India’s cities, home to over 400 million citizens, are on track to reach a staggering 800 million by 2050. This shift holds immense economic potential as more than 70% of the country’s GDP and jobs are expected to originate from urban centers by 2030. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) play a vital role in this transformation, impacting citizens’ lives, economic vitality, and democratic quality.
This report highlights key recommendations to ensure the financial sustainability and accountability of ULBs. It covers fiscal decentralization, revenue optimization, responsible budgeting, capacity building, and transparent governance. These recommendations are crucial to shaping cities as thriving hubs and guardians of effective governance for India’s urban evolution.