Social Science Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Social Science Chapter 12. Grassroots Democracy-Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

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Chapter 12. Grassroots Democracy – Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas

Urban Local Bodies

Urban local bodies are local government structures that function in cities and towns. They are decentralised institutions that allow local communities to have a direct say in managing their areas and solving local issues.

• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) function in urban areas.
• They are part of the local government system.
• They are decentralised institutions.
• They allow local communities to participate in decisions affecting their areas.
• They help manage local issues and provide important civic services.

Decentralisation

Decentralisation means transferring decision-making and administrative responsibilities from a central authority to lower or local levels.

• It brings governance closer to the people.
• It allows local communities to have a direct say in managing their areas.
• It helps local authorities understand and address local problems.
• It encourages people's participation in governance.

Participatory Democracy

Participatory democracy is a system in which citizens actively participate in the functioning and decision-making of government.

• Citizens participate in matters concerning their local area.
• People can come together to discuss local issues.
• People can help decide what is best for their community.
• Citizens also have duties towards their area.
• Active participation makes local democracy stronger.

Wards

Cities and towns are divided into smaller units called wards.

• A ward is a smaller administrative unit of a city or town.
• People living in a ward form the local community of that area.
• Ward-level arrangements help deal with problems closer to the people.
• The precise functioning of wards may differ from State to State.

Ward Committee

A Ward Committee facilitates various local activities and keeps an eye on problems affecting people in the ward.

• Ward committees can organise health camps.
• They can organise campaigns against the use of single-use plastics.
• They keep an eye on local problems.
• They may notice problems such as water leaks.
• They may identify blocked drains.
• They may identify damaged roads.
• They report such problems to the concerned authorities.
• The functioning of wards and ward committees can differ from State to State.

Important Examples of Local Problems

• Water leakage: Should be reported promptly to prevent wastage of water.
• Blocked drain: Should be reported so that it can be cleaned and repaired.
• Damaged road: Should be brought to the attention of the authorities.
• Single-use plastics: Awareness campaigns can be organised to reduce their use.
• Health concerns: Health camps can be organised for the local community.

Functions of Urban Local Bodies

Urban local bodies perform a range of functions related to the infrastructure, services and development of cities and towns.

• Taking care of local infrastructure.
• Maintaining burial grounds.
• Garbage collection.
• Garbage disposal.
• Checking the implementation of government schemes.
• Collecting local taxes.
• Collecting local fines.
• Planning for economic development of the area.
• Planning for social development of the area.

Local Infrastructure

Local infrastructure refers to the basic physical facilities and systems needed for the proper functioning of an urban area.

• Urban local bodies help take care of local infrastructure.
• Roads and drainage are examples of local infrastructure.
• Proper maintenance of infrastructure improves people's daily lives.
• Citizens should report damaged infrastructure to the authorities.

Garbage Collection and Disposal

Garbage collection and disposal are important responsibilities of urban local bodies.

• Urban local bodies arrange for garbage collection.
• They are responsible for proper disposal of garbage.
• Citizens also have an important role in making garbage collection easier.
• Proper waste segregation helps in efficient garbage collection.

Local Taxes and Fines

Urban local bodies collect certain local taxes and fines to support their activities and services.

• Local taxes provide funds to urban local bodies.
• Fines can also contribute to local funds.
• These funds help local bodies perform their functions.
• Citizens should fulfil their legal financial responsibilities towards local bodies.

Economic and Social Development

Urban local bodies also have a role in planning for the economic and social development of their areas.

• They help plan development according to local needs.
• Economic development concerns the growth and prosperity of the area.
• Social development concerns the wellbeing of people and communities.
• Local participation helps identify the actual needs of an area.

Responsibilities of Citizens

Urban local bodies can perform their functions efficiently only when citizens also perform their duties and show care and concern for their area.

• Citizens should cooperate with local authorities.
• They should follow instructions regarding waste segregation.
• They should avoid littering public places.
• They should report water leakage promptly.
• They should report blocked drains.
• They should report damaged roads.
• They should take care of public property.
• They should participate in activities that improve their locality.

Waste Segregation

Waste segregation means separating waste into different categories so that it can be collected and managed properly.

• Citizens should carefully follow instructions regarding waste segregation.
• Proper segregation makes garbage collection easier.
• It helps improve waste management.
• It contributes to a cleaner urban environment.

Citizen Participation and Urban Governance

Urban local government is based on the idea of participatory democracy, in which citizens and local authorities work together to improve the area.

• Local authorities alone cannot solve every problem.
• Citizens must also show care and concern for their locality.
• People can identify and report problems.
• People can participate in local campaigns and activities.
• Cooperation between citizens and local bodies improves governance.

Urban Local Government Structure

Rural and Urban Local Government – Difference

Important Terms – Notes 1

Quick Revision – Notes 1

• ✔ Urban local government works in cities and towns.
• ✔ Urban local government structures are called Urban Local Bodies.
• ✔ Urban Local Bodies are decentralised institutions.
• ✔ Cities and towns are divided into wards.
• ✔ Ward committees facilitate local activities.
• ✔ Ward committees can organise health camps and awareness campaigns.
• ✔ They can identify water leaks, blocked drains and damaged roads.
• ✔ Urban local bodies take care of local infrastructure.
• ✔ Garbage collection and disposal are important functions.
• ✔ Urban local bodies collect local taxes and fines.
• ✔ They have a role in economic and social development planning.
• ✔ Citizens must also perform their duties.
• ✔ Proper waste segregation makes garbage collection easier.
• ✔ Prompt reporting of water leakage prevents wastage of water.
• ✔ Citizen participation is an important part of participatory democracy.