The Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution of India contains a list of eighteen functions that municipalities are empowered to perform. It was added to the Constitution by the Seventy-Fourth Amendment Act, 1992, which aimed to strengthen urban local governance.
- Urban Planning including Town Planning:
- This function empowers municipalities to engage in urban and town planning activities, including land-use planning, zoning regulations, and preparation of master plans for the orderly development of urban areas.
- Regulation of Land Use and Construction of Buildings:
- Municipalities are authorized to regulate land use and construction activities within their jurisdictions to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations.
- Planning for Economic and Social Development:
- Municipalities are responsible for planning and implementing programs for the economic and social development of urban areas, including initiatives related to employment generation, poverty alleviation, and social welfare.
- Roads and Bridges:
- This function pertains to the construction, maintenance, and management of roads, streets, highways, and bridges within municipal limits to ensure efficient transportation and connectivity.
- Water Supply for Domestic, Industrial, and Commercial Purposes:
- Municipalities are tasked with providing adequate and safe water supply to meet the domestic, industrial, and commercial needs of urban residents.
- Public Health, Sanitation, and Solid Waste Management:
- Municipalities are responsible for promoting public health and sanitation, including the provision of sanitation facilities, waste collection, treatment, and disposal services to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in urban areas.
- Fire Services:
- This function involves the establishment and operation of fire stations, firefighting equipment, and emergency response services to protect life and property from fire hazards within municipal limits.
- Urban Forestry, Protection of the Environment, and Promotion of Ecological Aspects:
- Municipalities are tasked with preserving and enhancing urban green spaces, promoting environmental conservation, and implementing measures to address pollution and environmental degradation.
- Safeguarding the Interests of Weaker Sections of Society, including the Handicapped and Mentally Retarded:
- Municipalities have a responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of vulnerable groups, including the economically disadvantaged, disabled individuals, and other marginalized sections of society.
- Slum Improvement and Upgradation:
- Municipalities are required to undertake initiatives for the improvement and upgradation of slum areas, including provision of basic amenities, infrastructure development, and housing rehabilitation programs.
- Urban Poverty Alleviation:
- This function involves implementing poverty alleviation programs and schemes aimed at improving the living standards and economic opportunities of urban poor communities.
- Provision of Urban Amenities and Facilities such as Parks, Gardens, and Playground:
- Municipalities are responsible for providing recreational facilities, parks, gardens, playgrounds, and other amenities to enhance the quality of life and promote community well-being in urban areas.
- Promotion of Cultural, Educational, and Aesthetic Aspects:
- Municipalities are encouraged to support cultural and educational initiatives, including the promotion of arts, heritage conservation, and the establishment of libraries, museums, and cultural centers.
- Burials and Burial Grounds, Cremations and Cremation Grounds:
- This function pertains to the management and regulation of burial grounds, cremation facilities, and related funeral services to ensure dignified and respectful treatment of the deceased within municipal jurisdiction.
- Cattle Pounds, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
- Municipalities are responsible for the establishment and management of cattle pounds and animal shelters, as well as the enforcement of laws and regulations aimed at preventing cruelty to animals.
- Vital Statistics including Registration of Births and Deaths:
- Municipalities are required to maintain vital statistics records, including the registration of births and deaths, to facilitate the issuance of birth certificates, death certificates, and other legal documents.
- Public Amenities including Street Lighting, Parking Lots, and Bus Stops:
- Municipalities are tasked with providing essential public amenities, such as street lighting, parking facilities, and bus stops, to enhance safety, convenience, and accessibility for urban residents.
- Regulation of slaughterhouses and tanneries:
- This function involves regulating the operation of slaughterhouses, tanneries, and other establishments involved in the processing of animal products to ensure compliance with health and environmental standards and prevent public health hazards.
Overall, the Twelfth Schedule empowers municipalities to perform a wide range of functions essential for the effective administration, development, and well-being of urban areas. These functions are aimed at improving infrastructure, promoting public health and sanitation, protecting the environment, and enhancing the overall quality of life for urban residents.
