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in SA and 80% in Brazil). Again, in some VII. Slum improvement and upgradation :
states the urban service delivery is the Typically falls under the purview of the
responsibility of parastatals (state govern- housing boards and the city development
ment’s statutory agencies) that are not authority. However, similar to the social
answerable to ULBs and only to state and economic development functions, it is
governments. ULBs, answerable to their a challenging task and little exists in terms
smaller jurisdiction, have little control on of a policy framework or planning.
these parastatals that operate on a larger VIII. Urban poverty alleviation : Such a
scale; this complicates incentive structures, broad mandate with the level of coordina-
leading to poor outcomes. tion and extent of intervention required
VI. Public health, sanitation conservancy again bring to question whether ULBs are
and solid waste management : Public the appropriate level of government to
health, contrary to its significance for social discharge this responsibility.
and economic development of the country, The devolution of some of these functions
is not supported by a consistent institutional (e.g. fire services, providing urban ameni-
structure (each state has a different struc- ties, burial & cremation grounds, etc) to
ture) and policy framework (the last two ULBs is justified as these functions may be
National Health Policies were made in 1983 best performed by local governments.
and 2002) at the center or state level. It is However, some functions pertaining to
highly program driven with the Central social and economic development are
government responsible for funding and either very wide in scope or there is little
planning, and State government for imple- policy framework to guide ULBs to plan
mentation. Health care is largely financed and execute them.
by private pockets. As of 2001-02, the share
IX. Fire services
in health financing of the Local govern-
X. Urban forestry, protection of the environ-
ments, State and Central government was
ment and promotion of ecological aspects
2.2%, 14.4% and 7.2%II respectively. With
XI. Safeguarding the interests of weaker
dwindling finances of ULBs and the extent
sections of society, including the handi-
of intervention required, it is not clear that
capped and mentally retarded.
this is a mandate that ULBs are well-
equipped to handle. XII. Provision of urban amenities and facilities
such as parks, gardens, playgrounds
Solid waste management comprises of
various steps— collection, segregation, XIII. Promotion of cultural, educational and
transportation, disposal and recycling. aesthetic aspects.
These activities are normally carried out by XIV. Burials and burial grounds : crema-
different bodies. Though the current status tions, cremation grounds and electric
of solid waste management is dismal (with crematoriums.
less than 40% disposal and less than 1% XV. Cattle pounds; prevention of cruelty to
recycling), it accounts for the 25-50% of animals.
ULB’s total expenditure and is also a func- XVI. Vital statistics including registration of births
tion that is best performed by ULBs. and deaths.
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