Short Questions – Grassroots Democracy – Part 3: Local Government in Urban Area

Section A — Introduction & Background (Q1–Q10)

Q1. What is an urban local government?
An urban local government is a body that manages civic services and local affairs in towns and cities. It is elected by the people who live in the city’s wards. These bodies work to provide day-to-day services like water supply, sanitation, roads, and markets.

Q2. Why do towns and cities need local governments?
Towns and cities are large and require organised services for many people. Local governments plan and deliver services such as garbage collection, street lighting and water supply. They also make decisions suited to local needs and solve daily problems quickly.

Q3. What was the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992)?
The 74th Amendment gave constitutional recognition to urban local bodies. It recommended regular elections and listed functions for municipalities to make them more democratic. This made city governance more accountable and structured.

Q4. Name the three main types of urban local bodies.
The three main types are Municipal Corporations, Municipalities (Nagar Palikas), and Nagar Panchayats. Corporations are for large cities, municipalities for smaller towns, and Nagar Panchayats for areas becoming urban. Each type matches the size and needs of the area.

Q5. What is a Municipal Corporation?
A Municipal Corporation is the local government for large cities and metros. It is usually headed by a Mayor and run administratively by a Municipal Commissioner. It handles major urban services and large infrastructure projects.

Q6. What is a Municipality (Nagar Palika)?
A Municipality manages services for smaller cities and big towns. It has elected councillors and a Chairperson. Municipalities perform most civic duties but on a smaller scale than corporations.

Q7. What is a Nagar Panchayat?
A Nagar Panchayat is for places that are changing from rural to urban. It handles early urban services like street lighting and drainage. It helps manage the transition to full urban governance.

Q8. What is a ward in the context of a city?
A ward is a small area or electoral division within a city. People in each ward elect a councillor to represent them. Wards help divide the city into manageable units for better local governance.

Q9. Who is a Mayor and what is their role?
A Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation. The Mayor represents the city at public events and chairs council meetings. While the Mayor has an important role, the Municipal Commissioner usually handles administration.

Q10. Who is the Municipal Commissioner?
The Municipal Commissioner is the administrative head of a city’s municipal body. They are usually a trained government officer appointed to manage daily operations. The Commissioner implements council decisions and supervises municipal staff.

Section B — Structure & Organisation (Q11–Q20)

Q11. How is the city council formed?
The city council is formed by elected councillors from each ward. Councillors meet to discuss policies, budgets and local issues. The council makes decisions on municipal plans and projects.

Q12. What are ward committees and why are they important?
Ward committees are small groups that focus on ward-level problems and solutions. They bring government closer to residents and help plan local work. Ward committees can improve participation and ensure issues are handled quickly.

Q13. What are standing committees in municipalities?
Standing committees are specialised groups within the municipal council that handle specific areas like health or finance. They study issues in detail and recommend actions to the full council. This division of work helps the municipality function efficiently.

Q14. What is the relationship between the Mayor and Municipal Commissioner?
The Mayor is the political leader and represents the citizens, while the Municipal Commissioner is the administrative head. The Mayor leads the council and policy discussions, and the Commissioner executes and manages these decisions. Together they ensure that policies are implemented properly.

Q15. How are councillors chosen?
Councillors are chosen through local elections held in each ward. Residents who are eligible voters cast ballots to elect their representatives. Councillors serve for a fixed term and are responsible for representing ward concerns.

Q16. What is meant by “decentralisation” in urban governance?
Decentralisation means shifting power and decision-making from the state government to local bodies. In urban governance, it helps local governments plan and act on local needs. This makes services faster and more responsive.

Q17. Why are urban local bodies considered democratic institutions?
They are democratic because councillors and sometimes mayors are elected by citizens. Ordinary people can vote, raise issues and influence local decisions. This ensures people have a say in how their town or city is run.

Q18. How do municipal boundaries affect governance?
Municipal boundaries define which areas a local body serves and taxes. Good boundaries help the municipality plan services and collect revenue. Incorrect or unclear boundaries can cause disputes and service gaps.

Q19. What is the role of municipal staff?
Municipal staff handle technical, administrative and operational tasks. They prepare estimates, run services, maintain records and support councillors. Staff ensure the daily functioning of municipal services.

Q20. How does the council make municipal decisions?
The council debates issues in meetings and votes on proposals. Standing committees often prepare reports for council consideration. Once approved, the municipal administration implements the decisions.

Section C — Functions & Services (Q21–Q30)

Q21. What civic services do urban local bodies provide?
They provide water supply, sanitation, street lighting, road maintenance and solid waste management. They also manage public markets and local transport planning. These services keep the city clean and functional.

Q22. How do municipalities help in health services?
Municipalities run or support primary health centres, vaccination drives and health camps. They coordinate sanitation and disease control measures. Local health initiatives help prevent outbreaks and improve community well-being.

Q23. What is the municipal role in education?
Municipalities support primary schools and anganwadis, maintain school buildings and ensure mid-day meals. They may also run adult literacy programmes. Their support helps increase school attendance and early learning.

Q24. How do municipalities manage roads and street lighting?
Municipal authorities build, repair and maintain local roads and footpaths. They install and maintain street lights to ensure safety and accessibility. Proper road management improves transport and daily life in the city.

Q25. What is solid waste management and who handles it?
Solid waste management includes collection, transportation, recycling and disposal of garbage. Municipalities or contracted agencies handle these tasks. Good waste management prevents pollution and health problems.

Q26. Why is water supply important and how do municipalities ensure it?
Clean water is essential for drinking, cooking and sanitation. Municipalities install pipes, pumps and storage tanks and monitor water quality. They also plan for supply during dry seasons.

Q27. How do municipalities regulate building and land use?
Municipalities grant building permissions, enforce building codes and plan land use zones. Zoning helps separate residential areas from industries and provides space for parks. These rules make cities safer and more organised.

Q28. What services do municipalities provide to markets and small businesses?
They license vendors, maintain market spaces and collect market fees. Municipalities ensure hygiene, safety and order in public markets. This support helps local businesses thrive.

Q29. How do urban bodies support recreation and green spaces?
Municipalities create and maintain parks, playgrounds and community centres. These spaces give residents places to relax, exercise and meet. Green areas also improve air quality and city aesthetics.

Q30. What is the role of municipalities in disaster response?
Municipalities coordinate local rescue, shelter and relief during floods, fires or earthquakes. They prepare emergency plans and mobilise local resources quickly. Local response helps save lives and reduce damage.

Section D — Revenue, Funds & Records (Q31–Q40)

Q31. What are the main sources of revenue for urban local bodies?
Main sources include property tax, user charges (water, parking), licence fees and grants from state and central governments. Municipalities may also get loans or raise bonds for big projects. Revenue funds local services and development.

Q32. What is property tax and why is it important?
Property tax is a local tax on buildings and landowners. It is often a major source of municipal income. Regular collection of property tax helps municipalities fund essential services.

Q33. What are user charges?
User charges are fees paid for specific services like water supply, sewerage, parking and market stalls. They help recover the cost of services and encourage responsible use. User charges supplement tax revenue.

Q34. How do municipal grants work?
State and central governments provide grants for specific schemes or general funds. Grants may support sanitation, health or housing projects. They help municipalities carry out larger or priority tasks.

Q35. Why must municipalities keep records and accounts?
Accurate records help plan budgets, monitor spending and show transparency. Records are needed for audits and to answer public queries. Good accounts build trust and prevent misuse of funds.

Q36. What is budgeting in a municipality?
Budgeting is planning income and expenditure for the year. The council approves the budget after discussion and public consultation. Budgets help prioritise projects and manage resources.

Q37. How do municipalities raise loans for big projects?
Municipalities can take loans from banks, issue municipal bonds, or receive development loans. Loans are used for infrastructure like water treatment plants or large road projects. Loan repayments are planned in future budgets.

Q38. What are fines and penalties used for?
Fines and penalties are charged for violations like illegal construction, littering or trade rules. They help enforce laws and add to municipal revenue. Penalties discourage rule-breaking behavior.

Q39. Why is transparency in municipal finance important?
Transparency allows citizens to see how money is collected and spent. It reduces corruption and promotes accountability. Open records enable residents to question and improve local governance.

Q40. How can people check municipal accounts?
People can attend council meetings, look at public notices, or use online portals if available. Many municipalities publish budgets and project details for public view. Citizens can ask councillors or municipal offices for clarification.

Section E — Citizen Participation & Elections (Q41–Q50)

Q41. How do citizens elect municipal representatives?
Citizens vote in municipal elections that are usually held ward-wise. Every eligible voter in a ward casts a ballot for a councillor candidate. Regular elections ensure that representatives remain accountable.

Q42. What is the role of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)?
RWAs are neighbourhood groups that work with municipalities on local issues like cleanliness and security. They represent community views and coordinate maintenance. RWAs help link residents and local government.

Q43. How can a citizen raise a local problem with the municipality?
A citizen can contact their councillor, attend a ward meeting, submit a written complaint to the municipal office, or use online grievance portals. Public meetings and ward committees are good forums to raise issues. Prompt reporting helps solve problems faster.

Q44. Why should people attend ward meetings?
Ward meetings let residents discuss local issues, suggest solutions and hold representatives accountable. They increase transparency and help prioritise local needs. Regular attendance keeps citizens informed and involved.

Q45. What is the importance of voting in municipal elections?
Voting gives residents a voice in choosing local decision-makers. It helps select representatives who will address local problems and manage services. High voter turnout strengthens democracy at the city level.

Q46. How do municipalities consult the public for big projects?
They hold public hearings, invite suggestions, publish draft plans, and form stakeholder committees. Public consultations help incorporate local needs and reduce opposition. This also improves project acceptance and success.

Q47. What is the role of the councillor in local governance?
A councillor represents ward interests in the municipal council. They raise local problems, help residents navigate municipal services and influence decisions. Councillors connect citizens with city administration.

Q48. How can school students participate in municipal matters?
Students can join awareness drives, attend public events, prepare projects on local issues, or present findings to their councillor. Schools may also take students on visits to municipal offices. Young people’s participation builds civic sense.

Q49. What are public notices and how do they help citizens?
Public notices announce meetings, tenders, budgets and project plans. They inform residents about decisions and opportunities to give feedback. Notices ensure transparency and public involvement.

Q50. How does citizen feedback improve municipal services?
Feedback highlights problems, suggests improvements and helps officials correct errors. It keeps the municipality responsive and accountable. Continuous feedback helps shape more effective services.

Section F — Challenges & Remedies (Q51–Q60)

Q51. What are the main challenges faced by urban local bodies?
Challenges include rapid urbanisation, lack of funds, poor waste management, traffic congestion and informal settlements. Coordination with state departments may be slow. Weak participation and corruption also reduce effectiveness.

Q52. How does rapid urbanisation affect city services?
Rapid growth increases demand for water, roads and housing faster than the municipality can provide. This leads to slums, overburdened infrastructure and pollution. Planning and funding struggle to keep pace with growth.

Q53. Why are slums and informal settlements a problem for cities?
Slums often lack proper water, sanitation and safe housing. They make service delivery difficult and pose health risks. Upgrading these areas without displacing residents is a major challenge.

Q54. How does poor waste management harm a city?
Uncollected waste causes pollution, bad odors and spread of diseases. It clogs drains and harms the environment. Effective waste segregation, collection and treatment are essential to avoid these problems.

Q55. How can municipalities increase their revenue collection?
They can improve property tax records, broaden the tax base, make payments easy online and reduce leakages. Transparent billing and public awareness help increase compliance. Better collection allows improved services.

Q56. What role can technology play in urban governance?
Technology can enable online payments, grievance redressal, service tracking and public disclosure of records. GIS and data help in planning and monitoring projects. E-governance makes services faster and more transparent.

Q57. How can citizen awareness improve municipal functioning?
Informed citizens participate more in meetings, pay taxes on time and demand accountability. Awareness helps residents use services properly and report problems. Community learning helps build better local governance.

Q58. What are public-private partnerships (PPPs) and how can they help?
PPPs are collaborations between municipalities and private firms to deliver services like waste management or water treatment. They bring technical skills, investment and efficiency. When managed well, PPPs can improve service quality.

Q59. How can municipalities address traffic congestion?
They can improve public transport, build better roads and footpaths, enforce parking rules and encourage cycling. Proper traffic planning and public awareness reduce congestion and pollution. Integrated transport solutions help long-term.

Q60. Suggest three simple steps to improve city cleanliness.
First, ensure regular and segregated waste collection at source. Second, run public awareness campaigns about littering and recycling. Third, maintain public toilets and drains through scheduled cleaning and supervision. These steps together make a big difference in city hygiene.

CBSE Class 6 Study Notes, Urban Local Government Short Questions, Municipalities and Corporations Long Questions, Class 6 Local Government MCQs, Practice Test CBSE Social Science, NCERT Aligned Governance Study Material, Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Notes, CBSE Class 6 Exam Preparation