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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Between mandate and practice: Governance challenges and community development in Murshidabad’s endogenous urbanization
Authors
MD Ismail
Abstract
This study explores the distinctive
urbanization and community development dynamics within Murshidabad Municipal
Council, West Bengal, a region characterized by endogenous growth driven by
localized rural-to-non-farm economic transformations rather than metropolitan
influence. It examines how these trends relate to the local governance
framework. Findings reveal that despite the decentralization mandate of the
74th Constitutional Amendment Act, the municipality faces significant
challenges including incomplete devolution of functions, persistent financial
weaknesses, and systemic governance deficiencies such as political interference
and capacity gaps. Furthermore, genuine public participation in urban planning
remains limited, often confined to expert consultations, leading to a
disconnect from grassroots needs. The prevalence of the informal economy and
the crucial, often compensatory, role of non-governmental organizations highlight
a complex multi-actor governance landscape. This research synthesizes these
challenges, revealing that the municipality’s capacity for effective service
delivery is hampered by incomplete decentralization and fiscal weaknesses,
while genuine public participation remains limited. These findings indicate the
critical need for tailored governance strategies to promote sustainable and
equitable urban development in similar non-metropolitan contexts.
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Pages:108-114
How to cite this article:
MD Ismail "Between mandate and practice: Governance challenges and community development in Murshidabad’s endogenous urbanization". International Journal of Sociology and Political Science, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 108-114
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