Urban transport in India often focuses on metros, sidelining the unique realities of smaller cities. With limited data, varying insights, and one-size-fits-all solutions, real needs go unheard. When policies don’t fit the context, problems multiply. The story of India’s small cities is incomplete, and it’s starting to show.

The 74th CAA reshaped urban governance by setting the stage, but the real power lies with state legislatures to turn its promises into reality. Municipal Acts, crafted by states, hold the key to how cities run, who leads them, and what they can do. But how consistent are these rules across India?

India’s urban governance is shaped by a patchwork of 69 municipal acts, each with its own story—some statewide, others crafted for specific cities. From colonial-era laws still in use to new acts passed decades after the 74th Amendment, the diversity is striking. But what do these acts say about the powers, people, and functions of our city governments?

Why did India’s cities lack real power for so long? Decades of urban neglect, no constitutional backing, and weak finances kept city governments on shaky ground. The 74th Amendment sought to change this and became the game-changer for urban self-governance. But the journey toward truly empowered cities is still ongoing.

The Indian Constitution shapes every law in the country, adapting through amendments to meet changing times. The 74th Amendment redefined urban governance, formally bringing city governments into the spotlight. But how do these layers of rules really impact the cities we live in? And who decides?

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act shook up urban governance in India, redefining power, finances, and representation in city governments. It promised greater local control and deeper citizen involvement. But how much of this vision has truly been realised? The real story lies in what happens next.

Governance isn’t just about rules or rulers; it’s an ongoing process where governments, businesses, and communities interact to guide society. Rather than control, governance is about interaction that includes coordination, negotiation, and shared responsibility. Have you ever wondered how it shapes our everyday lives beyond the institutions we usually think of?

What holds a city government together? From elected councillors and mayors shaping policies to the unseen hands of administrative officers and field staff keeping daily life running smoothly, it’s a complex web of roles and responsibilities. How these actors work and who holds the power reveals a lot about urban governance.

What makes a city, really? Definitions differ wildly, from population size to economic roles, even within a single country. But why does it matter how we draw these lines, and how does India’s complex system shape our understanding of urban life? These definitions influence how cities grow, govern, and serve their people every day.

City governments are the closest link between citizens and the state, managing everything from water supply to local roads. But how much power do they really have? Uneven control, complex roles, and evolving responsibilities reveal the real challenges behind running a city that works for everyone.

Citizenship isn’t just about nationality; it’s about belonging, identity, and participation at many levels. From the country to the city, who we are is tied deeply to where we live and engage. What shapes this bond between citizens and cities, and why does it matter today in our urban development?

What shapes the cities we live in? Behind every street and service lies a web of rules, roles, and decisions. Nāgrika's Governance Series draws open the curtain on local municipal governments – those closest to citizens – revealing how they keep India’s urban life ticking and evolving.

Urban governance is a constantly evolving system where multiple actors, from city governments to informal service providers, all coordinate to keep cities running. It’s a complex web of formal and informal roles shaping how infrastructure, services, and citizen needs are managed in rapidly changing urban landscapes.