Published Paper Details:

"Village Panchayats and the Panchayat Unions constitute the bedrock of Indian democracy and unless we strengthen the Village Panchayats and the Panchayat Unions, our democracy cannot become strong and vibrant. In this paper it is argued that the new economic policies, oriented towards market based economy-led growth objectives, would also entail significant contribution of the urban sector and efforts would be needed to reduce infrastructure bottlenecks and increase urban productivity and employment. It will require serious efforts at various levels including the level of municipal governments, state governments and central government. All the subjects mentioned in the Twelfth Schedule should be transferred to urban local bodies along with transfer of funds and functionaries. Property tax which is one of the main sources of income for the municipalities should be simplified and rationalized. Exemptions from Property tax should be minimized and central government properties should also pay service charges in lieu of property tax.