Class 6 ncert Chapter 12 Social Science Solution - Grassroot Democracy Part 3

Chapter 12 : Grassroots Democracy — Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas

Question: What are Urban Local Bodies?

Answer: Local government institutions in urban areas are called “Urban Local Bodies”. Their work is to provide basic services in cities and towns such as cleanliness, water supply, roads, and health services.

Question: What are the three main types of Urban Local Bodies in India?

Answer:

• Municipal Corporation – In cities with a population of more than 10 lakh.
• Municipality – In cities with a population between 1 lakh and 10 lakh.
• Nagar Panchayat – In towns with a population of less than 1 lakh.

Question: What are the main functions of Urban Local Bodies?

Answer:

• Garbage collection and disposal
• Maintenance of roads, drains, and water supply
• Collection of local taxes
• Issuing birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Implementing government schemes

Question: What is a Ward?

Answer: A city or town is divided into small parts, which are called wards.

Question: What is the role of citizens in Urban Local Bodies?

Answer: Citizens should:

• Follow their duties (such as segregating waste and not wasting water).
• Immediately inform about local problems.
• Participate in elections and choose their representatives.
• Cooperate in the work of local bodies.

Question: Which is the oldest Municipal Corporation in India?

Answer: The Madras (Chennai) Municipal Corporation, established on 29 September 1688.

Question: What is the difference between Rural and Urban Local Governance?

Answer:

• Rural – Panchayati Raj system (Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad).
• Urban – Urban Local Bodies (Nagar Panchayat, Municipality, Municipal Corporation).
• Urban areas are more complex and diverse, while community participation in rural areas is more direct.

Question: From where do Urban Local Bodies get funds?

Answer:

• Local taxes (property tax, water tax, etc.).
• Government grants.
• Service charges (such as parking, licenses).
• Some services are payment-based.

Question: Why does Indore consistently rank at the top in the Swachh Survey?

Answer: Citizens of Indore showed awareness towards cleanliness by segregating waste, disposing garbage at the right time, and cooperating with the local body.

Question: What are the characteristics of a good Urban Local Body?

Answer:

• Transparency and accountability.
• Citizen participation.
• Efficient service delivery.
• Quick problem resolution.
• Financial strength.

Question: What will you do if you see leakage in a water pipeline?

Answer:

• Immediately inform the local body (Municipal Corporation/Municipality).
• Register a complaint by taking photos of the leakage.
• Alert nearby people.

Question: What are the similarities between Urban and Rural Local Governance?

Answer:

• Both have elected representatives.
• Both aim to provide local development and services.
• Citizen participation is necessary in both.
• Both depend on local taxes and government grants.

NCERT Exercise Questions:

Question 1: While coming to school, you and your friends notice that there is leakage in a water pipeline and a lot of water is being wasted. What will you and your friends do in this situation?

Answer: We will take the following steps:

1. Immediately inform the local urban body (Municipal Corporation/Municipality) through the helpline number.
2. Register a complaint by taking photos or videos of the leakage.
3. Alert nearby people to avoid any accident.
4. Raise the issue through social media or local newspapers.

Question 2: Invite a member of the Urban Local Body living near you to your class. Discuss their role and responsibilities. Prepare a list of questions to ask so that the discussion becomes useful.

Answer:

1. What is your role in the Urban Local Body?
2. What are the main problems you deal with in your area?
3. How do you resolve citizens’ complaints?
4. For which works is the budget of the Urban Local Body used?
5. How can citizens cooperate in your work?
6. What is the biggest challenge you face?
7. What schemes are there for cleanliness, water supply, and road maintenance?

Question 3: Discuss with adults in your family and neighbourhood and prepare a list of their expectations from Urban Local Bodies.

Answer:

1. Timely garbage collection and cleanliness.
2. Uninterrupted water supply and repair of leakages.
3. Proper maintenance of roads and lanes.
4. Timely repair of street lights.
5. Development of parks and green areas.
6. Medical facilities and health centres.
7. Traffic management and parking facilities.
8. Transparency and quick redressal of citizens’ complaints.

Question 4: Prepare a list of characteristics of a good Urban Local Body.

Answer:

Characteristics:

1. Accountability – Responsible towards citizens.
2. Transparency – Public information about work and budget.
3. Citizen participation – People’s voice in decision-making.
4. Efficient service delivery – Timely completion of work.
5. Financial strength – Proper tax collection and use of budget.
6. Innovation – Use of technology (such as online complaint portals).
7. Clean and green environment – Focus on environmental protection.

Question 5: What are the similarities and differences between Panchayati Raj system in rural areas and Urban Local Bodies?

Answer:

Similarities:

1. Both are units of local self-government.
2. Both have elected representatives.
3. Both aim to provide local development and services.
4. Both depend on taxes and government grants.
5. Citizen participation is important in both.

Differences:

1. Area – Panchayati Raj operates in rural areas, Urban Local Bodies operate in urban areas.
2. Structure – Panchayati Raj: Gram Sabha → Gram Panchayat → Panchayat Samiti → Zila Parishad.
   Urban Local Bodies: Nagar Panchayat → Municipality → Municipal Corporation.
3. Population basis – Urban Local Bodies are classified on the basis of population.
4. Challenges – Urban Local Bodies face more complex problems (traffic, pollution, slums).
5. Resources – Urban Local Bodies have more resources and revenue.