Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas Practice Paper 4

Class: VI Subject: Social Science Session: 2025-26 Chapter: 11 - Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 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. Khankhandvi village, where Vandana Bahadur Maida became Sarpanch, is in which state?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Gujarat

Q2. The highest tier of the Panchayati Raj system is:
(a) Gram Panchayat
(b) Panchayat Samiti
(c) Zila Parishad
(d) State Legislature

Q3. How many houses are there in Lakshmanpur village?
(a) 100
(b) 150
(c) 200
(d) 250

Q4. Which model did Popatrao Pawar apply for rainwater harvesting?
(a) German model
(b) Israeli model
(c) Anna Hazare's model
(d) Japanese model

Q5. 'Droṇamukha' according to Arthashastra was established for every:
(a) 100 villages
(b) 200 villages
(c) 400 villages
(d) 600 villages

Q6. Tarangfal village, where Dnyaneshwar Kamble became Sarpanch, is in which district?
(a) Pune
(b) Solapur
(c) Nashik
(d) Ahmednagar

Q7. How many cities does India have approximately?
(a) Over 2,000
(b) Over 4,000
(c) Over 6,000
(d) Over 8,000

Q8. Kautilya is also known as:
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chanakya
(c) Chandragupta
(d) Bindusara

Q9. The Panchayati Raj institutions differ from State to State because:
(a) Central government decides differently for each state
(b) States have authority over these institutions
(c) Villages have different needs
(d) Constitution does not allow uniformity

Q10. What is NOT a function of Panchayati Raj institutions?
(a) Agriculture management
(b) Health care
(c) Defence of the country
(d) Education

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. What is the significance of the quote "The real India lives in its villages" in the context of Panchayati Raj?

Q12. How do Bal Panchayat members help in bringing children back to school?

Q13. Name the two officials who assist the Gram Panchayat and mention one function of each.

Q14. What made Sangkhu Radhu Khandu Gram Panchayat a child-friendly Panchayat?

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. Explain how the Zila Parishad coordinates the activities of Panchayats below it. What are its key responsibilities?

Q16. Describe the transformation of Hiware Bazar village under the leadership of Sarpanch Popatrao Pawar.

Q17. "Panchayats are supposed to listen to everyone's voice — including the voice of children." Explain this statement with examples.

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Write a detailed note on 'Exemplary Sarpanchs' mentioned in your textbook. Include their backgrounds, achievements, and the lessons we can learn from their leadership.

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

Q19. Read the following passage and answer the questions: At all the three levels, special rules have been made so that disadvantaged sections of the population can make their needs and problems heard. These institutions also have a provision for reserving one-third of the seats for women. Let us remember that the structure and functions of the Panchayati Raj institutions differ a little across States. This is because the States have authority over those institutions. But their objectives are the same — it is to enable villagers to take an active part in the management and development of their villages and the local area.

(a) What provision exists for women in Panchayati Raj institutions? (1)
(b) Why do Panchayati Raj structures differ across States? (1)
(c) What is the common objective of all Panchayati Raj institutions? (1)
(d) Why are special rules made for disadvantaged sections? Give your opinion. (1)

Q20. Read the following passage and answer the questions: The Gram Panchayat is assisted by a Panchayat Secretary who performs administrative functions such as calling meetings and maintaining records. Most Gram Panchayats are also assisted by an officer called 'Patwari' in many parts of India, who maintains the villagers' land records. In some cases, the Patwari keeps maps that are generations old! The Gram Panchayat is closest to the people in rural areas. Its members are elected directly by the Gram Sabha.

(a) What are the functions of a Panchayat Secretary? (1)
(b) What unique records does the Patwari maintain? (1)
(c) How are members of Gram Panchayat elected? (1)
(d) Why is Gram Panchayat considered closest to the people? Explain briefly. (1) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 04

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(c) Madhya Pradesh Explanation: Vandana Bahadur Maida is from the village of Khankhandvi in Madhya Pradesh. Ans 2.
(c) Zila Parishad Explanation: Zila Parishad at the district level is the highest tier of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. Ans 3.
(c) 200 Explanation: Lakshmanpur has 200 houses and a population of about 700. Ans 4.
(c) Anna Hazare's model Explanation: Popatrao Pawar started applying Anna Hazare's model of rainwater harvesting. Ans 5.
(c) 400 villages Explanation: According to Arthashastra, Droṇamukha was established for every 400 villages.

Ans 6.
(b) Solapur Explanation: Dnyaneshwar Kamble was elected Sarpanch of Tarangfal village in Solapur district of Maharashtra. Ans 7.
(b) Over 4,000 Explanation: India has about 600,000 villages, 8,000 towns and over 4,000 cities. Ans 8.
(b) Chanakya Explanation: Kautilya was later also known as Chanakya, the author of Arthashastra. Ans 9.
(b) States have authority over these institutions Explanation: States have authority over Panchayati Raj institutions, so structures differ across States. Ans 10.
(c) Defence of the country Explanation: Defence is a Central government subject. Panchayats handle agriculture, education, health, housing, etc.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Significance of Gandhi's quote: • Almost two-thirds of India's 1.4 billion population lives in rural areas. • India has about 600,000 villages where most citizens reside. • True development of India depends on development of villages. • Panchayati Raj brings governance to this vast rural population. • It enables self-governance at the grassroots level where "real India" lives. Ans 12. How Bal Panchayat members help: • They get together and convince parents to send children to school. • They persuade adults not to arrange early marriages for girls.

• They campaign against child labour that keeps children from school. • In Maharashtra, Bal Panchayats have brought many children back to school through such efforts. Ans 13. Two officials assisting Gram Panchayat:

1. Panchayat Secretary: Function: Performs administrative functions such as calling meetings and maintaining records.

2. Patwari: Function: Maintains the villagers' land records and keeps maps (some are generations old). Ans 14. Child-friendly measures by Sangkhu Radhu Khandu GP: • Gave lot of importance to children's needs and rights. • Built compound walls for schools to make them safer for children. • Constructed kitchens in schools for hygienically cooked midday meals. • These efforts led to its declaration as a child-friendly Gram Panchayat.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. Zila Parishad's coordination role: • It is the apex body at the district level. • Coordinates activities of all Panchayat Samitis in the district. • Reviews and integrates development plans from blocks. • Allocates resources and funds to lower tiers. Key responsibilities: • Agriculture – planning and support for farming activities. • Housing – provisions for housing development. • Maintenance of roads – major road construction projects. • Management of water resources – irrigation and water supply.

• Education – coordination of schools and educational programs. • Health care – hospitals and health centers. • Social welfare – welfare schemes for disadvantaged sections. • Cultural activities – promotion of cultural events. Ans 16. Transformation of Hiware Bazar: Before transformation: • Affected by frequent droughts. • Poor agricultural yield. • Economic hardship for farmers. Actions by Popatrao Pawar: • Applied Anna Hazare's model of rainwater harvesting. • Implemented watershed conservation techniques.

• Massive tree planting – lakhs of trees were planted. • Focused on groundwater recharge. • Ensured collaboration of all villagers. Results: • Groundwater levels recharged. • Village became green with vegetation. • Agricultural prosperity improved. • Village transformed from drought-affected to prosperous. Recognition: • Shri Popatrao Pawar was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020. Ans 17. Panchayats listening to children's voice: The Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative ensures children can express their ideas and opinions on matters concerning their wellbeing.

Examples:

1. Bal Sabhas and Bal Panchayats: • Several States encourage children's participation. • Children discuss issues affecting them. • Village elders try to find solutions to their concerns.

2. Maharashtra's Bal Panchayats: • Worked to eliminate child labour and child marriage. • Brought many children back to school. • Members convince parents about education.

3. Children's Parliament (Rajasthan): • Children aged 8-14 engage in governance processes. • They learn democracy through parliament-like elections. • Elected representatives form 'Cabinet' to oversee school management. • Initiative received World's Children's Honorary Award in 2001.

4. Sikkim's Sangkhu Radhu Khandu GP: • Built safer school infrastructure. • Ensured hygienic midday meals through school kitchens.

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. EXEMPLARY SARPANCHS

1. DNYANESHWAR KAMBLE Background: • Transgender person from Tarangfal village, Solapur district, Maharashtra. • Elected Sarpanch in 2017. • Defeated six other candidates in the election. Motto: • 'Lok seva, gram seva' – 'Service to the village is service to the public.' Significance: • Represents inclusive democracy where marginalized communities can lead. • Shows that gender identity does not limit leadership ability.

2. VANDANA BAHADUR MAIDA Background: • Member of the Bhil community (tribal community). • From village Khankhandvi in Madhya Pradesh. • Defied patriarchal norms of her society. Achievements: • Became the first female Sarpanch of her village. • Convinced women to attend Sabha meetings. • Addressed critical issues like education and sanitation. • Earned recognition far and wide. Significance: • Shows how women can transform rural India. • Demonstrates power of women's leadership in breaking traditional barriers.

3. POPATRAO BAGUJI PAWAR Background: • Sarpanch of Hiware Bazar village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. Achievements: • Transformed drought-affected village into prosperous green village. • Applied Anna Hazare's model of rainwater harvesting. • Implemented watershed conservation. • Planted lakhs of trees. • Collaborated with all villagers for development. Recognition: • Awarded Padma Shri in 2020. Significance: • Shows how environmental conservation can bring prosperity. • Demonstrates effective local leadership for sustainable development.

LESSONS FROM THEIR LEADERSHIP:

1. Anyone can become a leader regardless of background, gender or community.

2. Service to the village is service to the nation.

3. Women's participation strengthens democracy.

4. Environmental conservation leads to economic prosperity.

5. Community collaboration is key to successful governance.

6. Traditional barriers can be overcome through democratic participation.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19.
(a) Provision for women: • One-third of the seats are reserved for women at all three levels of Panchayati Raj.
(b) Why structures differ across States: • States have authority over Panchayati Raj institutions. • Each State can modify the structure according to local needs and conditions.
(c) Common objective: • To enable villagers to take an active part in the management and development of their villages and the local area.
(d) Reason for special rules and opinion: • Special rules ensure that disadvantaged sections can make their needs and problems heard.

• Without these rules, they might be ignored by dominant groups. Opinion: These provisions are essential for inclusive democracy. When disadvantaged sections participate in governance, their specific needs are addressed, leading to more equitable development and social justice. Ans 20.
(a) Functions of Panchayat Secretary: • Calling meetings of the Panchayat and Gram Sabha. • Maintaining records of proceedings and decisions. • Performing other administrative functions.
(b) Unique records maintained by Patwari:

• Villagers' land records. • Maps of village lands (some are generations old).
(c) Election of Gram Panchayat members: • Members are elected directly by the Gram Sabha. • All adult voters in the village participate in the election.
(d) Why Gram Panchayat is closest to people: • It operates at the village level – the lowest administrative unit. • It directly deals with day-to-day issues affecting villagers. • Members are from the same village and understand local problems. • People can directly approach the Panchayat for their needs without traveling far.