Over the past two decades, many countries in Asia have experienced rapid economic growth. This has led to a rapid rise in their urban population. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act in year 1993 of India lays the foundation for a sustainable Urban Governance System in the Country and gave recognition to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as the third tier of Government, intending to make these bodies effective institutions of self-government. While the national governments pursue the goals of economic development, local governments manage the rapidly growing urban areas, and to provide the basic services to the residents.

To have better co-ordination and control on the working of municipalities in the State, the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana was established on 1st April, 1982 to give impetus to the 74th Amendment of the Constitution and to lay a solid foundation for the Urban Development in the State of Haryana.

Presently more than 38 percent (as per Census 2011) of the State's population lives in urban areas and there are 87 ULBs in the State comprising of 11 Municipal Corporations, 23 Municipal Councils and 53 Municipal Committees.

The ULBs are entrusted with providing physical infrastructure and civic amenities. The key elements of Urbanization include Urban Planning & Development, Governance & Administration, Finance & Resource Mobilization, Citizen Participation & Engagement, Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening, Technology & Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, Heritage Conservation and Urban Regeneration etc. The State Government is committed to provide complete support to the ULBs so that they become strong and robust institutions of self-government.