Local Governments Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Politcial Science Chapter-8 Book-India Constitution at Work

 

1. What is local governance?

Answer: 

Local governance is the system of governance that works at the village and town level. It is closest to the common people and facilitates their day-to-day tasks, such as –

• Providing basic amenities in streets and localities.

• Providing first aid services.

• To arrange for street lights, roads and cleanliness.

• Establishment and maintenance of primary schools.

2. At how many levels does local governance work in India?

Answer: 

Local governance in India works at two levels –

At the village level (Panchayati Raj System)

• Gram Panchayat

Block/Taluka Panchayat (Khand Panchayat)

• District Panchayat

City-level governance (municipal system)

• Municipal council

• Municipality

• City Council

3. Why do we need local governance?

Answer: 

Local government is needed due to the following reasons –

• To strengthen democracy.

• To ensure political and economic participation.

• To facilitate access of common citizens to representatives.

• To make public welfare works more effective.

• To provide quick solutions to local problems.

4. How did the historical development of local government take place in India?

Answer:

• In ancient India, local government was functioning in the form of 'Sabha' and 'Samiti'.

• In 1882 Lord Ripon introduced organised local government for the first time.

• The village panchayats were further strengthened under the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935.

• Mahatma Gandhi advocated local self-government and decentralisation.

• The Community Development Programme started in 1952.

• It was given constitutional status by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992.

5. What were the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution?

Answer:

• 73rd Amendment (1992): It deals with gram panchayats and establishes a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.

• 74th Amendment (1992): It deals with municipalities and provides more powers to urban bodies.

• These amendments came into effect in 1993.

6. What are the features of the 73rd Amendment?

Answer:

1. Three-tier Panchayat System:

• Gram Panchayat (Village level)

• Block/Taluka Panchayat (Block Level)

• Zila Panchayat(District Level)

2. Election System: Elections at all the three levels of Panchayati Raj are held directly by the people.

3. Reservation:

• 1/3 seats reserved for women.

• Reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) on the basis of population.

• States have the right to provide reservation for OBCs also.

4. Transfer of subjects:

• 29 subjects were assigned to the Panchayats from the State List (like – agriculture, irrigation, education, health, electricity, road construction).

5. Special provisions for tribal areas:

• Gram Sabhas have been given more powers in tribal areas.

7. What are the features of the 74th Amendment?

Answer:

Establishment of Urban Local Governance:

• Municipal council

• Municipality

• City Council

Election Process:

• Like Panchayat elections, municipal body elections are also held every 5 years.

Financial Powers:

• Municipalities were given freedom to collect taxes and raise financial resources.

State Finance Commission:

• The State Government appoints a State Finance Commission every 5 years, which reviews the process of providing funds to local bodies.

Urban Planning and Development:

• Municipal bodies were entrusted with issues such as urban poverty alleviation, public transport, sanitation and environmental protection.

8. What is the role of the State Election Commissioner and State Finance Commission?

Answer:

State Election Commissioner:

• It is responsible for conducting elections to local bodies.

• It has been made autonomous (independent).

State Finance Commission:

• It reviews the financial position of the local bodies.

• It ensures distribution of resources between state and local governments.

9. What are the subjects of local governance?

Answer: 

The main subjects of local governance are –

• Drinking Water Supply

• Poverty alleviation and social welfare

• Road and traffic system

• Education and health services

• Rural Electrification

• Women and Child Development

• Public Distribution System (PDS)

10. What are the problems facing local government?

Answer:

1. Lack of funds – Local bodies have limited resources of their own and hence they are dependent on the state government.

2. Dependence on financial aid – Local governments are not able to generate sufficient income on their own and have to seek financial aid from the state and central governments.

3. Lack of awareness among the public – People are not fully aware about the schemes of the local bodies and their rights.

4. Limited use of powers – Many times state governments do not give complete independence to local bodies, due to which they are not able to function effectively.

11. What special provisions have been made for tribal areas in the Panchayati Raj system?

Answer:

• A special act was enacted in 1996, giving separate rights to tribal areas.

• More powers were given to the Gram Sabha.

• Rights to water, forest and land were protected.

• The right to take decisions was given according to traditional customs.

12. What is the importance of local governance in Indian democracy?

Answer:

• This increases public participation.

• Provides quick resolution to local problems.

• Contributes to the development of villages and cities.

• Takes democracy to the grassroots level.

• Gives opportunity to deprived classes (SC, ST, OBC, women) to participate in politics.