The document discusses the evolution and significance of municipal acts in India, highlighting the implementation of these laws post-74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Currently, India has 69 different municipal acts categorized into general, separate, and specific acts for municipalities. The acts provide a legal framework for urban governance and vary significantly across states, with notable examples from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

1. Municipal Acts: An
Explainer
This presentation explores the various municipal acts in India,
their evolution, and their significance in shaping urban
governance.
by KANIKA GUPTA

2. Summary of the Article
State-Level Implementation
The changes introduced by the 74th Constitutional
Amendment Act (CAA) were implemented through
state-level municipal acts.
Varied Acts
India currently has 69 different municipal acts in
implementation across the country.

3. What is a Municipal Act?
Legal Framework
Municipal Acts are
legislations established
by state governments to
govern cities within the
state.
Pre-74th CAA
Before the 74th CAA, the
responsibility of local
governance was placed
under state
governments.
Post-74th CAA
The 74th CAA mandated the formation of local
governments and the creation of institutions like the State
Finance Commission.

4. Pre and Post 74th CAA
Pre-74th CAA
• Nagar Maha Palika
• City Board
• Nagar Palika
• Notified Area Committee
• Town Area Committee
Post-74th CAA
• Nagar Nigam/Municipal Corporation
• Nagar Palika Parishad/Municipal Board
• Nagar Panchayat/Town Panchayat

5. Municipal Acts: State-Wise
Variation
Types of Acts
Municipal acts are categorized
into three types: statewide
general municipalities acts,
separate acts for establishing
municipal corporations, and
acts specific to individual
municipal corporations.
Number of Acts
India has 69 municipal acts,
with 28 statewide
municipalities acts, 15 for
statewide municipal
corporations, and 26 for
specific municipal
corporations.
State-Level Data
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have a significantly higher number of
municipal acts compared to other states.

6. Time Frame of Introduction
of Acts
1 Pre-1992
A majority of the municipal acts (39) were legislated
before the introduction of the 74th CAA.
2 1992-2000
The time period of 1992-2000 saw the introduction of
11 new municipal acts.
3 Post-2000
The second highest number of municipal acts (19)
were legislated after the year 2000.

7. Pre-Independence Acts
Mumbai
Mumbai Municipal
Corporation Act, 1888
Chennai
Chennai City Municipal
Corporation Act, 1919
Punjab
Punjab Municipal Act, 1911

8. Conclusion
1
State-Wise Variance
2
Specific Needs
Larger municipal corporations often have their own acts,
while smaller ones may be governed by general acts.
3
Functioning Guidelines
Municipal Acts provide a framework for the
functioning of local governments in urban areas.