Grassroots Democracy — Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas
Question 1. On your way to school, you and your friends notice that a water pipe is leaking. A lot of water is being wasted on account of the leak. What would you and your friends do in such a situation?
Answer: In such a situation, my friends and I would immediately report the water leak to the local urban body or ward committee responsible for our area. We could also inform the school authorities or an adult in our neighborhood who can take quick action. By reporting the problem promptly, we help prevent further wastage of precious water and ensure that the issue is addressed swiftly.
Question 2. Invite a member of an urban local body near you to your class. Discuss with them their role and responsibilities. Prepare a set of questions to ask them so that the meeting is fruitful.
Answer: When inviting a member of an urban local body to our class, we would prepare questions to understand their role and responsibilities better. Some of the questions we could ask include:
- What are the main duties of an urban local body in our area?
- How do you prioritize the needs and concerns of the citizens in your jurisdiction?
- Can you explain how decisions are made regarding urban development and infrastructure projects?
- How does the local body address issues like waste management, water supply, and road maintenance?
- What role do citizens play in supporting the work of the urban local body?
Question 3. Discuss with adult members of your family and neighbourhood, and make a list of their expectations from the urban local bodies.
Answer: After discussing with adult members of my family and neighborhood, some of their expectations from the urban local bodies include:
- Efficient garbage collection and disposal.
- Proper maintenance of roads and infrastructure.
- Regular water supply and proper drainage systems.
- Implementation of government schemes effectively.
- Ensuring cleanliness and sanitation in public areas.
- Quick response to public complaints and issues.
Question 4. Make a list of characteristics of a good urban local body.
Answer: Characteristics of a good urban local body include:
- Transparency in decision-making processes.
- Efficient management of resources and services.
- Active involvement of citizens in governance.
- Quick response to public grievances and issues.
- Accountability to the public for actions and expenditures.
- Effective implementation of urban development projects.
- Ensuring inclusivity and equal representation of all communities.
Question 5. What are the similarities and differences between the Panchayati Raj system in rural areas and the urban local bodies?
Answer: Similarities:
- Both systems involve elected representatives who manage local governance.
- They aim to decentralize power, bringing decision-making closer to the people.
- Both systems focus on addressing the specific needs of their respective areas (rural or urban).
Differences:
- Panchayati Raj operates in rural areas, while urban local bodies function in cities and towns.
- The structure of governance differs, with Panchayati Raj including Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads, whereas urban local bodies include Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.
- Urban local bodies deal with more complex issues related to urban infrastructure and services, while Panchayati Raj primarily focuses on rural development and agriculture.
The Big Questions (Page 173)
Question 1. What are urban local bodies and what are their functions?
Answer: Urban local bodies are decentralized governance structures in urban areas, responsible for managing and administering cities and towns. Their functions include maintaining infrastructure (such as roads, water supply, and drainage systems), managing waste collection and disposal, implementing government schemes, collecting local taxes, and addressing public grievances. They also play a role in planning the economic and social development of the area.
Question 2. Why are they important in governance and democracy?
Answer: Urban local bodies are important in governance and democracy because they bring decision-making closer to the people, allowing citizens to actively participate in managing their local areas. This decentralization ensures that local needs and issues are addressed more effectively. Urban local bodies also help in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, which are essential for the functioning of a participatory democracy.
Think About It (Page 178)
Question 1. Indore in Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the cleanest city in India under the Swachh Survekshan government scheme for seven years in a row. What could have been the role of Indore citizens in this achievement?
Answer: The citizens of Indore likely played a crucial role in achieving the cleanest city status by actively participating in cleanliness drives, following waste segregation guidelines, avoiding littering, and promptly reporting any issues like garbage accumulation or broken infrastructure to the authorities. Their cooperation with the municipal corporation in maintaining public spaces and adhering to cleanliness norms would have significantly contributed to this achievement.
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