Shubharambha Social studies-10, 2078

Approved by Government of Nepal, Ministry of Education, Curriculum Development Center(CDC),
Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal

SOCIAL STUDIES

Grade
10

Authors

Dhan Kumar Shrestha
Yogendra Kurumbang

Rajan Chauguthi
Mangleswor Dhonju

Pramod Subedi
Bharat Chand

Editor

Balaram Bhandari (Raju)

SOCIAL STUDIES

Grade - 10

Published by:
Shubharambha Publication Pvt. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Edition:
First : 2074 B.S.
Second : 2075
Revised and Updated : 2077, 2078
Layout:
Zeeta Computer Service Pvt.Ltd.
Ghantaghar, Kathmandu, Ph:9841418545, 01-4263459
©Copyright: Publisher
ISBN: 978-9937-579-83-4

Printed in Nepal

Preface

The series SOCIAL STUDIES is a set of ten books for students of Classes 1 to 10. It strictly follows
the standard laid by the latest school level curriculum issued by Curriculum Development Centre
(CDC). This innovative series leads the students step by step towards an understanding of
themselves, their homes, families and their environment. This knowledge, in turn, leads them
to understand the role they have to play in this rapidly changing and ever-shrinking world. The
Social Studies Book 10 pursues the learner-centered and activity-based approach. The current
curriculum has set specific expectations for class 10 students' achievement in the disciplines
of civics, economics, geography, history and culture. As required by the CDC, the textbook
meets the standard of academic knowledge and skills that prepare students for postsecondary
education, work, and civic life in the 21st century. In order to meet this vision, the textbook
aims to help students to understand the facts, concepts, principles and perspectives that shape
the social studies disciplines.

In the present curriculum, a remarkable number of topics, notably financial education,
cooperatives, life insurance, consumer rights, federalism, contemporary political history,
cultural studies, and modern map technologies have been included. Students need deep
knowledge of this information in order to make sense of their world. In addition to mastering
a body of knowledge, students must be able to apply their understanding to complex situations
and contexts, some of which are yet to be envisioned. To prepare for these future challenges,
the textbook includes learner-centered activities that require students to think critically about
important issues and communicate their findings, and engage in the processes of problem
solving and discipline-based inquiry. We have also tried to address the need of the local
traditions, interest and school priorities.

As responsible citizenship is the ultimate goal of the present curriculum, the textbook assists
students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenge of an ever-changing
world. Emphasis has been placed on knowledge, understanding, application and attitudes
useful for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. As well, students are encouraged to
incorporate the classroom learning with their immediate social, cultural, economic and political
environment.

Each book in the series is supplemented with captivating photographs and illustrations to add
visual stimulus and to draw learners' curiosity in the topic. The Word Meaning section provides
simplified explanation of difficult words used in the text. The Points to Remember summarizes
important points in the lesson for easy recapitulation. A set of activities which include very
short, short, long and community work has been provided after each chapter so as to help
students practise and evaluate their understanding of the topics.

We are thankful to all the teachers across the country who helped us with their materials,
suggestions, comments and feedback in the course of preparing this textbook. We will be
grateful for any constructive suggestions for further improvement of this textbook.

Authors



Contents 7
8
Unit 1 We and Our Society 15
1. Concept of Human Resource Development and the Status of Nepal 20
2. Human Development Index 28
3. Concept of Regional Development and Federalism 36
4. Provinces of Nepal 37
Unit 2 Development and Infrastructures of Development 42
1. Sustainable Development 48
2. Current Development Projects in Nepal 53
3. Infrastructures of Development: Skilled Manpower and Employment 58
4. Goals of Contemporary Development and Nepal 62
5. Formulation of Development Proposal at Local Level 63
Unit 3 Our Traditions, Social Values and Norms 71
1. Our National Heritages 76
2. Folk Songs of Nepal 81
3. Folk Musical Instruments of Nepal 84
4. Our Folk and Classical Dances 88
5. Our National Days: Our Pride 94
6. International Personalities 98
7. Universal Brotherhood 101
8. Responsibilities towards Senior Citizens 102
Unit 4 Social Problems and Solutions 108
1. Our Social Problems 112
2. Domestic Violence and Untouchability 116
3. Bad Social Practices 119
4. Roles of International Organizations to Solve Social Problems 122
5. Some Other International Organizations 126
6. Identification of Social Problems and the Skills to Solve them 127
Unit 5 Civic Sense 134
1. Legislature 139
2. Executive 145
3. Judiciary 151
4. Constitutional Bodies 155
5. Other Constitutional Commissions 160
6. Political Parties 165
7. Election Process 168
8. Roles of Citizen in Election 175
9. Human Rights and National and International Organizations 179
10. Rights of Women and Indigenous Nationalities 183
11. Identity of Citizen and Citizenship 184
Unit 6 Geographical Studies 189
1. Factors Affecting Climate 195
2. Tropical Zone 199
3. Life in Tropical Zone 204
4. Temperate Zone 208
5. Life in Temperate Zone
6. Polar Zone

7. Activities in Polar region 212

8. Plants and Animals in the World 214

9. Effects of Climate and Topography on Human Life 217

10. North America 220

11. Socio-Economic Activities in North America 225

12. South America 227

13. Socio-Economic Activities of South America 232

14. Africa 234

15. Social and Economic Activities in Africa 237

16. North America, South America, Africa and Nepal 240

17. Natural Disaster: Earthquake and Tsunami 242

18. Methods of Drawing Maps and Modern Map Technology 247

19. Map Work 251

Unit 7 Historical Studies 254

1. Revolution of 2007 and Delhi Agreement 255

2. A Decade of Democratic Politics 2007-2017 260

3. Abduction of Democracy and Ban on Political Parties 265

4. Historical Events from 2017 B.S to 2046 B.S 268

5. Causes of the Rise and Fall of Panchayat System 275

6. Political Events From 2046 BS - 2062 BS 278

7. Political Events from 2062/063 to till Date 282

8. Economic and Social Effects after Mass Movement II 289

9. Causes of the World War I 292

10. Consequences of the World War I 297

11. Causes of World War II and the Role of Nepal 300

12. Consequences of World War II and the Role of Nepal 305

13. Identification, Conservation and Promotion of Historical Places and Monuments 311

Unit 8 Our Economic Activities 315

1. Development Plans and Current Development Plan in Nepal 316

2. Tourism Industry and Its Prospects in Nepal 323

3. Advantages and Challenges of Tourism Industry in Nepal 331

4. Hydropower as Important Source of Energy 336

5. Foreign Employment and Its Prospects in Nepal 340

6. Financial Education 347

7. Financial Instruments 354

8. Cooperatives in Nepal 358

9. Insurance in Nepal 363

10. Revenue and Taxation in Nepal 368

11. Consumers Rights 376

Unit 9 Our International Relations and Cooperation 381

1. United Nations Organization and its Organs 382

2. Specialized Agencies of the UNO 389

3. Roles of Nepal in the UNO 394

4. Activities of the UNO in Nepal 398

5. Contemporary Global Issues and their Impacts on Human Life 403

6. Concept of Localization and Globalization 410

SEE Model Question 416

Appendices 418

6 Social Studies Book 10

UNIT

1 We and Our Society

You will learn the following subjects in this unit: 7
• Concept of Human Resource Development and the Status of Nepal
• Human Development Index
• Concept of Regional Development and Federalism
• Provinces of Nepal

Social Studies Book 10

Lesson 1 Concept of Human Resource
Development and the Status

of Nepal

Human Resource

Human resources are the set of individuals who make up
the workforce of the nation. Every individual is the resource
of the nation. There are two types of resources i.e. natural
resources and human resource. Natural resources are the
free gifts of nature. We can use them for our benefit. On the
other hand, we need manpower to utilize these resources.
They are considered the greatest assets of a nation. Human
beings are the ones who actually mobilize other resources
for the benefit of human beings and the environment. The
progress or the downfall of a nation entirely depends on
how competent its people are. Hence, people are important
resource of a country. Other resources remain inactive unless Doctor

there are competent people to utilize the available resources
for the production of goods and services.  Human brain has a limitless energy to think and
act in a productive way. Hence, competent and qualified human resource is a key factor of
organizational success. In this regard, the emergence of human resource development (HRD)
plays a vital role in enhancing the entrepreneurial skill of people.

Development of Human Resource

Human resource is a means of country’s development. However, the country needs to have
skilled and competent human resource. Human resource Development is the framework
for helping workers develop their personal and organizational skills, potential, knowledge
and abilities. Each organization has its organizational goals. Similarly, a country has certain
resources to be utilized fullest of their potential for the progress and prosperity. They require
competent manpower to meet their target goal. Thus, they provide the individuals with
necessary skills, knowledge to meet the current and future job demands more effectively and
efficiently.

Human resource development is a process of developing skills, competence, knowledge and
attitudes of people in an organized way. The people become human resource only when they
are competent to perform organizational activities. Therefore, human resource development
ensures that the organization has such competent human resource to achieve its desired
goals and objectives. It imparts the required knowledge and skill in them through effective
arrangement of trainings and development programs.

8 Social Studies Book 10

According to  Leonard Nadler,  "Human resource development is a series of organized
activities, conducted within a specialized time and designed to produce behavioural
changes." Hence, it includes such opportunities as employee training, employee career
development, performance management and development, coaching, mentoring, succession
planning, key employee identification,  tuition assistance and organization development.
The focus of all aspects of human resource development is on developing the most superior
workforce so that the organization and individual employees can accomplish their work in
satisfactory manner.
A country or an organization plans to develop needy skills in their people or employees
through trainings or guidance. Development of human resource does not only help meet the
target goal of an organization or a country, but it also promotes quality of people's life in the
nation.

Skilled Human Resource

The people possess different levels of skills and attitude to do any work. Some of them can
accomplish the work assigned in a successful manner whereas others cannot. The people who
are able and skilled to utilize the resources for the benefit of people and society are skilled
human resource. Every country requires skilled people like doctors, engineers, lawyers, pilots,
teachers, nurses, administrators, plumbers, carpenters, masons, farmers, businessmen, etc. to
carry out the development activities in the country.

Human resource can be classified into three categories i.e. skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled.
Unskilled people do not possess good skills for the particular work, however they also have
an important role in the country’s development. General labourers fall into this category. The
people who have low level of knowledge and skill to do certain work are semi-skilled human
resource. Similarly, skilled human resource has the high level of knowledge and skill in the
particular work or field.

All the human resources mentioned above are important for a country. Semi-skilled human
resource is also called short-term human resource. They can help the country and the people
solve the short term needs. They are provided trainings and other related programmes to
improve the quality of their work. Data collectors, trained farmers, plumber, community
health workers, electricians, etc. fall into this category. Skilled human resource is produced
through academic programmes. Their service has long term effect of the nation. They are able
to combat the long term problem of the country. Stable human resource once produced can
work effectively throughout their life. Teachers, doctors, etc. come under the stable human
resource. Universities constantly produce such human resources. Since the country has to
work for a long time for the establishment of industries, technological advancement and
operation of big projects, the country must work with needy preparations. The country has to
invest a lot too. Hence, the country should carry out the works of producing long term human
resource and generating employment opportunities together.
9
Social Studies Book 10

Human Resource Management

Human resource management is the process of recruitment, selecting employee, providing
orientation and induction, training and the development, evaluation of employee, providing
compensation and benefits, motivating, maintaining proper relations with labour and with
trade unions, maintaining employees safety, welfare and healthy measures  by complying with
labour laws of the land. Altogether, human resource management is the process of proper and
maximum utilization of available limited skilled workforce. The core purpose of the human
resource management is to make efficient use of existing human resource in the organization. 

For any organization to function effectively, it must have resource of human, money,
materials and machinery. The resources by themselves cannot fulfill the objectives of an
organization, they need to be collected, coordinated and utilized through human resources.
A school is also an organization. How effective is the teaching learning process in a school
depends on how the human resource there has been managed. It is the place to form the
foundation of human resource of a country for future. Hence, the school should be careful
while recruiting a teacher and other staff. They should be provided with needy trainings
and orientations. There should be good provision of monitoring and evaluation of their
work. There must be good harmonious environment among the co-workers. The effective
management of human resources is vital for a school to gain the target academic goal.
Hence, human resource management has emerged as a major function in organizations.
Human Resource management includes:

"" conducting job analyses
"" planning personnel needs, and recruitment
"" selecting the right people for the job
"" orienting and training
"" determining and managing wages and salaries
"" providing benefits and incentives
"" evaluating performance
"" resolving disputes
"" communicating with all employees at all levels
"" maintaining awareness of and fulfillment with local, state and federal labor laws

Importance of Human Resource Development

We need to work for the development of the human resource as per the change in external
environment of the organization. Hence, human resource development helps to adapt such
changes through the development of existing human resource in terms of skill and knowledge.

The importance or significance of HRD can be explained as follows:

a. It develops the skills and knowledge of individual.
b. It helps to grasp the career development  opportunities  through development of

human skills and knowledge. 

10 Social Studies Book 10

c. It enhances the competence of employees so that they will be committed towards
their jobs.

d. It inspires them for better performance, which ultimately leads to job satisfaction.
e. It helps to bring change in the management system through planned activities and

improved labour management relation.
f. It helps employees get trainings matching their work place and nature.
g. It enables employees to contribute for better performance in an organization. This

leads to greater organizational effectiveness.

Procedure of Human Resource Development

Human resource development is a continuous process. We have to take some procedures
into consideration while developing the human resource. They are: preparation of human
resource planning, analysis of current workforce, estimation of the need of workforce in
future, promotion of employment programmes, development of training programmes, etc.

First, the goals and objectives of the organization are determined during the process of human
resource development. Procedure of human resource development is the act of preparing
manpower to achieve the target goal in successful and effective manner. Human resource
development plan is prepared with future organizational structure and recruitment plan.
Moreover, the analysis of the nature of the organization, types of employment there, number
of employees and their quality is mandatory. Internal progress of the organization and the
work process are given preference in this step. Furthermore, capacity building plans are made
and implemented effectively.
Decisions are made regarding the number and quality of manpower required for the
organization. Then the organization studies the trend of skilled manpower development,
workload, other aspects of the organization and the required budget. Human nature and will
is dynamic. Everyone wants to get new and more convenient work opportunities. Hence, top
priority is given to generate multiple work opportunities. Similarly, there must be provision
of trainings and reinforcement programmes. Moreover, each organization should provide
required trainings to the workers before joining so as to enable them to perform the duty well.

Human Resource Development in Nepal: Challenges and Way Forward

Unemployment increases due to the lack of employment opportunities in the country.
Unemployment is the root cause of brain drain. Skilled, semi-skilled, energetic, and
constructive young workforce flee to other countries seeking better employment
opportunities. This process is human capital flight. Consequently, the country lacks needy
workforce. Similarly, the management of human resource becomes difficult because of the
lack of available workforce and the requirement of workforce in the country. Our government
should work hard to produce skilled human resource so as to develop the infrastructures
like education, health, tourism, etc. Despite the efforts made to develop human resource,

Social Studies Book 10 11

the programmes have not been ably taken to the rural population, women, dalits, disabled
and other backward communities and blocks. It has become the urgent need of the country
to concentrate on generating the skilled human resource as per the need of national and
international labour markets. There should be qualitative and quantitative development of
human resource as per the need of time and situation.
Nepal lacks concrete plans and policies for the human resource development. Therefore,
we have not been able to mobilize available potential human resource for the country’s
development. We must work to discourage our youngsters to go to foreign countries. For
this, generating employment opportunity within the country is a must. Our country has the
following hindrances for the development of human resource.

a. Sudden political change and unstable government
b. Lack of commitment
c. Lack of proper vision and strategy
d. Lack of technical and vocational institutions
e. Increasing attraction towards foreign employment
f. Lack of awareness about opportunities and scopes
g. Ignorance of the government and people
Nepal should work with these long term vision so as to overcome the above mentioned
challenges.
a. To produce the skilled human resource who are able to compete in the national and

international labour markets.
b. To maintain balance between demand and supply of skilled human resource.
c. To focus on technical education and vocational training that can create self-

employment and employment opportunities.
d. To conduct integrated programmes for the development of skilled human resource.
e. To build up the capacity of the authorities related to the human resource

development.
f. To prepare the policies for the development of human resource and implement

them effectively.
g. To organize leadership development programmes for all the youths.
h. To maintain balance between available employment opportunities and the

manpower produced from the educational institutions.
i. To build up the capacity of target population.
j. To change the system of education.

12 Social Studies Book 10

Word Meaning

• Access : approach

• Entrepreneurial : of enterprise, industry

• Induction : stimulation

• Competent : capable, skilled

• Mentoring : guiding, advising

• combat : fight

• complying : fulfilling, conforming

• core : main, central

• monitoring : supervising, examining

• committed : dedicated, devoted

• mandatory : compulsory, obligatory

• Pitch : tilt, incline

• Successive : coming one after another

Points to Remember:

"" There are two types of resources i.e. natural resources and human resource.
"" A country or an organization plans to develop needy skills in their people or

employees through trainings or guidance.
"" Other resources remain inactive unless there are competent people to utilize the

available resources. 
"" Human resource development is the framework for helping workers develop their

personal and organizational skills, potential, knowledge and abilities.
"" Human resource can be classified into three categories i.e. skilled, semi-skilled and

unskilled.
"" Human resource management is the process of proper and maximum utilization

of available limited skilled workforce.
"" How effective is the teaching learning process in a school depends on how the

human resource there has been managed.
"" Human resource development is a continuous process.
"" Unemployment increases due to the lack of employment opportunities in the

country.
"" The programme of human resource development makes people skillful,

industrious, creative and enterprising.
"" Nepal needs to enhance skills in health, nutrition, water, sanitation, science and

technology sectors.

Social Studies Book 10 13

Activities

1. Very short answer questions:

a. What do you understand by human resource?
b. What is human resource development?
c. W hat is human resource management?
d. W hat do you mean by means and resources?
e. W ho are skilled human resources?
f. W hat type of human resource is the urgent need of Nepal? Give your opinion in

a sentence.
g. S uggest a way to produce skilled human resource in your school.
h. If you were the principal of your school, how would you make a good human

resource management there? Write in a sentence.

2. Short answer questions:

a. Why does a country need skilled human resource? Explain.
b. Show the differences between human resource development and human resource

management.
c. Why do many skilled people of Nepal go for foreign employment? Give reasons.
d. What has our government done for human resource development in the country?

Discuss.
e. How does human resource development help for a country's development?
f. Imagine you are the prime minister of Nepal. What plans would you make for

human resource development so that Nepal can be like other developed countries
of the world? Make a list of them.
g. What challenges may a country face while working for human resource
development? Explain.
h. Nepal should work with long term vision to overcome the challenges of human
resource development. Justify this statement with some possible ways.
i. What kind of human resource plan should your school make in order to improve
the quality of education. Make a list of them.
j. If you were a member of National Planning Commission, what programmes
would you bring for the human resource development in Nepal?

Community work:

Visit your community and make a list of the number of people and their profession.
How is the interrelationship between human resource and employment? Identify the
area or sector that lacks enough human resource. Prepare a report and present it before
your class.

14 Social Studies Book 10

2 Human

Lesson Development Index

Human Development Index (HDI) is a number between 0 and 1 that is calculated on the basis
of life expectancy, literacy rate and per capita income. HDI provides a composite measure of
three vital socio-economic aspects of human condition i.e. health condition of the people,
educational level and economic condition. Hence, it is an index used to study the state of
human development in a country.
HDI of SAARC Countries, 2019

Countries HDI Rank Countries HDI Rank

Sri Lanka 0.78 71 Bangladesh 0.614 135

Maldives 0.719 104 Nepal 0.579 147

India 0.647 134 Pakistan 0.56 152

Bhutan 0.617 134 Afghanistan 0.496 170

List of the Countries Having Highest and Lowest HDI

Countries HDI Rank Countries HDI Rank
(Highest) (Lowest)

Norway 0.954 1 Burundi 0.423 185

Switzerland 0.946 2 South Sudan 0.413 186

Ireland 0.942 3 Chad 0.401 187

Hongkong 0.939 4 Central African Republic 0.381 188

Australia 0.938 5 Niger 0.377 189

Purposes of Measuring HDI

The HDI is always expressed in numnber between 0 to 1 where 0 denotes the lowest status of
development and 1 is the highest. It is unitless.
HDI is a mirror that reflects the actual state or condition of human resource development of
a country. Comparative study of HDI shows the picture of progress or downfall of a country.
There are some purposes of measuring HDI. They are listed below.

a. It helps to know the effectiveness of previous economic planning and take necessary
steps on the days ahead.

b. It helps to compare a country with other countries.
c. It helps us know about the changes needed to make from year to year.
d. It is necessary to set goals of our development programmes.

Social Studies Book 10 15

Limitations of Human Development Index

a. Wide difference within countries. For example, countries like China and Kenya
have widely different HDI scores depending on the region in question. (e.g. north
China poorer than south east China)

b. HDI reflects long-term changes (e.g. life expectancy) and may not respond to recent
short-term changes.

c. Higher National wealth GNI may not necessarily increase economic welfare; it
depends on how it is spent.

d. Also higher GNI per capita may hide widespread inequality within a country. Some
countries with higher real GNI per capita have high levels of inequality (e.g. Russia,
Saudi Arabia)

Present Status of Nepal

Nepal’s ranking in the global Human Development Index (HDI) is 147 with a score 0.579.
Nepal has to do these things to increase its HDI in upcoming years.

a. Nepal should increase investments in its education sector.
b. Nepal should focus on raising its per capita income.
c. Human development disparity among men and women should be reduced.
d. Health facilities should be made more accessible.

Methods of Calculating HDI

HDI is essentially a summary measurement of basic achievement levels of fundamental
dimensions of human development. The computed HDI of a country is a geometric
mean of normalized indexes of each of the life aspects that are examined- knowledge and
understanding, a long and healthy life and an acceptable standard of living.

The health aspect of the HDI is measured by the life expectancy, as calculated at time of birth,
in each country. Education is measured on two levels: the mean years of schooling of residents
of a country and the expected years of schooling that a child has at the average age for starting
school. The metric chosen to represent standard of living is GNI per capita income.

We can calculate HDI following these steps.

Formula of HDI In (Given country's) – In (World Lowest)
In (World Highest) – In (World Lowest)
Per Capita Income (Value 1)=

Life Expectancy (Value 2) = Given country's –World's Lowest
World Highest – World Lowest
Given Country's MSY
Educational Index = 15 + Given Country's ESY
18
2
HDI = 3 Value 1 × Value 2 × Value 3

Where, In = Natural log

16 Social Studies Book 10

MSY = mean Schooling Year

ESY = Expected Schooling Year

Calculation of HDI of Nepal for 2019

Value 1 = In (2748 USD) – In (100 USD) = 0.500
In (75000 USD) – In (100 USD)

Value 2 = 70.5 years – 20 years = 0.776
85 years – 20 years

Value 3 = 4.9 years + 12.2 years = 0.502
15 18
2
HDI = 3 0.500 × 0.776 × 0.502

= 3 0.194776

= 0.579

\ The HDI of Nepal for 2019 is 0.579.

Word Meaning

• Composite : combined
• Computed : figured out
• Index : an indicator or measure of average achievement
• Welfare : wellbeing, benefit
• disparity : difference, inequality
• accessible : available, easy to get

Points to Remember:

"" Comparative study of HDI shows the picture of the progress of a country.
"" Nepal ranked 147th in HDI in 2019, with a score of 0.579.
"" Human development in a country can be measured by calculating it Human Development

Index.
"" HDI is calculated on the basis of life expectancy, literacy rate and per capita income of a

country.
"" HDI of a country reflects the actual state of human resource development of a country.
"" Nepal can increase its HDI in coming years by increasing investments in its education

sector, raising its per capita income, reducing disparity between men and women in terms
of their development and ensuring better health facilities to its people.

Social Studies Book 10 17

Activities

1. Very short answer questions:

a. What is HDI?
b. How is HDI calculated?
c. Which three social aspects of a country does HDI measure?
d. What is the HDI of Nepal in 2015?
e. Suggest a way to raise the HDI of Nepal.

2. Short answer questions:

a. Interpret the following table.

Countries HDI
Norway 0.954

Niger 0.377
Switzerland 0.946

Ireland 0.938

Burundi 0.423

b. Why is HDI calculated? Give reasons.

c. What are the limitations of HDI?

d. Nepal’s ranking in the global Human Development Index (HDI) indicates slight
improvement. However it is not satisfactory. Give some suggestions to improve
the wellbeing and basic education attainment of Nepalese.

e. Collect the following information and calculate the HDI of a country.

i. Life expectancy of the country = 74 years

ii. World’s highest life expectancy = 85 years years.

iii. World’s lowest life expectancy = 20 years.

iv. World’s highest per capita income = 75,000 US dollar.

v. World’s lowest per capita income = 100 US dollar.

vi. Per capita income of the country = 3000 Us Dollar

vii. Mean Schooling year (MSY) of the country = 4.8 years

viii. Expected Schooling Year (ESY) of the country = 15.8 years.

18 Social Studies Book 10

3. Community Work

Collect the data of the students of your class on the basis of the topics given in the table below.
Discuss with your partners and determine the marks given to each of them. Then prepare the
order of human development index.

Name of students
Number of months a family can feed
with their home produce
Number of times health checked in
a year
Number of clothes bought this year
Number of rooms for each individual
Literacy rate
Condition of drinking water and
sanitation
Average monthly income
Death rate of children under 5 years
Average life expectancy

Social Studies Book 10 19

3 Concept of Regional
Development and
Lesson Federalism

Development

Development is the dynamic process of change. It helps pave the way to people's progress
and comfort in their life not only at present but in the future as well. The ultimate aim of
development is to raise the living standard of the people and help them live a satisfied and
successful life. It enhances the virtues of self-reliance and capabilities among the people.
Human beings are the main agents of development because they can lead the country to
the desired direction. Hence, human resource development plays important role in the
development of a country.

There are two types of resources. They are natural resources and human resource. Rivers,
land, forests, mountains, mineral, etc. are the natural resources. Skilled manpower, training,
technology, etc. fall under human resource. There are different forms of development.
Development includes different sectors like rural, community, urban, human resource,
economic progress, educational improvement, health progress, environmental conservation,
administrative reform, etc. In other words, bringing positive change in each sector for the
comfort and progress of human life is development.

The ultimate aim of development is to fulfill the human needs and requirements. Development
symbolizes the upliftment of people’s economic and social status. A country needs to carry
out development activities for its overall progress. Development brings improvements in
country’s various sectors like physical, human, social, economic and cultural aspects. Hence,
development is said to be closely associated with the satisfaction of people’s needs and desires.

The following aspects are included under the concept of development.

a. economic, social, political and cultural development
b. increase in the productions of goods and services
c. addressing people’s demand in effective and goal oriented manner
d. equality and freedom
e. movement from traditional belief to modern
f. effective use of social norms and beliefs
g. socio-economic progress
h. poverty elimination
i. development of the feeling of dignity
Development activities must be planned and environmental friendly. Such works come
under the principle of sustainable development. It is very beneficial for us because it helps
in the environmental conservation and the satisfaction of human needs and requirements.

20 Social Studies Book 10

Moreover, man-made development works help us fulfill our basic needs like food, cloth,
shelter, education, health, security, etc. Similarly, it ensures good human rights condition.
People can enjoy them with no hindrances so that the all round prosperity of every individual
will be possible. Everyone in the nation can live with dignity and self-respect. Eventually, the
societies and the whole nation will move forward to development.

Social needs and the development are closely related. A nation may have several regional
problems. Different development plans should be made and implemented effectively to
overcome the possible obstacles. Technological advancement, availability of modern goods,
tools and equipment, development of medias, advertisements, change seeking attitude
of human beings, social relation, etc. have enormously increased peoples' demands and
requirements. Hence, to address the people’s will, aspiration, needs and demands living in
all parts of the country, the concept of regional development was born. It is possible only by
transferring the authorities or powers to the local bodies so that they can mobilize available
resources in their best interest. This process is called decentralization.

Concept of Regional Development in Nepal

Nepal practised the unitary system of government for a long time in its history. Late King
Mahendra divided Nepal into 14 zones and 75 districts on 1st Baishakh 2018 B.S. There was
not proportionate development in Nepal. Terai region is more developed than the Hilly and
the Himalayan regions. There was a big gap between Terai and Himalayan regions in term
of development. Later came the idea of bringing the people in the mainstream of the state
through decentralization. Consequently, the concept of regional development came into
being. Nepal was divided into four development regions: Eastern, Central, Western and Far-
Western in 2029 BS. Later in 2037 BS, Far Western Development Region was further divided
into Mid Western Development Region and Far Western Development Region. This political
division was made with the view of making administrative works more efficient and effective
in the country.

Distribution of resources was given prime importance while dividing the country into
development regions. Each development region extended from plain land of terai to the
high mountains in the Himalayan region. Similarly, there was very good distribution of
soil, forest and water resources. All of them had very good prospects of development. There
existed diversity of culture and tradition. The main goal of creating development regions was
for smooth and efficient administration, decentralization of state power and utilization of
country's resources.

Reason for the Division of Nepal into five Development Regions

Nepal was divided into five developmental regions due to the following reasons.

a. To provide cheap and speedy government services to the people at their doors
b. To carry out the administrative works effectively and efficiently in all parts of the

country
c. To ensure the maximum utilization of available resources
d. To make local people feel responsible in the development of their places

Social Studies Book 10 21

e. To check internal migration through regional balance

f. To promote people’s participation in national development

g. To promote social harmony and national unity

h. To practice the most democratic principle, decentralization

i. To formulate inclusive participation from all ethnic groups, socially marginal
communities, women, indigenous tribes, etc.

Though there were development regions, they were not autonomous bodies. The economic
plans for the country were prepared and enforced by only the central government formed in
the central level. Hence, it was a top-down approach. The sudden change in political system
and government had direct effects in the development activities of the country. Some more
reasons why expected goals were not achieved from development regions are listed below.

a. The development plans and programmes used to be prepared and implemented
from the central level.

b. The development regions were not given authority and autonomy to plan for
development and resource mobilization.

c. There were frequent changes in political system and government so that it was
difficult to carry out the development works efficiently.

d. The development regions were not given power to make laws and policies to
promote local language, culture, art and identities of the people.

Although the uneven topography, unfavorable climatic condition, infertile soil and
uneven distribution of population were the obstructions of reducing regional disparity in
development, they were somehow marching ahead in development optimizing the use of
resources. Universities have been established in various development regions with the aim
of bringing regional balance in term of education. However, some districts especially in Mid-
Western and Far-Western regions were still backward in term of transportation, education
and public awareness.

Federalism

The countries in the world have practiced
different systems of government.
Among them several countries around
the world like the USA, India, Canada,
Belgium, Spain, Australia, Ethiopia,
South Africa, etc. are practising federal
system of government. Federalism is the
system of dividing a country into various
federal units, which has dual system of
government: one at the centre and other
A Map of Nepal Showing Federal Division

at the provinces. It is a system based on
democratic rules and institutions in which the power to govern is shared between national

22 Social Studies Book 10

and provincial governments.
Federalism can be one element of decentralization. In federal systems, power is shared between
federal and state governments. But in unitary states, the country is governed as one single unit
in which the central government is supreme and the administrative divisions may exercise
only powers that their central government chooses to hand over. On the other hand, in federal
system each province has its own executive and legislative body. Hence the province is said
to be an autonomous body. The power of the country has been divided into these provinces.

Federalism in Nepal

Nepal practiced the unitary system of government for a long time in its history. Though there
were development regions, they were not autonomous bodies. The economic plans for the
country were prepared and enforced by only the central government formed in the central
level. Hence, those administrative units turned to be ineffective. The people sought more
power and space in the state administration and development activities. Consequently, people
demanded next administrative system, federalism in the second mass movement- 2062/063
B.S. Nepal became a federal democratic republic country on Jestha 15, 2065. Nepal now
has been divided into seven provinces. This division aims to make the optimum utilization
of resources, bring all people in the mainstream of the nation, end the existing social and
economic disparities, maintain regional balance etc. Nepal is not alone in the globe to adopt
federalism. Switzerland is divided into 19 cantons and 6 half cantons, the USA is divided into
50 states and India is divided into 29 states. A country can be divided into provinces according
to its history, ethnicity, language, regional diversity, geography, population, availability of
resources, economic ability, etc.

Need of Federalism in Nepal

Federalism was felt necessary in Nepal because of the following reasons.
a. Then concept of regional administration proved to be ineffective and inefficient.
b. There was no effective service delivery.
c. The growing sense of identity among people and their will to promote them.
d. The country failed to bring all people equally in the mainstream of the state.
e. There was no maximum utilization of available resources.

Challenges of Effective Implementation of Federalism

Though Nepal has been declared a federal states and it has already been divided into seven
provinces by the constitution of Nepal, it is really a challenging task to make the effective
implementation of this system. One obvious challenge for the effective implementation of
federalism is that some people are still dissatisfied with this division. They want to amend
the constitution to change the present federal structure. Dividing the nation into states in
agreement of all people is quite difficult.

a. Most people are quite ignorant about this system. They have unlimited expectation
from this system. They are hopeful that the new administrative system will bring an

Social Studies Book 10 23

abrupt change in the socio-economic and political system of the country.
b. No doubt, Nepal is rich in different resources. Present division has failed to

make the equal distribution of resources. It may cause unequal development and
misunderstanding among the states.
c. The country has to formulate several laws for federal administration in short period.
It requires political commitment and consent. We have the history hat our political
forces make such consent only at the eleventh hours.
d. Nepal is economically backward country. Federal system is expensive form of
government.
e. Nepal has cultural and ethnic diversity. It can cause a challenge regarding the state
language and maintaining equal recognition to all cultural groups.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Federalism

No political system is perfect in itself. Any system is only a means but not the end. Every
system has some good and some bad aspects. They are listed below.
Strengths

"" Close relation between the state and its people.
"" Maximum use of local resources possible.
"" Maintains political stability.
"" Acceleration of development.
"" Balanced distribution of population and resources, hence migration is controlled.
"" Faster delivery of services.
"" Most democratic system.
"" Local government handles local problems.
"" Economically disadvantaged and deprived people can get opportunities.
"" Regional, ethnic and indigenous heritages are protected
"" Inclusiveness and participation of all sectors and ethnic groups possible
"" Healthy competition among the states or provinces.
Weaknesses
"" Expensive form of government.
"" Dangers of disintegration.
"" Disputes can occur in the distribution of resources and powers.
"" Danger of inter-regional conflict.
"" Uneven distribution of wealth.
"" Likelihood of rivalry between the states.

Division of Power Between Federal Government and Provincial
Government

Federalism is a concept or principle in which the powers or sovereignty of a country are
divided between the central government and provincial governments along with local bodies.

24 Social Studies Book 10

Its implementation or practice may differ from country to country depending on the need,
situation and aspiration of the people.

Federal ( central) Government

A federal government refers to the central government. It is the government of a nation-state.
It is formed from the federal legislature. It is usually responsible to maintain national security,
exercise international diplomacy and sign on treaties and agreement with other countries.
Basically, the central government has the power to make laws and prepare develop plans for
the whole country, in contrast with local governments.
The Roles of Federal (Central) Government

a. To make national economic plans and implement them.
b. To prepare foreign policy.
c. To mobilize army in case of emergency.
d. To mobilize national army during emergency and external attack.
e. To be the represent the nation in regional and international forums.
f. To take over the responsibility of any province during emergency.
g. To prepare national monetary policy.
h. To carry out multi-provincial development activities.

State (provincial) Government

A state government or provincial government is the government of a country subdivision in
a  federal  form of government, which shares  political power  with the  federal  or national
government. A state government may have some level of political autonomy, or be subject to
the direct control of the federal government. This relationship may be defined by a constitution.
A state government is generally run by the governor. It has sovereignty over each respective
state. Each state has its own laws and is operated under it. It looks after the matters related to
education, health, etc. of the concerned state. It makes policies for the promotion of culture
and language of the people of the state concerned.
The Roles of State (Provincial) Government

a. To work for the conservation and promotion of local language, art and culture.
b. To conduct the day to day administration within the state.
c. To formulate economic plans to develop the state.
d. To make policies of tax and collect revenues from different sources and mobilize it

for the development of the state.
e. To carry out services like education, health, transport, communication, drinking

water, electricity, etc. for public welfare.
f. To formulate state laws to maintain peace and security within the state.
g. To run small and medium hydro power projects.

Social Studies Book 10 25

Word Meaning

• composite : combined
• dynamic : constantly changing
• agents : factors, elements
• virtues : good qualities
• pave the way : make way for
• ensures : guarantees
• hindrances : obstacles
• decentralization : the transfer of power from central to local government
• unitary : state governed as a single power 

Points to Remember:

"" Federalism has dual system of government: one at the centre and other at the
provinces.

"" Federalism is the system of dividing a country into various federal units.
"" Federalism is an element of decentralization.
"" Nepal was divided into four development regions in 2029 BS and later divided

into five in 2037 BS.
"" Development region is a political and administrative division of the country for

balanced development.
"" Nepal was declared federal sate on Magh 1, 2063.
"" There will be central, state or provincial and local governments in a federal state.
"" Every system of government has both strengths and weaknesses.
"" Nepal has some challenges for the effective implementation of federalism.

26 Social Studies Book 10

Activities

1. Very short answer questions

a. What is federalism?
b. What is decentralization?
c. Why was Nepal divided into five development regions? Write in a sentence.
d. Why did the concept of regional development fail to achieve target goal in Nepal?

Write in a sentence.
e. When was Nepal divided into 7 provinces?
f. Why was federal system of administration introduced in Nepal? Write in a

sentence.
g. If you were the prime minister of Nepal, what would you do for the successful

implementation of federal system in Nepal? Write in a sentence.
h. Effective implementation of federalism is very challenging in Nepal from the

social perspective. Give your opinion in a sentence.
i. What are the bases taken into consideration while dividing Nepal into provinces?

2. Short answer questions

a. Why was Nepal divided into 5 development regions in 2037 B.S.?
b. Why were the people’s expectations not fulfilled by the concept of regional

development? Make a list of reasons.
c. Why was federal system of administration felt necessary in Nepal? Explain.
d. There are some challenges for the effective implementation of federalism in

Nepal. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer.
e. Do you have any suggestions for the effective implementation of federalism in

Nepal? Make a list of them.
f. The concept of federalism is a boon for a country's development. Justify this

statement.
g. Discuss the weakness of federal system of government.
h. Make separate lists of the works done by federal government and provincial

government.
i. Make a separate list of the duties and responsibilities of the country, province and

citizens for the successful implementation of federalism in Nepal.

3. Community Work

Select a main development project of your province. How can all the people be
benefited from the project? Prepare a list of some suggestions.

Social Studies Book 10 27

4 Provinces of Nepal

Lesson

The constitution of Nepal, the first constitution written by the people’s representatives in 2072
divided Nepal into seven provinces. These provinces are not named yet. The constitution
asserts that they will be named by the majority of the provincial legislatures. Our provinces
are described in short below.

Province 1

Province 1 lies in the eastern most part of Nepal. It
consists of 14 present districts of the country. They
are Taplejung, Panchthar, Illam, Sankhuwasabha,
Terahathum, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Khotang,
Solokhumbu, Udayapur, Okhaldhunga, Jhapa,
Morang and Sunsari. This province occupies about
18% (area 25,905 sq. km) of the total land area of
the country. According to the census 2068, the total
population of this province is about 45 lakhs.

This province has all three geographical regions i.e.
terai region, hilly region and Himalayan region. The Province 1
highest and the third highest mountain peaks of the
world, Mt. Everest (8848 m) and Mt. Kanchanjungha (8586 m) respectively lie here. Other
important peaks found in this province are Lhotse (8516 m), Makalu (8463 m), Choyu (8201
m), Nuptse (7555 m) and Pumori (7161m). It has variety of vegetations that ranges from
sub tropical evergreen forest to the tundra vegetation. Province 1 possesses the possibility of
agriculture, hydro-electricity and tourism development.

This province has a great potentiality of hydroelectricity generation because of the fast flowing
rivers. It has 14 hydro-electricity projects in operation. The Saptakoshi River flows through
this province with her 7 tributaries: Arun, Tamor, Dudhkoshi, Likhu, Tamakoshi, Sunkoshi
and Indrawati. The Saptakoshi is the largest river of Nepal. The other rivers are: Mechi, Kankai,
and Ratuwa. This province has 727 industries. The province has Kanchanjunga Conservation
Area, Koshi tappu Wildlife Reserve, Makalu Barun National Park, and Sagarmatha National
Park.

Sher Dhan Rai : Former minister Sher Dhan Rai has been appointed the
first chief minister of Province no 1. He has a Masters' Degree in Sociology.
He joined politics from All Nepal National Free Students Union in 1987.

The religious sites like Pathivara and Halesi fall in the same province. Other important
heritages are Maipokhari of Ilam, Milke area, Tinjure, etc. The major trade centers of the
province are Biratnagar, Dhulabari, Dharan, Ilam, Okhaldhunga, Gaighat, etc. In the same way,

28 Social Studies Book 10

Kakarbhitta and Pashupatinagar are the main trade transits to India and Olangchunggola is
the trade transit to China. The province can be prosperous if the natural resources are utilized
fullest of their potential. Baraha Kshetra, Pathivara, Halesi Mahadev, Chhintang Devi Temple,
etc. are chief religious places of this province. Similarly, agriculture is the staple occupation of
this province. Paddy, maize and wheat are produced as the food crops and jute, tea, sugarcane,
tobacco etc. are the major cash crops produced here. Many agro-based industries like jute
mill, sugar mill, cotton industry, tea factories etc. are established here. Good contribution to
GDP from agriculture and high literacy are the chief characteristics of this province.
There lives a mosaic of people of all tribes. There are mainly Bhotias, Lepchas and Sherpas
in the mountain or Himalayan region. Most of them follow Tibeto- Buddhism and celebrate
Lhosar and Tshe-Chheu Buddha Purnima etc. In Hill region, mainly live Rai, Limbu,
Gurung, Chhetri, Bahaun, Kami, Damai, Sarki etc. Limbus and Rais follow Kirat religion
and celebrate Udhauli and Ubhauli whereas other castes mostly follow either Hinduism or
Buddhism. In Terai, there mainly live Meche, Tharu, Dhimal, Satar, (Santhal), Musahars,
Tajpuroa, Rajbansi, Kisan, Jhagad , Yadav etc.

Province 2

This province is located only in the Terai region.
It consists of 8 present districts of the country.
They are Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari,
Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara and Parsa. This province
has only plain land. It has the huge potentiality
of agricultural and industrial development. It is
the smallest province of  Nepal. This province Province 2
occupies about 7% (area 9,661 sq. km) of the
total land area of the country. According to the census 2068, the total population of this
province is about 54 lakhs. It is 20% of the total population of the country.

There is nearly similar climate, soil type, topography and vegetation within the province. This
province is rich in dense evergreen forest with fertile soil. Here climate is hot with enough
rainfall in summer season.

The province is very important from the production of agriculture, industry and tourism with
the least possibility of hydro-electricity development. Farmers can produce different cash
crops like tobacco, sugarcane, oil seeds etc. here. But the region is highly significant in terms of
business because it borders with India. Rajbiraj, Mirchaiya, Janakpur, Jaleshwor, Malangwa.
Chandranigahapur and Simara are the major trade centres of the province. Janakpurdham,
Gadhimai and Chhinnamasta are the main religious sites of the province. Hence, this
province can collect good revenue from custom duty. It has Parsa Wildlife Reserve and a part
of Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve that have the possibility of tourism development.

Mohammad Lal Babu Raut: A resident of Parsa, Raut hails from a
Muslim community. He has been appointed the first Chief Minister of
Province 2. He was elected to the provincial assembly from Parsa-2(A) in
the first provincial assembly polls.

Social Studies Book 10 29

Traditionally, Marwadi, Muslims, Mahato, Gupta, Mandal, Kurmi, Yadav, Musahar, Danuwar,
Tharu, etc. live in this province. However the people from the hilly and Himalayan are
migrating to this region. The population density is the highest in this region. Their main
occupations are farming, cattle rearing, business etc. Majority are Hindus.

Bagmati Province

Bagmati Province is the third smallest
province of  Nepal.  It consists of 13
present districts of the country. They
are Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhuli,
Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchowk,
Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan,
Makawanpur, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and
Kathmandu. Its southern part is very
small consisting the part of Chitwan
district and extends up to the Himalayan Bagmati Province

region. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal lies in this province. Hence, it is the most
developed province. This province occupies about 14% (area 20,300 sq. km) of the total land
area of the country. According to the census 2068, the total population of this province is
about 55 lakhs. It is 21% of the total population of the country.

Dormani Poudel: Dormani Poudel, the former Mayor of Hetauda
Municipality has been appointed the first Chief Minister of Province 3. A
former teacher, Dormani is experienced hand in Nepal’s decentralization
and local bodies.

This province has 979 industries and the highest number of hydro-electricity projects. In total
38 hydro-electricity projects are running here with the biggest Upper Tamakoshi Hydro-
electricity Project. The province has three types of physical features. The major mountain
peaks are Mt. Ganesh (7163 m), Langtang (7205 m), Mt. Gaurishankar (7134 m), etc. The
Tamakoshi, the Indrawati, the Trishuli, the Kamala and the Bagmati rivers flow through this
province. People are involved in agriculture, industry and service. The major trade centers
of this province are  Kathmandu, Hetauda,  Chitwan, Banepa, Sindhuli Gadi and Tatopani.
The major Nepal-China trade transit – Tatopani lies here. Tourists come to visit Kathmandu,
Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Chitwan, and so on. Here are Langtang National
Park, Shivapuri National Park and Chitwan National Park, and Gaurishankar Conservation
area. Hence, this province has a high prospect of tourism development.
Bhotias, and Sherpas are traditional inhabitant of Himalayan region. Their chief occupations
are guide, porter, sheep rearing, mountaineering, farming, and hotel and resort business. In
Hill region, mainly live Tamang, Gurung, Newar, Magar, Sunuwar, Chhetri, Bahun, Chepang,
Jirel etc. They are engaged in farming, security forces, animal husbandry etc. In Terai, Tharu
are mainly the traditional inhabitants.

30 Social Studies Book 10

Gandaki Province Gandaki Province

Gandaki province extends from terai in the south to
Himalayan region in the north. But southern part is very
narrow and it is big in the north. It consists of 11 present
districts of the country. They are Gorkha, Lamjung,
Tanahun, Kaski, Manang, Mustang, Parvat, Syanja,
Myagdi, Baglung, Nawalparasi (east from Bardaghat
Susta). This province occupies about 14% (area 21,504
sq. km) of the total land area of the country. According
to the census 2068, the total population of this province
is about 24 lakhs. It is 9% of the total population of the
country. The province has good potentiality of hydro-
electricity generation with existing 29 hydro-electricity
projects. Sufficient lakes and perennial rivers can be
advantageous for its economic prosperity.

Prithvi Subba Gurung: A resident of Lamjung, Prithvi Subba Gurung
has been appointed the first Chief Minister of Gandaki Province. He was
the former lawmaker and minister, he is equally active in politics and social
filed too.

This province is rich in mountains, rivers, lakes and conservation areas. The major mountain
peaks are Annapurna I ( 8091 m), Dhaulagiri ( 8176 m), Manaslu (8163 m), Himalchuli
(7893 m) and Machhapuchchhre (6993 m). The province is drained by the tributaries of the
river Gandaki ( Kali Gandaki, Budhi Gandaki, Seti Gandaki, Marsyangdi, Madi , Daraundi
and Trishuli). This region is rich in lakes. Fewa, Rupa, Begnas, Khaste, Dipang and Tilicho are
the major lakes here. The major food crops grown in this province are paddy, maize, millet,
wheat, etc. The cash crops include sugarcane, coffee, apple, oranges, etc. The province is very
good for tourism industry with the sufficient attraction for mountaineering, trekking, rafting
and paragliding centres. Tourists visit Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghale Gaun, Upper
Mustang, Kagbeni, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Pokhara for eco-tourism.
There is uneven distribution of population in this region. The northern part is very thinly
populated whereas the Pokhara Valley is densely populated. Bhote, Thakali, Manangees live
in Mountain, Gurung, Magar, Dura, Gaine, Bahun and Chhetri live in hill and Tharu, Muslim,
Kurmi etc live in Terai. They have different cultures, customs, traditions and costumes.

Lumbini Province Lumbini Province

Lumbini Province consists of terai and hilly Social Studies Book 10
regions. It is bordered by India in the south and
province 4, 7 and 6 in the east, west and north
respectively. It consists of 12 present districts of
the country. They are Nawalparasi (west from
Bardaghat Susta), Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Palpa,
Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Rukum (eastern part),
Rolpa, Pyuthan, Dang, Banke and Bardiya.
This province occupies about 15% (area 22,288
sq. km) of the total land area of the country.

31

According to the census 2068, the total population of this province is about 49 lakhs. It is
18% of the total population of the country.
It has very fertile land with abundant natural resources.
This province is drained out by Karnali, Bheri, Rapti and Babai rivers. Bardiya National
Park and  Banke National Park are the main attractions of tourists. Lumbini, Bageshwori,
Thakurdwara, Resunga, and Swargadwari are other tourist centres. Sikta irrigation project lies
in this province. The major crops are paddy, mustard, wheat, maize, cotton, etc. Major trade
centres of this province are Nepalgunj, Kohalpur, Tulsipur and Gulariya.

Shankar Pokhrel: A resident of Dang district, former minister Shankar
Pokhrel has been appointed the first Chief Minister of Province 5. He
had joined politics from the students’ front. He was elected Member of
Parliament from Dang-2 (A).

There is uneven distribution of population in this province. Himalayan and hilly districts here
are thinly populated where as southern part is thickly populated. Bhotes are the traditional
inhabitants of himalayan parts. Similarly, Thakuri, Chhetri, Brahmin, Tamang etc. live in the
hilly region. Tharu and Muslim are the indigenous people of terai region.

Karnali Province

Karnali Province is the biggest province in term of
area. It consists of 10 present districts of the country.
They are Rukum (western part), Salyan, Dolpa,
Jumla, Mugu, Humla, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Dailekh and
Surkhet. This province occupies about 20% (area
29,984 sq. km) of the total land area of the country.
According to the census 2068, the total population of
this province is about 11.5 lakhs. It is 5% of the total
population of the country.

It is deprived of the fertile land of terai because it Karnali Province
consists of only the mountainous part of hills and
Himalayas. It has complex topography and is backward in infrastructural development
compared to other provinces.

This province is popular for apple production. Maize, barley, wheat, millet and paddy are the
staple food crops. Similarly, mustard and soybean are some of the noteworthy cash crops
of this province. Mt. Kanjirowa (6612 m), Mt. Kanti (6859 m), Mt. Gorakh (6088 m) and
Mt. Changla (6563 m) are remarkable peaks of the province. Rara National Park and Shey-
Foksundo National park have been delineated in the province. The biggest lake of Nepal, Rara
lies here. Other main attractions of the province are Badimalika temple , Deuti Bajai temple
and Chandannath temple, Bulbule lake and Shey-Foksundo lake, etc. The major trade centres
of the province are Birendranagar, Gumgadhi, Khalanga, Dunai, etc.

Mahendra Bahadur Shahi: Former minister Mahendra Bahadur Shahi has
been appointed the first Chief Minister of Karnali Province. He was directly
elected from Kalikot during second CA elections.

32 Social Studies Book 10

There is uneven distribution of population. This province has the least density of population.
There live Bhote, Chhetri and Khas in the northern part, Magar, Thakuri, Chhetri and Bahun
in the hill and Tharu, Muslim and Marwadi in the Terai.

Sudurpaschim Province

Sudurpaschim Province is located in the western-most part
of  Nepal. It consists of 9 present districts of the country.
They are Bajura, Bajhang, Doti, Achham, Darchula, Baitadi,
Dadeldhura, Kanchanpur and Kailali. This province occupies
about 13% (area 19,539 sq. km) of the total land area of the
country. According to the census 2068, the total population of
this province is about 25 lakhs. It is 10% of the total population
of the country.

This province has all three geographical regions i.e. terai region, Sudurpaschim
hilly region and Himalayan region. The river Karnaliflows in
the east and river Mahakali drains the border in the west. It is
the second smallest province of Nepal.

This province has complex socio-economic structures. There are widespread gender- and
caste-based discriminations. Some perversions like Dowry Pratha, Deuki Pratha, Chhaupadi
Pratha, etc. are deep-rooted here. Mt. Api (7132 m.), Mt. Saipal(7025 m), Mt. Lassa (6189
m) etc. are the major Mountain peaks of this province. Khaptad and Ghodaghodi lakes fall
in the province. Khaptad National Park and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve conserve a lot of
flora and fauna here. The major trade centres of this province are Dhangadhi, Dadeldhura,
Mahendranagar, and Dipayal. The principal crops grown in this province are wheat, mustard,
maize and cotton.

Trilochan Bhatta: Trilochan Bhatta elected as a member of provincial
assembly from Doti district. He has been appointed the first Chief Minister of
Province 7. He entered politics in 1991 B.S.

The tribal distribution of this province differs from that of other provinces. There are mainly
Bhotes in the northern part, Bahun, Chhetri and Thakuri in the central part and Tharu and
Muslim in the southern part. Tharus are the native or aborigine people of the Terai. However,
Terai has been a melting pot of different castes and races of people due to internal migration.

Points to Remember:

"" Nepal was divided into seven provinces by the constitution of Nepal on Ashwin
3, 2072.

"" Province 2 is the smallest and Province 6 is the biggest in term of area.
"" There is not equal distribution of land, water and forest resources to each province.
"" Province 3 is the most developed province where as province 6 is backward in

term of infrastructures development.
"" Each province is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural.

Social Studies Book 10 33

Provinces of Nepal
DIST POPUL
PROVINCE AREA COAVREERAAGE RICT CROPS INDUSTRY INHABITANTS PEAKS PROATREECATED ATION REPLLIGAICOEUS HIGHWAYS LAKE RIVER UNIVERSITY

Jute, Tea, Jute & Sugar Sherpa, Rai, Mt. Everest. Sagarmatha, Barahachhetra, Antu, Koshi, Arun,
Mountain, Hill, 14 (max. Sugar, Mill, Cotton, Chettri, Limbu, Kanchan Makalu- Barun, Pathibhara, Gokyo, Mechi,
Province no.1 18% Terai district ) Paddy, Junga, Cho- (max. protected 17% Mechi, Mahendra Rani Tamor Purbanchal
Cloth & Lepche Halesi
Cardamon Tea /max. oyu, Makalu area) Mahadev
industries

Province no 2 7% Middle Terai, 8 (Min Tobacco, Birgunj Sugar Yadav, Tharu, - Parsa W.R. 20% Janaki, East-West, BP Gadi Bagmati, Rajarshi Janak
(only touch in Plain land district ) Paddy, Factory, Dalit Muslim Koshi Tappu Gadhimai, ganga, Kamala
Sugarcane Janakpur Chhina Masta Manipal
India) Cigratte W.R
(max.

industries)

Bagmati 14% Hill Terai 13 Oil seeds, Cheese Bhote, Newar, Langtang, Shiva-Puri, 21% (highest Pashupati, Araniko, Prithvi, Tillicho Bagmati, Kathmandu,
(Most Mountain Millet, Factory, Sherpa, Tamang, Jugal, Gauri Chitwan population Changu, Tribhuwan Rolpa, Trishuli, Tribhuwan
developed ) Wheat Hetauda Tharu Shankar Palanchowk Gosain Tama Koshi
Cement Kunda
Iactory

Gandaki
Gandaki Paddy, Noodles, Manakamana, Tilicho
( heaviest 14% Mountain hill 11 Millet, Gorakhali Magar, Gurung, Manaslu, Manaslu CA, 9% Muktinath, Bhupi Sherchan, Phewa, Seti Pokhara
rainfall ) and Terai Wheat Rubber Brahmin, Thakali Annapurna Annapurna CA Kalika Prithvi Rupa

Industries

Lumbini Province 15.14% Terai, Hill 12 Paddy, Probability Thakuri, Chhetri Banke N.P 17% Bageswori, Sidartha, Satyawati, Bheri, Kali Nepal Sanskrit, Social Studies Book 10
(only touch India ) Cotton of Cotton Brahmin, Dalit Bardia N.P Lumbini, Mahendra , Bhim Barahkune Gandaki, Lumbini
Industry Sworgadwari Narayani Bouddha
Dutta

Karnali 19% Mountain, Hill 10 Paddy, Less Thakuri Chhetri, Kanji rowa, Shey phok 5% least Kankre bihar, Ratna, Kamali She phok Karnali Madhya
(Biggest, Least, Apple, industries Brahmin Patarsi sundo populated She-gumba, sundo, Paschiman chal
Yarsha- Chandannath
developed gumba

Sudurpaschim 13% Mountain, Hill 9 Paddy, Less Brahmin Dalit, Api Saipal Suklaphata, 10% Badhi maliks, East -West, Khaptad Seti, Surma, Far Western 34
Terai Wheat, industries Chhetri, Tharu Khaptad, Api Shaileswori Bhim Duta Panta Mahakali
Millet,
Zaize Nampa

Activities

1. Very short answer questions

a. Some provinces of Nepal have not been named yet. When and how will they be
given names?

b. Name the biggest and smallest provinces of Nepal in term of area?
c. Which province lies only in terai region of the country?
d. Which provinces boarder with both India and China?
e. Which province has the largest number of industries?
f. Which province has the highest prospect of hydropower generation?
g. In which province do Chepang people live?
h. In which province do you live? Write any one chief feature of your province.
i. Compare Province 1 with Province 2 in a sentence.
j. Write the main problem of your province and suggest a suitable measure to

overcome it.

2. Short answer questions.

a. Which province of Nepal has the least number of industries? What should this
province do for its development? Describe.

b. Make a list the main features of your province.
c. There are several challenges for the development of Karnali Province. Make a list

of them and also suggest some measures to solve them.
d. Compare the obstacles of development in Province 2 and Karnali Province. What

can be the possible solutions to these obstacles?
e. Write in short about the physical features of your province.
f. Which province of Nepal has the highest prospect of agricultural development?

How can agriculture contribute in the development of the province?
g. How can tourism be developed in Karnali Province? Make a list of some

suggestions.
h. What are the main tourism centers of Gandaki Province? Describe in short.
i. Province 1 has a good prospect of economic development. Justify.
j. Which province is the most developed? Why?
k. Describe the socio-cultural status of Lumbini Province.

3. Community Work

a. What advantages do you get from anyone of the following resources found in
your community? Make a list of them. What should the people do to get more
benefit from it on the days ahead?
- forest
- river
- land
- mountain

Social Studies Book 10 35

UNIT Development and
Infrastructures of
2
Development

In this unit, you will learn the following subjects:
• Sustainable Development
• Current Development Projects in Nepal
• Infrastructures of Development: Skilled Manpower and Employment
• Goals of Contemporary Development and Nepal
• Formulation of Development Plans at Local Level

36 Social Studies Book 10

1 Sustainable
Development
Lesson

Concept of development?

Nothing on the earth is static. Everything changes House of solar panel
in course of time and situation. Some changes are
positive. They have a positive effect in the life of
people. People feel comfort and convenience in
their life. However, some are negative. They make
the life of people too difficult. Hence, all the positive
changes are considered to be development.

There are different things in our environment. They
keep changing. Development is results of the change. Development is the dynamic process of
positive change. Development is associated to the economic, educational and overall social
progress. The progress in the field of education, transportation, health service, communication,
electricity supply, drinking water, industrialization, urbanization, employment generation,
people's participation etc. determine the development of a country. So they are also called
pre-requisites of development.

Sustainable Development: Introduction

In simple words, sustainable refers to something that is durable or that lasts for a long time.
A country carries out various development activities. People of a nation can be benefited by
some of them in the long run. However, some of them cause adverse effects in the environment
and whole ecology adversely affecting human life.

People of a country may face several problems. But they have limited resources to get rid
of them. They have to prioritize the needs and implement development plans properly. The

Social Studies Book 10 37

development works should be done without disturbing the ecology and environment of the
place. The environment friendly development works come under sustainable development.
Sustainable development meets human development goals without harming the natural
resources on which nation's economy and society depend. Sustainable development ensures
environmental protection and proper use of means and resources.

The term sustainable development was first used in 1980 by the World Conservation Strategy.
It defined sustainable development as ‘a path for human progress that has the capacity to
continue in the long term.’ The report of Brundtland Commission states sustainable
development as ‘economic and social development that meets the needs of the current
generation without undermining the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.

Aspects of Sustainable Development

When we carry out development activities,
we should consider the need of future
generations. We must save the resources we
have at present for them. We have unlimited
needs but limited resources to meet them.
However, we must use these resources
prudently, carefully and responsibly.
Moreover, our development activities must
not cause environmental degradation. The Road construction

goal of sustainable development is the long-
term stability of the economy and environment. This is only achievable through the integration
and acknowledgement of economic, environmental, and social concerns throughout the
decision making process.

There are three main aspects of sustainable development. They are:
a. Social change
b. Economic prosperity
c. Environmental conservation

Importance of Sustainable Development
The following points show the need and importance of sustainable development.
a. It ensures environment friendly development activities.
b. It makes the proper utilization of our environment while doing development works.
c. It increases the use of perpetual natural resources and decreases the use of non-

renewable resources.
d. It maintains harmony between human beings and the natural environment.
e. It enhances the participation of real consumers in socio-economic development
and environmental conservation.
f. It ensures the meaningful investment of capital and makes the development long
lasting.
g. It addresses the needs of future generations.

38 Social Studies Book 10

Ways of maintaining Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable development aims to maintain economic advancement and
progress while protecting the long-term value of the environment. It provides a framework
for the integration of environment policies and development strategies. The following things
should be kept in mind while doing sustainable development.

a. The development works should be planned so as to meet the need of future
generation.

b. The development activities should be environmental friendly or they should not
cause the environmental degradation.

c. The use of alternative sources of energy should be encouraged.
d. The development works today should collaborate between human needs and

environment protection.
e. Proper co-ordination among population, resources, environment and development

should be established.
f. Development plans should be scientific and they must be implemented applying

the proper technologies.
g. The economic plans should give top priority to satisfy the basic needs of the people.
h. The programmes to control the rapid population growth should be introduced.
To sum up, scientific planning, awareness raising, proper legislation, poverty alleviation,
population control and collaboration are all important for sustainable development.

Objectives of Sustainable Development

a. to help for the elimination of poverty
b. to enhance the development and progress of human being
c. to make the effective conservation of nature and environment
d. to use the available resources prudently
e. to achieve the maximum and sustainable economic growth
f. to maintain social justice

Characteristics of Sustainable Development

a. It helps in the sustainable management of resources.
b. It helps to brighten the life of future generation.
c. It focuses on the conservation of nature and environment.
d. It helps in the availability, mobilization and conservation of resources.
e. It controls the trend of over exploitation of resources.
f. It helps in promoting broad-based economic growth.
g. It emphasizes the use of the resources that can be reused and recycled.

Dimensions of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development has several dimensions. It is concerned with social, cultural,
economic and human dimensions. According to the UNESCO, sustainable development has
social, economic, natural and political dimensions. Human community relation, conservation
of cultural heritage, transfer of ideal culture, etc. come under socio-cultural dimensions.

Social Studies Book 10 39

Economic Socio-culture

Governance Sustainable Environmental
Development Political

Human

Word Meaning

• Static : unchanged
• Decent : good
• Pre-requisites : basic requirements
• Undermining : reducing/ deflating
• Prudently : wisely
• Legislation : laws
• Adverse : undesirable. negative
• prioritize : give priority
• Acknowledgement : recognition of the importance or quality of something.
• integration : bring together, incorporate
• framework : a basic structure of something
• collaborate : work jointly on an activity or work
• ideal : perfect; most suitable

Points to Remember:

"" Everything on the earth changes in course of time and situation.
"" Development is associated to the economic, educational and overall social progress.
"" Sustainable refers to something that is durable or that lasts for a long time.
"" Sustainable development ensures environmental protection and proper use of means and

resources.
"" The goal of sustainable development is the long-term stability of the economy and

environment.
"" It ensures the meaningful investment of capital.
"" The main aspects of sustainable development are: social change, economic prosperity and

environmental conservation.
"" Scientific planning, awareness raising, proper legislation, poverty alleviation, population

control and collaboration are important.
"" Human community relation, conservation of cultural heritage, transfer of ideal culture,

etc. come under socio-cultural dimensions.

40 Social Studies Book 10

Activities

1. Very short answer questions.

a. What is development?
b. What is sustainable development?
c. What are the aspects of sustainable development?
d. What are the dimensions of sustainable development according to the UNESCO?

2. Short answer questions.

a. Why do we need sustainable development? Discuss.
b. Make a list of some efforts made in Nepal for sustainable development.
c. Prepare a plan for the implementation of a development work in your community

according to the principle of sustainable development.
d. Unplanned development is destructive. Justify.
e. Why is sustainable development necessary for a country?
f. Explain the challenges of sustainable development in Nepal.
g. What are the things to be considered while doing sustainable development?
h. What should Nepal do for its sustainable development?
i. Give some suggestions for sustainable development of tourism sector in Nepal.
j. Make a list of the characteristics of sustainable development.
k. Discuss the various dimensions of sustainable development.

3. Community Work

Select a development project being implemented in your community. Discuss with the
development experts and prepare a plan for its effective implementation according to
the spirit of sustainable development.

Social Studies Book 10 41

Lesson 2 Current Development
Projects in Nepal

Development is a dynamic process of change for the all-round development and progress of a
country. Development activities are carried out in a country with certain
plan and programme. It is only the way to achieve a target goal within the stipulated time. The
development programmes that are prepared so as to accomplish the development works in a
particular time frame are development projects.

The development projects are classified into two categories based on investment, expected
goal, affected areas, etc. The development projects are operated in the local, provincial and
national level. The development projects that resemble the identity of the whole nation and
the majority of the people in the nation get benefitted. Such national development projects
require comparatively more investment, resources, manpower and time. They are known
as the development projects of national dignity. There are altogether 21 such development
projects in Nepal till 2073 B.S.

Some of such development projects are given below.

a. President Chure Conservation Programme Chure belt

It is one of the major national level development projects of
Nepal. Excessive exploitation of the natural resources like
the forests and other construction materials from the low
hills located just above the flat plains has made the land here
more fragile, which could result in landslides, floods and
drying up of water resources. Although the President Chure
Conservation Programme has been introduced to save the
Chure hills, the programme has been ineffective owing to its
poor implementation.

Obviously, the Chure hills are the lifeline of the people residing in the Terai, providing water
and other essential resources. However, the excessive exploitation of the resources, mostly
the trees and stones, by the illegal quarries operating here has put the entire region at high
risk of desertification. The landslides in the Chure cause massive floods, damaging the paddy
fields and settlements in the Terai. The main objective of this project is to solve the existing
problems in the Chure region. Similarly it aims to maintain balance between environment
and life style of the people keeping the factors like bio-diversity, geographical condition,
social aspect and economic condition. This programme was introduced in the fiscal year
2067/068. It was then introduced as the project of national glory in 070/071. This project

42 Social Studies Book 10

occupies 12.78% of the total land area of the country. It extends from Illam in the east to
Kanchanpur districts from the altitude 200 m to 2100 m in the west. A powerful high level
rightful President Terai Madhesh Chure Conservation Development committee has been
formed at the central level for this programme.

b. Pokhara Regional International Airport

This airport is being constructed at Chhinedanda in Pokhara. The airport occupies the area
of 3600 ropanis. The completion of this project aims to promote Pokhara a world tourism
destination. The airport was inaugurated on Baishakh 1, 2073.

Its estimated cost is NRs. 20,30,00,00,000 and the runway- length is 2500 m with the breadth
of 45 m.
There will be taxi parking area, separate terminal buildings for international and domestic
flights, air traffic control tower, a 50 meter long air bridge, etc. Chinese company has been
constructing it. This airport will be enough to land and take off 200 seater jet planes.

c. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project Budhigandaki project

Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project is a storage type project
located in Province 3 and Province 4 on the Budhi Gandaki
River of Nepal. This project was identified during the Gandaki
Basin Study in late 70's. In 1984, a pre-feasibility study of the
project was prepared. The ongoing feasibility study of the project
has recommended 1200 MW capacity plant. Its estimated cost
is NRs. 2,54,95,50,00,000. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project
proposed this development project. The grant assistance for this
project is provided by World Bank, Asian Development Bank,
etc. The operation, regulation and supervision of the project
will be done by the government of Nepal. The tenure of the
project has been fixed eight years. It has been expected to be the
milestone in solving the problem of power crisis in Nepal.

Catchment Area:
Gorkha: 2,700 km2

Dhading: 900 km2

Nuwakot: 35 km2

China: 1,365 km2

Total: 5,000 km2

Social Studies Book 10 43

d. Mid-Hill Highway (Puspalal Highway) Mid Highway

This project was initiated with the objective to connect the
hilly districts of Nepal from the east to the west through
the road network. It is expected that the completion of
this project will gear up the pace of development in the
rural hill of Nepal. This projects, which began in the fiscal
year 2064/065, is proceeding ahead by the government of
Nepal. The government of Nepal will construct this highway
utilizing its own national means and resources.

The highway will connect Chiyo Bhanjyang, Chyangthapu of Panchthar district of eastern
Nepal with Jhulaghat of Baitadi district. The length of this highway will be 1517 k.m. It is
expected to complete by 2074/075

e. Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project

Location : Dolakha District

Powerhouse location : Gongar Gaon, Lamabagar

Maximum output : 456 MW

Annual energy : 2,281 GWh

Estimated construction cost : NRs. 35.29 Billion equivalent to US$ 441 Million

Construction time period : 5 Years

Beginning year : 2063 B.S

This hydropower project is located in the northern part of Dolakha district. The construction
work was commenced in 2063 B.S establishing the organization called Upper Tamakoshi
Hydropower Limited. Of the total investment, Rs. 10 billion was from the Employees
Provident Fund, Rs 6 billion from the Nepal Telecom; Rs. 2 billion each from Citizen
Investment Trust and Rastriya BimaSansthan and remaining Rs. 11 billion would be borne
by the government. Similarly, Nepal Electricity Authority has 41 per cent share in it, Nepal
Telecom 6 per cent, Citizen Investment Trust 2 per cent, RastriyaBimaSansthan 2 per cent,
Employment Provident Funds 24 per cent, 10 per cent for the people of Dolakha district and
15 per cent for general people.

Besides above mentioned development projects, Koshi, Kali Gandaki, and Karnali corridor,
postal road, Kathmandu-Terai fast track, East-West electrical railway, Melamchi drinking
water, Gautam Buddha International Airport, Second international airport in Nijgadh,
Pashupati Area Development Fund, Lumbini Development Fund, West Seti Hydropower
Project, Sikta Irrigation, Babai Irrigation, Railway and Metro Development Project, Bheri
Babai Diversion Multi Purpose Project etc. are under implementation.

44 Social Studies Book 10

Source: Kantipur, Mangsir 15, 2076

Word Meaning

• bio-diversity : the variety of plant and animal life in the world
• fiscal year : the period used by governments for budget purposes, usually 12
months
• prefeasibility :  preliminary study 
• tenure : a length of time
• initiated : to begin

Social Studies Book 10 45

Points to Remember:

"" Development which is essential for socio-economic well-being a country is a
dynamic and ongoing process.

"" A planned task that targets specific aims, objectives and achievements is called a
project.

"" The development projects are operated in the local, provincial and national level.
"" There are altogether 21 such development projects in Nepal till 2073 B.S.
"" President Chure Conservation Programme was started in 2067/068.
"" Pokhara Regional International Airport was inaugurated on Baishakh 1, 2073.
"" Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project is located in Province 3 and Province 4 on

the Budhi Gandaki River of Nepal.
"" Mid-Hill Highway (Puspalal Highway) is expected to complete by 2074/075.
"" Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project which started in 2063 BS is located in

Lamabagar of Dolakha District.

Activities

1. Very short answer questions.

a. Define a development project.
b. Name some countries and international agencies helping Nepal in its development

works.
c. What is the capacity of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, and where is

it located?
d. What’s the name of the Madhyapahadi Lokmarga, and how long is it?
e. What will be the benefit of President Chure Conservation Programme?
f. How will Pokhara Regional International Airport contribute for the development

of tourism in Province 4? Write in a sentence.
g. How will the country be benefitted after the completion of Budhi Gandaki

Hydropower Project?
h. What is the total length of Mid-Hill Highway?

46 Social Studies Book 10

2. Short answer questions.

a. Make a list of important development projects in your province and write in
short about any one of them.

b. Make a list of the importance of development projects.
c. What are the infrastructures of development projects?
d. Why is President Chure Conservation Programme being implemented? Explain.
e. If you were a member of the National Planning Commission, where would you

like to establish international airports in Nepal? Why?
f. Nepal can enrich its economy from its water resources. Justify this statement in

respect to the ongoing hydropower projects of Nepal.
g. How will the people in hilly regions of Nepal be benefitted after the completion

of Mid -Hill Highway? Explain.
h. Many development projects of Nepal have not completed in schedule time, what

are the reasons behind this? Suggest any four ways to complete development
project on time.

3. Community Work

Choose one of the following development projects which you want to implement in
your school. Make a list of the benefits it will provide to your school family.
"" library
"" internet connection
"" upgrading rest rooms
"" drinking water management
"" sanitation

Social Studies Book 10 47

Lesson 3 Infrastructures of Development:
Skilled Manpower and
Employment

There are three types of resources i.e. human resources, financial resources and natural
resources. Natural resources are the free gifts of nature that we can utilize for our benefit. On
the other hand, we need skilled people to use them in our favour. Such resource is known as
skilled manpower. Skilled manpower is the foundation of national development. The people
in a country can gain the economic and social prosperity only if the country is rich in skilled
human resource. It is only the way to ensure a civilized and quality life in a country.

Human beings are important resources for development. They are the ones who plan, execute,
supervise and benefit from the development works. Hence, the innate knowledge, skill and
potential of human beings to produce the goods and services using the available natural
resources is called the human resource. There are different types of human resources like
skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. We need all types of human resources. However, skilled
human resources prepared through proper training, education, science and technology with
reference to specific sector is important for the overall rapid development of a nation.

Skilled Human Resource

The people who have high level knowledge and technical
skill to do certain work especially to exploit the available
resources for human benefit are called skilled human
resources. Doctors, engineers, pilots, nurses, mechanics,
etc are examples. Such manpower is produced through
academic, technical and vocational education. Research,
participation and advancement of technology support for
the promotion of this type of manpower for the country.
The country needs a long term plan and huge investment Skilled worker

to produce skilled human resource. Moreover, skilled human resource is known as long term
human resource. This resource can provide service to the people and the nation for a long
time. This manpower is also called sustainable manpower of the country.

If the people of a country are educated, trained, skilled, innovative and hardworking,
they can bring about development in the country against all odds and difficulties. We
can take the example of Japan. It is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean with no
sufficient natural resources. It keeps being affected often by earth quakes and tsunamis.
In spite of such odds and challenges, it is one of the most developed countries in the
world. It manufactures goods of all kinds and exports all over the world and is able to
earn a lot of foreign currencies. It is the third richest country. This has become possible
only because of highly able and dedicated human resources.

48 Social Studies Book 10

Importance of Skilled Human Resource

"" They can make the optimum utilization of available natural resources.

"" They can help the government with constructive suggestion to make scientific plans
and to implement them effectively.

"" They can produce goods and services at large scale in the same standard and quality.

"" They can save foreign currency and reduce cost of goods by substituting foreign
human resource.

"" Industries and services can be expanded faster with the help of skilled human
resource by making best use of local resources.

"" They will enhance human development, self- reliance and self-sufficiency.

"" By having adequate skilled human resource, foreign multinational companies can
be attracted.

"" The cost of development can be lessened because of the availability of skilled
manpower in the country.

"" They can gear up the pace of development.

Semi-skilled Manpower

The people who have basic level knowledge, skill and potential

to utilize available natural and other resources for our benefit are

semi-skilled manpower. They can be produced through short term

trainings. ANM, CMA, data collectors, etc. are the examples of

semi-skilled human resource. A country can produce this kind

of manpower through low investment. Such resource is essential

to fulfill the short term needs of the people. Hence, they are also

called short term human resource. For instance, the people who Semi-skilled worker
are trained about first aid service or community health workers

produced through a short term trainings will be enough to free the people from the epidemics

of health hazards.

Semi-skilled human resource is supposed to be important for the undeveloped and developing
countries. Since this manpower can be independent and can involve themselves in income
generating works, the country should not worry about the problem of unemployment.
However the country must plan for the production of long-term skilled manpower while
producing semi-skilled manpower.

Social Studies Book 10 49

anscdEhusotnoialvbsl,eirscsihotlilmeeesgnetsofFamiliarize
ObRsEeexsrcevauarrtcsiiho,onnS,tudy,with advanced
Invporlivveamteesnetcotofrinformation
pGlaonvearnndmpeonlticies
technology

Ways to
produced
skilled Human
resources.

Empowerment
of all people

Employment Opportunities for Skilled Manpower

Skilled manpower has a good potentiality to utilize available resources for human benefit
so that national development will be possible. This type of manpower is required in every
sector of development. Health, education, construction, finance, economy, trade, industry,
civil administration, transport, communication, aviation, research and so other sectors need
people possessing specialized knowledge, skill and competency in their respective fields.
Since development is an ongoing process, there is the urgent need of skilled manpower in
the every facets of a nation. Skilled manpower is quite conscious about the technological
advancement made in the world. They are familiar about the world issues. They also possess
knowledge and skill to combat these issues. They can pave a way to the nation to its overall
prosperity. Employment simply refers to any economic activity that people involve in to earn
for their livelihood. Skilled manpower and employment opportunity are closely related to
each other. Employment promotion is unimaginable in the absence of skilled manpower.
Skilled human resource can be independent and can get multiple short of work opportunities
within or outside the country.

Present Situation in Nepal

Nepal has not been able to produce adequate number of competent skilled manpower.
Those few we have are also leaving the country for better opportunities of employment.
It is because of the weakness of national policies, programmes and educational system.
Education system remained to be mere theoretical. There were very few or no technical
and vocational institutions. However, Council of Technical Education and Vocational
Training (CTEVT) is working to produce some skilled and semi-skilled manpower in the

50 Social Studies Book 10