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Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8 Power to the People Notes Questions and Answers
Power to the People Class 7 Notes Pdf
Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus
Question 1.
Find out the following from Nivin’s post.
a. What is referred to in the post?
b. What are discussed in grama sabhas?
c. Who presides over a grama sabha?
d. What is the system in cities which is equal to grama sabhas?
e. Who is the convenor of the grama sabha?
Answer:
a. Grama Sabha
b. Development of the locality, day-to-day problems of the people
c. Panchayat President
d. Ward Sabha
e. Ward Member
Question 2.
Find out and list what activities are going on in the grama sabha from the notice.
Answer:
- Regional developmental activities – discussion and planning.
- Honouring the talented persons.
- To select the beneficiaries for individual concession.
- ‘Let’s Proceed’- Women Empowerment Programme.
Question 3.
Consolidate the facts that you have understood on the functioning of grama sabhas and prepare a note.
Answer:
Grama Sabhas play a key role in grassroots democracy by involving local communities directly in decision-making processes. They facilitate discussions and planning for regional development activities, ensuring projects align with local needs. Additionally, Grama Sabhas honor talented individuals, boosting community pride, and select beneficiaries for government concessions transparently to ensure fair resource distribution. Through initiatives like the ‘Let’s Proceed’ Women Empowerment Programme, Grama Sabhas also promote gender equality by empowering women and encouraging their active participation in community and economic activities.
Question 4.
Prepare a notice with the help of the teacher and organise the class sabha.
Answer:
Question 5.
Find out the vision of Gandhiji concerning the development of villages.
Answer:
- Attain self-sufficiency in catering to the major needs of the village.
- Villages should aim to become fully self-reliant republics.
- Engage in mutual cooperation with others only when necessary.
- The primary interest of villages should be to increase food production and the cultivation of essential crops like cotton for clothing needs.
- A designated space should be available in the village for livestock.
- Recreation and entertainment facilities are needed for both adults and children.
- Utilise land effectively for growing crops and other essential produce.
Question 6.
Discuss the features of decentralisation and write a description.
Answer:
Decentralisation is a governance approach that distributes power from central authorities to local governments, fostering more region-focused development. This system prioritises regional development by addressing the unique needs of each area, thereby promoting balanced growth between urban and rural communities. It empowers ordinary people by enhancing their participation in local governance, giving them a stronger voice in decisions that affect their lives. Decentralisation also strengthens the local economy, as targeted initiatives can boost regional industries and employment. Additionally, it prioritises immediate developmental needs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure based on the community’s priorities. Importantly, decentralisation creates leadership opportunities for women and marginalised groups, giving them valuable experience in administration and fostering a more inclusive governance process.
Question 7.
Conduct a panel discussion, including more details about the two committees (Balwantrai Mehta Committee and Ashok Mehta Committee).
Answer:
(Hints) Conduct a panel discussion by including given points..
Balwantrai Mehta Committee
- Democratic decentralisation of power through the creation of a 3-layered Panchayati Raj system.
- The administration had to be handed over to the local governing bodies named Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
- The functions, organisations, responsibilities, funding, and duties were all laid down in the report for each of the institutions.
- Proper representation of the SC, ST, and OBCs had to be provided.
Ashok Mehta Committee
- Reservation for the seats based on the weaker section.
- Keep two seats always for women.
- Adequate all the financial resources for panchayats.
- Requirement for the constitutional sector.
Question 8.
Conduct a quiz in the class based on the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution.
Answer:
- In which name is the rural administrative decentralisation system known in India? – Panchayati Raj.
- What is the basic unit of the Panchayati Raj system? – Gram Panchayat or village panchayat.
- What is the duration of a Panchayat? – Five years.
- What is the reservation policy for women in the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts? – One-third.
Question 9.
Find out and list the recommendations of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee and Ashok Mehta Committee that were included in the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution.
Answer:
- The three-tier panchayat system.
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Reservation.
- Direct Elections to Panchayats.
- Greater Financial Devolution.
Question 10.
Find out the details of your local self-government institutions.
Answer:
(Hints) Fill the table according to your areas details as the example given below.
| Grama Panchayat | Vaniyamkulam Grama Panchayat |
| Ward member of the Grama Panchayat | Smt. Kavitha |
| President of the Grama Panchayat | Manoharan |
| Block Panchayat | Mala |
| President of the Block Panchayat | Madhavan |
| District Panchayat | Eloor |
| President of the District Panchayat | Shiny |
| Municipality | Thottakyad |
| Councillor of the Municipality | Ameena |
| Chairperson of the Municipality | Joseph |
| Corporation | Varkala |
| Councillor of the Corporation | Lakshmi |
| Mayor | Prashanth |
Question 11.
Which are the services that your family availed from the local self-governments? Discuss.
Answer:
Register births/deaths, Mother and child development, Sanction permission for building construction, Garbage treatment granting, etc.
Question 12.
Prepare a questionnaire to interview the people’s representatives in your area to know more about the responsibilities of local self-government institutions.
Answer:
1. What are the main responsibilities of the local self-government institutions in your area, and which services do you prioritise for the community?
2. How do you ensure that community needs, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, are adequately addressed?
3. What steps are taken to involve the local community in decision-making processes, and how can citizens actively participate in local governance?
4. Can you share examples of recent projects or developmental initiatives led by the local self- government that have positively impacted our area?
5. What challenges do you face in fulfilling the responsibilities of the local self-government, and how do you work to overcome these challenges?
Question 13.
Complete the list by identifying the different sources of revenue of local self-government bodies from the conversation given above.
Answer:
- Various types of taxes
- Licensing Fees
- Fines and Penalties
- Rent from Properties
Question 14.
Prepare a brief note on the local self-government institution to which you belong and present it in the class.
Answer:
I belong to the local self-government institution known as the Gram Panchayat (or Municipality, if it’s an urban area). This institution is responsible for managing and addressing local needs in the community, such as maintaining roads, water supply, sanitation, health services, and public spaces. It also implements welfare programs, assists in education and development projects, and promotes women’s and marginalised groups’ participation in governance. The Gram Panchayat or Municipality collects revenue from local taxes, service fees, and grants from the State and Central- Governments to fund these activities. This local governance structure ensures that our community has access to essential services and contributes to grassroots development.
Question 15.
‘If I become a Panchayat President/Chairperson of the Municipality/ Mayor of the Corporation’ – Present your ideas in the class.
Answer:
If I become the President of the Panchayat (or Chairperson of the Municipality/Mayor of the Corporation), I would focus on making our community a healthier, cleaner, and more inclusive place for everyone. Here are some of my key priorities:
Improving Health and Sanitation: I would ensure clean drinking water, regular garbage collection, and well-maintained public toilets. I’d organise health camps and promote awareness about hygiene and preventive healthcare.
Better Roads and Public Transport: I would work on repairing and maintaining roads, creating safe pathways, and improving local transport options to make it easier for people to travel within the area.
Educational and Employment Opportunities: I would support local schools with resources and offer skill-training programs for youth to help them secure better job opportunities. Libraries and digital learning centres could also benefit the community.
Green and Clean Environment: I would promote tree-planting drives and plastic waste reduction and set up more green spaces for people to enjoy. Waste recycling and eco-friendly practices would be a priority.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups: I’d encourage their active participation in community activities and governance, ensuring their voices are heard. Self-help groups and women’s entrepreneurship would receive special support.
Transparent and Inclusive Governance: I would hold regular community meetings to listen to people’s needs and ensure transparency in decision-making and budget spending. By involving everyone, I would work towards building a community that thrives on participation, fairness, and mutual respect.
Extended Activities
Question 1.
Interview with the people’s representative to learn about the activities of local self-government institutions.
Answer:
(Hints) Here’s a sample interview script for gathering information from a local people’s representative about the activities of local self-government institutions:
Interviewer: Thank you for meeting with us today. To start, could you share with us the main responsibilities of the local self-government in our community?
Representative: Certainly! Our local self-government focuses on basic services like water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, and health services. We also work on implementing welfare programs, managing schools, and supporting local development initiatives.
Interviewer: What are some of the recent projects that the local government has completed or is currently working on?
Representative: One of our major projects has been improving the local water supply and constructing new sanitation facilities. We’ve also launched a green initiative to plant more trees and reduce waste in public spaces.
Interviewer: How does the local self-government involve the community in decision-making?
Representative: We hold regular meetings where community members can voice their concerns and offer suggestions. We also encourage people to participate in planning processes through Gram Sabhas (or Ward Committees, in urban areas).
Interviewer: What steps are taken to support and empower women and marginalised groups within the community?
Representative: We have specific programs that focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and education for women and marginalized groups. We also ensure reserved seats in local government bodies to promote their participation in decision-making.
Interviewer: Lastly, could you tell us about the main challenges faced by local self-governments in fulfilling their responsibilities?
Representative: Funding can be a major challenge, as we rely on grants and limited local taxes. Managing resources effectively and meeting the needs of a growing population can also be difficult, but we are committed to finding solutions.
Question 2.
Conduct a field trip to the panchayat/municipality/corporation office to learn about the functioning of local self-government institutions directly and prepare a digital documentation.
Answer:
(Hints) Here’s a suggested outline to help organise a field trip to the Panchayat/Municipality/ Corporation office and create à digital documentation of the experience:
Introduction to Local Self-Government: Briefly explain what local government is and why it’s important for the community.
Structure and Key Roles: Describe who works at the office (like the Mayor or Panchayat President) and their main duties.
Departments and Services: List the important departments (like health, sanitation, and education) and what services they provide.
Citizen Involvement: Mention how people in the community can participate, like attending meetings or sharing suggestions.
Highlights and Learnings: Summarize what you learned from the visit and why local government is valuable for the community.
Question 3.
Observe the grama sabha/ward sabha of your area, collect information and prepare a report.
Answer:
On November 10, 2024, I attended the Gram Sabha at [Village Name]. The meeting, held at the Panchayat Hall, was presided over by the Panchayat President, [President’s Name], with attendance from local officials and about 50 community members. Key issues discussed included road conditions, water supply, waste management, and public health services. The community also selected beneficiaries for various welfare schemes like the old age pension and housing assistance. There was active participation from women and marginalised groups, and the meeting emphasised the importance of community involvement in local governance. The session concluded with decisions on prioritising infrastructure and sanitation projects.
Question 4.
Conduct a debate on the topic of “Women’s Reservation in the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments.”
Answer:
(Hints) Conduct a debate based on the pros and cons given below.
Pros:
- Increased Representation: Guarantees more women in local governance roles.
- Empowerment of Women: Boosts confidence and social status of women leaders.
- Community Welfare Focus: Women prioritise health, education, and sanitation issues.
- Role Models for Youth: Inspires young girls to pursue leadership.
- Promotes Gender Equality: Ensures fairer gender representation in politics.
- Legal Protection: Secures women’s voices and interests in governance.
Cons:
- Tokenism: Women may be seen as symbolic leaders without real power.
- Dependency on Quotas: Could discourage women from entering politics independently.
- Quantity Over Quality: Focuses on numbers, not necessarily effectiveness.
- Social Resistance: Women often face societal discrimination in leadership roles.
- Lack of Training: Many women lack the experience needed for effective governance.
- Influence from Male Relatives: Some women leaders face pressure to follow male family members’ decisions.
Question 5.
Prepare a Class Development Plan by including the ideas on development that were put forward while the ‘class sabha’ was conducted. Present it in the school parliament. Then, release it in the school assembly in the presence of the members of the School Development Committee.
Answer:
(Hints) On the basis of the given ideas on development, prepare a Class Development Plan.
- Academic Growth
- Skill Development
- Physical and Mental Well-being
- Community and Environmental Responsibility
- Extracurricular Activities
Class 7 Social Science Power to the People Notes Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Choose the correct option from the following.
a) How often is the grama sabha convened?
i. Once a month
ii. Once in three months
iii. Once in a year
iv. Every week
b) Who is responsible for convening the grama sabha?
i. The Mayor
ii. The Ward Member
iii. The Panchayat President
iv. The Village Chief
Answer:
a) Once in three months,
b. The Ward Member
Question 2.
Write true or false.
a) In cities, the grama sabha is called a ward sabha.
b) The grama sabha is only for elected members and not for everyone in the ward.
Answer:
a.True, b. False
Question 3.
Fill in the blanks.
a) Gandhiji believed that the soul of India lies in the _______
b) The _______ is the platform for ensuring equality of status and equal rights among citizens.
Answer:
a. villages
b. grama sabha
Question 4.
Match the Following
| Column A | Column B |
| Grama Sabha | Three-tier System |
| Ward Sabha | Two-tier System |
| Balwantrai Mehta Committee | Self-governing body in a village |
| Ashok Mehta Committee | City-level governing body |
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
| Grama Sabha | Self-governing body in a village |
| Ward Sabha | City-level governing body |
| Balwantrai Mehta Committee | Three-tier System |
| Ashok Mehta Committee | Two-tier System |
Question 5.
Write a note on Centralisation and Decentralisation of Power.
Answer:
Democracy becomes meaningful when power is decentralised to all people and not simply vested with some. Thus, in a political or administrative system, the transfer of power legally to the people to take decisions and execute them is called decentralisation of power. The power to take decisions and execute them in administrative matters is centred on some people is called centralisation of power. Here, the common people comparatively do not get the opportunity to become a part of administrative affairs.
Question 6.
Write the features of Decenteralisation of Power.
Answer:
- Importance to regional development.
- Common people have more power and participation in the administration.
- Development of the local economy.
- Developmental needs get prioritised.
- Women and the marginalised get leadership and administrative experience.
Question 7.
Differentiate between the recommendations of Balwantrai Mehta Committee and Ashok Mehta Committee.
Answer:
| The Recommendations of Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) | The Recommendations of Ashok Mehta Committee (1978) |
| The three-tier panchayat system – Grama Panchayat, Panchayat District Parishad. | The two-tier system – Mandal Panchayat, District Parishad. |
| The power for planning and execution to be given to Panchayat Committees and supervision and organisation for District Parishad. | The District Parishad shall have the charge over the district-level planning. Mandal panchayats are in charge of the villages. |
| Direct election in Grama Panchayats. | Constitutional validity for panchayat institutions. |
| Indirect election in District Parishad and Panchayat Committee. | Reservation for Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe. |
Question 8.
Write a short note on the Panchayat Raj System.
Answer:
The Panchayati Raj system came into existence first in Rajasthan as per the recommendations of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru the project in Nagaur district in Rajasthan on October 2nd, 1959. The Panchayati Raj system came into existence in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal the same year.
Question 9.
Why was it decided to give constitutional powers to local self-government bodies in India?
Answer:
It was decided to give constitutional powers to strengthen local self-government bodies and create a uniform structure across the country.
Question 10.
What was the purpose of the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution?
Answer:
The purpose of the 73rd Amendment was to introduce the Panchayati Raj Act, which gave more powers to local self-government bodies in rural areas.
Question 11.
What change did the 74th Amendment bring to local governance?
Answer:
The 74th Amendment introduced the Nagarpalika Act, which provided more powers to local self- government bodies in urban areas.
Question 12.
Match the following.
| Column A | Column B |
| 73rd Amendment | 1992 |
| 74th Amendment | Strengthening local governance |
| Purpose of Amendments | Nagarpalika Act |
| Year of Amendments | Panchayati Raj Act |
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
| 73rd Amendment | Panchayati Raj Act |
| 74th Amendment | Nagarpalika Act |
| Purpose of Amendments | Strengthening local governance |
| Year of Amendments | 1992 |
Question 13.
Write the difference between 73rd and 74th Amendment.
Answer:
| 73rd Constitutional Amendment Panchayati Raj System | 74th Constitutional Amendment Nagarpalika System |
| Formation of grama sabhas | Formation of ward sabhas |
| Tenure of administration – five years | Tenure of administration – five years |
| Reservation for the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe | Reservation for the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe |
| Reservation for Women | Reservation for Women |
| The election charge was given to the State Election Commission | The election charge was given to the State Election Commission |
| Finance Commission once in five years | The election charge was given to the State Election Commission |
| Three-tier Panchayat system – Grama Panchayat, Block Panchayat, District Panchayat | Two types of Urban Local Self Government bodies Nagar Panchayat, Municipal (Municipality/Corporation in Kerala) |
Question 14.
Write a short note on People’s Planning.
Answer:
After the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution, the process of decentralisation of power introduced in Kerala in 1996 is known as ‘People’s Planning’ (Janakeeyasuthranam). The ‘People’s Planning’ system has given more power and responsibilities to the local self-government system which also ensured more officials, institutions and funds to implement them. As a result of these constitutional amendments, 33% reservation is accorded to women in the local self-government systems. Further, as per the amendment of the Panchayati Raj Act 2005, the representation of women in local self-government bodies was elevated to 50%. 10% of the total plan fund of local self- government bodies has been allocated to projects exclusively meant for women. Kerala, thus, became a model for the country through the effective implementation of the decentralisation process.
Question 15.
Write down any five responsibilities of local self-government institutions.
Answer:
- Register births/deaths
- Collect statistical data
- Supervision and responsibility of primary schools
- Mother and child development
- Sanction permission for building construction
Question 16.
What are the different major sources of income for local self-government institutions?
Answer:
The panchayat has different sources of income. For example, there are funds and grants from the State and Central governments. Besides, panchayats get revenue from building tax, professional tax, entertainment tax, etc. The fee from permits and registration, the user fee from bus stands, markets and playgrounds owned by the panchayat and the fine that is levied by the panchayat also come under its revenue. The revenue will be different for different panchayats based on the nature of the locality. The different types of loans that are approved by the government, the shares from beneficiaries and the contributions that are accepted based on certain conditions come under the revenue of the panchayat.
Question 17.
What are the major challenges of local self-government institutions?
Answer:
- A condition in which the plan share is not available on time.
- A situation in which decentralisation is not executed completely.
- The less participation of people in grama sabhas.
- Dip in panchayat’s own revenue in the rural sector.
- Inadequacy of infrastructure.
Std 7 Social Science Power to the People Notes
- The ward member, who is the convenor of the grama sabhas.
- The developmental activities that were planned and executed through grama sabhas and ward sabhas.
- Gandhiji considered the grama swaraj a self-governing body.
- In a political or administrative system, the transfer of power legally to the people to take decisions and execute them is called decentralisation of power.
- The word ‘Panchayat’ was formed from the Sanskrit words ‘pancha’ (five) and ‘ayat’ (meeting).
- The Government of India Act came into existence in 1935.
- The local self-government bodies got more powers with the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution in 1992.
- The Panchayati Raj Act came into existence through the 73rd Amendment.
- The Nagarpalika Act was introduced with the 74th Amendment.
- The process of decentralisation of power introduced in Kerala in 1996 is known as ‘People’s Planning’ (Janakeeyasuthranam).
- 33% reservation is accorded to women in the local self-government systems.
- Panchayats get revenue from building tax, professional tax, entertainment tax, etc.
- The major challenges of local self-government are:
- A condition in which the plan share is not available on time.
- A situation in which decentralisation is not executed completely.
- The less participation of people in grama sabhas.
- Dip in panchayat’s own revenue in the rural sector.
- Inadequacy of infrastructure.