A Report Shows India’s Governance Crisis

Newsreel Asia Insight #23
Oct. 24, 2023

Let’s imagine two cities, Alwar and Jaipur, both in Rajasthan state. Alwar is a smaller town, while Jaipur is a bustling metropolis. Yet, they’re both governed by the same set of laws—the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009. You may wonder, how can one-size-fits-all rules serve two cities so different in character and needs?

Here’s the catch: they can’t. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to flawed city governance in India, according to a recent report, the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023 (ASICS), by Janaagraha, a Bengaluru-based nonprofit.

Think about this: only half of India’s states and Union Territories have bothered to put their municipal laws online. And out of these, 10 states have uploaded mere scanned copies of laws—a digital maze almost impossible to navigate.

Think of municipal laws as the rulebook for your city’s game of life—whether your tap water is clean, your trash gets picked up, and if the bus arrives on time. These laws influence everything you touch and see—from the local park where you jog to the fire department that shows up when there’s an emergency. So, whether you’re grabbing a snack from a street vendor, checking out a book from the public library, or attending a community event at your local hall, these laws are silently shaping your experience.

And when they’re flawed or outdated, the game feels rigged against you.

Take Dehradun Councillor Rohan Chandel’s words for it. In the report, he highlights the confusion arising from governing Dehradun—a city in hilly Uttarakhand—using the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Act. “We keep fighting for our own laws, bye-laws, and roles,” he says.

Imagine splitting from a long-term relationship but still following the same old rules that never really fit. That’s Uttarakhand for you. Despite parting ways with Uttar Pradesh 23 years ago, it's still using UP’s municipal laws. It’s like breaking up but still sharing a Netflix account—convenient, maybe, but not ideal for either party. So, if you’re wondering why some things in Uttarakhand feel a bit off, perhaps it’s because the state never took the time to rewrite its own “relationship rules” for governance.

Now, picture this: You’re at a clothing store, and all they offer is a one-size-fits-all t-shirt. We all know that’s not going to work for everyone. Yet, 15 states in India are doing something similar with their municipal laws—using a single set of rules for cities big and small. It’s like making both a bustling city like Jaipur and a quieter town like Alwar wear the same “t-shirt.” Uncomfortable, isn’t it?

And then there are five states or Union Territories still “borrowing clothes” from their parent states. They haven’t even bothered to tailor their own laws to fit their unique needs. Just like Alwar and Jaipur, cities are distinct—each with its own size, population, and challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach to governance is bound to leave some residents feeling squeezed or, worse, completely overlooked.

Interestingly, eastern states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have stronger legal frameworks for city governance. Southern states aren’t far behind. This, the report suggests, translates to better services for residents.

But if you’re living in a Union Territory, the picture is grim. Weak laws mean less accountability, and service issues are less likely to get resolved. Got a problem with garbage collection or road repairs? Good luck finding an Ombudsman; Union Territories don’t even have one.

And let’s not ignore the ticking time bomb: urbanisation. According to the 2011 Census, 31% of India is urban, but more recent estimates suggest the figure might be closer to 50-63%. With more people flocking to cities, the cracks in governance are only going to widen, hurting mostly the marginalised.

So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Poor governance isn’t just about a few corrupt politicians or ineffective administrators. It’s a system-wide failure. And it’s high time we demanded better. Because whether you’re in Alwar or Jaipur, you deserve a city that works for you.