UPD 2024 Fireside chat with Vijay Kelkar: India’s Urban Governance - Past and Future

Aromar Revi, Director, IIHS in conversation with Vijay Kelkar, Padma Vibhushan, former Chairman of
13th Finance Commission, and former Finance Secretary,
Government of India.
They discuss how Urban governance and the delivery of public goods and services can be enhanced by increasing the financial autonomy of, and directing more resources to, the third tier of governance in both urban and rural areas. Better political representation and empowerment of urban managers are required for efficient governance. Creating formal representation for mayors and local leaders in state-level bodies and training a cadre of skilled professionals and political leaders at the local level could strengthen urban governance. Strengthening the 74th Constitutional Amendment will help cities manage their resources
better, tackle prevailing and emergent challenges effectively, and ensure that they have the required leadership for professional and accountable governance. Achieving a ‘meta balance’ between states and regions is crucial for encouraging political inclusion and ensuring fair representation in urban governance. Crosssectoral integration and cooperative federalism will ensure coordination across sectors and promote holistic, effective and long-term urban development policies.