Local Governments: AHSEC Class 11 Political Science notes

Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guide of Class 11 (first year) Political Science textbook, chapter 8 Local Governments, which is part of the syllabus of students studying under AHSEC/ASSEB (Assam Board). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed. 

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Summary

The chapter on local governments in India discusses the importance and structure of local self-governing institutions, which are essential for a democratic state. These institutions, also known as the grass-roots of democracy, include municipalities, panchayats, and other bodies responsible for local governance. They cater to local needs and are organized on principles similar to the central and state governments, having statutory bodies elected by the people.

Local governments are characterized by their corporate nature, autonomous functioning, and limited territorial jurisdiction. They handle local problems like primary education, sanitation, and street lighting, which vary from place to place and require local solutions. These institutions, while autonomous, are not sovereign and operate under the supervision of the central or state governments. They have their own sources of income, such as taxes, but are often financially dependent on higher levels of government.

The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act was introduced to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system, making it a three-tier structure with elected members at the village, intermediate, and district levels. It ensures reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, granting them a significant role in local governance. The Act also provides for the establishment of Finance Commissions to ensure financial stability and regular elections to maintain the democratic process.

Local governments play a crucial role in promoting democracy by involving people in decision-making and administration. They serve as training grounds for future leaders, help in political education, and make people aware of their civic responsibilities. These institutions also reduce the burden on central and state governments by addressing local issues directly, making administration more efficient and responsive.

Despite their importance, local governments in India face several challenges, including inadequate resources, corruption, political interference, and lack of public interest. To be effective, they need sufficient financial resources, government supervision, public encouragement, and active participation from the community.

The chapter emphasizes that local self-government is vital for the success of democracy. It allows people to manage their affairs, learn governance, and develop a cooperative spirit essential for democratic living. The progress of local self-government in India has been slow, and these institutions need to be strengthened to realize the ideals of democracy fully.

Local bodies are essential for addressing the specific needs of urban and rural areas, promoting education, maintaining public health and sanitation, and providing other basic amenities. They are seen as the foundation of democratic governance, teaching people the values and principles necessary for a functioning democracy.

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Essay Type

1. Explain the meaning of local self-government.

Answer: Local Self-Government is the government of a specified locality by the local people through the representatives elected by them. It refers to the operations of corporations, municipalities, district boards, panchayats, and other bodies entrusted with functions relating to the residents of a given area. These institutions come into being as per laws passed by the legislature. Local bodies are not sovereign but enjoy autonomy within their own spheres. They perform functions of local importance such as primary education, sanitation, drainage, street lighting, and registration of births and deaths.

2. Explain the main characteristics of local self-government.

Answer: Local self-governing institutions exist in every democratic country and are considered the grass-roots of democracy. They cater to local needs and have certain basic features:

• Corporate Body: Created and recognised by law, these institutions have a separate identity and seal.
• Governmental Character: Organised on principles like the Central and State Governments, with elected statutory bodies.
• Autonomous: Entrusted with certain powers and functions, free from government interference under normal circumstances.
• Non-Sovereign: Subordinate to Central or State Governments, with limited autonomy.
• Local Territory: Confined to specific administrative areas determined by the Government.
• Local Problems: Focus on solving local issues, not national or international ones.
• Sources of Income: Have their own sources of income, including the power to impose taxes.
• Differs from State Government: Limited area of operation and simpler organisation and functioning.
• No Separation of Powers: Discharges all duties as a unified body, unlike Central or State Governments.
• Constituted by Local People: Created and managed by residents of the specific area.
• Free from Party-Politics: Generally free from significant party-political influence.
• Little Government: A smaller, mini-Government with limited scope.
• A Part-time Job: Members are part-time workers, discharging duties occasionally.
• Unpaid Job: Members are not salaried officials, receiving only allowances.
• Government of the Amateur: Run by non-professional, interested laypeople.
• Local Control: Subject to control by local residents.
• Intimacy: Close connection between the institution and its local community.
• Simplicity: Simple structure and functioning, easily understood by local people.

3. Discuss the utility of local self-government.

Answer: Local bodies enable individuals to participate in public affairs and learn essential administrative skills. Frequent elections make people politically conscious and teach them cooperation, compromise, and a greater interest in political and civil affairs.

Local self-government prevents central governments from becoming top-heavy and unable to address all necessary functions. It embodies the essence of democracy by fostering an attitude of collective problem-solving within society.

In the early stages, mistakes made by local governments will not harm national interests, and experience will help people avoid future pitfalls.

4. Discuss the rule of local self-government in a democracy.

Answer: Local self-government is essential for democracy. Democracy and local self-government imply people’s participation. Local bodies are democratically formed and cannot thrive without democracy.

When local bodies are created, people of the locality take part in the election of members and train themselves in the art of self-government. By participating, people develop good civic sense, self-reliance, and public spirit, which are essential for democracy. Local institutions teach people how to govern themselves and develop a spirit of service and cooperation.

Local bodies are crucial for democracy as they solve local problems, making democracy meaningful. They help the democratic government to be strong and efficient by lessening its burden. Local institutions are the sources of strength for democracy and train future leaders. They make people politically conscious and interested in national problems.

Local bodies constitute the basis of democracy. They impart primary lessons of democracy and are vital for political education. Local self-government ensures that people have the power to solve local problems, making it indispensable for a strong democracy.

5. Explain the role of political parties in local self-government.

Answer: Local self-governing institutions are essentially free from the whims of party politics to a considerable extent. In small local institutions, party politics plays very little role. Very often, they are not run on party lines. Political parties also do not take much interest in them as they are not so important.

6. Write short note on importance of Local self-government.

Answer: Local self-government is essential for administering local matters efficiently and economically. Local bodies relieve pressure on central and state governments and play a crucial role in local and national life.

• Local bodies enhance societal progress and happiness by providing enormous community services.
• They play an important role in spreading education by establishing and maintaining educational institutions.
• Urban life is improved by local institutions providing basic amenities and welfare services.
• Local self-government is the cradle for democracy, teaching people democratic ideals and laying its foundation.
• These institutions train citizens in good citizenship, responsibility, and cooperation.
• They serve as primary schools for future leaders, helping them learn good leadership through participation.
• Local bodies awaken people to their vital local issues, involving them actively in political processes.
• They relieve the central and state governments, allowing focus on more significant problems.
• Local self-government operates economically due to proximity, ensuring vigilant use of resources.
• They preserve democratic institutions, functioning as the best school for democracy by involving people in local governance.

7. Discuss the composition and functions of the GMC.

Answer: The Act of 1969 provides that the Corporation shall not consist of more than 60 members. The Government of Assam fixes the number of members proportionate to the city’s population. Members are called ‘Councillors’ and are elected by the people, with one Councillor for every 7500 people. If 5% or more people in the Municipal Corporation area belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and no member is elected from these communities, one member from each community shall be nominated. The term of office for Councillors is 5 years.

After elections, the Corporation elects a Mayor, a Deputy Mayor, and members of various Standing Committees. The Standing Committees are: (i) Standing Finance Committee, (ii) Public Works, (iii) Public Health Conservancy and Water Supply, (iv) Assessment, Markets and Trades, and (v) Appeals. Each Standing Committee consists of five members, and no Councillor can be a member of more than one Standing Committee simultaneously.

The functions of the Corporation include public health, safety, water supply, lighting, drainage, sewage disposal, regulation of public bathing, conservancy, regulation of factories and trades, prevention of dangerous diseases, provision for burning and burial grounds, disposal of dead animals, public safety, suppression of nuisances, prevention and extinction of fire, control over markets and slaughterhouses, vital statistics, regulation of lands, buildings, streets, development schemes, providing relief, and recreational activities such as schools, libraries, and clubs. The Corporation is responsible for the overall welfare and development of the city.

8. Explain the composition and functions of a Municipal Board.

Answer: A Municipal Board consists of 10 to 30 members called ‘Commissioners’, both elected and nominated. Members are elected from Wards, and the Government may nominate two members from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes. Commissioners serve for five years. The Board elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairman from among its members. Meetings are held monthly, with special meetings convened as needed. Committees may be appointed for specific duties. The Chairman oversees meetings and can take emergency actions.

The municipal board has the following functions:

• Health and sanitation: Establish hospitals, clinics, and control diseases.
• Public drains: Remove sewage and rubbish.
• Roads: Construct, repair, and maintain roads and bridges.
• Drinking water: Maintain water sources.
• Education: Establish and support schools.
• Maternity and child welfare: Maintain maternity houses and child welfare centres.
• Fire prevention: Establish fire brigade stations.
• Registry: Maintain records of births and deaths, and oversee town halls, parks, markets, burial and cremation grounds, street lighting, mosquito control, and regulation of factories and workshops.

9. Explain the election procedure for Panchayati Raj institutions as per the 73rd Amendment to Indian Constitution.

Answer: The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act introduced a three-tier system for Panchayati Raj institutions at the village, intermediate, and district levels. The members of these institutions are directly elected, except for the chairpersons at intermediate and district levels, which are elected indirectly. Reservations are provided for SC, ST, and women, ensuring that not less than one-third of the total seats are reserved for women.

The state legislature may authorize Panchayats to levy and collect taxes or assign taxes, duties, tolls collected by the State Government, with Panchayats also receiving grants-in-aid from the State’s Consolidated Fund. A Finance Commission, constituted by the Governor, reviews the financial position of Panchayats and recommends fund distribution.

The 73rd Amendment granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions, ensuring uniformity and financial autonomy, and made provisions for the regularity of Panchayat elections.

The election process is overseen by a State Election Commission, which is responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and operates autonomously.

10. Describe the main features of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act.

Answer: The following are the main features of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act:

• There shall be a Gaon Sabha comprising of persons registered in electoral rolls.
• There shall be a three-tier system consisting of village, intermediate, and district levels.
• The members of Panchayati Raj institutions shall be directly elected. However, the election in respect of the post of chairpersons at intermediate and district levels shall be indirect.
• There shall be reservations for S.C. and Schedule Tribes in proportion to their population at each level. Not less than one-third of the total number of seats shall be reserved for women.
• The state legislature may by law authorise Panchayats to levy and collect taxes or assign such taxes, duties, tolls collected by the State Government. The Panchayats shall receive grant-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
• A Finance Commission shall be constituted by the Governor to review the financial position of the Panchayats and recommend the distribution of funds between the State and the Panchayats.
• The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act has granted the Panchayati Raj institutions a constitutional status.
• It has brought about uniformity in the Panchayati Raj System by making the three-tier system a permanent feature.
• The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act has given financial autonomy to the Panchayats.
• It has made provisions for the regularity of Panchayat elections.

Short Answer Type I

1. Mention any five characteristics of local self-government.

Answer:

• Corporate Body: A local self-governing institution is a legal body created under law with a separate identity and seal.
• Governmental Character: They are organised on principles like the Central and State Governments and have statutory bodies elected by the people.
• Autonomous: They are autonomous bodies with certain powers and functions, free from government interference under normal circumstances.
• Non-Sovereign: They have autonomy but are subordinate to Central or State Governments.
• Local Territory: Their activities are confined to their administrative areas only, determined by the Government.

2. Write any five advantages of local self-government.

Answer:

• Enhances local and national life, rendering enormous services to the community.
• Spreads education by establishing and maintaining educational institutions.
• Develops urban life and provides basic amenities.
• Acts as the cradle for democracy, teaching democratic ideals.
• Provides training in good citizenship and develops responsibility and co-operation.

3. Point out any five problems of local institutions.

Answer:

• Inadequate resources despite enhanced responsibilities.
• Corruption and misuse of public money.
• Political interference hinders their success.
• Inability to elect the right type of people, leading to domination by individuals of doubtful integrity.
• Local people feel let down due to the ineffectiveness of local bodies.

4. Write short note on the Local Self-Government in Assam.

Answer: Local governments were encouraged after the 73rd and 74th Constitution Amendment Acts. Before this, the Community Development Programme in 1952 aimed to promote local development. The three-tier Panchayati Raj system was recommended for rural areas. Art. 40 of the Constitution mandates the State to organise Village Panchayats with necessary powers. Rajasthan was the first state to provide for Panchayati Raj on 2 October 1959.

5. Write short note on Importance of Local Self-Government.

Answer: Local self-governing institutions are important for efficient and economic administration. They play a role in enhancing local and national life, spreading education, developing urban life, laying the foundation of democracy, and training good citizens.

6. Mention five functions of Municipal Board of Assam.

Answer:

• Looks after health and sanitation, establishes hospitals, and controls contagious diseases.
• Provides public drains and maintains public conservancy services.
• Maintains and improves roads, bridges, and culverts.
• Supplies drinking water by maintaining ponds, tanks, and channels.
• Looks after children’s education, establishes and maintains schools, and provides grants.

7. Write five functions of a Gaon Panchayat under the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994.

Answer:

• Mobilises voluntary labour and contributions for community welfare programmes.
• Identifies beneficiaries for village development schemes.
• Assists in implementing development schemes and services in villages.
• Considers development programme reports of the Gaon Panchayat.
• Promotes unity and harmony among all people.

8. Mention briefly the structure of Panchayati Raj Institutions in accordance with 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

Answer:

• A Gaon Sabha comprising persons registered in electoral rolls.
• A three-tier system at village, intermediate, and district levels.
• Direct election of members, with indirect elections for intermediate and district chairpersons.
• Reservation of seats for S.C., S.T., and women.
• State legislature authorises Panchayats to levy and collect taxes, with grants from the Consolidated Fund.

9. What do you mean by ‘decentralization of power’?

Answer: Decentralisation of power means the transfer of authority from central to local government. It allows local bodies to take decisions and govern themselves. This process is aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness to local needs and problems, as the local authorities have better knowledge of the issues faced by their communities.

Short Answer Type II

1. Write any five functions of the G.M.C.

Answer: The five functions of the G.M.C. are:

• Public health, safety and convenience, water supply, lighting, drainage and sewage disposal.
• Regulation of public bathing and washing.
• Conservancy.
• Regulation of factories and trades.
• Prevention of dangerous diseases.

2. Write any five powers of the Municipal Board.

Answer: The five powers of the Municipal Board are:

• A Municipal Board can frame regulations and bye-laws.
• It makes regulations for its establishment.
• The Board may float loans from time to time for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of the Act.
• A house may be constructed or altered only with the permission of the Municipal Board.
• A Municipal Board issues permission for opening shops, factories, etc.

3. State five compulsory functions of Guwahati Municipal Corporation.

Answer: The five compulsory functions of Guwahati Municipal Corporation are:

• Public health, safety and convenience, water supply, lighting, drainage, and sewage disposal.
• Regulation of public bathing and washing.
• Conservancy.
• Regulation of factories and trades.
• Prevention of dangerous diseases.

4. Write three features of the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994.

Answer: The three features of the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994 are:

• The Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 has been passed under the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act.
• This Act has abolished Mahkuma Parishad and replaced it with the Zilla Parishad in each district of Assam.
• The term of office of the Panchayats has been extended from 4 years to 5 years.

5. Write three functions of the Municipal Board of Assam.

Answer: The three functions of the Municipal Board of Assam are:

• It may establish hospitals, dispensaries, medical clinics, etc., for the treatment of the sick.
• It constructs, repairs, maintains, and improves the roads, bridges, or culverts within the Municipal area for the convenience of the residents.
• It establishes and maintains schools up to the high school standard.

6. Mention three sources of income of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation.

Answer: The three sources of income of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation are:

• Taxes imposed by the Corporation.
• Fees and penalties paid and fines imposed.
• Rents from land or other properties of the Corporation.

7. Write three powers for the Guwahati Municipal Corporation.

Answer: The three powers for the Guwahati Municipal Corporation are:

• The Corporation has the power to make its own rules and regulations within the limits of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation Act of 1969.
• It can levy and collect taxes.
• The Corporation has the power to elect its Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and members of the Standing Committees.

8. Name the three tiers of the Panchayat system in Assam according to the Act of 1994.

Answer: The three tiers of the Panchayat system in Assam according to the Act of 1994 are:

• Gaon Panchayat at the village level.
• Anchalik Panchayat at the Block level.
• Zilla Parishad at the District level.

9. Write two main functions of a Gaon Panchayat under the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994.

Answer: The two main functions of a Gaon Panchayat under the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994 are:

• Mobilising voluntary labour and contribution in kind and cash for the community welfare programmes.
• Identification of the beneficiaries for the implementation of development schemes pertaining to the villages.

Short Answer Type III

1. Write two functions of Guwahati Municipal Corporation.

Answer: The two functions of Guwahati Municipal Corporation are:

• Public health, safety and convenience, water supply, lighting, drainage and sewage disposal.
• Regulation of public bathing and washing.

2. Mention any two powers of the Municipal Board.

Answer: The two powers of the Municipal Board are:

• A Municipal Board can frame regulations and bye-laws. It can also make subsidiary rules for transacting its business. No rule or bye-law can be framed by it which goes against the Municipal Act of 1956.
• The Board may float loans from time to time for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of the Act. It has also power of forming a Sinking Fund.

3. What is the minimum and maximum number of members of a Municipal Board?

Answer: The minimum and maximum number of members of a Municipal Board are 10 and 30, respectively.

4. Name two Town Committees of Assam.

Answer: The two Town Committees of Assam are:

• Hamren Town Committee
• Gossaigaon Town Committee

5. What is the tenure of Guwahati Municipal Corporation? What is its maximum membership?

Answer: The tenure of Guwahati Municipal Corporation is 5 years. Its maximum membership is 60 members.

6. Mention two characteristics of the Assam Panchayat Act of 1994.

Answer: The two characteristics of the Assam Panchayat Act of 1994 are:

• The Assam Panchayati Raj Act of 1994 has been passed under the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act. Thus, the Panchayats under this Act enjoy constitutional status.
• The Act has made provision for reservation of ½ seats in the Panchayats for women.

Objective Type

Answer the following

1. What is local self-government?

Answer: Local self-government is the government of a specified locality by the local people through the representatives elected by them.

2. When was the Municipality Act passed?

Answer: The Assam Municipal Act, 1956 received the assent of the Governor on the 12th September, 1957.

3. What is the term of office of the Mayor?

Answer: The term of office of the Mayor is one year.

4. Is a Local Self Government a part of the State Government?

Answer: Local bodies are subordinate to the Central or State Governments. The Government has control over them. They cannot do whatever they like.

5. Who is called as the pioneer of local government in India?

Answer: Lord Ripon is regarded as the father of modern Indian local self-government.

6. In which year community Development Programme was started?

Answer: The Community Development Programme was started in 1952.

7. Choose the correct answers which of the following is not an Institution of Rural Local Government?

(a) Panchayats (b) Zila Parishad (c) Municipal Corporation (d) Gram Sabha

Answer: (c) Municipal Corporation

8. Write a short note on the composition of Gram Sabha.

Answer: The Gaon Sabha shall consist of persons registered in electoral rolls relating to a village or a group of villages comprised within the area of the Gaon Panchayat.

9. What do you know about Zila Parishad?

Answer: There shall be a Zilla Parishad in every district having jurisdiction over the entire district excluding such portions of the district as are included in a Municipality or a Municipal Corporation or under the authority of the Town Committee or Sanitary Board or under Cantonment area.

10. Mention two functions of Zila Parishad.

Answer: The Zilla Parishad has the following functions:

• Agriculture, irrigation, ground water resources and watershed development.
• Horticulture, statistics, rural electrification, soil conservation, marketing etc.

11. Write two functions of Gram Sabha.

Answer: The Gaon Sabha shall perform the following functions:

(a) mobilising voluntary labour and contribution in kind and cash for the community welfare programmes.
(b) identification of the beneficiaries for the implementation of development schemes pertaining to the villages; and

12. What do you know about ‘State Election Commissioner’?

Answer: The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for and the conduct of all elections to the panchayats all are vested in a State Election Commission consisting of a State Election Commissioner to be appointed by the Governor.

13. Write the tenure of Panchayat.

Answer: The term of office of the Panchayats has been extended from 4 years to 5 years.

14. What role is played by the local bodies in a democracy?

Answer: Local bodies are the most important organisations in a democracy. They not only promote a sense of Co-operation among the people to solve their own common problems but also train them in higher democratic values.

15. What are the subjects included in the Eleventh Schedule?

Answer: The ‘Eleventh Schedule’ of the Constitution was added and it enumerated 29 subjects which were to be within the jurisdiction of Panchayats.

16. Which is the first state in India to implement Panchayati Raj?

Answer: On 2nd October, 1959, Rajasthan came to be the first state of the Union to provide for Panchayati Raj.

17. What percentage of seats are reserved for women by 73rd Amendment Act?

Answer: Not less than one-third of total member of seats shall be reserved for women.

Write ‘yes’ or ‘no’:

1. Local self-government is a little government.

Answer: Yes

2 A local body is supreme in power.

Answer: No

3. Functions of local bodies are non-political in character.

Answer: No

4. Local bodies are of great importance in a democracy.

Answer: Yes

5. Members of local bodies are part-time workers.

Answer: Yes

6. Local institutions constitute the strength of dictatorship.

Answer: No

E. Fill in the blanks:

1. A municipal board is a_______self-governing institution.

Answer: local

2. Local institutions constitute the strength of free_______

Answer: nations

3. Local self-governing institutions are called the cradles for_______

Answer: democracy

4. _______was a strong supporter of partyless local bodies.

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi

5. There is a_______tendency in local self-government also.

Answer: centralising

6. _______have autonomy.

Answer: Local bodies

Textual Questions

1. Constitution of India visualised village panchayats as units of self-government. Think over the situation described in the following statements and explain how do these situations strengthen or weaken the panchayats in becoming units of self-government.

Answer: (a) Government of a State has allowed a big company to establish a huge steel plant. Many villages would be adversely affected by the steel plant. Gram Sabha of one of the affected villages passed a resolution that before establishing any big industries in the region, village people must be consulted and their grievances should be redressed.

• This strengthens the panchayats as it demonstrates their proactive role in protecting local interests and asserting their right to be consulted on decisions that impact the community.

(b) The government has decided that 20% of all its expenditure would be done through the panchayats.

• This strengthens the panchayats by providing them with financial resources and authority, enabling them to undertake local development projects and address community needs more effectively.

(c) A village panchayat kept on demanding funds for a building for the village school, the government officials turned down their proposal saying that funds are allocated for certain other schemes and cannot be spent otherwise.

• This weakens the panchayats as it shows their lack of financial autonomy and the challenges they face in prioritizing local needs over predetermined government schemes.

(d) The government divided a village Dungarpur into two and made a part of village Jamuna and Sohana. Now village Dungarpur has ceased to exist in government’s books.

• This weakens the panchayats by undermining their existence and authority, disrupting their ability to function as units of self-government.

(e) A village panchayat observed that water sources of their region are depleting fast. They decided to mobilise village youth to do some voluntary work and revive the old village ponds and wells.

• This strengthens the panchayats by showing their initiative and capability to address and solve local environmental issues through community participation and self-reliance.

2. Suppose you are entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, what powers would you endow to the village panchayats to function as units of self-government? Mention any five powers and the justification in two lines for each of them for giving those powers.

Answer:

• Power to manage local resources – Justification: Enables panchayats to use and conserve resources efficiently based on local needs.
• Power to levy taxes and fees – Justification: Ensures financial independence and sustainability for local development projects.
• Power to implement local development schemes – Justification: Empowers panchayats to directly address and manage community-specific issues and needs.
• Power to resolve minor disputes – Justification: Facilitates quick and contextually appropriate resolutions to local conflicts, maintaining harmony.
• Power to coordinate with higher government bodies – Justification: Ensures alignment and support for larger state and national initiatives while retaining local relevance.

3. What are the provisions for the reservations for the socially disadvantaged groups as per the 73rd amendment? Explain how these provisions have changed the profile of the leadership at the village level.

Answer: The 73rd amendment provides reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population in each panchayat. Additionally, not less than one-third of the seats are reserved for women. These provisions have increased the representation of socially disadvantaged groups and women in village leadership roles, leading to more inclusive and diverse decision-making processes.

4. What were the main differences between the local governments before the 73rd amendment and after that amendment?

Answer: Before the 73rd amendment, local governments lacked constitutional status and uniformity. They were often dependent on state governments for their powers and functions. After the 73rd amendment, local governments gained constitutional status, ensuring their continuity and uniformity across the country. The amendment mandated regular elections, financial autonomy, and reservations for SCs, STs, and women, strengthening the local governance framework.

5. Read the following conversation. Write in two hundred words your opinion about the issues raised in this conversation.

Ramesh: Our Constitution guarantees equality between men and women. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share in power.
Deepali: But it is not enough that women should be in positions of power. It is necessary that the budget of local bodies should have a separate provision for women.
Rahim: I don’t like this reservations business. A local body must take care of all people in the village and that would automatically take care of women and their interests.

Answer: The issues raised in the conversation highlight different perspectives on gender equality and reservations in local bodies. Ramesh emphasizes the constitutional guarantee of equality and the importance of reservations to ensure women’s representation in power. Deepali argues that mere representation is insufficient and stresses the need for dedicated budget provisions to address women’s specific needs. Rahim, on the other hand, expresses a preference for a more holistic approach, suggesting that local bodies should inherently address the needs of all villagers, including women. While reservations are crucial for ensuring women’s participation in governance, it is equally important to allocate resources for their development and address their unique challenges. This comprehensive approach can lead to more effective and inclusive local governance.

6. Read the provisions of the 73rd Amendment. Which of the following concerns does this amendment address?

(a) Fear of replacement makes representatives accountable to the people.
(b) The dominant castes and feudal landlords dominate the local bodies.
(c) Rural illiteracy is very high, literate people cannot take decisions about the development of the village.
(d) To be effective, the village panchayats need resources and powers to make plans for the village development.

Answer: (d) To be effective, the village panchayats need resources and powers to make plans for the village development.

7. The following are different justifications given in favour of local government. Give them ranking and explain why you attach greater significance to a particular rationale than the others. According to you, on which of these rationales the decision of the Gram panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based? How?

(a) Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community.
(b) The development plans made by the local people will have greater acceptability than those made by government officers.
(c) People know their area, needs, problems, and priorities. By collective participation, they should discuss and take decisions about their life.
(d) It is difficult for the common people to contact their representatives of the State or the national legislature.

Answer: Ranking:

(c) People know their area, needs, problems, and priorities. By collective participation, they should discuss and take decisions about their life.
(b) The development plans made by the local people will have greater acceptability than those made by government officers.
(a) Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community.
(d) It is difficult for the common people to contact their representatives of the State or the national legislature.

The decision of the Gram panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based on rationale (c) because the people collectively participated in the decision-making process about their life, reflecting their understanding of local needs and priorities.

8. Which of the following according to you involve decentralisation? Why are other options not sufficient for decentralisation?

(a) To hold the election of the Gram Panchayat.
(b) Decision by the villagers themselves about what policies and programmes are useful for the village.
(c) Power to call the meeting of Gram Sabha.
(d) A Gram Panchayat receiving the report from the Block Development Officer about the progress of a project started by the state government.

Answer: (b) Decision by the villagers themselves about what policies and programmes are useful for the village.

Other options are not sufficient for decentralisation because:

(a) Holding elections is a procedural aspect and does not ensure decision-making power to the villagers.
(c) Calling meetings is an administrative function and does not guarantee local decision-making authority.
(d) Receiving reports from higher officials does not equate to local self-governance or autonomous decision-making.

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