Context: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal.

• The portal serves as a platform for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India to voluntarily submit key data regularly, including audited accounts and self-reported performance metrics, by logging into the dashboard’s portal. This data submission is voluntary, emphasizing a participatory approach.

About AAINA Dashboard for Cities

• Urban Local Bodies will voluntarily submit their key data, including audited accounts and self-reported performance metrics by logging into the AAINA dashboard’s portal.

• ULBs would be free to update the information initially provided by them, anytime on the portal as per need. 

• This dashboard has been envisaged as a permanent platform for ULB related data, which would be updated on a regular basis.

• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will provide handholding support to ULBs/States in the data submission process through the Digital India Corporation. 

Information collection on five thematic areas:-

1. Political and Administrative

2. Finance

3. Planning

4. Citizen Centric Governance

5. Delivery of Basic Services

Objectives of AAINA Dashboard

• Allow cities to compare their performance with other cities.

• Inspire cities by identifying areas of improvement and possibilities.

• Provide opportunities for learning and engagement with leading cities.

• Importantly, the dashboard does not rank Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India

• Local governments in Indian cities are established under the 74th Amendment Act, which promotes democratic decentralization in urban areas.

• State legislatures have the authority to enact taxes and levies that support the budgets of local governments.

• ULBs encompass various types, including municipal corporations, municipalities, notified area committees, and town area committees, each catering to cities or towns with specific population criteria.

• ULBs are responsible for various functions related to city development, such as welfare, public health, safety, infrastructure development, and other urban development activities.