Grassroots Democracy – Part 3: Local Government in Urban Area – Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 6 — Social Science
Theme D — Governance and Democracy • Chapter 12: Grassroots Democracy — Local Government in Urban Area
Class 6
Subject: Social Science
Topic: Municipalities & Municipal Corporations
CBSE Board Exam Note: 50 Short Answer (3–4 line) questions with clear, NCERT-aligned answers for concept clarity and revision.
Chapter 12
Local Government in Urban Areas — Municipalities & Corporations
Section A — Structure & Composition
1. What is the main difference between a Municipality and a Municipal Corporation?
Municipal Corporations govern large cities and have more departments and powers, while Municipalities govern smaller towns with simpler structures.
2. Who is the Mayor and what is their role?
The Mayor is the elected representative who chairs the municipal council and represents the city; the role may be ceremonial or executive depending on state laws.
3. What is the function of the Municipal Commissioner?
The Municipal Commissioner is an appointed official responsible for administration and implementing council decisions and managing municipal departments.
4. What is a ward committee?
A ward committee is a local body consisting of councillors and residents that addresses ward-level issues and improves local participation.
5. Name three common municipal departments.
Health, engineering, and education (also revenue, water supply and sanitation) are common municipal departments.
6. How are wards defined in a city?
Wards are defined as small electoral areas within a city based on population and geography to ensure representation.
7. What is the municipal council?
The municipal council is the elected body of councillors that discusses local matters, approves budgets and makes decisions for the city.
8. Who are councillors?
Councillors are elected representatives chosen by residents of wards to represent local issues in the municipal council.
9. What is the term length for municipal representatives?
It varies by state, but councillors typically serve for five years before the next municipal election.
10. Can municipal structures vary from state to state?
Yes, states decide details such as powers, titles and methods of election, so structures vary across India.
Section B — Elections & Representation
11. How are municipal elections conducted?
Municipal elections are held where residents of wards vote to elect councillors; election schedules are decided by state election authorities.
12. Why are some seats reserved in municipal bodies?
Seats are reserved to ensure representation of women and disadvantaged groups like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, promoting inclusiveness.
13. What is direct election for Mayor?
In some states, the Mayor is directly elected by citizens rather than chosen by councillors, allowing direct public mandate.
14. How do residents participate in electing representatives?
Residents vote in municipal elections and can attend public meetings or contact councillors to voice concerns and priorities.
15. What role do political parties play in municipal elections?
Political parties often support candidates and influence municipal politics, though independent candidates also contest in local elections.
16. Why is voter turnout important in municipal elections?
High voter turnout ensures that elected representatives reflect citizens’ choices and strengthens local democracy and accountability.
17. Can citizens recall or remove an elected councillor?
Recall provisions depend on state laws; some states have mechanisms for citizens to petition for removal in specific cases of misconduct.
18. What is the role of electoral rolls in municipal elections?
Electoral rolls list eligible voters and ensure only registered residents vote in municipal elections, maintaining election integrity.
19. How are ward boundaries changed?
Ward boundaries can be redrawn (delimitation) by state authorities based on population changes to ensure fair representation.
20. How are disputes in municipal elections resolved?
Election disputes are handled by election tribunals, state election commissions or courts as per legal procedures.
Section C — Functions & Services
21. How do municipal bodies provide water to residents?
They manage water sources, distribute water through pipelines, maintain pumps and repair leaks to ensure regular supply.
22. What is the municipal role in sanitation?
Municipalities collect and dispose of garbage, maintain drains and toilets, and run cleanliness campaigns to prevent disease.
23. How do urban local bodies support health services?
They run or facilitate city health centres, vaccination drives and public health awareness initiatives in collaboration with health departments.
24. How do municipalities support education?
By maintaining primary school buildings, supporting mid-day meals and coordinating with education departments for facilities and teachers.
25. What is town planning and why is it important?
Town planning sets rules for land use, building permissions and roads so cities grow in an organised, safe and sustainable way.
26. How do municipalities manage markets and trade areas?
They allocate space for markets, collect market fees, maintain facilities and regulate local trade activities.
27. What is the role in public safety?
Municipal bodies ensure street lighting, safe roads, maintenance of public spaces and coordinate with police during emergencies for safety.
28. How do municipalities care for public spaces?
By creating and maintaining parks, playgrounds and community halls for recreation and social activities.
29. How do municipal governments handle drainage and flood prevention?
They design and maintain drainage systems, clean drains regularly and plan measures to reduce urban flooding risks.
30. What are municipal services during festivals and events?
They manage sanitation, crowd control, temporary facilities and ensure safety and cleanliness during public events and festivals.
Section D — Finance & Resources
31. What is property tax?
A tax imposed by municipal bodies on land and buildings owned by individuals and businesses within the city.
32. Name two non-tax sources of municipal revenue.
Fees for licences and user charges (e.g., water fees) and grants from state or central governments are non-tax sources.
33. Why do municipalities need grants from higher governments?
Grants help municipalities fund large projects and run services when local revenue is insufficient, ensuring essential services continue.
34. How do municipalities budget for a year?
They prepare annual budgets estimating income and expenses, which are discussed and approved by the municipal council.
35. What are user charges?
Fees charged for specific services like water supply, parking or market stalls that help recover service costs.
36. What challenges exist in collecting property tax?
Issues include outdated records, non-registration of properties, and resistance from owners leading to revenue shortfalls.
37. How can municipalities raise funds for large projects?
By taking loans, issuing bonds, partnering with development agencies, or attracting state/central scheme funding.
38. Why is transparent accounting important for municipalities?
Transparent accounts build public trust, allow audits, and ensure funds are used properly for intended projects and services.
39. What is a user-friendly service that can generate revenue?
Well-managed parking services or paid public toilets can generate revenue while serving public needs.
40. How do municipalities decide fees for services?
Fees are decided based on service costs, affordability, policy guidelines and sometimes council approval to balance revenue and access.
Section E — Participation & Accountability
41. How can citizens raise local problems?
They can contact their ward councillor, attend ward committee meetings, use public hearings, or submit petitions to the municipality.
42. What is the purpose of public hearings?
Public hearings let citizens give opinions on major projects, ensuring transparency and considering public views before decisions are finalised.
43. How does RTI help in municipal accountability?
RTI allows citizens to request official information on spending and decisions, helping expose irregularities and improve transparency.
44. Why are audits conducted for municipal funds?
Audits check financial records, ensure proper use of funds and identify irregularities so corrective actions can be taken.
45. How can ward committees improve service delivery?
Ward committees bring local citizens together with councillors to prioritise needs, monitor work and suggest local solutions for better services.
Section F — Urban Development & Impact
46. How do municipal services influence economic growth?
Reliable infrastructure and services attract businesses, create jobs and support local markets, aiding economic growth.
47. How do proper sanitation and water services improve public health?
They reduce contamination and disease spread, leading to fewer illnesses and better overall health for city residents.
48. What is planned urban expansion?
Planned urban expansion involves developing new areas with proper roads, services and housing to prevent slums and chaos.
49. How can municipalities support women’s safety?
Through better lighting, safe public transport, women’s helpdesks and inclusive planning that considers women’s needs.
50. How do municipal bodies contribute to environmental protection?
They run waste segregation, tree planting, parks maintenance and pollution control programs to protect urban environments.