ICSE Solutions for Class 9 History and Civics - Local Self-Government: Urban Local Institutions

ICSE Solutions for Class 9 History and Civics – Local Self-Government: Urban Local Institutions

ICSE Solutions for Class 9 History and Civics – Local Self-Government: Urban Local Institutions

EXERCISES

Question 1.

By whom are the members of a City Corporation (Municipal Corporation) elected?

Answer:

The members of a City Corporation (Municipal Corporation) are elected by all the adult citizens registered as voters in the Municipal Area.

Question 2.

Who is elected head of a Municipal Corporation? OR Name the Presiding Officer of a Municipal Corporation.

Answer:

The Mayor is elected head of a Municipal Corporation.

Question 3.

Mention any two functions of the Mayor of a City Corporation.

Answer:

Two functions of the Mayor of a City Corporation are:

1. To preside over the meeting of the Corporation and to regulate the conduct of business in such meetings.
2. To maintain decorum and discipline in the meetings.

Question 4.

Who is the Chief Executive (Administrative) Officer of a Municipal Corporation?

Answer:

The Chief Executive (Administrative) Officer of a Municipal Corporation is the Municipal
Commissioner.

Question 5.

Mention one obligatory and one discretionary function of a Municipal Corporation (or a Municipality).

Answer:

Obligatory Function: Public Health and Sanitation. Discretionary Function : Transport Facility.

Question 6.

What is an important function of a Municipal Corporation (or a Municipality) in the field of education?

Answer:

The Municipal Corporation (or a Municipality) establishes primary and secondary schools, night-schools and adult education centers.

Question 7.

Name two local self-governing institution in the urban areas.

Answer:

1. Town Area Committee
2. Cantonment Board.

Question 8.

Who is elected Head (or Presiding Officer) of a Municipality?

Answer:

The President or Chairman is elected Head (or Presiding Officer) of a Municipality. .

Question 9.

Mention any two limitations in efficient working of local self-governments.

Answer:

1. Unethical Means Adopted in Elections.
2. Low Rate of Literacy.

Question 10.

In which urban area is a Notified Area Committee constituted? Why is it so called?

Answer:

A Notified Area Committee (Nagar Panchayat) is set up in town having a population of less than 10 thousand. It is so called because it’s formation was notified by the Government in the State Gazette.

Question 11.

Name the local body (authority) in an area where the armed forces personnel are living.

Answer:

Cantonment Board has been set up in an area where the armed forces personnel are living.

Question 12.

Under whose administrative control does a Cantonment Board function?

Answer:

Under the administrative control of the Army General Officer in Command, a Cantonment Board functions.

Question 13.

By whom are the Cantonment Boards funded?

Answer:

The Cantonment Boards are funded by the Ministry of Defense.

Question 14.

What is the main function of a Port Trust?

Answer:

The main function of a Port Trust is to see that all types of Cargo traffic is properly handled at the port.

Question 15.

What is the main function of an Improvement Trust?

Answer:

The main function of an Improvement Trust (Development Authority) is to properly plan all types of constructions— buildings, roads, shopping centers, flyonvers and bridges  in a city.

Question 16.

Mention any two defects in the working of a local self¬ government institutions.

Answer:

Two defects in the working of a local self-government institutions are;

1. Interference by Political Bosses.
2. Paucity of Funds.

STRUCTURED QUESTIONS

Question 1.

With regard to the Municipal Corporation answer the following questions:

(a) What is meant by the Municipal Corporation ?
(b) What are the functions of a Mayor of a Corporation?

Answer:

(a)
The given questions with regard to the Municipal Corporation are answered as follows:

The Municipal Corporation is “an elected body that is responsible for running the civic affairs of a large city and looking after various needs of the people who live there.” The Contitution lists 18 subjects in the 12th Schedule which the municipal bodies have a duty to be involve with. These include mainly the town planning, roads, water supply, public health, slum improvement and public amenities (street lighting, public parks, public conveniences, etc.)

(b)
The main functions of the Mayor of a Corporation are as follows:

1. To preside over the meetings of the Corporation and to regulate the conduct of business in such meetings.
2. To maintain decorum and discipline in the meetings.
3. To act as the channel of communication between the Corporation and the Government.
4. As ‘First Citizen’ of town to receive the foreign dignitaries visiting the city.
5. The Mayor has access to all papers and records of the
6. Corporation. Despite these powers, the Mayor is merely a figurehead if he is not elected directly by the people. Only a directly elected Mayor would have real power.

Question 2.

Describe the functions of a Municipal Corporation regarding:

(a) Public Health and Sanitation.
(b) Electricity and Water Supply.
(c) Education and Sports.
(d) Public Works.
(e) Record of Births and Deaths.

Answer:

Following are the subject concerned functions of a Municipal Corporation:

(a) Public Health and Water Supply:

The Municipal Corporation establishes and maintains hospitals, dispensaries, maternity homes and child welfare centers. It provides vaccination and inoculation, disposal of garbage and rules against adulteration of milk, drugs and foodstuffs.

(b) Electricity and Water Supply:

It incorporates provision of safe drinking-water, construction and maintenance of water-works and supply of electricity.

(c) Education and Sports:

The Corporation establishes primary and secondary schools, night-schools and adult education centres. They provide facilities to young boys and girls, to develop their aptitude for sports.

(d) Public Works:

It includes

1. The maintenance and naming of public roads and streets;
2. Framing rules regarding the construction of shopping centers, restaurants and hotels; and
3. Serving notice for the demolition of such buildings as are in bad condition.

(e) Record of Births and Death:
The Municipal Corporation maintains an account of births and deaths.

Question 3.

Describe the Discretionary Functions of a Municipal Corporation.


Answer:

The Discretionary functions of a Municipal Corporation are

1.     Transport Facilities:

Local authorities may manage a bus service for carrying people from one place to another.

2. Cultural Activities:

The Municipal Corporations may establish libraries and museums. Cultural activities like— drama, music and painting are also encouraged by Municipal Corporations.

3. Sports and Recreation:

The Corporation organises fairs, exhibitions and wrestling events. Recreational facilities may also be provided.

4. Welfare Services:

Municipal Corporation are expected to launch family welfare schemes and to undertake poverty alleviation programmers. The Corporation can look after public distribution system too.

Question 4.

With regard to a Municipality (Municipal Committee) answer the following questions:

(a) What is meant by a Municipal Committee ?
(b) What are the three Discretionary functions of a Municipal Committee ?
(c) What are the three Obligatory functions of a Municipal Committee ?

Answer:

(a)

Municipal Committee is an elected body that is responsible for running the civic affairs of a smaller town or an urban area. It looks after many needs of the people, such as health and sanitation, water supply, fire services, street lighting and urban amenities like parks and playgrounds.

(b)

The Discretionary functions of a Municipal Committee are: establishing libraries and reading rooms, constructing stadiums for sport activity, organising fairs and exhibitions, providing transport facilities and other amenities for people’s convenience.

(c)
Three obligatory function of Municipality include

1. Public Health and Sanitation: The Municipality takes responsibility of maintaining hospitals and dispensaries, cleaning public lanes and preventing the sale of rotten foodstuffs and adulterated milk, etc.
2. Electricity and Water Supply: It is the duty of the Municipal Committees to provide safe drinking water and electricity for domestic and commercial use.
3. Education and Sports: The Municipalities establish primary and secondary schools. They also provide facilities to young boys and girls to develop their aptitude for sports.
4. Construction of road and registration of birth and deaths.

Question 5.

With regard to the composition of a Municipality(Municipal Committee), answer the following questions:

(a) How are the members of a Municipality elected?
(b) Who can be elected as Members of the Board (Council)?
(c) Who presides over the meeting of a Municipal Board and what are his powers and responsibilities?

Answer:

The above questions with regard to the composition of a Municipality (Municipal Committee) are answered as under:

(a)

The members of the Municipality are elected by the adult citizens living within the Municipal area. The size of the Council, varies from town to town, depending on the population of the city. The New Nagarpalika Act, provides for reservation of seats in every Municipality for SCs, STs and women. There is provision of aldermen. They are elected by the Councillors.

(b)
Only those persons can be elected as Councillors,

1. who have attained the age of 21 or 25 years;
2. who do not hold an office of profit under the Government or any local body;
3. whose names are registered as voters in the Municipal area. Under the New Nagarpalika Act, every Municipality will have a uniform five-year term. In the event of dissolution, election would be compulsorily held within six months.

(c)
The President or Chairman presides over the meeting of a Municipal Board. His powers are :

1. He presides over the meetings of the Board and regulates the conduct of business in such meetings;
2. He is the channel of communication between the Municipal Board and the Government;
3. He has access to all records and documents of the Municipality. In some states, the Presidents are empowered to appoint teachers of primary schools and members of the lower staff. The President can suspend municipal employees, except the Executive officer or such other officers as are drawn from State Civil Service.

Question 6.

With regard to the functions and sources of income of a Municipality, answer the following questions;

(a) What are the functions of a Municipal Committee?
(b) What are the sources of income of a Municipality?

Answer:

The above questions with regard to the functions and sources of income of a Municipality are answered as below

The functions of a Municipal Committee :

(a) Obligatory Functions:

1. Public Health and Sanitation: It undertakes the responsibility of maintaining hospitals and dispensaries, cleaning public lanes and preventing the sale of rotten food-stuffs and adulterated milk etc.

2. Electricity and Water Supply: It provides safe drinking- water and electricity for domestic and commercial use.

3. Education and Sports: The Municipalities establish primary and secondary schools. They also provide facilities to young boys and girls to develop their aptitude for sports.

4. Public Works: The public works mainly include the construction of roads, shopping centres and community halls.

5. Registration of Births and Deaths: The Municipals Boards maintain an account of births and deaths in the city.

(b) Discretionary Functions:

Municipalities establish libraries and reading rooms, constructing stadiums for sport activity, organising fairs and exhibitions, providing, transport facilities and other amenities for peoples, convenience. Under Afe/zrw Rozgar Yojana, financial assistance was given  to small artisans for self-employment. There was also a provision for housing and slum clearance programmes.

The sources of income of a Municipality are:

1. Income from Taxes: It includes tax on property, tax on vehicles, tax on advertisements and entertainment tax.
2. Cases Rates: The citizens are required to pay ceses on consumption water and electricity and licence fees for various vocations. Other such ceses are octroi duty and toll tax.
3. Grants-in-Aid: Grants from State Government constitute an important source of funding.
4. Remunerative Enterprises: The Municipal Committee may set up commercial complexes or establish other remunerative enterprises.

Question 7.

Although a legal framework for delegating Power to the People has been established, it is yet to be given an iron content. Explain briefly the limitations in efficient working of local self-governments under the following headlines:

(a)Unethical means adopted in elections
(b) Low rate of Literacy
(c) Suppressed position of rural women.

Answer:

(a) Unethical means:

Unfortunately ‘money’ nowadays plays a big role in elections. The rich farmers in rural areas and traders and propertied classes in towns and cities squander a lot of money. This can mar the electoral prospects of those candidates who can not spend much on elections. We also find a connection between criminals and some powerful persons both in rural and urban areas. This may well distort election results. It is a great threat to cleaner polls.

(b) Low rate of Literacy:

Ignorance and democracy cannot go hand in hand. To remain in power needs to have a sound knowledge of facts. People should know the persons whom they elect to act as their representatives. In 2001, The Literacy-rate was recorded at 65.38 in the country. But in a certain districts and regions the number of illiterates is alarming even now.

(c) Suppressed position of rural women:

The 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts lay down that l/3rd of the total number of seats at all levels would be reserved for women. The socio-economic condition of tribal women or those belonging to rural or backward regions, is no better than second-rate citizens. They have to face a stiff opposition from their parents or in-laws, if they wish to enter public life. At many places, women elected as Sarpanchas were not allowed to take charge of their work. They are discouraged from going to Panchayat’s office and if they dare go there, they would simply be required to sign some documents and go back to their homes.

Question 8.

There are many defects in the working of local self ¬government institutions. Analyse them under the following headlines:

(a) Communal and Caste factors.
(b) Role of Money in Elections
(c)  Paucity of funds.

Answer:

Following are the defects regarding the concerned headlines in the working of local self-government institutions:

(a) Communal and Caste factors: Democracy loses its substance if voters are swayed by communal or caste factors. It is unfortunate that candidates are selected on the basis of their caste or community and voters are persuaded to vote on caste and communal lines.

(b )Role of Money in Elections:

In the heat of the election- campaign, the rich, farmers and traders squander a lot of money, usually in a wasteful way. This tendency gives a severe set-back blow to the electoral prospects of the capable candidates who are not in a position to spend much on elections.

(c) Paucity of Funds:

The most serious confronting the rural and the urban bodies is the shortage of funds. These institutions have been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing plans for economic and social development, rural electrification, poverty alleviation slum improvement and urban forestry. To undertake such onerous tasks, the local bodies are yet to start functioning with independence and sufficient resources. Panchayats and urban bodies can become responsive to the local needs through effective participation of the people and sufficient funds at their command.

Question 9.

Describe the shortcomings (limitations in efficient working) of the Panchayati Raj System with reference to the following:

(a) Unethical Means adopted in elections
(b) Poverty and Illiteracy in the country
(c) Communal trends in voting.

Answer:

(a) Unethical Means adopted in elections:

There are some unethical means which are adopted in elections such as

1. Money game in elections,
2. Connection between criminals and some powerful persons in rural areas, and
3. And appeal to voters’s caste feelings.

(b) Poverty and Illiteracy in the country:

The illiterate and poor masses do not understand what their rights are. Ignorance and poverty causes to public apathy and lack of enthusiam about Panchayati Raj.

(c) Communal Trends in Voting:

The voters are not abvoe communal or religious prejudices. Very often the Muslims, the Sikhs, the Christians and other communities vote along communal lines. The Hindus are divided into numerous caste grouping. Unfortunately, caste has become a significant factor in electoral politics. The rural

India needs forward looking leaders to take the reins of Panchayati Raj institutions in their hands.

Additional Questions

Short Answer Questions.

Question 1.

Define the term ‘Urban area

Answer:

An urban area is regarded as one which is a town or a city.

Question 2.

Mention any two salient features of the Constitution (74th Amendment Act), 1992.

Answer:

The salient features of the Act are the following:

1. The Act gives constitutional status to urban local bodies.
2. The Act provides for direct election to all the local self¬government bodies.
3. A fixed tenure of five years for the municipalities has been prescribed.
4. 33 per cent of the seats should be reserved for women under each category of SC/ST/Backward Classes.

Question 3.

How is a Municipal Corporation set up ?

Answer:

The cities with a population of one lakh and above can have a Municipal Corporation. It is set up under a special statute passed by the State Legislative.

Question 4.

Who is known as Mayor ? State one of his most important functions ?

Answer:

Mayor is selected by the councillors and Aldermen as the representative of the city. One of his functions is to preside over the meetings of the Corporation.

Question 5.

Who is the Municipal Commissioner ? How is he appointed?

Answer:

The Municipal Commissioner is the Chief Executive of the Corporation. He is appointed by the Governor usually for a term of 5 years.

Question 6.

Name one compulsory and one optional function of the Municipal Corporation.

Answer:

Compulsory function—Provision of electricity water, sewage disposal.
Optional function—Public housing through housing boards or other bodies.

Question 7.

What is known as Municipal Committee ? Who is its head?

Answer:

Municipal Committee is set up for smaller Towns with a population between20,000to 3 lakhs.

The Chairperson is its head.

Question 8.

Who is the Chief Executive Officer of a Municipal Committee ?

Answer:

Chief Executive officer is an appointee of the State Government. He looks after the administrative wing of the Municipal Committee.

Question 9.

Give two points of difference between a Municipal Committee and a Municipal Corporation.

Answer:

Municipal Corporation

1. It is meant for big cities with a population of more than 10 lakhs.
2. The head is known as Mayor.

Municipal Committee

1.  It is meant for Towns with a population between 20,000 to 3 lakhs.
2. The head is known as Chairperson.

Question 10.

State one important function of a Municipal Committee.

Answer:

Ideals with the State Government through the District Administration with respect to Education, Health, Engineering, Taxation etc.

Question 11.

Name the self-government body in an area having military establishment.

Answer:

Cantonment Board.

Question 12.

What is the minimum age to be eligible to stand for Municipal Elections ?

Answer:

The minimum age should be 21 years.

Question 13.

Give one point of difference between a Town area Committee and the Notified Area Committee

Answer:

Town Area Committee
It is set up in Towns with population between 10.000 to 20000.
Notified Area Committee
It is set up in areas which are in Transition from rural to urban. mostly in the outskirts of big

Question 14.

Where can you find a Cantonment Board ? bow is a Cantonment Board set llP

Answer:

It is an urban area. often on the outskirts of a large city with  military establishment has a cantonment Board. It is set up by the Union Ministry of Defense for providing basic amenities to defense personnel and managing the local affairs of these areas.

Question 15.

What is known as Improvement Trust ?

Answer:

The Improvement Trust looks after the specialised functions of the city. This is a government body.

Question 16.

What are the functions of the Improvement Trust ?

Answer:

The functions of the Improvement Trust are to handle special activities related to medical facilities, Social improvement, national sports, big ceremonies transport etc. e.g. in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow etc.

Question 17.

Differentiate between Local Self-Government and Local Government.

Answer:

Local Self-Government refers to “management of local affairs by the natives of the area itself or their representatives.” Local Self-Government is a “democratic government”. Local Government means, administration of a locality by officials appointed by the government.

Question 18.

Mention any two advantages of Local Self-Government.

Answer:

Two advantage of Local Self-Government are:

1. Effective Management of the Local Affairs.
2. Good Training for running the Central and State Governments.

Question 19.

What is meant by Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj?

Answer:

Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj:

Gram Panchayat at village level—Panchayat Samiti at the Block level—Zila Parishad at the district level.

Question 20

Name any two institutions of Local Self-Government in rural areas.

Answer:

1. Gram Sabha.
2. Gram Panchayat.

Question 21.

Explain the term ‘Gram Sabha’.

Answer:

‘Gram Sabha’ is a body of all the adult members registered as Voters in the Panchayat area.

Question 22.

Mention any two functions of a Gram Sabha.

Answer:

Two functions of a Gram Sabha are:

1. To approve the budget for the year.
2. To review the audit report of the last year’s accounts of the Panchayat.

Question 23.

Who elects the members of a Gram Panchayat?

Answer:

The members of a Gram Panchayat are elected by the. Gram Sabha.

Question 24.

What is the Head of a Village Panchayat called?

Answer:

The Head of a Village Panchayat is called the Sarpanch.

Question 25.

Name any two ex-officio members of a Gram Panchayat.

Answer:

The Pradhan (President) and the Vice-President of the Gram Sabha.

Question 26.

Mention any two Civic and Welfare functions of a Gram Panchayat

Answer:

Two Civic and Welfare functions of a Gram Panchayat are:

1.  Provision of safe drinking-water which involves construction and maintenance of public wells and tanks.
2. Health care facilities for which the Panchayats set up dispensaries and health centers.

Question 27.

Mention any two Developmental functions of a Gram Panchayat.

Answer:

Two Development functions of a Gram Panchayat are:

1. Minor irrigation schemes.
2. Preparation and execution of agricultural plans.

Question 28.

Mention any two Regulatory or General Administrative functions of a Village Panchayat.

Answer:

Two Regulatory or General Administrative-functions of a Village Panchayat are:

1. Registration of births, deaths and marriages.
2. Maintenance of watch and ward service (Chowkidars etc.).

Question 29.

What is the function of a Nyaya Panchayat?

Answer:

The function of a Nyaya Panchayat is to secure speedy and inexpensive justice to the villagers.

Question 30.

Mention any two sources of income of a Gram Panchayat.

Answer:

Two sources of income of a Gram Panchayat are:

1. Panchayats have right to levy taxes on property, land, goods and cattle.
2.  Panchayats collect taxes on sale of goods in fairs and makeshift bazars (markets).

Question 31.

Name the intermediate level institution of the Panchayati Raj.

Answer:

Panchayat Samiti.

Question 32.

Who are the ex-officio members of a Panchayat Samiti?

Answer:

All the Sarpanchas (President) of the Panchayats within the Block are the ex-officio members of a Panchayat Samiti.

Question 33.

Mention any two Civic and Development functions of a Panchayat Samiti.

Answer:

Two Civic and Development functions of a Panchayat Samiti are:

1. Development of Cottage Industries.
2. Functions relative to Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.

Question 34.

Mention any two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti.

Answer:

Two Supervisory functions of a Panchayat Samiti are:

1. The Panchayat Samiti supervises the work of the Gram Panchayats.
2. The Samiti examines the Budget of the Panchayats and may make suitable modifications in it.

Question 35.

Give two sources of income of a Panchayat Samiti.

Answer:

Two sources of income of a Panchayat Samiti are:

1. Grant given by the State Government.
2. Income accruing from the taxes levied by the Samiti.

Question 36.

Name the highest organ of the Panchayati Raj institutions at the district level.

Answer:

Zila Parishad (To District Level).

Question 37.

Mention any two Civic and Welfare functions of a Zila Parishad.

Answer:

Two Civic and Welfare functions of a Zila Parishad are:

1. Construction and maintenance of public roads, bridges and culverts.
2. Construction of parks.

Question 38.

Mention any two Supervisor functions of a Zila Parishad.

Ans.

Two Supervisory-functions of a Zila Parishad are:

1. The Zila Parishad supervises the activities of a Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats.
2. It co-ordinates the development plans prepared by the Panchayat Samitis in the District.

Question 39.

Give two sources of income of a Zila Parishad.

Answer:

Two sources of income of a Zila Parishad are:

1. Share in the Land-Revenue.
2. Taxes and cesses, licence fees and market fees.

Long Answer Questions.

Question 1.

With reference to Municipal Corporation, answer the following questions:

(a) State its composition.
(b) State the functions of the Mayor.
(c) State the functions of the Corporation.

Answer:

(a) A Municipal Corporation comprises the following.

1. General Council formed of elected members known as Municipal Councillors.
2. The Mayor: It is elected by councillors and the Aldermen.
3. The Standing Committee: includes members of general council through elections.
4.  The Municipal Commissioner: It is appointed by the Governor usually for 5 years.

(b) The main functions of the Mayor of a Corporation are as follows:

1.  To preside over the meetings of the Corporation and to regulate the conduct of business in such meetings.
2. To maintain decorum and discipline in the meetings.
3. To act as the channel of communication between the Corporation and the State or the Union Government, as the case may be.
4. To receive the foreign dignitaries visiting the city.The Mayor has access to all papers and records of the Corporation. Despite these powers, the Mayor is merely a figurehead if he is not elected directly by the people. Only a directly elected Mayor would have real power.

(c) The municipal Corporation deals with two types of functions, e.g.

1.Compulsory Functions:
Provision of electricity, water sewage disposal etc, Public health, transport, education, births and deaths records, managing the disasters e.g. floods, earthquakes etc.

2.Optional Functions:
Public housing, Public parks, museums, libraries, children homes, orphanages, old age homes, rest houses, fairs and beautification of the city.

Question 2.

Give the role of each of the following in the Municipal Corporation,
(a) General Council of the Corporation
(b) Standing Committees.
(c) Municipal Commissioner.

Answer:

(a) General Council:

The General Council consists of the Members elected by all the adult citizens registered as voters in the Municipal area. They are called as Councillors. Size of the Council depends on the population of the city. Seats would be reserved for SCs and STs in proportional to their population „ and l/3rd of the total number of seats shall be reserved for women. In addition to the elected members, the Council has a few Aldermen. They are usually elected by the Councillors. The General Council appoints many other officials except the municipal commissioner .It deals with various departments of Education, Health, Taxation etc.

(b) The role of the Standing Committees:

The General Council performs different functions through the Standing Committees. These Committees deal with one or more of the subject like—Taxation, Finance and Preparation of Budget, Engineering, Health, Education Services, Plan for Economic Development. Welfare Schemes for Weaker Sections etc.

Following are the functions performed by the Municipal Commissioner:

1.  The Municipal Commissioner gives necessary directions to all other officers of the Corporation.
2. He is responsible for the implementation of all rules, decisions and policies of the Corporation.
3. He takes part in the meeting and deliberations of the General Council. He acts as Secretary to the Council and maintains a record of the things decided at its meeting.
4. He prepares the budget-estimates and places the same before the General Council.
5. He is the custodian of all records and personal files of all staff members.

Question 3.

With regard to the working of a Municipal Corporation answer the following questions.
(a) Giving examples, state how are compulsory functions distinguished from optional functions.
(b) What organisational system exists for carrying out these functions ?

Answer:

(a)
From the following we can better understand the difference between the compulsory functions and optional functions.

Compulsory Functions:

Public Health and Sanitation:

1. It undertakes the responsibility of maintaining hospitals and dispensaries, cleaning public lanes and preventing the sale of rotten food-stuffs and adulterated milk etc.
2. Electricity and Water Supply: It provides safe drinking- water and electricity for domestic and commercial use.
3. Education and Sports: The Municipalities establish primary and secondary .schools. They also provide facilities to young boys and girls to develop their aptitude for sports.
4. Public Works: The public works mainly’ include the construction of roads, shopping centers and community halls.
5. Registration of Births and Deaths: The Municipals Boards maintain an account of births and deaths in the city.

Optional Functions:

1. Transport Facilities: Local authorities may manage a bus service for carrying people from one place to another.
2. Cultural Activities: The Municipal Corporations may establish libraries and museums. Cultural activities like— drama, music and painting are also encouraged by Municipal Corporations.
3. Sports and Recreation: The Corporation organises fairs, exhibitions and wrestling events. Recreational facilities may also be provide.
4. Welfare Services: Municipal Corporation are expected to launch family welfare schemes and to undertake poverty alleviation programmers. The Corporation can look after public distribution system too.

(b)

For carrying out the above functions an organisation system that exists is known as Municipal Corporation. Which comprises of the following bodies.

1. General Council
2. The Mayor
3. The Standing Committee
4. A Municipal Commissioner.

Question 4.

With  regards to the municipal corporation

(a) Distinguish between Municipal Corporation and Municipal Committee.
(b) Describe the three wings of the Municipal Committee.

Answer:

Municipal Corporation

1. It is for cities with more than 10 lakh population
2. The head is Mayor.
3. It deals with the State Government directly.
4. It has more powers and more sources of revenue.

Municipal Committee

1. It is for 20,000-3 lakh population cities.
2. The head is Chairperson.
3. It deals with state government through the District Administration.

It has comparatively less powers and fewer sources of revenue.

(b) Three wing are:

1. General body of the Municipal Committee:

The members of the General Body of the Municipal Committee are called Councillors. They are elected from Municipal wards. The number of members depends on the population of the city.

2. Chairperson/President:

A Chairperson and a Vice¬Chairperson are elected indirectly by the members from among themselves. The Chairperson of a Municipality enjoys vast powers. His functions are similar to those of the Mayor.

3. Chief Executive officer:

The Chief-Executive Officer is an appointee of the State government and usually belongs to the State Civil Services. He looks after the administrative wing of the municipal community .General body is the main administrative body. Chairperson looks after every activity and programmer and the Chief Executive Officer looks after the administrative wing of the Municipal Committee.

Question 5.

Give a brief account of each of the following local self¬ government bodies.
(a) Town Area Committee.
(b) Notified Area Committee.
(c) Cantonment Board.

Answer:

(a)
Town Area Committee:

It is set up in towns with population between 10,000 to 20,000 .It looks after sanitation, water, electricity, health services, transport, shopping markets etc.

(b) 
Notified Area Committee:

It is set up in areas in transition from rural to urban areas. The functions are similar to town area committee.

(c) Cantonment Board:

It is an urban area at the out skirt of a large city, with military establishment has a Cantonment Board. It is significant for the safety and welfare of the city. The head is an Army officer. It looks after health, cleanliness, electricity recreation for the residents of the area.

Question 6.

With regard to the functions and sources of income of a Municipality, answer the following questions:

(a) What are the functions of a Municipal Committee?
(b) What are the sources of income of a Municipality?

Answer:

The above questions with regard to the functions and sources of income of a Municipality are answered as below:

(a) The functions of a Municipal Committee:

Obligatory Functions:

1.Public Health and Sanitation: It undertakes the responsibility of maintaining hospitals and dispensaries, cleaning public lanes and preventing the sale of rotten food-stuffs and adulterated milk etc.

2. Electricity and Water Supply: It provides safe drinking-water and electricity for domestic and commercial use.

3. Education and Sports: The Municipalities establish primary and secondary schools. They also provide facilities to young boys and girls to develop their aptitude for sports.

4. Public Works: The public works mainly include the construction of roads, shopping centres and community halls.

5. Registration of Births and Deaths: The Municipals Boards maintain an account of births and deaths in the city.

(b) Discretionary Functions:

Municipalities establish libraries and reading rooms, constructing stadiums for sport activity, organizing fairs and exhibitions, providing, transport facilities and other amenities for peoples, convenience. Under Nehru Rozgar Yojana, financial assistance was given to small artisans for self employment. There was also a provision for housing and slum clearance programmers.

(c) The sources of income of a Municipality are:

1.  Income from Taxes: It includes tax on property, tax on vehicles, tax on advertisements and entertainment tax.
2. Casses Rates: The citizens are required to pay cess on consumption water and electricity and licence fees for various vocations. Other such cesses are octroi duty and toll tax.
3. Grants-in-Aid: Grants from State Government constitute an important source of funding.
4. Remunerative Enterprises: The Municipal Committee may set up commercial complexes or establish other remunerative enterprises.

Question 7.

There are many defects in the working of local self ¬government institutions. Analyse them under the following headlines:

(a) Role of Money in Elections
(b) Paucity of funds.

Answer:

Following are the defects regarding the concerned headlines in the working of local self-government institutions:

(a) Role of Money in Elections: In the heat of the election- campaign, the rich farmers and traders squander a lot of money, usually in a wasteful way. This tendency gives a severe set-back blow to the electoral prospects of the capable candidates who are not in a position to spend much on elections.

(b) Paucity of Funds: The most serious confronting the rural and the urban bodies is the shortage of funds. These institutions have been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing plans for economic and social development, rural electrification, poverty alleviation slum improvement and urban forestry. To undertake such onerous tasks, the local bodies are yet to (start functioning with independence and sufficient resources. Panchayats and urban bodies can become responsive to the local needs through effective participation of the people and sufficient funds at their command.

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ICSE Solutions for Class 9 History and Civics - Local Self-Government: Urban Local Institutions