Welcome students to an interesting analysis of Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11 “Grassroots Democracy – Part 2” Local Government in Rural Areas.”
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Find Solutions for NCERT Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 “Local Government in Rural Areas,” here.
Text Book Page no 164
The Big Questions
1. What are Panchayati Raj institutions?
Answer:
Panchayati Raj institutions are a system of local self-government in rural areas of India. They have a three-tiered structure consisting of:
The Gram Panchayat at the village level
The Panchayat Samiti at the block level
The Zila Parishad at the district level.
These institutions bring governance closer to the people, making it possible for the villagers to actively engage in the process of making decisions about local issues which concern them. That is why the Panchayati system, also called Panchayati Raj, is a form of self-government. Panchayats play a crucial role in dealing with local issues, furthering development and making sure that the benefits of government schemes percolate to the grassroot level.
2. What are their functions?
Answer:
The functions of Panchayati Raj institutions together encompass almost all aspects of life in the district as discussed below:
Gram Panchayat:
It addresses all local issues from agriculture, upkeep of roads, managing water resources, education, healthcare, sanitation, social welfare and cultural activities.
The Gram Panchayat is also entrusted with promoting rural development through implementation of government schemes.
It is responsible for settling disputes at the village level and advocating for the needs of the community at higher levels of government.
It promotes rural development through government schemes and implements welfare programs.
It also ensures local participation in governance.
The Panchayat Samity at the Block Level:
The Panchayat Samitis at the block level are the link between the Gram Panchayats and the Zila Parishads at the district level.
The Zila Parishad at the district level:
At the district level, the Zila Parishad plays a key role in rural development as it supervises the activities of the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis within the district.
It advises the state government on issues relating to the needs of the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.
It examines and approves the budgets for the Panchayat samitis and distributes funds from the states to the blocks.
It is responsible for settling disputes between panchayats and panchayat Samitis.
3. Why are they important in governance and democracy?
Panchayati Raj institutions are important because:
- The government is brought closer to the people by allowing decisions to be made at the village level.
- They promote democracy by making sure everyone can take part in running their village and solving local problems.
- They encourage the development of villages by involving villagers in the management of local affairs or promoting self-governance.
- They ensure that government schemes like building roads reach rural areas and benefit the people living there.
Text Book Page no 167
THINK ABOUT IT
How do you think can these old maps be helpful for us? Can they tell us something about the past and the present?
Answer:
Old maps kept by the Patwari can be very useful because they shed light on how land was used in the past. These maps are helpful in many ways:
They can help resolve land disputes by showing accurately who owned the disputed land in the past. They teach us about history by showing what the area looked like in the past, for example where people lived or what they farmed.
By comparing old and new maps, we can see how villages, farms, and roads have changed. These maps connect the past and present, helping us understand how things have changed and help us make better choices today.
Text Book Page no 169
LET’S EXPLORE
As a class activity, let four or five students form a Bal Panchayat and the rest of the class imagine that they are the villagers. What issues will the Gram Sabha discuss? What challenges could it encounter? What solutions will it propose?
Answer:
This activity has to be done in class, we have provided a sample of how to conduct a Bal Panchayat.
Class Activity: Bal Panchayat Role-Play on Drinking Water Issue
Objective: To help students understand how a Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha work by discussing the problem of drinking water in a village.
1. Formation of the Bal Panchayat
Select four or five students to form the Bal Panchayat, who will act as the village leaders.
The rest of the class will be the villagers attending the Gram Sabha (village meeting).
2. Select the Problem to be solved
Issue: The villagers are facing an acute drinking water crisis because the village well has dried up, and no other clean water source is nearby.
3. Hold a discussion about the challenges
A discussion follows on the challenges faced by the villagers because of the water shortage:
Villager 1: We are facing a lot of hardship since our well dried up because women have to walk long distances to get water from neighbouring villages.
Villager 2: There they have to wait their turn and fill their vessels only after the residents of that village have drawn their share of water. It is time consuming and tiring too.
Villager 3: The water from the canal running about a kilometre away from the village is contaminated and causes health problems like stomach aches and diarrhoea.
Villager 4: The water shortage is forcing children to miss school and help to fetch water in the morning.
4. Propose Solutions (let the Bal Panchayat village leaders propose solutions to the water problem):
Panchayat Pradhan: We are aware of the water shortage and have decided to seek the government’s help to dig a new deep tube well in the village.
Panchayat member: We can also build a water tank that can store clean water for the entire village.
Panchayat member: An NGO has offered to teach us rain water harvesting techniques which they feel will solve our problem.
Panchayat Pradhan: That is a good idea. It is a good long-term measure which we will adopt.
Panchayat member 2: We could apply for a government scheme for getting a water pipeline to bring clean water to the village.
Panchayat Pradhan: Yes, that is also a good long-term solution. But for now, to get immediate relief, we think the most practical thing would be to get immediate permission to dig a deep tubewell as the ground water level has gone down. Do you agree?
Several Villagers together: Yes, we have to solve the water crisis as soon as possible.
Villager: We must ensure that the nearby canal water is not contaminated. The garment dyeing factory which was set up last year has been discharging its effluents in the canal illegally. We must ensure that they stop the practice immediately.
Panchayat Pradhan: Yes, we will meet the owner of the dyeing factory and ask him to stop discharging effluents in the canal.
Villager: But we must start the process of rain water harvesting to meet our future needs also. We cannot think only of the present, we must plan for our future needs too.
Panchayat Pradhan: Yes, we will contact the NGO for guidance and learn how to harvest and store rain water also. In the meantime, all are requested to use water wisely and not waste any water. We should think of ways to recycle water.
5. Conclusion
The Bal Panchayat agree to seek help from the government for piped water supply to the village and in the meantime, they plan to install a deep tube well as soon as possible so that the acute water crisis is resolved as soon as possible. They also decided to ask the garment dyeing factory owner to stop discharging untreated effluents which are responsible for the toxicity of the canal water. Villagers agree to make efforts to use water judiciously.
This activity helps students understand how local leaders and villagers work together to tackle pressing problems like scarcity of drinking water.
Text Book Page no 170
THINK ABOUT IT
1. 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?
Answer:
It is important for the government to focus on the needs and problems of disadvantaged sections of society because:
- Everyone should enjoy equal opportunities, but disadvantaged sections of society are poor, lack access to education and have only limited access to healthcare. By addressing their needs, the government can help create a more equitable society.
- By supporting those who are disadvantaged, the government can ensure that they have access to basic necessities like clean water, shelter, education, and jobs.
- When the government pays attention to the problems of the disadvantaged, it helps reduce poverty and uplifts their financial situation.
- The society grows stronger and more peaceful when all its members are cared for. By helping disadvantaged sections, the government promotes unity and ensures that no one is left behind.
- With government support the disadvantaged people can contribute meaningfully to society and benefit everyone.
2. What similarities and differences do you notice between the governance system at the Central level and at the Panchayat level? (Hint: refer back to Chapter 10 if required.) (Page 170)
Answer:
The governance system at the Central level and the Panchayat level are similar in some ways, but also there are important differences:
Similarities:
Both the Central government and the Panchayats are part of India’s democratic system and are elected every five years. They consist of elected representatives chosen by the people.
At both levels, elected leaders like Members of Parliament at the Central level and Panchayat members at the local level are responsible for making decisions and solving problems for the people they represent.
The focus of both levels is on governance and development, addressing the problems and needs of the people through meticulous planning, budgeting, and implementing various schemes.
Differences:
The Central government is responsible for issues that affect the entire country, like defence, foreign affairs, and national laws. In contrast, Panchayats deal solely with local matters such as water supply, roads, education, primary and basic healthcare and village development.
The Central government governs the whole country, while Panchayats govern a much smaller area like a village or a group of villages.
The Central government has access to larger funds and resources compared to the Panchayats, which operate with limited resources for local development.
Democracy in the Panchayati Raj system works both through direct participation of people and through their elected representatives whereas at the Central level there is no scope for direct participation of people.
Thus, we see that that while both levels are essential in governance, they operate at different scales and with different responsibilities.
3. If you get an opportunity to meet a few Panchayat members, what questions would you like to ask them? Discuss in small groups 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. (Page 170)
Answer:
This is a group activity which you must undertake with other students, but we are providing a sample questionnaire as a guide.
- What are the main responsibilities of a member of the Panchayat?
- How do you help in solving problems faced by the villagers?
- What steps has the Panchayat taken to build the roads, increase water supply, and improve other basic facilities in the village?
- Can you describe some recent development projects or schemes in your village?
- What are the biggest challenges you encounter while working in the Panchayat?
- How do you resolve disagreements within the Gram Sabha or among villagers?
- How do you encourage villagers, especially women and disadvantaged groups, to participate in decision-making?
- Do you think the villagers are pleased with the work of the Panchayat? Why or why not?
- What steps is the Panchayat taking to improve education and healthcare services in the village?
- Has the Panchayat introduced any special measures for the welfare of children or senior citizens?
- What is the role of women in the Panchayat?
Report:
After the interaction, students can write a short report based on their experience. Here’s an example format:
Report on Our Meeting with Gram Panchayat Members
On 10.09.2024 our class met with the members of the Bara Mungwa Gram Panchayat. We questioned them about their responsibilities, local development, and the challenges they face.
The Panchayat members discussed how they work on laying new roads and improving existing roads, providing clean drinking water, and maintaining health and education facilities. They also explained the challenges they encounter, such as dearth of funds and difficulty in coordinating with all villagers and the Panchayat Samiti at the block level. Despite the difficulties encountered, they stressed the need for community involvement in making decisions.
It was a very interesting session, and we learned how the Panchayat plays an important role in improving the lives of villagers.
Questions, Activities and Projects (Page 171)
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?
Answer:
The three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system are as follows:
1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)
3. Zila Parishad (District Level)
The key functions of the three tiers are as follows:
1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level):
Resolves local problems such as drinking water, sanitation, education, and village roads.
Holds meetings of the Gram Sabha to discuss important issues relating to the village.
Implements government schemes at the village level.
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)
The Panchayat Samitis at the block level are the link between the Gram Panchayats and the Zila Parishads at the district level.
They coordinate matters across Gram Panchayats, for instance, by collecting development plans from all Gram Panchayats within the block and putting them together to present them at the District or State levels respectively.
Oversees education, health, and infrastructure projects for the block.
Distributes funds and helps in implementing government programs across villages.
3. Zila Parishad (District Level):
Responsible for development plans for the entire district.
Allocates funds for large-scale projects like roads, hospitals, and schools.
Supervises the work of Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats in the district.
It assesses and approves the budgets for the Panchayat samitis and distributes funds from the states to the blocks.
2. Write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the village.
Answer:
A sample letter to the Sarpanch regarding the Issue of plastic bags on the roadside in the village:
Rani Kumari
PO & Village Bara Mungwa
Dist. Darjeeling
West Bengal
Pin 734312
12/10/2024
To,
The Sarpanch,
Bara Mungwa Village
PO & Village Bara Mungwa
Dist. Darjeeling
West Bengal
Pin 734132
Subject: Request for Action to Tackle Plastic Waste Problem
Dear Sarpanch Ji,
I am writing to voice my concern about the increasing number of plastic bags littering the roadsides in our village. Not only do they present an ugly sight spoiling the beauty of our surroundings, but they also pose a serious environmental threat, as plastic does not decompose easily. They can cause harm to animals and affect the cleanliness of our community.
I would like to suggest a few practical solutions that may help solve this issue:
Ban or Limit the Use of Plastic Bags: The Gram Panchayat could consider imposing a ban on single-use plastic bags and encourage shopkeepers and residents to switch over to eco-friendly alternatives like paper bags, and cloth or jute bags.
Awareness Campaigns: A committee may be formed to organise awareness programs in the village to educate people about the toxic effects of plastic on the environment and health. Posters, village meetings, and school programs can all help spread the message widely.
Introduction of a Recycling Program: A system for collecting plastic waste, sorting and recycling it may be set up in collaboration with recycling companies. All villagers may be encouraged to separate their waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable items.
Village Clean-up Drives: Regular weekly clean-up campaigns may be organised where villagers, including school children can participate in clearing plastic waste from the village streets and most importantly the streams from which we draw our drinking water. These measures would not only clean the village but also foster a sense of community responsibility.
More Dustbins and Proper Disposal Facilities: Installing dustbins in key areas, such as the market, common areas, and along major roads, so that people have a place to dispose of their waste properly.
Tourists must be also sensitised and asked not to litter the roads and hillside by throwing plastic wrappers and empty packets of snacks.
I believe that under your active leadership, we can make our village cleaner, more beautiful and safer for everyone. Please inform me if I can be of any assistance in implementing the proposed measures.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Rani Kumari
3. In your view, what type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member?
Answer:
I think that a Gram Panchayat member should be someone who cares deeply about the well-being and development of the village and its people.
He should be honest, so that everyone can trust him to make fair decisions. A panchayat member needs to be responsible and work hard to solve local problems like water supply, roads, or education.
Patience and empathy are two qualities that a panchayat member must have because he needs to listen to the problems of the villagers and makes unbiased decisions that help everyone.
He should also focus on improving the village and making sure government schemes benefit the villagers. A good panchayat member should possess the ability to guide the community, and bring the village together to make it better.
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?
Answer:
If you study in a village school next to a highway, crossing the road can be extremely dangerous for students. To solve this problem, there are a few options:
(i) Prominent signboards can be placed near the school alerting drivers to slow down because children are crossing.
(ii) A marked pedestrian crossing or zebra crossing can be painted on the road so that cars stop to allow students to cross safely.
(iii) A traffic light can be set up near the school to control movement of cars and give the school children time for safe crossing.
(iv) Speed bumps can be built 100 metres from the school gate so that vehicles have to slow down before they cross the school.
(v) A footbridge can be constructed to enable students to cross safely above the road.
In the Panchayati Raj system, the Gram Panchayat Pradhan can raise this issue at the Block Samiti or Zilla Parishad meetings to seek funds for implementation of these road safety measures. The Block Samiti or Zilla Parishad can help by approving funds for road safety for students.
Students can form a group and speak at the Gram Sabha meeting seeking the above safety solutions. They can also make posters to highlight the dangers of crossing the highway where vehicles drive at high speed. They need to raise awareness about the importance of road safety for schoolchildren so that the villagers realise the urgency of taking precautionary measures for road safety.
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In Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 “Local Government in Rural Areas”, you will learn about the Panchayati Raj system, empowering villagers through Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad to address local needs and promote grassroots democracy.
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