Article 243W of The Constitution of India
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.
Summary
- This provision allows state legislatures to legally empower municipalities to operate as institutions of local self government.
- Municipalities can be given the responsibility to prepare formal plans for economic development and social justice.
- State laws may entrust municipalities with performing specific functions and implementing various local schemes.
- The functions given to municipalities may specifically include matters listed in the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution.
- State legislatures can also endow municipal committees with the powers needed to carry out their assigned responsibilities.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What role does a municipality play in economic planning under Section 243W of The Constitution of India?
Under Section 243W of the Constitution, a state legislature may give municipalities the specific responsibility to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
2. What is the relationship between municipalities and the Twelfth Schedule under Article 243W of the Indian Constitution?
Article 243W of the Constitution states that legislatures may entrust municipalities with functions and schemes, specifically including those matters listed in the Twelfth Schedule.
3. Can municipal committees get direct powers under Section 243W of the Constitution?
Yes. Section 243W of the Constitution explicitly allows state legislatures to endow Committees with such powers and authority as necessary to carry out their responsibilities.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 243W of The Constitution of India, what is the overarching purpose of endowing municipalities with powers?
Q2.According to Article 243W of the Constitution of India, municipalities may be tasked with preparing plans for what specific goals?
Q3.Which specific part of the Constitution does Section 243W reference regarding the functions of municipalities?
Q4.Under Article 243W of the Constitution, who gets to decide the exact conditions of the powers devolved to municipalities?