Q1. What is the role of the Municipal Corporation in a city?
a) Managing defense and foreign affairs
b) Overseeing agricultural development
c) Providing urban amenities and services
d) Regulating international trade
Answer: c) Providing urban amenities and services
Explanation: The Municipal Corporation is responsible for various urban amenities and services such as street lights, garbage collection, water supply, sanitation, and maintaining public facilities like parks and hospitals.
Q2. Who makes decisions about the location of new parks or hospitals in a city?
a) The Mayor
b) The Ward Councillors
c) The State Government
d) The Central Government
Answer: b) The Ward Councillors
Explanation: In a city, decisions regarding the location of new parks, hospitals, and other public amenities are typically made by the Ward Councillors. They are elected representatives responsible for addressing the needs and issues of their respective wards.
Q3. How does the Municipal Corporation primarily fund its operations?
a) By printing currency
b) Through donations and charities
c) By collecting taxes from citizens
d) By borrowing from international organizations
Answer: c) By collecting taxes from citizens
Explanation: The Municipal Corporation funds its operations mainly through taxes collected from citizens. This includes property taxes, taxes for water and other services, and taxes on commercial establishments.
Q4. What is the term used for the elected members of a Municipal Corporation?
a) Senators
b) Deputies
c) Councillors
d) Commissioners
Answer: c) Councillors
Explanation: The elected members of a Municipal Corporation are referred to as Councillors. They are chosen by the residents of the city through elections and are responsible for making key decisions about the administration of the city.
Q5. What significant role did Gangabai play in her community?
a) She organized a protest for better garbage collection services.
b) She campaigned for lower taxes in her locality.
c) She led a movement for better educational facilities.
d) She advocated for improved transportation systems.
Answer: a) She organized a protest for better garbage collection services.
Explanation: Gangabai played a key role in her community by organizing a protest to address the issue of inadequate garbage collection services. Her efforts led to a meeting with the Ward Councillor and the Municipal Commissioner, resulting in improved sanitation services in her locality.
Q6. What change occurred in the Municipal Corporation’s approach to garbage collection after Yasmin Khala’s retirement?
a) Garbage collection was completely stopped.
b) Garbage collection became more efficient and regular.
c) Garbage collection was outsourced to private contractors.
d) Garbage collection was made the responsibility of individual households.
Answer: c) Garbage collection was outsourced to private contractors.
Explanation: After Yasmin Khala’s retirement, the Municipal Corporation shifted to subcontracting for garbage collection. This meant that the task, which was previously carried out by government workers, was now being handled by private companies. This change often led to contract workers being paid less and having less access to safety measures.
Q7. What is a key responsibility of the Ward Councillor in a Municipal Corporation?
a) Directly implementing city-wide projects
b) Representing their ward in decision-making processes
c) Managing the national defense strategies
d) Overseeing international trade negotiations
Answer: b) Representing their ward in decision-making processes
Explanation: Ward Councillors in a Municipal Corporation are responsible for representing their respective wards in the decision-making processes. They voice the specific demands and needs of their wards and contribute to decisions on various city-level issues.
Q8. In the context of the Municipal Corporation, what is the role of the Commissioner and administrative staff?
a) They are elected to make policies.
b) They implement the decisions made by the Councillors.
c) They handle foreign diplomatic relations.
d) They are responsible for military operations.
Answer: b) They implement the decisions made by the Councillors.
Explanation: In a Municipal Corporation, the Commissioner and administrative staff are appointed to implement the decisions made by the Councillors. While the Councillors decide on various issues, it is the responsibility of the administrative staff, led by the Commissioner, to execute these decisions.
Q9. What percentage of a Municipal Corporation’s income typically comes from property taxes?
a) 5-10%
b) 25-30%
c) 50-55%
d) 70-75%
Answer: b) 25-30%
Explanation: Property taxes usually contribute to about 25-30% of the total income of a Municipal Corporation. This income is used to fund various services and infrastructure projects within the city.
Q10. What led to the improvement of sanitation services in Yasmin Khala’s neighborhood?
a) A new technology for waste management
b) A large donation from a local business
c) A community protest led by local women
d) An order from the state government
Answer: c) A community protest led by local women
Explanation: The improvement in sanitation services in Yasmin Khala’s neighborhood was a result of a community protest. Local women, led by Gangabai, protested the inadequate garbage collection services, leading to a meeting with the Ward Councillor and Municipal Commissioner, and subsequent improvements in sanitation services.
Q11. What change in garbage collection policy occurred post Yasmin Khala’s retirement?
a) Implementation of a new recycling program
b) Transition to a fully automated garbage collection system
c) Subcontracting the work to private companies
d) Shifting the responsibility of garbage collection to residents
Answer: c) Subcontracting the work to private companies
Explanation: After Yasmin Khala’s retirement, the Municipal Corporation started subcontracting the garbage collection work to private companies. This shift often resulted in contract workers being paid less and having less access to safety measures.
Q12. Why did Gangabai approach the Ward Councillor regarding the garbage issue in her locality?
a) The Councillor was directly responsible for garbage collection.
b) As an elected representative, the Councillor could address their concerns.
c) She believed the Councillor had personal resources to clean the area.
d) The Councillor had expertise in waste management.
Answer: b) As an elected representative, the Councillor could address their concerns.
Explanation: Gangabai approached the Ward Councillor because, as an elected representative, he had the authority and responsibility to address the concerns of his constituents. The Councillor could facilitate meetings with relevant officials and push for action to resolve the garbage collection issue.
Q13. How often are elections held for the Municipal Corporation?
a) Every 2 years
b) Every 3 years
c) Every 4 years
d) Every 5 years
Answer: d) Every 5 years
Explanation: Elections for the Municipal Corporation are typically held once every five years. During these elections, citizens vote to elect their Ward Councillors who represent them in the Municipal Corporation.
Q14. Which department did Yasmin Khala work in at the Municipal Corporation?
a) The health department
b) The education department
c) The sanitation department
d) The transportation department
Answer: c) The sanitation department
Explanation: Yasmin Khala worked in the sanitation department of the Municipal Corporation, specifically handling accounts. Her role was related to the financial aspects of sanitation services in the city.
Q15. What led to the plague scare in Surat in 1994?
a) A natural disaster
b) Poor garbage management and unclean conditions
c) An industrial accident
d) A water supply contamination
Answer: b) Poor garbage management and unclean conditions
Explanation: The plague scare in Surat in 1994 was primarily caused by poor garbage management and unclean conditions in the city. Inadequate garbage collection and improper disposal of waste led to unsanitary conditions, contributing to the outbreak of the plague.
Q16. What role does the ‘kabadi wallah’ play in urban waste management?
a) Providing security services
b) Recycling paper, metal, glass, and plastic
c) Building and maintaining roads
d) Educating children in schools
Answer: b) Recycling paper, metal, glass, and plastic
Explanation: The ‘kabadi wallah’ plays a significant role in the recycling of materials like paper, metal, glass, and plastic in urban areas. They collect these materials from households and businesses, contributing to the recycling process and waste management.
Q17. What was the main concern of the women who protested led by Gangabai?
a) The lack of educational facilities
b) Inadequate garbage collection services
c) Insufficient water supply
d) Poor road conditions
Answer: b) Inadequate garbage collection services
Explanation: The main concern of the women who protested under Gangabai’s leadership was the inadequate garbage collection services in their locality. This issue led to unclean conditions, which they wanted to be addressed by the Municipal Corporation.
Q18. What is one of the implications of subcontracting garbage collection to private companies?
a) Increased efficiency in garbage collection
b) Higher pay for workers
c) Less safety measures for workers
d) Improved recycling processes
Answer: c) Less safety measures for workers
Explanation: One of the implications of subcontracting garbage collection to private companies is often a reduction in safety measures for workers. These contract workers usually receive less pay and have less access to safety measures compared to when the work was done by government employees.
Q19. What is the main function of a property tax?
a) To fund educational institutions
b) To pay for national defense
c) To support urban development and services
d) To subsidize healthcare costs
Answer: c) To support urban development and services
Explanation: Property tax is primarily levied to support urban development and services. It is a significant source of revenue for Municipal Corporations, used to fund various public services and infrastructure projects in the city.
Q20. What triggered the children’s visit to Yasmin Khala in the chapter?
a) A school assignment on urban administration
b) Breaking a street light while playing cricket
c) Needing help with a community project
d) Inquiry about starting a neighborhood garden
Answer: b) Breaking a street light while playing cricket
Explanation: The children visited Yasmin Khala after they accidentally broke a street light while playing cricket. They sought her advice as she had experience working in the Municipal Corporation, to understand what to do next.
Q21. What did Gangabai suggest when the local women were unhappy about garbage collection?
a) Writing a letter to the newspaper
b) Protesting in front of the Ward Councillor’s house
c) Starting a community cleanup drive
d) Petitioning the state government
Answer: b) Protesting in front of the Ward Councillor’s house
Explanation: Gangabai suggested that the local women should protest in front of the Ward Councillor’s house. She recognized that as an elected representative, the Ward Councillor had the responsibility to address the concerns of his constituents about inadequate garbage collection.
Q22. How does the Municipal Corporation’s decision-making process typically work?
a) Decisions are made unilaterally by the Mayor.
b) Ward Councillors meet to make a budget and plan expenditures.
c) Citizens vote on major decisions in public referendums.
d) Decisions are dictated by the state government.
Answer: b) Ward Councillors meet to make a budget and plan expenditures.
Explanation: In the Municipal Corporation, the decision-making process involves Ward Councillors meeting to discuss and create a budget, and then planning expenditures accordingly. This process ensures that the specific needs and demands of various wards are considered and addressed.
Q23. Why did Yasmin Khala’s city have a better sanitation service after a larger protest?
a) The residents hired a private company for sanitation.
b) The city received a special grant from the government.
c) The Municipal Corporation responded to the increased public pressure.
d) A new technology for waste management was introduced.
Answer: c) The Municipal Corporation responded to the increased public pressure.
Explanation: The sanitation service in Yasmin Khala’s city improved after a larger and more vocal protest by the residents. This public pressure compelled the Municipal Corporation to take the issue more seriously and address the inadequate sanitation services more effectively.
Q24. What is the significance of the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ launched by the Government of India?
a) It focuses on promoting rural healthcare.
b) It aims to enhance national security.
c) It is targeted at promoting cleanliness across the nation.
d) It is an initiative to boost tourism.
Answer: c) It is targeted at promoting cleanliness across the nation.
Explanation: The ‘Swachh Bharat Mission,’ launched by the Government of India, is a national campaign aimed at promoting cleanliness in both rural and urban areas throughout the country. This initiative focuses on improving sanitation and hygiene practices to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
Q25. Why are property taxes higher for larger houses?
a) To fund national infrastructure projects
b) As a penalty for excessive land usage
c) To subsidize public transportation
d) Based on the principle that larger properties use more city services
Answer: d) Based on the principle that larger properties use more city services
Explanation: Property taxes are generally higher for larger houses because it is assumed that larger properties utilize more city services. This progressive tax structure helps in more equitably distributing the cost of maintaining urban infrastructure and services.
Q26. What happens when problems are specific to a ward in a city?
a) They are handled by the central government.
b) Residents must solve them independently.
c) The local Ward Councillor addresses these issues.
d) They are ignored unless they affect the entire city.
Answer: c) The local Ward Councillor addresses these issues.
Explanation: When problems are specific to a ward in a city, they are typically addressed by the local Ward Councillor. These elected representatives are responsible for ensuring that the concerns and issues of their constituents are resolved.
Q27. What was the outcome when Gangabai and other women met with the Commissioner?
a) Immediate resolution of the garbage collection issue
b) A promise of future action without immediate results
c) Refusal to acknowledge the problem
d) Delegation of the issue to a higher authority
Answer: b) A promise of future action without immediate results
Explanation: When Gangabai and the other women met with the Commissioner, they were given promises of future action regarding the garbage collection issue. However, immediate results were not seen, leading to the need for further protests to ensure that the promises were fulfilled.
Q28. What is the role of the Ward Councillor in relation to local issues like dangerous electrical wires?
a) Repairing the wires themselves
b) Ignoring the issue as it is outside their scope
c) Facilitating contact with the relevant authority
d) Directly funding the repairs
Answer: c) Facilitating contact with the relevant authority
Explanation: The role of the Ward Councillor in dealing with local issues such as dangerous electrical wires is to help residents get in touch with the relevant authority, like the electricity department. The Councillor acts as a bridge between the community and the municipal services.
Q29. What are the tasks typically managed by the Municipal Corporation?
a) Foreign diplomacy and defense
b) Urban planning, sanitation, and public services
c) State-level education policies
d) National budget and taxation
Answer: b) Urban planning, sanitation, and public services
Explanation: The Municipal Corporation is responsible for various tasks related to urban planning, sanitation, and providing public services like garbage collection, street lighting, water supply, and maintaining public facilities such as parks and hospitals.
Q30. What prompted the Municipal Corporation to clean up the city of Surat?
a) A directive from the United Nations
b) The threat of a plague due to unclean conditions
c) An international sports event
d) A new city mayor’s policy
Answer: b) The threat of a plague due to unclean conditions
Explanation: The Municipal Corporation undertook a major cleanup of the city of Surat following the threat of a plague, which was caused by poor garbage management and unclean conditions. This public health crisis prompted the authorities to take immediate and effective action to clean up the city.
Q31. What is a significant issue faced by contract workers in garbage collection after the privatization of this service?
a) Increased job security
b) Higher salaries and benefits
c) Lack of access to safety measures and lower wages
d) More flexible working hours
Answer: c) Lack of access to safety measures and lower wages
Explanation: After the privatization of garbage collection services, a significant issue faced by contract workers is the lack of access to safety measures and lower wages. This shift often leads to less favorable working conditions compared to when these services were managed by government employees.
Q32. How is the decision on the allocation of funds for different city projects determined in the Municipal Corporation?
a) Through public voting
b) By the state governor
c) Based on recommendations from the national government
d) By the Ward Councillors during budget meetings
Answer: d) By the Ward Councillors during budget meetings
Explanation: The allocation of funds for different city projects is determined by the Ward Councillors during budget meetings. These meetings involve discussions and planning regarding the expenditure for various city-level projects and initiatives.
Q33. Which community role was highlighted in the chapter as being instrumental in recycling efforts?
a) The local police force
b) School teachers
c) ‘Kabadi wallahs’ or local recyclers
d) Municipal Corporation employees
Answer: c) ‘Kabadi wallahs’ or local recyclers
Explanation: ‘Kabadi wallahs’ or local recyclers were highlighted in the chapter as playing an instrumental role in recycling efforts. They contribute significantly to the recycling of materials like paper, metal, glass, and plastic by collecting them from households and businesses.
Q34. What was the reaction of the Ward Councillor when approached by Gangabai and other women regarding the garbage issue?
a) He immediately resolved the issue.
b) He advised them to contact the state government.
c) He promised to accompany them to meet the Commissioner.
d) He ignored their concerns.
Answer: c) He promised to accompany them to meet the Commissioner.
Explanation: When approached by Gangabai and other women about the garbage issue, the Ward Councillor promised to accompany them to meet the Municipal Commissioner. This shows his willingness to address the concerns of his constituents and facilitate communication with higher authorities.
Q35. What is the rationale behind the different tax rates for property taxes in the Municipal Corporation?
a) To promote tourism in the city
b) Based on the income level of the residents
c) As per the size and value of the property
d) To fund national-level projects
Answer: c) As per the size and value of the property
Explanation: Property taxes in the Municipal Corporation are determined based on the size and value of the property. Larger and more valuable properties typically incur higher taxes, reflecting their greater use of city services and infrastructure.
Q36. What impact did the Swachh Bharat Mission have on schools?
a) It led to a reduction in school funding.
b) It initiated activities to raise awareness about sanitation and hygiene.
c) It mandated the teaching of foreign languages.
d) It focused exclusively on improving sports facilities.
Answer: b) It initiated activities to raise awareness about sanitation and hygiene.
Explanation: The Swachh Bharat Mission had a significant impact on schools by initiating activities to generate awareness among students about sanitation and hygiene. This campaign, under the broader umbrella of promoting cleanliness nationwide, emphasized the importance of maintaining hygienic practices in daily life.