Local Governments (VSAQs)
Political Science-2 | 6. Local Governments – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 6: Local Governments. This page includes the most crucial FAQs for Very Short Answer Questions. Answers are provided in simple English and follow the exam format. This approach helps you focus on key points and aim for top marks in your final exams.
VSAQ-1: State Election Commission
The State Election Commission is an important body in India that oversees elections at the state level, specifically for panchayats and municipalities. Established under Article 243(K) of the Indian Constitution, this commission ensures that elections are conducted fairly and without bias.
For example, think of the State Election Commission as a referee in a football match. Just as the referee ensures the game is played fairly, the commission ensures that elections are conducted smoothly. They manage the voters’ list to keep it accurate and up to date, allocate election symbols to candidates so voters can easily identify them, and ensure that the entire election process is impartial and free from undue influence.
VSAQ-2: Gram Sabha
The Gram Sabha is like a town meeting where everyone in a village can come together to discuss important issues. It includes all the people who are on the electoral roll of the Gram Panchayat. Meetings of the Gram Sabha are held at least once every two months, and they are often led by the Sarpanch (village head) or other members of the Gram Panchayat.
Imagine a small community where neighbors gather regularly to talk about what’s going on in the village. They might discuss everything from road repairs to school facilities. The Gram Sabha is a platform for local participation, ensuring that everyone has a say in the decisions that affect their daily lives. Special meetings are even held to focus on the concerns of women, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups.
VSAQ-3: Sarpanch
The Sarpanch is the elected head of a village’s Gram Panchayat. Think of the Sarpanch as the village’s mayor. They are elected directly by the village’s voters and are responsible for carrying out the decisions made in the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat. The Sarpanch represents the village in all matters and ensures that the decisions made by the Gram Panchayat are implemented effectively.
For example, if the Gram Panchayat decides to build a new well in the village, it’s the Sarpanch’s job to make sure the project gets done. They act as the leader and the voice of the village, working to improve the community and address the needs of the people.
VSAQ-4: Mayor
The Mayor is the political leader and head of a city’s Municipal Corporation. Imagine the Mayor as the CEO of a large company that is responsible for running the entire city. They are elected by the city’s councilors and have significant responsibilities, such as ensuring the city has clean streets, a reliable water supply, and well-lit roads.
The Mayor works closely with the Municipal Commissioner to make sure that the city’s daily operations are running smoothly. For instance, if there’s a problem with garbage collection in the city, the Mayor oversees the resolution, making sure the issue is addressed promptly.
VSAQ-5: L.M. Singhvi Committee
The L.M. Singhvi Committee was established in 1986 by the Rajiv Gandhi Government with the goal of revitalizing Panchayati Raj institutions in India. These institutions are the backbone of local self-governance in rural areas. The committee’s key recommendation was to give these institutions constitutional status, ensuring they had a solid foundation and could function effectively.
Think of it like giving a sports team official recognition, which allows them to participate in major leagues and tournaments. By giving Panchayati Raj institutions constitutional recognition, the committee helped to strengthen local governance and ensure that elections at this level were free, fair, and regular.
VSAQ-6: Municipal Corporation
The Municipal Corporation is the highest level of local government in large cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. It’s similar to the way a large company is organized, with different departments handling various aspects of city management.
The Council acts like the board of directors, discussing and making decisions about city policies. The Mayor is the political leader, much like a CEO, representing the citizens and leading the corporation. The Standing Committees provide advice and suggestions to improve city functions, like how specialized teams might advise on company strategy. Lastly, the Commissioner, appointed by the government, handles the daily administrative tasks, ensuring that the city runs smoothly.
VSAQ-7: Mandala Parishad
The Mandala Parishad is an important part of the Panchayat Raj system, functioning at the block level, which is a group of villages. It’s like a regional office that manages multiple branches within a company. While smaller states might not have this level of government, the Mandala Parishad plays a key role where it exists.
The Mandal Parishad President acts as the political head, leading the efforts to address local issues, while the Mandal Parishad Development Officer handles the administrative tasks, ensuring that plans and projects are implemented effectively.
VSAQ-8: Cantonment Board
The Cantonment Board is a local governing body that manages areas with military establishments, similar to a Municipality but focused on the needs of military personnel and their families. Established under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, the board ensures that the area has the necessary municipal services, such as sanitation, water supply, and street lighting.
It’s like having a specialized local government for a specific community, ensuring that all their unique needs are met. The board is made up of elected members, government officials, and military representatives, all working together to manage the area effectively.
VSAQ-9: Gram Panchayat
The Gram Panchayat is the basic unit of local governance in rural India, representing either a single village or a group of villages. Think of it as the village council, where elected members discuss and decide on local issues, such as water supply, road maintenance, and education.
They meet monthly to make decisions that affect the daily lives of the villagers. For example, if a road needs repairing or a new school needs to be built, the Gram Panchayat will discuss and plan how to get it done. In Telangana alone, there are 12,751 Gram Panchayats, each playing a vital role in managing local affairs.