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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate19 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 8 of the NCERT Class 11 Political Science textbook discusses the structure, roles, and significance of local governments in India. It highlights the importance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which provided constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, ensuring democratic decentralization. The chapter also explores the roles of women in local bodies and the challenges of implementing government functions at the local level.
Key Topics
- •73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
- •Roles and responsibilities of Panchayati Raj institutions
- •Women's reservation in local governance
- •Challenges in local governance
- •Decentralization and democracy
- •Financial autonomy of local bodies
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the structure and significance of local governance in India.
- ✓Comprehend the impact of the 73rd and 74th amendments on local bodies.
- ✓Recognize the challenges faced by local governments in performing their functions.
- ✓Analyze the role of women in local governance.
- ✓Assess the importance of financial and functional autonomy in local bodies.
- ✓Evaluate the effectiveness of local governments in promoting democracy.
Questions in Chapter
Constitution of India visualised village panchayats as units of self-government. Explain how do these situations strengthen or weaken the panchayats.
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Suppose you are entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, what powers would you endow to the village panchayats to function as units of self-government?
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What are the provisions for the reservations for the socially disadvantaged groups as per the 73rd amendment?
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What were the main differences between the local governments before 73rd amendment and after that amendment?
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Read the following conversation. Write in two hundred words your opinion about the issues raised in this conversation.
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain how the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has transformed the local governance in rural India.
mediumAnswer: The 73rd Amendment has established a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions in every state, ensuring direct elections for all seats in Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels. It has also introduced mandatory reservation for women and scheduled castes in the Panchayats, thereby promoting inclusive governance and ensuring political participation from these groups.
What challenges do the local bodies face in effectively implementing their designated functions?
hardAnswer: Local bodies often face challenges such as inadequate financial resources, limited autonomy, and dependency on state and central governments for funds. Additionally, political interference and lack of clarity in the transfer of subjects from state lists hinder their effective functioning.
Discuss the impact of women's reservation in local bodies as per the 73rd and 74th amendments.
easyAnswer: The reservation of seats for women in local bodies has increased women's participation in politics, empowered them by giving them leadership roles, and encouraged them to voice their opinions on local governance issues. This change has also challenged traditional gender roles and expectations, thereby promoting gender equality.
How does local government strengthen democracy at the grass-root level?
mediumAnswer: Local governments enhance democracy by ensuring direct participation of citizens in governance, making decision-making more accountable and transparent. This proximity to the people allows for efficient addressing of local issues and encourages residents to engage actively with governance, reinforcing democratic principles.
Evaluate the role of Panchayati Raj institutions in rural development.
hardAnswer: Panchayati Raj institutions play a crucial role in rural development by implementing government schemes related to health, education, and infrastructure at the local level. They are responsible for ensuring that development initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the community, thus promoting sustainable development.