All questions of Grassroots Democracy — Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas for Class 6 Exam

Indore's Achievement in Cleanliness
Indore, a city in Madhya Pradesh, India, has made remarkable strides in cleanliness and sanitation. The city has been recognized for its efforts in maintaining cleanliness through the Swachh Survekshan initiative.
Swachh Survekshan Overview
- Swachh Survekshan is an annual survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- It evaluates the cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene in cities across India.
- The survey encourages competition among cities to improve their sanitation and waste management practices.
Indore's Success in Cleanliness
- Indore has been awarded the title of Cleanest City in India under the Swachh Survekshan for 7 consecutive years.
- This title reflects the city's commitment to cleanliness and effective waste management strategies.
Factors Contributing to Indore's Success
- Innovative Waste Management: Indore has implemented efficient waste segregation at the source and composting methods.
- Public Participation: The city's administration emphasizes citizen involvement in maintaining cleanliness.
- Awareness Campaigns: Various campaigns educate residents about hygiene and sanitation practices.
Conclusion
Indore's achievement as the Cleanest City in India for seven years in a row highlights its dedication to cleanliness and effective urban governance. This recognition not only enhances the city's reputation but also serves as an inspiration for other cities to improve their sanitation standards.

Participatory democracy is a governance system that aims to empower citizens to actively participate in their country's functioning. It involves citizens in decision-making processes at various levels, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. This system promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in governance.

Citizens' participation in local governance is crucial for the efficient functioning of urban local bodies. When citizens report issues like water leaks or follow waste segregation rules, they help the local bodies perform their duties effectively. This collaborative effort between citizens and local bodies leads to better management and development of the area.

Urban local bodies are responsible for maintaining infrastructure and public services such as roads, water supply, and waste management. They ensure that cities and towns are well-managed and provide necessary services to residents. An interesting fact is that the Greater Chennai Corporation, established in 1688, is the oldest municipal institution in India.

The main difference is that a Municipal Corporation manages cities with a population above 10 lakhs, while a Municipal Council is for cities with a population between 1 and 10 lakhs. This distinction helps in managing urban areas based on their population size and specific needs.

A Nagar Panchayat manages smaller towns and cities with a population below 1 lakh. It is responsible for providing basic infrastructure and services to these areas, ensuring that even smaller urban populations have access to essential amenities.

A Municipal Corporation is responsible for cities with a population above 10 lakhs. It is the highest urban local body that manages infrastructure, public services, and development projects in large cities.

In a participatory democracy, the role of citizens is to actively participate in decision-making processes. This involvement ensures that governance is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the community, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens.

Urban local bodies fund their activities by collecting local taxes and fees for services such as garbage collection and water supply. This revenue enables them to maintain infrastructure, provide public services, and implement development projects.

In urban local governance, 'wards' refer to smaller administrative units within a city or town. Wards facilitate localized management and ensure that specific areas receive attention and services tailored to their needs.

Decentralization is important in urban governance because it allows local communities to have a say in managing their areas. This system promotes responsiveness, accountability, and inclusiveness, ensuring that local issues are addressed effectively and that citizens' needs are met.

Responsible citizens help in the efficient functioning of urban local bodies by reporting problems like water leaks and following waste segregation rules. Their active participation ensures that local bodies can address issues promptly and manage services effectively.

The significance of the Greater Chennai Corporation lies in the fact that it is the oldest municipal institution in India, established in 1688. It set the foundation for modern municipal governance and has been a model for other urban local bodies in the country.

It is important for urban local bodies to check the implementation of government schemes to ensure that the benefits reach the intended recipients. This oversight helps in achieving the objectives of the schemes and improving the quality of life for residents.

The primary role of the Madras Corporation when it was established in 1688 was to levy municipal taxes and manage urban administration. It marked the beginning of structured municipal governance in India, providing a model for other cities to follow.

The Nagar Panchayat is the local body for smaller towns and cities with a population below 1 lakh. It manages the basic infrastructure and services in these areas, ensuring that even smaller urban populations have access to essential amenities.

The role of ward committees in urban governance is to facilitate local activities such as health camps and anti-plastic campaigns, and to report issues like water leaks to the authorities. This ensures that local problems are promptly addressed and that residents' concerns are heard.

Ward committees in urban local bodies facilitate local activities such as health camps and anti-plastic campaigns. They also report issues like water leaks and blocked drains to the authorities. Ward committees ensure that local problems are promptly addressed and that residents' concerns are heard.

Decentralization in urban governance means that local communities have a direct say in how their areas are managed. This system allows residents to participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that their specific needs and issues are addressed. It promotes a more responsive and accountable governance structure.

A Municipal Corporation oversees urban development in cities with a population above 10 lakhs. It is the highest urban local body responsible for managing infrastructure, public services, and implementing development projects. Municipal Corporations play a crucial role in the overall growth and management of large cities.