In Text Questions-Grassroots Democracy–Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas

Multiple Choice Questions Chapter 8–How the Land Becomes Sacred Class 7 Subject Social Science **************************** 35 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) Which of the following religions did not originate in India? a) Buddhism b) Sikhism c) Islam ✔️ d) Jainism The Mahabodhi Stupa is located in: a) Sanchi b) Bodh Gaya ✔️ c) Varanasi d) Mathura A tīrtha symbolically represents: a) A trade route b) A border c) A spiritual crossing ✔️ d) A temple structure In Sikhism, the Akal Takht is located at: a) Patna b) Delhi c) Amritsar ✔️ d) Anandpur The shrine of Sabarimala is in: a) Tamil Nadu b) Karnataka c) Kerala ✔️ d) Andhra Pradesh Pandharpur Wari is a pilgrimage held in: a) Gujarat b) Maharashtra ✔️ c) Odisha d) Punjab Bhūdevī is regarded as: a) A river goddess b) Goddess of wisdom c) Mother Earth ✔️ d) A star deity The Dongria Khond tribe worships which hill? a) Nanda Devi b) Girnar c) Niyam Dongar ✔️ d) Shatru...

In Text Questions-Grassroots Democracy–Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas

Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas

In Text Question Answers
Class-6

Subject-Social Science

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1. What are Panchayati Raj institutions?

Answer: Panchayati Raj institutions are local self-government systems in villages in India. They allow villagers to manage their own affairs and solve local problems. These institutions are divided into three levels: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).

2. What are their functions?

Answer: The Panchayati Raj institutions are responsible for:

Maintaining roads, water supply, and sanitation.
Providing education and healthcare.
Managing local resources like land and water.
Running welfare programs for women, children, and disadvantaged groups.
Resolving disputes in the village.
Implementing government schemes.

3. Why are they important in governance and democracy?

Answer: They are important in governance and democracy because:

Grassroots Participation: They give people in villages a chance to participate in governance.
Local Decision-making: They solve problems that directly affect villagers without needing to go to the state or national government.
Empowerment: They empower people, including women and children, to voice their concerns and take leadership roles.

LET’S EXPLORE

What similarities and differences do you notice between the governance system at the Central level and at the Panchayat level?

Answer:

Similarities:

Both are elected by the people and represent their interests.
Both have multiple levels (e.g., Parliament vs. three levels of Panchayati Raj).
Both make policies and decisions to improve living conditions.

Differences:

Scale: The central government governs the entire country, while the Panchayat focuses only on local areas.
Responsibilities: The central government handles national issues like defense and foreign affairs, while the Panchayat manages local development and welfare.
Decision-making: Central government decisions are made by Parliament and ministers, while Panchayat decisions are made by villagers in the Gram Sabha.

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.

Answer: Here are some questions you can ask:

What are the biggest challenges in your village, and how does the Panchayat address them?
How are decisions made during Gram Sabha meetings?
What steps are taken to ensure women and children’s participation in governance?
Can you share an example of a problem the Panchayat solved recently?

How do you plan and use funds for development activities?
What are the future goals for improving the village?

After the meeting, write a short report about their answers, focusing on the challenges, their solutions, and the role of the Panchayat in making the village better.

Important Question Answers

3 Marks Questions

What is the Panchayati Raj System?
- A local self-government system in villages.
- Works at three levels: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
- Helps villagers solve their local problems.
What are the functions of the Gram Panchayat?
- Maintains water supply, roads, and sanitation.
- Looks after education and healthcare.
- Resolves minor disputes in the village.
Who is a Sarpanch, and what do they do?
- The head of the Gram Panchayat.
- Elected by the Gram Sabha.
- Leads meetings and implements decisions for the village.
Why is Panchayati Raj important?
- Brings governance closer to the people.
- Ensures local problems are solved quickly.
- Empowers villagers to participate in decision-making.
What is the role of the Gram Sabha?
- Includes all the adults of the village.
- Discusses important issues like water, roads, and schools.
- Approves the plans made by the Gram Panchayat.
What is a three-tier system in Panchayati Raj?
- Village level: Gram Panchayat.
- Block level: Panchayat Samiti.
- District level: Zila Parishad.
How are women involved in Panchayati Raj?
- One-third of the seats are reserved for women.
- Women Sarpanchs lead villages.
- Encourages women’s participation in governance.
What are Bal Panchayats?
- Panchayats where children participate in governance.
- Focuses on children’s education and safety.
- Helps stop child labor and child marriage.
What role does the Zila Parishad play?
- Coordinates development projects for the entire district.
- Allocates funds for roads, schools, and health centers.
- Supervises Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.
What are the advantages of self-governance?
- Local problems are solved faster.
- Encourages community participation.
- Empowers people to take ownership of development.

5 Marks Questions

Explain the functions of the Panchayati Raj system.
- Maintains basic facilities like water, roads, and electricity.
- Promotes education by managing schools.
- Resolves disputes and ensures safety in the village.
- Implements government schemes like housing and sanitation.
- Works for the welfare of women, children, and farmers.
What are the roles and responsibilities of the Gram Sabha?
- Includes all adult villagers as members.
- Discusses and approves the development plans for the village.
- Monitors the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.
- Makes sure funds are used properly.
- Resolves disputes and discusses community issues.
What is the importance of child-friendly Panchayats?
- Includes children’s voices in governance.
- Stops child labor and ensures education for all children.
- Helps create a safe environment for children.
- Focuses on issues like sanitation and school facilities.
- Encourages children to participate in Bal Sabhas and leadership.

Compare Panchayati Raj and Central Government.
- Panchayati Raj works at the local village level; Central Government governs the entire country.
- Panchayati Raj solves small local problems; Central Government deals with national issues.
- Panchayati Raj decisions are made in Gram Sabha; Central Government decisions are made in Parliament.
- Both are elected by the people and serve their interests.
- Panchayati Raj focuses on grassroots participation, while Central Government focuses on policies.
What are the different levels of Panchayati Raj, and how do they work?
- Gram Panchayat (Village Level): Looks after local needs like water and roads.
- Panchayat Samiti (Block Level): Coordinates activities of several Gram Panchayats.
- Zila Parishad (District Level): Plans and supervises development projects for the district.
- All levels work together to implement government schemes.
- They ensure better facilities for rural areas.
How does the Panchayati Raj empower women and disadvantaged groups?
- Reserves seats for women and disadvantaged communities.
- Encourages their participation in decision-making.
- Addresses issues like education, sanitation, and health.
- Promotes leadership roles among women and the underprivileged.
- Provides a platform to voice their concerns.
What steps can Panchayats take to develop villages?
- Build roads, schools, and hospitals.
- Ensure clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.
- Create awareness about education and health.
- Promote farming and sustainable water use.
- Collaborate with the government for development schemes.
What are the challenges faced by Panchayati Raj institutions?
- Lack of funds to carry out development projects.
- Limited awareness among villagers about their rights.
- Interference from higher authorities.
- Unequal participation of women and disadvantaged groups.
- Difficulty in implementing government schemes properly.
How do Panchayats solve disputes in villages?
- Conduct meetings in the Gram Sabha to discuss disputes.
- Encourage both parties to share their views.
- Decide on solutions acceptable to everyone.
- Involve respected elders for fair judgment.
- Prevent issues from escalating to the courts.
What role does the Panchayat Secretary play?