CAG highlights urgent need for uniform staffing patterns in Urban Local Bodies

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 26, 2025

Assam’s Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are grappling with a lack of an approved staffing pattern, resulting in significant inconsistencies in workforce strength across different municipal units. The issue, flagged in the latest report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for the financial years 2021-22 to 2022-23, has raised concerns over the efficiency of ULBs in managing funds and executing government schemes effectively.

The CAG report highlights that the variation in workforce numbers is primarily dependent on the size and financial capacity of each ULB. This inconsistency has led to administrative inefficiencies, affecting financial management and the timely implementation of various urban development projects. With increasing responsibilities under government programs, the absence of a structured staffing policy has placed excessive strain on existing employees.

The report emphasizes that without a standardized staffing structure, municipal bodies face hurdles in accounting, fund utilization, and service delivery. The lack of skilled personnel, particularly in technical and financial roles, has hindered the smooth operation of urban governance.

The 6th Assam State Finance Commission (ASFC) had earlier recommended an urgent overhaul of the staffing system in ULBs. Key suggestions included the adoption of a uniform staffing pattern across all ULBs, the finalization of service rules for municipal employees to ensure job security and accountability and the establishment of a statutory autonomous body, the Assam Municipal Service Commission, tasked with regulating recruitment and overseeing municipal staffing policies.

The proposed commission aims to recruit technically qualified professionals to enhance efficiency in municipal services, ensuring a well-equipped workforce for urban governance.

In response to these recommendations, the Assam government announced in October 2023 that a one-man commission had been formed in March to assess the staffing structures of all municipal boards in the state. However, concrete steps toward implementing a standardized staffing policy remain pending.

Urban development experts and municipal officials stress the urgency of addressing these staffing gaps to strengthen urban administration and service delivery. As the state moves toward rapid urbanization, the need for a well-defined municipal workforce becomes critical for sustainable growth and efficient governance.