Class 6 Social Science Chapter 12 Grassroots Democracy — Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas Practice Paper 4

Class: VI Subject: Social Science Session: 2025-26 Chapter: 12 - Local Government in Urban Areas Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. Which of the following services is provided by municipal corporations under 'Solid Waste Management'?
(a) Water supply
(b) Garbage collection and disposal
(c) Fire services
(d) Marriage registration

Q2. The Greater Chennai Corporation was originally known as:
(a) Bombay Corporation
(b) Madras Corporation
(c) Calcutta Corporation
(d) Delhi Corporation

Q3. How many km from Fort St. George was included in the original Madras Corporation?
(a) 8 km
(b) 12 km
(c) 16 km
(d) 20 km

Q4. Which of the following is an example of citizen responsibility in urban governance?
(a) Ignoring water leakages
(b) Throwing garbage anywhere
(c) Following waste segregation rules
(d) Not paying taxes

Q5. The 74th Constitutional Amendment is related to:
(a) Panchayati Raj
(b) Urban Local Bodies
(c) State Legislature
(d) Parliament

Q6. Which of the following cities has a Municipal Corporation?
(a) A village with 5,000 people
(b) A town with 50,000 people
(c) A city with 5 lakh people
(d) A city with 15 lakh people

Q7. What is the main purpose of ward committees?
(a) To govern the entire country
(b) To manage local affairs at the ward level
(c) To print currency
(d) To conduct national elections

Q8. Which state is Indore located in?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Gujarat
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan

Q9. In the context of governance, 'grassroots democracy' refers to:
(a) Democracy at the national level
(b) Democracy at the local/community level
(c) Democracy only in villages
(d) Democracy without elections

Q10. Which service from Indore Municipal Corporation helps in obtaining permission for commercial activities?
(a) Water Charges
(b) Property Tax
(c) Trade Licenses
(d) Fire Services

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. What is meant by 'grassroots democracy'? How is it practiced in urban areas?

Q12. List any four actions that responsible citizens can take to help their city.

Q13. Why is the Bombay Municipal Corporation (now Mumbai Municipal Corporation) historically significant?

Q14. What is the difference between Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council?

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. Explain how urban local bodies fund their activities. Give examples of revenue sources.

Q16. What is the significance of the 74th Constitutional Amendment for urban governance in India?

Q17. Describe how the conversation between Sameer (village boy) and Anita (city girl) highlights the similarities and differences between rural and urban governance.

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. "Indore has been India's cleanest city for seven consecutive years." Explain the role of both the Municipal Corporation and citizens in achieving this distinction.

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Read the following case study and answer the questions: Ravi lives in a city with a population of 8 lakh people. His city has an urban local body that manages various civic services. The city is divided into several wards, and Ravi's ward has an elected councillor who represents them. Recently, his ward organized a cleanliness drive where residents voluntarily participated. The ward committee also arranged a health camp for elderly residents.
(a) What type of urban local body does Ravi's city have? (1 mark)
(b) What is the role of the ward councillor? (1 mark)
(c) Name two activities organized by the ward committee mentioned in the case. (1 mark)
(d) How does citizen participation help in such activities? (1 mark)

Q20. Read the following case study and answer the questions: The following is an excerpt from Rustom K. Sidhwa's speech during the Constituent Assembly Debates on 13 October 1949: "I desire that … a full-fledged local body should be immediately formed, … so that people may know really what is an administration, what are the franchise, what are the powers, what are the rights and what are the privileges in a small sphere, in their own town, in their own villages."
(a) What was Rustom K. Sidhwa's desire as expressed in this speech? (1 mark)
(b) What did he want people to learn through local bodies? (1 mark)
(c) Why is local governance important for democracy according to this view? (1 mark)
(d) How does this vision relate to today's urban local bodies? (1 mark) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 04

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(b) Garbage collection and disposal Solid Waste Management includes garbage collection and disposal. This is one of the key functions of municipal corporations. Ans 2.
(b) Madras Corporation The Greater Chennai Corporation was originally known as the Madras Corporation, established in 1688. It is the oldest municipal institution in India. Ans 3.
(c) 16 km The charter constituting the Madras Corporation included the town of 'Fort St. George' and all territories within 16 km from the Fort. Ans 4.
(c) Following waste segregation rules Following waste segregation rules is a civic responsibility that helps urban local bodies manage garbage collection efficiently.

Ans 5.
(b) Urban Local Bodies The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) gave constitutional status to urban local bodies, just as the 73rd Amendment did for Panchayati Raj. Ans 6.
(d) A city with 15 lakh people Municipal Corporation (Mahanagar Nigam) is for cities with population above 10 lakhs. A city with 15 lakh people would have a Municipal Corporation. Ans 7.
(b) To manage local affairs at the ward level Ward committees manage local affairs at the ward level, including conducting health camps, organizing campaigns, and reporting local problems.

Ans 8.
(c) Madhya Pradesh Indore is located in Madhya Pradesh. It has been awarded the cleanest city in India for seven consecutive years. Ans 9.
(b) Democracy at the local/community level Grassroots democracy refers to democratic governance at the local or community level, where citizens directly participate in decisions affecting their daily lives. Ans 10.
(c) Trade Licenses Business, Hoardings, and Trade Licenses are services provided by Indore Municipal Corporation for commercial activities.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Grassroots Democracy: Grassroots democracy refers to democratic governance at the local level - in towns and villages - where citizens directly participate in decision-making about their own communities. It brings democracy to the doorstep of common people. Practice in Urban Areas: In urban areas, grassroots democracy is practiced through ward committees where citizens can voice their concerns, participate in local decision-making, attend meetings, report civic problems, and hold elected representatives accountable for local issues.

Ans 12. Four Actions by Responsible Citizens:

1. Following proper waste segregation and disposal rules

2. Reporting water leakages, blocked drains, or damaged roads promptly

3. Paying property tax and other local taxes on time

4. Participating in cleanliness drives and environmental campaigns (Other acceptable answers: Not littering, attending ward meetings, conserving water, reporting dangerous situations like fallen electric wires) Ans 13. Historical Significance of Bombay Municipal Corporation:

1. The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (originally 'Bombay Municipal Corporation') was created in 1865.

2. It is one of the oldest and largest municipal corporations in India.

3. It set a precedent for municipal governance in large cities.

4. It has been managing one of the most populous and economically important cities in India for over 150 years. Ans 14. Difference between Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council: Nagar Panchayat: • For cities and towns with smaller populations (below 1 lakh) • Areas transitioning from rural to urban • Has fewer functions and smaller budget Municipal Council (Nagar Palika): • For cities with population between 1 lakh and 10 lakhs • Medium-sized urban areas • Has more functions and larger administrative setup

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. How Urban Local Bodies Fund Their Activities: Urban local bodies raise revenue from multiple sources to fund their activities:

1. Taxes: • Property Tax - collected from property owners • Water Charges - fees for water supply • Entertainment Tax - on cinemas, events

2. Fees and Licenses: • Trade Licenses for businesses • Building permits • Hoarding/advertisement fees • Marriage registration fees

3. Service Charges: • Fees for services like water tanker, septic tanker • Auditorium rental • Parking charges

4. Grants: • Grants from State Government • Central Government scheme funds • Finance Commission allocations Ans 16. Significance of 74th Constitutional Amendment: The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 is significant for urban governance in India because:

1. Constitutional Status: It gave constitutional status to urban local bodies, making them an integral part of India's governance structure rather than just state-created bodies.

2. Mandatory Formation: States are now required to constitute municipalities in urban areas, ensuring local governance everywhere.

3. Regular Elections: It mandated regular elections to urban local bodies every five years, ensuring democratic representation.

4. Reservation: It provided for reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women in urban local bodies, ensuring inclusive representation.

5. Functions and Powers: It outlined functions that may be devolved to municipalities, giving them clear responsibilities. Ans 17. Conversation between Sameer and Anita - Similarities and Differences: Similarities Highlighted: • Both rural and urban areas have elected representatives who represent local citizens • Both systems allow people to participate and discuss local issues • Both aim for participatory democracy where everyone's voice matters • Both respond to citizen concerns (Sameer's village shifted electric post; city local bodies handle similar issues) Differences Highlighted:

• Community Bonds: In villages, everyone knows each other; in cities, people often don't know their neighbours • Scale: Village governance is smaller and more personal; city governance is larger and more complex • Participation: In villages, even children can directly talk to Gram Sabha members; in cities, the process is more formal • Complexity: Urban areas are busier, more crowded, with diverse populations requiring more sophisticated governance Conclusion: Despite differences in scale and complexity, both systems share the fundamental principle that democracy works best when citizens participate.

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. Indore's Achievement as India's Cleanest City - Role of Municipal Corporation and Citizens: Background: Indore in Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the cleanest city in India under the Swachh Survekshan government scheme for seven consecutive years. This remarkable achievement is the result of combined efforts of both the Municipal Corporation and citizens. Role of Indore Municipal Corporation:

1. Comprehensive Services: The corporation provides extensive services including solid waste management, property tax collection, water supply, fire services, and various licenses.

2. Citizen Relationship Management (CRM): Implemented CRM system for efficient service delivery including grievance handling, marriage certificates, various licenses, and services on request like water tanker, septic tanker, ambulance, etc.

3. Infrastructure Development: Developed proper waste collection systems, processing plants, and disposal mechanisms.

4. Technology Integration: Used technology for monitoring cleanliness, tracking complaints, and ensuring accountability.

5. Awareness Programs: Conducted extensive awareness campaigns about cleanliness and waste segregation. Role of Citizens:

1. Waste Segregation: Citizens carefully followed instructions regarding waste segregation at source, separating wet and dry waste.

2. Civic Responsibility: Maintained cleanliness in their homes and neighborhoods, not littering on streets.

3. Prompt Reporting: Reported garbage accumulation, sanitation issues, and other problems promptly using CRM system.

4. Active Participation: Participated in cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns organized by the corporation.

5. Cooperation: Cooperated with municipal workers and followed disposal schedules. Conclusion: Indore's success demonstrates that good governance requires partnership between authorities and citizens. The Municipal Corporation provided systems and services, while citizens participated actively - a perfect example of participatory democracy in action. This model can be replicated in other cities for similar success.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19.
(a) Type of Urban Local Body: Ravi's city with 8 lakh people has a Municipal Council (Nagar Palika), as Municipal Councils govern cities with population between 1 and 10 lakhs.
(b) Role of Ward Councillor: The ward councillor is an elected representative who represents the ward in the municipal body, voices concerns of ward residents, ensures that civic services reach the ward, and coordinates with the municipality for development and maintenance of the ward.
(c) Two Activities Mentioned:

1. Cleanliness drive with voluntary participation from residents

2. Health camp for elderly residents
(d) Importance of Citizen Participation: Citizen participation is crucial because it makes governance more effective. When residents voluntarily participate in cleanliness drives, it creates awareness, builds community spirit, reduces the workload on municipal workers, and ensures sustainable cleanliness. Such participatory democracy makes local governance more successful. Ans 20.
(a) Sidhwa's Desire: Rustom K. Sidhwa desired that full-fledged local bodies should be immediately formed in towns and villages so that people can understand and experience governance at the local level.

(b) What People Should Learn: He wanted people to learn about: • What is administration • What are franchise (voting rights) • What are powers (of local bodies and citizens) • What are rights and privileges All this in "a small sphere" - their own town or village.
(c) Importance of Local Governance for Democracy: According to this view, local governance is important because it brings democracy to the grassroots level. When people understand governance in their own locality, they become better informed citizens who can participate effectively in democracy.

Local governance serves as a school for democracy.
(d) Relation to Today's Urban Local Bodies: Today's urban local bodies fulfill Sidhwa's vision by: • Providing citizens direct access to local governance • Allowing participation through ward committees • Enabling citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities • Making governance accessible at the local level The 74th Amendment has ensured constitutional status to these bodies, making Sidhwa's vision a reality.