GK Question

polity medium true_false

Under Article 243U, Municipalities have a fixed term of five years from the date of first meeting, and elections must be completed before expiry of term; if dissolved earlier, elections must be held within six months.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Municipality term and dissolution: (a) Article 243U (74th Amendment): (i) Fixed term: Municipalities have term of five years from date of first meeting, (ii) Timely elections: Elections to constitute new Municipality must be completed before expiry of term, (iii) Early dissolution: If Municipality dissolved before term expiry, elections must be held within six months from date of dissolution, (b) Rationale: (i) Democratic continuity: Fixed term ensures regular, predictable elections for urban local self-governance, (ii) Accountability: Timely elections enable voters to hold representatives accountable, (iii) Stability: Six-month limit for re-election after dissolution prevents prolonged administrator rule, (c) Applications: (i) Election scheduling: State Election Commissions plan elections to ensure timely completion, (ii) Dissolution safeguards: States must justify early dissolution; courts can intervene if dissolution arbitrary, (iii) Transition management: Administrators manage Municipality functions during interim period before new elections, (d) Challenges: (i) Delays: Administrative, logistical challenges may delay elections despite constitutional mandate, (ii) Political interference: State governments may delay elections for political advantage, (iii) Capacity: SECs need resources, planning to conduct timely elections across urban areas, (e) Illustrates democratic federalism: Article 243U ensures regular, timely elections for urban local self-governance; safeguards prevent arbitrary dissolution, ensure continuity of democratic local institutions.

Topic 74th Amendment - Municipal Term and Dissolution
Exam Relevance Municipality term and dissolution frequently asked in UPSC and SSC exams