Consider the following statements: In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee 1. Is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India. 2. Prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area. 3. Has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Contents9
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Statement 3 is WRONG.
Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) under Article 243ZE of the Constitution (74th Amendment):
Statement 1 (✓): MPCs are CONSTITUTIONAL bodies — they are mandated by the Constitution itself (not just by a government order).
Article 243ZE specifically provides for the constitution of MPCs in every metropolitan area (population > 10 lakh).
Statement 2 (✓): The primary function of an MPC is to prepare a DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PLAN for the metropolitan area. This plan coordinates urban planning between municipal bodies and panchayats in the metropolitan region.
Statement 3 (✗): The MPC does NOT have SOLE responsibility for implementing government schemes. Its role is LIMITED to preparing draft development plans and coordinating spatial planning. Actual implementation of government schemes is done by various government departments, municipal corporations, development authorities, etc. The MPC is a PLANNING body, not an implementing agency.
Key distinction:
MPC = plans the development.
Various government bodies = implement the schemes.
Metropolitan Planning Committees are constitutional bodies under Article 243ZE that must be formed in every metropolitan area with population over 10 lakh.
The 74th Amendment created MPCs as planning bodies only - they prepare draft development plans but do not implement government schemes, which remains with various government departments and municipal corporations.
Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC)
Indian Polity Metropolitan Planning Committee Article 243ZE draft development plans
Metropolitan Planning Committee: Constitutional Mandate & Functions
Constitutional body under Article 243ZE of 74th Amendment
Prepares draft development plans for metropolitan areas
Planning body only — does NOT implement government schemes
Required in areas with population > 10 lakh
Constitutional Foundation
Article 243ZE of the Constitution mandates the formation of MPCs in every metropolitan area. This makes MPCs constitutional bodies, not mere administrative committees created by government orders.
MPC vs Other Urban Bodies
Body | Constitutional Basis | Primary Role | Area of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
Metropolitan Planning Committee | Article 243ZE | Planning - prepares draft development plans | Metropolitan area (> 10 lakh population) |
Municipal Corporation | Article 243P to 243ZG | Implementation - civic services & urban governance | Individual city/town |
Development Authority | State legislation | Implementation - infrastructure projects | Varies by state |
Core Functions
Draft development plan preparation for the entire metropolitan area
Coordination between municipalities and panchayats in the metropolitan region
Spatial planning to ensure integrated development
Consultation mechanism between urban and rural local bodies
Question Analysis
This PYQ tests the distinction between planning and implementation. Statement 3 was the trap — MPCs only prepare plans, they don't implement government schemes.
Trap: Confusing MPC's planning role with implementation responsibility
Trap: Thinking MPCs are created by state governments, not by constitutional mandate
Trap: Assuming all urban planning bodies have same functions — MPCs only coordinate and plan
74th Amendment & Urban Local Bodies
Indian Polity 74th Amendment Constitution of India
74th Amendment: Constitutional Framework for Urban Governance
74th Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to urban local bodies
Added Part IXA (Articles 243P to 243ZG) to Constitution
Mandates three types of municipalities based on population
Provides for MPCs and District Planning Committees
Municipality Types by Population
Municipality Type | Population Criteria | Governance Structure | Key Articles |
|---|---|---|---|
Nagar Panchayat | Transitional area (rural to urban) | Smaller council | Article 243Q |
Municipal Council | Smaller urban area | Municipal council | Article 243Q |
Municipal Corporation | Larger urban area | Mayor + Corporation | Article 243Q |
74th Amendment Structure
# 74th Amendment (Part IXA)
## Urban Local Bodies
- Municipal Corporation
- Municipal Council
- Nagar Panchayat
## Planning Bodies
- Metropolitan Planning Committee
- District Planning Committee
## Key Provisions
- 5-year term
- Reservation for SC/ST/Women
- State Election Commission
## Functions
- 18 subjects in 12th Schedule
- Economic development
- Social justiceConstitutional Significance
12th Schedule lists 18 subjects for municipalities (like water supply, public health)
State Finance Commission reviews financial position of municipalities every 5 years
Mandatory reservations: 1/3 for women, proportional for SC/ST
State Election Commission conducts municipal elections
Trap: Confusing 73rd Amendment (panchayats) with 74th Amendment (municipalities)
Trap: Thinking 11th Schedule applies to municipalities — it's 12th Schedule
Trap: Assuming all urban planning is done by municipalities — MPCs coordinate metropolitan areas