NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science - Social and Political Life Chapter-5


In most Indian villages, an independent authority manages the working of the town and has the power of decision-making. The panchayat raj has been running for ages and follows age-old customs. Our subject experts have complete knowledge about this age-old system and design the Panchayati Raj Class 6 notes. These notes of functions of Gram Panchayat Class 6 cover topics like what happens when the representatives are elected by the people, what and how discussions are made, etc. By going through  NCERT Solution Chapter 5 of Class 6 describes the Gram Sabha, students can learn and revise these topics.


You can also download NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths and NCERT Solution for Class 6 Science to help you to revise complete syllabus and score more marks in your examinations.

Access NCERT Solutions for Social Science Class 6 Chapter 5 – Panchayati Raj

Answer the Following:

1. What problem did the villagers in Hardas village face? What did they do to solve this problem?

Ans: The residents of Hardas are dealing with a number of issues, including a lack of water, which has forced them to go 3 k.m. to the river Suru to obtain water. The water level in the hand pump has also dropped to an extremely low level.

The remedies they discovered are: piping water from the River Suru, deepening the hand pumps, and water conservation.


2. What, in your opinion, is the importance of the Gram Sabha? Do you think all members should attend Gram Sabha meetings? Why?

Ans: Gram Sabha is significant because it elects members of the Gram Panchayat and monitors its functioning. The meeting can be used to discuss problems and solutions.

Yes, all members should attend Gram Sabha meetings since it is a place where welfare programs and daily problems can be discussed and remedies found.


3. What is the link between a Gram Sabha and a Gram Panchayat?

Ans: Gram Sabha is in charge of Gram Panchayat. It chooses the members of the Gram Panchayat and keeps an eye on the actions of Gram Panchayat members.


4. Take an example of any one task done by a Panchayat in your area/nearby rural area and find out the following: 

  1. Why it was taken up. 

  2. Where the money came from. 

  3. Whether or not the work has been completed.

Ans: The task was to find the permanent solution of the problem of open defecation in the village called Rela. 

  1. It was taken up because open defecation was causing pollution and several health hazards.

  2. The majority of the money came from government sources, with the rest coming from Gram Panchayat levies.

  3. The work got completed and now Rela village is famous for becoming one of the open defecation free villages in India.


5. What is the difference between a Gram Sabha and a Gram Panchayat?

Ans: Following are the main differences between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat:

Gram Sabha

Gram Panchayat

Gram Sabha members are not elected by people.

Gram Sabha elects members of the Gram Panchayat

Gram Sabha is a temporary body.

Gram Panchayat is a permanent body.


6. Read the following news item.

Nimone is a village on the Chaufula-Shirur Road. Like many others, this village has also been facing a severe water shortage for the last few months and villagers depend on tankers for all their needs. Bhagvan Mahadeo Lad (35) of this village was beaten with sticks, iron rods and axes by a group of seven men. The incident came to light when some villagers brought a badly injured Lad to hospital for treatment. In the FIR recorded by the police Lad said that he was attacked when he insisted that the water in the tanker must be emptied into the storage tanks constructed as part of the water supply scheme by Nimone Gram Panchayat so that there would be equal distribution of water. However, he alleged that the upper caste men were against this and told him that the tanker water was not meant for the lower castes.  

Adapted from Indian Express, May 1, 2004

  1. Why was Bhagvan beaten? 

  2. Do you think that the above is a case of discrimination? Why?

Ans: 

  1. Bhagvan Mahadeo was beaten because he belonged to a lower caste and he wanted everyone to get water equally.

  2. Yes, because Bhagvan was denied a basic necessity, i.e. water, and when he asked for his right, he was beaten by the people who belonged to the upper caste. 


Panchayati Raj Class 6 Notes: Overview

Gram Sabha

Gram Sabha is the meeting of adults in the village and having the authority to hold the panchayat. In some states like Karnataka and others, there are different gram sabhas. The members of this sabha should be more than 18 yrs. old having the right to vote can be a member of Gram Sabha. The meeting of the Gram Sabha behind with the panchayat president and other members of the panchayat. All members from the gram panchayat elect the Sarpanch, who is also the panchayat president.


The Gram Sabha has the right to make the decision and play its role responsibly. Similarly, it has the right to stop the panchayat from doing anything wrong.


Gram Panchayat

Gram Panchayat holds the responsibility to implement decisions for the town or village. The decision, which is approved by the gram sabha, is taken for the betterment of the town and town. Some of the responsibilities of gram panchayat include-

  • Constructing and maintaining water resources, schools, buildings, and roads of the village or town.

  • Executing government schemes and generating employment

  • Collecting of taxes in the town and marketplace

  • Donations for town community


Students while accessing these notes will get to know the functions of gram panchayat class 6 chapter 5.


Different Levels of Gram Panchayats

In rural areas of India, there are different levels of gram panchayats, which governs the working of the village for its betterment. The panchs hold the responsibility to answer the gram sabha and are the members of Gram Sabha elected them. There are two different levels- Block Level called Janpad Panchayat or Panchayati Samiti with many gram panchayats falling under it.


Above the Panchayat Samiti is the District Panchayat or the Zilla Parishad who holds the responsibility to make development in the town or village. The body also regulates money distribution among the gram panchayats.


Throughout chapter 5 of panchayat raj, students are given an understanding of how the body works and the laws that govern the body.


Downloading the PDF

CBSE students who are looking for the Panchayati raj class 6 notes; can get it in PDF format. This PDF format is easy to download and study. You can download and practice anytime, anywhere. Right from the meaning and functions of gram panchayat class 6 chapter, everything is available at one click.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What are the Critical Functions of Gram Sabha?

Gram Sabha is a vital body that takes the majority of the village decisions.  It is also responsible for the identification or selecting of persons under the poverty alleviation. Some of the critical functions of Gram Sabha are:

  • To implement the development decisions and schemes by the panchayat and the state government.

  • To identify beneficiaries who are eligible for the respective program or scheme. In case, if the gram sabha fails to do so, the gram panchayat will conduct the job.

  • To work and promote unity in the town and village among the people

  • To keep an eye on other essential matters bringing to the notice of the gram sabha

2. What is the Role of Sarpanch in Gram Sabha?

Sarpanch is the head and essential member of the gram sabha. He/she is responsible-

  • To take vital steps in ensuring more extensive participation of people

  • Sarpanch is accountable to take all measures that can keep harmony among the people and society

  • Should be unbiased when it comes to taking a decision

  • Should preside over the gram sabha and take essential decisions

  • Is responsible for answering the raised question by the gram sabha by the members.

3. What Powers are Given to Gram Sabha Under PESA Act?

Under 'The Provisions of the Panchayats' 1996 Act, there are certain powers given to the Gram Sabha. These include-

  • Safeguarding and preserving the traditions of the village people and their culture.

  • Approving of plans, programs, and projects for social and economic development before implemented by the panchayat at the village level.

  • Right to be consulted before the land acquisition or re-settling of the persons affected by such plans.

  • Complete right to manage minor water bodies in the scheduled areas.

  • Recommending grant of prospecting license or mining lease for minor minerals.

  • Power to control and execute local plans

4. Will CoolGyan’s NCERT Solutions for Chapter 5 of Class 6 Social and Political Life be acceptable in my exams?

The major aim with which CoolGyan's expert teachers prepare NCERT solutions for Chapter 5 of Class 6 Social and Political Life is to coach the students for their CBSE Examinations.  Each solution is prepared to keep in mind the marking scheme and pattern of CBSE exams. The solutions are also regularly updated to complement the latest syllabus by CBSE. Hence, when you choose CoolGyan's NCERT Solutions to be your study partner, you can be assured that you have chosen the most reliable and authentic solutions available online.

5. What is the Panchayati Raj System according to Chapter 5 of Class 6 Social and Political Life?

Panchayati Raj is a special self-governance system in rural India as opposed to the urban administration. It is one of the oldest local governance systems found in India. It is the first level of democratic government in India. This system of governance is present in all Indian states except Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, all Union Territories except Delhi. It enables the people to participate in the decision-making process of their own government. 


6. Why was Bhagavan beaten according to Chapter 5 of Class 6 Social and Political Life?

Bhagavan is a resident of Nimone village which had been facing an acute water shortage. The villagers depended on water tankers for their water supply needs. When Bhagavan insisted that the water from the tankers be emptied in the water storage tank as per the water supply scheme by Nimone Gram Panchayat for equal distribution of water, he was beaten by upper caste men of the village. This is a vivid example of caste inequalities that still persist in our country.

7. Where can I download CBSE Class 6 NCERT PDF Solutions for Political Science Chapter 5?

To download  CBSE Class 6 NCERT PDF Solutions for Political Science Chapter 5, follow these steps:

  1. Click on this NCERT Solutions for Social and Political Life for Class 6 and choose chapter 5.

  2. Scroll down and find the option to “Download PDF.” Click on it.

  3. It will redirect you to the next page where you will find the link to download.

If you have CoolGyan's app installed on your phone, you can also download these solutions from the app. Both these methods are simple and cost you nothing.


8. How many chapters are there in Class 6 Political Science textbook apart from chapter 5?

The Class 6 NCERT textbook for Political Science called “Social and Political Life - I” consists of a total of nine chapters, namely:

  1. Understanding Diversity

  2. Diversity and Discrimination

  3. What is Government?

  4. Key Elements of a Democratic Government

  5. Panchayati Raj

  6. Rural Administration

  7. Urban Administration

  8. Rural Livelihoods

  9. Urban Livelihoods

You can access the NCERT Solutions and comprehensive explanations of all the above-mentioned chapters here.