Why in the News?
Zohran Mamdani of Indian-origin has been elected as the mayor of New York City.
Mayor in India:
- Overview: The Mayor serves as the head of a Municipal Corporation, responsible for urban governance, civic infrastructure, and local service delivery in large cities.
- Basis: Institutionalised under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and transferred 18 functional subjects to them.
- Administrative Framework: Municipal corporations function under state municipal laws, operating under the supervision of state urban development departments.
- Historical Context: The first municipal corporation was created in Madras (1688), followed by Bombay and Calcutta (1762) under British rule.
- Evolution of the office: The idea of an elected municipal President was first introduced through Lord Mayo’s Resolution (1870). The present form of local self-government was shaped by Lord Ripon’s Resolution (1882), earning him the title “Father of Local Self-Government in India.”
- Election and Tenure:
- Direct Election: Citizens directly elect the Mayor in cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Jaipur.
- Indirect Election: Elected councillors choose the Mayor in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
- Tenure: Varies from 1 to 5 years, depending on state-specific legislation.
- Powers and Functions:
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- Ceremonial Role: Acts as the first citizen of the city, representing it in official and public functions.
- Presiding Officer: Chairs meetings of the Municipal Corporation and ensures smooth deliberations.
- Limited Executive Power: Administrative authority lies with the Municipal Commissioner (IAS officer) appointed by the state government.
- Policy and Representation: Serves as a political leader and civic advocate, voicing urban development concerns.
How a Mayor in India differ from a Mayor in the U.S.?
| India | U.S. | |
| System Type | Parliamentary model under state supervision | Executive or presidential city model |
| Election | Usually indirectly elected by councillors | Directly elected by citizens |
| Tenure | 1–5 years, varies by state | Fixed 4-year term, renewable once |
| Administrative Power | Ceremonial, executive power with Commissioner | Full executive control over departments and budget |
| Financial Authority | Dependent on state approval | Autonomous budgetary power (e.g., NYC manages $120+ bn) |
| Legislative Role | Chairs council meetings | Can veto bills and issue executive orders |
| Autonomy | Subordinate to state | Semi-autonomous, independent within city jurisdiction |
| Nature of Office | Symbolic and representational | Powerful executive, city-level head of government |
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution. 2. Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution. 3. Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution are given in Part XX of the Constitution. Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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