NCERT Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond: Chapter 12 — Grassroots Democracy—Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas
This chapter, 'Grassroots Democracy—Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas,' is the third part of the Grassroots Democracy series, focusing on urban governance. It explains how good governance in a democracy empowers citizens for active participation at all levels, from local to national. Building on the understanding of rural governance from previous chapters, this section delves into the more complex and diverse system of urban governance. It highlights the importance of participatory democracy and introduces the basic principles of how urban local bodies function and their significance in governance and democratic processes. The chapter aims to provide a foundational understanding of urban administration, emphasizing its complexity compared to rural settings and its role in empowering citizens within cities.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — Grassroots Democracy—Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 382 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of urban local bodies and their functions.
- Recognize the importance of urban local government in democracy.
- Compare urban governance with rural governance.
- Appreciate the complexity and diversity of urban administration.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Governance | The process of governing or ruling a country or state. |
| Empower | To give someone the authority or power to do something. |
| Participatory democracy | A system where citizens have a greater say in decision-making. |
| Urban | Relating to a city or town. |
| Diverse | Showing a great deal of variety; very different. |
| Administration | The management of public affairs; the government. |
| Franchise | The right to vote in public, especially in political elections. |
| Privileges | A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. |
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Practice questions
- What is the main focus of the chapter 'Grassroots Democracy—Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas'? Answer: The chapter focuses on how local government functions in urban areas and its importance in democracy.
- According to the introduction, what is the aim of good governance in a democracy? Answer: The aim of good governance is to empower citizens so they may actively participate in their country's functioning.
- Why is the urban governance system generally more complex than the rural one? Answer: Urban areas are generally more complex and diverse than rural areas, requiring a more complex governance system.
- What does the quote by Rustom K. Sidhwa emphasize? Answer: It emphasizes the need for people to understand administration, franchise, powers, rights, and privileges through a local body in their own town or village.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 12?
Chapter 12, 'Grassroots Democracy—Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas,' discusses how local governance works in cities and towns.
What is participatory democracy?
Participatory democracy is a concept where citizens are actively involved in the country's functioning and decision-making.
Why is urban governance considered more complex than rural governance?
Urban areas are generally more complex and diverse than rural areas, leading to a more intricate urban governance system.
What does the chapter aim to explain about urban governance?
It aims to explain the basic principles of how urban governance functions and its significance in democracy.
When was the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai created?
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai was created in 1865.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond — Chapter 12 — Grassroots Democracy—Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.