Content:
5.1 Book PDF
5.2 In-Text Questions with Answers
5.3 Exercise Questions with Answers
5.1 Book PDF:5.1 Book PDF
5.2 In-Text Questions with Answers
5.3 Exercise Questions with Answers
Class 6 Civics – Our social and political life Part I of Chapter 5: Panchayati Raj is given here in PDF form to free download. Hindi Medium books and English Medium books are given separately. Download according to your medium of study.
5.2 In-Text Questions with Answer:
Q. What is a Gram Sabha?
Ans. The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adults, above 18 years of age, who live in an area covered by the Panchayat. This could be a village or a few villages. Anyone who is 18 years old or more and has the right to vote can be a member of the Gram Sabha.
Ans. The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adults, above 18 years of age, who live in an area covered by the Panchayat. This could be a village or a few villages. Anyone who is 18 years old or more and has the right to vote can be a member of the Gram Sabha.
Q. In the meeting of the Gram Sabha so far what are the problems that are being discussed? What sort of solutions is being suggested?
Ans.
The problems discussed in the meeting of the Gram Sabha are :
Ans.
The problems discussed in the meeting of the Gram Sabha are :
- Plan to repair the road that connects the village to the main highway.
- Water and water shortages.
- Piping water from Suru and meeting an overhead tank in the village to increase the water supply.
- To deepen the handpumps and clean the wells for a season.
- Watershed development, which is a technique of recharging and refilling water.
- Construction of check dams and tanks.
Q. Was there a problem with the BPL list that the Gram Sabha was finalizing? What was this problem?
Ans. Yes, there was a problem with the BPL list that the Gram Sabha was finalizing. The problem was that :
Ans. Yes, there was a problem with the BPL list that the Gram Sabha was finalizing. The problem was that :
- Natwar who had just bought a color T.V. and his son had sent him a new motorcycle, had been included in the BPL list.
- Birju’s name was also included in the BPL list although he had so much land. On the other hand, Om Prakash, who was a landless laborer and who could barely make both ends meet was not included in the BPL list. The other villagers wanted his name to be included in the list.
Q. Why do you think Soorajmal kept quiet even though Saroj asked him to speak?
Ans. Soorajmal kept quiet even though Saroj asked him to speak because they were afraid of Amirchand. He was a big landowner and still had control over a lot of lands.
Ans. Soorajmal kept quiet even though Saroj asked him to speak because they were afraid of Amirchand. He was a big landowner and still had control over a lot of lands.
Q. Have you seen any similar incidents when people are unable to speak for themselves? Why do you think that happened and what prevented the person from speaking?
Ans. In the earlier incident given in the book. Bhagwan Mahadev Lad wanted that the water from the water tanker should be emptied into the storage tank so that everyone could use it. But the people said that water was meant for upper castes only. When he protested, he was severely beaten and had to be hospitalized. This was the main reason why people kept quiet. This type of thing happens because some people are in a better position. They have money power as well as muscle power and people do not want to enter into conflict with such kinds of people.
Ans. In the earlier incident given in the book. Bhagwan Mahadev Lad wanted that the water from the water tanker should be emptied into the storage tank so that everyone could use it. But the people said that water was meant for upper castes only. When he protested, he was severely beaten and had to be hospitalized. This was the main reason why people kept quiet. This type of thing happens because some people are in a better position. They have money power as well as muscle power and people do not want to enter into conflict with such kinds of people.
Q. How can the Gram Sabha prevent the Panchayat from doing what it likes?
Ans. The Gram Sabha is the main factor in making the Gram Panchayat play its role and be responsible. It is the place where all plans for the Gram Panchayat are placed before the people. The Gram Sabha prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money or favor certain people. It plays an important role in keeping an eye on the elected representatives and making them responsible to the persons who elected them.
Ans. The Gram Sabha is the main factor in making the Gram Panchayat play its role and be responsible. It is the place where all plans for the Gram Panchayat are placed before the people. The Gram Sabha prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money or favor certain people. It plays an important role in keeping an eye on the elected representatives and making them responsible to the persons who elected them.
Q. What decisions were taken by the Gram Panchayat?
Ans. It was decided by the Hardas Gram Panchayat to deepen two hand pumps and clean one well so that the village would not go without water. The members then discussed the long term options. The members wanted to know if the watershed program would make a substantial difference to the water level. It was finally decided that the Gram Panchayat would approach the Block Development Officer and get more information on the scheme.
Ans. It was decided by the Hardas Gram Panchayat to deepen two hand pumps and clean one well so that the village would not go without water. The members then discussed the long term options. The members wanted to know if the watershed program would make a substantial difference to the water level. It was finally decided that the Gram Panchayat would approach the Block Development Officer and get more information on the scheme.
Q. Do you think it was necessary for them to take these decisions? Why?
Ans. The Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat work for the welfare of the people of the village. They have to look after the needs of the villagers and hear their problems. They also have to offer solutions to their problems. The Hardas Gram Sabha offered both short-term and long-term decisions regarding water shortage in the village.
They had discussed the problem and offered how to solve the problem, to the villagers. Otherwise, the members of the Gram Sabha would have questioned the Gram Panchayat.
Ans. The Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat work for the welfare of the people of the village. They have to look after the needs of the villagers and hear their problems. They also have to offer solutions to their problems. The Hardas Gram Sabha offered both short-term and long-term decisions regarding water shortage in the village.
They had discussed the problem and offered how to solve the problem, to the villagers. Otherwise, the members of the Gram Sabha would have questioned the Gram Panchayat.
Q. From the above description, write down one question that people could ask of the Panchayat in the next Gram Sabha meeting.
Ans. In the next Gram Sabha meeting, the members would certainly question and asked explanations about the watershed program and to know the views of the Block Development Officer.
Ans. In the next Gram Sabha meeting, the members would certainly question and asked explanations about the watershed program and to know the views of the Block Development Officer.
Q. Ask your teacher to invite any of the elected persons such as the Panch, Sarpanch (Panchayat President), or member of the Janpad or Zila Panchayat and interview them on their work and the projects undertaken by them.
Ans. The Sarpanch (Panchayat President) was invited by the school. We were eager to find out more about the villages and the functions of various organizations.
1st Person: Sir, you are the Panchayat President. Can you tell us about the work of the Gram Sabha and what projects have been undertaken by your Gram Panchayat?
Sarpanch: We call regular meetings of the Gram Sabha and discuss the problems faced by the villagers, then we implement the programs.
2nd Person: Can you enlist the program undertaken by the Gram Panchayat?
Sarpanch: Gram Panchayat provides for the
IIIrd Person: Can you tell us about some special projects undertaken by the Gram Panchayat?
Sarpanch: The main problem faced by the people of the village was water shortage during the summer months.
This year with the help of the State Government, we have completed the rainwater harvesting program.
IVth Person: What is this project?
Sarpanch: In this project, the rainwater is collected in such structures as dug wells, percolation pits, and check dams. The trenches are dug around the field. The roof water passes through the pipes and stored in tanks.
Vth Person: How is this water used?
Sarpanch: It can be used for :
VIth Person: It is very costly? How did people get the money?
Sarpanch: Yes, the project was costly. Some people took loans at an easy rate of interest.
VIIth Person: How did people use underground water?
Sarpanch: They got water through handpumps and water was drawn from the wells.
All the Persons: Thank you, sir, for your information.
Ans. The Sarpanch (Panchayat President) was invited by the school. We were eager to find out more about the villages and the functions of various organizations.
1st Person: Sir, you are the Panchayat President. Can you tell us about the work of the Gram Sabha and what projects have been undertaken by your Gram Panchayat?
Sarpanch: We call regular meetings of the Gram Sabha and discuss the problems faced by the villagers, then we implement the programs.
2nd Person: Can you enlist the program undertaken by the Gram Panchayat?
Sarpanch: Gram Panchayat provides for the
- Construction of roads, footpaths.
- Water supply and electricity.
- Takes steps for the distribution of seeds, which the government provides for the farmers.
- Promotes cottage industries.
- Keeps a register of births and deaths.
- It looks after maintenance and cleanliness of ponds and streets.
IIIrd Person: Can you tell us about some special projects undertaken by the Gram Panchayat?
Sarpanch: The main problem faced by the people of the village was water shortage during the summer months.
This year with the help of the State Government, we have completed the rainwater harvesting program.
IVth Person: What is this project?
Sarpanch: In this project, the rainwater is collected in such structures as dug wells, percolation pits, and check dams. The trenches are dug around the field. The roof water passes through the pipes and stored in tanks.
Vth Person: How is this water used?
Sarpanch: It can be used for :
- Domestic work
- Provides water for agriculture
- Reduces groundwater pollution
VIth Person: It is very costly? How did people get the money?
Sarpanch: Yes, the project was costly. Some people took loans at an easy rate of interest.
VIIth Person: How did people use underground water?
Sarpanch: They got water through handpumps and water was drawn from the wells.
All the Persons: Thank you, sir, for your information.
5.3 Exercise Questions with Answers:
Q. What problem did the villagers in the Hardas village face? What did they do to solve this problem?
Ans. The villagers in Hardas village faced water problems. The hand-pump water had gone well below the point up to which the ground had been drilled. They hardly got water in the taps. The villagers gathered together in the Gram Sabha meeting to find a solution to the problem. After long discussions, they came to the conclusion that they should find ways to conserve water. The Watershed development programme would be effective in this direction. They should plant trees, construct check-dams, and tanks.
Ans. The villagers in Hardas village faced water problems. The hand-pump water had gone well below the point up to which the ground had been drilled. They hardly got water in the taps. The villagers gathered together in the Gram Sabha meeting to find a solution to the problem. After long discussions, they came to the conclusion that they should find ways to conserve water. The Watershed development programme would be effective in this direction. They should plant trees, construct check-dams, and tanks.
Q. What, in your opinion, is the importance of the Gram Sabha? Do you think all members should attend Gram Sabha meetings? Why?
Ans. The Gram Sabha discusses the problems which face the villagers. The villagers know their problems and know how to solve them. The members should attend the meetings of the Gram Sabha because it is their problems that are being discussed and villagers can give their suggestions.
Ans. The Gram Sabha discusses the problems which face the villagers. The villagers know their problems and know how to solve them. The members should attend the meetings of the Gram Sabha because it is their problems that are being discussed and villagers can give their suggestions.
Q. What is the link between a Gram Sabha and a Gram Panchayat?
Ans. A Gram Sabha consists of all adults living in an area covered by a Panchayat. Sarpanch, the Panchayat President, is elected by all the members of a Gram Sabha. The Gram Panchayat has a secretary who is also the secretary of Gram Sabha. The Secretary is not an elected authority but is appointed by the government.
The secretary is the link between the Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha. He is responsible for calling the meetings of Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat He is also the custodian of the records of the proceedings. Gram Sabha controls the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.
Ans. A Gram Sabha consists of all adults living in an area covered by a Panchayat. Sarpanch, the Panchayat President, is elected by all the members of a Gram Sabha. The Gram Panchayat has a secretary who is also the secretary of Gram Sabha. The Secretary is not an elected authority but is appointed by the government.
The secretary is the link between the Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha. He is responsible for calling the meetings of Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat He is also the custodian of the records of the proceedings. Gram Sabha controls the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.
Q. Take an example of any one task done by a Panchayat in your area/nearby rural area and find out the following.
Ans. Panchayat took up the task of planting new trees in the village. The project was taken up because people in the past indulged in the indiscriminate cutting of trees, as a result the green cover in the village was considerably reduced. The money was provided by the
- (a) Why was it taken up.
- (b) Where the money came from.
- (c) Whether or not the work was completed.
Ans. Panchayat took up the task of planting new trees in the village. The project was taken up because people in the past indulged in the indiscriminate cutting of trees, as a result the green cover in the village was considerably reduced. The money was provided by the
- State government, collection of taxes on houses, the marketplace, etc.
- Government scheme funds received through various departments of the government like Janpad or Zila Panchayats.
- Donations for community works. The work was completed. The planting of new trees is a continuous process and the people promised to plant new trees on all national holidays.
Q. What is the difference between a Gram Sabha and a Gram Panchayat?
Ans. Gram Sabha in a village is like a tiny legislature. All adult inhabitants, above the age of 18 years are its members. It elects the Gram Panchayat, the executive, which actually looks after the administration of the village.
Ans. Gram Sabha in a village is like a tiny legislature. All adult inhabitants, above the age of 18 years are its members. It elects the Gram Panchayat, the executive, which actually looks after the administration of the village.
Read the following news item :
Simone is a village on Chauphula-Shuvir Road. Like many others, this village has also been facing a severe water shortage for the last few months and villagers depend on tankers for all their needs. Bhagavan Mahadeo Lad (35) of this village was beaten with sticks, iron rods and axes, by a group of seven men.
The incident came to light when some villagers brought a badly injured Lad to the hospital for treatment. In the FIR recorded by the police Lad said that he was attacked when he insisted that the water in the tanker must be emptied into the storage tanks constructed as part of the water supply scheme by Simone Gram Panchayat so that there would be equal distribution of water. However, he alleged that the upper caste men were against this and told him that the tanker water was not meant for the lower castes. [Adapted from Indian Express, May 1, 2004]
(a) Why was Bhagavan beaten?
Ans. Bhagavan was beaten because he wanted the water brought by the tankers should be available to all the villagers. But the men of the upper castes wanted the water for their use only. Bhagavan had insisted that water in the tanker must be emptied into the storage tanks, constructed as part of the water supply scheme by Simone Gram Panchayat.
(b) Do you think that the above is a case of discrimination? Why?
Ans. Yes, the above case was a case of discrimination because upper caste people wanted the tanker water for themselves only and said the water was not meant for the lower castes. It violates the right to equality given by the Constitution.
Simone is a village on Chauphula-Shuvir Road. Like many others, this village has also been facing a severe water shortage for the last few months and villagers depend on tankers for all their needs. Bhagavan Mahadeo Lad (35) of this village was beaten with sticks, iron rods and axes, by a group of seven men.
The incident came to light when some villagers brought a badly injured Lad to the hospital for treatment. In the FIR recorded by the police Lad said that he was attacked when he insisted that the water in the tanker must be emptied into the storage tanks constructed as part of the water supply scheme by Simone Gram Panchayat so that there would be equal distribution of water. However, he alleged that the upper caste men were against this and told him that the tanker water was not meant for the lower castes. [Adapted from Indian Express, May 1, 2004]
(a) Why was Bhagavan beaten?
Ans. Bhagavan was beaten because he wanted the water brought by the tankers should be available to all the villagers. But the men of the upper castes wanted the water for their use only. Bhagavan had insisted that water in the tanker must be emptied into the storage tanks, constructed as part of the water supply scheme by Simone Gram Panchayat.
(b) Do you think that the above is a case of discrimination? Why?
Ans. Yes, the above case was a case of discrimination because upper caste people wanted the tanker water for themselves only and said the water was not meant for the lower castes. It violates the right to equality given by the Constitution.
Q. Find out more about watershed development and how it benefits an area?
Ans. Watershed Development Programme is an initiative of the government. It is done by the Non-government Organisation (NGOs). It helps in the conservation of water by plantation, making bundns, canals, etc.
Ans. Watershed Development Programme is an initiative of the government. It is done by the Non-government Organisation (NGOs). It helps in the conservation of water by plantation, making bundns, canals, etc.
