Municipal Functions under the Twelfth Schedule

The Twelfth Schedule lists the areas in which municipalities may perform functions as institutions of urban self-government. It contains 18 subjects, covering urban planning, infrastructure, public services, environmental protection and social development.

Constitutional basis

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 added Part IXA and the Twelfth Schedule. Under Article 243W, a state legislature may by law endow municipalities with powers needed for self-government, including planning for economic development and social justice and performing functions relating to Schedule subjects. Thus, actual devolution is determined by state municipal laws.

The eighteen municipal subjects

The Schedule covers the following functional areas:

• Urban planning, including town planning, is covered.
• Regulation of land use and building construction is covered.
• Planning for economic and social development is covered.
• Roads and bridges are covered.
• Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes is covered.
• Public health, sanitation, conservancy and solid-waste management are covered.
• Fire services are covered.
• Urban forestry, environmental protection and ecological promotion are covered.
• Safeguarding weaker sections, including persons with disabilities, is covered.
• Slum improvement and upgrading are covered.
• Urban poverty alleviation is covered.
• Urban amenities such as parks, gardens and playgrounds are covered.
• Cultural, educational and aesthetic promotion is covered.
• Burial grounds, cremation grounds and crematoriums are covered.
• Cattle pounds and prevention of cruelty to animals are covered.
• Vital statistics, including birth and death registration, are covered.
• Public amenities include street lighting, parking, bus stops and public conveniences.
• Slaughterhouses and tanneries may be regulated.

How UPSC asks this