Class 6 Civics Chapter 4 Question Answers - Panchayati Raj

Short Question Answers:

Q1. What are the functions of the Gram Sabha?

Ans: The Gram Sabha is essential for ensuring the Gram Panchayat operates responsibly. Its functions include:

• Monitoring the activities of the Gram Panchayat to prevent misuse of funds.
• Reviewing and approving plans for the Gram Panchayat's work.
• Holding elected representatives accountable to the community.
• Facilitating discussions on local issues, such as infrastructure and water supply.

By engaging all eligible adults in the village, the Gram Sabha promotes transparency and community involvement in local governance.

Q2. Describe the importance of the local government. 

Ans: The local government plays a vital role in fostering a sense of self-reliance among community members. Its importance includes:

• Encouraging initiative and a spirit of cooperation.
• Training local individuals to manage Central and State administrations.
• Completing local tasks efficiently and with minimal costs.

Additionally, local governments create developmental plans at the district level and oversee the distribution of funds among various Gram Panchayats. Each state has its own laws regarding these local bodies, aimed at increasing public participation and giving citizens a voice in governance.

Q3. What is the main objective of the Village Panchayat?

Ans: The main objective of the village Panchayat is to:

• Enhance the living conditions of villagers.
• Promote self-sufficiency among the community.

Additionally, the Panchayat focuses on:

• Implementing development programmes.
• Managing local resources and infrastructure.
• Encouraging community participation in governance.

Q4. Does the Right to Information Act also include the Panchayati Raj System?

Ans: The Right to Information (RTI) Act is applicable to various government bodies, including the Panchayati Raj Institutions as outlined in Part IX of the Indian Constitution. This means:

• Citizens have the right to access information related to the Panchayati Raj System.
• The Act allows individuals to review works, documents, and records of the government.

In rural areas, the Gram Panchayat serves as the first level of democratic governance. The elected members, known as Panchs, are accountable to the Gram Sabha, which elects them.

The Panchayati Raj system includes:

• Block Level: Known as the Janpad Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti, which oversees multiple Gram Panchayats.
• District Level: The Zila Parishad, which formulates developmental plans and manages fund distribution among Gram Panchayats.

Each state has its own laws regarding Panchayati Raj, aiming to enhance public participation and empower citizens to voice their concerns.

Q5. Who forms the Gram Panchayat and for what term are they elected?

Ans: The Gram Panchayat is composed of:

• Sarpanch (Panchayat President)
• Ward members (Panchs)

They are elected for a term of five years.

Q6. Describe the formation of a Panchayat.

Ans: Each village Panchayat is divided into smaller areas called wards. Citizens in each ward elect a representative known as a Ward Member or Panch. Together, all the ward members form the Panchayat.

The Gram Sabha consists of all eligible voters in the village, who are typically 18 years or older. They elect a Sarpanch, who serves as the Panchayat President. The combination of Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch constitutes the Gram Panchayat, which is elected for a term of five years.

The Gram Panchayat is responsible for:

• Addressing local issues and planning development projects.
• Being accountable to the Gram Sabha, which elected them.

The Panchayati Raj system includes three levels:

• The Gram Panchayat at the village level.
• The Janpad Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti at the block level.
• The Zila Parishad at the district level, which oversees development plans and funds distribution.

The Secretary of the Gram Panchayat, appointed by the government, is responsible for organising meetings and maintaining records.

Q7. What are the objectives of the watershed development program?

Ans: The objectives of the watershed development program are:

• To control desertification.
• To encourage the restoration of ecological balance.
• To promote the economic development of the village community.

Q8. Discuss the role of Gram Sabha.

Ans: The Gram Sabha plays a crucial role in rural governance by:

• Finalising and approving the list of people below the poverty line (BPL).
• Ensuring the Gram Panchayat is accountable for its actions.
• Reviewing all plans and policies proposed by the Gram Panchayat.
• Monitoring the Panchayat to prevent misuse of funds and favouritism.
• Holding elected representatives accountable to the community.

This participatory approach helps maintain transparency and ensures that the needs of the community are met effectively.

Q9. What are the responsibilities of the Sarpanch in Gram Panchayat?

Ans: The Sarpanch has several important responsibilities, including:

• Maintaining street lights and overseeing the construction and repair of village roads.
• Managing village markets, fairs, festivals, and celebrations.
• Keeping records of births, deaths, and marriages.
• Ensuring public health and hygiene by providing sanitation and drinking water facilities.
• Promoting education within the community.
• Implementing development schemes for agriculture and animal husbandry.

Q10. Where does the Gram Panchayat get its funds from?

Ans: The Gram Panchayat receives its funds from several sources:

• Taxes: Collection of taxes on houses, marketplaces, and other local properties.
• Government Schemes: Funds from various government departments through the Janpad and Zila Panchayats.
• Donations: Contributions for community projects and initiatives.

Q11. State the main objectives of Panchayati Raj.

Ans: The main objectives of Panchayati Raj are:

• To strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
• To promote democratic decentralisation and encourage local participation.

Additionally, it aims to:

• Facilitate the development of plans at the district level.
• Regulate the distribution of funds among all Gram Panchayats.
• Provide a platform for people to express their voices and participate in governance.

Q12. Name the officer who has the greatest importance in community development. 

Ans: The Block Development Officer plays a crucial role in community development. Their responsibilities include:

• Creating developmental plans at the district level.
• Coordinating with Panchayat Samitis to manage funds among various Gram Panchayats.
• Ensuring that community members can actively participate in decision-making.

Each state has its own laws regarding Panchayati Raj, aimed at empowering local communities.

Q13. How is the Pradhan of the village Panchayat elected?

Ans: The members of the Gram Panchayat elect a Sarpanch and a Deputy Sarpanch from among themselves. This election occurs every five years.

• Each village is divided into wards.
• Each ward elects a representative known as a Ward Member (Panch).
• The Sarpanch serves as the Panchayat President.
• All Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch together form the Gram Panchayat.
• The Gram Panchayat is responsible for local governance and development.

The Secretary, appointed by the government, assists in calling meetings and maintaining records.

Q14. Who is a Sarpanch?

Ans: A Sarpanch is the elected leader of a village Panchayat, known as the Panchayat President. Key points about the Sarpanch include:

• All members of the Gram Sabha vote to elect the Sarpanch.
• Seats for Sarpanch are reserved for women from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
• The Sarpanch presides over Panchayat meetings.

The Gram Panchayat, which includes the Sarpanch and Ward Panchs, is elected for a term of five years.

Q15. What problem did the villagers in Hardas village face? What did they do to solve this problem?

Ans: The villagers in Hardas village faced significant water problems. During a Gram Sabha meeting, they discussed the issue and decided to implement a watershed development program. This initiative was completed successfully, providing relief to the villagers.

Q16. Explain the relation between the Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha.

Ans: The Gram Panchayat is accountable to the Gram Sabha, which must approve its work. In some states, the Gram Sabha establishes committees, such as construction and development committees, comprising members from both the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat. These committees collaborate on specific tasks.

Key points regarding their relationship include:

• The Gram Sabha consists of all adult residents in the Panchayat area, allowing them to participate in local governance.
• Members of the Gram Sabha elect the Sarpanch (Panchayat President) and Ward Members (Panchs), who form the Gram Panchayat.
• The Gram Panchayat implements development programmes and is required to seek approval from the Gram Sabha for its initiatives.
• Regular meetings of the Gram Sabha provide a platform for residents to discuss issues and hold the Gram Panchayat accountable.

Q17. What problems are discussed in the meeting of the Gram Sabha?

Ans: The meeting of the Gram Sabha begins with the Panchayat President presenting a plan to repair the road connecting the village to the main highway.

Key issues discussed include:

• Water shortages: Members address the ongoing problems related to water supply.
• BPL list finalisation: The list of people below the poverty line is reviewed and must be approved by the Gram Sabha.

During the discussion on the BPL list, members express concerns about discrepancies:

• Some individuals on the list appear to be well-off, raising questions about the accuracy of the list.
• Concerns are voiced about the exclusion of genuinely poor individuals.

Q18. Describe the success of the Panchayati Raj.

Ans: The Panchayati Raj system has made significant strides, although it has not fully achieved its goals. Key points include:

• The system establishes a vital link between the government and rural villages across India.
• Villagers are now more politically aware, with discussions about national issues happening in many households.
• Each state has its own laws regarding Panchayati Raj, promoting local participation and voice.
• The Gram Panchayat serves as the first level of democratic governance in rural areas, accountable to the Gram Sabha.
• Development plans are made at the district level by the Zila Parishad, which also oversees fund distribution among Gram Panchayats.

Overall, the Panchayati Raj system encourages community involvement and aims to empower local governance.

Q19. Describe the failure of the Panchayati Raj. 

Ans: The Panchayati Raj system encounters several significant issues that hinder its effectiveness:

• Lack of funds: Insufficient financial resources limit development initiatives.
• Political interference: Outside influences disrupt local governance.
• Corruption: Misuse of power undermines trust and efficiency.
• Domination by elites: Powerful individuals often overshadow the voices of ordinary villagers.

These challenges prevent the system from adequately supporting local villages in terms of development and governance.

Q20. Why do we need a local government? 

Ans: A local government plays a crucial role in addressing community issues effectively. Here are some key reasons for its importance:

• Local Insight: Residents understand their own problems best and are motivated to find solutions.
• Efficiency: Local governments can act quickly and with minimal costs.
• Support for Higher Authorities: They help reduce the workload of Central and State governments.
• Training Opportunities: Local governments provide administrative training to community members.

Long Answer Questions:

Q1. What are the key features of Gram Sabha in the Gram Panchayat?

Ans: The Gram Sabha has several key features that enhance its role within the Gram Panchayat:

• The quorum for a Gram Sabha meeting is one-tenth of the total members, with at least one-third being women.
• It serves as a supervisory body, auditing and regulating the Gram Panchayat's functions.
• Recommendations made by the Gram Sabha are binding on the Gram Panchayat.
• The Gram Sabha has the authority to approve the removal of the Gram Panchayat secretary.
• Each village within the Gram Panchayat can hold its own separate Gram Sabha meeting.

Q2. Why do you think Panchayats are so important in our country?

Ans: Panchayats have a long history in India, gaining constitutional recognition after the 73rd amendment in 1993. They serve as crucial development agencies aimed at:

• Rural development by involving local communities.
• Strengthening the foundation of Indian democracy by providing representation to marginalised groups, including Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and women.
• Maintaining essential services such as water sources, village wells, street lighting, and drainage systems.
• Reducing the administrative burden on the state government.

While Panchayati Raj operates independently, the state government sets the rules for local self-governance. This system is vital for effective administration in a democratic country like India.

Q3. What in your opinion is the importance of the Gram Sabha? Do you think all members should attend Gram Sabha meetings and why? 

Ans: The Gram Sabha is crucial for village development as it discusses key issues affecting the community. The Gram Panchayat operates based on the plans approved by the Gram Sabha.

It is essential for all members to attend Gram Sabha meetings because:

• Attendance helps educate participants about the meeting procedures.
• It fosters community involvement and accountability.
• Members can voice their concerns and influence decisions.

Overall, the Gram Sabha plays a significant role in ensuring that the Gram Panchayat remains responsible and transparent in its actions.