This national research initiative by the Pune International Centre (PIC), through its Co-operative Federalism and Multilevel Governance (CFMG) vertical and mentored by Shri Sunil Kumar, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, explores how the transition from Rural Local Governments (Gram Panchayats) to Urban Local Governments (Municipal Corporations) impacts institutional functioning, service delivery, fiscal flows, and citizen trust. Recognising that India’s rural-to-urban shift is a systemic governance transformation rather than just a demographic change, the study evaluates the implementation of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, compares pre- and post-transition outcomes, and analyses reclassification processes, citizen participation, grievance redressal, and fund allocation.

A key case study focuses on villages in the Pune Metropolitan Region (Hinjawadi, Man, Marunji, Nere, Jambe, Sangavade, and Gahunje) under consideration for direct merger into the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Using a mixed-methods approach   citizen surveys, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, NGO consultations, and comparative policy review   the project aims to generate equity-oriented policy recommendations that strengthen cooperative federalism, ensure inclusive urbanisation, and support more accountable governance transitions across India.

Expected outcomes include:

• Assessment of reclassification processes and governance gaps
• Evaluation of service delivery and institutional performance pre- and post-transition
• Citizen engagement and trust analysis
• Fiscal flow and equity review
• A Governance Scalability Framework for peri-urban and fast-urbanising regions
• Actionable recommendations for state and national governments

Project Team

• Prof. Abhay Pethe – Lead, CFMG Vertical, PIC
• Shri Sunil Kumar, IAS (Retd.) – Mentor
• PIC–CFMG Research Team
  • Anay A. Kulkarni – Research Assistant
  • Additional research associates and field partners (state-level think tanks and NGOs)