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

Primary Function of Urban Local Bodies
Urban local bodies (ULBs) play a crucial role in the governance and management of cities and towns. Their primary function is to ensure the effective maintenance of infrastructure and public services.
Key Responsibilities of Urban Local Bodies
- Infrastructure Maintenance: ULBs are responsible for the upkeep and development of essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. This ensures that cities remain functional and accessible.
- Public Services Provision: They provide vital services such as water supply, sewage management, waste disposal, and sanitation. These services are essential for the health and well-being of urban residents.
- Urban Planning: ULBs engage in urban planning to ensure sustainable development. This includes zoning regulations, land use planning, and managing urban growth to create livable cities.
- Community Welfare: They implement various programs aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens, including parks, recreational facilities, and housing initiatives.
- Local Governance: ULBs allow for local governance, enabling citizens to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives directly. This promotes accountability and responsiveness to local needs.
Conclusion
In summary, the primary function of urban local bodies is to maintain infrastructure and public services. By focusing on these areas, ULBs contribute significantly to the overall development and functionality of urban areas, making them essential for the smooth running of cities and towns.

Indore received the award for the cleanest city in India under the Swachh Survekshan government scheme for 7 years in a row. This achievement highlights the active participation of Indore's citizens and their commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the city.

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.

Understanding Urban Local Bodies
In India, urban local bodies are essential for managing and governing urban areas. They are categorized based on the population of the city.
Types of Urban Local Bodies
- Nagar Panchayat: This body is established for areas transitioning from rural to urban status and typically caters to towns with populations between 20,000 and 1 lakh.
- Municipal Council: This is for smaller cities with populations typically between 1 lakh and 10 lakh. It manages the basic civic amenities and infrastructure.
- Municipal Corporation: This is the governing body for large cities with populations exceeding 10 lakhs (1 million). They are responsible for the overall development and administration of these urban areas.
Responsibilities of Municipal Corporations
- Urban Planning: They focus on city planning, zoning, and maintaining public infrastructure like roads and parks.
- Public Health and Sanitation: Ensuring cleanliness, waste management, and providing healthcare facilities.
- Water Supply: Managing the supply of drinking water and ensuring its quality.
- Regulation of Building: Overseeing building regulations, approvals, and maintaining safety standards.
Conclusion
Given the size and complexity of cities with populations above 10 lakhs, a Municipal Corporation (option 'C') is equipped to handle the extensive administrative and governance needs. This structure allows for efficient management of resources and services tailored to the large population, ensuring better living standards and urban development.

Understanding Municipal Corporations vs. Municipal Councils
Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils are key components of urban governance in India, designed to manage local administration. The main difference lies in the population they serve and their administrative structure.
Population Criteria
- Municipal Corporations are established in cities with a population of more than 10 lakhs (1 million).
- Municipal Councils cater to smaller urban areas with populations ranging from 1 lakh (100,000) to 10 lakhs.
Administrative Structure
- Municipal Corporations have a more complex organizational structure, often with a Mayor and a Municipal Commissioner overseeing various departments.
- Municipal Councils are simpler and typically involve a Chairperson with a smaller governing body.
Services Provided
- Municipal Corporations manage a broader range of services such as infrastructure development, waste management, and urban planning due to the larger population and greater complexity of urban issues.
- Municipal Councils focus on basic services and local governance, addressing the needs of smaller communities.
Conclusion
In summary, option B correctly identifies the key distinction: Municipal Corporations serve larger cities (population above 10 lakhs), while Municipal Councils are for smaller urban areas (population between 1-10 lakhs). Understanding this difference is crucial for grasping how local governance functions in varying urban contexts.

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.

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.

Significance of Waste Segregation in Urban Areas
Waste segregation refers to the process of separating waste into different categories, such as recyclables, organic waste, and hazardous waste. This practice is crucial for effective waste management in urban areas.
1. Enhanced Efficiency in Garbage Collection
- Waste segregation simplifies the collection process for waste management authorities.
- Different waste types can be collected in separate vehicles, reducing the risk of contamination.
- It allows for faster and more organized collection routes, which can lead to timely pickups.
2. Improved Recycling Rates
- Segregating waste at the source increases the quantity and quality of recyclable materials.
- Recyclables are less likely to be contaminated, making them more valuable for recycling facilities.
- This contributes to a circular economy, where materials are reused instead of ending up in landfills.
3. Environmental Benefits
- Proper segregation reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, minimizing environmental pollution.
- It helps in managing organic waste through composting, which enriches soil and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Hazardous waste can be treated and disposed of safely, protecting public health and the environment.
4. Community Awareness and Participation
- Waste segregation encourages community involvement in waste management practices.
- It promotes awareness about the importance of reducing waste and protecting the environment.
- Engaging citizens in this process fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages sustainable behaviors.
In conclusion, option 'B' highlights how waste segregation makes garbage collection easier and more efficient, ultimately leading to a cleaner and healthier urban environment. It is a vital practice for sustainable urban living.

Importance of Monitoring Local Issues by Urban Local Bodies
Urban local bodies play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of life in cities. Monitoring local issues, such as water leaks and blocked drains, is essential for several reasons.
Prevent Waste of Resources
- Economic Efficiency: Addressing water leaks promptly prevents wastage of precious water resources, which can be costly for both the environment and the municipality.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Timely intervention can reduce the need for extensive repairs, saving money in the long run.
Improve Public Services
- Health and Hygiene: Blocked drains can lead to waterlogging, creating breeding grounds for diseases. Monitoring these issues ensures public health is prioritized.
- Enhanced Living Conditions: By resolving local issues, urban local bodies can improve the overall quality of life for residents, making cities more livable.
Community Engagement
- Informed Citizens: When local bodies actively monitor and address issues, they foster trust and transparency within the community.
- Feedback Mechanism: Engaging with citizens allows local bodies to receive valuable feedback, leading to better service delivery.
Environmental Sustainability
- Sustainable Practices: Efficient water management contributes to environmental conservation, ensuring that natural resources are used wisely.
- Urban Resilience: Monitoring local issues helps cities adapt to climate change challenges, making urban areas more resilient.
In conclusion, monitoring local issues like water leaks and blocked drains is vital for urban local bodies. It helps prevent waste of resources and enhances public services, leading to healthier, more sustainable, and better-managed urban environments.

Primary Role of the Madras Corporation
The Madras Corporation, established in 1688, was primarily tasked with urban governance and administration.
Municipal Administration
- The main responsibility of the Madras Corporation was to manage the urban landscape of Madras (now Chennai).
- It focused on the effective administration of the city’s resources, infrastructure, and public services.
Levying Municipal Taxes
- The Corporation was empowered to levy municipal taxes, which were essential for funding city services.
- These taxes were used for maintaining roads, sanitation, and public health systems.
Urban Planning and Development
- The Corporation played a crucial role in planning the growth and development of the city.
- It ensured that necessary facilities like water supply and waste management were addressed.
Community Services
- The Corporation was responsible for providing essential services to the residents, improving their quality of life.
- This included public health measures, street lighting, and waste management.
Significance in Governance
- The establishment of the Madras Corporation marked a significant step in local self-governance in India.
- It laid the foundation for modern municipal governance, influencing other cities in the country.
In summary, the Madras Corporation's primary role was to levy municipal taxes and manage urban administration, ensuring the orderly growth and functioning of the city. This role was vital for the welfare of the citizens and the overall development of Madras.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.