Neha BaruahKerala has secured the top position in India’s Urban Governance Index (UGI), a testament to its strengths in financial management and localized planning. However, despite this achievement, the state has areas where it can improve, particularly in city-level administration.
What is the Urban Governance Index (UGI)?
The UGI, developed by the Praja Foundation, is an extensive study of urban governance across Indian states. Spanning two years, the index evaluates key governance aspects, including financial empowerment, administrative efficiency, and citizen engagement. Kerala emerged as the top scorer with 59.31 out of 100 points, edging out Odisha, which scored 55.10. The index serves as a benchmark to improve urban governance, attracting investments and enhancing city sustainability through better governance practices.
Kerala’s Financial Prowess
Kerala’s standout performance comes from its excellence in fiscal empowerment, where it scored 23.22 out of 30, outperforming states like Maharashtra, which earned 21.15. This high score reflects Kerala’s robust financial management at the local level, ensuring better resource allocation and economic stability.
However, despite its overall success, Kerala ranked 20th in city administrative empowerment, indicating a need for improvement in how cities are governed. One positive highlight is the state’s policy allowing mayors to provide annual performance reports for city commissioners, showcasing a step toward greater accountability.
Local Governance Best Practices
Kerala sets a high standard in local governance by mandating every city councillor’s participation in at least one deliberative committee. This commitment ensures that local government remains active, responsive, and engaged with the public.
The state is also at the forefront of adopting new technologies to streamline service delivery and city management. These tech-driven initiatives are enhancing efficiency in public services, improving governance quality across cities.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite Kerala’s leading position, several challenges remain. One of the main issues is the high number of vacancies in local government jobs, which can hinder effective city management. Additionally, the decentralization of power remains a challenge, as many administrative functions are handled by multiple agencies, diluting the authority of city governments.
A common problem shared by many Indian states, including Kerala, is the weak mayoral system, where mayors lack the decision-making power necessary to drive significant governance improvements. Strengthening this system could greatly enhance urban governance in the state.
Another issue highlighted in the report is the delay in municipal elections across some Indian cities. However, Kerala is commended for regularly conducting timely local elections, positioning itself as a model for electoral governance.
Neha Baruah
