MUMBAI SPEAKS

Survey Reveals Mumbai Citizens' Perspective on Local Governance and Citizen Participation

Sanitation, Water, Solid Waste, Clean air and Potholes are main issues for majority of Mumbaikars

70% of the respondents are not aware of Prabhag Samiti or Ward Committee.

35% Citizens are not aware of how to contact their Municipal Corporator

72% Mumbaikars do not know what is the budget of BMC

88.7% of respondents expressed a desire to be more involved in decision-making processes

Introduction

In a ground-breaking initiative, Mumbai Citizens Forum ( MCF ), in collaboration with the Center for Urban Policy and Governance, School of Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), conducted a comprehensive survey to gauge the sentiments of Mumbai's residents regarding citizen participation in local governance. The study aims to assess the level of citizen involvement in local problem-solving processes, the awareness and effectiveness of existing avenues for participation, and the overall perception of local governance in India's bustling metropolis. The survey results shed light on the prevailing sentiment and provide valuable insights for policymakers and administrators.

Prof Manjula Bharathy of Center for Urban Policy and Governance, School of Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and former Dean, School of Habitat Studies (TISS) has made a detailed Study and presented a Comprehensive Report titled “Mumbai Speaks” for the survey. A brief summary of the report is attached.

Methodology

This unique survey has obtained responses from Mumbaikars in each of the 227 Municipal Corporator wards. It was conducted over a span of eight months from January 2023 to August 2023 and targeted a diverse range of Mumbai citizens. It employed a mix of online questionnaires and in-person interviews. The study encompasses citizens from

various socio-economic backgrounds, age groups, and areas of residence, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the city's demographics. In total, the survey has collected responses from 5450 Mumbaikars including 2045 ( 37.5%) responses from non-permanent housing (Slum) areas. More than 400 volunteers including 250 students from several

Colleges and approximately 150 volunteers of Mumbai Citizens Forum and partner NGOs spread across the entire city have helped in conducting the survey.

Key Findings

1. Main issues and problem-solving process- Mumbaikars mentioned Sanitation, Water, Solid Waste, Clean air and Potholes as main issues in their locality. 47.6 % citizens responded that they have ever tried to resolve a local issue out of which only 57.4% respondents said that their issue was resolved after complaint.

2. Awareness and Perception of Local Governance: 70% of the respondents are not aware of Prabhag Samiti or Ward Committee. 72% Mumbaikars do not know what is the budget of BMC. 75% citizens are not aware of Local Area Development Fund of Municipal Corporator and Elected Representatives. 35% Citizens are not aware of how to contact their Municipal Corporator.

3. Citizen Participation: A noteworthy finding of the survey is the eagerness of Mumbai citizens to actively participate in local governance. 88.7% of respondents expressed a desire to be more involved in decision-making processes concerning their local communities. The study reveals citizen’s preferences for platforms for citizen participation, such as Area Sabha, Ward committees, Social media, Citizen Forums etc.

4. Electoral Participation: 72.5% Citizens mentioned that they will be voting in the forthcoming BMC elections.

The survey provides insights into participation in the voting process at the three levels of representation and the

reasons for not exercising their voting rights.

5. Role of Technology: The survey highlights the potential role of technology in facilitating citizen participation. Many

respondents favoured digital platforms like apps and Twitter to engage with local governance processes. The survey

seeks to assess the effectiveness of online portals, mobile applications, and social media platforms as convenient and efficient means to voice citizens’ concerns, access information, and provide feedback.

Dr Kedar Diwan, Trustee , Mumbai Citizens Forum and Mario Fishery, Technology Advisor and Trustee, Mumbai Citizens Forum, coordinated the online and offline survey response collections.

Zohair Diwan, Head of Mumbai Citizens Forum said that the survey has provided valuable insights into citizens' perceptions of local governance and citizen participation in Mumbai. The survey highlights the willingness of citizens to actively engage and contribute to decision-making processes, as well as the challenges they face in doing so.

Ms Varsha Vidya Vilas, Deputy Head and Trustee of Mumbai Citizens Forum. said that by incorporating the survey's findings and implementing the recommended measures, local authorities can bridge the gap between citizens and governance, ultimately creating a more inclusive and responsive system that meets the needs and aspirations of Mumbai's diverse population.

Lillian Pais, Civic activist & Trustee of MCF and one of the core team of volunteers for the survey while sharing her experience of interaction with citizens while conducting the survey mentioned that citizens are much eager that their voice is heard in decision making for local matters, however there are no formal avenues for citizens to participate.

Lead Researcher for this study , Prof Manjula Bharathy of Center for Urban Policy and Governance, and Former Dean, School of Habitat Studies (TISS) said that “ this study demonstrates how higher education institutions can contribute meaningfully to society. By engaging directly with ward committees and civic forums, we generate evidence that supports governance, while immersing students in the lived realities of urban democracy. It is a way of ensuring that academic work strengthens the everyday practice of democracy.”

Mumbai Citizens Forum ( MCF) is a volunteer based non-government organization working for better coordination between citizens and the government agencies providing services in Mumbai like BMC, Police, etc. Volunteers of MCF consist of experienced civic activists associated with Mohalla committees, ALMs, Housing Societies, community- based organizations from all parts of Mumbai. Mumbai Citizens Forum trust is a registered Public Charitable Trust.

Mumbai, 24th December 2025

MUMBAI CITIZENS FORUM