Nagar Nigam, referred to as the Municipal Corporation, is a crucial component of urban governance in India, particularly in large cities with populations exceeding one million. Its establishment was prompted by rapid urbanisation and population growth. Known by various names across different states, municipal corporations oversee essential services, such as education, housing, healthcare and transportation. Property taxes are collected by the Nagar Nigam to fund these services. Learn more about the Nagar Nigam in India’s key cities.
What does a Nagar Nigam do?
The functions of the Nagar Nigam, as outlined in the Twelfth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, encompass a broad spectrum of responsibilities for the well-being and development of urban areas. These include:
- Preserving urban green spaces and safeguarding the environment
- Regulating land use and construction activities
- Ensuring swift response from fire personnel in emergencies
- Assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs
- Implementing effective waste management practices
- Improving living conditions in slum areas and maintaining public property
- Developing and maintaining gardens, parks and playgrounds
- Installing and maintaining streetlights
- Planning for future urban development while preserving essential urban elements
- Addressing poverty and enhancing overall living standards within cities
- Promoting economic and social progress through city planning initiatives
- Supporting educational, cultural and aesthetic activities within urban areas
- Strategically planning the growth and evolution of cities
- Preventing animal cruelty and enforcing safety regulations in slaughterhouses and tanneries
- Ensuring a reliable water supply for industries, households and businesses
- Accurately recording births and deaths within urban populations
- Conducting funerals and cremations with dignity and respect
How does a Nagar Nigam work?
A Nagar Nigam functions within the framework established by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, with leadership provided by municipal commissioners and mayors. The city is divided into wards and a Nagar Nigam is formed by committees representing these wards, with each ward contributing one seat to the committee. Councillors or corporators are elected to these seats through adult voting for a five-year term. The number of wards varies based on the city’s population. In addition to ward committees, states may establish additional committees to manage urban local governance. Nagar Nigam is subdivided into units to ensure efficient operations and collaboration with committees, elected representatives and staff. Elected members oversee various departments, each with specific responsibilities. Examples of these departments include sewage disposal, water supply, education, housing and electricity.
What is a Nagar Nigam called in different states?
A Nagar Nigam is known differently across states. Here’s a list of names:
- New Delhi: Nagar Nigam
- Uttar Pradesh: Nagar Nigam
- Uttarakhand: Nagar Nigam
- Bihar: Nagar Nigam
- Jharkhand: Nagar Nigam
- Rajasthan: Nagar Nigam
- Haryana: Nagar Nigam
- Punjab: Nagara Nigama
- Goa: Mahanagar Palika
- Maharashtra: Mahanagar Palika
- Karnataka: Mahanagara Palike
- Gujarat: Mahanagar Seva Sadan
- Odisha: Mahanagara Palika
- Assam: Pouro Nigom
- West Bengal: Pouro Nigam
- Tripura: Pur Porishod
- Chhattisgarh: Nagar Palika Nigam
- Madhya Pradesh: Nagar Palika Nigam
- Andhra Pradesh: Nagara Paalaka Samstha
- Telangana: Nagara Paalaka Samstha
- Kerala: Nagara Sabha
- Tamil Nadu: Maanagaraatchi
Overview of Nagar Nigam in key Indian cities
New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in Delhi
The NDMC was established to enact new legislation for the city to ensure uniformity in construction regulations and oversee financial matters, such as income auditing and budgetary requirements. With 32 departments, including auditing, commercial, architectural and power, the NDMC plays a crucial role in urban governance.
- Founded: December 1911
- Headquarters: Palika Kendra Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001
- Website: https://www.ndmc.gov.in/
- Contact email: director.accounts@ndmc.gov.in
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in Bangalore
Established in 1881, BBMP has been responsible for the development of Bangalore. As the fourth largest Nagar Nigam in India, it has expanded its jurisdiction tenfold in the last six decades. The BBMP is divided into eight zones, each with distinct functions.
- Founded: March 1862
- Headquarters: Hudson Circle, N.R. Square, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560002
- Website: https://bbmp.gov.in/home
- Contact email: comm@bbmp.gov.in
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in Mumbai
Known as the wealthiest municipal corporation in India, MCGM, or Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), boasts an annual budget larger than that of some smaller states. Established in 1888 under the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, it oversees the management of civic infrastructure and administration, including certain suburbs. Mumbai is divided into seven zones, with each zone comprising 3–5 wards, totalling 24 administrative wards.
- Founded in: 1899
- Headquarters: Opposite Azad Maidan, CSMT Area, next to Killa Court, Fort, Mumbai-400001
- Website: https://portal.mcgm.gov.in/irj/portal/
- Contact email: mc@mcgm.gov.in
- Subsidiary: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in Kolkata
Established to oversee urban development, public health and infrastructure maintenance, the KMC addresses the diverse needs of people. It has 40 departments and is divided into 144 administrative wards, which are further grouped into 16 boroughs.
- Founded in: 1876
- Headquarters (HO): 5 S.N. Banerjee Road, Kolkata-700013
- Website: https://www.kmcgov.in/
- Contact email: cmho@kmcgov.in
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in Pune
PMC has been overseeing Pune, addressing the civic and infrastructural needs of its residents. Utilising cutting-edge technology, such as e-governance and IT, it strives to enhance citizen services. PMC operates through various departments, each dedicated to the improvement of the city and its inhabitants.
- Founded in: February 1950
- Headquarters: PMC Main Building, Near Mangla Theatre, Shivajinagar, Pune-411005
- Website: https://pmc.gov.in/landing/eng.html
- Contact email: info@punecorporation.org
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in Chennai
Split into three administrative regions – South, North and Central – the GCC oversees the Chennai Metropolitan Area. With 15 zones and 200 wards, it ensures efficient administration. The GCC is proactive in implementing initiatives to tackle urban challenges.
- Founded in: September 1688
- Headquarters: Ripon Building, Chennai-600003
- Website: http://www.chennaicorporation.gov.in/
- Contact Email: commissioner@chennaicorporation.gov.in
Nagar Nigam in Jaipur
Tasked with the daily upkeep of Jaipur’s infrastructure, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation ensures the city runs smoothly. Organised into two zones, it operates via 250 wards, each represented by elected officials.
- Headquarters: Nagar Nigam Jaipur Heritage, Behind Hawa Mahal, Manak Chowk, Badi Choupad, Jaipur
- Website: http://jaipurmc.org/
- Contact Email: drsomya.gurjar84@rajasthan.gov.in, ItcellGreaterJaipur@Rajasthan.gov.in
Nagar Nigam in Ghaziabad
Founded under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation oversees civic infrastructure and administration. It comprises 5 zones and 100 wards.
- Founded in: August 1994
- Headquarters: Navyug Market, Opposite Old Bus Stand, Ghaziabad-201001
- Website: https://onlinegnn.com/
- Contact Email: gzb.nagar.nigam@gmail.com
Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN)
VNN has been actively involved in development projects and infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Established in January 1959, VNN underwent restructuring in 1994 to its current form.
- Founded in: January 1959
- Headquarters: Kazzakpura, Ganga Nagar Colony, Aalampura, Varanasi-221001
- Website: https://nnvns.org.in/
- Contact Email: nagarnigamvns@gmail.com
Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC)
The LMC operates seven departments, encompassing health, home tax, air quality management, gardens, publicity, accounts and property. It prioritises planning and developing civic amenities to enhance living conditions for its residents.
- Founded in: 1884
- Headquarters: Lucknow Nagar Nigam, Triliknath Road, Lalbagh, Lucknow-226001
- Website: https://lmc.up.nic.in/
- Contact Email: nniko@nic.in
Housing.com POV
Nagar Nigam, also known as a municipal corporation, plays a vital role in the governance of urban areas, particularly in cities with populations exceeding one million. They oversee essential services, such as healthcare, housing, education and transportation, funded through property taxes. The functions of a Nagar Nigam are outlined in the Twelfth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, covering a wide range of responsibilities for the well-being and development of urban areas.
A Nagar Nigam operates within the framework established by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, with leadership provided by municipal commissioners and mayors. They are divided into wards and councillors or corporators are elected for a five-year term. Each Nagar Nigam is subdivided into different units, collaborating with committees, elected representatives and staff, to ensure efficient operations.
FAQs
What is a Nagar Nigam?
A Nagar Nigam is a local government body responsible for the governance of urban areas in India.
What are the main functions of a Nagar Nigam?
The main functions of a Nagar Nigam include managing essential services, such as education, healthcare, housing and transportation, regulating land use, maintaining public property and ensuring environmental sustainability.
How are the members of a Nagar Nigam elected?
Members of a Nagar Nigam, known as councillors or corporators, are elected through adult voting in wards for a five-year term. Each ward contributes one seat to the Nagar Nigam committee.
What are the different names for Nagar Nigam across India?
Nagar Nigam is known by different names in different states, such as Mahanagar Palika in Maharashtra, Mahanagara Palike in Karnataka and Nagara Paalaka Samstha in Andhra Pradesh.
How can residents contact their Nagar Nigam?
Residents can contact their Nagar Nigam through their official website, email or by visiting the Nagar Nigam headquarters. Contact information is available on the Nagar Nigam’s website or official documents.
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