UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU

GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, KATHUA

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Report of 15-Day Internship Programme

Under NEP
On
Administrative Functioning of Municipal Committee
From 20th August, 2024 to 2nd September, 2024

Name of Supervisor Name of Student

__________________ ___________________

Principal
 Acknowledgement
I would like to extend a warm thanks to many people, who so generously contributed
to the work presented in this report. Special mention goes to my enthusiastic
supervisor, Dr. Satish Khajuria, Professor, Public Administration in Government
Degree College for Women, Kathua. My internship has been an amazing experience
and I thank him not only for his tremendous official support, but also for giving me
suggestions, ideas and advises for this project and hands-on experience with officials. I
also want to express gratitude to my parents, whose insightful advice and support have
been invaluable to me during the project's many stages of completion along with my
friends who have been great acquaintances. Finally, special mention goes to Dr. Savi
Behl, Principal, Government Degree College for Women, Kathua, for being the
guiding light and providing us with the necessary support and technical expertise.
 Executive Summary
This report aims at studying and analyzing the working of the urban local body of Town
Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. This report is based on a 15-day study and practical
knowledge acquired in Municipal Committee, Kathua. The report provides information
about what their works and duties are and what functions and responsibilities are devolved to
them by the state. The methodology used in report is based on two types of data- one is
primary data consisting of interaction with Committee staff and other personnel of the local
body; the other type of data is secondary data consisting of annual reports, relevant books &
journals and internet. This report gives brief introduction about the Committee and its
working. The staff attitude and the attainment of friendly environment for their surrounding
are the first priorities of any institution and their employees, which we witnessed in the
Municipal Committee as well. The overall experience with the local body was enriching and
erudite.

In particular, this report describes my internship experience at the Sanitation Department

of Municipal Committee of Kathua, where I learned about its administration and a variety
of initiatives meant to enhance public health via efficient sanitation procedures. Over the
course of 15 days, I learned about a number of significant projects that addressed community
participation, public health awareness campaigns, and solid waste management.

Key findings from my internship include:

 Solid Waste Management (SWM): I learned about the solid waste management
procedures of Municipal Committee of Kathua, including how materials are recycled and
treated in the SWM Plant. The Sanitation Inspector prompted us to review the state
government's bylaws for appropriate trash management.

 Public Health Campaigns: Additionally, we learned about the government's continuous

efforts to enhance sanitation and public health in the area that falls under the municipal
body's purview. The Triple R Program, Swachh Bharat, and Bimari Bhagao were a few
of the projects.
 Data Management: The officials also made us aware about the data that has been
digitized for improved transparency and easy retrieval of information, along with the
collected data that they manage to improve waste management protocols, increase
recycling, and identify risks.
Purpose of Study

Preparing an internship report serves multiple purposes, both for the intern and the
organization. It means to transcribe the observations and collected data about an
organization. This report allowed me to reflect on hands-on experiences of the local body,
consolidating their understanding of urban governance, management practices, and the
challenges faced by Urban local bodies.

Data Collection and Methodology

Gathering reliable and pertinent information and assembling it into a report is the most
crucial aspect of report writing.
Both primary and secondary data sources were used to get the information for this
research.
 For primary data, most of the information has been from Khilafwarzi Inspector,
Sanitary Inspector, Accounts Officer, Death Birth Reporter, Statistical Assistant,
clerks and other staff associated with their relevant field. Some primary data has also
been collected from personal observation and various handouts available in the
respective offices.
 For Secondary data, most of the information has been collected from annual reports, state
economic survey and other records of the department. Some of the data has also been
gathered from internet, official website of the Municipal Committee and reference books.
Objectives of the Internship

1.Understanding Local Sanitation Issues

2.Assessment of Sanitation Infrastructure

3.Community Awareness and Education

4.Research and propose best practices in sanitation management

5.Data Collection and Analysis

6.Collaboration with Local Stakeholders

7.Policy Recommendations

8.Reflect on personal learning objectives, such as enhancing research skills, gaining practical
experience

9.Assess the impact of existing sanitation programs on public health and quality of life
within the community

10.Investigate sustainable practices in sanitation that can be integrated into municipal

operations
Background

Municipal Committees, also known as nagar palikas or nagar parishads, are pivotal
components of urban governance in India. They operate within a framework established by
the Constitution, particularly set up by the 74th Amendment Act, which aimed to enhance
local self-governance and empower urban local bodies (ULBs). Municipal governance in
India has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The first municipality was
established in 1664 in Fort Kochi by the Dutch. This was followed by the formation of the
Madras Municipal Corporation in 1687, and later, the Calcutta and Bombay Municipal
Corporations in 1726. By the early 1800s, most towns in India had some form of municipal
governance.
Key milestones include:
 1664: Establishment of Fort Kochi Municipality
 1687: Madras Municipal Corporation
 1726: Calcutta and Bombay Municipal Corporations

The Municipal Committee of Kathua serves as the primary administrative body responsible
for governing and developing the town of Kathua, located in the Kathua district of Jammu
and Kashmir. Established in 1935, the Committee has evolved significantly over the years,
becoming a vital entity in managing urban affairs and ensuring the welfare of its residents.
Kathua's journey as a municipal entity dates back to 1935 when it was declared a Town Area
Committee via Governor order No.171. Since then, the Committee has played a vital role in
fostering the town's growth and preserving its historical heritage. Over the years, Kathua has
evolved into the district headquarters and emerged as the largest town in the southern
extremes of the State, serving a wider hinterland. The Municipal Committee Kathua operates
through a structured framework designed to ensure effective governance and service
delivery.
Overview of the Organization
There are a total of six municipalities in the district of Kathua and Municipal Committee of
Kathua is one of them. Committee is in charge of a total of eight departments namely:
 Revenue
 Election
 Social Welfare
 Rural Development
 Employment
 Industries
 Health
 Indian System of Medicines (AYUSH)

Fig. 1.1 Municipal Committee Complex, Kathua

Administrative Structure of Municipal Governance in India
Municipal governance in India is organized into three main types of local bodies, which are:
 Municipal Corporations
 Municipal Councils and;
 Nagar Panchayats

Municipal Councils serve smaller towns and cities. They have a similar structure to
Municipal Corporations but with fewer powers and responsibilities.
 Chairperson: Elected leader of the council.
 Ward Committees: Each ward elects a representative to the council.
 Administrative Staff: Appointed by the state government to assist in governance.

The structure of municipal governance in India is designed to cater to various urban needs,
ensuring that local self-governance is both effective and responsive to the community’s
requirements. Each type of local body plays a vital role in the overall governance framework,
contributing to the development and management of urban areas. Local self governance is
essential for empowering communities and enhancing service delivery.
 Sanitation Department

The Sanitation Department plays a crucial role in maintaining public health standards
through effective waste management and sanitation practices. This report details my
experiences during my internship, highlighting my contributions and learning alongside
dedicated professionals committed to improving our community's health.

Sanitation is a state subject, therefore all the initiatives related to toilet facilities are in hands
of state government. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) indicates that 69.5% of
Indians possess their own toilets. About 8% share toilets, while the rest are inaccessible.
Household toilets and open defecation rates are 80.7% and 6.1%, respectively, in urban
areas. Household toilets and open defecation rates are 63.6% and 25.9%, respectively, in
rural areas. Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha have the least amount of access to restrooms
among all the states.

Thus, it becomes important to analyse the working of this department to make sure that
people have access to proper sanitation facilities and to reduce the risk of disease. According
to the World Bank and the United Nations, sanitation is considered a critical factor for
human health and economic growth, and they strongly advocate for universal access to safe
and improved sanitation facilities, highlighting the need to address issues like open
defecation and sustainable wastewater management to achieve this goal; they also emphasize
that lack of access to sanitation is a major contributor to disease and poverty, especially in
developing countries. UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 on ‘sanitation and clean water'
aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Access to safe water, sanitation and
hygiene is the most basic human need for health and well-being.
 Sanitation Practices in Kathua

There are a total of 21 wards under the jurisdiction of Municipal Committee of Kathua. Out
of them 11 wards receive door-to-door sanitation services. As per the officials, a total of 20
people are outsourced labour and 117 are permanent employees.

Fig. 1.2 Sanitation Inspector Mr. Digvijay Singh

As per the Sanitation Inspector, Mr. Digvijay Singh, the sanitary procedures that are
undertaken by their department can be listed under the following headings:

1. Solid Waste Management (SWM) is one of the 18 functions that comes under the
purview of urban local bodies (ULBs) to be implemented in cities and towns. Erstwhile
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rahul Pandey inaugurated the Solid Management Waste
Segregation unit in the year 2022 , under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in Panchayat
Kishanpur Kandi of Block Barnoti. It has been operational since then.
 It involves solid & semi-solid household, commercial, agricultural, medical and
industrial waste.
 India accounts for 18% of world population and 15% of global municipal waste
management.
 According to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India Generates 62 Million
Metric Ton (MMT) of waste every year, 43 MMT collected, 12 MMT treated, 31 MMT
go in landfills.
 Fig. 1.3 Plastic Waste Management Unit at Panchayat Hamir Pur, Kathua

Responsibilities of Generators
Waste generators have been introduced to segregate waste into three streams:
 Wet (Biodegradable)
 Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, etc.)
 Domestic hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents,
mosquito repellents, etc.) and handover segregated wastes to authorized rag-pickers or
waste collectors or local bodies.

Waste Generators will have to pay:

 ‘User Fee’ to waste collectors.
 ‘Spot Fine’ for Littering and Non-segregation.
The bio-degradable waste should be processed, treated and disposed of through composting
or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible.

Waste Management Statistics of Kathua

Waste management is a significant concern for the Municipal Committee of Kathua.
1. Waste Generation: The average waste generated per day in Kathua is approximately
3.06 metric tons (MT).
2. Waste Processing Rate: The municipality has achieved a processing rate of 100%,
indicating that all generated waste is being processed effectively.
3. Composition of Waste:
 Organic waste: 40-45%
 Inert materials: 20-30%
 Plastics, paper, rags, and other components make up the remainder.

The Municipal Committee of Kathua has conducted several sanitation awareness programs
as part of its ongoing efforts to promote cleanliness and hygiene in the community. Since
2023, the Committee has been actively involved in various initiatives, particularly under the
‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign, which emphasizes the importance of sanitation and
cleanliness.

2. Sanitation Awareness Programs

Various awareness programs have been organized across districts, including rallies and
educational sessions highlighting the importance of cleanliness and sanitation. For instance,
in Kathua, events were held to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti with a focus on cleanliness as a civic
duty.

Key Statistics:

i. Total Programs Conducted: The Municipal Committee of Kathua has organized over
20 sanitation awareness programs since the beginning of 2023. These programs include
workshops, community cleanup drives, and educational seminars aimed at raising
awareness about sanitation practices among residents.
ii. Participation Rates: These programs have seen participation from various stakeholders,
including local schools, NGOs, and community members, with an average attendance of
150-200 participants per event.
iii. Focus Areas:
 Waste segregation at source.
 Importance of cleanliness in public spaces
 Health impacts of poor sanitation
 Promotion of recycling and waste management practices


Fig. 1.4 Sanitation Awareness Campaign in Kathua

3. Ongoing Initiatives

i. The Triple R Program (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

The Triple R Program in Kathua focuses on promoting sustainable waste management

practices within the municipality. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness about
waste management and encourage community participation in maintaining cleanliness and
environmental sustainability.
 Statistics:
Since its inception, the Triple R Program has seen participation from over 5,000 residents in
various awareness activities.
Approximately 30% of households have adopted waste segregation practices as a result of
these initiatives.

ii. Zero Waste Campaign

The Zero Waste Campaign in Kathua is an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable waste
management practices within the municipality. This campaign focuses on minimizing waste
generation, enhancing recycling efforts, and encouraging community participation in
maintaining a clean environment. The campaign is supported by the Plastic Waste
Management Bylaws established in 2020, which outline responsibilities for waste
segregation, collection, and disposal, ensuring compliance with national guidelines.

iii. Swachhta Apnao, Bimari Bhagao

The Swachhta Apnao Bimari Bhagao campaign in Kathua, initiated under the Swachh Bharat
Mission-Urban 2.0, is a significant public health initiative launched by the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs in India. This campaign runs from July 1 to August 31, 2024, and
aims to enhance urban cleanliness and sanitation, particularly during the monsoon season
when the risk of water-borne diseases increases.

iv. My Town, My Pride

The My Town, My Pride initiative in Kathua is a community-driven program aimed at

enhancing urban infrastructure and promoting civic engagement. Launched by the Jammu
and Kashmir administration, this initiative focuses on the holistic development of towns
through various activities and services.

iv. Har Gaon, Swachh Gaon

A cleanliness campaign for effective implementation of solid waste management across
J&K. The initiative aims to ensure that every village maintains high standards of cleanliness,
thereby improving the overall health and well-being of its residents.

Fig. 1.5 Discussing E-governance statistics of Municipal Committee

4. Material Recovery/ Recycling Facility (MRF) Sites

 MRF's are centers where dry waste is collected , separated according to waste type and
then centre to recycling center's.
 Main purpose is to send waste for recycling and thus helping efficient waste management
and helping India to achieve Swachh Bharat urban mission- 2.0
 Currently, there are more than 2000 MRF's in India and many more are planned and
being established.

Fig. 1.6 MRF, District Kathua

Challenges Faced

The officials of Sanitation Department encounter several challenges while implementing the
cleanliness schemes and awareness programs, such as:
 Inadequate public awareness and participation in waste segregation.
 Limited resources and manpower for extensive cleanup operations.
 Difficulties in managing non-biodegradable waste effectively.

Way Forward

During our discussions with the municipal officials, they expressed a strong commitment to
enhancing the sanitation situation in the area. They outlined plans to implement more
efficient waste management systems and increase public awareness campaigns on hygiene
practices. Looking ahead, the Municipal Committee Kathua aims to focus on:
1. Citizen engagement
2. Efficient waste collection and disposal system
3. Industry partnership
4. Effective management and working of recycling plants
5. Educating local schools and colleges
6. Upgrading Transportation Networks
7. Incorporating Green Infrastructure

Conclusion
My internship at the Sanitation Department has been an enriching experience that deepened
my understanding of urban sanitation challenges. Through these initiatives, the Municipal
Committee Kathua seeks to create a well-connected town that meets the needs of sustainable
practices. The focus on sustainability and infrastructure improvement reflects a holistic
approach to urban development that prioritizes both current needs and future growth.

Bibliography
Economic Survey of FY 2023-24
Solid Waste Management Bylaws

https://ulbjammu.jk.gov.in/CouKathua/AboutTheMunicipality.html https://ulbjammu.jk.gov.in/CouKathua/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagar_parishad
https://www.orfonline.org/research/municipal-governance-the-indian-narrative
https://www.india.gov.in/topics/governance-administration
https://www.nextias.com/blog/municipalities/
https://dma.assam.gov.in/portlets/urban-local-bodies-ulbs