Functions of Municipality in India
The Municipalities have been given enormous powers and functions:
1) Obligatory functions;
2) Discretionary functions and
3) Functions delegated by the State Government.
The main functions of Municipality in India are:
- The construction, diversion, maintenance and improvement of streets, bridges, squares, gardens, tanks, ghats, wells, channels, drains, latrines and urinals;
- The watering and cleaning of streets;
- Lighting;
- Water-supply;
- Conservancy including sewage disposal;
- Acquiring, keeping and equipping of open spaces for public purposes;
- Planting and preservation of trees;
- Construction of dwelling houses;
- Maintenance and improvement of education;
- Construction and maintenance of hospitals, dispensaries, orphanages, maternity houses, dharmasalas, guest houses etc.;
- Promotion of vaccination;
- Prevention of the spread of dangerous diseases;
- Construction and maintenance of municipal markets and slaughter houses;
- Assistance to public libraries;
- Giving of relief in time of famine, scarcity or any other natural calamity;
- Urban Planning including town planning;
- Disposal of the dead animals or bodies;
- Establishment and maintenance of burial grounds;
- Implementation of the planning in the municipal area as a part of the district plans;
- Development etc;
- Regulation of slaughter houses and tanneries;
- Fire Services;
- Urban forestry and protection of the environment;
- Safeguarding the interest of the weaker section;
- Slum improvement and up-gradation;
- Promotion of urban amenities;
- Registration of births and deaths;
- Regulation of slaughter houses and tanneries;
- Adult education and non-formal education;
- Health and family planning;
- Welfare of SC and ST;
- Maintenance of municipal markets;
- Maintenance of monuments and historical places;
- Clearing Public Street and places; etc.