NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science

Chapter 12 - Grassroots Democracy - Part 3: Local

Government in Urban Areas
THE BIG QUESTIONS?

1. What are urban local bodies and what are their functions?
Ans: Urban local bodies are institutions of local self-government in cities and towns. They
include Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats. Their functions
include managing public services like water supply, waste management, street lighting, and
sanitation. They also handle the construction of roads, public health facilities, and
maintaining public spaces.

2. Why are they important in governance and democracy?

Ans: Urban local bodies are important in governance and democracy as they allow for local
decision-making, ensuring that the needs and issues of urban areas are addressed directly.
They promote democratic participation by involving citizens in managing their cities and
ensuring accountability of the government at the local level.

LET’S EXPLORE

1. Why is a city like Kolkata, Chennai, or Mumbai more complex and diverse than a
village or a town?
Ans: Cities like Kolkata, Chennai, or Mumbai are more complex and diverse because they
are large urban centres with higher populations, different cultures, languages, and
occupations. These cities attract people from various regions for work, education, and better
opportunities, resulting in a mix of diverse communities, lifestyles, and infrastructure.
Additionally, cities have more complex governance systems and greater demands on public
services like transportation, healthcare, and housing, which make them more intricate
compared to villages or towns.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 1

2. With your classmates, make a list of diverse communities residing in any city that
you are familiar with. How many were you able to list? What else do you observe in the
list?
Ans: In most cities, you will find communities from various parts of the country or even the
world. For example, in a city like Mumbai, you can list communities such as:

● Marathi
● Gujarati
● Bengali
● Tamil
● Punjabi
● Malayali
● Parsi
● Sindhi
● North-East Indian groups
Observations:
● The city is a melting pot of cultures with people speaking different languages and
following different traditions.
● There is a wide variety of food, festivals, and cultural activities.
● Despite the diversity, people coexist and share resources, showing the city's
multicultural environment.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 2

LET’S EXPLORE

In Fig. 12.2 above, what similarities and differences do you notice between the
Panchayati Raj system and the urban local government?

Ans: The diagram you provided shows the hierarchy of government systems in India, both
for rural (Panchayati Raj) and urban (Urban Local Bodies) areas. Let’s explore the
similarities and differences between the Panchayati Raj system and the Urban Local
Government based on the image:

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 3

Similarities:

1. Three-tier structure: Both the Panchayati Raj system and Urban Local Bodies
follow a three-tier structure, with higher levels overseeing the lower ones.
○ Panchayati Raj: Zila Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat.
○ Urban Local Bodies: Municipal Corporation/Municipal Council/Nagar
Panchayat, Ward Committees, and People of the Ward.
2. Local Governance: Both systems are a form of local self-government, meaning they
allow local people to make decisions that impact their immediate area.
3. Democratic Representation: Both involve democratic processes where people elect
their representatives at each level to address their concerns and govern their localities.
4. State and Union Government Connection: Both systems operate under the state
government, which is further connected to the Union Government at the national
level.

Differences:

1. Rural vs. Urban Focus:

○ Panchayati Raj is primarily concerned with rural governance, focusing on
villages and their local issues.
○ Urban Local Bodies deal with the governance of cities and towns, addressing
urban challenges like infrastructure, sanitation, and public services.
2. Institutions:
○ In the Panchayati Raj system, you have institutions like Gram Panchayat and
Zila Panchayat, which are specifically designed for rural areas.
○ In the Urban Local Government, you have bodies like Municipal
Corporations and Ward Committees, which handle urban matters.
3. Role and Scope:
○ Panchayati Raj institutions often deal with issues related to agriculture, village
infrastructure, and local development in rural areas.
○ Urban Local Bodies focus more on urban planning, waste management,
transportation, and housing, which are more complex in city environments.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 4

LET’S EXPLORE

Can you think of four or five more actions that responsible citizens might take to help
their area of the city?

Ans: Here are four actions responsible citizens might take to help improve their area of the
city:

1. Participating in Local Governance: Citizens can actively attend community or ward

meetings to voice their concerns and offer suggestions for local improvements.
2. Volunteering for Community Cleanups: Organizing or participating in local clean-up
drives to keep streets, parks, and public spaces clean and free from litter.
3. Supporting Local Businesses: Encouraging the growth of local businesses by
shopping locally, helps improve the area’s economy and community spirit.
4. Reporting Issues to Authorities: Reporting issues like broken streetlights, potholes, or
illegal dumping to local authorities to ensure timely action.
5. Promoting Sustainability: Engaging in or promoting eco-friendly practices like
recycling, planting trees, and conserving water to make the area more sustainable and
livable.

THINK ABOUT IT

Indore in Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the cleanest city in India under the
Swachh Survekshan government scheme for seven years in a row. What could have
been the role of Indore citizens in this achievement?

Ans: The role of Indore citizens in achieving the title of the cleanest city in India under the
Swachh Survekshan government scheme for seven consecutive years is likely multifaceted
and involves significant community engagement and responsible behaviours. Here are some
possible contributions of Indore's citizens to this achievement:

1. Active Participation in Cleanliness Drives: Citizens may have actively participated

in regular cleanliness drives, showing high levels of personal commitment and
community spirit.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 5

 2. Proper Waste Segregation: Residents likely adhered to rigorous waste segregation
practices, separating dry waste, wet waste, and hazardous materials, facilitating more
effective waste management.
3. Usage of Public Dustbins: The consistent use of public dustbins and discouragement
of littering would have played a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness.
4. Reporting and Monitoring: Citizens might have been proactive in reporting issues
related to sanitation and cleanliness to the authorities, ensuring quick action and
maintenance.
5. Community Education and Awareness: Educating each other about the importance
of cleanliness and sustainable practices likely contributed to a widespread cultural
attitude favouring a clean environment.
6. Innovative Solutions and Suggestions: Providing innovative ideas and suggestions
for waste management and recycling that could be implemented at a local level.

These actions not only demonstrate civic responsibility but also show a collaborative effort
between the municipality and its citizens, fostering a shared pride and continuous
improvement in urban cleanliness and management.

LET’S EXPLORE

1. Select a few cities, from your State and from a few neighbouring States. These may
include the city you live in or the city nearest to your town or village. How will you find
out if they have a Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council or Municipal Corporation?
Draw a table with the names of the cities and the type of urban local body each of them
has.

Ans: To determine if a city has a Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, or Municipal

Corporation, follow these steps:

● Online Research: You can visit the city’s official government website or municipal
website, where they usually mention the type of urban local body.
● State Government Portal: State government websites often list all the urban local
bodies for cities and towns in their region.
● Local Offices: Visiting local urban administration offices (e.g., city hall) can also help
gather this information.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 6

Here is an example of a table you can create:

City Name Type of Urban Local

Body

Indore Municipal Corporation

Bhopal Municipal Corporation

Ujjain Municipal Council

Dhar Nagar Panchayat

Gwalior Municipal Corporation

Raipur (Neighboring Municipal Corporation

State)

2. How do urban local bodies fund their activities? (Hint: Look carefully at the pictures
of the functions performed by Indore Municipal Corporation in Figure 12.4 on page
178.) Are some of them paid for services?

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 7

Ans: Urban local bodies fund their activities through various means, some of which are
visible in the image of Indore Municipal Corporation’s services:

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 8

 ● Property Tax: Citizens pay property tax based on the value of their property, which is
a significant source of revenue for urban local bodies.
● Water Charges: People pay for water supply services, another essential funding
source.
● Solid Waste Management: Fees are often collected for waste management services,
including garbage collection and disposal.
● Licenses (Business, Trade, etc.): Urban local bodies issue various licenses (e.g.,
business, hoardings) and collect fees in return.
● CRM – Paid Services on Request: Some services, like water tankers, septic tankers,
funeral vans, mobile toilets, and ambulances, are paid services provided on request.
● Other Charges: Marriage certificates, fire services, and various other licenses also
involve service fees.

Paid services such as water tankers, septic tankers, and other specific services help generate
additional revenue. This funding is critical for the upkeep and development of city
infrastructure and public services.

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?

Ans: In such a situation, you and your friends can take the following actions:

● Report the issue to the local municipal corporation or water department. You can call
their helpline number or report it through a mobile app if available.
● Notify nearby residents or shopkeepers so they are aware and may also report the
problem.
● If the problem persists, contact your school authorities or a local community leader
to get additional help.
● Spread awareness about the importance of saving water to prevent future wastage in
your area.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 9

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.

Ans: Here are some questions you could prepare for the meeting:

● What are the primary responsibilities of the urban local body in our area?
● How do you ensure the city or town is kept clean and well-maintained?
● What challenges do you face in managing the services like water supply, waste
management, and sanitation?
● How does the local body handle issues reported by citizens, such as leaking pipes or
uncollected garbage?
● How do urban local bodies fund their activities? What role do taxes and paid services
play in this?
● What initiatives are taken to promote citizen participation in local governance?
● How do you ensure accountability and transparency in the functioning of the urban
local body?
● What future projects are planned for the development of the area?

3. Discuss with adult members of your family and neighbourhood, and make a list of
their expectations from the urban local bodies.

Ans: Here are some common expectations that citizens may have from urban local bodies:

● Efficient waste management: Regular garbage collection and proper waste disposal.
● Good water supply: Reliable and clean water supply without disruptions.
● Proper sanitation and cleanliness: Maintaining public spaces, parks, streets, and
ensuring cleanliness.
● Road maintenance and infrastructure: Proper maintenance of roads, street lighting,
and pedestrian paths.
● Quick grievance redressal: Addressing issues like water leaks, drainage problems,
and damaged public facilities promptly.
● Public safety: Ensuring security by installing CCTV cameras and streetlights in
public areas.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 10

 ● Health services: Proper public health facilities, including hospitals and healthcare
centres.
● Efficient public transportation: Maintaining and improving public transport services
for easy commuting.
● Green spaces: Maintaining parks and ensuring there are enough recreational spaces in
the city.

4. Make a list of characteristics of a good urban local body.

Ans: A good urban local body would have the following characteristics:

● Transparency and Accountability: Clear, open processes, and accountability to the

public for all decisions and actions.
● Citizen Participation: Encourages public involvement in decision-making through
meetings, surveys, or online platforms.
● Efficient Service Delivery: Provides reliable and prompt services, such as waste
collection, water supply, sanitation, and public safety.
● Sustainable Practices: Promotes eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling programs,
green spaces, and energy conservation.
● Responsive Grievance Mechanism: Addresses citizen complaints and issues swiftly
and effectively.
● Well-maintained Infrastructure: Ensures roads, public facilities, streetlights, and
transportation systems are in good condition.
● Focus on Public Health: Provides essential health services, clean environments, and
public health awareness programs.
● Financial Stability: Manages funds responsibly and allocates them to important
community needs and development projects.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 11

5. What are the similarities and differences between the Panchayati Raj system in rural
areas and the urban local bodies?
Ans:

Similarities:

● Local Self-Governance: Both the Panchayati Raj system and urban local bodies are
forms of local self-governance, allowing people to manage their own communities.
● Three-tier Structure: Both systems operate with a tiered structure (in Panchayati
Raj: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Panchayat; in urban areas: Nagar
Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation).
● Democratic Elections: Representatives in both systems are elected by the people
through democratic elections.
● Provision of Basic Services: Both are responsible for providing basic services like
water supply, waste management, sanitation, and infrastructure maintenance.
● Accountability to Citizens: Both systems are accountable to the local population for
the delivery of services and the proper use of funds.

Differences:

● Area of Operation:
○ Panchayati Raj operates in rural areas.
○ Urban local bodies operate in cities and towns.
● Types of Governance Bodies:
○ The Panchayati Raj system has Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and
Zila Panchayats.
○ Urban local bodies have Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and
Nagar Panchayats.
● Issues Handled:
○ Panchayati Raj focuses on rural issues like agriculture, rural development,
village sanitation, and minor infrastructure projects.
○ Urban local bodies deal with urban problems such as public transport, traffic
management, housing, and city planning.
● Population Size:
○ Panchayati Raj generally deals with smaller, less densely populated areas.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 12

 ○ Urban local bodies manage larger populations in more densely populated areas.
● Service Complexity:
○ Urban areas have more complex requirements, such as sophisticated waste
management, public transportation, and infrastructure development, whereas
rural areas typically have simpler needs.

Class VI Social Science www.vedantu.com 13