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Practice each question, then open the answer or worked solution.
Why did the children go to Yasmin Khala’s house?
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.
List four ways in which the work of the Municipal Corporation affects the life of a city-dweller.
Who is a Municipal Councillor?
He is an elected member of the committee of a municipal corporation.
What did Gangabai do and why?
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.
How does the Municipal Corporation earn the money to do its work?
They usually earn their money by imposing the following taxes.
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.
Solution coming soon.
Several poor people in the city work as domestic servants as well as work for the Corporation, keeping the city clean. Yet the slums in which they live are quite filthy. This is because these slums seldom have any water and sanitation facilities. The reason often given by the Municipal Corporation is that the land in which the poor have set up their homes does not belong to them and that slum-dwellers do not pay taxes. However, people living in middle-class neighbourhoods pay very little in taxes compared to the amount of money the corporation spends on them in setting up parks, street lighting facilities, regular garbage collection etc. Also, as you read in this chapter, the property taxes collected by the Municipality makes up only 25-30 per cent of its money. Why do you think it is important that the Corporation should spend more money on slum localities? Why is it important that the Municipal Corporation provide the poor in the city with the same facilities that the rich get?
The lack of basic facilities leads to various health issues. It leads to the rapid spread of diseases, which can be dangerous for the well-being of the entire society. It leads to excess expenditure on healthcare, which can be a burden on the Government. The constitution guarantees a life of dignity for all its citizens. Not providing basic facilities is equal to stealing their basic rights to a decent livelihood.
Look at the image below.
The Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2 October 2014 to promote cleanliness in both rural and urban areas all over the nation. Under the “Swachh Bharat, Swachh Vidyalaya” campaign, many activities are also being carried out in schools to generate awareness on sanitation and hygiene amongst students. Observe the ways in which “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” is being implemented by municipality/panchayat in your locality. Prepare a poster and display it in your school.
This is an activity that students need to carry out at their school.