NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Local Governments - 2025-26

1. Constitution of India visualised village panchayats as units 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.

1. 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.
   
   

2. The government has decided that 20% of all its expenditure would be done through the panchayats.
   
   

3. 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.
   
   

4. 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.
   
   

5. 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:

1. The Gram Sabha's resolution strengthens panchayat self-government by highlighting the importance of local consent and participation in development decisions affecting villagers directly.
   
   

2. Allocating 20% of government expenditure through panchayats empowers these bodies, enhancing their financial independence and role in local governance.
   
   

3. Turning down villagers' requests due to rigid government allocation weakens panchayats, as it limits their ability to address specific local needs.
   
   

4. Arbitrary changes in village boundaries by the government without local input undermine the autonomy and relevance of panchayats.
   
   

5. Village youth working voluntarily to revive water sources empowers the panchayat, fostering local initiative and strengthening community self-reliance.

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:

1. Power to plan and implement local development schemes: This allows panchayats to address specific needs effectively through locally-made decisions, ensuring participatory development.
   
   

2. Power to collect and utilize local taxes: Financial autonomy ensures resources for village projects and reduces dependence on higher authorities.
   
   

3. Authority over local schools and health centers: Empowerment over these essential services enables panchayats to monitor and improve welfare outcomes.
   
   

4. Power to resolve minor disputes: Local justice mechanisms such as Nyaya Panchayat help maintain harmony and reduce legal delays.
   
   

5. Power to manage natural resources: Control over land, water, and forests enables sustainable resource use tailored to local requirements.

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: The 73rd amendment mandates reservation of seats in panchayats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population, and one-third of seats for women, including within SC/ST reserved seats. These provisions have led to greater representation of disadvantaged groups and women, transforming leadership to be more socially inclusive and reflective of local demographics.

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

Answer:

• Local government was a State subject with no constitutional status before the 73rd amendment; states could form and dissolve bodies at will.
  
  

• The 73rd amendment provided constitutional recognition, mandatory elections every five years, reservation of seats, State Election Commissioner, and State Finance Commission.
  
  

• The structure became uniform, and the local governments gained more autonomy and representation after the amendment.

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: The conversation highlights three perspectives on gender equality in local governments. Reservations for women are crucial in a traditionally male-dominated society, as they guarantee political participation and bring women's issues to the forefront. However, Neha's point is also valid – just having women in power isn't enough; gender-responsive budgeting is important to address specific needs. Jayesh's view overlooks systemic barriers that have prevented women's representation for years.

Without reservation, women might remain excluded from leadership roles. Thus, while reservations create opportunities, concrete support in the form of resources and an inclusive mindset are essential for meaningful empowerment and village development.

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

1. Fear of replacement makes representatives accountable to the people.
   
   

2. The dominant castes and feudal landlords dominate the local bodies.
   
   

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

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

Answer: The amendment addresses (a) by mandating regular elections (accountability), and (d) by empowering panchayats with functions and responsibilities. Reservations aim to reduce dominance by elites in (b) but do not directly address (c).

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?

1. Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community.
   
   

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

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

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

Answer: Ranking: (c) > (b) > (a) > (d). The most important is (c), as local people best understand their needs, ensuring effective and relevant decisions. The Vengaivasal Gram panchayat's decision was based on rationale (c) — people collectively deciding what is best for their lives and community.

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

1. To hold election of the Gram Panchayat.
   
   

2. Decision by the villagers themselves about what policies and programmes are useful for the village.
   
   

3. Power to call meeting of Gram Sabha.
   
   

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

Answer: (b) Involves true decentralisation, as villagers decide policies/programs themselves. Others are formalities or administrative functions, but decentralisation means decision-making power lies at the local level.

9. A student of Delhi University, Raghavendra Parpanna, wanted to study the role of decentralisation 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.

1. 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.

1. A day specified by the BDO or the collector

2. Day of the village haat

3. Sunday

4. Naag panchami / sankranti
   
   

2. What is a suitable venue for the meeting? Why?

1. Venue suggested by the circular of the district collector.

2. Religious place in the village.

3. Dalit Mohalla.

4. Upper caste Tola

5. Village school
   
   

3. 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 of 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?
   
   

4. Imagine your class as the Gram Sabha. Discuss the agenda of the meeting and suggest some steps to realise the goal.

Answers:

1. The day should be chosen after consulting villagers so that majority can attend. Sunday is generally a good choice since most people are free, but care should be taken to avoid clashes with market days or festivals to ensure full participation.
   
   

2. The most suitable venue is the village school, as it is a neutral, accessible place where everyone feels welcome, unlike locations that may be associated with specific castes or communities.
   
   

3. The meeting's proceedings show limited people’s participation. True participation means villagers discuss practical issues like children not attending school, girls’ education, or school infrastructure, not just following orders from above. Also, the scheduling should consider when female teachers or participants can attend.
   
   

4. Possible agenda: reasons for irregular attendance, steps for improving enrollment, discussion on school infrastructure, teacher availability, creating awareness among parents, forming monitoring committees. Steps: Organize awareness campaigns, ensure midday meals, provide scholarships, and regular parent-teacher meetings.

Mastering Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Local Governments

Study of NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Local Governments helps students deeply understand the importance of decentralization and grassroots democracy. Focus on key provisions, including the 73rd and 74th Amendments, to answer exam questions confidently.

A strong grip on local self-government bodies and their constitutional roles boosts your preparation for board and competitive exams. Practice exercise-based solutions regularly to strengthen your basics and improve answer-writing skills.

Revise important points like reservations, financial powers, and autonomy of panchayats. Consistent revision and self-testing of these topics using well-structured NCERT solutions will make you exam-ready and help maximize your scores.