Kerala Tops in Urban Governance Index (UGI) 2024

Kerala has secured the top position in the Urban Governance Index (UGI) 2024, with an overall score of 59.31%. This improvement is attributed to the inclusion of additional cities and key reforms.

Kerala's Performance in the Urban Governance Index (UGI) 2024

Kerala secures top position with an overall UGI score of 59.31%
Significant improvement from 2020 when Kerala ranked 4th with 48.77%
Progress attributed to inclusion of additional cities and key reforms
Excels in two key areas:

a) Empowered City Elected Representatives and Legislative Structure (18.63/30)

b) Fiscal Empowerment (23.22/30)

Average UGI score across India: 39.70%
Other top-ranking states: Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh
Bottom-ranking states: Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Chandigarh, and Punjab

Unique Features of Kerala's Urban Governance

One of four states requiring councillor participation in deliberative committees
Among nine states empowering local governments to introduce new taxes/charges
One of 13 states mandating public publication of budgets and accounts
Mayors authorized to write Annual Confidential Reports for Commissioners
Municipal laws require councillor participation in subject/standing committees
Adoption of new technologies to improve service delivery and city management

Areas of Excellence in Kerala's Governance Model

Strong fiscal empowerment, outperforming other states
Commitment to participatory governance through inclusive decision-making
Transparency in governance through public disclosure of financial information
Accountability measures, such as mayoral oversight of commissioners
Timely conduct of municipal elections, setting an example for other states
Effective local-level financial management

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Ranked 20th in city administration empowerment, indicating room for improvement
Vacant positions in local government jobs affecting city management
Multiple agencies handling functions, reducing city governments' power
Need for strengthening the mayoral system to enhance decision-making capabilities
Potential for increasing autonomy of city administrations

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