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:
They handle local issues, including infrastructure, resource management and resolving disputes, ensuring community needs are met effectively.
Question 3.
Why are they important in governance and democracy?
Answer:
They bring governance closer to people, allowing local decision-making, promoting participation, and addressing specific needs, which strengthens democracy and effective administration.
Page-167
Think About It
Question 4.
How do you think these old maps can be helpful for us? Can they tell us something about the past and the present?
Answer:
Old maps offer insights into historical geography, showing how landscapes, boundaries, and settlements have evolved over time. They reveal past cultural, economic, and political contexts, helping us understand historical developments and their impact on the present. By comparing old and modern maps, we can trace changes and continuity in regions.
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?
Answer:
In the Bal Panchayat activity, students will focus on school issues such as improving facilities, providing clean drinking water, and ensuring students’ safety. Challenges might include inadequate resources, resistance from parents, and difficulties in organising support. Solutions could involve fund raising for infrastructure, engaging with parents, and setting up safety measures to enhance the school’s environment.
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?
Answer:
Similarities and differences between Central and Panchayat governance:
Similarities:
- Both systems aim to address community needs and promote development.
- They involve elected representatives who make decisions on behalf of the people.
- Both systems manage resources and implement government schemes.
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:
To create a questionnaire:
- Identify Key Responsibilities: Ask about their main duties in the Panchayat.
- Addressing Needs: Inquire how they tackle village specific issues.
- Successful Projects: Request examples of effective initiatives.
- Challenges: Discuss difficulties faced in project execution.
- Transparency: Explore methods used to ensure accountability.
- Villager Involvement: Learn about villagers’ roles in decision-making.
- Children and Education: Ask about handling issues related to children.
- Including Disadvantaged Groups: Find out how marginalised groups are involved.
- Collaboration with Higher Levels: Question their interaction with Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad.
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:
- Gram Panchayat: Manages local issues like infrastructure and resource management.
- Panchayat Samiti: Connects Gram Panchayats, coordinates development plans, and implements schemes at the block level.
- Zila Parishad: Oversees district-wide development, integrates plans from Panchayat Samitis, and manages large-scale projects.
Question 2.
Write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the village.
Answer:
Dear Sarpanch [Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to bring to your attention an issue that has been affecting our village. Recently, there has been a growing problem with plastic bags littering the roadside. This not only detracts from the beauty of our village but also poses environmental and health hazards. Plastic bags are often found scattered along the roads, leading to clogged drains and posing a risk to both wildlife and residents.
I kindly request that the Gram Panchayat consider implementing measures to address this issue. Possible solutions could include organising regular clean-up drives, promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, and raising awareness among villagers about the impact of plastic pollution. I trust that under your leadership, our village can tackle this problem effectively and continue to maintain the cleanliness and health of our environment. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Question 3.
In your view, what type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member?
Answer:
An ideal Gram Panchayat member should be dedicated to community welfare, possess strong leadership and communication skills, and understand local issues. They should be empathetic, honest, and willing to listen to villagers, ensuring that decisions serve the community’s best interests.
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:
Solutions include constructing a pedestrian overpass, installing traffic signals, or building a footpath. The Gram Panchayat can address local needs, the Panchayat Samiti can coordinate and secure funds, and the Zila Parishad can oversee district-wide planning. Students can raise awareness and participate in local meetings.