Functions of Municipal Corporation

As per the Haryana Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Act, 1994, Municipal bodies in Haryana have two types of functions, namely obligatory functions and discretionary functions.

Obligatory functions are those which every Municipal Corporation must perform. In case of non-performance or lack of funds, the State Government is competent not only to compel performance but also to supersede the Corporation and place it under the charge of an Administrator. These functions are of four types: public safety and convenience, medical relief, public works, and public health. Examples include regulating or preventing offensive or dangerous trades, removing obstructions in public streets, lighting and cleaning of streets, regulating slaughterhouses, maintaining burial and cremation grounds, providing public latrines, maintaining a fire brigade, drainage and sewerage, registration of births and deaths, arrangements for vaccination, and surveys of buildings and lands.

Discretionary functions include cultural and physical education, establishment and maintenance of libraries, museums, art galleries, botanical and zoological collections, registration of marriages, organizing fairs and exhibitions, maintenance of public parks and gardens, roadside tree planting, and maintaining dairy farms and breeding studs.

Functions Entrusted by the Government

Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Government may entrust the Corporation with powers and authority to enable it to function as a local government. These may include preparation of plans for economic development and social justice, covering the following matters:

Urban planning including town planning
Regulation of land use and construction of buildings
Planning for economic and social development
Roads and bridges
Water supply for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes
Public health, sanitation, door-to-door garbage collection, and solid waste management
Fire services
Urban forestry, environmental protection, and promotion of ecological aspects
Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally challenged
Slum improvement and upgradation
Urban poverty alleviation
Provision of urban amenities and facilities such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds
Promotion of cultural, educational, and aesthetic aspects
Burials, cremation grounds, and electric crematoriums
Cattle ponds, prevention of cruelty to animals, and catching of monkeys
Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths
Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, bus stops, and public conveniences
Regulation of slaughterhouses and tanneries