Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Government in Rural Areas Class 6 Question Answer Social Science Chapter 11
NCERT Class 6 Social Science SST Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Government in Rural Areas Questions and Answers Solutions
Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Government in Rural Areas Class 6 Questions and Answers (In-Text)
The Big Questions (Page-163)
Question 1.
What are Panchayati Raj institutions?
Answer:
Panchayati Raj institutions are local government bodies in India at village, block, and district levels, which help manage community affairs and development at the grassroot level.
Question 2.
What are their functions?
Answer:
Panchayats takes democracy to local level addressing local challenges and encouraging local participation of people. Collectively, these institutions manage a wide range of responsibilities within the district, including agriculture, housing, road maintenance, water resource management, education, healthcare, social welfare, and cultural activities.
Question 3.
Why are they important in governance and democracy?
Answer:
Panchayati Raj Institutions are important in governance and democracy because they:
- empower communities to make decisions about their development.
- facilitate direct participation of citizens in governance.
- distribute power and responsibilities to local levels.
- enable efficient and localized management of resources.
- cater to specific needs and priorities of rural populations.
faster transparency, accountability, and public involvement in the democratic process.
Page-167
Think About It
Question 4.
How do you think can these old maps be helpful for us? Can they tell us something about the past and the present? (Page 167)
Answer:
Old maps can be a help us to and how they have changed over time. They depict some important historical events happened and people moved from one place to others. They can help us to compare the nature of soil, rivers, population size and density. Moreover, if there is a dispute between villagers over ownership of a land, then these maps are quiet useful to sort out the dispute.
Page – 169
Let’s Explore
Question 5.
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? (Page 169)
Answer:
Class activity
Page-170
Think About it
Question 6.
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:
It’s crucial for the government to focus on the needs of disadvantaged sections because they often face systemic barriers that limit their access to resources and opportunities. Addressing their problems ensures social equity, reduces poverty, and promotes overall societal development. Inclusive governance helps uplift marginalised groups, fostering a more just and balanced society.
Page-170
Let’s Explore
Question 7.
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.
Differences:
- Central governance handles national policies and large-scale issues, while Panchayats focus on local, village-level concerns.
- Central governance is more hierarchical, whereas Panchayats operate through a three-tier system (village, block, district).
- Panchayats are closer to the people and handle specific local needs directly.
Question 8.
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.
Flow Chart
Complete the how chart on Panchayati Raj system.
Answer:
Meet with Panchayat members or invite them to your school, ask these questions, and summarise their responses in a short report.
Class 6 SST Grassroots Democracy Part 2 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:
1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level):
Key Functions: Local development, maintenance of public utilities (roads, water supply, sanitation), implementation of government schemes, managing primary education and health services, and addressing local disputes.
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level):
Key Functions: Coordination and supervision of Gram Panchayats, implementation of development projects and schemes at the block level, agricultural development, and promotion of education and health services.
3. Zila Parishad (District Level):
Key Functions: Planning and execution of districtwide development programs, managing and distributing funds to Panchayat Samitis, coordinating with state government for policy implementation, overseeing district-level infrastructure and social welfare activities.
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:
The member should be honest, hardworking, good leader, a problem solver, visionary and emphatic.
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:
Options to Solve the Issue:
- Install a zebra crossing with proper signage.
- Implement traffic lights or a pedestrian signal.
- Construct a foot overbridge for safe crossing.
- Place speed breakers to slow down traffic near the school.
- Install signs indicating a school zone to alert drivers.
Panchayati Raj Institutions That Can Help:
- Gram Panchayat: Raise the issue in the Gram Sabha, seek approval for safety measures, and collaborate with higher authorities.
- Panchayat Samiti: Coordinate with the block-level authorities to fund and implement safety measures.
- Zila Parishad: Advocate for district-level support and resources for infrastructure improvements.