Class 4 Exam  >  Class 4 Notes  >  Social Studies for Class 4  >  Chapter Notes: Local Self-Government in Cities

Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST

Everyone needs certain things to live comfortably, like clean water to drink, electricity for lights and appliances, roads to travel on, transportation like buses or trains, schools to learn, colleges for higher education, and hospitals for medical care. 

Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SSTThese things are called civic amenities or public services. In our country, the government makes sure people have access to these things. 

Levels of Government

The government works at three different levels: 

  1. Central (National)
  2. State (Regional), and 
  3. Local (In our Area).

Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST


(i) Central Government: 

  1. The central government is based in New Delhi.
  2. It is responsible for matters that affect the entire country or multiple states, including defense, foreign affairs, currency, telecommunications, and interstate commerce.
    Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST 
  3. It consists of the President, the Parliament (comprising the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha), and the Prime Minister, who heads the executive branch.

(ii) State Government:

  1. India is divided into 28 states and 8 Union territories, each with its own elected government. 
  2. State governments have jurisdiction over matters not exclusively reserved for the central government. This includes police, healthcare, education, agriculture, local infrastructure, and more.
    Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST
  3. Each state has its own legislative assembly, headed by a Chief Minister, who is the head of the state government.

(iii) Local Government:

  1. Local governments are referred to as Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities or Municipal Corporations in urban areas.
    Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST
  2. They are responsible for local governance, including urban planning, local infrastructure development, waste management, water supply, and other essential services.
  3. Local bodies have elected representatives who serve on local councils. These representatives are elected by the people residing in the respective areas.

Local Government

The government that takes care of our area is chosen by the people living there. In villages, it's called the gram panchayat. In towns and cities, it's either the municipal committee or municipal corporation. 

Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST
In India, local government means that people who live in a place choose leaders to take care of their area. These leaders manage things like water, roads, and other important services in villages, towns, and cities. They make sure everyone has what they need to live comfortably. 

Types of Local Government

  1. Municipal Committees


    These are local governing bodies responsible for smaller cities or urban areas.

    • They handle the administration of various civic amenities and services within their jurisdiction.
    • Municipal committees typically oversee functions such as sanitation, water supply, street lighting, public health, and maintenance of roads and parks.

  2. Municipal Corporations

    Municipal corporations are governing bodies for larger cities with significant populations, typically exceeding 1 million inhabitants.
    Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST
    • They have broader responsibilities compared to municipal committees due to the larger scale of urban infrastructure and services required.
    • Municipal corporations handle a wide range of functions including urban planning, public transportation, education, healthcare, waste management, and more.


Election Process

  • Members of the municipal committee or corporation are elected by the residents of the city through periodic elections, typically held every five years.
  • These elections are conducted democratically, with eligible voters casting their votes to choose their representatives.
  • Each geographical area within the city, known as a ward, elects one or more members to represent their interests in the local government body.

Roles in the Local Government and their Responsibilities 

(i) Municipal Councillors

  1. Elected representatives who serve as the voice of the residents in the local government.
    Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST 
  2. They advocate for the needs and concerns of their constituents and participate in decision-making processes related to city governance.

(ii) Chairperson/President

  1. The leader of the municipal committee, responsible for presiding over meetings, setting agendas, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the committee. 
  2. They often act as a liaison between the committee and other governmental bodies or stakeholders.

(iii) Mayor

  1. The head of the municipal corporation, elected by the citizens or sometimes appointed from among the elected councillors. 
  2. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the city, overseeing its administration, implementing policies, and representing the city in various forums. 
  3. The mayor is typically supported by a deputy mayor who assists in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the office.

Taxes

Local governments need money to do their jobs. They get this money from taxes like property tax, road tax, and water tax. 

Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST

They also receive money from the state governments. It's important for us to work together with our local governments and support them however we can. 


In summary, local self-government in cities is vital for democracy, effective services, and community involvement. By giving people a voice in decisions, cities can better meet their diverse needs. 

Despite challenges, like limited resources, promoting local governance offers opportunities for transparency, accountability, and innovation. With everyone working together, cities can thrive as inclusive, resilient centers of growth and improvement. 

The document Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST is a part of the Class 4 Course Social Studies for Class 4.
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FAQs on Local Self-Government in Cities Class 4 Notes SST

1. What is local self-government in cities?
Ans. Local self-government in cities refers to the system of governance where the residents of a city have the power to manage their own local affairs. It allows them to make decisions and implement policies for the development and welfare of their city.
2. What are the key features of local self-government in cities?
Ans. The key features of local self-government in cities include: - Decentralization of power: The power to govern is transferred from the central government to the local authorities in cities. - Autonomy: Local self-government gives cities the autonomy to make decisions in areas such as urban planning, infrastructure development, public services, and taxation. - Public participation: It encourages the active participation of residents in decision-making processes through mechanisms like elected representatives, public consultations, and citizen engagement. - Accountability: Local self-government ensures that local authorities are accountable to the residents for their actions and decisions. - Local representation: It provides a platform for local representatives to voice the concerns and aspirations of the city's residents.
3. How does local self-government benefit cities?
Ans. Local self-government benefits cities in several ways: - Efficient governance: It enables faster decision-making and implementation of policies, as local authorities are closer to the ground realities and can respond more effectively to the needs of the city. - Local development: Local self-government allows cities to prioritize and focus on their specific development needs, leading to targeted and tailored solutions. - Citizen participation: It encourages active citizen participation in governance, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents. - Local economy: Local self-government promotes economic growth by facilitating local entrepreneurship, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities. - Better service delivery: With local authorities responsible for public services, there is a greater likelihood of improved service delivery and responsiveness to the needs of the residents.
4. What are the challenges faced by local self-government in cities?
Ans. Some common challenges faced by local self-government in cities include: - Limited resources: Cities often struggle with limited financial and human resources, hampering their ability to effectively manage local affairs. - Lack of capacity: Local authorities may lack the necessary skills and expertise to handle complex governance issues and implement development projects. - Political interference: Local self-government can be undermined by political interference, where decisions are influenced by political considerations rather than the best interests of the city. - Inequality: Cities with greater resources and infrastructure may have an advantage over smaller or less-developed cities, leading to disparities in service delivery and development. - Corruption: Corruption can hinder the functioning of local self-government, diverting resources away from development projects and eroding public trust.
5. How can citizens actively participate in local self-government in cities?
Ans. Citizens can actively participate in local self-government in cities through various means: - Voting: Participating in local elections and electing representatives who align with their priorities and concerns. - Attending public meetings: Attending and actively participating in public meetings organized by local authorities to discuss and provide input on policy decisions. - Joining local committees: Joining committees and bodies established by the local government to engage citizens in decision-making processes. - Volunteering: Volunteering for local initiatives and community development projects to contribute to the betterment of the city. - Providing feedback: Providing feedback and suggestions to local authorities through channels like online portals, suggestion boxes, or public hearings.
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