Chapter 12 Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas Very Short Question

Very Short Question Answers: Grassroots Democracy – Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas

Q1. What is the role of urban local bodies in city governance?
Ans: Urban local bodies manage local administration and address civic issues within cities and towns.

Q2. How do wards function within urban local bodies?
Ans: Wards are subdivisions within cities where committees oversee local activities like health camps and infrastructure maintenance.

Q3. Why are urban local bodies considered decentralized structures?
Ans: They empower local communities to make decisions and manage their areas independently, without central authority.

Q4. What is the significance of citizen participation in urban governance?
Ans: Citizen participation ensures effective functioning of urban local bodies and promotes local development.

Q5. How do Municipal Corporations differ from Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats?
Ans: Municipal Corporations govern cities with populations above 10 lakhs, while Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats govern smaller towns and cities based on population size.

Q6. How do urban local bodies fund their activities?
Ans: They fund activities through local taxes, fines, and revenues generated from paid services like waste management and civic amenities.

Q7. What role did Indore citizens play in achieving the cleanest city status under the Swachh Survekshan scheme?
Ans: Indore citizens actively participated in waste management and cleanliness initiatives, contributing to the city’s recognition.

Q8. How does decentralization in urban governance benefit city residents?
Ans: Decentralization allows for tailored solutions to local issues, encourages community involvement, and enhances responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

Q9. What similarities and differences exist between the Panchayati Raj system and urban local government structures?
Ans: Both systems decentralize power to local levels but operate differently based on urban or rural contexts and governance requirements.

Q10. Why is citizen vigilance crucial for effective urban governance?
Ans: Citizen vigilance helps identify and report issues promptly, ensuring timely resolution and efficient functioning of urban local bodies.

Q11. What are the key responsibilities of ward committees within urban local bodies?
Ans: Ward committees oversee local issues like health camps, infrastructure maintenance, and community welfare.

Q12. How do urban local bodies contribute to economic and social development in cities?
Ans: They plan and implement projects for infrastructure, sanitation, and public amenities, promoting overall city development.

Q13. Why is citizen participation essential in planning and decision-making processes of urban local bodies?
Ans: Citizen participation ensures inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in urban governance decisions.

Q14. What strategies can urban local bodies adopt to address environmental challenges like pollution and waste management?
Ans: Implementing recycling programs, promoting green initiatives, and enforcing environmental regulations are effective strategies.

Q15. How do Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations differ in terms of governance and administrative responsibilities?
Ans: Municipal Corporations manage larger cities with complex infrastructure needs, while Municipal Councils oversee smaller towns and cities.

Q16. What role does technology play in enhancing the efficiency of urban local bodies?
Ans: Technology aids in citizen engagement, service delivery, and monitoring of urban services like water supply and waste management.

Q17. How do urban local bodies ensure equitable distribution of resources and services among different sections of the city population?
Ans: Through inclusive policies, resource allocation based on need, and targeting marginalized communities for development initiatives.

Q18. What are the challenges faced by urban local bodies in managing rapid urbanization?
Ans: Challenges include infrastructure strain, housing shortages, traffic congestion, and maintaining environmental sustainability.

Q19. How can urban local bodies collaborate with state and national governments to enhance city infrastructure and services?
Ans: Collaborations involve securing funds for large-scale projects, aligning policies, and implementing national development schemes.

Q20. Why is it important for urban local bodies to have financial autonomy and robust revenue-generation mechanisms?
Ans: Financial autonomy enables them to fund local projects independently, respond to emergencies promptly, and ensure sustainable development.