At Arthan’s Tomorrow’s Liveable Cities event, experts shared insights on making people central to urban planning, leveraging knowledge for better governance, and enabling organizations to serve citizens effectively. From community-driven initiatives to innovative tech solutions, diverse voices highlighted the power of collaboration. At the end of the day, these discussions aimed to answer one fundamental question: How can cities become truly livable?

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.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to empower city governments has never been clearer. Our op-ed on CitizenMatters highlights how local governments, being closest to citizens, are crucial in responding to crises. From Mumbai’s building lockdowns to Hyderabad’s use of self-help groups, cities worldwide have demonstrated their capability to act decisively. But as we move forward, how can we ensure cities are more equitable and resilient for all their citizens?

Despite being integral to India’s urban landscape, smaller cities often get overlooked in both academic and online knowledge resources. While big cities dominate research and Wikipedia pages, small cities remain under-represented. To bridge this gap, Nagrika launched “Nagarpedia” — a community-driven initiative encouraging citizens to enrich Wikipedia’s city pages with credible, local insights. After all, who better to contribute than those who truly know their own city?

Swachh Survekshan isn’t just about rankings; it’s about mobilising citizens for cleaner cities. As assessors quiz residents on their city’s cleanliness efforts, awareness plays a crucial role in a city's score. From waste workers educating locals to apps connecting citizens to services, every small action matters. How can one help their city rise in the ranks? It’s all about collaboration and pride in keeping one's city clean.

Cities in India have long been shaped by constitutional changes, but how much power do they really have? Our pan-India study with Praja Foundation is digging deep into the reality of urban governance, exploring the gap between what’s on paper and what’s happening on the ground. From administrative control to actual decentralisation, the study unveils surprising insights. Are our cities truly empowered, or just caught in the maze of state control?

2018 was a year where cities in India took center stage: politically, economically, and socially. From rising citizen participation to international partnerships, urban life saw transformative change. With rankings, policies, and citizen-led initiatives making waves, cities found their voices louder than ever. As cities continue to evolve, how ready are they to meet the challenges of tomorrow in and inclusive and sustainable manner?

From the Magna Carta to India’s 74th Amendment, cities have long shaped the rules of governance and democracy. But despite efforts to empower urban local bodies, is real power truly in the hands of the people? With evolving forms of citizen participation and the rise of new technologies, cities are redefining what it means to be a democratic space. What role will cities play in the future of democracy?

India's urban classification is a patchwork of definitions, from Census-based statutory and census towns to RBI's tiered system and the Ministry of Finance's city grading. This fragmented approach influences policy decisions, urban planning, and financial allocations. But are these varied hierarchies keeping pace with India’s rapid urbanization? The inconsistencies in classification continue to shape urban development and the push for a more cohesive, data-driven urban policy