Class 6 Social Science Chapter 12 Extra Questions and Answers Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas
NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 12 Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Important Extra Questions and Answers
Question 1.
What do you understand by the concept of participatory democracy?
Answer:
The purpose of good governance is to motivate the citizens to actively participate in their country’s functioning, at the rural, regional, urban, state or national level. In participatory democracy, people should perform their duties and obey law and order.
Question 2.
What are Urban Local Bodies?
Answer:
Self-governing local government structures in urban areas are called Tirban local bodies’:
Question 3.
Why do you think that Local government is also a decentralised form of government?
Answer:
Local government is part of decen-tralisation of power because central and state governments delegate some power and areas of function to local authorities. The common people are encouraged to participate in decision-making process through elections. They are decentralised, which means that instead of operating under a central authority at the top, the local communities have a direct say on how their areas are managed or the issues they face.
Question 4.
What is the smallest unit of Local Urban Bodies?
Answer:
Ward is the smallest unit of local urban bodies.
Question 5.
What do you mean by the term ‘Ward’?
Answer:
For smooth functioning, a city or town is divided into smaller unit called wards.
Question 6.
Enumerate the functions of the ward committees.
Answer:
The ward committees helps in conducting various activities like health camps, campaign against the use of sin¬gle-use plastics, cleanliness of the area and so on. They also maintains a list for water leak, a blocked drain, a damaged road, etc. and report such problems to the authorities.
Question 7.
Elaborate the responsibilities of the urban local bodies.
Answer:
Urban local bodies are urban self-government that look at the interest of people in urban areas.
- The functions of the urban bodies are as follows: Construction and maintenance of infrastructure like roads.
- Taking care of burial ground, garbage collection and disposal.
- Ensuring regular water supply.
- Running of primary schools and healthcare system.
- Collecting house tax, tolls and fines.
Question 8.
Enlist the role of common people in ensuring the duties and responsibilities of the urban local bodies.
Answer:
In order to perform their functions efficiently, people living in the city must also perform their duties and responsibilities sincerely and honestly. They should throw garbage at designated place, pay house taxes on time, do not litter here and there. Citizens should not waste water and take care of their pets properly. This means that they must show care and concern for their area.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Why are urban governance systems more complex?
Answer:
Urban governance systems are more complex due to the diversity and complexity of urban areas, which have a higher population density, varied socio-economic profiles and intricate infrastructure needs. This complexity requires more nuanced and multi-faceted governance structures to address the unique challenges of urbanisation.
Question 2.
What is the role of ward committees?
Answer:
Ward committees play a crucial role in organising activities, identifying and reporting local issues and facilitating citizen participation in governance. They serve as a bridge between citizens and urban local bodies, ensuring that local concerns are addressed and community needs are met.
Question 3.
Why does the functioning of wards differ from state to state?
Answer:
The functioning of wards differs from state to state because it is determined by state-specific rules, regulations and governance structures. Each state has its own laws and guidelines governing urban local bodies, leading to variations in ward administration, powers and responsibilities.
Question 4.
What is the purpose of participatory democracy?
Answer:
The purpose of participatory democracy is to empower citizens to participate in the functioning of the country, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
Question 5.
What is the primary responsibility of urban local bodies regarding infrastructure?
Answer:
The primary responsibility of urban local bodies regarding infrastructure is maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure, as well as planning and * developing new infrastructure to meet the growing needs of urban populations. This includes roads, public transportation, water supply, sanitation and other essential services.
Question 6.
What is the role of citizens in a participatory democracy?
Answer:
Citizens play a vital role in participatory democracy by participating in waste segregation, reporting issues promptly, showing care for their area and engaging in community decision-making processes.
Question 7.
What is the significance of the East India Company charter in 1687?
Answer:
The East India Company’s charter in 1687 was significant because it constituted the town of Fort St. George and its surrounding area into a corporation, marking one of the earliest forms of urban governance in India. This charter laid the foundation for modern municipal governance in India.
Question 8.
What is the primary focus of urban local bodies in cities?
Answer:
The primary focus of urban local bodies includes taking care of the infrastructure and providing range of service.
Question 9.
How do urban local bodies found their activities?
Answer:
Urban local bodies found their activities through taxes and fees.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
How do urban local bodies differ from central authorities?
Answer:
Urban local bodies differ from central authorities in the following ways
| Urban Local Bodies | Central Authorities |
| They are decentralised and operate independently without a central authority. | They are operated with a central authority controlling them from the top. |
| They are responsible for administration only in urban areas. | They are responsible for framing rules and laws for the entire country. |
| Their functions include local governance, urban planning, sanitation, etc. | Their functions include national policy making, defence, foreign relations, etc. |
| They are directly accountable to local residents of an area. | They are accountable to Parliament and the citizens of the country. |
Question 2.
Highlight the functions of ward committees.
Answer:
Ward committees organise various activities, such as health camps, anti-plastic drives, and other local initiatives, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens and addressing specific community needs.
These activities foster community engagement, promote social cohesion, and help build a sense of ownership among residents, ultimately contributing to a better living environment.
By organising such activities, ward committees demonstrate their commitment to community development and well-being. Additionally, these initiatives provide opportunities for citizens to come together, share ideas, and work collaboratively towards common goals.
Question 3.
What are the impacts of state-specific rules on ward functioning?
Answer:
The impact of state-specific rules on ward functioning is that it allows for flexibility and adaptability in . addressing local needs, but also means that the functioning of wards can differ significantly from state to state.
This variation can lead to innovative solutions and best practices, but also requires careful consideration toensure consistency and equity in service delivery across different regions.
State-specific rules can also influence the allocation of resources, with some states prioritising certain services over others. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between flexibility and standardisation, ensuring that ward committees can respond to local needs while maintaining consistency and equity in governance.
Question 4.
How do citizens contribute to the efficient functioning of urban local bodies?
Answer:
Citizens can significantly contribute to the efficient functioning of urban local bodies in the following ways
Citizens can contribute by taking ownership of their responsibilities, such as participating in waste segregation, reporting issues promptly, and showing care and concern for their area. This collaborative approach enables urban local bodies to serve citizens better, fosters community engagement, promotes social cohesion and builds trust between citizens and government institutions.
By working together, citizens and urban local bodies can create a better quality of life, address complex urban challenges and ensure sustainable development.
Citizen participation also helps identify local needs, prioritise services and evaluate the effectiveness of urban local body initiatives.
Question 5.
How does the Municipal Corporation differ from a Nagar Panchayat in terms of functions and responsibilities?
Answer:
Municipal Corporation differs from a Nagar Panchayat in terms of functions and responsibilities. Due to its large population, the Municipal corporation handles complex and extensive functions including large-scale infrastructure development, comprehensive waste management, and significant revenue collection.
It is responsible for more sophisticated urban planning and public services. In contrast, a Nagar Panchayat serves smaller towns. It deals with fewer and less complex functions, focusing on basic services and local infrastructure suited to a smaller population.
Question 6.
Most of the government schemes aim to provide basic services to the people in general. What role do urban local bodies play in implementing government schemes?
Answer:
Urban local bodies act as a bridge between citizens and government schemes, monitoring their implementation and ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. This critical role requires effective coordination and communication between urban local bodies and government agencies.
Urban local bodies must also identify gaps in service delivery, advocate for citizen’s needs and ensure that government schemes align with local priorities. By doing so, urban local bodies can enhance the impact of government schemes, improve the overall quality of life for citizens and promote inclusive development.
Urban local bodies must also build capacity, leverage resources, and foster partnerships to ensure successful implementation.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Participatory democracy is essential in a democratic setup because it empowers citizens to contribute to the functioning of the country. Explain this statement, highlighting the key features and benefits of participatory democracy.
Answer:
Participatory democracy is indeed essential in a democratic setup, as it empowers citizens to take an active role in decision-making processes, thereby contributing to the functioning of the country. This system ensures that citizens’ voices are heard and their concerns are addressed, leading to more inclusive and responsive governance.
Key features of participatory democracy include citizen engagement, transparency and accountability, which foster trust and cooperation among community members.
The benefits of participatory democracy are numerous, including improved service delivery, better resource allocation and more effective solutions to community problems. By empowering citizens, participatory democracy promotes social capital, community ownership, and a sense of responsibility, leading to a more prosperous and stable society.
Question 2.
Urban local bodles should prioritise citizen participation in decision-making processes to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed. Discuss.
Answer:
Prioritising citizen participation in decision-making processes is essential for effective urban governance. By engaging citizens, urban local bodies can tap into local knowledge, expertise and resources, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions. Citizen participation ensures that decisions reflect community needs and priorities, builds trust, promotes accountability and builds a sense of community ownership.
Urban local bodies must create opportunities for citizen engagement through various channels, such as public meetings, surveys and digital platforms, to ensure inclusive decision-making processes.
This can be achieved by establishing citizen committees, conducting regular town hall meetings and using social media to gain feedback. By doing so, urban local bodies can ensure that citizens are empowered to contribute to the development of their city.
Question 3.
Describe the different types of urban local bodies and their characteristics.
Answer:
Urban local bodies in India are categorised based on population size, each with distinct responsibilities and . functions.
The different types of urban local bodies are Municipal corporations serve cities with a population above 10 lakhs, providing advanced civic amenities and implementing development projects. They have a larger budget, more powers, and a wider range of responsibilities compared to other urban local bodies. Municipal councils cater to cities with a population between 1-10 lakhs, focusing on basic services like water supply, sanitation and waste management.
Nagar panchayats serve smaller towns and cities, addressing local needs and promoting community development. Each type of urban local body plays a vital role in delivering essential services, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Understanding the characteristics of each type of urban local body is crucial for effective urban governance.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Case Based Questions
Question 1.
Read the paragraph given below and answer the questions that follow.
Altogether, urban local bodies are responsible for a range of functions helping take care of the infrastructure, maintaining the burial ground, garbage collection and disposal, checking the implementation of government schemes, collecting local taxes and fines and so on.
They also have some role in planning for the area’s economic and social development. However, for these bodies to be able to perform their functions efficiently, people living in the city must also perform their duties, which means that they must show care and concern for their area (remember, this is a participatory democracy).
For instance, if people carefully follow instructions regarding waste segregation, garbage collection becomes easier; or if they notice a water leakage in a street, reporting it promptly will prevent further wastage of precious water.
(i) What is the underlying value that enables urban local bodies to perform their functions efficiently?
(a) Individualism and personal gain
(b) Community involvement and collective responsibility
(c) Government control and authority
(d) Technological advancements and infrastructure
Answer:
(b) Community involvement and collective responsibility
(ii) What is the value that urban local bodies should prioritise in their planning and decision-making processes?
(a) Economic growth and development
(b) Social welfare and citizen engagement
(c) Environmental sustainability and conservation
(d) Political power and control
Answer:
(d) Political power and control
(iii) What is the outcome of citizens’ active participation in reporting issues like water leakage?
(a) Increased bureaucracy and red tape
(b) Decreased accountability and transparency
(c) Improved resource management and conservation
(d) Enhanced government control and surveillance
Answer:
(c) Improved resource management and conservation
(iv) How can citizens contribute to making garbage collection easier?
(a) By ignoring waste segregation instructions
(b) By carefully following instructions regarding waste segregation
(c) By leaving waste unsegregated at the curbside
(d) By not reporting garbage collection issues
Answer:
(b) By carefully following instructions regarding waste segregation
Question 2.
Read the paragraph given below and answer the questions that follow.
Anita Hello! Yes, I’m visiting my grandparents who live nearby. I am from the city. It’s quite different from here!
Sameer Oh, really? What’s it like in the city?
Anita Well, it’s busy and crowded, with tall buildings everywhere. There are so many people rushing around all the time, and it’s noisy compared to the quietness here. Also, people are more independent and often don’t even know their neighbours.
Sameer Wow! Here, everyone knows everyone else and pitches in to help each other out we work together in the fields, celebrate festivals together, and even make decisions as a community.
Sameer Doesn’t the local government help in such cases?
Anita Yes, it does. In fact, we have local bodies and elected representatives who represent us and our interests.
Here are the three indirect questions with longer answers written in simpler language
(i) What does Anita’s description of city life reveal about her values and preferences?
Answer:
Anita’s description of city life shows that she likes being independent and living in a busy place. She is used to people rushing around and not knowing their neighbours. But she also appreciates the quiet and friendly atmosphere of the village, where people know and help each otherv This means she values both independence and community, and maybe feels like something is missing in her city life.
(ii) How does Sameer’s community differ from Anita city life in terms of social relationships and collective action?
Answer:
Sameer’s community is very different from Anita’s city life. In the village, people work together, help each other and celebrate together. They have a strong sense of community and look out for one another. In contrast, Anita’s city life is more individualistic, with people focusing on their own goals and not knowing their neighbours as well.
This difference highlights the importance of community and social relationships in Sameer’s village.
(iii) What does Anita’s mention of local bodies and elected representatives suggest about the role of governance in her city?
Answer:
Anita’s mention of local bodies and elected representatives shows that the government plays a role in representing citizens’ interests and addressing their needs.
This means that there are people and organisations in place to help make decisions and provide services for the community.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Competency Based Questions
Question 1.
In some cities the main urban local body is known as Municipal Corporation while in some, it is known as Municipal Council. What is the difference between a Municipal Corporation and a Municipal Council?
Answer:
The primary difference between a Municipal Corporation and a Municipal Council is the population threshold, with Municipal Corporations serving areas with a population above 10 lakhs and Municipal Councils serving areas with a population between 1-10 lakhs. This distinction affects the powers, responsibilities and governance structures of these urban local bodies.
Question 2.
Local bodies are created to solve the local issues that exist at the grassroot level. How can urban local bodies promote economic development in their areas?
Answer:
Urban local bodies can promote economic development in the following ways
- By creating a conducive business environment, investing in infrastructure, supporting local entrepreneurship and facilitating public-private partnerships.
- They can also encourage innovation, develop skills training programmes and promote local industries. By doing so, urban local bodies can stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities and improve the overall quality of life for citizens.
- Urban local bodies must also foster a culture of innovation, support start-ups and attract investments to drive economic development.
Question 3.
Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining public health and hygiene in urban areas. How can urban local bodies play a vital role in ensuring this? Discuss.
Answer:
Effective waste management is indeed critical for maintaining public health and hygiene in urban areas. Urban local bodies are responsible for collecting, disposing and managing waste, which has a direct impact on the health and well-being of citizens.
Proper waste management prevents the spread of diseases, maintains a clean environment and promotes overall well-being.
Urban local bodies must prioritise waste management by investing in adequate infrastructure, implementing efficient collection systems and promoting recycling and composting practices.
Additionally, they must engage citizens in waste management efforts through education and awareness programmes, encouraging responsible waste disposal practices. This can be achieved through door-to-door collection, waste segregation and proper disposal methods.
Furthermore, urban local bodies can adopt innovative technologies like waste-to-energy conversion, reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Skill Based Questions
Question 1.
Activity: Organise a campaign to promote waste segregation in your neighbourhood.
Answer:
Campaign theme – Let’s Keep Our Neighbourhood Clean!
Waste segregation is separating trash into different bins like plastic, paper and glass.
This helps keep our environment clean and healthy.
Steps to organise a campaign are as follows
- Form a Team Gather 5-7 friends and classmates to help with the campaign. Assign roles like team leader, poster maker and bin distributor.
- Make Posters and Banners Create eye-catching signs to spread the message. Use colorful paper, markers, and glue to make posters that say ‘Segregate Waste’ or ‘Keep Our Neighbourhood Clean’.
- Distribute Bins Provide separate bins for different types of waste. Label each bin clearly so people know what to put in them.
- Educate Neighbours Explain the importance of waste segregation. Tell them how it helps keep our environment clean and healthy.
- Monitor Progress Check if people are segregating waste correctly. Encourage them to keep up the good work!
Question 2.
Project Work : Design a community garden in an urban area.
Answer:
Project theme – Let’s Grow a Garden!
A community garden is a shared space where people grow fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Steps to design a community garden
- Choose a Location Find a sunny spot with good soil. Make sure it’s close to a water source.
- Plan the Garden Decide what to grow and how to arrange the plants. Consider a mix of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
- Prepare the Soil Add nutrients like compost or manure to make the soil fertile. Remove weeds and rocks that can harm plants.
- Build Garden Beds Create separate areas for different plants. Use wooden planks or bricks to make raised beds.
- Water and Maintain Ensure everyone helps with upkeep. Create a schedule for watering, pruning and harvesting.
Benefits - Fresh produce for the community
- Beautiful green space for relaxation
- Opportunity to learn about gardening and sustainability