Part IXA of the Indian Constitution deals with the municipalities, which are the local self-government bodies in urban areas. This part was added to the Constitution in 1992 through the 74th Amendment Act, which aimed to strengthen local governance and promote decentralization.
Under Part IXA, every state is required to establish a three-tier system of municipalities, consisting of Nagar Panchayats for areas in transition from rural to urban, Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas, and Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas. These bodies have been given various powers and functions related to local administration, planning, and development.
One of the key features of Part IXA is the provision for reservation of seats for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in the municipal bodies. This was done to ensure greater representation of marginalized communities in local governance and decision-making.
Part IXA also mandates the preparation of a development plan for every urban area, which must take into account the social, economic, and environmental aspects of urbanization. This plan is meant to guide the growth and development of the urban area and ensure that it meets the needs of its residents in a sustainable manner.
In addition, Part IXA provides for the creation of a State Finance Commission and a State Election Commission, which are responsible for overseeing the financial and electoral aspects of local governance.
Overall, Part IXA represents an important step towards empowering local communities and promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development in India.