Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6th Extra Question Answer
Class 6 Social Science SST Chapter 12 Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Extra Questions and Answers
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type
Question 1.
What is a city? What are its major features?
Answer:
A city is much larger than a village. It has electric and water facilities, hospitals, big market and sufficient transport.
Question 2.
What are the effect of accumulation of garbage in streets?
Answer:
Accumulation of garbage attracts flies, rats, cows and dogs. It gives foul smell which causes people to fall ill.
Question 3.
How can common people keep their streets clean?
Answer:
They can do this by keeping dustbin/dustbins at home.
Question 4.
What is a tax?
Answer:
A tax is a sum of money that people pay to the government for the services the government provides.
Question 5.
What types of taxes people have to pay?
Answer:
People have to pay property tax on their homes as well as taxes for water and other services.
Question 6.
Name two departments of the Municipal Corporation.
Answer:
Water department and garbage collection department.
Question 7.
Who are councillors?
Answer:
The city is divided into different wards for the purpose of election. Thus the members elected are called councillors or ward councillors.
Question 8.
What is the difference between the Ward Commissioner and the Ward Councillors?
Answer:
The Commissioner is the body elected by the Councillors while the Councillors are elected by the general voters of the world.
Question 9.
What does decentralization mean in the context of urban governance?
Answer:
Local communities have direct control and decisionmaking power.
Question 10.
What is a ward?
Answer:
A smaller administrative unit within a city or town.
Question 11.
When was the Madras Corporation established?
Answer:
29 September 1688.
Question 12.
What is the highest urban local body for cities with populations between 1 and 10 lakhs?
Answer:
Municipal Council.
Question 13.
Which body is responsible for the administration of small towns?
Answer:
Nagar Panchayat.
Question 14.
What is participatory democracy?
Answer:
Participatory democracy is a principle where citizens actively participate in their country’s decision-making processes.
Question 15.
What challenges are unique to urban governance compared to rural governance?
Answer:
Urban governance is more complex and diverse, requiring well-structured systems to manage the complexities of city life.
Question 16.
What are Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)?
Answer:
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are local government bodies in rides and towns that manage local areas and allow residents to participate in decision¬making about their community.
Question 17.
What is the function of a ward committee in urban areas?
Answer:
A ward committee helps with tasks like organising health camps, running campaigns, and addressing local issues within their designated area.
Question 18.
How can citizens contribute to the effectiveness of Urban Local Bodies?
Answer:
Citizens can contribute by following waste segregation rules, reporting local issues such as water leaks, and actively participating in community decisions.
Question 19.
What is the significance of the Greater Chennai Corporation in Indian history?
Answer:
The Greater Chennai Corporation is India’s oldest municipal institution, established in 1688, marking the beginning of its formal municipal administration in India.
Question 20.
How does the Indore Municipal Corporation serve its community?
Answer:
The Indore Municipal Corporation provides services like property tax management, water management and emergency
Question 21.
What defines the top urban body in cities with a population over 1 million?
Answer:
The top urban body in cities with a population over 1 million is a Municipal Corporation.
Question 22.
What type of local body governs a town with a population between 1,00,000 and 1 million?
Answer:
A Municipal Council governs towns with populations between 1,00,000 and 1 million.
Question 23.
How did Anita’s visit to her grandparents’ village help her understand local governance?
Answer:
Anita learned about the village Panchayat and how community involvement in solving local issues reflects the essence of democracy.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Extra Questions Short Answer Type
Question 1.
Write some basic functions of Municipal Corporations.
Answer:
Some basic functions of Municipal Corporations are given below:
(i) Registering of births and deaths in the city.
(ii) Sewage treatment and solid waste management.
(iii) Garbage disposal and street cleanliness.
(iv) Street lighting.
(v) Conservation of heritage sites.
(vi) Building and maintenance of municipal schools roads, streets, flyovers and parks.
(vii) Disease control including immunisation.
(viii) Maintenance of cemeteries and crematoriums.
(ix) Water purification and water supply.
Question 2.
Describe the impact of decentralization on urban local bodies.
Answer:
Decentralization allows local communities to have direct control and decision-making power, making governance more responsive to local needs and issues.
Question 3.
How does a Municipal Council differ from a Municipal Corporation? Explain the role of a Municipal Corporation in urban governance.
Answer:
A Municipal Council manages cities with populations between 1 and 10 lakhs, while a Municipal Corporation oversees larger cities with populations above 10 lakhs.
A Municipal Corporation manages and oversees various functions such as infrastructure maintenance, garbage collection, and local development in cities with populations above 10 lakhs.
Question 4.
What are the basic principles of urban governance?
Answer:
Urban governance focuses on managing the complexities of city life through organised systems. These systems ensure efficient service delivery and encourage citizen participation in decision-making processes. The principles include transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and responsiveness to meet the diverse needs of urban populations effectively.
Question 5.
How do Urban Local Bodies vary across different states in India?
Answer:
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India vary according to state-specific rules and regulations. These variations affect how ward committees operate, including their structure, responsibilities, and functions. Differences arise in governance models, resource allocation, and administrative processes, reflecting the unique Poltical and social contexts of each state.
Question 6.
What roles do Urban Local Bodies play in city planning and development?
Answer:
Urban Local bodies are integral to city planning an evelopment. They maintain infrastructure, manage waste collection, implement government Schemes, and oversee local development projects.
ULRs are also involved in land-use planning public health initiatives and community services, ensuring that urban areas develop sustainably and meet residents needs. –
Question 7.
How did the East India Company influence the estabhshment of urban governance in India?
Answer:
The East India Company played a key role in establishing urban governance in India by founding the Madras Corporation in 1688 This corporation was created to manage the town of Fort St. George, laying the foundation for formal municipal administration in India and influencing the development of urban governance systems nationwide.
Question 8.
Why is active citizen participation crucial in urban governance?
Answer:
Active citizen participation is essential in urban governance as it ensures that community needs are addressed, enhances accountability, and improves the effectiveness of local government. When citizens engage in decision-making and community activities, it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to better-managed and more vibrant urban spaces.
Question 9.
What impact has citizen participation had on the cleanliness of Indore?
Answer:
Citizen participation has been pivotal in making Indore the cleanest city in India for seven consecutive years. Through active involvement in waste segregation, reporting issues, and community initiatives, residents have significantly contributed to maintaining cleanliness. This collective effort highlights the importance of public engagement in achieving urban hygiene goals.
Question 10.
Compare the governance structure of a Municipal Corporation with that of a Nagar Panchayat.
Answer:
Municipal Corporations govern large cities with populations over 1 million, handling complex urban management tasks, including infrastructure development and public services. In contrast, Nagar Panchayats manage smaller towns with populations below 1,00,000, focusing on basic governance needs like sanitation and local development, with simpler administrative structures.
Question 11.
How does local governance in urban areas differ from that in rural areas?
Answer:
Local governance in urban areas addresses more diverse and complex issues due to higher population density and greater infrastructure demands. In contrast, rural governance is typically more community-oriented, with simpler structures and a focus on agricultural management, basic services, and close-knit community interactions.
Question 12.
What is the role of ward committees in managing local urban issues?
Answer:
Ward committees play a crucial role in addressing local urban issues by organising tackling neighbourhood problems, and ensuring citizen participation in governance. They serve a bridge between residents and the municipal administration, and public health concerns.
Question 13.
How does the story of Anita and Sameer illustrate the difference in local governance between urban and rural areas?
Answer:
Anita and Sameer’s story highlights the contrast between urban and rural governance. In rural areas, such as Sameer’s village, governance is more community-driven, with close-knit involvement in local issues. In urban areas, as Anita experienced, governance is more formalised and structured, often leading to a sense of distance among residents.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Extra Questions Long Answer Type
Question 1.
Differentiate between a municipal corporation and municipal councils?
Answer:
There are some differences between the two:
1. Municipal Corporations are established in big cities with large population. On the other hand, Municipal Committees are set up in smaller cities and towns.
2. Municipal Corporations have more powers and higher status than those of Municipal Committees.
3. Municipal Corporations have better and have more financial powers than Municipal Councils.
4. Municipal Corporations deal with the State Government directly. But Municipal Committees have to deal with the Government through the District Administration, for example, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Patna, etc. have Municipal Corporations.
Question 2.
Discuss the structure and functions of urban local bodies in the context of participatory democracy.
Answer:
Urban local bodies, such as Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats, are decentralized structures that manage local governance in urban areas. They are crucial in participatory democracy as they allow citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes. These bodies handle functions such as infrastructure maintenance, garbage collection, and local development.
They work through elected representatives who address local issues and implement government schemes. Citizens contribute by reporting problems, following guidelines, and participating in local activities. This participatory approach ensures that governance is more responsive to local needs and that the community plays an active role in managing its environment.
Question 3.
Explain the historical development of municipal governance in India, focusing on the Madras Corporation and its evolution.
Answer:
The Madras Corporation, established on September 29,1688 , is recognized as the oldest municipal institution in India. Its origins trace back to the East India Company’s charter, which constituted the town of Fort St. George and surrounding areas into a corporation. The Parliamentary Act of 1792 further empowered the Madras Corporation by granting it the authority to levy municipal taxes, marking the beginning of formal municipal administration in India.
Over time, municipal governance evolved, with various cities developing their local bodies based on population size and administrative needs. The Greater Chennai Corporation, as the restructured Madras Corporation, continues to serve as a model for urban governance, illustrating the historical significance and development of municipal institutions in India.
Question 4.
Analyze the role of citizen involvement in ensuring the efficiency of urban local bodies.
Answer:
Citizen involvement is fundamental to the efficiency of urban local bodies. Active participation from residents helps in addressing local issues effectively. Citizens contribute by reporting problems such as water leaks or road damage, following waste segregation guidelines, and participating in local campaigns. Their engagement ensures that urban local bodies are aware of and can respond to immediate concerns.
Moreover, community involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership, which encourages individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining their environment. By participating in local governance, citizens help urban local bodies perform their functions more efficiently, leading to better management of resources and improved quality of life in urban areas.
Question 5.
Compare and contrast the roles of different urban local bodies like Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.
Answer:
Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats are different types of urban local bodies with distinct roles based on the population and size of the urban area they serve. Municipal Corporations are responsible for large cities with populations above 10 lakhs.
They handle a wide range of functions, including infrastructure maintenance, waste management, and local development. Municipal Councils are found in cities with populations between 1 and 10 lakhs and manage similar functions but on a smaller scale. Nagar Panchayats are the highest urban local body for smaller towns with populations below 1 lakh.
They focus on basic urban services and developmental activities suited to their smaller size. While all three types of bodies aim to improve local governance and address community needs, their responsibilities and scale of operations vary according to the size and complexity of the urban area they serve.
Question 6.
Discuss the significance of participatory democracy in urban governance and how it enhances the effectiveness of local government bodies.
Answer:
Participatory democracy is crucial in urban governance, fostering citizen involvement in decision-making processes and enhancing the effectiveness of local government bodies.
(i) Citizen Engagement: Participatory democracy ensures that citizens are actively involved in shaping policies and making decisions that affect their communities. In urban areas, where complexities and diverse needs are prevalent, involving residents in governance leads to more tailored solutions. For instance, residents’ input in planning public spaces, waste management, or infrastructure projects ensures that the outcomes align with community needs, leading to higher satisfaction and compliance.
(ii) Transparency and Accountability: When citizens participate in governance, there is increased transparency and accountability. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) become more responsive to the needs of the population, as regular public consultations and feedback mechanisms make it easier to identify issues and correct them promptly. For example, ward committees that regularly engage with residents can swiftly address local problems such as sanitation or traffic congestion, leading to more efficient service delivery.
(iii) Strengthening Community Bonds: Participatory governance strengthens community bonds by fostering a sense of ownership among residents. When people are involved in decision-making, they are more likely to contribute to and take care of their surroundings. This sense of responsibility not only improves the quality of urban life but also empowers citizens to hold theIr local governments accountable, ensuring that resources are used effectively and equitably.
(iv) Example of Success: The success of participatory democracy is evident in cities like Indore, where active citizen involvement has led to the city being recognised as the cleanest in India for several years. The collaboration between the local government and residents in maintaining cleanliness and impleinenting vaste management practices highlights how participatory democracy can lead to significant positive outcomes in urban governance,
(v) Challenges and Opportunities: While participatory democracy has clear benefits, it also presents challenges, such as ensuring broad and inclusive participation across diverse urban populations. Effective strategies must be implemented to engage marginalised groups and ensure that all voices are heard. Overcoming these challenges presents an opportunity to build stronger, more resilient urban communities that are capable of addressing complex issues collaboratively.
Question 7.
Analyse the evolution of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India and their role in managing modem cities, with a focus on challenges and opportunities.
Answer:
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have evolved significantly in India, playing a pivotal role in managing modern cities, but they also face numerous challenges and opportunities.
(i) Historical Evolution: The concept of ULBs in India dates back to the establishment of the Madras Corporation by the East India Company in 1688, marking the beginning of formal municipal administration. Over time, ULBs have evolved to manage the growing complexities of urban life, transitioning from colonial administrative bodies to democratic institutions that are now integral to local governance.
(ii) Role in Modern Cities: Today, ULBs are responsible for a wide range of functions, including maintaining infrastructure, managing waste, providing public health services, and implementing government schemes. They also play a key role in urban planning and development, ensuring that cities grow sustainably and meet the needs of their populations. In large cities like Mumbai and Delhi Municipal Corporations manage everything from road maintenance to public transportation, showcasing the broad scope of ULB responsibilities.
(iii) Challenges: ULBs face significant challenges, including resource constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the need to cater to rapidly growing urban populations. The complexity of modern cities, with their diverse populations and vast infrastructure needs, often overwhelms ULBs, leading to issues such as inadequate waste management, traffic congestion, and pollution. Additionally, the fragmentation of authority between ULBs and state governments can lead to overlapping responsibilities and inefficiencies.
(iv) Opportunities: Despite these challenges, ULBs have numerous opportunities to enhance urban governance. The growing emphasis on smart cities and digital governance provides ULBs with tools to improve service delivery, increase transparency, and engage citizens more effectively. For instance, the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for urban planning or mobile apps for citizen reporting can streamline operations and make ULBs more responsive to public needs.
(v) Future Directions: To fully realise their potential, ULBs must adapt to changing urban dynamics by embracing innovation, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring that governance ” UCITS . are, lnclusive and participatory. Strengthening the capacity of ULBs through better training, resource allocation, and technolovv adoption will be crucial in addressing the challeng^ of modern urban management and making cihes more livable and sustainable.
Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Class 6 Passage-Based Questions
Read the following source and answer the following questions.
The Madras Corporation (now Greater Chennai Corporation), established on 29 September 1688, is the oldest municipal institution in India. The East India Company issued a charter the previous year constituting the town of ‘Fort St. George’ and all territories within 16 km from the Fort into a corporation. A Pg liamentary Act of 1792 gave the Madras Corporation power to levy municipal taxes in the city, which is when the municipal administration properly began.
Question 1.
What is the historical significance of the Madras Corporation?
Answer:
The Madras Corporation is the oldest municipal body in India, established in 1688.
Question 2.
What Act give Madras Corporation the power to levy municipal taxes?
Answer:
Parliamentary Act of 1792
Question 3.
What is Charter?
Answer:
It is a formal document granting rights or powers.