Goyal Brothers Solutions for ICSE Class 6 History Civics Chapter 11 Urban Local Self Government

Exercise

I. Fill in the blanks

1. Big cities have Municipal Corporation as local self-government.
2. The head of a corporation is called Mayor.
3. The municipality arranges for checking food adulteration.
4. Towns having ten to twenty thousand people have small 1 bodies known as Municipalities.
5. Tax on goods and animals brought into or taken out of the town is known as Octroi Duty.

II. Tick mark (✓) the right statements and cross (x) the wrong ones:

1. Municipal corporations have more powers than the municipalities.
Answer: True -
This is because corporations manage larger areas with higher populations and complexity. Therefore, they are granted more administrative and financial authority by the state government.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Corporation" is for "Crowded" big cities, so they need more power.
Exam Tip: Always provide a reason why a statement is true or false if asked, to score higher marks.

2. A person who has attained the age of 25 can vote in a municipal election.
Answer: True
Voting rights are fundamental to local democracy and allow citizens to choose who manages their city. This helps in making sure the local government is accountable to its residents.
Teacher's Tip: Note that while the voting age in India is 18, follow your specific textbook answer for the exam.
Exam Tip: Double-check the ages required for voting versus contesting elections in your syllabus.

3. The Mayor and the Deputy Mayor are elected for one year.
Answer: True
The tenure of these heads is often shorter than the corporation's full term to allow for rotation and fresh leadership. They represent the city and preside over important meetings of the councillors.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the Mayor as the "Captain" of the city's team for a year.
Exam Tip: Mention that the Mayor is the first citizen of the city for a complete answer.

4. Record of births and deaths in a city are kept by the state government.
Answer: False
This task is actually a primary responsibility of the local municipal body, not the state government directly. Keeping these records helps the local administration plan for health and education services.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that "Births and Deaths" are local events, so the "Local Body" records them.
Exam Tip: Correcting a false statement with the right fact helps you earn full marks.

5. The municipalities receive grants from the state government.
Answer: True
Since local taxes might not cover all developmental costs, the state provides financial support through these grants. This money is essential for building schools, hospitals, and maintaining roads.
Teacher's Tip: Think of grants as "Pocket Money" given by the State to the City.
Exam Tip: Always list 'Grants' as a major source of income for local bodies in long answers.

III. Answer the following questions:

Question 1: Differentiate between a municipal corporation and a municipality.
Answer: Municipal Corporation
1. Meant for big cities having large populations.
2. Have more power
3. Have more resources in hand
4. Deal with the state Government directly
Municipalities
1. Meant for small cities and towns.
2. Have less power
3. Have less resources
4. Work through the district administration
A Municipal Corporation is created for metropolitan areas like Delhi or Mumbai where governance is more complex. A Municipality handles smaller urban areas and typically has a smaller budget and fewer officials.
Teacher's Tip: Use "M-C" (Municipal Corporation) for "Mega Cities" to remember the difference.
Exam Tip: Use a T-chart or bulleted points to make your comparison clear and easy to read.

Question 2: How are the two types of urban local bodies constituted ?
Answer: The cities with a population of upto 3 lakhs are managed by municipalities. The people of the city elect the members of a municipality. The number of members depends upon the size of the city. Seats are reserved for the SC, ST, OBC and women. The larger cities have Municipal Corporation. The members of a municipal corporation are elected in the same way as the members of a municipality. These members are called ‘councillors’. These councillors elect some other members, the aldermen who are respected citizens. The members elect a head called Mayor and also a Deputy Mayor.
The constitution of these bodies ensures that every section of society has a voice in local governance through reserved seats. Councillors are the primary elected representatives, while the Mayor acts as the formal head of the entire body.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: Citizens -> Councillors -> Mayor (it's a step-by-step process).
Exam Tip: Make sure to mention the reservation of seats for SC, ST, OBC, and women to show the inclusive nature of the body.

Question 3: List five main compulsory functions performed by a municipality or a municipal corporation.
Answer: 1. Keeping the city clean is the primary duty of a municipality. The municipality has to make arrangements for the removal of the garbage and waste. Drains are needed to flush out dirty water from the cities and towns.
2. The municiplities not only keep the cities clean but they also ! make arrangements for vaccination against smallpox and inoculation against diseases like cholera, plague and tuberculosis.
3. The municipalities also make arrangements for checking food adulteration.
4. A municipality opens hospitals, dispensaries and other medical centres in different localities where qualified doctors are employed.
5. One of the important functions of a municipality is to keep a record of all the births and deaths in the city. It helps in the planning of welfare services for the people.
These functions are called compulsory because the city cannot survive healthily without them. They focus on sanitation, public health, and basic civil registration to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Health, Hygiene, and Records" as the three pillars of municipal work.
Exam Tip: Number your points 1 to 5 to show clearly that you have answered all parts of the question.

Question 4: How do the municipalities get funds ?
Answer: Municipalities get funds by imposing various taxes such as:
1. Octroi Duty-Tax on goods and animals brought into or taken out of the town.
2. House Tax - Tax on houses in the town. This tax is fixed by the municipality according to the annual rental value of the houses.
3. Water Tax - Tax as charges for providing clean water for drinking. People who have municipality taps in their houses have to pay it.
4. Profession Tax - Lawyers, doctors and other professionals pay profession tax on their annual income.
5. Income from Municipal Property - Tax paid as rent by the shopkeepers and traders selling goods in the markets.
6. Entertainment Tax - Tax collected from those who provide different kinds of entertainment, e.g., cinema halls. They also receive annual financial aids and grants from the state government.
Funds are raised through these various methods to ensure the local government can pay its workers and maintain public utilities. Taxes on entertainment and property are common sources of income that fluctuate based on city activity.
Teacher's Tip: Use the acronym "HOW-PET" (House, Octroi, Water, Profession, Entertainment, property Tax).
Exam Tip: Mention 'State Grants' specifically as they are a major non-tax source of revenue.

Question 5: Describe the relationship between the state/central government and the urban local bodies.
Answer: The urban local bodies are the training grounds for democracy. They help inculcate civic virtues among the people.The state government has the power to dissolve a corporation or a municipality if it does not perform its duties. The state government gives financial aid to the local bodies. It strictly keeps an eye on the use and misuse of funds. The local bodies cannot levy or raise a new tax or raise any public or private loan without the permission of the state government.
The state government acts as a guardian, providing the money needed while also supervising how it is spent. If a local body fails to fulfill its responsibilities, the state has the legal right to step in and reorganize it.
Teacher's Tip: It's a relationship of "Support and Supervision."
Exam Tip: Use the word "Dissolve" when explaining the state's power to show technical understanding.

Textbook Keywords
1. Metropolitan: Is related with a big and important city of a country.
Enrichment: These are massive urban hubs like Kolkata or Chennai. They serve as major economic and cultural centers for the entire nation.
2. Municipal corporation: Is the local self-governing body in a large city.
Enrichment: It is headed by a Mayor and manages a larger budget than a municipality. It handles issues like large-scale water treatment and waste management.
3. Aldermen: They are members of the municipal corporations and municipalities who are elected from among the popular and respected citizens of that city.
Enrichment: These members bring their expertise and experience to the council. They are usually chosen by the elected councillors rather than being voted in by the public.
4. Sanitation: It means keeping an area clean and free from germs and dirt.
Enrichment: This includes garbage collection, street sweeping, and maintaining a proper sewage system. Good sanitation is vital for preventing the spread of diseases.
5. Crematoria: They are those area where dead bodies are burnt.
Enrichment: The municipal body is responsible for providing these facilities for the final rites of citizens. They must ensure these places are maintained properly and follow health regulations.
6. Property Tax: It is the tax on houses and land.
Enrichment: It is based on the size and location of the property. This is one of the most reliable sources of income for local self-governments.
7. Entertainment Tax: It is the tax on entertainment activities such as Cinema halls, circuses, etc.
Enrichment: This tax is collected from every ticket sold for movies or shows. It helps the city gain revenue from luxury and recreational activities.
8. Education tax: It is collected for educational activities. Toll taxes They are collected for the use of roads and bridges.
Enrichment: Education tax goes specifically toward running government schools in the city. Toll taxes help recover the cost of constructing and maintaining massive infrastructures like flyovers.
Teacher's Tip: Group these into "Names of Bodies," "People," "Actions," and "Taxes" to study faster.
Exam Tip: Be prepared for "Define the Following" questions using these exact terms.

Additional Questions

A. Fill in blanks:

1. The local self-governing bodies which look after the needs of big cities and towns are
Answer: Municipalities and Municipal corporation.
These bodies ensure that basic amenities like water and lights are provided to urban dwellers. They bridge the gap between the citizens and the state government.

2. Municipalities and Municipal corporation.
(Note: This appears to be a repetition or answer key entry in the source text).

3. A mayor holds office for a term varying between 1 year and 5 years.
Answer: 1 year and 5 years.
The exact duration depends on the specific state laws governing the municipal body. This variety allows for different styles of administrative stability and change.

4. The state government supervises the working of municipal corporations.
Answer: state government.
The state ensures that the corporation is following all legal protocols and spending funds wisely. This supervision prevents the abuse of power at the local level.

5. Some seats in the municipal corporation are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Answer: reserved.
Reservation ensures that marginalized groups are not left out of the decision-making process. This creates a more equitable and representative form of local government.

6. The municipal corporation establishes and maintain public parks and education centers.
Answer: public parks.
Green spaces are essential for the health and recreation of city residents. Maintaining these parks is part of the corporation's duty to improve the quality of urban life.

B. Match the following:
Column A
1. Municipal corporation
2. Mayor
3. Aldermen
4. Organizing fairs
5. Municipality 
Column B
(a) respected citizens
(b) optional function of municipal corporation
(c) large cities
(d) towns
(e) head of municipal corporation
1. Municipal corporation - (c) large cities
2. Mayor - (e) head of municipal corporation
3. Aldermen - (a) respected citizens
4. Organizing fairs - (b) optional function of municipal corporation
5. Municipality - (d) towns
Matching these terms helps identify the specific roles and locations associated with urban self-government. It clarifies who does what and in which type of urban setting.
Teacher's Tip: Use "A" for Aldermen and "A" for Accomplished citizens.
Exam Tip: Draw straight lines or write the letters clearly to avoid confusion during correction.

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. Big cities like Delhi and Mumbai have town area committees/municipalities/municipal corporations.
Answer: Big cities like Delhi and Mumbai have municipal corporations.
Due to their vast population and complex infrastructure, only a corporation has enough resources to manage them. These cities are categorized as "Metropolitan" for this reason.
Teacher's Tip: Delhi and Mumbai are our biggest cities, so they get the biggest body: the Corporation.
Exam Tip: If a city has a population over 10 lakhs (1 million), it generally has a corporation.

2. The mayor/municipal commissioner/alderman presides over the meetings of the municipal corporation.
Answer: The mayor presides over the meetings of the municipal corporation.
As the chairperson, the Mayor ensures that all discussions follow the agenda and rules. They have the power to cast a deciding vote if there is a tie on an issue.
Teacher's Tip: Presiding means "to be in charge of the meeting."
Exam Tip: Don't confuse the Mayor (who chairs meetings) with the Commissioner (who executes decisions).

3. The chief executive officer of a municipal corporation is known as the mayor/municipal commissioner/sarpanch.
Answer: The chief executive officer of a municipal corporation is known as the municipal commissioner.
This officer is usually an IAS official appointed by the state government to implement the council's decisions. They handle the daily administration and ensure the staff performs their duties.
Teacher's Tip: Commissioner = CEO (Chief Executive Officer).
Exam Tip: Sarpanch is only for rural panchayats, so never choose it for urban questions.

4. The total number of members of a municipal corporation of a city depends on the population of the city/state/country.
Answer: The total number of members of a municipal corporation of a city depends on the population of the city.
A city with more people will be divided into more 'wards,' resulting in more councillors. This ensures that every citizen is adequately represented by an elected official.
Teacher's Tip: More people = More problems = More representatives needed.
Exam Tip: Remember that population is the key factor for determining the size of any local body.

5. A municipal corporation is elected for a period of 2/10/5
Answer: A municipal corporation is elected for a period of 5 year
This five-year term provides stability for planning and completing long-term city improvement projects. After this term, fresh elections must be held to give the public a chance to choose again.
Teacher's Tip: 5 years is the "magic number" for most Indian democratic bodies.
Exam Tip: Write the full phrase "5 years" instead of just the number for a professional answer.

D. State whether the following are true or false.

1. Port trust is an urban local self-governing body.
Answer: True.
In cities with major ports, these trusts are set up to manage the specific needs of the dock areas. They work alongside the municipal corporation to keep the port operational and safe.
Teacher's Tip: Port Trust = Specific body for "Port" cities like Mumbai or Chennai.
Exam Tip: List "Port Trust" as an example when asked about "other" types of urban bodies.

2. The members of the corporation are directly elected by the adult citizens of the city.
Answer: True.
Voters go to polling booths to choose the councillor they want for their particular ward. This direct election gives power to the common citizen to choose their local leaders.
Teacher's Tip: Direct election means the "People" put the "Vote" in themselves.
Exam Tip: Mention 'universal adult franchise' if discussing voting rights in detail.

3. Some seats are reserved for women in municipal corporations.
Answer: True.
Reservations for women encourage gender diversity and help address women-specific issues in city planning. It has led to many capable female leaders taking charge of urban development.
Teacher's Tip: In most states, 1/3rd or even 1/2 of seats are now reserved for women.
Exam Tip: Use this point to explain how the government promotes equality.

4. The municipal corporation is not responsible for the supply of safe drinking water.
Answer: False. Correct: The municipal corporation is responsible for the supply of safe drinking water.
Providing clean water is actually one of the most critical and basic duties of the corporation. They maintain the pipelines and filtration plants that bring water to every home.
Teacher's Tip: "Safe Water" is a "Compulsory" duty, so the statement must be false.
Exam Tip: When asked for compulsory functions, "Water Supply" should be your first point.

5. Municipality is the local self-governing body for smaller cities and towns.
Answer: True.
Towns with smaller populations don't need the massive setup of a corporation. The municipality is designed to be efficient for mid-sized populations.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the scale: Small Town = Municipality, Big City = Corporation.
Exam Tip: Mention the population range (20,000 to 3 lakhs) to be very precise.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1: Name the local self-governing bodies that look after the urban areas.
Answer: The local self-governing bodies which look after the urban area are as follows:
1. Municipal Corporations
2. Municipalities
3. Town area committees
4. Cantonment boards
5. Improvement trusts
6. Port trusts
These various bodies are tailored to meet the specific needs of different urban zones. For example, Cantonment boards manage military residential areas within or near cities.
Teacher's Tip: List the main two first, then the "Trusts" and "Boards."
Exam Tip: Memorize at least four names to get full marks on a "List" question.

Question 2: Who is mayor?
Answer: Mayor is the head of the municipal corporation.
The Mayor acts as the representative of the city and is usually elected from among the councillors. They perform ceremonial duties and preside over important council meetings.
Teacher's Tip: The Mayor is like the "President" of the city.
Exam Tip: State clearly that the Mayor is the *head of the Corporation* to avoid confusion with Municipalities.

Question 3: What is the functions of the mayor?
Answer: He presides over the meeting and looks after the work of the corporation with the help of the executives officers like Municipal commissioner, chief medical officer etc.
The Mayor acts as a link between the elected council and the government-appointed executive staff. They provide leadership to ensure that the citizens' needs are being addressed.
Teacher's Tip: Presiding + Supervising = Mayor's Job.
Exam Tip: Mention the "Municipal Commissioner" as the officer who assists the Mayor.

Question 4: Who are aldermen?
Answer: They are members of the municipal corporation and municipalities who are elected from among the popular and respected citizens of that city. They are generally experienced.
Aldermen are not directly elected by the public but are chosen by the elected councillors for their knowledge. This allows for wise and experienced voices to be part of the city's management.
Teacher's Tip: Aldermen = "Elected experts."
Exam Tip: Note that they are "respected citizens" to explain why they are selected.

Question 5: What are municipalities?
Answer: Smaller cities and towns with population ranging between 20,000 5,00,000 have municipalities as the local self-governing body.
They manage local affairs in areas that are expanding from villages into urban centers. Their goal is to provide infrastructure for the growing number of residents.
Teacher's Tip: Municipality is the "Middle Tier" between a village and a big city.
Exam Tip: Be careful with the population figures as they can vary between textbooks.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: How is a municipal corporation composed? Who are its members?
Answer: A municipal corporation is composed in following manner.
1. The Mayor is the head of the municipal corporation. The mayor and deputy mayor are elected by the members of the municipal corporation from among themselves.
2. The corporation sets up a number of committee to look after the day to day work.
3. There is a chief executive officer or municipal commissioner, who is appointed by the state government.
4. There are also number of members called aldermen. They are elected from among the popular and respected citizens of that city.
5. MPs and MLA also form part of the corporation.
6. Some seats are reserved for the scheduled caste, scheduled Tribes and women. A municipal corporation is elected for a period of 5 years.
The composition of a corporation involves both elected citizens and government-appointed officials. This mix ensures that the people's wishes are balanced with professional administrative rules.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the corporation as a "Mini Parliament" for the city.
Exam Tip: List the Mayor, Councillors, Aldermen, and Commissioner to cover all "members."

Question 2: Mention five functions of the municipal corporation related to public health and sanitation.
Answer: The main five functions performed by municipal corporation are following.
1. Caring for health of citizens, provide treatment facilities, opening hospital, appointment of doctors etc.
2. Repair and construction of roads, street, providing electric facilities etc.
3. Provision for education by opening and looking after primary school.
4. To save people from disaster of fire and fire brigades are maintained.
5. Organizing cultural events like sports, exhibitions, fairs etc.
Public health is managed through direct care in hospitals and preventative measures like keeping streets safe. These duties are designed to ensure that the high population density in cities doesn't lead to accidents or diseases.
Teacher's Tip: For health, think "Hospitals and Doctors"; for sanitation, think "Clean Streets."
Exam Tip: Ensure each point starts with an action verb like "Caring," "Repair," or "Organizing."

Question 3: The municipal corporation is responsible for the maintenance of public works and services in the city. Give any five examples to explain this.
Answer: The municipal corporation is responsible for these public works and services:
1. Construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, public buildings, markets, crematoria and graveyards.
2. Construction and maintenance of water supply system.
3. Arrangements for street lighting.
4. Maintenance of fire-brigade.
5. Demolition of dangerous or illegal buildings. (Additional verbatim: 6. Maintaining records of births and deaths.)
Public works involve the physical building and repair of the city's shared infrastructure. These services are funded by taxes and are essential for the daily movement and safety of millions of people.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Infrastructure" – the bones and veins of the city.
Exam Tip: Mention "fire-brigade" or "street lighting" as these are very visible services.

Question 4: List the optional functions of the municipal corporation.
Answer: Optional functions of the municipal corporation are following:
1. Establishment and maintenance of public parks, gardens, zoos, theatres, picnic resorts, libraries, museums.
2. Construction and maintenance of old-age homes, orphanages, night shelters, rest houses.
3. Supply of cooking gas and milk.
4. Organizing cultural events like sports, exhibitions, fairs, etc.
5. Maintenance of a cheap public transport system.
Optional functions are those that the corporation performs only if it has enough money left after compulsory duties. These activities significantly improve the lifestyle and happiness of city dwellers.
Teacher's Tip: Optional functions are like "Bonuses" that make the city beautiful and fun.
Exam Tip: If asked to list functions, prioritize "Parks" and "Public Transport" as they are major optional duties.

G. Picture study
This is the picture of Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters. With reference to the picture of the municipal corporation, answer the following questions:

Question 1: Who is the head of the municipal corporation? How is he or she elected?
Answer: The Mayor is the head of the municipal corporation. He/she is elected by members of the municipal corporation from among themselves.
While the public elects the councillors, the councillors then vote to choose the Mayor. This ensures that the head has the support and cooperation of the majority of the council members.
Teacher's Tip: The head is the "Mayor," and they are chosen by the "Councillors."
Exam Tip: Don't forget to mention the "Deputy Mayor" if the question asks about leadership positions.

Question 2: For which categories of community are seats of the corporation reserved?
Answer: Seats are reserved for following categories.
1. Scheduled castes
2. Scheduled Tribes
3. A few seats are reserved for women.
These reservations help in bringing social justice and equality to the city's governance. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, has a say in how the city grows.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "Three Categories": SC, ST, and Women.
Exam Tip: Mention that reservations for women are usually one-third of the total seats for more detail.