Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas Solutions
05/11/2024Chapter 13 The Value of Work Solution
05/11/2024Chapter 12 Grassroots Democracy — Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas Solutions
Text Book Solutions
The Big Questions (Page 173)
Q1: What are urban local bodies and what are their functions?
Ans: Urban local bodies are decentralized structures of governance in cities and towns. They include Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats. Their functions include infrastructure maintenance, garbage collection and disposal, health services, education, implementation of government schemes, and economic and social development planning.
Q2: Why are they important in governance and democracy?
Ans: Urban local bodies are important because they bring governance closer to the people in urban areas, allowing for more direct participation in decision-making. They ensure that local needs and issues are addressed efficiently and effectively, thereby promoting better quality of life and local development.
Back Exercises (Page 181)
Q1: 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?
[These questions need to be attempted by students themselves; here we have provided a sample answer.]
Ans:
If we notice a leaking water pipe on our way to school, my friends and I would first inform our parents and teachers about it. We would then report the leak to the ward committee or the local Municipal Corporation office, providing them with the exact location and details of the issue. Additionally, we would spread awareness among our neighbors to ensure the problem is addressed promptly and to prevent further wastage of water.
Q2: 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.
[This question needs to be attempted by students themselves; here we have provided a sample answer.]
Ans:
To prepare for the visit of a local urban body member, we would draft a set of questions such as:
What are your main responsibilities as a member of the urban local body?
How do you address the issues and concerns of the citizens in your ward?
What are the current projects or initiatives being undertaken in our area?
How can students and young citizens contribute to the betterment of our locality?
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?
Q3. Discuss with adult members of your family and neighborhood, and make a list of their expectations from the urban local bodies.
[This question needs to be attempted by students themselves; here we have provided a sample answer.]
Ans:
From discussions with adults in our family and neighborhood, we found that their expectations from urban local bodies include:
Regular maintenance of roads and public infrastructure.
Efficient garbage collection and waste management.
Clean and safe drinking water supply.
Effective handling of public health services and sanitation.
Prompt response to civic complaints and issues.
Development of parks and recreational facilities.
Ensuring safety and security in the locality.
Q4: Make a list of characteristics of a good urban local body.
Ans: A good urban local body should have the following characteristics:
Transparency and accountability in operations.
Efficient and prompt service delivery.
Active citizen participation and engagement.
Responsiveness to local needs and issues.
Equitable distribution of resources and services.
Effective planning and implementation of development projects.
Strong leadership and management.
Q5: What are the similarities and differences between the Panchayati Raj system in rural areas and the urban local bodies?
Ans:
Similarities:
Both systems involve elected representatives who manage local governance.
Both aim to bring governance closer to the people and ensure their participation in decision-making.
Both have multiple levels of administration to address local needs effectively.
Differences:
Panchayati Raj operates in rural areas, while urban local bodies function in cities and towns.
Panchayati Raj includes Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads, whereas urban local bodies include Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.
The functions and responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of rural versus urban settings, such as a focus on agriculture and rural development in Panchayati Raj, and infrastructure and public services in urban local bodies.