Reports IndicesMonday, 27 April 2026·The Hindu
NITI Aayog-backed report proposes directly elected mayors for million-plus cities in 2026
A NITI Aayog report released in April 2026 proposed governance reforms for million-plus cities, including directly elected mayors.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 25 April 2026, MoHUA released the NITI Aayog report titled “Moving Towards Effective City Government – A Framework for Million-plus Cities” at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
Key specifics
- NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
- The report recommends a directly elected Mayor with a fixed tenure for million-plus cities.
- It proposes an empowered Mayor-in-Council system and stronger own-source revenues.
- The report advises using municipal bonds and predictable transfers through State Finance Commissions.
- It links reforms to Viksit Bharat by 2047 and a $30 trillion economy target.
Exam lens
TNPSC polity and governance questions may ask about NITI Aayog, 1 January 2015, directly elected Mayor, Mayor-in-Council, municipal bonds, and Part IX-A urban local bodies.