Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Governance – Detailed Explanation

Theme D — Governance and Democracy

Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Governance

Introduction to Governance at the Local Level & People’s Participation in Decision-Making

Introduction

Governance is the way in which a community, society, or country is managed and organized. In India, governance does not only happen at the level of the Parliament or State Assemblies—it also happens at the grassroots level, close to where people live. This is called local governance.

For CBSE Class 6 Social Science, this chapter explains:

• What governance means at the local level.
• How local bodies function.
• The role of citizens in decision-making.
• Why grassroots democracy is important for India.

What is Governance?

Governance refers to the process of decision-making and implementation of rules, policies, and laws in a community. It involves both government institutions and the people.

Key Features of Governance:

• Decision-Making: Identifying the needs of people and deciding how to fulfill them.
• Implementation: Carrying out plans and policies.
• Accountability: Ensuring that leaders are answerable to the people.
• Participation: People take part in governance through voting, meetings, and discussions.

What is Grassroots Democracy?

Grassroots democracy means democracy functioning at the lowest level of society, where people directly participate in managing their local issues.

In India, grassroots democracy happens through local self-government institutions, such as:

• Gram Panchayats in rural areas.
• Municipalities and Municipal Corporations in urban areas.

These institutions make governance closer, simpler, and more participatory.

Importance of Local Governance

Local governance plays a very important role in ensuring democracy reaches every citizen.

Reasons Why Local Governance Matters:

1. Closeness to People: Local leaders know the real problems of the community.
2. Participation: People can directly take part in decision-making.
3. Quick Solutions: Problems like water, sanitation, and street lights are solved faster.
4. Training Ground for Democracy: It teaches people about rights, duties, and elections.
5. Inclusiveness: Helps marginalized groups (women, SCs, STs, OBCs) participate in governance.

Local Governance in India

India is a large and diverse country. To manage such diversity, the Constitution of India provides for three levels of government:

This third level of government is called Local Self-Government (LSG).

Local Self-Government in Rural Areas

In villages, governance happens through the Panchayati Raj System.

Three Levels of Panchayati Raj:

1. Gram Panchayat – at the village level.
2. Panchayat Samiti – at the block level.
3. Zila Parishad – at the district level.

Together, these ensure that decisions made in villages are connected with broader development plans.

Functions of Gram Panchayat:

• Provide drinking water and sanitation.
• Maintain village roads and drainage.
• Run schools and health centres.
• Implement government schemes.
• Collect small local taxes.

Local Self-Government in Urban Areas

In towns and cities, governance is done by:

• Municipal Corporations (Nagar Nigam) – in big cities.
• Municipalities (Nagar Palika) – in smaller towns.
• Nagar Panchayats – in transitional areas (rural → urban).

Functions of Municipal Bodies:

• Maintain roads, markets, and parks.
• Provide water and electricity.
• Collect garbage and manage waste.
• Set up hospitals and dispensaries.
• Plan city development.

How Do People Participate in Governance?

Democracy means rule by the people. But participation goes beyond just voting once every five years.

Different Ways People Participate:

• Voting in elections for Panchayats, Municipalities, State Assemblies, and Parliament.
• Attending Gram Sabha meetings (village general assembly).
• Raising issues of public interest like water shortage or broken roads.
• Paying local taxes to support development.
• Joining social movements or awareness campaigns.
• Volunteering in community projects.

The Role of Gram Sabha in Governance

The Gram Sabha is the foundation of democracy in villages.

What is Gram Sabha?

• It is a meeting of all adults (18 years and above) in the village.
• It meets at least twice a year.
• It checks and approves decisions made by the Gram Panchayat.

Functions of Gram Sabha:

• Approves plans for village development.
• Controls how money is spent.
• Questions the Panchayat on its work.
• Discusses social issues (education, dowry, health, etc.).

👉 The Gram Sabha ensures direct democracy at the grassroots level.

Challenges in Local Governance

Although local governance brings democracy closer to people, there are challenges:

• Lack of awareness among citizens.
• Corruption and misuse of funds.
• Influence of powerful families or groups.
• Inadequate participation of women.
• Shortage of funds for projects.

Success Stories of Grassroots Governance in India

1. Kerala’s People’s Planning Campaign: Villagers directly decide how funds should be used.
2. Kudumbashree in Kerala: A women’s self-help group movement improving local governance.
3. Hiware Bazar, Maharashtra: A drought-prone village transformed through collective decision-making.

These examples show that when people actively participate, local governance can bring real change.

Why is People’s Participation Important?

Participation ensures that governance is for the people and by the people.

Benefits of Participation:

• Ensures accountability of leaders.
• Helps identify real problems of the community.
• Reduces corruption and misuse of power.
• Builds trust between government and citizens.
• Strengthens democracy at every level.

Key Concepts for Class 6 Exams

Here’s a quick summary table for revision:

Sample Exam-Oriented Points

To help in CBSE Class 6 Social Science preparation, here are exam-style pointers:

Short-Answer Preparation:

• Define governance.
• Mention three functions of Gram Panchayat.
• Explain the role of Gram Sabha.
• List two functions of a Municipality.

Long-Answer Preparation:

• Importance of grassroots democracy in India.
• Difference between Panchayati Raj and Municipal governance.
• Challenges faced by local governance.
• Role of people in strengthening democracy.

Recap: Why Grassroots Democracy Matters

• It brings government closer to the people.
• It teaches democratic values from an early stage.
• It ensures that decisions reflect people’s needs.
• It provides a platform for inclusive governance.
• It strengthens India’s unity in diversity.

Conclusion

Governance at the grassroots level is the backbone of Indian democracy. Through Panchayats and Municipalities, people not only choose their leaders but also participate directly in decision-making. For Class 6 students, this chapter is not only about exams but also about understanding how every citizen has a role in shaping society.

Grassroots democracy shows us that democracy is not limited to Parliament or State Assemblies—it begins in the villages, towns, and cities, right where people live. By participating in governance, citizens ensure that India remains strong, united, and truly democratic.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science, Grassroots Democracy study notes, NCERT practice test resources, Panchayati Raj MCQs and answers, Short questions long questions, Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha, Class 6 exam preparation tips, Online learning revision materials