Urban Administration
Administrative Staff:
- Ward people can approach Ward Councillors regarding their problems, within a Ward.
- Members of the Councillor Committees decide on various issues.
- Commissioner and the administrative staff implement the issues.
- Commissioner and administrative staff are appointed people.
- Ward Councillors are elected.
Questions Page No 63
1. Why did the children go to Yasmin Khala’s house?
Solution 1:
The children wanted to replace the street light, which was broken by them. Hence, Rehana suggested that the children visit Yasmin Kala’s house to understand the procedures for getting it replaced. Yasmin Kala lived in the same lane and had just retired from Municipal Corporation.
2. List four ways in which the work of the Municipal Corporation affects the life of a city-dweller.
Solution 2:
- Construction of roads, street lights, parks, etc.
- Disposal of garbage
- Maintenance of drainage system
- Supply of drinking water and electricity
3. Who is a Municipal Councillor?
Solution 3:
He is an elected member of the committee of a municipal corporation. He/She represents a specific ward.
4. What did Gangabai do and why?
Solution 4:
She was protesting against the Ward councillor due to the lack of maintenance of streets. The garbage was not being disposed of, and this was creating a menace in the locality due to dogs, rats, flies and mosquitoes.
5. How does the Municipal Corporation earn the money to do its work?
Solution 5:
They usually earn their money by imposing the following taxes.
- Education tax
- Tax on hotels and shops
- Movie tax
- House tax


6. Discuss
In the two photographs, you see different ways of collecting and disposing of garbage.
i) Which way do you think provides safety to the person disposing of garbage?
Solution i:
The 2nd photo shows the right and safer way of disposing of garbage.
ii) What are the dangers of collecting garbage in the manner shown in the first photograph?
Solution ii:
The person collecting garbage will fall sick due to various diseases.
iii) Why do you think that proper ways of disposing of garbage are not available to those who work in municipalities?
Solution iii:
One reason could be due to the apathy of the concerned officials. The other reason could be a lack of funds.
1. What is Urban Administration?
Answer: Urban Administration is the system that manages cities and towns. It ensures that public services like roads, water supply, garbage collection, streetlights, and health facilities are provided. The Municipal Corporation in big cities and the Municipal Council in smaller towns handle this work.It also plans for future city development and expansion. It enforces laws related to sanitation, traffic, and public safety.
2. What are the responsibilities of the Municipal Corporation?
Answer: The Municipal Corporation is responsible for:
- Providing clean water and electricity.
- Collecting garbage and keeping the city clean.
- Maintaining roads, streetlights, and parks.
- Running schools, hospitals, and dispensaries.
- Preventing the spread of diseases.
- Making plans for city development.
- Issuing trade and business licenses.
- Building and maintaining public sanitation facilities.
3. What are the responsibilities of municipal councillors?
Answer: Municipal Councillors are elected representatives of a City who:
- Make important decisions for the city.
- Form committees for water, sanitation, and roads.
- Listen to the problems of people in their wards.
- Approve budgets for development projects.
- Ensure proper use of government funds.
- Check whether public services are working efficiently.
- Raise issues like pollution, waste management, and illegal construction.
4. Which are the various departments of the Municipal Corporation?
Answer: The Municipal Corporation has different departments to handle various tasks, such as:
- Water Supply Department – Provides clean drinking water.
- Garbage Collection Department – Collects and disposes of waste.
- Health Department – Runs hospitals and dispensaries.
- Street Lighting Department – Maintains streetlights.
- Road and Transport Department – Repairs roads and manages traffic.
- Garden Department – Maintains parks and public spaces.
- Fire Department – Provides fire safety services.
- Education Department – Manages municipal schools.
Answer: The Municipal Corporation gets money from:
- Taxes on property, water, and electricity.
- Fees from licenses and trade permits.
- Funds from the state government.
- Fines for breaking city rules.
- Rent from shops and markets owned by the municipality.
- Revenue from advertisements placed in public areas.
6. What are the responsibilities of the Municipal Commissioner?
Answer: The Municipal Commissioner is an appointed officer who:
- Implements the decisions of the Municipal Corporation.
- Manages city departments like water, health, and sanitation.
- Ensures proper use of government funds.
- Supervises workers and officers.
- Maintains law and order in the city.
- Handles disaster management during floods, earthquakes, or fires.
- Coordinates with other government agencies for development projects.
7. Difference Between Municipality (Municipal Council) and Municipal Corporation
| Feature | Municipality (Municipal Council) | Municipal Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Size of City: | Small towns and cities | Large cities and metro areas |
| Population : | Less than 10 lakh people | More than 10 lakh people |
| Head : | Chairperson (elected) | Mayor (elected) |
| Chief Officer: | Chief Officer (appointed) | Municipal Commissioner (appointed) |
| Revenue Collection | Limited revenue sources like property tax | More revenue from taxes, licenses, and government grants |
| Functions : | Basic services like roads, sanitation, and water supply | Advanced services like metro transport, waste management, hospitals, and city planning |
| Example Cities: | Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Ajmer | Mumbai |
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