Ward level competitiveness index: a tool for delivery of urban services

Abstract

Competitiveness is the urge to win a rank. In India, before 1947, local functions use to come under the responsibility of Municipality. But after 1947, these functions came under the umbrella of other bodies, which lead to centralised planning & administration. According to Handbook of service level benchmarking for better performances of urban local body the data need to be collected at ward level and even functioning of the ULB has also to be noted at ward level. Thus, management of society; if adopted at grassroot level (ward level), then will lead to a much better planning approach. “Development of a Spatial Ward level Index to evaluate wards and rank them for a healthy Competition” is the Aim of the research, which will be achieved by three objectives; firstly, to identify ward level performance indicators for measuring quality of life. Then, to analyze and generate overall ranking of wards based on the various functions, indicators & parameters. And lastly, the work includes the development of algorithm of digital ward lab technology using Big Data. The scope of the study is to develop a comprehensive ward level ranking system to Measure the Quality of life, coverage of schemes and polices at ward level, in terms of Physical infrastructure, social Infrastructure, Institutional and economic Sector. The Research work will be carried out in any one city as per the ranking scored at city level and data availability has limited the scope of work. Ward Level Competitiveness Index is generated from the parameters derived from the literature from national and international level with respect to the 12th schedule of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Factor reduction via Primary Component Analysis has been performed to get the weights and factor value of indicators, which in addition gave the value for categories. The Categories summed up to the Domain value. There are 12 Domain as per 12th schedule, which are further segregated into 21 categories, which are been calculated by 127 indicators (current calculation of 106). The expected outcomes of the study will be firstly, a Ward Level Index to measure the quality of life at ward level with a healthy competition for scoring well. Secondly, A set of incentives to be given at ward level, finally to generation of Picture of a city at ward level and Lastly, A digital Ward lab technology with the help of big data; and provision of voluntary groups at ward level. This ranking system at ward level will attracts attention towards the issues of urban planning lacking in particular wards and will motivates the ward committees to perform well. This will act as a tool to check the strength/weakness of the wards, and will generate a healthy sense of competitiveness among wards.