Question With Answer Class 6 SST Chapter 12, “Grassroots Democracy: Part 3 – Local Government in Urban Areas,” explains how local government works in cities and towns. Just like villages have the Panchayati Raj system, urban areas have their own local governing bodies to manage civic services and development. This chapter shows how democracy works at the city level. Local government in urban areas allows citizens to participate in decision-making and helps improve the quality of life in towns and cities.
Questions, activities, and projects
1. On your way to school, you and your friends notice that a water pipe is leaking. A lot of water is being wasted on account of the leak. What would you and your friends do in such a situation?
Answer:
If we notice that a water pipe is leaking and water is being wasted, we should immediately report the problem to the concerned authorities. Since cities are divided into wards, and ward committees keep an eye on issues such as water leaks, we can inform the ward member or the urban local body office. Reporting the leakage promptly will help prevent wastage of precious water. As responsible citizens in a participatory democracy, it is our duty to show care and concern for our area.
2. Invite a member of an urban local body near you to your class. Discuss with them their role and responsibilities. Prepare a set of questions to ask them so that the meeting is fruitful.
Answer:
Urban local bodies are responsible for maintaining infrastructure, garbage collection and disposal, maintaining burial grounds, checking the implementation of government schemes, collecting local taxes and fines, and planning for the area’s economic and social development.
Some questions that can be asked:
- What are your main responsibilities as a member of the urban local body?
- How does the ward committee solve local problems?
- How do you ensure proper garbage collection and waste management?
- How are local taxes used for the development of the area?
- How can citizens help you in performing your duties better?
These questions will help students understand how urban local bodies function.
3. Discuss with adult members of your family and neighbourhood, and make a list of their expectations from the urban local bodies.
Answer:
Some common expectations from urban local bodies are:
- Clean streets and proper garbage collection
- Good roads and proper drainage systems
- Regular water supply
- Maintenance of public places and burial grounds
- Quick action on complaints, such as water leaks or damaged roads
- Proper implementation of government schemes
Citizens expect urban local bodies to work efficiently for the welfare of the city.
4. Make a list of characteristics of a good urban local body.
Answer:
Characteristics of a good urban local body include:
- Efficient water management
- Proper garbage collection and waste segregation
- Maintenance of roads and drainage systems
- Quick response to public complaints
- Transparency in collecting and using taxes
- Planning for economic and social development
- Active participation of citizens
5. What are the similarities and differences between the Panchayati Raj system in rural areas and the urban local bodies?
Answer:
Similarities:
- Both are part of local government.
- Both are decentralised systems.
- Both have elected representatives.
- Both aim to involve citizens in governance.
Differences:
- Panchayati Raj works in rural areas, while urban local bodies function in cities and towns.
- In rural areas, the system includes Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Panchayat.
- In urban areas, the system includes Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation.
Urban governance is generally more complex because cities are more diverse and densely populated.