Rao Inderjit Singh pushes for 74th amendment to empower Haryana’s local bodies

With municipal elections approaching in Haryana, Gurugram MP and Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh has called for implementing the 74th Constitutional Amendment to strengthen local urban bodies. Singh, who has been advocating for empowered councillors and mayors for a decade, said Haryana’s current civic issues make the amendment essential.

In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Singh explained that the lack of authority for elected representatives like councillors and mayors has contributed to the “civic collapse” in cities such as Gurugram. “Our urban local bodies are official-centric. The people elected by residents to represent their voices have no power, leaving citizens without real representation. We need to look to other states that have implemented this amendment to see stronger local bodies. If Haryana seeks civic reform, the 74th amendment is the answer,” said Singh.

Citing Gurugram’s challenges, Singh noted that councillors and mayors currently have no control over budgets or projects, rendering them “mere rubber stamps.” He argued that local representatives should have the authority to assess officials’ performance. “We had promised voters a stronger voice. With this amendment, officials will be accountable to public representatives, who can ensure issues are resolved.” The Constitution’s 74th Amendment Act of 1992, effective since June 1993, outlines 18 critical functions for state governments to delegate to urban local bodies, including urban planning, water supply, and slum improvement.