Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas Class 6 Question Answer Social Science Chapter 11
NCERT Class 6 Social Science SST Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas Questions and Answers Solutions
Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas Class 6 Questions and Answers (InText)
Think About It (Page 150)
Question 1.
How do you think can the old maps used by Patwari be helpful for us? Can they tell us something about the past and the present?
Answer:
Old maps kept by the village Patwari can be helpful in the following ways
- showing land use changes over time
- revealing village expansion or shrinkage
- locating traditional water sources
- resolving boundary disputes
- tracking infrastructure development
- identifying environmental changes
- preserving cultural heritage
- understanding demographic changes
These maps provide insights into the village’s past, helping us understand the present and make informed decisions for the future.
Let’s Explore (Page 169)
Question 2.
As a class activity, let four or five students form a Bal Panchayat and the rest of the class imagine they are the villagers. What issues will the Gram Sabha discuss? What challenges could it encounter? What solutions will it propose?
Answer:
Gram Sabha can discuss following issues
- Lack of clean drinking water
- Poor condition of village roads
- Insufficient electricity supply
- Need for a new school building
- Waste management issues
Challenges that may be encountered by the panchayat are as follows
- Limited funds
- Resistance from some villagers to change
- Lack of co-operation from local authorities
- Limited resources and expertise
- Balancing individual interests with collective needs
Some of the solutions proposed at the panchayat were as follows
- Clean drinking water Install new water pumps and pipes and implement rainwater harvesting systems.
- Village roads Repair and maintain existing roads and build new roads to connect remote areas.
- Electricity supply Install solar panels or wind turbines and upgrade existing power infrastructure.
- New school building Raise funds through donations and grants and collaborate with local authorities for support.
- Waste management Implement recycling programs and build a community composting facility.
Bal Panchayat’s role is as follows
- Facilitate discussion and decision-making
- Allocate tasks and responsibilities
- Manage funds and resources
- Co-ordinate with local authorities and experts
- Ensure transparency and accountability
Think About It (Page 170)
Question 3.
Why do you think it is important for the government to pay more attention to the needs and problems of the disadvantaged sections of society?
Answer:
The government should pay more attention to the needs of disadvantaged groups because
- they are often left out and ignored.
- they face big obstacles that prevent them from getting basic rights and opportunities.
- they are more likely to be poor and treated unfairly.
- helping them can break cycles of poverty and inequality.
- it’s a matter of fairness and human rights.
- it can benefit everyone and help the economy grow.
- disadvantaged groups have unique experiences that can help improve decision-making.
- By focusing on their needs, the government can create a fairer and more just society.
Let’s Explore (Page 170)
Question 4.
What similarities and differences do you notice between the governance system at the Central level and at the Panchayat level? (Hint: refer back to Chapter 10 if required.)
Answer:
The similarities between the governance system at the Central and Panchayat levels are as follows
- Both have leaders who are chosen by people. (For ExMPs in central level and Panchayat members at Panchayat levels).
- Both have a system to make sure everyone works together and follows rules.
- Both want to help people and make their lives better.
- Both levels hold meetings for discussions of the issues.
The differences between the governance system at the Central and Panchayat levels are as follows
- The Central government governs a vast area while the local government governs only the local area.
- The Central government has more power and money than the Panchayat government.
- The Central government makes decisions for the whole country, while Panchayat government makes decisions for a small area.
- The Central government is answerable to the whole country, while Panchayat government is answerable to the people in their small area.
- There are two heads at Central level (President and Prime Minister) while only one head (Sarpanch) at local level.
Question 5.
If you get an opportunity to meet a few Panchayat members, what questions would you like to ask them? Discuss in small groups to create a questionnaire. Meet some Gram Panchayat members or invite them to your school. Ask them the questions in your questionnaire and write a short report.
Answer:
If I get an opportunity to meet a few Panchayat members, I would ask the following questions
- What inspired you to become a Panchayat member?
- What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
- How do you ensure everyone’s voice is heard in decision-making?
- What initiatives have you taken to improve Our village/town?
- How do you balance individual interests with the greater good?
- What role do you think youth can play in community development?
- How can we, as students, contribute to the Panchayat’s efforts?
- What message would you like to share with our school community?
Short Report
We met with three Gram Panchayat members, Mr. Kumar, Ms. Devi and Mr. Patel and asked them the questions from our questionnaire. Here’s what we learned
- They became Panchayat members to serve their community and make a positive impact.
- Challenges they face include limited resources, conflicting opinions and ensuring everyone’s participation.
- They ensure everyone’s voice is heard by conducting regular meetings and encouraging open discussion.
- Initiatives they’ve taken include building new roads, improving healthcare facilities and promoting education.
- They balance individual interests with the greater good by prioritising community needs and seeking expert advice.
- They believe youth can play a vital role in community development by bringing new ideas and enthusiasm.
- We, as students, can contribute by participating in Panchayat meetings, volunteering for community projects and spreading awareness about important issues.
- Their message to our school community is to become active citizens, work together and strive for the betterment of our community.
Class 6 SST Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas Question Answer (Exercise)
Question 1.
Test yourself-without looking at the text above, can you name the three-tiers of the Panchayati Raj System? What are the key functions of each of the three-tiers?
Answer:
The three-tiers of the Panchayati Raj system are Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad. The key functions of these three tiers are as follows
- Gram Panchayat (Village Level) The Gram Panchayat develops the village and provides basic needs like water, roads and sanitation. It also supports agriculture, health and education in the village.
- Panchayat Samiti (Block Level) The Panchayat Samiti co-ordinates the activities of the Gram Panchayats in its block. It implements development programs and monitors their progress.
- Zilla Parishad (District Level) The Zila Parishad oversees the activities of the Panchayat samitis in its district. It plans and manages resources and funds for the development of the district.
Question 2.
Write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the village.
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 3.
In your view, what type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member?
Answer:
In my view a Gram Panchayat member should possess the necessary following qualities
- A good friend to the community who cares about the people and their problems.
- A truthful and fair person who always speaks the truth and is fair to everyone.
- A leader who helps and shows others the way and works together.
- A good listener and speaker who hears what others say and explains things clearly.
- A kind and caring person who thinks about how others feel and helps those in need.
- A dreamer who thinks about what the community needs in the future.
- A team player who works together with others for the community’s good.
- Someone who takes responsibility for their actions and decisions.
- Someone who loves to help and wants to make the community a better place.
- Someone who understands local rules and ways to help the community.
Question 4.
Let us suppose that you study in a village school. The school is located next to a highway and students find it difficult to cross the road when they come to school or leave at the end of the day. What are the options to solve this issue? Which institutions in the Panchayati Raj can help you? What can the students do?
Answer:
If our village school is located next to a highway, making it difficult for students to cross the road safely, some of the options that can be taken to solve the issue are as follows
- Pedestrian crossing or Zebra crossing Paint a zebra crossing or install a pedestrian crossing signal to alert drivers to slow down.
- Speed bump or speed breaker Install speed bumps or speed breakers to reduce vehicle speed near the school.
- School crossing guard Appoint a school crossing guard or a traffic volunteer to help students cross the road safely.
- Footbridge or Overpass Construct a footbridge or overpass for students to cross the highway safely.
- Alternate route Identify an alternate route for students to reach school, avoiding the highway.
Institutions in Panchayati Raj that can help are - Gram Panchayat The local village council can take up the issue and work with other authorities to implement a solution.
- Panchayat Samiti The block-level council can provide guidance and support to the Gram Panchayat.
- Zila Parishad The district-level council can allocate funds and resources for infrastructure development, such as footbridges or speed breakers.
The students can do the following
- Raise awareness Organise awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the importance of slowing down near schools.
- Petition Create a petition signed by students, parents, and teachers to submit to the Gram Panchayat or other authorities.
- Meet with authorities Meet with Gram Panchayat members, Panchayat Samiti officials, or Zila Parishad representatives to discuss the issue and potential solutions.
- Participate in safety initiatives Participate in safety initiatives, such as painting zebra crossings or installing speed breakers, under the guidance of authorities.
- By working together, students, schools and Panchayati Raj institutions can find a solution to ensure safe crossing for students.