Class 6 Scoial Science Chapter 4 Question Answers - Panchayati Raj

Q1. What is the literal meaning of panchayat? 

Ans: The literal meaning of panchayat is a council formed by five individuals. This term is commonly used in India to refer to local self-governance bodies.

Q2. In the Hardas village, women go to get water from which river? 

Ans: In Hardas village, women collect water from the Suru river.

Q3. Who prevents the Panchayat from misusing the village money?

Ans: The Gram Sabha plays a crucial role in preventing the misuse of village funds. Its responsibilities include:

• Monitoring financial activities of the Panchayat.
• Ensuring transparency in the use of village money.
• Empowering villagers to voice concerns and hold the Panchayat accountable.

Through these functions, the Gram Sabha helps safeguard village resources and promote responsible governance.

Q4. The secretary of the Gram Panchayat is not an elected person but is appointed by ____________.

Ans: The secretary of the Gram Panchayat is not an elected person but is appointed by the government.

Q5. Who is responsible for keeping a record of the Gram Panchayat and the Gram Sabha?

Ans: The secretary of the Gram Panchayat is responsible for maintaining the records of both the Gram Panchayat and the Gram Sabha. This role includes:

• Documenting decisions made in meetings.
• Keeping track of financial transactions.
• Updating records related to local development projects.

Overall, the secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the local governance structure.

Q6. Panchayati Raj system is in which level of a democratic government?

Ans: The Panchayati Raj system operates at the first level of a democratic government. It is designed to promote grassroots governance and local self-government in rural areas.

Q7. The Panchs and the Gram Panchayat are answerable to the ___________.

Ans: The Panchs and the Gram Panchayat are answerable to the Gram Sabha.

Q8. What do you mean by Gram Sabha? 

Ans: Gram Sabha refers to a gathering of all adults residing in the area managed by a Panchayat.

Q9. Who is a Sarpanch? 

Ans: A Sarpanch is the elected leader of a Panchayat, which is a local self-government body in rural areas of India. The role includes:

• Leading the Panchayat meetings and discussions.
• Implementing government schemes at the village level.
• Addressing local issues and concerns of the community.
• Representing the village in higher administrative levels.

The Sarpanch plays a crucial role in the development and governance of the village.

Q10. What does 'BPL' stand for? 

Ans: BPL stands for Below Poverty Line. It is a classification used to identify individuals or households that earn less than the minimum income level necessary to meet basic needs.

• The BPL status is often used for targeting social welfare programmes.
• It helps in providing assistance like food, housing, and healthcare.
• Criteria for BPL status can vary by country and region.

Q11. Two village Panchs were awarded the Nirmal Gram Puruskar in 2005. To which state did they belong? 

Ans: Two village Panchayats were awarded the Nirmal Gram Puruskar in 2005. They belonged to the state of Maharashtra.

Q12. What is the 'Panchyati Raj system'? 

Ans: The Panchayati Raj system is a form of local self-government in India. It enables citizens to:

• Participate directly in decision-making.
• Elect representatives at the village, block, and district levels.
• Address local issues and needs effectively.

This system promotes grassroots democracy and empowers communities to manage their own affairs.

Q13. How many levels are there in a Panchayat Raj System? 

Ans: The Panchayat Raj System consists of three levels:

• Gram Panchayat: The village level.
• Block Samiti: The intermediate level for a group of villages.
• Zila Parishad: The district level.

Q14. Name the three level of the Panchayat Raj System.

Ans: The three levels of the Panchayat Raj System are:

• Gram Sabha at the village level
• Samiti or Janpad Panchayat at the block level
• District Panchayat or Zila Parishad at the district level

Q15. What is the other name for Janpad Panchayat? 

Ans: Janpad Panchayat is also known as Panchayat Samiti.

Q16. Panchayat Samiti has many ____________ under it.

Ans: The Panchayat Samiti has several Gram Sabhas under its authority.

Q17. What is Zila Parishad? 

Ans: Zila Parishad refers to the governing body at the district level in India. It plays a crucial role in local self-governance and development.

• Functions as the apex body of the Panchayati Raj system in the district.
• Responsible for planning and implementing development programmes.
• Oversees the work of Gram Panchayats (village councils).
• Facilitates coordination between various government departments at the district level.

Q18. Who approves the work of the Gram Panchayat? 

Ans: The work of the Gram Panchayat is approved by the Gram Sabha. This body consists of all the adult members of the village and plays a crucial role in overseeing the Panchayat's activities.

Q19. What is Watershed development in a village? 

Ans: Watershed development in a village refers to strategies aimed at conserving water and enhancing its availability. Key aspects include:

• Water conservation: Implementing methods to save water, such as rainwater harvesting.
• Soil management: Improving soil quality to retain moisture and reduce erosion.
• Vegetation restoration: Planting trees and vegetation to support the ecosystem and enhance water retention.
• Community involvement: Engaging local residents in planning and executing water management projects.

These efforts help ensure a sustainable water supply for agricultural and domestic use.

Q20. The water problem in a village can be solved by planting trees, constructing dams and tanks. True/False 

Ans: True

The water problem in a village can indeed be addressed through various methods:

• Planting trees helps improve soil moisture and reduces erosion.
• Constructing dams can store rainwater, providing a reliable water source.
• Building tanks allows for the collection and conservation of water.

These approaches work together to enhance water availability and sustainability.

Q21. The concept of Gram Swaraj was conceived by _____________.

Ans: The concept of Gram Swaraj was conceived by Mahatma Gandhi.

 Q22. The Gram Panchayat meets ___________to implement the development programmes.

Ans: The Gram Panchayat meets regularly to implement its development programmes.

Q23. Who presides the meeting of the Gram Sabha? 

Ans: The meeting of the Gram Sabha is presided over by the Panchayat President or the Sarpanch.

Q24. One of the important feature of the 73rd Amendment Act is ___________.

Ans: One of the important features of the 73rd Amendment Act is reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Q25. The work of the Gram Panchayat has to be approved by the ___________. 

Ans: The work of the Gram Panchayat has to be approved by the Gram Sabha.

Q26. The Gram Sabha meetings are presided by the Sarpanch. True/False 

Ans: The statement is true. Gram Sabha meetings are indeed presided over by the Sarpanch. This role is crucial for:

• Facilitating discussions and decision-making.
• Ensuring that all members have a chance to participate.
• Representing the interests of the community.

Q27. Who recommended the establishment of Panchyati Raj institutions? 

Ans: The establishment of Panchyati Raj institutions was recommended by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee. This committee, formed in 1957, aimed to promote decentralised governance in India.

• It emphasised the importance of local self-government.
• The committee suggested a three-tier system: village, block, and district levels.
• Its recommendations focused on enhancing democratic participation at the grassroots level.

Q28. The Gram Panchayat is elected for ______ years.

Ans: The Gram Panchayat is elected for five years.

Q29. State the another name of Zila Parishad. 

Ans: Another name of Zila Parishad is District Panchayat.

Q30. Sarpanch is the Panchayat's President. 

Ans: Sarpanch is indeed the President of the Panchayat.

• The Sarpanch leads the local self-government.
• This role includes overseeing meetings and representing the Panchayat.
• The Sarpanch is responsible for community development and welfare.

Q31. In rural areas, people directly participate in the decision making through ___________. 

Ans: In rural areas, people directly participate in decision-making through Gram Sabha.

Q32. The developmental work at the district level is taken care by the ___________. 

Ans: The developmental work at the district level is managed by the Zila Parishad.

Q33. The Gram Panchayat has a secretary who is also the secretary of the ____________.

Ans: The Gram Panchayat has a secretary who is also the secretary of the Gram Sabha.

Q34. The block plans are coordinated and consolidated by the__________. 

Ans: The block plans are coordinated and consolidated by the Zila Parishad.

Q35. Every village Panchayat is divided into _________. 

Ans: Every village Panchayat is divided into wards.

Q36. What is the age limit to become a member of the Gram Sabha? 

Ans: The age limit to become a member of the Gram Sabha is 18 years. This means individuals must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Gram Sabha.

Q37. What is the main aim of the Panchayati Raj System? 

Ans: The main aim of the Panchayati Raj System is to promote active people's participation in local governance. It aims to:

• Empower local communities to make decisions.
• Encourage democratic practices at the grassroots level.
• Facilitate the delivery of services and development projects.
• Enhance accountability and transparency in governance.

This system seeks to ensure that local needs and priorities are addressed effectively.

Q38. All the three levels of Panchayati Raj Institutions are elected directly by the _______.

Ans: All three levels of Panchayati Raj Institutions are elected directly by the people.

Q39. All India Panchayat Adhyaksha Sammelan was held in 2002 in ____________. 

Ans: All India Panchayat Adhyaksha Sammelan was held in 2002 in Delhi.

Q40. The Gram Panchayat is prevented from misusing the village money by Gram Sabah. True/False 

Ans: True

The Gram Panchayat is held accountable for its financial decisions by the Gram Sabha. This governance structure ensures:

• Transparency in financial dealings.
• Community involvement in decision-making.
• Oversight to prevent misuse of village funds.

Thus, the Gram Sabha plays a crucial role in safeguarding village money.

Q41. Who approves the list of people below the poverty line in villages? 

Ans: The Gram Sabha is responsible for finalising and approving the list of individuals living below the poverty line in rural areas.