Unit Test (Solutions): Grassroots Democracy (Part 2) Local Government in Rural Areas | Social Studies for Class 6 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M: 30
Instructions: Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Who is the head of the Gram Panchayat? (1 Mark)
Ans: Sarpanch or Pradhan.

Q2: At how many levels does the Panchayati Raj system operate? (1 Mark)
Ans: Three.

Q3: What is the role of the Gram Sabha in the village? (1 Mark)
Ans: To discuss matters related to the area and take decisions.

Q4: Which ancient text mentions a structure similar to the Panchayati Raj system? (1 Mark)
Ans: Arthaśhāstra.

Q5: Name one initiative mentioned that involves children in Panchayat activities. (1 Mark)
Ans: Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative.

Q6: Explain the role of the Panchayat Samiti in the Panchayati Raj system. (2 Marks)
Ans: The Panchayat Samiti acts as a link between the Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad. It coordinates development plans from Gram Panchayats and presents them at district or state levels to facilitate fund allocation for projects like road construction.

Q7: Describe the contribution of Vandana Bahadur Maida as a Sarpanch. (2 Marks)
Ans: Vandana Bahadur Maida, from Khankhandvi village, became the first female Sarpanch, defied patriarchal norms, convinced women to attend Sabha meetings, and addressed issues like education and sanitation, transforming rural India.

Q8: What is the purpose of reserving one-third of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions? (2 Marks)
Ans: It ensures that women have a voice in decision-making and helps address their needs and problems, promoting gender equality in rural governance.

Q9: How does the Gram Panchayat assist villagers in managing their daily issues? (3 Marks)
Ans: The Gram Panchayat, elected by the Gram Sabha, addresses local issues like water supply, road repairs, school maintenance, and sanitation. It is supported by a Panchayat Secretary for administrative tasks and a Patwari for maintaining land records. By discussing problems in the Gram Sabha, villagers can participate in decision-making directly. The Gram Panchayat also helps implement development projects and ensures that government schemes reach the village, making local governance effective and closer to the people.

Q10: Explain the significance of the three-tier system in the Panchayati Raj structure. (3 Marks)
Ans: The three-tier system in Panchayati Raj includes the village level (Gram Panchayat), block level (Panchayat Samiti), and district level (Zila Parishad). It brings governance closer to people, allowing them to participate in decision-making through Gram Sabha and elected representatives. This system ensures local issues are addressed and government schemes reach the grassroots. It covers important areas like agriculture, education, health, roads, water management, social welfare, and cultural activities, promoting effective management and development in rural areas.

Q11: Describe the Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative with an example. (3 Marks)
Ans: The Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative allows children to express their ideas and concerns through Bal Sabhas and Bal Panchayats, while elders work to address them. In Maharashtra, Bal Panchayats helped eliminate child labour and child marriage, bringing children back to school. In Sikkim, Sangkhu Radhu Khandu Gram Panchayat built school compound walls and kitchens for hygienic midday meals, making it child-friendly. In Rajasthan, the ‘Children’s Parliament’ engaged children in democratic activities, teaching them leadership and social responsibility, and enabling them to advocate for education, sanitation, and equality.

Q12: How does the Gram Panchayat function at the village level? (5 Marks)
Ans: The Gram Panchayat functions at the village level in the following ways:

1. Election and Membership: Members are elected directly by the Gram Sabha, which includes all adult men and women voters of the village or nearby villages.

2. Decision-Making: In the Gram Sabha, villagers discuss local issues such as education, sanitation, water supply, roads, and social welfare, and take collective decisions.

3. Leadership: The Gram Panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch or Pradhan, who leads discussions and ensures decisions are implemented. Many women and even transgender individuals have become Sarpanchs, promoting inclusive leadership.

4. Examples of Effective Leadership:

   • Vandana Bahadur Maida (Madhya Pradesh) encouraged women to attend meetings and improved education and sanitation.

   • Popatrao Baguji Pawar (Hiware Bazar, Maharashtra) implemented rainwater harvesting, watershed conservation, and tree planting, turning the village prosperous.

5. Support Staff: The Panchayat Secretary handles administrative tasks like calling meetings and maintaining records, while the Patwari maintains land records and maps.

6. Impact: The Gram Panchayat enables villagers to actively participate in governance and directly shape the development and welfare of their community.

Q13: Suppose you study in a village school located next to a highway, and students find it difficult to cross the road. What are the options to solve this issue? Which institutions in the Panchayati Raj can help you? What can the students do? (5 Marks)
Ans: Students facing difficulty in crossing the road can take the following steps:

1. Possible Solutions:

   • Build a footbridge or zebra crossing near the school.

   • Put up warning signs and speed limits for vehicles.

   • Arrange a traffic signal or a school crossing guard.

2. Panchayati Raj Institutions that can help:

   • Gram Panchayat: Can discuss the problem in the Gram Sabha and request the block or district authorities to take action.

   • Panchayat Samiti (Block level): Can coordinate with road and traffic authorities to build safe crossings.

   • Zila Parishad (District level): Can provide funds or approval for larger safety measures like footbridges or signals.

3. Role of Students:

   • Students can bring the problem to their teachers or school management.

   • They can present their concerns in the Gram Sabha or Bal Panchayat.

   • They can participate in campaigns to raise awareness about road safety.

Impact: With the help of Panchayati Raj institutions and students’ active participation, safe access to the school can be ensured, preventing accidents and promoting community involvement.