
  • Members of the Council of States and the State Legislative Council who are registered electors within the municipal area are also part of the ex-officio members.
  • The State government nominates individuals with special knowledge in municipal administration:
    • For Nagar Panchayat: The nominated members should be between 2 and 3 individuals.
    • For Municipal Council: The nominated members should not exceed 5 individuals.
• Composition of Municipality
  • The structure of a municipality is outlined in section 9 of the Act. It emphasizes the pivotal role of the president who serves as the chairman of both the Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council.
  • In the case of the Nagar Panchayat, the elected members must range from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 24. For the Municipal Council, the member count should not be less than 25 and should not exceed 55, as per the specifications in the Official Gazette.
  • The Official Gazette also mentions the presence of ex-officio members who include all members of the House of the People and the State Legislative Assembly, representing all constituencies within the municipal area.
  • Additionally, ex-officio members comprise all members of the Council of States and the State Legislative Council who are already enlisted as electors within the municipal area.
  • According to the notification in the Official Gazette, the State government nominates individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in municipal administration as members of the Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council.
  • For the Nagar Panchayat, the nominated individuals should range from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 3, while for the Municipal Council, it should not exceed 5.

Position of Women, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes regarding Reservation

• The Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes have reserved seats in the municipality based on the proportion of their population in the area to the total population. Seats are allocated by rotation to different wards following specific rules.
• For women belonging to these groups, not less than one-third of the reserved seats under Section 9A sub-section (3) are guaranteed. Additionally, another one-third of the total seats in the municipality, apart from those reserved, are designated for women. These seats are also rotated among different wards according to rules.
• The provision under Section 9A ensures that women from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Backward Classes are guaranteed at least one-third of the reserved seats in municipalities. Additionally, Clause (4) mandates that another one-third of the total seats in the municipality, in addition to those reserved under sub-section (3), are also designated for women. These additional seats can be rotated among different wards of a municipality as per prescribed rules.

Duties and Discretionary Functions of Municipalities

Examining the responsibilities outlined in Section 7, municipalities are required to:

• Make provisions for essential services and infrastructure within their jurisdiction.
• Ensure the maintenance of public health and sanitation standards.
• Manage and regulate markets, ensuring fair practices and cleanliness.
• Provide for the welfare of citizens, including social services and public amenities.

For example, a municipality might allocate funds to improve drainage systems in a particular neighborhood, install streetlights for enhanced safety, or establish community centers for educational and recreational purposes.

Functions of Proper Administration in Public Places

• Ensuring adequate lighting in public streets and places
• Providing water supply for public streets and places
• Keeping public streets, places, and drains clean
• Removing harmful vegetation from public areas
• Addressing and reducing public nuisances
• Regulating offensive, dangerous, or obnoxious trades and practices
• Removing obstructions and projections for public safety and convenience
• Securing or demolishing unsafe buildings or locations
• Managing places for the disposal of the deceased
• Developing and maintaining public infrastructure like streets, drainage systems, markets, etc.
• Revitalizing unhealthy areas and planting trees for environmental enhancement
• Ensuring a safe and sufficient water supply for domestic and commercial use
• Registering births and deaths for record-keeping purposes
• Implementing and maintaining public vaccination programs
• Establishing and supporting public healthcare facilities
• Constructing and maintaining parking lots, bus stops, and public conveniences
• Promoting urban forestry, ecological conservation, and environmental protection
• Protecting the interests of vulnerable groups such as the handicapped and mentally challenged
• Building and managing cattle pounds while preventing animal cruelty
• Upgrading slum areas and supporting urban poverty alleviation
• Establishing and managing primary educational institutions
• Providing aid during fire incidents to safeguard lives and property

These functions collectively encompass various aspects of effective public administration. They not only involve the establishment of essential public amenities such as roads, schools, and hospitals but also emphasize the significance of preserving, enhancing, and maintaining these facilities.

Key Functions of Municipalities

Municipalities have various important functions aimed at the proper administration and development of a place. These functions encompass the establishment, maintenance, and enhancement of essential public amenities and services. Let's delve into these functions:

Discretionary Functions of Municipalities

Section 8 of the municipal guidelines outlines discretionary functions that a municipality can undertake. These functions include:

• Building New Public Streets: Municipalities have the authority to construct new public streets and acquire land for buildings adjacent to these streets.
• Establishment of Public Facilities: Municipalities can establish libraries, museums, rescue homes for women, halls, offices, and various other public facilities.
• Promotion of Progressive Education: Municipalities are tasked with pursuing educational objectives that promote progress and development.
• Census and Statistics: Municipalities are responsible for maintaining census data and may provide rewards for information crucial to securing accurate statistics.
• Promotion of Transportation and Utilities: Municipalities can support or ensure the presence of tramways, railroads, and other modes of transportation, as well as electric or gas lighting and power works.

These functions are mandated by the Act, which also includes provisions for extending municipal benefits beyond the municipality's limits. However, any extension related to supplying water to specific areas, including cantonments, requires prior approval from the Central government.

Functions under the Act

These are some of the functions outlined in the Act, which are followed by a subsection allowing municipalities to make provisions for extending beyond their limits for municipal undertakings. However, any extension of benefits for supplying water to specific local areas within a cantonment requires prior sanction from the Central government.

Elections

Setting aside the provisions of Section 31-A, the state government, in conjunction with the State Election Commission, can schedule general elections under the supervision of the State Election Commission. To become a municipal member, a person must qualify as an elector for any of the municipality's designated wards and be at least twenty-one years old. The Act specifies various disqualification criteria under section 13D, including:

• Serving as a local authority employee
• Holding a position under the Central or State governments and being dismissed for corruption or treachery unless six years have passed since dismissal
• Being debarred from legal practice by a prescribed authority
• Being an undischarged insolvent
• Being convicted of an offense under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 13E addresses the 'Right to Vote.' Only individuals listed on the electoral roll of a ward are entitled to vote in that ward. Those subject to disqualifications cannot vote in any ward's elections. Voting in multiple wards or repeating votes in the same ward is prohibited. However, exceptions exist for individuals under preventive detention under current laws.

Right to Vote

• Only individuals listed on an electoral roll of a ward can vote there, according to Section 13E of the Act.
• If a person falls under disqualifications, they lose the right to vote in any ward.
• Voting in more than one ward or multiple times in the same ward is prohibited, rendering such votes invalid.
• Exceptions exist for individuals under preventive detention as per prevailing laws.

Taxation

• Taxes specified under Section 128(1) of the Act must comply with Article 285 of the Constitution.
• Types of taxes include those on the annual value of buildings or lands, water tax, drainage tax, and conservancy tax.
• In the case of 'Gappumal Kanhaiya Lal vs Commissioner Of Income-Tax (1944)', house-tax was defined as a tax on the annual value of buildings or lands.
• Water-tax is levied on the annual value of buildings or lands, as outlined in the legislation.
• These taxes are statutory charges aimed at ensuring payment for house and water-tax by property owners.
• Such charges are considered contingent and dependent on the taxpayer's actions or inactions.

Taxes Imposed According to Article 285 of the Constitution

Taxes that can be imposed under Section 128(1) of this Act include:

• Taxes on the annual value of buildings or lands or both
• Water tax on the annual value of buildings or lands or both
• Drainage tax on the annual value of buildings within a specified distance from the nearest sewer line
• Conservancy tax for collection and disposal of polluted matter from urinals and cesspools

Gappumal Kanhaiya Lal vs Commissioner Of Income-Tax(1944)

• In the legal case of Gappumal Kanhaiya Lal vs Commissioner Of Income-Tax(1944), the house tax referred to in Section 128(1)(i) of the U.P. Municipalities Act, 1916, was identified as a tax on the annual value of buildings or lands or both. Similarly, the water tax, also imposed under the same section, is described as a tax on the annual value of buildings or lands or both. These taxes are statutory charges on the property of the assessee to ensure payment.
• These charges were considered contingent as they were dependent on the assessee's compliance. If the charges arose, they were a result of the assessee's default.

Process of Execution against Property Outside the Municipal Area

• If a defaulter lacks ample movable property within the municipal area, the District Magistrate, prompted by the municipality, can issue a warrant to an officer under his jurisdiction. This warrant allows for the distress and sale of any movable property owned by the defaulter within the Magistrate's jurisdiction or that of any other Magistrate in Uttar Pradesh.
• In scenarios falling under clause (b) of sub-section (1), the approving Magistrate must execute the warrant. Any funds collected are to be sent back to the issuing Magistrate, who will then transfer the amount to the Municipality.
• Section 173A addresses the recovery of taxes as overdue land revenue.

Outline the Provisions Related to Sanitation and Disease Prevention

Section 267: Municipality's authority to manage sanitation facilities

• A municipality can close, alter, or disinfect latrines, drains, or receptacles for waste.
• It can also conceal these facilities from public view for hygiene purposes.

Section 276: Penalties for improper disposal of polluted water

• Owners can face fines for allowing polluted water to flow into public areas without permission.

Section 283: Vegetation removal regulations

• Landowners can be required to eliminate harmful vegetation as per neighborhood standards.

Legal Provisions on Sanitation

• Penalty for Discharging Polluted Water: Section 276 imposes a fine of up to two hundred and fifty rupees on the owner or occupier of land for allowing polluted water to flow into public areas without permission.
• Vegetation Removal Notice: Section 283 allows authorities to demand the removal of harmful vegetation from a property if it poses risks to the neighborhood.
• Failure to Report Infectious Diseases: Section 279 specifies a fine of up to fifty rupees for medical practitioners who fail to report diseases like cholera, plague, or smallpox to the competent authority.
• Penalty for Infectious Individuals: Section 281 penalizes individuals infected with contagious diseases who handle food or engage in activities that could spread infections, with a fine of up to fifty rupees.
• Sanitation Promotion: In addition to the above provisions, there are various other laws aimed at promoting sanitation and preventing diseases in the community.

Penalties for Failure to Report Infectious Diseases

• Section 279 of the law discusses the consequences faced by a medical practitioner who, while practicing, discovers the presence of diseases like cholera, plague, or smallpox in a residential area outside a public hospital. If this practitioner fails to report or provides false information about such diseases to the relevant authority, they can be fined up to fifty rupees upon conviction.
• Section 281 outlines a penalty for individuals who, knowing they are infected with a contagious disease, offer items like food, drinks, or medicines for human consumption. If such a person intentionally exposes themselves to articles meant for sale or engages in activities like washing soiled clothes, they may face a fine of up to fifty rupees if found guilty.

Rent Charge Regulations

• Rent Charge Overview: When someone owes rent for land managed by a municipality, the Collector can collect it as if it were land revenue. The municipality can set fees for using properties, including public spaces, through bye-laws and agreements.
• Permission Fees: Section 294 permits municipalities to charge fees for various permissions required under the law. They can also impose charges for using public places with government approval, ensuring sanitation and facilities under section 293 A.
• Legal Case Example: In the case of 'Mohd. Yasin v. Town Area Committee, Jalalabad (1952)', the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a petitioner challenging a municipality's bye-laws. The Court emphasized citizens' rights to conduct business freely. It was noted that certain fees must align with valid laws and purposes defined by the municipality.

The Case of Mohd. Yasin v. Town Area Committee, Jalalabad (1952)

• Case Background: In this legal case, the Town Area Committee in Jalalabad had established bye-laws that allowed a commission to be charged on the sales of a wholesale vegetables and fruit seller within the town limits.
• Contract Issuance: The Committee awarded the commission collection contract to Bhishamber through an auction, despite him having no prior experience in dealing with vegetables and fruits.
• Legal Challenge: The petitioner, a wholesale dealer affected by these bye-laws, contested the Committee's decision, arguing that the monopoly created by the fee requirement for the contractor would essentially ban the business.
• Legal Ruling: The Supreme Court, in its judgment, emphasized that citizens have the constitutional right under Article 19(1)(g) to engage in any occupation or business. It was asserted that if a license fee cannot be substantiated by a legitimate law, its reasonableness cannot be questioned.
• Legal Authority: The Court also clarified that specific sections of the U.P. Municipality Act, 1916 did not empower the Town Area Committee to create bye-laws permitting the imposition of fees beyond what was necessary for the Committee's management.
• Verdict: The final decision favored the petitioner, Mohd. Yasin, affirming his right to succeed in the case.

Provisions of making bye-laws

• Section 298 empowers municipalities, under special resolution and if required by the state government, to create bye-laws for maintaining health, safety, and municipal administration.
• Two lists of bye-laws cover areas like buildings, markets, slaughterhouses, and public safety.
• Municipalities have the authority to make bye-laws listed in both List I and List II under section 298(2).
• Breaching bye-laws approved by the state government can lead to fines up to one thousand rupees, with a daily fine of up to twenty-five rupees after the first conviction.
• Bye-laws must be made public before implementation, as stated in section 301.
• Section 301A grants the state government the power to modify or repeal bye-laws, with the requirement of providing reasons for their decision and allowing municipalities to respond.

Understanding Bye-laws and State Government Sanctions

• Breach of bye-laws approved by the state government can result in a fine of up to one thousand rupees. For each day following the initial conviction, a further fine of up to twenty-five rupees may be imposed for ongoing breaches.
• Bye-laws must be created after prior publication, as stipulated by section 301. Section 301 A grants the state government the authority to amend or revoke bye-laws, either entirely or partially. However, the state government must justify their decision and provide the municipality with ample time to respond accordingly.

Legal Challenge: Doctors' Jan Kalyan Society vs. State Of U.P. And Others(1999)

In a legal case involving the association of Allopathic, Homoeopathic, Ayurvedic, and Unani doctors known as Doctors' Jan Kalyan Society, a writ petition was filed contesting the bye-laws established by the Nagar Palika Parishad of Mirzapur under the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1916.

• The bye-laws introduced license fees for various healthcare facilities such as Nursing Homes, Private Clinics, Pathology Centers, Dental Clinics, X-Ray Clinics, and Maternity Wards.
• The state government issued directives on multiple occasions to increase and impose license fees on the aforementioned establishments. Despite objections being solicited, none were received during the stipulated period.
• Questions arose regarding the legality of the bye-laws under section 298 of the Nagar Palika Act, and the potential applicability of an alternative remedy under section 94(6) was considered.

Doctors’ Jan Kalyan Society v. State Of U.P. And Others (1999)

• An association of Allopathic, Homoeopathic, Ayurvedic, and Unani doctors challenged bye-laws set by the Nagar Palika Parishad of Mirzapur under the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1916.
• The bye-laws imposed license fees on various medical facilities like Nursing Homes, Private Clinics, Pathology Centres, Dental Clinics, X-Ray Clinics, and Maternity wards.
• State government directives increased and extended license fees, with a special resolution passed to frame the bye-laws.

Legal Challenge

• The legality of the bye-laws under section 298(1) of the Act was questioned.
• Debate over the use of 'may' versus 'shall' in the language of the law, emphasizing the mandatory nature of the word 'shall'.
• Nagar Palika's authority to frame bye-laws was affirmed, making it unable to reject the proposed bye-laws.

Court Decision

• The court held that the bye-laws were valid as they were framed according to the state government's order.
• Even considering section 94(6) of the Act, no illegality was found in approving the bye-laws.
• Writ jurisdiction couldn't be used to maintain an illegal situation, leading to the dismissal of the writ petition with costs awarded to the Nagar Palika.

Significance of Section 298(1) of the Act

• Section 298(1) holds importance as it emphasizes that bye-laws were created under the state government's directive.
• There was a debate regarding changing the language from 'may' to 'shall' in Section 298, indicating the mandatory nature of using 'shall'.

Nagar Palika's Accountability in Framing Bye-laws

• The Nagar Palika was responsible for formulating bye-laws. Even during the meeting on February 27, 1996, the rejection of bye-laws was not permissible.
• Even if Section 94(6) of the Act is considered, no illegality was committed, as the Nagar Palika lacked the authority to reject the bye-laws.
• The approval resolution for the bye-laws could not be annulled, as writ jurisdiction did not have the power to rectify an unlawful situation.
• The writ petition was dismissed, with the Nagar Palika incurring costs.

Case of 'Kanhaiyya Lal And Others vs State Of U.P. & Ors. (2010)'

• In this case, small businessmen and traders challenged the constitutionality of bye-laws through a writ petition.
• They argued that their Nagar Panchayat's population did not exceed 30,000, with various businesses operating without the proper licenses.
• The demand for license fees was deemed illegal and unrelated to the traders' activities.

Case Overview

• Parties Involved: In the legal case of Kanhaiyya Lal and Others vs State of U.P. & Ors. (2010), the petitioners, who were small businessmen and traders of Nagar Panchayat Raya in Mathura, contested the constitutionality of bye-laws through a writ petition.
• Contention: The petitioners argued that their Nagar Panchayat's population did not exceed 30,000, and various businesses such as general merchandise, building materials, provisional stores, and clothes were being conducted. The Tahsildar issued a demand for license fee as arrears of land revenue on June 16, which the petitioners found to be illegal as the prescribed procedure under the U.P. Municipalities Act, 1916 for framing bye-laws had not been followed. No licenses had been issued to any traders, and the demanded license fees were deemed unrelated to the traders' businesses.
• Decision: The court ruled in favor of the petitioners, setting aside the Tahsildar's writ petition for the recovery of license fees as arrears of land revenue. Although the bye-laws from August 13, 2001, were considered constitutional, the plea to annul them was rejected. The writ petition was partially granted to annul the license fee recovery demand issued by the Tahsildar and suggested that the municipal board could collect the fees following the procedures outlined in Sections 166-173 of the Act.

The Case Decision

• The court supported the petitioner's stance.It nullified the Tahsildar’s writ petition seeking to collect license fees as overdue land revenue.
• The contested bye-laws from August 13, 2001, were deemed constitutional, denying the petitioner's request to revoke them.
• However, the court did allow part of the writ petition to cancel the demand for license fee payment issued by the Tahsildar.
• The municipal board was directed to follow the procedures outlined in Sections 166-173 of the Act for fee recovery.

Conclusion

• Over time, subordinate legislation has proven to be an essential aspect in relieving the burden on the legislature and facilitating the smooth operation of a well-planned and efficient welfare state. Democratic decentralization has empowered local autonomy by transferring functions, powers, and authority from the central government to regional councils and local authorities.
• During the colonial period, Lord Mayo's resolution is regarded as the British government's initial step towards establishing a system of local self-government. Lord Ripon's resolution of 1882 is considered the cornerstone of local self-government in India, advocating for non-bureaucrat members to represent urban municipal bodies. This resolution also proposed a two-tier local government system, which many provinces adopted between 1883 and 1885.
• In Uttar Pradesh, various Acts have been enacted over the years, with each Act being amended to adapt to changing circumstances. For example, the U.P Nagar Palika (Municipalities) Act, 1916 was renamed as the U.P. Nagar Palika Act, 1916, while the U.P. Town Area Act, 1914 was repealed. Subsequent Acts like the U.P. Municipal Corporation Act, 1959, and the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities (Amendment) Act, 1964 introduced new provisions or amended existing ones to enhance the functioning of urban local self-government. 
• Acts such as the U.P. Planning and Development Act, 1973 introduced Development authorities, and the U.P. Water Supply and Sewer System Act, 1975 established Jal Sansthans. The Uttar Pradesh (Amendment) Act, 1964 provided a comprehensive review of the Act, substituting definitions with detailed provisions to address any loopholes and ensure efficient administration. The Uttar Pradesh Local Self Government Laws (Amendment) Act, 1994, renamed the U.P. Nagar Mahapalika Act, 1959 and U.P. Nagar Palika Municipalities Act, 1916 to U.P. Nagar Nigam Act, 1959 and U.P. Nagar Palika Act, 1916 respectively. It made elections mandatory, reduced the categories of urban local bodies from 5 to 3, granted the government the power to dissolve a municipality for misconduct, introduced reservations, and provided a significant role for women.