Selina Textbook Solutions: Local Self-Government Rural Local Institutions | Civics Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Local Self-Government: Rural Local Institutions 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Local Self-Government? 
Answer: 
The local Self-Government stands for an Elected body enjoying certain degree of 
autonomy and serving as an administrative unit for local affairs. 
Question 2. 
What is the main difference between Local Self Government and Local Government ? 
Answer: 
Local Self-Government refers to “management of local affairs by the natives of the area 
itself or their representatives.” Local Self-Government is a “democratic government”. 
Local Government means, “administration of a locality by officials appointed by the 
government. 
Question 3. 
Mention the need (any two advantages) of Local Self Government. 
Answer: 
Two advantage of Local Self-Government are: 
(a) Effective Management of the Local Affairs. 
(b) Good Training for running the Central and State Governments. 
Question 4. 
What is meant by Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj? 
Answer: 
Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj : Gram Panchayat at village level—Panchayat 
Samiti at the Block level— Zilla Parishad at the district level. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by the term ‘Gram Sabha’. 
Answer: 
‘Gram Sabha’ is a body of all the adult members registered as voters in the Panchayat 
area. 
Question 6. 
Mention any two functions of a Gram Sabha. 
Answer: 
Two functions of a Gram Sabha are: 
(a) To approve the budget for the year. 
(b) To review the audit report of the last year’s accounts of the Panchayat. 
Page 2


Local Self-Government: Rural Local Institutions 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Local Self-Government? 
Answer: 
The local Self-Government stands for an Elected body enjoying certain degree of 
autonomy and serving as an administrative unit for local affairs. 
Question 2. 
What is the main difference between Local Self Government and Local Government ? 
Answer: 
Local Self-Government refers to “management of local affairs by the natives of the area 
itself or their representatives.” Local Self-Government is a “democratic government”. 
Local Government means, “administration of a locality by officials appointed by the 
government. 
Question 3. 
Mention the need (any two advantages) of Local Self Government. 
Answer: 
Two advantage of Local Self-Government are: 
(a) Effective Management of the Local Affairs. 
(b) Good Training for running the Central and State Governments. 
Question 4. 
What is meant by Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj? 
Answer: 
Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj : Gram Panchayat at village level—Panchayat 
Samiti at the Block level— Zilla Parishad at the district level. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by the term ‘Gram Sabha’. 
Answer: 
‘Gram Sabha’ is a body of all the adult members registered as voters in the Panchayat 
area. 
Question 6. 
Mention any two functions of a Gram Sabha. 
Answer: 
Two functions of a Gram Sabha are: 
(a) To approve the budget for the year. 
(b) To review the audit report of the last year’s accounts of the Panchayat. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Gram Panchayat ? Who elects the members of a Gram Panchayat? 
Answer: 
Gram Panchayat is an ‘Executive Wing’ of the Gram Sabha. It ensures that Constitution 
makers’ dream of ‘Gram Swaraj’ is realised. The members of a Gram Panchayat are 
elected by the Gram Sabha. 
Question 8. 
What is the Head of a Village Panchayat called? 
Answer: 
The Head of a Village Panchayat is called the Sarpanch. 
Question 9. 
Mention any two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat are: 
1.  Provision of safe drinking-water which involves construction and maintenance of 
public wells and tanks. 
2. Health care facilities for which the Panchayats set up dispensaries and health 
centers. 
Question 10. 
Mention any two Developmental functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Development functions of a Gram Panchayat are 
1. Minor irrigation schemes. 
2. Preparation and execution of agricultural plans. 
Question 11. 
Mention any two Regulatory or General Administrative functions of a Village Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Regulatory or General Administrative-functions of a Village Panchayat are: 
1.  Registration of births, deaths and marriages. 
2.  Maintenance of watch and ward service (Chowkidars etc.). 
Question 12. 
What is the function of a Nyaya Panchayat? 
Answer: 
The function of a Nyaya Panchayat is to secure speedy and inexpensive justice to the 
villagers. 
Page 3


Local Self-Government: Rural Local Institutions 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Local Self-Government? 
Answer: 
The local Self-Government stands for an Elected body enjoying certain degree of 
autonomy and serving as an administrative unit for local affairs. 
Question 2. 
What is the main difference between Local Self Government and Local Government ? 
Answer: 
Local Self-Government refers to “management of local affairs by the natives of the area 
itself or their representatives.” Local Self-Government is a “democratic government”. 
Local Government means, “administration of a locality by officials appointed by the 
government. 
Question 3. 
Mention the need (any two advantages) of Local Self Government. 
Answer: 
Two advantage of Local Self-Government are: 
(a) Effective Management of the Local Affairs. 
(b) Good Training for running the Central and State Governments. 
Question 4. 
What is meant by Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj? 
Answer: 
Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj : Gram Panchayat at village level—Panchayat 
Samiti at the Block level— Zilla Parishad at the district level. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by the term ‘Gram Sabha’. 
Answer: 
‘Gram Sabha’ is a body of all the adult members registered as voters in the Panchayat 
area. 
Question 6. 
Mention any two functions of a Gram Sabha. 
Answer: 
Two functions of a Gram Sabha are: 
(a) To approve the budget for the year. 
(b) To review the audit report of the last year’s accounts of the Panchayat. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Gram Panchayat ? Who elects the members of a Gram Panchayat? 
Answer: 
Gram Panchayat is an ‘Executive Wing’ of the Gram Sabha. It ensures that Constitution 
makers’ dream of ‘Gram Swaraj’ is realised. The members of a Gram Panchayat are 
elected by the Gram Sabha. 
Question 8. 
What is the Head of a Village Panchayat called? 
Answer: 
The Head of a Village Panchayat is called the Sarpanch. 
Question 9. 
Mention any two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat are: 
1.  Provision of safe drinking-water which involves construction and maintenance of 
public wells and tanks. 
2. Health care facilities for which the Panchayats set up dispensaries and health 
centers. 
Question 10. 
Mention any two Developmental functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Development functions of a Gram Panchayat are 
1. Minor irrigation schemes. 
2. Preparation and execution of agricultural plans. 
Question 11. 
Mention any two Regulatory or General Administrative functions of a Village Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Regulatory or General Administrative-functions of a Village Panchayat are: 
1.  Registration of births, deaths and marriages. 
2.  Maintenance of watch and ward service (Chowkidars etc.). 
Question 12. 
What is the function of a Nyaya Panchayat? 
Answer: 
The function of a Nyaya Panchayat is to secure speedy and inexpensive justice to the 
villagers. 
Question 13. 
Why are lawyers not allowed to appear before a Nyaya Panchayat to plead any body’s 
case ? 
Answer: 
Lawyers are not allowed to appear before a Nyaya Panchayat to plead any body’s case, 
because, this ensure inexpensive justice to village folks. 
Question 14. 
Name the intermediate level institution of the Panchayati Raj. 
Answer: 
The intermediate level institution of the Panchayati Raj is Panchayat Samiti. 
Question 15. 
What is meant by the Panchayat Samiti ? 
Answer: 
A Panchayat Samiti is an intermediate body which coordinates the activities of all the 
Village Panchayats in each Block. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two Civic and Developmental functions of a Panchayat Samiti. 
Answer: 
Two Civic and Development functions of a Panchayat Samiti are:  
1. Development of Cottage Industries. 
2.  Functions relating to Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. 
Question 17. 
Mention any two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti. 
Answer: 
Two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti are: 
1. The Panchayat Samiti supervises the work of the Gram Panchayats. 
2. The Samiti examines the Budget of the Panchayats and may make suitable 
modifications in it. 
Question 18. 
Name the highest organ of the Pahchayati Raj institutions at the district level. 
Answer: 
The highest organ of the Panchayati Raj institutions at the district level is Zila Parishad 
(Top District Level). 
 
Page 4


Local Self-Government: Rural Local Institutions 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Local Self-Government? 
Answer: 
The local Self-Government stands for an Elected body enjoying certain degree of 
autonomy and serving as an administrative unit for local affairs. 
Question 2. 
What is the main difference between Local Self Government and Local Government ? 
Answer: 
Local Self-Government refers to “management of local affairs by the natives of the area 
itself or their representatives.” Local Self-Government is a “democratic government”. 
Local Government means, “administration of a locality by officials appointed by the 
government. 
Question 3. 
Mention the need (any two advantages) of Local Self Government. 
Answer: 
Two advantage of Local Self-Government are: 
(a) Effective Management of the Local Affairs. 
(b) Good Training for running the Central and State Governments. 
Question 4. 
What is meant by Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj? 
Answer: 
Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj : Gram Panchayat at village level—Panchayat 
Samiti at the Block level— Zilla Parishad at the district level. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by the term ‘Gram Sabha’. 
Answer: 
‘Gram Sabha’ is a body of all the adult members registered as voters in the Panchayat 
area. 
Question 6. 
Mention any two functions of a Gram Sabha. 
Answer: 
Two functions of a Gram Sabha are: 
(a) To approve the budget for the year. 
(b) To review the audit report of the last year’s accounts of the Panchayat. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Gram Panchayat ? Who elects the members of a Gram Panchayat? 
Answer: 
Gram Panchayat is an ‘Executive Wing’ of the Gram Sabha. It ensures that Constitution 
makers’ dream of ‘Gram Swaraj’ is realised. The members of a Gram Panchayat are 
elected by the Gram Sabha. 
Question 8. 
What is the Head of a Village Panchayat called? 
Answer: 
The Head of a Village Panchayat is called the Sarpanch. 
Question 9. 
Mention any two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat are: 
1.  Provision of safe drinking-water which involves construction and maintenance of 
public wells and tanks. 
2. Health care facilities for which the Panchayats set up dispensaries and health 
centers. 
Question 10. 
Mention any two Developmental functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Development functions of a Gram Panchayat are 
1. Minor irrigation schemes. 
2. Preparation and execution of agricultural plans. 
Question 11. 
Mention any two Regulatory or General Administrative functions of a Village Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Regulatory or General Administrative-functions of a Village Panchayat are: 
1.  Registration of births, deaths and marriages. 
2.  Maintenance of watch and ward service (Chowkidars etc.). 
Question 12. 
What is the function of a Nyaya Panchayat? 
Answer: 
The function of a Nyaya Panchayat is to secure speedy and inexpensive justice to the 
villagers. 
Question 13. 
Why are lawyers not allowed to appear before a Nyaya Panchayat to plead any body’s 
case ? 
Answer: 
Lawyers are not allowed to appear before a Nyaya Panchayat to plead any body’s case, 
because, this ensure inexpensive justice to village folks. 
Question 14. 
Name the intermediate level institution of the Panchayati Raj. 
Answer: 
The intermediate level institution of the Panchayati Raj is Panchayat Samiti. 
Question 15. 
What is meant by the Panchayat Samiti ? 
Answer: 
A Panchayat Samiti is an intermediate body which coordinates the activities of all the 
Village Panchayats in each Block. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two Civic and Developmental functions of a Panchayat Samiti. 
Answer: 
Two Civic and Development functions of a Panchayat Samiti are:  
1. Development of Cottage Industries. 
2.  Functions relating to Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. 
Question 17. 
Mention any two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti. 
Answer: 
Two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti are: 
1. The Panchayat Samiti supervises the work of the Gram Panchayats. 
2. The Samiti examines the Budget of the Panchayats and may make suitable 
modifications in it. 
Question 18. 
Name the highest organ of the Pahchayati Raj institutions at the district level. 
Answer: 
The highest organ of the Panchayati Raj institutions at the district level is Zila Parishad 
(Top District Level). 
 
Question 19. 
Mention any two Civic and Welfare functions of a Zila Parishad. 
Answer: 
Two Civic and Welfare functions of a Zila Parishad are: 
1. Construction and maintenance of public roads, bridges and culverts. 
2. Construction of parks. 
Question 20. 
Mention any two Supervisory functions of a Zila Parishad. 
Answer: 
Two Supervisory-functions of a Zila Parishad are: 
1. The Zila Parishad supervises the activities of a Panchayat Samitis and Gram 
Panchayats. 
2. It co-ordinates the developmental plans prepared by the Panchayat Samitis in the 
District. 
Question 21. 
Mention two major problems which hamper the effective working of Village Panchayats. 
OR 
Mention any two limitations (weaknesses) in efficient working of the Panchayati Raj 
system. 
Answer: 
Two major problems which hamper the effective working of Village Panchayats 
are as follows: 
1. Domination of Upper Caste Landed Aristocracy. 
2. Ignorance, Illiteracy and Poverty of the People. 
Question 22. 
Mention any two features of the new Panchayati Raj Act. OR Mention any two features 
of the Constitution Seventy third Amendment Act. 
Answer: 
Two features of the new Panchayati Raj Act are: 
1. There shall be three-tier system of Panchayats at village, intermediate and district 
level. 
2. In the event of dissolution, elections will be compulsorily held within six months. 
 
 
Page 5


Local Self-Government: Rural Local Institutions 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
What is meant by Local Self-Government? 
Answer: 
The local Self-Government stands for an Elected body enjoying certain degree of 
autonomy and serving as an administrative unit for local affairs. 
Question 2. 
What is the main difference between Local Self Government and Local Government ? 
Answer: 
Local Self-Government refers to “management of local affairs by the natives of the area 
itself or their representatives.” Local Self-Government is a “democratic government”. 
Local Government means, “administration of a locality by officials appointed by the 
government. 
Question 3. 
Mention the need (any two advantages) of Local Self Government. 
Answer: 
Two advantage of Local Self-Government are: 
(a) Effective Management of the Local Affairs. 
(b) Good Training for running the Central and State Governments. 
Question 4. 
What is meant by Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj? 
Answer: 
Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj : Gram Panchayat at village level—Panchayat 
Samiti at the Block level— Zilla Parishad at the district level. 
Question 5. 
What is meant by the term ‘Gram Sabha’. 
Answer: 
‘Gram Sabha’ is a body of all the adult members registered as voters in the Panchayat 
area. 
Question 6. 
Mention any two functions of a Gram Sabha. 
Answer: 
Two functions of a Gram Sabha are: 
(a) To approve the budget for the year. 
(b) To review the audit report of the last year’s accounts of the Panchayat. 
Question 7. 
What is meant by Gram Panchayat ? Who elects the members of a Gram Panchayat? 
Answer: 
Gram Panchayat is an ‘Executive Wing’ of the Gram Sabha. It ensures that Constitution 
makers’ dream of ‘Gram Swaraj’ is realised. The members of a Gram Panchayat are 
elected by the Gram Sabha. 
Question 8. 
What is the Head of a Village Panchayat called? 
Answer: 
The Head of a Village Panchayat is called the Sarpanch. 
Question 9. 
Mention any two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Civic functions of a Gram Panchayat are: 
1.  Provision of safe drinking-water which involves construction and maintenance of 
public wells and tanks. 
2. Health care facilities for which the Panchayats set up dispensaries and health 
centers. 
Question 10. 
Mention any two Developmental functions of a Gram Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Development functions of a Gram Panchayat are 
1. Minor irrigation schemes. 
2. Preparation and execution of agricultural plans. 
Question 11. 
Mention any two Regulatory or General Administrative functions of a Village Panchayat. 
Answer: 
Two Regulatory or General Administrative-functions of a Village Panchayat are: 
1.  Registration of births, deaths and marriages. 
2.  Maintenance of watch and ward service (Chowkidars etc.). 
Question 12. 
What is the function of a Nyaya Panchayat? 
Answer: 
The function of a Nyaya Panchayat is to secure speedy and inexpensive justice to the 
villagers. 
Question 13. 
Why are lawyers not allowed to appear before a Nyaya Panchayat to plead any body’s 
case ? 
Answer: 
Lawyers are not allowed to appear before a Nyaya Panchayat to plead any body’s case, 
because, this ensure inexpensive justice to village folks. 
Question 14. 
Name the intermediate level institution of the Panchayati Raj. 
Answer: 
The intermediate level institution of the Panchayati Raj is Panchayat Samiti. 
Question 15. 
What is meant by the Panchayat Samiti ? 
Answer: 
A Panchayat Samiti is an intermediate body which coordinates the activities of all the 
Village Panchayats in each Block. 
Question 16. 
Mention any two Civic and Developmental functions of a Panchayat Samiti. 
Answer: 
Two Civic and Development functions of a Panchayat Samiti are:  
1. Development of Cottage Industries. 
2.  Functions relating to Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. 
Question 17. 
Mention any two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti. 
Answer: 
Two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti are: 
1. The Panchayat Samiti supervises the work of the Gram Panchayats. 
2. The Samiti examines the Budget of the Panchayats and may make suitable 
modifications in it. 
Question 18. 
Name the highest organ of the Pahchayati Raj institutions at the district level. 
Answer: 
The highest organ of the Panchayati Raj institutions at the district level is Zila Parishad 
(Top District Level). 
 
Question 19. 
Mention any two Civic and Welfare functions of a Zila Parishad. 
Answer: 
Two Civic and Welfare functions of a Zila Parishad are: 
1. Construction and maintenance of public roads, bridges and culverts. 
2. Construction of parks. 
Question 20. 
Mention any two Supervisory functions of a Zila Parishad. 
Answer: 
Two Supervisory-functions of a Zila Parishad are: 
1. The Zila Parishad supervises the activities of a Panchayat Samitis and Gram 
Panchayats. 
2. It co-ordinates the developmental plans prepared by the Panchayat Samitis in the 
District. 
Question 21. 
Mention two major problems which hamper the effective working of Village Panchayats. 
OR 
Mention any two limitations (weaknesses) in efficient working of the Panchayati Raj 
system. 
Answer: 
Two major problems which hamper the effective working of Village Panchayats 
are as follows: 
1. Domination of Upper Caste Landed Aristocracy. 
2. Ignorance, Illiteracy and Poverty of the People. 
Question 22. 
Mention any two features of the new Panchayati Raj Act. OR Mention any two features 
of the Constitution Seventy third Amendment Act. 
Answer: 
Two features of the new Panchayati Raj Act are: 
1. There shall be three-tier system of Panchayats at village, intermediate and district 
level. 
2. In the event of dissolution, elections will be compulsorily held within six months. 
 
 
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS 
Question 1. 
A free people are a people who participate in decisions affecting their lives and 
destinies. In this context, answer the following questions: 
(a) What is meant by Local Self-Government? 
(b) What is the need and importance of Local Self Government? 
Answer: 
A free people are a people who participate in decisions affecting their lives and 
destinies, with reference to this statement the given questions are answered as 
follows: 
(a) 
The Local Self-Government and its affairs are managed by the natives of the area itself 
or their representatives. Thus, Local Self-Government is a “democratic government” in a 
very real sense.This type of government is formed by the people who are right-
conscious, they freely commit to undertake all such works that go in favor and welfare of 
society. Their way of thinking is constructive and broad that they efficiently participate in 
decisions that may affect their lives and destinies. 
(b) 
The Local Self-Government has multi-dimensional  significance. Local people can 
effectively manage the local affairs like sanitation, electricity, water supply, education, 
public works and other utilities. Local Self-Government provides opportunity to the 
people to govern themselves. Local bodies provide a good training to manage national 
or State affairs later on in life. Most people who reached great heights, began their 
public career as a member of local bodies. Local Institutions relieve State Administration 
of some of its burden. Hence, it can concentrate better on matters like—public order, 
criminal law, police, prisons and trade and commerce within the State. This ensures 
efficiency at all levels—national, regional and local. Moreover, this system is extremely 
Economical. These bodies consist of honorary members, serving without pay or very 
little emoluments. 
Question 2. 
Freedom becomes meaningful in the right sense of the word only when there are Gram-
Panchayats in India. In this context describe the following functions of a Gram 
Panchayat. 
(a) Welfare Functions, 
(b) Developmental Functions and 
(c) Regulatory and General Administrative Functions. 
Answer: 
Gram Panchayat is an ‘Executive Wing’ of the Gram Sabha. It ensures that Constitution 
makers’ dream of ‘Gram Swaraj’ is realised. Freedom becomes meaningful in the right 
sense of the word only when there are Gram-Panchayats in India. 
In this context the given headlines are described below: 
(a) Welfare Functions — Welfare functions include