How are Municipalities and Municipal Corporations different?

Introduction

Municipalities and Municipal Corporations are two distinct forms of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India, each serving different functions and operating in different types of urban areas. Understanding their differences is crucial for grasping the nuances of urban governance in the country.

Municipalities

Municipalities are local governing bodies that operate in smaller urban areas, such as towns and smaller cities. They are responsible for managing local affairs and providing basic services to the residents. Key aspects of Municipalities include:

• Jurisdiction: Municipalities are typically found in smaller urban areas or towns with a population less than one million.
• Structure: A Municipality is headed by a Chairperson and includes elected members known as Municipal Councilors.
• Functions: They manage essential services like sanitation, public health, and minor infrastructure development.
• Revenue Sources: Municipalities generate revenue through property taxes, user fees, and grants from the state government.

Examples of Municipalities

Examples include the Municipalities in towns like Aligarh, Mangalore, and Varanasi, where local administration focuses on smaller-scale urban management and services.

Municipal Corporations

Municipal Corporations are governing bodies that manage larger urban areas and metropolitan cities. They handle more complex administrative tasks and provide a broader range of services. Key aspects of Municipal Corporations include:

• Jurisdiction: Municipal Corporations operate in larger cities and metropolitan areas with a population exceeding one million.
• Structure: A Municipal Corporation is headed by a Mayor, with elected members called Corporators or Councilors, and a Municipal Commissioner who is the chief executive officer.
• Functions: They handle extensive urban planning, major infrastructure projects, public transportation, and large-scale waste management.
• Revenue Sources: Municipal Corporations have diverse revenue sources, including property taxes, utility charges, and state and central government grants.

Examples of Municipal Corporations

Examples include the Municipal Corporations of cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, where the administration deals with the complexities of large urban populations and infrastructure.

Key Differences

The primary differences between Municipalities and Municipal Corporations are:

1. Population Size: Municipalities serve smaller urban areas, while Municipal Corporations manage larger cities and metropolitan areas.
2. Administrative Structure: Municipal Corporations have a more complex structure with a Mayor, Municipal Commissioner, and a larger number of elected members.
3. Scope of Functions: Municipal Corporations handle broader and more complex functions compared to the relatively limited scope of Municipalities.
4. Revenue Generation: Municipal Corporations have more diverse revenue sources and larger budgets compared to Municipalities.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Municipalities and Municipal Corporations is essential for appreciating the structure of urban governance in India. While both play critical roles in local administration, their functions, structures, and scopes vary significantly depending on the size and needs of the urban area they serve.