Grassroots Democracy- Local Government in Urban Areas Chapter Notes | Social Studies (SST) Class 6 PDF Download

Introduction

In a democratic country like India, it's important for citizens to know how the government works and understand their rights and responsibilities. This knowledge begins at the local level in towns and villages, where people can see how decisions are made and services provided. Getting involved at the local level helps citizens learn about administration, voting, and their rights.

Good governance in a democracy encourages citizens to participate in running their country at all levels—local, regional, and national. This is called participatory democracy. While rural governance has its own structure, urban governance is more complex because of the diverse challenges in cities and towns.

Before understanding how cities are governed, it’s useful to look at the overall Indian governance system, which is like a pyramid, with local governance at the bottom and national governance at the top.

Urban Local Bodies

Did urban local bodies refer to local government structures in cities and towns?

Yes, Urban local bodies are the local government systems that manage cities and towns. These bodies are responsible for overseeing and addressing local issues, ensuring services like water supply, sanitation, and infrastructure are provided to the community. They function at a decentralized level, meaning the local community directly participates in decision-making for their area.

Understanding Urban Local Bodies and Their Functions

• Urban local bodies refer to the local government structures in cities and towns. 
• These bodies are decentralized, which means local communities have a direct role in managing their areas instead of being controlled by a central authority. 
• This system allows residents to come together and make decisions that are best for their community. 
• Cities and towns are divided into smaller sections known as wards. 
• Ward committees help with various activities, including: 
  • Organizing health camps
  • Running campaigns against single-use plastics
  • Monitoring local issues like water leaks, blocked drains, or damaged roads
• The specific roles of wards can vary from one State to another, depending on local regulations. 
• Urban local bodies are responsible for several important tasks, such as: 
  • Maintaining local infrastructure
  • Looking after burial grounds
  • Collecting and disposing of garbage
  • Ensuring government schemes are properly implemented
  • Collecting local taxes and fines
  • Contributing to economic and social planning for the area
• For these bodies to work effectively, local residents also need to take their responsibilities seriously. This is part of a participatory democracy. 
• For example: 
  • If residents follow guidelines for waste segregation, it helps make garbage collection easier.
  • If someone notices a water leak, reporting it quickly can save a lot of water.
• In cities like Chennai and Indore, there is a Municipal Corporation at the top of their urban local bodies. 
• Only cities with a population of over 10 lakhs have a Municipal Corporation, also known as Mahanagar Nigam. 
• For cities with populations between 1 and 10 lakhs, the highest governing body is a Municipal Council (or Nagar Palika). 
• Towns with smaller populations have a Nagar Panchayat as their governing body.

The Madras Corporation: India's Oldest Municipal Institution 

• The Madras Corporation, now known as the Greater Chennai Corporation, was established on September 29, 1688. It holds the distinction of being the oldest municipal institution in India.
• Before the corporation was formed, the East India Company issued a charter in 1687 that designated the town of 'Fort St. George' and the surrounding territories within a 16 km radius as a corporation.
• In 1792, a Parliamentary Act granted the Madras Corporation the authority to levy municipal taxes in the city. This marked the beginning of proper municipal administration in Madras.

Conclusion

In urban areas, decentralized governance through various urban local bodies ensures that cities and towns function efficiently and effectively. Citizens play a crucial role in this system by participating in governance, reporting issues, and following community guidelines. Just like in rural areas, urban local bodies have elected representatives who work to address the needs and concerns of the local population. By understanding and engaging in these processes, we can help create better, more livable urban environments.