Short & Long Questions: Local Self-government: Rural and Urban Administration | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What are the three levels at which the government functions in India?
Ans: The government in India functions at three levels - central, state, and local.

Q2: Why is local self-government important?
Ans: Local self-government is important because local people can identify and solve their problems more easily.

Q3: What are the two levels at which local self-government functions?
Ans: Local self-government functions at two levels - rural and urban.

Q4: What is the structure of the Panchayati Raj system at the district level?
Ans: The structure at the district level consists of Zila Parishad.

Q5: What is the Gram Sabha and what are its functions?
Ans: Gram Sabha is the village assembly comprising all adult men and women in a village. It prepares the village budget, audits Panchayat accounts, and supervises Panchayat's work.

Q6: What are the functions of urban local bodies?
Ans: Obligatory functions include water supply, road maintenance, street lighting, etc. Discretionary functions include rescue homes, low-income housing, etc.

Q7: What is the Mid-day Meal scheme?
Ans: The Mid-day Meal scheme provides meals to primary school students to improve nutrition and boost attendance.

Q8: What is the purpose of the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005?
Ans: The RTI Act empowers citizens by providing access to information held by public authorities to promote transparency and accountability.

Q9: How can municipalities prevent fraudulent misuse of resources, such as the Mid-day Meal rice?
Ans: Measures include maintaining stock registers, regular reconciliation, assessing consumption, physical verification, and taking timely actions.

Q10: How has the Panchayati Raj system empowered women in India?
Ans: The system has granted more representation to women, empowering them in village governance and community development.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the need and importance of local self-government in India.
Ans:

• Local self-government is crucial as it allows local people to understand and solve their issues effectively.
• Participation in local governance fosters cooperation and engages citizens in decision-making processes.
• Elected representatives gain valuable training and experience in administration through local self-government.
• Local self-government reduces the burden on central and state governments, creating a vital link between people and higher authorities.
• It provides a platform for addressing local problems and offering essential services to villages, towns, and cities.

Q2: Describe the structure and functions of the Panchayati Raj system in rural areas.
Ans:

• The Panchayati Raj system comprises Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad at different levels.
• Gram Panchayat operates at the village level and is responsible for local governance.
• Panchayat Samiti, at the block level, addresses issues beyond single villages.
• Zila Parishad, at the district level, oversees broader administrative functions.
• These institutions collaborate to address rural needs, resolve disputes, and promote community development.

Q3: Elaborate on the role and organization of a Gram Panchayat.
Ans:

• A Gram Panchayat consists of a Gram Sabha and elected members responsible for local governance.
• Gram Sabha, comprising adult villagers, prepares budgets, audits accounts, and supervises the Panchayat’s activities.
• The Gram Panchayat members are elected, with reserved seats for marginalized groups and women.
• The Pradhan or Sarpanch leads the Gram Panchayat, overseeing its functions and decision-making processes.
• Gram Panchayats play a crucial role in grassroots democracy, community development, and local problem-solving.

Q4: Discuss the functions and significance of Urban Local Bodies in India.
Ans:

• Urban Local Bodies manage urban areas, providing essential services like water supply, road maintenance, and sanitation.
• They play a vital role in infrastructure development, public health, and waste management.
• Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and City Councils are key components of urban governance.
• These bodies address the specific needs of urban populations and ensure the smooth functioning of cities and towns.
• Active citizen participation is crucial for the effective operation of Urban Local Bodies and sustainable urban development.

Q5: Analyze the Mid-day Meal (MDM) Scheme and the role of Urban Local Bodies in its implementation.
Ans:

• The MDM Scheme aims to enhance primary education by providing nutritious meals to school children.
• Urban Local Bodies support the scheme by managing logistics, monitoring, and ensuring efficient implementation.
• Proper monitoring and stock management are essential to prevent misuse and ensure effective distribution.
• Regular reconciliation and physical verification of stocks help maintain transparency and accountability.
• The Right to Information Act can be utilized to promote transparency and curb irregularities in scheme implementation.