In this article you will learn about the 12th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Addition of 12th Schedule of in the Constitution
As part of the 74th Amendment which got incorporated in the Constitution of India in 1992, the 12th Schedule was added to the Constitution. It covered 18 subjects that were to come under the purview of the institutions of urban local self-government working in urban areas of the country. The 74th Amendment was governed by the objective of improving the structure, powers, functions and role of urban local self-government institutions in India.
12th Schedule of Indian Constitution
The 12th Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the powers and functions of Municipalities. The Constitution of India contains a division of powers between the central government and the state governments, and within this framework, the local governments or municipalities play a crucial role in governing and administering local areas. The 12th Schedule outlines the areas of responsibility that are devolved to municipalities for governance at the grassroots level. It consists of 18 items that empower municipalities to take care of various aspects of local administration. These items include :
- Urban planning including town planning.
- Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings.
- Planning for economic and social development.
- Roads and bridges.
- Water supply for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes.
- Public health, sanitation, and solid waste management.
- Fire services.
- Urban forestry, protection of the environment, and promotion of ecological aspects.
- Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally retarded.
- Slum improvement and upgradation.
- Urban poverty alleviation.
- Provision of urban amenities and facilities such as parks, gardens, playgrounds.
- Promotion of cultural, educational, and aesthetic aspects.
- Burials and burial grounds; cremations and cremation grounds.
- Cattle pounds; prevention of cruelty to animals.
- Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths.
- Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, and bus stops.
- Regulation of slaughterhouses and tanneries.
Two provisions (243 I & 243 K) of 73rd Amendment Act (Revamping of Panchayati Raj) were repeated in this Amendment Act. These laid down the provision regarding : constitution of Finance Commission for reviewing finances and regular holding of elections for the institutions of local Government.
The purpose and objective of the 74th Amendment was very similar to the purpose and objective of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution. While the latter related to the rural local self-government, the former related to the urban local self-government system of the country.
This article on 11th Schedule of Indian Constitution is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.