Article 243W Simplified: Powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities, etc

Official Text

Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Legislature of a State may, by law, endow— (a) the Municipalities with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government and such law may contain provisions for the devolution of powers and responsibilities upon Municipalities, subject to such conditions as may be specified therein, with respect to— (i) the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice; (ii) the performance of functions and the implementation of schemes as may be entrusted to them including those in relation to the matters listed in the Twelfth Schedule; (b) the Committees with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to carry out the responsibilities conferred upon them including those in relation to the matters listed in the Twelfth Schedule.

Simple Meaning

Article 243W allows state legislatures to endow Municipalities with the necessary powers and authority to act as institutions of self-government. This includes planning for economic development and social justice, and implementing schemes for 18 urban subjects listed in the Twelfth Schedule.

Explain Like Ten

This is the rule that gives cities the power to run themselves! It lets them manage public parks, put out fires, clean up trash, and build roads, which are all part of the 18 responsibilities in the Twelfth Schedule.

Student Mode

Article 243W provides the constitutional framework for devolving powers, authority, and responsibilities to Municipalities and Wards Committees. It enables state legislatures to authorize local bodies to prepare plans for economic development and social justice, and perform 18 functional duties listed in the Twelfth Schedule (including urban planning, fire services, water supply, and public health).

Example

A municipal corporation executes plans for urban forestry, solid waste management, fire services, and public health facilities (such as immunization clinics) using the administrative and operational powers devolved to it by the state under the Twelfth Schedule.

Key Takeaway

Article 243W provides the legal pathway for decentralizing functional powers to urban local bodies, anchored by the 18 items of the Twelfth Schedule.

FAQs

What is the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution?

The Twelfth Schedule, added by the 74th Amendment in 1992, lists 18 functional areas (such as sanitation, urban planning, fire services, and public amenities) that can be devolved to Municipalities.

Can Municipalities automatically perform all Twelfth Schedule functions?

No. Devolution is not automatic. The State Legislature must enact a law to formally endow the Municipalities with the power and authority to perform these specific functions.

Quiz

How many functional items are listed in the Twelfth Schedule under Article 243W?

Answer: 18 items

Which of the following is a key functional item listed in the Twelfth Schedule?

Answer: Fire services and solid waste management

Related Topics

• Article 243G
• Twelfth Schedule