Question

Write the salient features of 74th Amendment Act 1994.

Answer 1

Salient Features of the 74th Amendment Act, 1994:

1. Establishment of three types of municipalities:
   1. Nagar Panchayats for fast urbanising rural areas,
   2. Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas, and
   3. Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas.
2. Provision of a fixed five-year term to ensure continuity in the functioning of municipalities.
3. Appointment of a State Election Commission in each state to conduct elections for urban local bodies.
4. Establishment of a Finance Commission in every state for reviewing the financial status of local governments.
5. Constitution of Metropolitan and District Planning Committees in each state.
6. Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and women in municipalities.
7. Reservation of public offices in local government institutions for SCs, STs, and women.