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Urban Local Bodies

2 UPSC Prelims MCQs tagged "Urban Local Bodies". Free practice with answer keys, explanations, and timed mock tests on Anantam IAS.

  1. Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right…

    Consider the following statements: 1. 'Right to the City' is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard. 2. 'Right to the City' gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city. 3. 'Right to the City' means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city. Which of the statements given above is/are correct:

    1. A1 only
    2. B3 only
    3. C1 and 2
    4. D2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Statement 1 is incorrect. The "Right to the City" is not a formally agreed universal human right in international law. It is a normative and political concept. UN-Habitat uses the idea in the New Urban Agenda, but: it does not legally monitor binding national commitments.

    Statement 2 is correct. The Right to the City is the right of all inhabitants (present and future, permanent and temporary) to inhabit, use, occupy, produce, transform, govern, and enjoy cities, towns, and human settlements that are just, inclusive, safe, sustainable and democratic, defined as common goods for enjoying life with dignity and peace. The right to the city further implies responsibilities on governments and people to claim, defend, and promote this right.

    Statement 3 is correct. "Right to the City" is interpreted as an inclusive urban citizenship right. The concept says that all city dwellers, including: migrants, slum dwellers, residents of unauthorized colonies, have a claim to urban services and dignity. It views residents not as "encroachers" but as rights-bearing urban citizens who contribute to the city economy. Hence: denial of water, sanitation, waste management, etc. merely because a settlement is "unauthorized" is seen as violating the spirit of Right to the City. Indian courts have also held that basic services cannot be denied even to illegal settlements, as they are part of Article 21 – Right to Life.

    Note: UPSC usually takes welfare centric approach in questions.

  2. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in –

    Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in -

    1. AFederalism
    2. BDemocratic decentralization
    3. CAdministrative delegation
    4. DDirect democracy
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Local self-government is a key aspect of democratic decentralization, ensuring governance at the grassroots level.

    In India, local self-government refers to governing bodies operating below the state level, forming the third tier of governance in the federal structure. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments provide constitutional status and protection to Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural) and Urban Local Bodies (urban), respectively. Additionally, each state enacts its own legislation to regulate local governance.

    Democratic decentralization is the foundation of local self-government, emphasizing: - Democracy: Local citizens actively participate in governance through elected representatives, ensuring direct engagement in decision-making. - Decentralization: Authority and responsibilities are transferred from central and state governments to local bodies, empowering communities to address region-specific issues and enhance efficient governance.

    Thus, local self-government in India strengthens grassroots democracy, fosters self-reliance, and ensures better service delivery to the people.