NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas

THE BIG QUESTIONS?

1. What are Panchayati Raj institutions?

Ans: Panchayati Raj institutions are local self-governments in rural areas of India. They are part of the decentralised governance system, consisting of elected representatives at the village, block, and district levels. The key institutions are the Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).

2. What are their functions?

Ans: Panchayati Raj institutions are responsible for:

• Maintaining public infrastructure (roads, water supply, schools).

• Implementing government schemes related to rural development.

• Resolving local disputes.

• Promoting healthcare, education, and agriculture in rural areas.

• Ensuring community participation in governance.

Why are they important in governance and democracy?

Ans: Panchayati Raj institutions are crucial as they promote grassroots democracy by involving local people in decision-making. They ensure governance is more accessible and responsive to local needs, and encourage active participation in community development. This system also helps in distributing power and improving accountability at the local level.

THINK ABOUT IT 

1. How do you think these old maps can be helpful for us? Can they tell us something about the past and the present?
Ans: Old maps can be very helpful in several ways:

• Understanding the Past: Old maps provide valuable insights into historical geography, showing how areas, cities, and countries looked in the past. They help us learn about ancient trade routes, boundaries, and the spread of civilizations.

• Tracking Changes Over Time: By comparing old maps with modern ones, we can see how the landscape, borders, and infrastructure have changed. This helps in understanding urbanisation, deforestation, or shifts in political boundaries.

• Cultural and Social History: Old maps often depict local traditions, economic activities, and population distribution, giving us an idea of how people lived in different periods.

• Present-Day Use: Old maps can help in identifying ancient roads, ruins, or natural features that no longer exist but are important for archaeologists and historians.

LET’S EXPLORE 

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?

Ans: In the Bal Panchayat class activity, where a group of students act as a Bal Panchayat and the rest as villagers, the Gram Sabha (village assembly) could discuss several important issues and face various challenges. Here’s how it could unfold:

Issues the Gram Sabha could discuss:

1. Water Supply: Ensuring regular and clean water supply to the village.

2. Waste Management: Addressing the problem of garbage disposal and cleanliness.

3. Education: Discuss ways to improve school infrastructure and increase enrollment.

4. Healthcare: Ensuring access to basic healthcare facilities, vaccinations, and sanitation.

5. Roads and Transportation: Repairing village roads and improving transportation facilities.

6. Agriculture: Helping farmers with better irrigation, seeds, and support for sustainable farming.

7. Electricity Supply: Addressing issues related to power cuts and improving electricity supply.

Challenges the Gram Sabha could encounter:

1. Limited Resources: Lack of sufficient funds to address all issues effectively.

2. Conflict of Interests: Villagers may have different opinions on priorities, leading to disagreements.

3. Lack of Awareness: Some villagers may not fully understand the importance of certain issues like education or healthcare.

4. Inefficient Management: Difficulty in coordinating efforts and ensuring the proper execution of decisions.

Solutions the Gram Sabha could propose:

1. Prioritising Issues: Addressing the most urgent problems like water supply and sanitation first.

2. Community Participation: Encouraging villagers to contribute time and effort to community projects, such as cleaning drives or road repairs.

3. Government Schemes: Applying for government schemes and grants to gain financial support for village development.

4. Awareness Programs: Organising awareness campaigns on health, education, and hygiene to involve more villagers.

5. Village Committees: Forming small groups within the village to monitor and oversee different areas, such as education or health, ensuring efficient management.

THINK ABOUT IT 

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?

Ans: The government needs to pay more attention to the needs and problems of disadvantaged sections of society for several reasons:

1. Equal Opportunities: Disadvantaged groups often lack access to basic services like education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. By focusing on their needs, the government can help bridge these gaps and promote equality.

2. Social Justice: Governments have a responsibility to ensure fairness and justice for all citizens. Paying attention to the disadvantaged helps in correcting historical inequalities and ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive.

3. Reducing Poverty: By addressing the issues faced by marginalised groups, such as low-income communities, the government can help reduce poverty and improve their standard of living.

4. Inclusive Development: A society can only progress when all its citizens can contribute. Supporting disadvantaged sections promotes inclusive development, ensuring that the entire society grows together.

5. Reducing Social Unrest: Neglecting the needs of disadvantaged groups can lead to frustration and social unrest. Addressing their concerns helps in maintaining social harmony and stability.

LET’S EXPLORE 

1. What similarities and differences do you notice between the governance system at the Central level and the Panchayat level? (Hint: refer back to Chapter 11 if required.) 

Ans: Similarities:

1. Democratic Representation:

• Both the Central Government and Panchayat systems involve elected representatives. At the central level, Members of Parliament are elected, while at the Panchayat level, Gram Panchayat members are elected by villagers.

2. Decision-Making Powers:

• Both levels have the power to make decisions on behalf of the people they represent, such as making laws or passing resolutions to improve their respective areas.

3. Accountability:

• Both systems are accountable to the people. Citizens have the right to question their elected representatives and hold them responsible for their actions.

Differences:

1. Scope of Governance:

• The Central Government handles national and international affairs like defence, foreign policy, and national-level economic planning, while Panchayats focus on local issues like water supply, sanitation, and village development.

2. Size of Constituency:

• Central-level representatives govern large areas, such as states or the whole country, while Panchayat members are responsible for much smaller, local areas, such as villages.

3. Types of Issues Handled:

• The Central Government deals with broader issues like national security and large-scale economic policies, while Panchayats manage local infrastructure, agricultural support, and public services at the village level.

2. If you get an opportunity to meet a few Panchayat members, what questions would you like to ask them? Discuss in small groups how 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. 

Ans: Questionnaire for Panchayat Members:

1. How often does the Gram Panchayat meet to discuss village issues?

2. What are the most common problems that the Panchayat deals with?

3. How does the Panchayat ensure that the voices of all villagers, including women and marginalised communities, are heard?

4. What are the main challenges the Panchayat faces in implementing development projects?

5. How does the Panchayat allocate funds for different projects?

6. Can you explain how the Panchayat works with the State and Central Government to implement government schemes?

7. What steps are taken by the Panchayat to ensure proper education and healthcare in the village?

Report on Meeting with Panchayat Members

On 16/09/2024, we had the opportunity to meet members of the Gram Panchayat of XYZ Village. We conducted an interactive session where we asked questions based on the questionnaire prepared by our class.

The Panchayat members explained that they meet once every month to discuss village issues, and their primary focus is on improving water supply, sanitation, and education. They shared that one of the biggest challenges they face is the lack of sufficient funds to complete all planned projects. However, they are working closely with the State Government to implement government schemes that bring financial assistance to the village.

Villagers play a key role in the decision-making process, especially through the Gram Sabha meetings, where everyone has the opportunity to voice their concerns. The Panchayat members emphasised the importance of community involvement and encouraged the youth to participate in the governance of the village.

Overall, the session was insightful, and we learned a lot about how the Panchayat works and how local governance impacts daily life in the village.

Questions, activities, and projects 

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? 

Ans: The three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system:

• Gram Panchayat (Village Level): The lowest tier, responsible for handling local issues like sanitation, water supply, and minor infrastructure projects.

• Panchayat Samiti (Block Level): The middle tier that coordinates between the Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad. It looks after development projects that affect multiple villages within a block, such as health centres and road construction.

• Zila Parishad (District Level): The top tier that plans and oversees large-scale development projects for the entire district, such as healthcare, education, and district-wide infrastructure.

2. Write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the village. 

Ans: 

Mary
XYZ House
ABC Village

To,
The Sarpanch,
ABC Village,

Subject: Request to address the issue of plastic bags on the roadside

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to bring to your notice a growing problem in our village—plastic bags littering the roadside. These bags not only create an unsightly view but also pose serious environmental hazards. They are harmful to animals and contribute to pollution in our surroundings.

I kindly request that the Gram Panchayat take action to clean the area and implement measures to prevent further littering. Additionally, raising awareness among the villagers about the harmful effects of plastic and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives could help address this issue in the long term.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope you will take prompt action to ensure the cleanliness and safety of our village.

Yours sincerely,
Mary

3. In your view, what type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member? 

Ans: 

• A Gram Panchayat member should be honest and committed to improving the village.

• They should have good communication skills to listen to the concerns of the villagers and represent their needs effectively.

• They should be knowledgeable about government schemes and rural development programs to help the village grow.

• A Gram Panchayat member should be fair and impartial, ensuring the well-being of all villagers regardless of caste, gender, or economic status.

• They should be dedicated to public service and ready to work for the betterment of the community.

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?

Ans: 

Possible solutions:

• Construct a pedestrian bridge or underground pass to allow students to cross the highway safely.

• Install traffic signals or speed breakers near the school to slow down vehicles and create a safer crossing.

• Request for crossing guards or a zebra crossing specifically for students.

Institutions in the Panchayati Raj that can help:

• Gram Panchayat: Can address the issue by discussing it in Gram Sabha meetings and passing resolutions to seek help from higher authorities.

• Panchayat Samiti: Can coordinate between multiple villages and request assistance for highway safety measures from district authorities.

• Zila Parishad: Can plan and execute large-scale infrastructure projects like building a bridge or pedestrian crossing.

What can the students do?

• Students can raise awareness about the issue by discussing it in class or organising a campaign.

• They can write letters to the Panchayat and other government authorities to express their concerns.

• Students can participate in meetings or protests to bring attention to the matter and urge the authorities to take action.

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas

• NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11 explains the structure and role of Panchayati Raj institutions, helping students understand how rural governance functions.

• The solutions provide easy-to-understand explanations, making complex topics like local government and democracy simpler for students.

• Detailed answers to textbook questions help students prepare effectively for exams, ensuring they cover all key points in the chapter.

• The solutions encourage students to think about the importance of local governance and how it impacts rural communities.

• NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11 follows the latest syllabus guidelines, ensuring that students are well-prepared according to CBSE standards.

Important Study Material Links for Social Science Chapter 11 Class 6 

Conclusion

The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas provides a clear understanding of how the Panchayati Raj system works in rural areas. These solutions help students easily grasp the importance of local governance and its role in community development. With well-explained answers, students can confidently prepare for exams and develop a deeper knowledge of democracy at the grassroots level. These solutions are aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus, ensuring thorough exam preparation and better learning outcomes.

Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science

Related Important Links for Class 6 Social Science 

Along with this, students can also download additional study materials provided by Vedantu for Social Science Class 6-