Local Self-Government—Urban: ICSE Class 9 Civics

Leave a Comment

Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 6 “Local Self-Government—Urban” which is part of ICSE Class 9 Civics (Morning Star) workbook answers. However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.

Summary

Chapter 6 discusses the concept and functions of local self-government in urban areas, focusing on Municipal Corporations and Municipal Committees. An urban area, as defined, is a town or city with a population of at least 5,000, where 75% of the population is engaged in non-agricultural activities. Larger urban areas are classified as cities, and cities with populations over 40 lakh are known as metropolitan cities.

The chapter highlights the importance of the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992, which strengthened urban local bodies. It provided constitutional status to these bodies, ensured direct elections, prescribed a five-year tenure, and mandated that 33% of seats be reserved for women, especially in SC/ST/Backward Classes. Urban areas were divided into three types: Municipal Corporations for large cities, Municipal Councils for smaller ones, and Nagar Panchayats for areas transitioning from rural to urban.

The Municipal Corporation is responsible for handling essential services like water supply, health services, and education in big cities. Its structure includes a General Council, Mayor, Standing Committees, and a Municipal Commissioner. The Mayor, elected by the councillors, is the ceremonial head of the city and presides over meetings, represents the city at events, and maintains links with the state government.

The Municipal Corporation’s compulsory functions include providing electricity, water, sewage disposal, public health services, and maintaining birth and death records. It also handles public safety through fire departments and disaster management. Optional functions depend on the availability of funds and include maintaining parks, libraries, and public welfare schemes. Municipal Committees, found in smaller towns, perform similar functions but on a smaller scale. The chapter also discusses the relationship between local self-government and district administration, with the Deputy Commissioner playing a key role in district governance.

Textbook solutions

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Which of the following statements correctly describe an urban area?

(a) It has a minimum population of 10,000.

(b) At least 75 per cent of its population is engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.

(c) At least 50 per cent of its population is literate.

(d) All of the above.

Answer: B. At least 75 per cent of its population is engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.

2. The Councillors together with ______ elect from amongst themselves the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor.

(a) Chief Minister
(b) Minister
(c) Alderman
(d) Collectors

Answer: C. Alderman.

3. Legislative Assemblies: Constituencies :: Municipal Corporation : ______

(a) Sabha
(b) Wards
(c) Ballots
(d) Boards

Answer: B. Wards.

4. Which of the following is NOT correct?

(a) Panchayat: small urban area
(b) Nagar Panchayat: Areas in transition between rural and urban
(c) Municipal Council: smaller urban areas
(d) Municipal Corporation: large urban areas

Answer: A. Panchayat: small urban area.

5. What is the tenure of a Municipal Corporation?

(a) 6 years
(b) 5 years
(c) 1 year
(d) 3 years

Answer: B. 5 years.

6. Which of the following is NOT a part of Municipal Corporation?

(a) The Mayor
(b) Standing Committees
(c) General Council
(d) Municipal Board

Answer: D. Municipal Board.

7. Which of the following is NOT a part of compulsory function of a Municipal Corporation?

(a) Provision of public health services
(b) Provision of electricity, water, sewage disposal
(c) Undertaking of public safety and security
(d) Provision of housing for all

Answer: D. Provision of housing for all.

8. The Deputy Commissioner of a Municipal Committee belongs to which cadre?

(a) IPS
(b) IAS
(c) IFS
(d) IRS

Answer: B. IAS.

9. Which of the following deals with the State government directly?

(a) Municipal Committee
(b) Gram Panchayat
(c) Municipal Corporation
(d) Zila Parishad

Answer: C. Municipal Corporation.

10. The members of the Municipal Corporation are elected in the same way as members of the

(a) Legislative Council
(b) Legislative Assembly
(c) Lok Sabha
(d) Rajya Sabha

Answer: B. Legislative Assembly.

11. Who is known as the ‘First Citizen’, and represents the City at various ceremonies?

(a) The Alderman
(b) The Mayor
(c) The President
(d) The Commissioner

Answer: B. The Mayor.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do you understand by the term urban area?

Answer: An urban area is regarded as a town or city that has a minimum population of 5,000, with at least 75 per cent of its population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.

2. Mention any two salient features of the Constitution (74th Amendment Act), 1992.

Answer: (i) The Act gives constitutional status to urban local bodies.
(ii) The Act provides for direct election to all the local self-government bodies.

3. How is a Municipal Corporation set up? What are wards in a Municipal area?

Answer: A Municipal Corporation is set up for larger urban areas. It is composed of elected representatives known as Municipal Councillors, who are elected from Municipal Wards. Wards are divisions within the Municipal area, and elections are held based on Universal Adult Franchise.

4. Who is known as the Mayor? State one of the most important functions of the Mayor.

Answer: The Mayor is elected by the Councillors and Aldermen from amongst themselves. One of the most important functions of the Mayor is to represent the city at various ceremonies and receive foreign guests coming to visit the city.

5. Who is the ‘First Citizen’ of the city? Give reason.

Answer: The Mayor is known as the ‘First Citizen’ of the city because he/she represents the city at various ceremonies and is the official representative in receiving foreign guests.

6. Name one compulsory and one optional function of the Municipal Corporation.

Answer:
Compulsory function: Provision of electricity, water, sewage disposal.
Optional function: Construction and maintenance of public parks, libraries, museums, theatres.

7. What is the tenure or term of office of a Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The tenure or term of office of a Municipal Corporation is five years as provided in the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992.

8. What is known as Municipal Committee? Who is the head of the Municipal Committee?

Answer: A Municipal Committee is a local self-government body set up for smaller towns, also known as Municipal Boards or Municipalities. The head of the Municipal Committee is known as the Chairperson or President.

9. Who is the Chief Executive Officer of a Municipal Committee?

Answer: The Chief Executive Officer of a Municipal Committee is an appointee of the State Government, usually belonging to the State Civil Services.

Structured Questions

1. With reference to Municipal Corporation, answer the following questions:

(a) State its composition.

Answer: A Municipal Corporation comprises the following:
(a) General Council.
(b) The Mayor.
(c) The Standing Committees.
(d) A Municipal Commissioner.

(b) State any three functions of the Mayor.

Answer:
(i) Considered as the ‘First Citizen’, he/she represents the city at various ceremonies and receives foreign guests coming to visit the city. This is considered his/her most important duty.
(ii) He/She presides over the meetings of the Corporation.
(iii) He/She regulates and conducts business of the Corporation.

(c) State any four functions of the Corporation.

Answer:

• Provision of electricity, water, sewage disposal.
• Provision of public health services like provision of hospitals, dispensaries, family welfare centres.
• Provision of public conveniences and utilities like roads, buildings, bus-shelters, demolition of dangerous structures, plantation of trees, provision of public urinals and toilets.
• Provision of educational institutions like primary and secondary schools including organisation of adult literacy classes, organising and undertaking promotion of sports and games and providing necessary facilities.

2. Give the role of each of the following in the Municipal Corporation:

(a) General Council of the Corporation.

Answer: The General Council is formed of elected members known as Municipal Councillors. These members are elected directly on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise through secret ballot. The number of seats in a Corporation depends on the population of the city and is determined by the State government. There are reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The General Council co-opts some members as Aldermen. They are generally eminent persons of the city and are nominated by the Governor. The General Council appoints many other officials except the Municipal Commissioner.

(b) Standing Committees.

Answer: The members of the General Council are represented on Standing Committees through elections. There are different Standing Committees to deal with subjects like finance, health, engineering, taxation, and welfare schemes.

(c) Municipal Commissioner.

Answer: The Municipal Commissioner is appointed by the Governor usually for a term of 5 years. In the case of a Union Territory, he/she is appointed by the Central Government. He/She is the Chief Executive of the Corporation. His/Her functions include the following:

(i) To carry on and control the administration of the Corporation.
(ii) To implement the projects and programmes as laid down by the General Council.
(iii) To maintain and safeguard all municipal properties, records etc.
(iv) To prepare financial budgets and perform other related functions.
(v) To take part in the meetings of the Council but he/she cannot move any resolution or vote in the meetings. He/She also keeps records of the minutes and proceedings of the meetings.

3. With regard to the working of a Municipal Corporation, answer the following questions:

(a) Giving three examples, state how compulsory functions are distinguished from optional functions.

Answer:

• Provision of electricity, water, sewage disposal – this is a compulsory function.
• Construction and maintenance of public parks, libraries, museums, theatre – this is an optional function.
• Undertaking welfare schemes, organising fairs, functions, melas – this is an optional function.

(b) What organisational system exists for carrying out these functions?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation carries out its functions through well-organised divisions or departments. For example, Water Supply and Sewage Disposal Undertaking, Housing Board, Education Department, and Electricity Department. Each of these departments is looked after by experienced and qualified persons.

(c) Who is the Municipal Commissioner? How is he appointed?

Answer: The Municipal Commissioner is the Chief Executive of the Corporation. He/She is appointed by the Governor for a term of 5 years. In the case of Union Territories, he/she is appointed by the Central Government.

4. With regard to the Municipal Corporation:

(a) Distinguish between Municipal Corporation and Municipal Committee.

Answer: Municipal Corporation

• These are meant for big cities.
• The head of the corporation is known as Mayor.
• It has more powers and more sources of revenue.
• It deals with the State government directly.

Municipal Committee

• These are meant for smaller cities.
• The head of a Municipal Committee is known as Chairperson/President.
• It has comparatively less powers and fewer sources of revenue.
• It deals with the State government through the District Administration.

(b) Describe the three wings of the Municipal Committee.

Answer: A Municipal Committee generally has three wings:

(a) General Body.
(b) Chairman/President.
(c) Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary.

(c) What is the role of the Deputy Commissioner at the district level?

Answer: The Deputy Commissioner is the chief executive officer of the district. As such, he performs almost every function of local government in the district. These include:

(i) Collection of Revenue.
(ii) Maintenance and Updating of land record.
(iii) Law and Order.
(iv) Supervision and execution of all plans of the Union and State governments.
(v) Provision of civic amenities and execution of public works.
(vi) Implementation of policies and programmes in respect of Panchayati Raj institutions.
(vii) Supersession, dissolution, holding of election, etc., in respect of Panchayati Raj institutions.

Thinking Skills

1. Do you think that the urban local bodies in your city are performing their role? Give examples from your personal experience to support your answer.

Answer: Yes, the urban local bodies in my city are performing their role. For example, the Municipal Corporation ensures regular garbage collection and maintenance of public parks. There are also provisions for street lighting, which has significantly improved public safety. Additionally, the urban body regularly repairs roads and footpaths, ensuring smooth traffic movement.

2. If you are made the Councillor of your area, what steps would you take to ensure the effective working of the Municipality in your area?

Answer: If I am made the Councillor of my area, I would take the following steps:

• Ensure regular maintenance of public utilities like water supply and sewage disposal.
• Promote public health by organizing cleanliness drives and setting up more public health centres.
• Improve the management of waste disposal by introducing recycling schemes and better garbage collection systems.
• Address the grievances of residents promptly and work towards resolving them efficiently.
• Collaborate with other local bodies to improve infrastructure like roads and public transportation.

Extras MCQs

1. What is the minimum population required for an area to be considered urban?

A. 1000
B. 3000
C. 5000
D. 10,000

Answer: C. 5000

Q. Cities with a population of more than 40 lakh are referred to as what?

A. Metropolitan cities
B. Small towns
C. Urban areas
D. Districts

Answer: A. Metropolitan cities

Q. In which year was the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act passed?

A. 1990
B. 1992
C. 1995
D. 1985

Answer: B. 1992

Q. How much percentage of seats should be reserved for women in urban local bodies under the 74th Amendment Act?

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 33%
D. 40%

Answer: C. 33%

Q. What is the fixed tenure of a municipal body under the 74th Amendment Act?

A. 4 years
B. 6 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years

Answer: D. 5 years

Q. Who can dissolve the Municipal Corporation before its term ends?

A. Mayor
B. Chief Minister
C. Governor
D. President

Answer: C. Governor

Q. The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act is also known as what?

A. Panchayati Raj Act
B. Municipalities Act
C. Zila Parishad Act
D. District Planning Act

Answer: B. Municipalities Act

Q. Which of the following is the highest level of urban local bodies?

A. Nagar Panchayat
B. Municipal Council
C. Municipal Corporation
D. Town Area Committee

Answer: C. Municipal Corporation

Q. What is the election system used for Municipal Corporation elections?

A. Secret ballot
B. Open voting
C. Voice vote
D. Postal vote

Answer: A. Secret ballot

Q. How soon should elections be held after the dissolution of a Municipal Corporation?

A. Within 1 year
B. Within 6 months
C. Within 3 months
D. Within 9 months

Answer: B. Within 6 months

Q. When did the Municipal Corporation of Delhi hold its first formal meeting?

A. February 1863
B. June 1, 1863
C. January 1863
D. December 1863

Answer: B. June 1, 1863

Q. Which year marked the introduction of the fire fighting system and water supply in Delhi?

A. 1862
B. 1864
C. 1865
D. 1863

Answer: B. 1864

Q. By which act was the Municipal Corporation of Delhi set up?

A. Delhi Act 1955
B. Act of Parliament 1958
C. Municipal Act 1959
D. Delhi Parliament Act 1956

Answer: B. Act of Parliament 1958

Q. What is the term length for the Municipal Commissioner of a Corporation?

A. 3 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 6 years

Answer: C. 5 years

Q. Who elects the Mayor of a Municipal Corporation?

A. The Governor
B. The Central Government
C. Municipal Councillors and Aldermen
D. The General Public

Answer: C. Municipal Councillors and Aldermen

Q. What is one of the compulsory functions of a Municipal Corporation?

A. Organising fairs
B. Establishing libraries
C. Providing water and sewage disposal
D. Beautification of the city

Answer: C. Providing water and sewage disposal

Q. Who is responsible for preparing the financial budget in a Municipal Corporation?

A. The Mayor
B. The Standing Committee
C. The Municipal Commissioner
D. The General Council

Answer: C. The Municipal Commissioner

Q. In which part of the city was the first Unani dispensary established by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi?

A. Chandni Chowk
B. Sadar Bazar
C. Karol Bagh
D. Connaught Place

Answer: B. Sadar Bazar

Q. Who nominates the Aldermen in a Municipal Corporation?

A. The Mayor
B. The Municipal Commissioner
C. The General Council
D. The Governor

Answer: D. The Governor

Q. Which of the following is a discretionary function of a Municipal Corporation?

A. Providing fire engines
B. Issuing birth certificates
C. Beautification of the city
D. Collecting garbage

Answer: C. Beautification of the city

Q. What does the Municipal Corporation maintain for public safety?

A. Disaster management groups
B. Orphanages
C. Libraries
D. Public parks

Answer: A. Disaster management groups

Q. Who determines the area for a Municipal Corporation based on population and other factors?

A. The Central Government
B. The General Council
C. The Governor
D. The Mayor

Answer: C. The Governor

Q. What type of constituencies are reserved in a Municipal Corporation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?

A. General constituencies
B. Special constituencies
C. Reserved constituencies
D. Mixed constituencies

Answer: C. Reserved constituencies

Q. Who appoints the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee?

A. Chairman
B. State Government
C. Municipal Councillors
D. Mayor

Answer: B. State Government

Q. What is the term length for the General Body of the Municipal Committee as per the Nagarpalika Act?

A. 3 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 6 years

Answer: C. 5 years

Q. Who is responsible for maintaining law and order at the district level?

A. Chief Executive Officer
B. Deputy Commissioner
C. Superintendent of Police
D. Tehsildar

Answer: C. Superintendent of Police

Q. What is the role of the Deputy Commissioner in relation to revenue collection?

A. Looks after taxation
B. Updates land records
C. Collects revenue at district level
D. Manages local government funds

Answer: C. Collects revenue at district level

Q. What title is given to the members of the General Body of the Municipal Committee?

A. Councillors
B. Chairpersons
C. CEOs
D. Collectors

Answer: A. Councillors

Q. Who supervises the execution of plans of the Union and State governments at the district level?

A. Block Development Officer
B. Chief Medical Officer
C. Deputy Commissioner
D. Chairman

Answer: C. Deputy Commissioner

Q. Which officer at the district level is responsible for health services?

A. Chief Medical Officer
B. Tehsildar
C. District Judge
D. Superintendent of Police

Answer: A. Chief Medical Officer

Q. Who elects the Chairperson of a Municipal Committee?

A. State Government
B. General public
C. Municipal Councillors
D. Chief Executive Officer

Answer: C. Municipal Councillors

Q. Which officer is responsible for law and order at the village level?

A. Chowkidar
B. Patwari
C. Tehsildar
D. Deputy Superintendent

Answer: A. Chowkidar

33. What is the Deputy Commissioner’s role in Panchayati Raj institutions?

A. Manages elections
B. Represents the Zila Parishad
C. Supervises the Block Development Officer
D. Dissolves local government bodies

Answer: B. Represents the Zila Parishad

Extra Questions and Answers

1. What is the minimum population for an urban area?

Answer: An urban area must have a minimum population of 5,000.

Q. What is a town generally regarded as?

Answer: A town is generally regarded as a smaller urban area.

Q. What are large towns called?

Answer: Large towns are called cities.

Q. According to the Census Commission, what defines a metropolitan city?

Answer: A city with a population of more than 40 lakh is defined as a metropolitan city by the Census Commission.

Q. What did the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 aim to address?

Answer: The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 aimed to address the weaknesses and ineffectiveness of local bodies, making them more effective as vibrant democratic units of self-government.

Q. What are the key features of the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992?

Answer: The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 provides:

• Constitutional status to urban local bodies
• Direct election to all local self-government bodies
• A fixed tenure of five years for municipalities
• Reservation of 33 per cent of seats for women
• Formation of District Planning Committees by the State Government

Q. What are the three types of local bodies for urban areas under the 74th Amendment?

Answer: The three types of local bodies are:

• Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas
• Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas
• Nagar Panchayats for areas in transition from rural to urban

Q. What are the functions of a Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation carries out its functions through well-organised divisions or departments. These include:

• Water Supply and Sewage Disposal
• Housing Board
• Education Department
• Electricity Department

Q. How are elections held for Municipal Corporations?

Answer: Elections for Municipal Corporations are held similarly to the Legislative Assembly. However, instead of constituencies, municipal areas are divided into wards. Elections are conducted through secret ballot, and the number of representatives is based on the city’s population. Universal Adult Franchise is used to elect members of the Corporation.

Q. What happens when the term of a Municipal Corporation ends?

Answer: The term of a Municipal Corporation is fixed at five years, as per the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992. If dissolved before completion, the Governor of the State can act on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Elections must be held within six months of the dissolution, ensuring the Municipal Corporation remains functional.

Q. What is the role of the General Council in a Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The General Council of a Municipal Corporation is composed of elected members, known as Municipal Councillors. They are elected through Universal Adult Franchise by secret ballot. The number of seats depends on the city’s population. Some members are co-opted as Aldermen, who are usually eminent persons of the city, nominated by the Governor. The General Council appoints many officials, except the Municipal Commissioner.

Q. How is the Mayor of a Municipal Corporation elected?

Answer: The Mayor of a Municipal Corporation is elected by the Councillors and Aldermen from among themselves. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are generally elected for one year, but they can be re-elected annually for the Corporation’s full term.

Q. What are the functions and duties of the Mayor in a Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The Mayor plays several key roles within a Municipal Corporation. These include:

• Representing the city at various ceremonies and receiving foreign guests, often considered the most important duty
• Presiding over meetings of the Corporation, regulating and conducting its business
• Setting the agenda for meetings and overseeing discussions on various issues
• Obtaining reports from the Municipal Commissioner on projects and programmes undertaken by the Corporation
• Acting as a liaison between the Corporation and the State government, ensuring smooth communication and cooperation The Mayor’s role is both ceremonial and administrative, making them a central figure in the city’s governance.

Q. What is the structure and composition of a Municipal Corporation?

Answer: A Municipal Corporation consists of several key elements:

• The General Council, made up of elected Municipal Councillors. The number of councillors depends on the population of the city. There are reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Council can also co-opt Aldermen, who are usually eminent persons in the city.
• The Mayor, who is elected by the Councillors and Aldermen from among themselves and serves as the ceremonial head of the Corporation.
• Standing Committees, which are elected members of the General Council. These committees manage various sectors such as finance, health, engineering, and welfare schemes.
• The Municipal Commissioner, appointed by the Governor, serves as the Chief Executive of the Corporation. The Municipal Commissioner is responsible for implementing the General Council’s decisions, managing the Corporation’s administration, and maintaining municipal properties. The Corporation operates as a cohesive body to provide essential services and governance to the city.

Q. What are the main functions of the Municipal Commissioner in a Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The Municipal Commissioner is a key executive figure within the Municipal Corporation. Appointed by the Governor (or by the Central Government in Union Territories), the Commissioner is responsible for:

• Overseeing and controlling the administration of the Corporation
• Implementing the projects and programmes decided by the General Council
• Maintaining municipal properties, records, and other assets
• Preparing the financial budget and ensuring that funds are properly allocated and spent
• Participating in Council meetings, though without voting rights or the ability to move resolutions The Municipal Commissioner ensures the smooth operation of the Corporation and implements its policy decisions.

Q. What is the Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation is the local self-government unit of the city, dealing with all matters that concern the residents of the city.

Q. How are the functions of the Municipal Corporation divided?

Answer: The functions of the Municipal Corporation are divided into two categories: obligatory or compulsory functions and discretionary or optional functions.

Q. What is the function of providing electricity and water classified as?

Answer: The function of providing electricity, water, and sewage disposal is classified as a compulsory function of the Municipal Corporation.

Q. What public health services does the Municipal Corporation provide?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation provides hospitals, dispensaries, family welfare centres, and organises public health measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Q. How does the Municipal Corporation handle garbage and city wastes?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation prioritises the removal and disposal of garbage and deals with other city wastes through its appointed staff.

Q. What public conveniences does the Municipal Corporation provide?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation provides roads, buildings, bus-shelters, public urinals, and toilets, as well as demolishes dangerous structures and plants trees.

Q. What are some of the educational functions of the Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation provides primary and secondary schools, organises adult literacy classes, and promotes sports and games.

Q. What records does the Municipal Corporation maintain?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation maintains records of births and deaths, and also manages cremation and burial grounds.

Q. What safety measures does the Municipal Corporation undertake?

Answer: The Municipal Corporation maintains a fire department, manages disasters like floods and earthquakes, and ensures public safety.

Q. What is a discretionary function of the Municipal Corporation?

Answer: A discretionary function of the Municipal Corporation includes public housing through housing boards.

Q. What is a Municipal Committee?

Answer: A Municipal Committee is a local self-government body set up for smaller towns and is similar in organisation to a Municipal Corporation.

Q. Who are the members of the General Body of the Municipal Committee?

Answer: The members of the General Body of the Municipal Committee are called Councillors, and they are elected from Municipal wards.

Q. Who appoints the Chief Executive Officer of a Municipal Committee?

Answer: The Chief Executive Officer of a Municipal Committee is appointed by the State government, usually from the State Civil Services.

Q. What is the role of the Deputy Commissioner?

Answer: The Deputy Commissioner, also known as the District Collector, is the chief executive officer of the district and performs various administrative functions like revenue collection, law and order, and civic amenities.

Q. What are the compulsory functions of the Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The compulsory functions of the Municipal Corporation include:

• Provision of electricity, water, and sewage disposal through various departments.
• Public health services like hospitals, dispensaries, family welfare centres, and measures to prevent communicable diseases.
• Removal and disposal of garbage and other city wastes.
• Provision of public conveniences like roads, buildings, bus shelters, public urinals, and toilets.
• Educational functions such as primary and secondary schools, adult literacy classes, promotion of sports, and necessary facilities.
• Maintenance of records of births, deaths, and cremation or burial grounds.
• Ensuring public safety through fire departments, disaster management for floods and earthquakes.
• Preparation and publication of the Corporation’s annual report on its activities and programmes.

Q. What are the discretionary functions of the Municipal Corporation?

Answer: The discretionary or optional functions of the Municipal Corporation include:

• Public housing through housing boards.
• Construction and maintenance of public parks, libraries, museums, theatres, and picnic resorts.
• Establishing and maintaining children’s homes, orphanages, old-age homes, night shelters, and rest houses.
• Undertaking welfare schemes and organising events like fairs, functions, and melas.
• Beautification of the city.

Q. What are the components of a Municipal Committee?

Answer: A Municipal Committee is typically organised into three wings:

• General Body: The members of the General Body are Councillors elected from Municipal wards, with eligibility and terms similar to the Municipal Corporation.
• Chairman/President: The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected indirectly by the members from among themselves. The Chairperson holds significant powers similar to the Mayor.
• Chief Executive Officer: The Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the State government, is usually a member of the State Civil Services and manages the administrative functions of the Municipal Committee.

33. What is the role of the Deputy Commissioner in local governance?

Answer: The Deputy Commissioner, also known as the District Collector, plays a key role in local governance by performing several functions:

• Collection of revenue.
• Maintenance and updating of land records.
• Maintenance of law and order.
• Supervision and execution of plans from Union and State governments.
• Provision of civic amenities and execution of public works.
• Implementation of Panchayati Raj policies and programmes.
• Handling matters like the supersession, dissolution, and elections in respect of Panchayati Raj institutions.