NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 12 – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas
Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 12 – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas NCERT Question Answer Solutions
Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Theme D – Governance and Democracy
SST Chapter 12: Grassroots Democracy – Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas
Complete NCERT Question–Answer Set for Class 6 Social Science (Exploring Society: India and Beyond Textbook)
Chapter 12 – Grassroots Democracy: Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas – Complete NCERT Question Answer Solutions
1. The Big Questions
1. What are urban local bodies and what are their functions?
Urban local bodies are institutions of local self-government that manage administration in cities and towns. They are responsible for providing essential civic services and improving the quality of life for urban residents.
Urban local bodies include:
- Municipal Corporation
- Municipal Council
- Nagar Panchayat
Functions of urban local bodies:
- Maintaining roads and street lights
- Garbage collection and waste management
- Water supply and drainage systems
- Maintaining parks, burial grounds, and public spaces
- Issuing trade licenses and certificates
- Collecting property tax and other local taxes
- Implementing government schemes
- Planning economic and social development of the city
2. Why are urban local bodies important in governance and democracy?
Urban local bodies are important because they bring governance closer to the people.
Their importance includes:
- They allow citizens to participate in decision-making.
- They solve local problems quickly.
- They represent the interests of city residents.
- They ensure better management of local services.
- They strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots level.
Thus, urban local bodies make democracy more effective and participatory.
2. LET’S EXPLORE – Answers
1. Why is a city like Kolkata, Chennai or Mumbai more complex and diverse than a village or town?
Cities like Kolkata, Chennai, or Mumbai are more complex because:
- They have a large population.
- People belong to different religions, cultures, and languages.
- There are various occupations and industries.
- Infrastructure such as transportation, housing, and sanitation is more complicated.
- There are many institutions like offices, factories, markets, and educational institutions.
Therefore, managing cities requires a more complex administrative system than villages.
2. Make a list of diverse communities residing in a city.
Examples of communities living in cities:
- Hindus
- Muslims
- Christians
- Sikhs
- Buddhists
- Jains
- Migrant workers from different states
- Business communities
- Professionals and students
Observation:
Cities are culturally diverse places where people from different regions and backgrounds live together.
3. In Fig. 12.2, what similarities and differences do you notice between Panchayati Raj system and urban local government?
Similarities
- Both are systems of local self-government.
- Members are elected by the people.
- Both work for local development and welfare.
- They promote people’s participation in democracy.
Differences
| Panchayati Raj System | Urban Local Government |
|---|---|
| Works in rural areas | Works in cities and towns |
| Includes Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Panchayat | Includes Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation |
| Deals with village issues | Deals with urban problems like traffic, sanitation, and housing |
4. Can you think of actions responsible citizens might take to help their city?
Responsible citizens can:
- Follow waste segregation rules.
- Report water leaks or broken roads.
- Avoid littering and maintain cleanliness.
- Participate in community programs.
- Pay taxes honestly.
- Protect public property.
These actions help urban local bodies function efficiently.
5. How can you find out whether cities have a Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council or Municipal Corporation?
We can find out by:
- Visiting the official government website
- Checking municipal administration records
- Looking at state government urban development portals
- Asking local administrative offices
Example table:
| City | Type of Urban Local Body |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Municipal Corporation |
| Jaipur | Municipal Corporation |
| Ajmer | Municipal Council |
| Small towns | Nagar Panchayat |
6. How do urban local bodies fund their activities?
Urban local bodies get funds from:
- Property tax
- Water charges
- Trade and business licenses
- Parking fees
- Fines and penalties
- Government grants
- Paid services such as water tanker or ambulance
These funds help them provide public services.
3. THINK ABOUT IT – Answer
Indore has been awarded the cleanest city in India for seven years. What could have been the role of citizens?
Citizens played an important role in this achievement by:
- Following waste segregation rules
- Keeping streets clean
- Participating in cleanliness drives
- Avoiding littering
- Cooperating with municipal workers
- Reporting sanitation issues
Active public participation helped Indore maintain high cleanliness standards.
4. End-of-Chapter Questions
1. If you notice a leaking water pipe on your way to school, what would you do?
If I notice a leaking water pipe:
- I would inform the municipal authorities immediately.
- I could report it to the ward committee or municipal office.
- I could inform responsible adults or teachers.
- I might also use municipal complaint helplines or mobile apps.
This will help stop water wastage and repair the pipe quickly.
2. Prepare questions to ask a member of an urban local body.
Questions may include:
- What are your main responsibilities as a municipal member?
- How are decisions taken in the municipal council?
- What are the biggest problems faced by our city?
- How can citizens help improve local governance?
- How does the municipal body manage waste and sanitation?
- How are taxes collected and used?
These questions will help students understand urban governance better.
3. Expectations of people from urban local bodies
People expect the following from urban local bodies:
- Clean roads and sanitation
- Proper waste management
- Safe drinking water supply
- Good drainage systems
- Maintenance of parks and public spaces
- Efficient public transportation
- Quick response to complaints
Urban local bodies should work effectively to fulfill these expectations.
4. Characteristics of a good urban local body
A good urban local body should have:
- Transparency and accountability
- Efficient administration
- Active citizen participation
- Good infrastructure management
- Clean and healthy environment
- Proper financial management
- Quick response to public issues
5. Similarities and differences between Panchayati Raj system and urban local bodies
Similarities
- Both are systems of local governance.
- Both involve elected representatives.
- Both aim at local development.
- Both promote participatory democracy.
Differences
| Panchayati Raj | Urban Local Bodies |
|---|---|
| Works in villages | Works in towns and cities |
| Includes Gram Sabha and Panchayat | Includes ward committees and municipalities |
| Focus on agriculture and rural issues | Focus on urban services and infrastructure |
Related Practice Questions:
- Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 12 MCQs – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
- Class 6 SST Civics Chapter 12 NCERT Question Answers – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
- Class 6 SST Civics Chapter 12 Extra Important Questions – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
- Class 6 SST Civics Chapter 12 Practice Worksheet – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
- Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 12 True False Questions – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
- Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 12 Fill in the Blanks – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
- Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 12 Match the Following – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
- Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 12 Summary Notes – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3
Short Summary (Featured Snippet Friendly)
Urban local bodies are institutions of local self-government in cities and towns. They include Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats. Their main functions include maintaining infrastructure, waste management, water supply, collecting taxes, and implementing government schemes. They strengthen democracy by enabling citizens to participate in local governance and decision-making.
Subscribe our Youtube Channel for video.
