NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11 Questions and Answers

The Big Questions (Page 163)

Q1. What are Panchayati Raj institutions?

Answer: Panchayati Raj institutions are a system of local self-government in rural areas of India. These institutions bring governance closer to the people by allowing villagers to take part in decision-making related to their daily lives.

The Panchayati Raj system works at three levels — village, block and district — and is therefore called a three-tier system. It includes the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and the Zila Parishad at the district level.

These institutions help people manage local affairs such as development work, public welfare and implementation of government schemes, making democracy meaningful at the grassroots level.

Q2. What are their functions?

Answer: The functions of Panchayati Raj institutions cover almost every aspect of rural life. Their main functions are:

1. Developmental Functions : They prepare and implement plans related to agriculture, irrigation, housing, roads, drinking water, education, health care and sanitation.

2. Implementation of Government Schemes: Panchayati Raj institutions ensure that government schemes and welfare programmes reach the people at the grassroots level, especially the poor and disadvantaged sections.

3. Decision-Making and Participation: They provide a platform where villagers can discuss their problems, express opinions and take collective decisions through bodies like the Gram Sabha.

4. Maintenance of Public Assets: They look after village assets such as schools, roads, ponds, community centres and water resources.

5. Social Welfare and Justice: They help in resolving local disputes, promoting social harmony and supporting weaker sections of society, including women, children and marginalised groups.

Q3. Why are they important in governance and democracy?

Answer: Panchayati Raj institutions are important because they strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. They allow people to directly participate in governance instead of depending only on distant state or central authorities.

These institutions promote decentralisation of power, ensuring that decisions are taken closer to where people live. They also encourage leadership among rural citizens, including women and disadvantaged groups, through reservations and participation in elections.

By involving people in planning and development, Panchayati Raj institutions make governance more transparent, accountable and responsive to local needs.

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 169)

Q1. As a class activity, let four or five students form a Bal Panchayat and the rest of the class imagine they are the villagers. What issues will the Gram Sabha discuss? What challenges could it encounter? What solutions will it propose?

Answer: In this activity, the Gram Sabha is likely to discuss issues such as lack of clean drinking water, poor road conditions, sanitation problems, school facilities, health services and child welfare. Education, midday meals and playground safety may also be important concerns.

The challenges it may encounter include lack of funds, disagreement among villagers, limited awareness about government schemes and difficulty in implementing decisions.

To solve these problems, the Bal Panchayat may propose solutions such as requesting funds from higher authorities, organising awareness programmes, encouraging community participation and prioritising issues based on urgency. This activity helps students understand how local governance works in practice.

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 170)

Q1. What similarities and differences do you notice between the governance system at the Central level and at the Panchayat level?

Answer: Similarities:

  • Both systems function through elected representatives.

  • Both follow democratic principles such as discussion, decision-making and accountability.

  • Both aim to work for the welfare of the people.

Differences:

  • The Central government governs the entire country, while Panchayats govern local areas.

  • The Central government makes national laws, whereas Panchayats focus on local issues.

  • People have direct participation in Panchayat governance through the Gram Sabha, which is not possible at the Central level.

Q2. If you get an opportunity to meet a few Panchayat members, what questions would you like to ask them?

Answer: If given an opportunity to meet Panchayat members, the following questions could be asked:

  • What are the main responsibilities of the Panchayat members?
  • What are the major problems faced by our village at present?
  • How does the Panchayat identify and prioritise development works?
  • How are decisions taken in Panchayat meetings?
  • How does the Panchayat ensure transparency and fairness in its work?
  • What steps are taken to improve education in the village?
  • What facilities are provided for children’s welfare?
  • What actions are taken to maintain sanitation and cleanliness?
  • How does the Panchayat work for health and hygiene in the village?
  • How are government schemes implemented at the village level?
  • What challenges does the Panchayat face while implementing these schemes?
  • How do villagers participate in decision-making?
  • How are women, youth and disadvantaged groups included in Panchayat activities?
  • How can students and young people contribute to village development?
  • Can you share some successful development projects completed by the Panchayat?
  • How does the Panchayat solve specific village-level problems?
  • How often does the Panchayat coordinate with Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad?

After meeting them, a short report can be written highlighting their roles, responsibilities and efforts towards village development.

Questions, Activities and Projects (Page 171)

Q1. Test yourself — without looking at the text above, can you name the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system? What are the key functions of each of the three tiers?

Answer:

1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)

  • Looks after day-to-day administration of the village

  • Implements development programmes

  • Maintains public property and basic services

2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)

  • Coordinates the work of Gram Panchayats

  • Prepares development plans for the block

  • Acts as a link between village and district levels

3. Zila Parishad (District Level)

  • Prepares district-level development plans

  • Allocates funds to Panchayat Samitis

  • Supervises and guides lower-level Panchayats

Q2. Write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the village.

Answer: (Students are expected to write a formal letter addressing the Sarpanch, explaining the problem of plastic waste, its harmful effects on health and environment, and requesting proper waste management and awareness drives.)

Q3. In your view, what type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member?

Answer: A Gram Panchayat member should be honest, responsible and dedicated to public service. The person should understand the problems of villagers, listen to everyone without discrimination and work for the welfare of the entire community. Leadership skills, awareness about government schemes and commitment to development are essential qualities.

Q4. Let us suppose that you study in a village school. The school is located next to a highway and students find it difficult to cross the road when they come to school or leave at the end of the day. What are the options to solve this issue? Which institutions in the Panchayati Raj can help you? What can the students do?

Answer: To solve this problem, options such as speed breakers, zebra crossings, traffic signs, footpaths or a pedestrian bridge can be considered.

Institutions like the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad can help by raising the issue with concerned authorities and arranging funds.

Students can create awareness, inform teachers and parents, and request the Panchayat to take immediate action for their safety.

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