Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 - Secularism NCERT Question Answer PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 8 - Secularism

Question 1:

Which of the following do you feel are compatible with the idea of secularism? Give reasons.

(a) Absence of domination of one religious group by another.

(b) Recognition of a state religion.

(c) Equal state support to all religions.

(d) Mandatory prayers in schools.

(e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community.

(f) Appointment of temple management bodies by the government.

(g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples.

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

(a) Absence of domination of one religious group over another is compatible with the idea of secularism as it allows freedom to all religious groups.

(c) Equal state support to all religions is compatible with the idea of secularism as it provides a chance to every religion to preserve it’s traditions and flourish.

(e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority is compatible with the idea of secularism as this will provide right to the minority to maintain it’s cultural identity and a chance to develop.

(g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples is compatible with the idea of secularism as it prevents discrimination and provides equal rights to every social group.

Question 2:

Some of the key characteristics of western and Indian model of secularism have got mixed up. Separate them and make a new table.

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

Strict non-interference of religion and state in each other’s affairs State supported religious reforms allowed

Equality between different religious groups is a key concern Equality between different sects of a religion is emphasised

Attention to minority rights Less attention to community based rights

Individual and his rights at the centre Rights of both individual and religious community protected.

Answer:

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

Strict non-interference of religion and state in each other’s affairs State supported religious reforms allowed

Less attention to community based rights Attention to minority rights

Equality between different sects of a religion is emphasised Equality between different religious groups is a key concern

Individual and his rights at the centre Rights of both individual and religious community protected

Question 3:

What do you understand by secularism? Can it be equated with religious tolerance?

Answer:

  Secularism is a doctrine that opposes any form of religious and intra-religious domination. It does not oppose religion itself.

  Secularism cannot be equated with religious tolerance as tolerance may be compatible with religious domination by one group.

  However, religious tolerance is one of the components of secularism.

Question 4:

Do you agree with the following statements? Give reasons for supporting or opposing any of them.

(a) Secularism does not allow us to have a religious identity.

(b) Secularism is against inequality within a religious group or between different religious groups.

(c) Secularism has a western-Christian origin. It is not suitable for India.

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

(a) Secularism allows us to have a religious identity. In India, a citizen can have a religious identity, sothat he/she can represent his/her religious institution whenever required in order to preserve and develop it.

(b) Secularism is against inequality both within a religious group and between different religiousgroups. The Indian government tries to maintain equality within religious groups to prevent discrimination and eradicate practices that are derogatory to human dignity.

(c) Secularism may have a western-Christian origin but it is suitable for India. This is due to the factthat India is a multi-cultural and religious society. Thus, it is necessary to ensure equal treatment to all groups both within and between different religions to maintain harmony and integrate the country.

Question 5:

Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.

Answer:

  Indian secularism does not focus on the religion-state separation alone; it is also concerned with maintaining harmony between different religions and reforming religious practices to protect the social and civil rights of its citizens.

Indian secularism allows every religion to flourish and develop.

The Indian state allows the promotion of all religions and treats each of them equally.

Therefore state does not interfere in religious matters but it checks the influence of religion in public life.

Question 6:

Explain the concept of principled distance.

Answer:

  According to the concept of principled distance, a secular state may keep a principled distance from religion to promote peace between communities and it may also intervene to protect the rights of specific communities.

  The state gives equal preference to every religion and respects them all equally.However, the state may interfere if religious groups try to exercise their power on the political and social life of the people.

This balanced distance of state from religious groups is called principled distance.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 – Environment and Natural Resources PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 8 – Environment and Natural Resources Questions and Answers: NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science 

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1.Which among the following best explains
the reason for growing concerns about
the environment?
(a) The developed countries are concerned about projecting nature.
(b) Protection of the environment is vital for indigenous people and natural habitats.
(c) The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.
(d) None of the above.

Answer. (c) The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become persuasive and has reached a dangerous level.

2. Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the Earth Summit:
(a) It was attended by 170 countries, thousands of NGOs and many MNCs.
(b) The Summit was held under aegis of the UN.
(c) For the first time, global environmen¬tal issues were firmly consolidated at the political level.
(d) It was a summit meeting.

Answer. (a) Correct (b) Wrong
(c) Correct (d) Wrong

3. Which among the following are true about the Global Commons?
(a) The earth’s atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as part of the Global Commons.
(b) The Global Commons are outside sovereign jurisdiction.
(c) The question of managing the Global Commons has reflected the North- South divide.
(d) The countries of the North are more concerned about the protection of the global Commons than the countries of the South.

Answer. (a) The Earth’s atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as a part of global commons.

4. What were the outcomes of Rio-Summit?

Answer. 1. Rio-Summit produced conventions dealing with climate change, biodiversity, forestry and recommended a list of development practices called Agenda 21.
2. It gave the concept of sustainable development to be combined economic growth with ecological responsibility.
3. Rio-Summit developed various contentious issues like Commons, Global Commons in global politics of environment.

5. What is meant by Global Commons? How are they exploited and polluted?

Answer. The areas or regions located outside the jurisdiction of any one state and region, common governance by international community are Global Commons i.e. Earth atmosphere, Antarctic Ocean floor and outer space. They are exploited and polluted due to
1. Vague scientific evidences, their lack of consensus on common environmental issues

2. North-South inequalities and their exploitative activities and competition lack proper management area out space.
3. Technological and Industrial development have also affected the earth’s atmosphere and ocean floor.

6. What is meant by ‘Common but differentiated responsibilities’? How could we implement the idea?

Answer. Common but differentiated responsibili¬ties mean that the state shall cooperate in the spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the earth’s ecosystem. As the states have common but differ¬entiated responsibilities over various contributions of global environmental degradation. The developed countries acknowledge that the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the tech-nological and financial resources they command.
We could implement the idea with the help of conventions and declarations:
1. The Rio-Summit held in June 1992 produced conventions dealing with climate change, biodiversity, forestry and recommended a list of developed practices called Agenda 21.
2. The 1992 United Nations Framework convention on climatic change (UNFCCC) also emphasised that the parties should act to protect the climate system on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities;
3. An international agreement known Kyoto Protocol set targets for industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions which support for global warming.

7. Why have issues related to global environmental protection become the priority concern of states since the 1990s?

Answer. Issues related to global environmental protection became the priority concern of states since the 1990s because at global level, the environmental issues drew attentions of various states at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio-de-Janerio, Brazil in June 1992 through Agenda 21:
1. Rio-Summit 1992 dealt with climatic change, bio-diversity and forestry.
2. Agenda 21 combined economic growth with ecological responsibilities.
3. Kyoto Protocol set targets for greenhouse emissions. The above mentioned conferences and summits raised the environmental issues at the global level to take steps by various states to check environmental degradation in a co-operative manner.

8. Compromise and accommodation are the two essential policies required by states to save Planet Earth. Substantiate the statement in the light of the ongoing negotiations between the North and South on environmental issues.

Answer. Compromise and accommodation are the two essential policies to save Planet Earth by the states but the states from North and South have different notions towards environmental issues:
1. The Northern States (Developed) are concerned with ozone depletion and global warming whereas southern states (Developing) want to address the relationship between economic development and environmental management.
2. The developed countries of the North want to discuss the environmental issues which stand equally responsible for ecological conservation.
3. The developing countries of the south feel that much of the ecological degradation in the world is created by developed countries through their industrial projects.
4. And if developed countries cause more environmental degradation they are supposed to take more responsibility onwards.
5. The developing counties are under process of industrialization and they should be exempted from restrictions imposed on developed countries through various conventions like protocol etc.
6. The special needs of developing coun¬tries must be taken into consider¬ations in the process of development, application and interpretation of rules of International Environmental Law.
All the above mentioned provisions were accepted in Earth Summit, 1992 while adopting common but differentiated responsibilities.

9. The most serious challenge before the states is pursuing economic development without causing further damage to the global environment. How could we achieve this? Explain with a few examples.

Answer. The economic development can be achieved even without damaging global environment by following practices:
1. In June 1992, Earth Summit provided some conservative measures for sustainable growth without damaging environment anymore.
2. The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 covered Global Commons for mutual economic development.
3. Kyoto protocol cut greenhouse emissions from industrialised countries to protect environment and to develop industries also.
4. Resource Geopolitics allocates and ‘ distribute natural resources among
the nation states of global arena for sustainable development of nations. Hence, the above mentioned practices protect the global environment and even though the states are developing we could achieve this challenge only if we follow the provisions and practices mentioned in all these conferences and summits.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]

1. What does the UNEP stand for?

Answer. UNEP stands for the United Nations Environment Programme to hold international conferences to promote coordination to effective response to environmental problems.

2. What is Agenda 21?

Answer. Agenda 21 is a list of developed practices ecological responsibility to promote sustainable development.

3. What do you mean by Global Commons?

Answer. Global Commons are the common governance by international community over the areas or regions which are located outside the sovereign jurisdiction of any one state or authority.

4. What is  UNFCCC?

Answer. The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides that the parties should act to protect the climate system on the basis of equity and in accordance with the common but differentiated responsibilities.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]

1. Suggest any two steps to be taken by the government to check pollution and save environment.

Answer. (i) India’s National Auto-fuel Policj7 mandates cleaner fuels for vehicles. The Energy Conservation Act, passed in 2001, outlines initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
(ii) The Electricity Act of2003 encourages the use of renewable energy.

2. Mention any two outcomes of Rio- Summit.

Answer. 1. It provided a consensus to combine economic growth with ecological responsibility for sustainable development.
2. It recommended a list of development practices called Agenda 21 which induced climatic change, bio¬diversity, forestry and development practices.

3. Give any two environmental concerns of global politics.

Answer. 1. Ozone layer depletion is an alarming concern for ecosystem.
2. Loss of fertility of agricultural land • due to extreme use of fertilizers and overgrazed grasslands.

4. Explain the most obvious threat to the survival of indigenous people.

Answer. The most obvious threat to the survival of indigenous people is the loss of land
which was occupied by their ancestrals. The loss of land referred to a loss of their economic resource also.

5. How did Earth Summit draw attention of global politics towards environmental issues?

Answer. The Earth Summit drew attention of global politics towards environmental issues because it produced conventions to deal with climate change, biodiversity, forestry and recommended a list of development practices called Agenda 21 which combined economic growth with ecological responsibility known as ‘Sustainable Development’ as well as Earth Summit laid stress on the cooperation of states to conserve, protect, restore the health and integrity of the earth’s ecosystems.

6. Mention the major problems of ecological issues.

Answer. 1. Common environmental agenda could not get common consensus due to vague scientific methods.
2. Management of outer space is influenced by North-South inequalities.
3. Technology and industrial development are also the issues over earth’s atmosphere and ocean floor.
4. Ozone hole over Antarctic also revealed the opportunity as well as dangers inherent in tackling global environment problems.

7. What is Kyoto Protocol?

Answer. 1. Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1997 in Kyoto for setting targets for industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Certain gases like Carbon dioxide, Methane, Hydro-fluoro Carbons etc. are considered responsible for global warming.
3. This global warming may rise the global temperature to have catastrophic consequences for life on earth.

8. What do you mean by common property?

Answer. Common property refers to the rights and duties of a group together over a natural resources with the following norms:
1. The group members enjoy rights and duties both over nature, levels of use and the maintenance of a given resource.
2. In India, many village communities have defined members’ rights and responsibilities through mutual understanding.
3. The institutional arrangement for the actual management of sacred groves on state owned forest land appropriately fit the description of common property.

9. What is ‘Resource Geopolitics’?

Answer. ‘Resource Geopolitics’ is concerned with allocation of distribution of natural resources among the nation states of global arena:
1. It is about who gets what, when, where and how.
2. Inter state rivalry and western geopolitical thinking about resources have been dominated by the relationship of trade, war and power.

10. Is there any difference between the prospectives adopted by the rich and the poor nations to protect the Earth? Explain.

Answer. Yes, the rich and the poor nations adopted different prospectives to protect the earth at Rio-Summit:
1. The rich countries were known as Global North whereas the poor countries were called Global South.
2. Northern states showed concern with ozone depletion and global warming whereas southern states showed
? concern for economic development and environmental management.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 
Political Science 
Chapter 8 
Local Governments 

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 NCERT Textbook Questions 

Solved 

Questions 1. Constitution of India visualized village panchayats as emits of self-government. Think over the situation described in the following statements and explain how do these situations strengthen or weaken the panchayats in becoming units of self-government. 

(a) Government of a State has allowed a big company to establish a huge steel plant. Many villages would be adversely affected by the steel plant. Gram Sabha of one of the affected villages passed a resolution that before establishing any big industries in the region, village people must be consulted and their grievances should be redressed. 

(b) The government has decided that 20 % of all its expenditure would be done through the panchayats. (c) A village panchayat kept on demanding funds for a building for village school, the government officials turned down their proposal saying that funds are allocated for certain other schemes and cannot be spent otherwise. 

(d) The government divided a village Dungarpur into two and made a part of village Jamuna and Sohana. Now village Dungarpur has ceased to exist in government’s books.

(e) A village panchayat observed that water sources of their region are depleting fast. They decided to mobilise village youth to do some voluntary work and revive the old village ponds and wells. 

Answer: (a) This refers that Gram Panchayat was not consulted before the establishment of steel plant, by the state government. This action can weaken the institution of panchayats. The resolution passed by Gram Sabha strengthened the panchayats by giving them right to move to courts against the unilateral move of the state government. 

(b) This decision of state government help the panchayats financially on the ground not to interfere in the decisions and priorities of the panchayats as well as panchayats need independent sources of revenue to operate effectively at the local level. 

(c) This will weaken the Panchayati Raj because these institutions prioritize their developmental agenda themselves and denial for the same weaken them to become a self government. 

(d) If this division has taken place on the recommendations of Panchayati Raj Institutions, it strengthen their powers but if it has been done on its own by the state, it would weaken these institutions. 

(e) This will strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institutions’ respect and power. 

 Questions 2. Suppose you are entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, what powers would you endow to the village panchayats to function as units of self-government? Mention any five powers and the justification in two lines for each of them for giving those powers. 

Answer: Development works at village level, i.e. irrigation facilities, drinking water, construction of roads, etc. Agricultural development to be supervised and implemented by the panchayats only related to agricultural practices in a modem method. Social welfare related activities to keep the records of birth and death in the village, family welfare and family planning. The Gram Panchayat should be given the powers to open and maintain schools and Libraries in the village to maintain primary education. Gram Panchayats should enjoy the powers to ensure better health and life of citizens to provide basic civil amenities. 

Questions 3. What are the provisions for the reservations for the socially disadvantaged groups as per the 73rd amendment? Explain how these provisions have changed the profile of the leadership at the village level. 

Answer: In 1993, two constitutional amendment Acts, were passed to recognise local self-government at the grass-root level. 73rd amendment made the following provisions: The reservation of seats has been made for SCs, STs, OBCs and women. Reservation for women at panchayats has ensured the participation of women in local bodies. Due to this reservation, a number of women have occupied even the position of Sarpanch and Adhyaksha. Hence, more than 80,000 women Sarpanch have been elected so far. 

Questions 4. What were the main differences between the local governments before 73rd amendment and after that amendment? 

Answer: Before 73rd Amendment: Local government was a state subject only. States were free to make their own kind of laws in local government. After 73rd Amendment: Local governments have received the recognition as a separate entity in the constitution. Elections at every regular interval of five years have been made mandatory. The seats have been reserved in favour of SC’s, ST’s, OBC’s and women. State Election Commission has been appointed and made responsible to conduct free and fair elections here. After every five years, state finance commission has been set up to review the finances of the panchayats and to make recommendations for grants to panchayats. The panchayats have been empowered to collect, levy the appropriate taxes, fees, tools as assigned by state government. 

Questions 5. Read the following conversation. Write in two hundred words your opinion about the issues raised in this conversation. Alok: Our Constitution guarantees equality between men and women. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share in power. Neha: But it is not enough that women should be in positions of power. It is necessary that the budget of local bodies should have separate provision for women. Jayesh: I don’t like this reservations business. A local body must take care of all people in the village and that would automatically take care of women and their interests. 

Answer: This conversation is based on the issue of empowerment of women on equal basis: The constitution of India guarantees the equality of men and women. Under Article 15, no citizen can be discriminated on the grounds of colour, race, language and religion, caste, sex, etc. Article 39(1) and (d) ensure an adequate livelihood and equal pay for equal work for both men and women respectively. Alok views that our constitution guarantees equality between men and women as well as reservations in local bodies also ensure the equal share of power. Neha views to have separate provisions of budget to women to improve women’s conditions. Jayesh views to provide provisions equally to all people living in village, hence women would automatically be benefited. But, if women will be provided to equal access along with men without any reservation, it will not get success at all. Without reservation, women will not succeed to the power and to make policies because of male dominant society in India. 

Questions 6. Read the provisions of the 73rd Amendment. Which of the following concerns does this amendment address? 

(a) Fear of replacement makes representatives accountable to the people. 

 (b) The dominant castes and feudal landlords dominate the local bodies. 

(c) Rural illiteracy is very high. Illiterate people cannot take decisions about the development of the village. 

(d) To be effective the village panchayats need resources and powers to make plans for the village development. 

Answer: (a) After 73rd Amendment Act, 1993: It is mandatory to hold elections after every five years. If the state government dissolves the panchayats before the completion of term, fresh elections must take place within six months. 

(b) Reservation for SCs, STs, and women have been provided. The women have reservation of 1/3 seats in local bodies. SCs and STs have been given proportion accordingly to their population of that particular area. Hence, dominance of feudal lords and dominant classes has come to an end. 

(c) In the eleventh schedule of the constitution, 29 subjects have been given to localbodies in 1992. Primary and secondary education is the part of this list to make the people literate in village. The state government would shoulder the responsibility. . 

(d) The panchayats have been given powers to levy, collect taxes, duties and fees according to state government’s provision. The provisions for the establishment of a state finance commission have also been made to review the finances of panchayats and to make recommendations also. 

Questions 7. The following are different justifications given in favour of local government. Give them ranking and explain why you attach greater significance to a particular rationale than the others. According to you, on which of these rationales the decision of the Gram panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based? How? 

(a) Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community. 

(b) The development plans made by the local people will have greater acceptability than those made by the government officers. 

(c) People know their area, needs problems and priorities. By collective participation they should discuss and take decisions about their life. 

(d) It is difficult for the common people to contact their representatives of the State or the national legislature. 

Answer: These can be ranked as follows: 

(c) People know their area, needs problems and priorities. By collective participation they should discuss and take decisions about their life. 

(a) Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community. 

(b) The development plans made by the local people will have greater acceptability than those made by the government officers. 

(c) People know their area, needs problems and priorities. By collective participation they should discuss and take decisions about their life. 

decision of Gram Panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based on the rational 

(c)— people know their needs, areas, problems and priorities to take decision about life. 

 Qustions 8. Which of the following according to you involve decentralization? Why are other options not sufficient for decentralization? 

(a) To hold election of the Gram Panchayat. 

(b) Decision by the villagers themselves about what policies and programmes are useful for the village.

 (c) Power to call meeting of Gram Sabha. 

(d) A Gram Panchayat receiving the report from the Block Development Officer about the progress of a project started by the State government. 

Answer: (a) It may be the main point of involvement of decentralization. 

(b) The representatives are elected by the villagers only from among themselves. 

(c) It may also be subsidiary. 

(d) It is the manifestation of the working of decentralization. 

 Questions 9. A student of Delhi University, Raghavendra Parpanna, wanted to study the role of decentralization in decision making about primary education. He asked some questions to the villagers. These questions are given below. If you were among those villagers, what answer would you give to each of these questions? A meeting of the Gram Sabha is to be called to discuss what steps should be taken to ensure that every child of the village goes to the school. 

(а) How would you decide the suitable day for the meeting? Think who would be able to attend/not attend the meeting because of your choice. A day specified by the BDO or the collector Day of the village haat Sunday Naag panchami/sankranti 

(b) What is a suitable venue for the meeting? Why? Venue suggested by the circular of the district collector. Religious place in the village. Dalit Mohalla. Upper caste Tola Village school

(c) In the Gram Sabha meeting firstly a circular sent by the district collector was read. It suggested what steps should be taken to organise an education rally and what should be its route. The meeting did not discuss about the children who never come to school or about girls’ education, or the condition ol the school building and the timing of the school. No women teacher attended the meeting as it was held on Sunday. What do you think about these proceedings as an instance of people’s participation? 

(d) Imagine your class as the Gram Sabha. Discuss the agenda of the meeting and suggest some steps to realize the goal. 

Answer: (a) The day of village haat would be the most appropriate due to availability of a number of peoples to sell and purchase the commodities. 

(b) The most suitable venue for the meeting would be the village school where every person feel free to move and come to join the meeting because rest of the venues are community based and people will not be comfortable to join the meeting. 

(c) It was held on Sunday, hence the women teachers did not attend it. A Gram Sabha meeting should be held to discuss the problems of village in place of organising an education rally. This meeting had to discuss the problems like education, condition of school, girls education as well as regularity of children in school. 

(d) The agenda would be for meeting: Regularity of students in school, if not, how to make it regular. To focus on poverty alleviation Programmes. To focus on Landlessness of farmers. The construction work in village required. Socio-cultural programmes. To arrange the funds for the programmes decided. Vote of thanks by Gram-Pradhan. 

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 NCERT 

Extra Questions Solved Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 

NCERT Very Short Answer Type Questions 

 Questions 1. What do you mean by local government? 

Answer: The local government gives a strength to the democratic setup in a country to ensure participation of local people at the level of villages and towns. 

 Questions 2. Name the Viceroy who created the local bodies in British India.

 Answer: Lord Ripon (1882). 

 Questions 3. Name the states to have local government during 1960s and 1970s. Answer: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. 

 Questions 4. Mention the sources of income of local bodies. 

Answer: Different taxes. Income for passing the building plans of citizens. Grants from state government. Income from entertainment taxes imposed on fares, circus, etc. 

Questions 5. Name the main local self governing bodies. 

Answer: Gram Panchayat to function in villages. Municipal committees in small towns. Municipal corporation in big cities. 

Questions 6. Mention the three organs of Gram Panchayat. 

Answer: Gram Sabha Gram Pnachayat Nyaya Panchayat 

Questions 7. What do you mean by Panchayati Raj? 

Answer: Panchayati Raj is a part of local government for the upliftment of villages. 

Questions 8. What are the organs of Panchayati Raj? 

Answer: Gram Panchayat Panchayat Samiti Zila parishad 

Questions 9. Write the main functions of each of the organs of Gram Panchayat. Answer: Gram Sabha elects the members of Gram Panchayat Gram Panchayat looks after the developmental projects in village Nyaya Panchayat settles down the minor disputes of villages. 

Questions 10. Who is known as Mayor? 

Answer: The formal head of Municipal Corporation to be elected for one year by the members of corporation is called Mayor. 

Questions 11. Mention the role of‘State Election Commissioner’s. Answer: The State Election Commission is an independent officer to be appointed by the state government to conduct elections in Panchayati Raj Institutions. 

Questions 12. What is the need and importance of local bodies? Answer: Need: Local bodies ensure participation of local people to run the government who better know the problems as well as their solutions. Importance: The local people co-operate with the administration for its smooth running. Questions 13. Mention the views of Mahatma Gandhi on village Panchayats. Answer: He strongly pleaded for decentralization of powers. Mahatma Gandhi viewed independence of India as a whole to begin at the bottom (village). He wanted every village to be self-sustained and capable of managing its own affairs. 

Questions 3. What is the composition of Gram Sabha? 

Answer: It consists of all the voters residing in the jurisdiction of village panchayat either one or group of villages to meet at least twice in a year. Every resident either man or woman in the age of 18 years and above is the member of it. 

Questions 4. What are the main functions of Gram Sabha? 

Answer: It elects the members of Gram Panchayat. It passes annual budget of Gram Panchayat and approves it. It gives suggestions to Gram Panchayat for agricultural and small scale industry development in the village. 

Questions 5. What is the composition of Gram Panchayat? 

Answer: Every village having a population of 500 people consists of a village panchayat. It is formed by the members elected by the people of villages. The members of Panchayat are called Panchas and its head is known as Sarpanch to be elected for three years. The number of members should be minimum 5 or maximum 10. Every panchayat must have one female candidate and one or two members from SCs. 

Questions 6. What are the main functions of panchayats? 

Answer: To call upon the meetings of panchayats and to preside over them. To settle down disputes with the help of other members (Panchas). To make plan for the welfare of the people. To obtain cash grants from state government for developmental projects of village. He is mediator between the villagers and the state government. 

Questions 7. What is the composition of Zila Parishad? 

Answer: After the 73rd Amendment: The members of Zila Parishad are elected by the people. The chairman is elected from among the elected members by the people. MPs, MLAs, Collector, Deputy Collector and SDM are its ex-officio members. The reservation has been made for SCs, STs and women. 

Questions 8. Mention the sources of income to Zila Parishad. 

Answer: In some state Zila Parishad is empowered to impose small taxes. It submits its annual budget to the state government for its approval. In some states, it receives some amount as a contribution made by panchayat samitis. It receives some amount in the form of government grants for development projects. 

Question 9. What is the composition of finance commission? 

Answer: The state government appoints the state finance commission after every five years to allocate funds to the rural local self-government. 

Question 10. What are the functions of state finance commission? 

Answer: To examine the financial position of local governments. To provide recommendations to strengthen local government. It reviews the distribution of revenues between the state and local government as well as between the local and urban local government. To allocate the funds to the rural local self-government. 

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 NCERT Short Answer Type Questions 

Question 1. What does the Panchayati Raj stand for? 

Answer: Panchayati Raj was incorporated on the suggestions given by Balwant Rai Mehta Committee in 1956, which said that without the cooperation of local people, the development work cannot take place at local level. Hence, the three-tier system was established to decentralise the power and to give due representation to the local people to implement the programmes: Panchayats at village level. Block Committees or samitis at block level. Zila Parishad or District Council at district level. 

Question 2. What is the composition of Panchayat Samiti? 

Answer: The block panchayat is known as panchayat samiti, consisting of following members: All the Panchs and Sarpanchs of panchayats in a Block elect some members from among themselves. In some states, Sarpanchs are ex-officio members of panchayat samiti. All the MLAs and MPs of the district are ex-officio members of panchayat samiti. The Sub-divisional Magistrate and the Block Development Officers are ex-officio members of panchayat samiti. 1/3 seats have been reserved for women as well as for SCs and STs. 

Question 3. What are the main functions of Gram Panchayat? 

Answer: It works for promotion of agriculture to make arrangements for seeds and to make farmers aware of modern methods of agriculture. It makes arrangements for providing primary education to the children. It provides sanitary arrangements and facilities in the village. It makes efforts to improve health of the people and opens hospitals and dispensaries. It also makes arrangements for street lighting also. 

Question 4. What are the main functions of Gram Sabha? 

Answer: Gram Sabha elect the Pradhan and Panchs of the Panchayat. Even it can remove the Panchs and Sarpanch by passing a resolution by 2/3 majority. It approves the annual budget of the village and votes on the imposition of taxes. Gram Sabha passes the annual budget of Gram Panchayat. The Gram Sabha decides the policies also for development work of the village. 

Question 5. Mention the weaknesses of Panchayati Raj system. 

Answer: Due to illiteracy, most of the members are unable to understand the real concept of democracy. The village people still have the differences on the basis of caste and community, hence, they do not have real environment for democracy. Sometimes, the political parties interferes in the functioning of village panchayats. 

Question 6. What were the constitutional provisions for local self-government before 1992? 

Answer: Local government’s subjects were assigned to the state government. These were included as Directive Principles of State Policy. These were non-justiciable and only advisory in nature. In 1952, a three tier system of local government was recommended, but these had no powers and functions to look after. The elections were not held regularly. These had to be dependent on the states for their grants and finances. 

Question 7. ‘The local government strengthens democracy’. Justify the statement. 

Answer: The local government involves the participation of local people. It deals with the day-to-day life and problems of ordinary citizens. Strong local governments ensure purposeful accountability. Common peoples are the decision-making body for their needs and development. 

Question 8. What is the importance of year 1992 and 1993 for local governments? 

Answer: In 1992-73rd and 74th Amendment Acts were passed by the parliament. The 73rd Amendment was about rural local government and the 74th amendment was about urban local self-government. Both the Amendment Acts came into force in 1993. All the states had to change their laws about local bodies due to these amendments. The states were given only one year time for making necessary changes in their state laws. 

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 NCERT
 Passage-Based Questions 

 Passage 1. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 191) given below carefully and answer the questions that follows: 

 The Constitutional amendments assigned as many as 29 subjects to the local governments. All these subjects are related to functions linked to local welfare and development needs. The experience with the functioning of local government in the past decade has shown that local governments in India enjoy limited autonomy to perform the functions assigned to them. Many States have not transferred most of the subjects to the local bodies. This means that the local bodies cannot really function in an effective manner. Therefore, the entire exercise of electing so many representatives becomes somewhat symbolic. Some people criticise the formation of the local bodies because this has not changed the way in which decisions are taken at the central and the State level. People at the local level do not enjoy much powers of choosing welfare programmes or allocation of resources. 

 Questions:      1. How many subjects have been assigned to local governments? 

                        2. What is the main theme of these subjects? 

                        3. How can we say that local government enjoy limited autonomy only?                                                    4. On what grounds, the formation of local bodies have been criticised? 

Answers: 1. 29 subjects have been assigned to local governments. 

                2. These subjects are related to functions linked to local welfare and development needs. 

                3. Because many states have not transferred most of the subjects to the local bodies. Hence, many representatives become symbolic only. 

                4. Because, the decisions taking methods have not been changed at the central and state level. So the people at local level do not enjoy much powers of choosing welfare programmes or allocation of resources. 

 Passage 2. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 186) given below carefully and answer the questions that follows: The State government is required to appoint a State Election Commissioner who would be responsible for conducting elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions. Earlier, this task was performed by the State administration which was under the control of the State government. Now, the office of the State Election Commissioner is autonomous like the Election Commissioner of India. However, the State Election Commissioner is an independent officer and is not linked to nor is this officer under the control of the Election Commission of India. 

 Questions: 1. Who conducts elections for local bodies? 

2. Who performed this task earlier? 

3. What is the status of State Election Commissioner? 

Answers: 1. State Election Commissioner conducts the elections for local bodies. 

 2. State Administration under the control of state government. 

 3. State Election Commissioner is an independent officer who is not linked to nor under the control of election commission of India. 

 Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 NCERT 
Long Answer Type Questions 

 Question 1. Mention some subjects included in the eleventh schedule. 

Answer: Eleventh schedule was listed with the 29 subjects in 1992 by the 73rd Amendment Act: Agriculture and agricultural extension. Minor irrigation, water management and watershed development. Small scale industries including food processing. Rural housing. Drinking water. Roads, culverts Rural electrification Poverty alleviation programmes. Primary and secondary education. Technical training and vocational education. Adult and non-formal education. Libraries Cultural activities Markets and fairs Health and sanitation. Family welfare Women and child development Social welfare. Welfare of weaker sections especially SC’s and ST’s Public Distribution System. Fuel and Fodder Non-conventional energy resources. Maintenance of community assets. Fisheries Animal husbandry, dairy poultry. Soil forestry Implementation of land reforms, soil conservation, etc. Khadi village and cottage industries. Minor forest produce. 

Question 2. Explain the three tier structure of Panchayati Raj alongwith one function of each of them. Answer: The Panchayati Raj has three-tier system: Gram Panchayat at village level Panchayat Samiti at block level Zila parishad at district level Composition of Gram Panchayat: The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by Gram Sabha and every adult who is the resident of village has the right to vote in these elections. Functions: Makes arrangements for pure drinking water. To improve sanitary conditions. Makes efforts for improving health of people by opening hospitals and dispensaries. Composition of Panchayat Samiti: The members are elected directly by Universal Adult Franchise. MLAs, MPs, SDM, BDO are the ex-office members. Apart, other members are elected and seats are reserved for SC’s and ST’s in proportion of population. 30% seats are reserved for women. Its term is for five years. Functions: It looks after all the works of the gram panchayat in the area. Promote scientific and modern agricultural practices and distributes seeds, fertilizers and scientific equipments. 3. Composition of Zila Parishad: The chairman will be elected by the elected members. MPs, MLAs, Collector, Deputy Collectors, SDMs will be ex-officio members. The provision of Zila Parishad is composed of elected members. A finance commission will be set up to review financial position and to recommend allocation of funds and grants in aid. Functions: To co-ordinate the working of Gram panchayats and panchayat samitis in the districD. The panchayat samitis pass their annual budget and send it to Zila Parishad. 120 

Question 3. Distinguish between Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha. What are the functions of Gram Panchayat? 

Answer: Difference: Gram Sabha consists of all the adult members (who has attained the age of 18 years) of a village or a cluster of villages constituting Gram Sabha, whereas Gram Panchayat is a small body, whose members are elected by the members of Gram Sabha. The term of office of Gram Panchayat is for five years whereas the Gram Sabha is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution. Gram Panchayat is an executive organ and monitors and evaluates the activities of Gram panchayat. Functions: Gram Panchayat looks after better health and life of the people to make proper civic amenities as village sanitation,drinking water, arrangements of lightening, etc. Gram Panchayat keeps the records of birth and death in village to ensure effective implementation of family planning and family welfare programmes, i.e. animal husbandry, agricultural development, etc. Gram Panchayat is responsible for certain development functions at village level, i.e. construction of roads, irrigation, etc. 

Question 4. What is the importance of local bodies in modern times? 

Answer: The local self bodies are related with the daily life of the people to perform functions related to education, sanitation, public health, etc. The local bodies provide the right solution of the local problems due to participation of local peoples, where the central and state governments are unable to pick up the exact nature of problem. The local bodies lessen the work-load of the central and state government because they could not spare time to look into the local matters. Hence, local bodies can solve these problems easily. The local bodies develop the qualities of citizens to awaken the political consciousness and to experience the sense of liberty and equality which is essential for the success of democracy. It creates decentralization of powers, where people directly participate in the daily need, jobs and feed satisfied. 

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 8 The Hack Driver

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 8 The Hack Driver

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

Read and Find Out

Pages 47 & 50

Question 1.Why is the lawyer sent to New Mullion ? What does he first think about the place ? 

Or

Why is the lawyer sent to New Mullion ? 

Answer: The lawyer is sent to New Mullion to serve summons on Oliver Lutkins. He first thinks about the place to be a sweet and simple country village. But he finds it dirty and unclean.

Question 2. Who befriends him ? Where does he take him ?

Answer: A delivery man (Oliver Lutkins himself) befriends him. He takes him to the Fritz’s, Gustaffs barber shop and Wade’s Hill. He finally takes him to Lutkins’ house and his mother’s.

Question 3. What does he say about Lutkins ?

Answer: He says that Lutkins never pays anybody a cent. He is not really bad. But it is hard to make him part with his money. Then he escapes meeting.

Question 4. What more does Bill say about Lutkins and his family ?

Answer: Bill says that Lutkins has a mother. They have a farm three miles north. But her mother is a real terror. She is about nine feet tall and four feet thick. She is as quick as a cat.

Question 5. Does the narrator serve the summons that day ? 

Answer: The narrator does not serve the summons that day. He comes again to New Mullion. He serves it on Lutkins when he is recognised by another official. This official is with him.

Question 6. Who is Lutkins ?

Answer: Lutkins is a cheat. He borrows money from different persons. But he never returns that money. He escapes meeting also. He has a cheerful and friendly manner. He is a hack driver in New Mullion.

Think About It (Page 53)

Question 1. When the lawyer reached New Mullion, did ‘Bill’ know that he was looking for Lutkins ? When do you think Bill came up with his plan for fooling the lawyer ?

Answer: Bill (Lutkins himself) at once knew that the lawyer was looking for him. The lawyer’s first sentence to him is : ‘I want to find a man named Oliver Lutkins’.

Hearing him and knowing about his ways Bill (Lutkins himself) comes up with his plan. This plan is for fooling the lawyer at once.

Question 2. Lutkins openly takes the lawyer all over the village. How is it that no one lets out the secret ?

Answer: Lutkins acts very cleverly. Wherever he takes the lawyer to find ‘Lutkins’, he gives out hints. These are to keep everything in secret. For example, Fritz looks at the lawyer hiding behind Bill and ‘hesitates’. Then he tells a lie.

Yes, he manipulates the tour cleverly. When he goes to Gustaffs barber shop, he first enters the shop. But the lawyer remains outside. In fact, he talks very confidently to the lawyer. His honesty and helpful nature impress him very much. But he plays a trick before it.

Question 3. Why do you think Lutkins’ neighbours were anxious to meet the lawyer ? 

Answer: The neighbours were anxious to meet the lawyer because he was a lawyer. A lawyer is supposed to be intelligent and clever. But Lutkins deceived such a man. This was really superb of him. So they were anxious to see such a lawyer who had been befooled.

Question 4.vAfter his first day’s experience with the hack driver the lawyer thinks of returning to New Mullion to practise law. Do you think he would have reconsidered this idea after his second visit ?

Answer: No, he really changed his mind on his second visit. In his first visit he thought of the villagers as simple-hearted. But it was not so. They were crafty and deceptive as he learnt later. They also told lies as Lutkins proved so.

Yes, he would surely have reconsidered this idea after his second visit.

Question 5. Do you think the lawyer was gullible ? How could he have avoided being taken for a ride ?

Answer: Yes, the lawyer was surely gullible. If he had had a worldly experience, he would not have been befooled by Lutkins himself.

Talk About It

Question 1. Do we come across persons like Lutkins only in fiction or do we encounter them in real life as well ? You can give examples from fiction, or narrate an incident that you have read in the newspaper, or an incident from real life.

Answer: We do come across persons like Lutkins in our real life also. They are successful in deceiving people like Lutkins. They can easily be identified after their first or second tricks or deceptions.

The best example of such man is that of Mr. Natwarlal. He landed in jail after deceiving lots of people.

Yes, I remember one such incident. A young man known to me got his first salary. He was very excited. He wanted to give a little gift of gold to his mother. He went to the bullion market. A con man met. He told him that he could get him one real gold chain cheaply. The young man fell into his trap. He bought the chain. That was found to be fake one.

Question 2. Who is a ‘con man’, or a confidence trickster ?

Answer: A ‘con man’ is a trickster. He is a master at deceiving people like the young lawyer being deceived by Lutkins himself.