Thread by @aparanjape

Just an observation for now, of our complex local government structure of our large cities...with an example of Pune.

(I am sure all of these organizations are doing a great job in this crisis and coordinating well. Not commenting about that..just the structure).

1/

For Pune, these are the organizations (authorities) that have a say in affecting, controlling some aspects of the city life:

1. Pune Muni Corp
2. Pune Smart City Office
3. District Collectorate
4. Div Commissioner Office
5. PMRDA

All of these are led by an IAS Officer.

2/

Also, we have the office of the Pune Police Commissioner.

Many of these report into state admin

And then we have the people's representative - The Mayor.

None of these earlier authorities directly 'report' into the mayor. So the mayor really doesn't have direct powers.

3/

I think local urban governance reform is a big topic. Have tweeted about this in the past. We clearly need more local autonomy.

Today cities for the most part are controlled (and at the mercy) of the state govts.

Post this crisis, as we have renewed focus on improving...

4/

... improving our cities, we need to revisit this topic again.

Cities need more autonomy (like in most countries around the world)... especially the large cities.

The elected representative(s) need to have more control. Also cities need to be fiscally independent as well.

5/5

One more point - this observation was also triggered by the variety of reporting sources out there for Pune (many of them are doing a good job...)

@PMCPune
@SmartPune
@Info_Pune
@InfoDivPune
@OfficialPMRDA

...and the individual officers and elected representatives.