New Delhi, Oct. 25 -- NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba has called for greater powers and financial independence for city governments, stressing that India's growing urban population will require major reforms in governance, planning and financing to support economic growth.

Addressing the valedictory session of the 2nd National Urban Conclave, Gauba said, "We can't run cities from state capitals."

According to a NITI Aayog release, Gauba called for directly elected mayors with five-year terms, a Mayor-in-Council system and timely municipal elections to strengthen urban governance.

He also urged states to transfer all 18 functions under the 74th Constitutional Amendment to urban local bodies, including urban planning, water supply, fire se...