Shubharambha Social studies-10, 2078

5 Other Constitutional
Commissions
Lesson

Part 27 of the Constitution of Nepal has made the provision of seven commissions. These
commissions have been formed with the spirit of maintaining justice, inclusiveness and
equality in the country. These commissions are described below.

a. National Women Commission

Article 252 of the Constitution
of Nepal is about National
Women Commission. This
commission has a chief
commissioner and four other
commissioners. They are
appointed by the president
on the recommendation of
constitutional council. They
can hold the office for six years
from the date of appointment
or up to the age of sixty five
years.

Qualifications to be eligible for
appointment
"" being a woman having rendered outstanding contribution, for at least ten years, to the

field of rights and interests of women or gender justice or women development or human
rights and law,
"" in the case of the Chairperson, holding a bachelor's degree from a recognized university,
"" having attained the age of forty five years,
"" not being a member of any political party at the time of appointment, and
"" being of high moral character.
Functions
"" to formulate policies and programs concerning the rights and interests of the women
and submit them to the Government of Nepal for implementation
"" to monitor whether the laws concerning the rights and interests of the women and
obligations under the international treaties have been implemented
"" to make suggestions for their effective implementation to the Government of Nepal
"" to assess, monitor and evaluate the existing policies and programs to increase women’s
involvement in the nation’s development

Social Studies Book 10 151

"" to carry out study and research works on the legal provisions relating to gender equality
and empowerment of women

b. National Dalit Commission

Article 255 of the Constitution of Nepal is about National Dalit Commission. This
commission has a chief commissioner and four other commissioners. They are
appointed by the president on the recommendation of constitutional council. They can
hold the office for six years from the date of appointment or up to the age of sixty five
years.

Qualifications to be eligible for appointment
"" being a person making contribution to the field of rights and interests of the Dalit

community or human rights and law, for at least ten years
"" in the case of the Chairperson, holding at least a bachelor's degree from a recognized

university,
"" having attained the age of forty five years,
"" not being a member of any political party at the time of appointment, and
"" being of high moral character.
Functions
"" to work to end untouchability and other caste based disparities existing in the societies
"" to prepare appropriate policies and programmes related to dalits and submit to the

Government of Nepal
"" to evaluate and monitor whether the existing laws ate enough to bring dalits in the

mainstream of the state or not
"" to concern about the effective implementation of these programmes

c. National Inclusion Commission

Article 258 of the Constitution of Nepal is about National Inclusion Commission.
This commission has a chief commissioner and four other commissioners. They are
appointed by the president on the recommendation of constitutional council. They can
hold the office for six years from the date of appointment or up to the age of sixty five
years.

Qualifications to be eligible for appointment
"" being a person having rendered outstanding contribution, for at least ten years, to the

field of social inclusion, rights and interests or development of persons with disabilities,
minority and marginalized communities and backward areas and classes or human
rights,
"" in the case of the Chairperson, holding a bachelor's degree from a recognized university,
"" having attained the age of forty five years,
"" not being a member of any political party at the time of appointment, and
"" being of high moral character.
Functions
"" to conduct study and research works for the protection of the rights and interests of the
communities, including Khas Arya, Pichhada class, persons with disabilities, senior
citizens, labours, peasants, minorities and marginalized community, backward class,

152 Social Studies Book 10

people of Karnali and the indigent (poor) class
"" to study the status of implementation of the policies and laws adopted by the

Government of Nepal for the inclusion of the community and make suggestions to the
Government for reforms
"" to study whether there has been appropriate representation of the community, class and
region in the organs of the State and make suggestions to the Government of Nepal to
review the special provisions made for their representation
"" to make suggestions to the Government of Nepal about policies and programs to be
pursued for the development and prosperity of the Karnali and backward regions,
"" to make recommendations for timely revisions of laws concerning minority and
marginalized communities

d. Indigenous Nationalities Commission

Article 261 of the Constitution of Nepal is about Indigenous Nationalities Commission.
This commission has a chief commissioner and four other commissioners. They are
appointed by the president on the recommendation of constitutional council. They can
hold the office for six years from the date of appointment or up to the age of sixty five
years. The matters relating to the qualification for the chairman and members of this
commission, circumstances in which their offices fall vacant, their remuneration and
conditions of service and the functions, duties and powers will be as provided for in the
federal law.

e. Madhesi Commission

Article262oftheConstitutionofNepalisaboutMadhesiCommission.Thiscommission
has a chairman and four other members. They are appointed by the president on the
recommendation of constitutional council. They can hold the office for six years from
the date of appointment or up to the age of sixty five years. The matters relating to the
qualification for the chariman and members of this commission, circumstances in
which their offices fall vacant, their remuneration and conditions of service and the
functions, duties and powers will be as provided for in the federal law.

f. Tharu Commission

Article 263 of the Constitution of Nepal is about Tharu Commission. This commission
has a chairman and four other commissioners. They are appointed by the president on
the recommendation of constitutional council. The matters relating to the qualification
for the Chairman and members of this commission, circumstances in which their offices
fall vacant, their remuneration and conditions of service and the functions, duties and
powers will be as provided for in the federal law.

g. Muslim Commission

Article 264 of the Constitution of Nepal is about Muslim Commission. This commission
has a chief commissioner and four other commissioners. They are appointed by the
president on the recommendation of constitutional council. The matters relating to
the qualification for the chairman and members of this commission, circumstances in
which their offices fall vacant, their remuneration and conditions of service and the
functions, duties and powers will be as provided for in the federal law.

Social Studies Book 10 153

Word Meaning

• Rendered : provided, served
• Outstanding : exceptionally good
• Empowerment : give authority or power to do something

Points to Remember:

"" So far there are seven autonomous and independent organs of government.
"" National women commission, National Dalit commission, National inclusion

commission, Indigenous commission, Madheshi commission, Tharu commission,
Muslim commission are Constitutional commission in Nepal.
"" all these commissions are formed with the spirit of maintaining justice, inclusiveness
and equality in the country.
"" National Women Commission formulate policies and programs concerning the rights
and interests of the women.
"" National Dalit Commission work to end untouchability and other caste based disparities
existing in the societies.
"" National Inclusion Commission works for the protection of the rights and interests
of the minority and marginalized communities, including KhasArya, Pichhada class,
persons with disabilities, senior citizens, labours, peasants, backward class, people of
Karnali and the indigent class.

Activities

1. Short answer questions

a. How is National Inclusion Commission formed? Write down its functions.
b. Write about the significance of National Women Commission in the context of

Nepal.
c. How can National Dalit Commission work addressing the need and interest of

the Datilts of Nepal? Explain.
d. FunctionsofMuslimCommissionhavenotbeendefinedyet.Whatresponsibilities

do you think must be given to this commission?

2. Long answer questions

a. How can Indigenous Nationalities, Madhesi, Tharu and Muslim Commissions
work for the welfare of the communities concerned? Describe.

b. Describe the formation and functions of other commissions described in the part
27 of the Constitution of Nepal.

3. Community based work

a. Visit your school library, consult your teachers and parents and search or
the internet and collect information about any backward ethnic or regional
community of Nepal. Then write a Newspaper article giving suggestion to the
National Inclusion Commission to make policies and programmes to bring them
in the mainstream of the state.

154 Social Studies Book 10

6 Political Parties

Lesson

A political party is the political organization of the people. The people believing on the same
political ideology, objectives, programmes and policies form or join the same political party.
People get political rights in democratic system. In democratic system, there can be many
political parties in a country. This democratic system is called multi-party ruling system.
The political parties have a crucial role to run the administrative activities in the country.
The political parties endeavor a lot to win the heart of the people through their principles,
programmes and behavior.
As democracy is rule for the people, of the people and by the people, political parties play very
important role in democracy. The political parties are the true means to represent people’s will
in democratic system. They are the agents of national development through public oriented
activities and programmes.
In competitive multi-party system, the party with the majority in the legislature forms the
government and governs the country. The other parties that are not in government act as
opposition parties. They are the real watchdog of the activities of the government. They also
can work for the good governance providing constructive suggestions to the government or
criticizing the wrong work of the government.

Conditions to Register in the Election Commission

A political party must be registered in the election commission for election purpose. The parties
that are willing to contest election must be registered in the election commission fulfilling the
required criteria. They should register their application along with the statute of the political
party and the election manifesto. At this time they should clearly state this information:

"" The name of the political party and the address of the central office
"" Name and address of the members of the central executive committee or other

equivalent committee
"" The description of income source or source to collect the fund for the party activities.
The constitution of Nepal has made a provision about the formation of political parties. Some
of these provisions are given below.
a. The statute of a political party must be democratic.
b. There must be the provision of election to choose its executive committee members

of federal level and provincial level at least once in five years.
c. There should be inclusiveness of women, dalits and underprivileged group of people.
d. The name, objectives, logo and flag of the party must not be against national unity

and integrity.

Social Studies Book 10 155

Some Major Political Parties

1. Nepal Communist Party 2. Nepali Congress

3. Rastriya Janata Party Nepal 4. Rastriya Prajatantra Party

5. CPN, Maoist (Baidya) 6. CPN (ML)

7. Bibekshil Nepali Dal 8. Samajbadi Party Nepal.

9. Nepal Workers and Peasant's Party

Roles of Political Parties in Democracy

People get political rights only in democratic system. Similarly political parties are the agents
to establish democratic system in the country. The democracy in the country can be effective
and successful only if the political parties are guided by democratic principles and they have
democratic norms within the political parties. True democracy can’t exist in the absence
of political parties. Political parties play important roles in the establishment, growth and
development of democratic system. They are instrumental in shaping the political views,
ideologies and direction in the country.

Some important roles of political parties in democracy are given below.

"" They bridge gap between the government and people.
"" They work to raise political awareness among the people.
"" They best understand the will of the people and work addressing the related issues.
"" They contest election and form government or control the government from the

opposition.
"" They mobilize the people and resources for the development of the country.
"" They play very important role for the modernization of society and the country’s

economy thorough newer vision and ideas.
"" They work to strengthen country’s unity and sovereignty with the support of the people.

Roles of Political Parties to Establish Loktantra in Nepal

Political parties have a significant role to establish Loktantra or Peoples' Democracy in Nepal.
Nepali Congress had greatly contributed in bringing democracy in Nepal in 2007 B.S by
overthrowing autocratic family rule of Ranas. However, Praja Parisad, established in 1993
B.S. had already started anti-Rana movement in the country. On the other hand, Communist
Party of Nepal was also in Nepal at that time in Nepalese Politics.

Political parties took part in the general election of 2015 B.S with the aim of democracy. But
then king Mahendra dismissed the democratically elected government of B.P Koirala on 1st
Poush of 2017 BS. He banned all political parties and their activities. The then Prime Minister

156 Social Studies Book 10

Bisheswor Prasad Koirala, some ministers of his cabinet and other political leaders were
imprisoned. The parliament was suspended. However, political parties secretly launched their
struggle for democracy against the king’s step.

Because of the persistent struggle of students, King Birendra was compelled to announce
a referendum on 10th Jestha 2036 BS. It was held on 20th Baisakh 2037 BS. The political
parties participated in the referendum. But the result was in favor of Panchayat system. The
many decades long dream of the political parties to bring democracy was finally realized with
the success of the mass movement of 2046. This movement was jointly launched by Nepali
Congress, United Left Front and United People’s Movement Coordination Committee. This
movement restored multi-party democracy in the country. The participation of the political
parties in the general election for the House of Representatives helped to institutionalize and
strengthen democratic system in Nepal.

The mainstream political parties that had launched peaceful movement against autocratic
kingship and the CPN Maoist that was launching armed revolt finally reached a seven pact
agreement. Since their peaceful movement got the overwhelming support of the people,
Loktantra was established on Baishakh 11, 2063. The success of this movement made people
sovereign. The agreement between then Seven Party Alliance and CPN Maoist led the country
to sustainable peace.

The election of Constituent Assembly I and Constituent Assembly II were held on Chaitra
28, 2064 BS and Mangsir 4, 2070 BS respectively. The Constituent Assembly II succeeded in
bringing a new constitution in the country on Ashwin 3, 2072 BS. In this way, the political
parties played a crucial role to establish, reestablish, institutionalize democracy and establish
Loktantra in the country. They have ably introduced several historical achievements for the
people. However, they have to do a lot to institutionalize them.

Nature of Political Party

1. Majority Party 2. Largest Party

3. Minority Party 4. Small Party

5. Parliamentary Party 6. Ruling Party

7. Opposition Party 8. National Party

Present Condition of Political Parties

"" Polarization of political parties
"" Intra and inter conflicts in political parties
"" Lack of trust in each other.

Social Studies Book 10 157

"" Immaturity of political parties.
"" No work as per manifesto.
"" Lack of internal democracy in them.
"" Lack of political commitment.
"" Leadership problem in political parties.
"" Lack of constructive role in opposition parties.
"" Lack of interest of politics in youth .
"" No work as per political philosophy, principle.
"" Dominance of majority in parliament and government.
"" Existence of regional parties.

"" Only four national political party because of threshold provision.

"" Lack of political training in cadres, leaders and people.

"" Lack of farsightedness.

Word Meaning

• rendered : provided, served
• multi-party : involving many parties
• endeavor : try, attempt
• persistent : continuous
• overwhelming : great, large
• manifesto : public declaration, policy announcement of parties

Points to Remember:

"" A political party is the political organization of the people.
"" The people believing on the same political ideology, objectives, programmes and

policies form or join the same political party.
"" The political parties function as agents of national development.
"" The other parties that are not in government act as opposition parties. They function

as the watchdogs.
"" A political party must be registered in the election commission to take part in election.
"" The Constituent Assembly II succeeded in bringing a new constitution in the country

on Ashwin 3, 2072 BS.

158 Social Studies Book 10

Activities

1. Short answer questions

a. What is a political party? Prepare a list of any three major political parties of
Nepal.

b. What are the provisions to form a political party in Nepal?
c. What are the conditions to register a political party in election commission?
d. The role of the political parties was crucial to establish democracy in 2046 B.S.

Justify.
e. The success of Mass Movement II was because of the unified struggle of the

political parties. Discuss.
f. What is competitive multi-party system? Write its features in four points.
g. Make a list of the roles of political parties in democracy.
h. What do you think are responsibilities of the political parties in the present

context of Nepal?
i. Prepare an article on ‘Political Parties are the Pillars of Democracy’.
j. There is ban on the formation of the political parties that are against the regional

integrity and religious, cultural and social harmony existing in Nepal. Why? Give
reasons.
k. What things should be taken into consideration while preparing an election
manifesto?

2. Long answer questions

a. Evaluate the roles played by the political parties for political changes in Nepal.
b. Describe the need and importance of political parties for country’s

democratization and introduction of people’s rights and freedom.
c. Imagine you are the president of a political party. Now prepare an election

manifesto on the behalf of your political party to present before people.

3. Community work

What roles have the political parties been playing in your community to raise political
awareness? Discuss with the local political leaders and write about some activities done
by them.

Social Studies Book 10 159

7 Election Process

Lesson

Election is the democratic process to choose people’s
representatives through secret votes. It is held to
choose representatives in federal, provincial and
local levels. Election Commission holds election to
elect president, vice-president, members of federal
parliament, provincial parliament, municipality and
rural municipality. Election commission updates
the electoral roll every year. Election Commission
appoints chief election officer in each district to
conduct election. An election officer is appointed Election

and given responsibility to conduct election in
each Electoral College. Similarly, a polling officer is appointed to conduct election or voting
process in a poll center. The responsibilities of the polling officer is to manage poll center,
maintain security condition coordinating with authorities concerned, begin voting process
according to the law of the country and end the voting process. Similarly, polling officer can
postpone the voting if needed, listen the complaints regarding election and follow them and
count the votes of local election.

Types of Election

General Election : General election is the election of federal legislature, provincial legislature
or local bodies which is held after the end of the set tenure, normally 5 years.

Mid-Term Election : Mid-Term election is conducted as and when the legislature gets
dissolved before completing its fixed tenure.

By-election : By-election is conducted to elect a representative of a particular constituency
when it falls vacant because of some reasons: death, resignation, etc. of the elected
representative.

Referendum : Referendum is an election in which people cast secret vote to decide on
important national issues. Voters are generally given two options to choose one in this type
of election.

Constituent Assembly Election : This is an election held to choose people’s representatives
to draft new constitution for the country.

Requirements of Election Process

Electoral Roll/ Name List of Voters
It is the printed document containing the name of people who are eligible to vote in election.
It is updated by the election commission every year. It has the necessary information of each
voter such as name, address, age, sex, father’s/mother’s/ husband’s name, etc. A Nepali citizen
who has attained at least 18 years of age can vote in election.

160 Social Studies Book 10

Voters Identity Card

Voter ID card is an identification card issued by the Voter identity card
election commission to all voters. In the context of
Nepal, a citizen attaining age of sixteen can get voters
ID card but cannot caste vote without attaining the age
of eighteen so without voters ID card we cannot caste
vote in election.

Ballot Box and Paper

Ballot box is a sealed semitransparent box in which voters put
completed ballot papers. Ballot paper is a printed piece of paper
containing the names and symbols of the candidates or political
parties contesting election. The voters stamp/tick for the name or
symbol of the candidate or the political party they like most.

Many ballot papers in Nepal become invalid as a result of improper Ballot paper
stamping. It is a must to control the number of such invalid vote
papers to elect the right candidates reflecting people’s will and
aspiration. To control such invalid vote papers, the following works
should be done.

a. The general public should be trained about the proper way of voting.

b. Election commission should conduct sample election before the actual election
takes place.

c. The students and teachers should be mobilized in each community for door to door
campaign to give knowledge about voting.

d. The election symbols should be clear and recognizable.

e. Easy and comfort voting system should be applied in order to control this problem.

f. Related programmes should be broadcast from the radio and television before the
date of election.

g. Introduce electronic voting and train people to use it.

Polling Centre

It is the place where people go to cast vote. The number of such centers are determined on the
basis of geographical condition and population. Public places are normally used for polling
centers. If the numbers of voters are high, more than one polling center can be made in a place.

Candidates

A candidate is a person who contests in the election. The candidates can either be independent
member or belong to political parties.

Social Studies Book 10 161

Qualifications to be a Candidate in Election

The law of the country decides the specific age required to be a candidate in election. One
who fulfills all the requirements and is not disqualified by any of the federal laws can be a
candidate in election. The minimum age limit to be candidate for different levels of election
is given below.

a. President/ Vice-President: at least 45 years

b. Member of Federal Parliament: at least 25 years for House of
Representatives and at least 35 years
for National Assembly

c. Member of Provincial Legislature: at least 25 years

d. Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and
Members of Rural municipality and
Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Members of at least 21 years

municipality:

e. Member of Rural municipality/ at least 21 years
municipality:

Qualifications Required to be the Member of Federal Legislature

To be eligible to be the member of federal legislature in Nepal, are:
"" must be a Nepali citizen.
"" must not have been punished for any criminal offence.
"" must not be disqualified by any laws of the country.
"" must not be holding any public offices of profit paid from the state treasury.
"" must have completed at least 25 years of age for the House of Representatives and
35 years of age for National Assembly.

Compare clearly among periodical election, referendum, constituent Assembly and general
election.

Base Periodical (General Referendum Constituent Periodical (Local
Election) Assembly Election )

Time The election is held in This election is held as This election is held This election is held in an
Formation an interval of 5 years. per necessity. after the change of interval of 5 years.
Cabinet is formed after No cabinet is formed political system.
Agenda this poll. after this poll. Cabinet may or may It is not related to the
Example not formed after this formation of cabinet
Drafting, amending Topic of national poll. but municipal or village
162 law and national importance is an executive is formed after
development etc are agenda of referendum. Drafting constitution this poll.
agendas of this poll. Poll of 2037 is an agenda of Local development is
Poll of 2048, 2051, constituent assembly. an agenda of general
2056, 2074. Poll of 2064 2070. election.
Social Studies Book 10
Poll of 2048, 2054, 2074,
etc.

Elections in Nepal 2037 2048 2064 2070 2074
Baishakh 20 Baishakh Chaitra 28 Mangsir 4 Mangsir 10,21
Year 2015 29
Date Falgun Nepali No party got No party got Left Alliance of
Congress majority CPN majority Nepali CNP-UML and
Victory Nepali Reformed got (Maoist) became Congress Maoist (centre )
Congress got Panchayat majority the largest prty became largest got majority.
victory (74 in System won (110in205 (229in601 seats ) party. (196 in
109 seats) seats) 601 seats) Implementation
People's People's Failure of 1st of Federalism
Result of /for People's Student's Movement Movement Constituent and Constitution
Revolution Movement 2046 (I) 2062/63 (II) Assembly. of Nepal 2072
2007 205 165 in FPTP
240 in FPTP 240 in FPTP 335 110/275 in
Constituencies 109 Multi-Party and 335 in in proportionate proportionate
Democratic proportionate representation representation
Political Democratic Partyless system (26/601) system (26/601) system.
system Panchayat nomination nomination Federal
Full-Fledged Federal Democratic
Democracy Democratic Republican
(Loktantra) Republican

Number of Local Levels in Provinces Sub- Metropolitans Total
metropolitans 1 137
Province Rural Muncipality Muncipality 1 136
2 3 119
1 88 46 3 1 85
2 59 73 1 0 109
Bagmati 74 41 0 0 79
Gandaki 58 26 4 0 88
5 73 32 0 6 753
Karnali 54 25 1
Sudurpashchim 54 33 11
Total 460 276

Word Meaning

• postpone : adjourn, reschedule
• draft : write
• electronic voting : voting by using computer
• independent : not related, affiliated to any parties

Social Studies Book 10 163

Activities

1. Short answer questions

a. t? Why is it necessary?
b. Who is eligible to become the contestant in election? Explain.
c. During elections many ballot papers in our country are rejected or become

invalid as a result of wrong stamping. What should be done to check it? Write any
four ways.
d. Why is it necessary to give voting rights to an adult citizen only? Give reasons.
e. Make a list of the duties and responsibilities of polling officer.
f. What are the qualifications required to become the candidate of federal legislature
of Nepal?
g. Prepare a model ballot paper used in Nepal.
h. Describe about various types of election.
i. Why should we cast our votes secretly? Explain.
j. The people in some countries in the world have right to reject. They can reject all
the candidates contesting election. This system is also called None of the Above
(NOTA). Is this suitable for Nepal or not? Give reasons.
k. Design a mode of voter’s ID card issued by Election Commission of Nepal.

2. Long answer questions

a. What are the types of elections? Explain them in brief.
b. What do you think are the roles of general public, political parties and election

commission to make election fair, impartial, free and effective?
c. The system of using electrical machines instead of stamping of the ballot paper

has been in use in Nepal at present. What can be the usefulness and complexities
of the use of such machines? Discuss.
d. Describe the election process in brief.

3. Community work

Visit the offi ce of your rural municipality or municipality and find out the process of
updating electoral roll. Then prepare a report on the basis of the information you have
collected.

164 Social Studies Book 10

8 Roles of Citizen in
Election
Lesson

People have right to choose their representatives by casting
votes in election. It is the opportunity of the citizen to elect
the candidate of their choice who will represent their will
and aspiration in the policy and lawmaking body of the
country. Hence, they should use the right to vote quite
prudently. The free, fair and impartial election helps people
to use this right. It is the duty of every citizen to make the
election successful.

In educated and conscious societies, people evaluate the candidates and the political parties
as per their goals and agendas and they cast their vote to the most suitable candidate. One,
who believes in democracy and democratic norms, never tries to influence the election with
money and muscles.

Election is very important for the people and the country. The following points show the
importance of election.

a. It is an opportunity to get the fresh mandate of the people through votes.
b. It is the best way to represent peoples will and aspiration in the policy making and

lawmaking body.
c. The elected representatives become accountable to the people.
d. It is the most democratic system of governing the country as per people’s will.

On the other hand, the groups who are unaware of the importance of election can be allured
by money. Sometimes, we often hear making election unfair casting proxy votes. The process
of casting vote in other’s name except his/her own is called proxy vote. We often hear people
talking about such votes in Nepal after the election. This trend deprives us from choosing the
right candidate as per the will of majority. We have to do these things to control proxy votes
in election.

a. Use biometric voters’ identity card.

b. Update voter’s list every year.

c. Conduct the electronic voting system.

d. Cast votes in free and fair manner without caring the pressure.

e. Manage good security condition in the polling centers.

There are many important roles that can be played by the citizens before, during and
after the election. Some of them are:

Social Studies Book 10 165

Before the Election

a. To register their names in the
electoral roll.

b. To make sure that the names of
all eligible voters of their families
are correctly included in the
electoral roll.

c. To provide correct information
about yourselves to include in
the electoral roll.

d. To inform the authority
concerned if there is any mistake
in the electoral roll regarding
your information.

e. To inform the authority
concerned to exclude the names
of ineligible persons from the
electoral roll.

f. To aware the people in the community to register their name in the electoral roll.

During the Election

a. To aware the people not to fall in the greed of money.
b. To vote the right candidate.
c. To inform others about the date and venue of voting.
d. To inform people about election procedures and teach them about the proper way

of voting.
e. To request the neighborhood people to reach the polling center early in the morning.
f. To line up and wait your turn patiently to vote.
g. To cast vote without anybody’s threat or coercion.
h. To help disabled and old people in voting process.
i. To study the election manifesto of the candidates and political parties before voting.
j. To report the authority concerned regarding any violations of election codes.
k. To carry your voter’s identity card to the polling center.

After the Election

a. To wait for the result patiently.
b. To respect the election result.
c. Do not be too excited if the candidate you vote wins the election.
d. Do not be frustrated if the candidate you vote is defeated.
e. Help to remove posters, pamphlets and banners used in and around your locality.
f. To respect and support the elected representative to carry out his work.

166 Social Studies Book 10

Points to Remember

"" Every citizen has the right to choose their representatives by casting votes in election.
"" During election some candidates unlawfully allure their voters by giving them money.
"" Citizens can play many important roles before, during and after the election.
"" We should help disabled and old people in during voting process.
"" Every voter must carry her/his voter's identity card to the polling station.

Word Meaning

• prudently : cautiously, carefully Activities
• mandate : consent, support
• accountable : responsible, liable
• allured : tempted
• proxy vote : the vote caste in other's name
• deprives : prohibits, disallows
• venue : location, place
• coercion : force, compel
• codes : rules
• promptly : at the appointed time,

1. Short answer questions

a. What is election? Why should people vote in the election?
b. As a student how can you help the election commission to hold election in fair

and impartial manner? Write in points.
c. What should be done to check proxy votes? Write any four ways.
d. You are minors. You cannot vote in election. However you can help on the day

of voting in number of ways. Now write a few points stating what you can do to
make the election successful.
e. How would you advice your parents and neighborhood people to vote in election?
Write in points
f. How would you advice a person who tells "It makes no difference casting vote to
anyone.”?

2. Long answer questions

a. What role can you play to hold the election in fair, impartial and peaceful manner?
Write the roles they can play before election, during election and after election.

b. Make a list of the roles to be played by the people before, during and after election.

3. Community work

Visit a person in your community and discuss what s/he did during last election held in
the country. Now prepare a short article including his experience.

Social Studies Book 10 167

9Lesson Human Rights and
National and International

Organizations

Concept and Development of Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every Mrs. Eleanor
person in the world, from birth until death. The basic conditions Roosevelt
required for the all-round prosperity of every individual are human
rights. The rights are generally approved by the society and enforced
by the state. Human rights enable us to live a safe, dignified, secured
and civilized life. Everyone living in this world irrespective of gender,
ethnicity, culture, tradition, religion, etc. equally requires these
conditions. Human rights are necessary to form the discrimination
free society. If the people can equally enjoy these rights in a country,
there will be harmony, unity and overall progress of the country.

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the US President Franklin D Roosevelt brought the
concept of human rights for the first time. As per her concept the General Assembly of the
UNO declared certain basic rights for human beings on 10th December 1948. This declaration
is known as “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. This declaration has 30 Articles and is
obligatory for each member country.

Human Rights and Fundamental Rights
All fundamental rights are human rights but all human rights are not fundamental rights.
Human rights can be taken as the broad expression of rights of the people where as
fundamental rights are more specific conditions. Human rights come under the international
rights, but fundamental rights are decided and introduced by the country concerned. Some
chief differences between human rights and fundamental rights are given below.

Human Rights Fundamental Rights
1. Human rights are broad based. They 1. Fundamental rights are specific

include enumerable conditions required conditions. These rights include
for all-round prosperity of human beings. limited number of conditions.
2. Human rights fall under the international 2. Fundamental rights fall under the
rights. So they are uniform in all countries rights given by the nation concerned.
of the world. So they differ from a country to
country.
3. Human rights were first introduced by 3. Fundamental rights are introduced in
the General Assembly of the UNO on the constitution of a country. So they
10th December 1948. are constitutional rights.
4. Fundamental rights accepted in
4. Human rights are worldly accepted. one country may not be accepted in
another country.
168 Social Studies Book 10

The 30 Articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration
without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political
or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

3. Everyone has the right to life,
liberty and the security.

4. No one shall be held in slavery or
servitude; slavery and the slave
trade shall be prohibited in all
their forms.

5. No one shall be subjected to
torture or to cruel inhumane
or degrading treatment or
punishment.

6. Everyone has the right to
recognition everywhere as a
person before the law.

7. All are equal before the law
and are entitled without
any discrimination to equal
protection of the law.

8. Everyone has the right to
an effective remedy by the
competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental ;|f]t ‘dhb'/’ bl} gs

rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

9. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

10. Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent
and impartial tribunal.

11. Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until
proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees
necessary for his defense.

12. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or
correspondence, or to attacks upon his honour and reputation.

13. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders
of each state. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to
return to his country.
Social Studies Book 10 169

14. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from
persecution.

15. Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his
nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

16. Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or
religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal
rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.

17. Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right
includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in
community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in
teaching, practice, worship and observance.

19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes
freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart
information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

20. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
21. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or

through freely chosen representatives. Everyone has the right of equal access to
public service in his country.
22. Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to
realization, through national effort and international cooperation and in accordance
with the organization and resources of each state, of the economic, social and cultural
rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
23. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable
conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Everyone, without
any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. Everyone has the right
to form and join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
24. Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working
hours and periodic holidays with pay.
25. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being
of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and
necessary social services. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care
and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same
social protection.
26. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary
and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and

170 Social Studies Book 10

professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall
be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. Parents have a prior right to choose
the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
27. Everyone has the right freely to participate in cultural life of the community, to
enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
28. Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and
freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
29. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development
of his personality is possible.
30. Nothing in this declaration may be interpreted as implying for any state, group
or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the
destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was approved by the General Assembly of the
UNO on 10th December 1948. The day is observed as the World Human Rights Day. This
declaration has the following conclusions regarding human beings and their rights.
a. Everyone has independent existence and has rights too.
b. Everyone has rights to live free, secured and dignified life.
c. There would be no discrimination and disparity in the name of religion, language,
race, ethnicity, etc.
d. Everyone will enjoy the uniform rights and there should not be discrimination in
regard to giving rights to them.
e. No one should be given unnecessary punishment, fine and inhuman treatment.
f. Everyone should be respected.
g. No one should be exiled, imprisoned or kept in detention for no reason.
h. Men and women have rights to live a married life.
i. Everyone will have freedom of thought and expression and right to free movement.
j. Every citizen has right to use their property.
k. Everyone has right to participate in religious and cultural activities.
l. Everyone has right to enjoy the services and facilities provided by the nation.
m. Everyone has rights to assemble in a place without taking weapons.
n. Everyone will have rights to enjoy the social services.

Role of National and International Organizations in Protecting of Human
Rights

Nepal has signed altogether thirteen treaties and conditions to respect the human rights.
Our constitution has made the provision of National Human Rights Commission as
constitutional organ to work for the promotion of human rights in the country. Many national
and international organizations are effectively working for the protection and promotion
of human rights conditions in the country. These organizations are working to observe the

Social Studies Book 10 171

human rights conditions, make necessary recommendations and raise awareness about
human rights. They raise voice against violation of human rights, warn the groups involving
in these activities and ask the government for needy compensation.

Some national and international level organizations working for the protection and promotion
of human rights in Nepal are given below.

1. National Human Rights Commission NHRC logo

National Human rights was established in 2057 B.S. The interim
constitution of Nepal 2063 B.S. made the NHRC a constitutional
body. This commission was established with the objective
of protecting and promoting human rights conditions in the
country. It observes and supervises the human rights condition
in the country and makes necessary recommendations to the
government. It publishes book called Human rights year every
year with the aim of protecting human rights.

2. Informal Service Center

Informal Service Center (INSEC) works for the protection
and promotion of human rights in Nepal.  Founded by human
rights defender, Prakash Kaphley, and prominent human rights
activist SushilPyakurel in 1988, the institution has contributed
to protecting and promoting the fundamental rights of people in
virtually all sectors by initiating collective efforts at district and INSEC logo

regional levels and advocating and campaigning at the national
level. It has been implementing specific human rights awareness and capacity development
programmes targeting marginalized people including the Dalits, women, ex-kamaiyas, ex-
haliyas, bonded agricultural labors and children, especially at grassroots level.

3. Amnesty International

Amnesty International, founded in London in 1961, is a  non-
governmental organization focused on human rights with over
7 million members and supporters around the world.  This Amnesty International Logo
organization was established by Peter Benenson. The main
objective of the organization is to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end
grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated.
The Amnesty International Nepal combats human rights abuses by mobilizing the public to
put pressure on governments, political groups, companies and intergovernmental bodies
through public demonstrations, letter-writing campaigns, community activities, awareness
raising concerts, email petitions and other online actions.

172 Social Studies Book 10

Amnesty International has a motto that says “It is better to light a candle than to curse the
darkness.” The barbed wire in its logo represents the darkness or hopelessness of people being
put away in jail. The candle represents Amnesty International's commitment to remember
that political prisoners are being held in prisons all over the world and Amnesty International's
commitment to bring hope to the prisoners for their fair treatment and eventual release.

Word Meaning

• dignified : noble, distinguished
• uniform : consistent
• servitude : lack of personal freedom
• subjected : bring someone under the law
• entitled : deserving
• remedy : solution, cure
• tribunals : courts
• detention : custody, arrest
• arbitrary : uninformed, unlawfully
• hearing : trials, investigation
• penal offence : legally punishable
• dissolution : end, conclude
• impart : provide
• indispensable : essential, vital
• wedlock : marriage
• herein : in this document or declaration
• compensation : cost of damages
• virtually : almost, nearly
• grave : very serious

Social Studies Book 10 173

Points to Remember:

"" Human rights  are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the
world, from birth until death.

"" On 10th December 1948, General Assembly of the UNO declared “Universal
Declaration of Human Rights” which 30 Articles.

"" All fundamental rights are human rights but all human rights are not fundamental
rights.

"" Nepal has signed altogether thirteen treaties and conditions to respect the human rights.
"" Some organizations like National Human Rights Commission, INSEC, Amnesty

International are working for the protection and promotion of human rights in Nepal.

Activities

1. Short answer questions

a. Show the differences between human rights and fundamental rights.
b. Prepare a dialogue between two students about the basic human rights and their

need.
c. Draw the logo of Amnesty International and write the meaning it implies.
d. How should we honour the persons who involve the protection and promotion

of human rights? Explain.
e. How does ‘Right to assemble peacefully’ ensure the state of human rights

achievement? Discuss.
f. Describe the roles played by INSEC for the protection of human rights in Nepal.
g. Make a list of works done in your community for the protection of human rights.
h. Prepare a news report about a human right violation issue in Nepal which you

may obtain from internet, TV, newspaper or any other sources.

2. Long answer questions

a. What can be the role of an individual, society, humanitarian organizations and
the government for the protection and promotion of human rights in Nepal?

b. Make a list of the human rights organizations working in your place and write the
works that are worth appreciating.

c. Compare the rights included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with
the rights ensured by the Constitution of Nepal.

3. Community work

Many people in Nepal lack basic human rights. Visit around your community and find
out the people whose human rights have been violated. Prepare a report by interacting
with such people to be sent to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

174 Social Studies Book 10

10 Rights of Women and
Indigenous Nationalities
Lesson

Women’s Rights

The rights given to the women for their all round prosperity are women's rights. Women’s
rights around the world are an important indicator to understand global well-being. A major
global women’s rights treaty was ratified by the majority of the world’s nations a few decades
ago. The status of women in Nepal has varied throughout history. In the early 1990s, like in
any other Asian country, women in Nepal were generally subordinate to men in almost every
aspect of life. Nepal, like most societies in the present world, was a rigidly patriarchal society.
Women's relative status, however, varied from one community to another. Yet, despite many
successes in empowering women, numerous issues still exist in all areas of life, ranging from
the cultural, political to the economic. For example, women often work more than men, yet
are paid less; gender discrimination affects girls and women throughout their lifetime; and
women and girls are often the ones that suffer the most poverty.
The preamble of the new constitution vows to end gender-based discrimination through
proportional and inclusive participation of women. The new constitution also allows for
special provisions for socially and culturally disadvantaged women, and recognizes women's
right to lineage without gender-based discrimination. The equal right of spouses in family
matters and property has also been enshrined as one of the fundamental rights. Provisions
ensure proportional representation of women in all state organs and positive discrimination
in education, employment and social security to create special opportunities for women.
The National Women Commission, with the power to protect women's right, is now a
constitutional body. And in other constitutional bodies, at least one of the members will
be a woman. Women's right to reproductive health and equal right to inheritance have been
carried over from the Interim to the new constitution. The right to protection against physical,
mental or sexual violence in any form is also ensured, with offences punishable and victims
entitled to adequate compensation. Going beyond the Interim Constitution, the new statute
has made violence against women based on religious, social, cultural, or traditional practices
criminal, with offenders liable to pay reparations.
The Constitution of Nepal, the existing laws and other national policies,has guaranteed the
following rights of women:

a. To build up the equitable society on the basis of proportional, inclusive and
participatory principles.

b. To end the gender disparity.

Social Studies Book 10 175

c. To provide citizenship certificate in the name of mother.

d. Not to discriminate on the basis of origin,
religion, race, colour, ethnicity, gender,
disability, or other bases.

e. To provide equal parental/ genealogical
(banshiya) rights to women with no
discrimination.

f. To make special provision according to the
law for the protection, empowerment and
development of women and handicapped
people who have fallen back socially and
culturally.

g. To provide women with right to safe
motherhood and reproductive health.

h. To make any sort of exploitation and violence
over women based on religion, social tradition
or practices punishable act and provide a
victim with compensation.

i. To ensure the participation of women in all
state authorities on the basis of proportional
and inclusive principle.

j. To provide women with special opportunity
in education, health, employment and social
security.

k. To provide equal right to both husband and wife in family and property matters.
l. To form National Women Commission.
m. To bring all women in the mainstream of the state.
n. To ensure the right to social security to economically backward, disable and helpless

women.
o. To work to ensure fundamental rights and gender equality.

Rights of Indigenous Nationalities

Adivasi Janajatis are identified, both by the Government of Nepal, and by the groups
themselves, as “indigenous peoples” or indigenous “nationalities” distinct from the rest of
Nepal’s population. The Government of Nepal officially lists 59 groups as Adivasi Janajati,
distributed throughout the mountains, hills and lowland regions.

The Constitution of Nepal responds to aspirations of Nepali people living in mountains, hills
and the Tarai/Madhesh plains. The Constitution provides extensive coverage of fundamental

176 Social Studies Book 10

rights including social, economic and cultural rights, with the state bound to work towards
progressive realization. The Constitution extends affirmative action for groups who have
been historically disadvantaged and marginalized. The rights of women, Dalits, indigenous
and other minorities have been guaranteed. Independent constitutional commissions are
provided for women and the Dalit, Janjati, Madhesi, Tharu and Muslim communities, and
the Human Rights Commission has been given the mandate to recommend, reforms laws,
policies and practices in order to end discrimination.

Educational and Other Rights of Indigenous Nationalities
"" Right to free and compulsory basic education
"" Right to get education in child friendly environment
"" Right to protection and promotion of language, script and civilization
"" Right to easy access to natural resources of the local area
"" Right to get basic education in mother tongue
"" Right to get special discount up to higher education
"" Right to get special facility in services, housing and employment provided by the
state.
"" Right to have presence in government authorities
"" Right to proportional representation

Efforts Made by the Government to Introduce the Rights of Indigenous Nationalities
"" Establishment of Indigenous Commission
"" Provision of basic education in mother tongue
"" Participatory principle for the equal access and opportunity in different government
authorities
"" Management of curriculum, textbooks and teachers to provide basic education in
mother tongue
"" Management of scholarship

Word Meaning

• rigidly : strictly, firmly
• relative : in comparison to
• spouse : a husband or wife
• enshrined : to ensure protection and respect
• reparations : compensation
• disparity : a great difference

Social Studies Book 10 177

Points to Remember:

"" The rights given to the women for their all round prosperity are women's rights.
"" The preamble of the new constitution vows to end gender-based discrimination.
"" The National Women Commission is now a constitutional body.
"" The Constitution of Nepal guarantees to provide citizenship certificate in the name of

mother.
"" Adivasi Janajatis are indigenous peoples or nationalities of Nepal.
"" The constitution protects educational and other rights of indigenous nationalities
"" Right to free and compulsory basic education is an important right of indigenous

nationalities.
"" Efforts are being made by the government to introduce the rights of indigenous

nationalities.

Activities

1. Short answer questions

a. What do you mean by women’s rights? Why are they necessary?
b. How can we promote women’s rights in our country?
c. Discuss the ways to empower women in Nepal.
d. Discuss the rights given to women by the constitution of Nepal.
e. What are the constitutional provisions made for the promotion of women’s rights

in Nepal?
f. Who are indigenous nationalities? Mention the efforts made by the government

to introduce the rights of indigenous nationalities in Nepal.

2. Long answer questions

a. Prepare a speech on ‘It is the right of every indigenous nationality to get basic
education in mother tongue’.

b. What do mean by Rights of Indigenous Nationalities? Make a list of rights of
indigenous nationalities in Nepal.

c. A nation cannot develop unless the women do not get rights for their
empowerment. Discuss.

3. Community work

a. Visit your community. Make a survey whether the women in your community
are enjoying all the rights given by the constitution or not. Prepare an article on
the basis of the information you have collected.

178 Social Studies Book 10

11 Identity of Citizen and
Citizenship
Lesson

Citizen

A citizen is a person who lives in a certain country. They are loyal to the country they live in.
But there are also people who are not the citizens but live legally in Nepal.
If you are born of Nepalese parents, you are a citizen of Nepal. Or if you are rightful to obtain
citizenship certificate of Nepal according to the country’s existing laws, you are a citizen of
Nepal. Hence, everyone living in Nepal cannot be the citizen of Nepal. The foreign nationals
who have been living here for business, tourism and other many more purposes cannot be the
citizen of Nepal.
A citizen is a member of a particular country. A citizen is a native or naturalized member of a
country who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection. S/he may
enjoy several rights as per the country’s constitution and existing laws. In return they have to
perform many duties towards the nation too.
A citizen has the following qualities.

a. S/he is loyal to the country.
b. S/he gets protection from the country.
c. S/he can involve in business, buy or sell

property, join a job, etc. in the country.
d. S/he can enjoy political rights like voting or to

be candidate in the election.
e. S/he can obtain citizenship certificate

according to the law of the country.

Citizenship

The Constitution of Nepal guarantees a right to
identity as one of its fundamental rights. Citizenship
is a legal identity document that confirms the state’s
acknowledgement of a person’s existence. In Nepal, the
citizenship certificate is considered the most important
formal legal document, and it is often a prerequisite
for obtaining other identity documentation in Nepal.
Without citizenship certificates, individuals cannot
register on the voters’ list, register marriages or births,

Social Studies Book 10 179

buy or sell land, take professional exams, open bank accounts or have access to credit. The
importance of a citizenship certificate cannot be underestimated. In particular, it is the
document by which citizens obtain recognition from the state. It allows a citizen to exercise
his/her rights and claim for state protection and social benefits.
A person is said to be a citizen of a country only if s/he obtains citizenship certificate from his/
her country. It is very essential for a person to get citizenship certificate from a country. Only
the citizens can get the protection of fundamental human rights from the state. Similarly s/he
can enjoy the rights given by the constitution and the existing laws of the country. Hence, no
one in the world should be deprived of citizenship certificate.Every country in the world has
their own provision to provide citizenship certificate. The Constitution of Nepal has made its
provision in Part II, from article 10 to article 15.
Difference between Nationality and Citizenship

Citizenship Nationality

1. It is an identity provided by the state 1. Nationality is the virtue of national

to its citizen. feeling.

2. One gets citizenship for his 2. Though one is away from the country s/

settlement in a nation. he possesses his nationality.

3. One can abandon the citizenship. It 3. One can never abandon nationality. It is

is of temporary type. of permanent type.

4. Citizenship is a narrow concept. 4. Nationality is a broad concept.
5. Citizenship represents the concept of 5. Nationality represents the concept of

an individual. group.

Our constitution says that no citizen of Nepal may be deprived of the right to obtain citizenship.
There is a provision of single federal citizenship with State identity in Nepal. It further says
that the persons who have obtained the citizenship of Nepal at the time of commencement
of this Constitution and who are qualified to obtain citizenship in accordance with it shall be
the citizens of Nepal.

Types of Citizenship

Our constitution has made a provision to provide three different types of citizenship. They
are explained below.
a. Citizenship by Descent
The constitutional provisions to provide citizenship certificate by birth/descent in

Nepal are given below.
A person whose father or mother was a citizen of Nepal at his or her birth can get the

citizenship certificate of Nepal by birth/descent.

180 Social Studies Book 10

A child whose father and mother have acquired the citizenship of Nepal by birth before
the commencement of his constitution can get the citizenship of Nepal by descent after
becoming adult.

Every minor who is found within Nepal whose father and mother are not known will be
a citizen of Nepal by descent until the father or the mother of the child is traced.

A person who is born in Nepal from a woman who is a citizen of Nepal and has resided
in Nepal and whose father is not traced is provided with the citizenship of Nepal by
descent.

b. Naturalized Citizenship
The constitutional provisions to provide naturalized citizenship in Nepal are given

below.
A child born from a Nepali woman who is married to a foreign national will get

naturalized citizenship certificate, if father still has foreign citizenship.
A foreign woman who has a matrimonial relationship with a citizen of Nepal if she

wishes she can acquire the naturalized citizenship of Nepal.
A child born from a Nepali woman who is married to a foreign national gets the

naturalized citizenship of Nepal if s/he wants. But s/he should be permanently residing
in Nepal and should not have acquired foreign citizenship.

c. Honorary Citizenship

The Government of Nepal, according to the constitution of Nepal, can grant the
honorary citizenship of Nepal to those foreign nationals who have contributed to
enhance Nepal’s glory, fame and dignity. Nepal has provided such citizenship to Dr
Tony Hagan and Sir Edmund Hillary.

d. Non-resident Nepalese Citizenship

The non-residential citizenship of Nepal may be granted to a person who has acquired
the citizenship of a foreign country, has resided in a country other than a member state
of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and him/herself or his/
her father or mother, grandfather or grandmother was previously a citizen of Nepal
by decent or birth but later acquired the citizenship of the foreign country that such
person may enjoy economic, social and cultural rights.

Social Studies Book 10 181

Points to Remember

"" Distribution of citizenship certificates first began in Nepal in 1952.
"" A citizen is a member of a particular country.
"" A citizen is a native or naturalized member of a country who is loyal to its government

and is entitled to its protection.
"" A citizenship is a legal document that identifies a person and his relation to his country.
"" The Constitution of Nepal guarantees a right to identity as one of its fundamental rights.
"" Citizenship is an identity provided by the state to its citizen where as nationality is the

virtue of national feeling.

Word Meaning

• allegiance : loyalty
• dignity : esteem
• commencement : beginning
• prerequisite : conditions, requirements
• abandon : give up
• descent : the origin or background of a person in terms of family or
nationality
• matrimonial : marriage
• honorary : given as a sign of honor or achievement

Activities

1. Short answer questions

a. What different types of citizenship does our country provide?
b. Why should we have the citizenship of a country?
c. What type of citizenship will you get when you grow up? Why?
d. Show the differences between citizenship by descent and naturalized citizenship.
e. Show the difference between citizenship and nationality.
f. Citizenship is the identity of a person in relation to a nation. Justify.
g. Who should be provided with the honorary citizenship? Why?

2. Long answer questions

a. Explain different types of citizenship provided by our country.
b. Our constitution provides limited rights and opportunities to the Non-resident

Nepalese. Is it good or not? Should they be provided with the rights as other
citizens get? Why, why not?

3. Community work

Visit the office of your rural municipality or municipality and collect information about
the difficulties to achieve citizenship for the people. Then prepare an article including
the information you have collected.

182 Social Studies Book 10

UNIT Geographical
Studies
6

In this unit, you will learn the following subjects: 183
• Factors Affecting Climate
• Tropical Zone, Life in Tropical Zone
• Temperate Zone, Life in Temperate Zone
• Polar Zone, Activities in Polar region
• Plants and Animals in the World
• Effects of Climate and Topography on Human Life
• North America, Socio-Economic Activities in North America
• South America, Socio-Economic Activities of South America
• Africa, Social and Economic Activities in Africa
• North America, South America, Africa and Nepal
• Natural Disaster: Earthquake and Tsunami
• Methods of Drawing Maps and Modern Map Technology
• Map Work

Social Studies Book 10

1Lesson Factors Affecting Climate

Weather

The weather is the day to day
atmospheric condition of
certain place in certain time.
It is generally calculated in a
small place over a short period
of time. Temperature, air
pressure, wind and rainfall. are
the elements of weather.

The weather keeps changing World Map showing climate region
every moment. The day
beginning with sunny morning
may soon get rainfall or can be
windy too.

Climate

The climate is the accumulated weather pattern. It is the average weather condition of a larger
place over longer period of time. It is generally expressed in a large area or a country in term
of a season or a year.

The climate is mainly related with distance from the equator, altitude, slope of land and oceanic
distance of the place. It affects the, vegetations, human and animal life in many different ways.
It is more or less same over a large area or region. For example: there is a similar type of
climate like monsoon all over. Hence, climate is different from weather, which keeps changing
every moment.

Climatic Region

A climatic region is a certain place on the earth's surface that has more or less similar climatic
condition. It has some climatic features that differentiate the region from others. Hence,
temperature, rainfall, relief, soil, vegetations, and animals and human life are more or less
similar within a particular climatic region. For example, most of the South Asia experiences
the Tropical Monsoon Climate whereas most of the North Africa experiences Tropical Desert
Climate.

184 Social Studies Book 10

Climatic Zones

a. Tropical Zone (From 0°–23.5° latitude)

In the regions between the equator and the tropics, the solar radiation reaches the ground
nearly vertically at noontime during almost the entire year. Thereby, it is very warm in these
regions. Through the high temperatures, more water evaporates, so that the air is often moist.
The resulting frequent and dense cloud cover reduces the effect of solar radiation on ground
temperature.

b. Subtropical Zone (From 23.5°–40° latitude)

The subtropics receive the highest radiation in the summer, since the sun's angle at noon is
almost vertical to the earth, whilst the cloud cover is relatively thin. These regions receive
less moisture, and that increases the effect of radiation. Most of the deserts in the world are
situated in this zone. In the winter, the radiation in these regions decreases significantly, and
it can be temporarily very cool and moist.

c. Temperate Zone (From 40°–60°latitude)

In the temperate zone, the solar radiation arrives at
a smaller angle. The average temperatures here are
much cooler than in the subtropics. The seasons and
day length differ significantly in the course of a year.
The climate is characterized by less frequent extremes,
a more regular distribution of the precipitation over
the year. There will be larger vegetation period.
Therefore, it is called temperate.

d. Cold Zone (From 60°–90° latitude)

The polar areas receive least heat through solar radiation. The
sun will have a very flat angle to the ground. Because of the
changes of the earth axis, angle of the sun, the day length varies
most in this zone. In the summer, polar days occur.

Factors Affecting Climate

There is not uniformity in climatic condition in the places of the world. Latitude, altitude of
the place, slope of the mountain, distance from the sea, ocean currents and prevailing winds
determine the climatic condition of a place. Some of these factors that affect the climate are
described below.

Social Studies Book 10 185

Latitude

The sun rays fall vertically in the places near equator
throughout the year. The rays have to travel shorter distance
to reach the place. Moreover, the rays have to heat the small
area. Hence the temperature in this area is high and climate is
very hot and wet throughout the year.
On the other hand, the places near poles receive slanted
sun rays. The rays reach the place covering longer distance. Much heat is lost in the space.
Moreover, it has to heat the larger area. Hence, the temperature in this area is low and climate
is very cold. In this way latitude affects the climate.

Altitude

Air density is thicker in the lower elevation or near the Earth’s surface. The air in lower altitude
contains dust particles and water vapour which absorb more sun heat. On the other hand, the
air is thinner in high altitudes. The amount of dust particles and water vapour is also low here.
Consequently, more heat is not absorbed here. Temperature also depends on the altitude of
a place. Generally, temperature decreases as altitude increases and temperature increases as
altitude decreases. In average, temperature differs by 10 C in each 165 meter height. Hence,
altitude effects climate.

Distance from the Sea

The water in the sea takes a long time to get heated and also takes a long time to lose its
heat. Similarly, the places in the coastal areas are influenced by the sea breeze. On the other
hand, land gets heated quickly and loses its heat quickly. Hence, the summers are very hot and
winters are very cold in the inner parts of the continents. Hence, coastal areas have relatively
moderate climate but the inner parts of the continents have extreme climate.

Slope of the Land

The slopes of the mountains facing the sun are warmer than the slopes not facing the sun.
In northern hemisphere, south facing slopes are warmer than the north facing slopes. It is
the opposite in the southern hemisphere. Similarly, the land slope facing the windward side
gets more rainfall and the land slope in the leeward side receives no or little rainfall. Hence,
windward side has wet climate and leeward side has dry or extreme climate. Manang and
Mustang of Nepal are two driest places because they lie in leeward side.

Presence of Mountain

The wind that originates from the ocean carries
water vapour with it. When it blows towards the
mountain, the windward region of the mountain
receives rainfall. But the leeward region gets only
dry air. The water vapour loaded wind blowing
from the Bay of Bengal gets obstructed by the Himalayas of Nepal, so Nepal gets enough
rainfall and Tibet that lies in the leeward region of the Himalayas is dry.

186 Social Studies Book 10

Nature of Wind

The climatic condition of a place is determined by the nature of the wind. The region through
which dry wind blows has dry climate where as the wet wind makes the climate wet. Nepal
lies in monsoon region. The see breeze blows in Nepal in the summer season from the Bay of
Bengal, so the climate is wet here. Similarly, the land breeze blows to the ocean in the winter
season, so the climate is dry in Nepal.

Ocean Current

The coastal areas where the warm ocean current blows have warm and wet climate where as
the places with cold ocean current have dry and cold climate. Hot ocean current blows in the
eastern coastline of the USA, so this region is warm and wet but cold and dry current blows
in the western coastline. Hence, this region is cold and dry.

Vegetation

The places with vegetation and forest have wet and cold climate, but the places without
vegetation are dry. Vegetation affects the local climate.

Soil

The colour and quality of the soild also affects the climate. The place with black soil is warm
and with white soil is cold. The place with rock and sand is dry and extreme whereas the place
with alluvial soil is not much dry and txtreme.

Points to Remember

"" Weather is the day to day atmospheric condition of certain place in certain time.
"" Climate is the pattern of weather conditions over a long period of time in larger areas. 
"" The three major climate zones on the earth are:

•• the polar
•• the temperate
•• tropical zones
"" Temperatures in the climate zones are determined by angle of sun’s rays and are marked
by latitudes into zones
"" The water in the sea takes a long time to get heated and also takes a long time to lose its
heat.
"" On the other hand, land gets heated quickly and loses its heat quickly.
"" Places closer to the Equator get more heat than the places further to it.
"" Temperature decreases as altitude increases, and vice versa. 1° C decreases in every 160
to 165 meter in height.
"" Slopes or the sides of the land facing the sun are warmer than the slopes not facing to
the sun.
"" In the summer season the wind carrying water vapour blows in Nepal from the Bay of
Bengal which makes the climate wet.
"" In the winter season, the dry wind blows from the land to the ocean which makes the
climate dry in Nepal.

Social Studies Book 10 187

Word Meaning

• altitude : height measured from the sea level
• relief : the highest and lowest elevation points in an area
• vertical : in an up-down direction or position
• radiation : energy that comes from the sun
• moist : moderately or slightly wet; damp
• precipitation : water that falls to the ground as rain, snow, etc.
• uniformity : having similar conditions
• extreme : too hot or cold
• vegetation : plants that cover a particular area
• barren areas : area of land without plants
• coastline : land surrounding the sea or ocean

Activities

1. Very short answer questions

a. Differentiate between weather and climate in a sentence.
b. What is climatic region?
c. Name the climatic regions of the world.
d. Higher we go cooler we feel, Why? Write in sentence.
e. What kind of temperature do the coastal areas have?
f. Which places or areas have extreme temperature and why? Write in a sentence.
g. Why are Manang and Mustang dry in Nepal?
h. Although Nepalgunj and Taplejung lie in the same latitude, Nepalgunj is hotter

than Taplejung. Why?

2. Short answer questions

a. How does the climatic condition affect the nature of vegetation? Explain with
examples.

b. Human life and activities are dependent on the climatic condition of a place.
Explain this statement with examples.

c. How does the distance from sea influence the climatic condition of a place?
d. How does the altitude affect the climate of a place?
e. What makes the summer season wet in Nepal?
f. What are the factors affecting climate? List all and explain any two of them.

188 Social Studies Book 10

2 Tropical Zone

Lesson

Tropical zone extends up to 30° N and S of the Equator. This area receives the direct sun
rays throughout the year. Direct insolation causes high radiation making the region very
hot and humid. However, the amount of the rainfall differs as per the time and place. The
average temperature in this region remains 20 to 30° C throughout the year. On the basis of
temperature, pressure and rainfall, this zone can be divided into four different types. They are:

a. Equatorial

b. Tropical Grassland (Savanna)

c. Tropical Desert
d. Tropical Monsoon

a. Equatorial Climate

This region receives vertical sun rays throughout the Equatorial climate
year and receives high solar power. This region is hot
and humid throughout the year with convectional
rainfall every afternoon generally accompanied by
lightning and thunder.

Location and Areas

This climate is found from to 0° to 5° N and S of the Equator. This type of climate is found in
Amazon Basin and Guianea, Congo Basin and the Guinea Coast of Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia
and New Guinea of South Asia.

Characteristics

"" It is very hot and wet throughout the year with annual mean temperature at 27°C.
"" Rainfall is heavy and equally distributed throughout the year.
"" The average annual rainfall is about 200 cm.
"" This region does not have seasonal change.
"" There is less variation of day and night.

Vegetation and Wildlife

"" There are thick forests with plenty of trees, creepers, bushes, shrubs, ferns, orchids, etc.

"" Due to its luxuriant variety of vegetation this region is also known as the Tropical
Rainforest or Selvas in South America.

Social Studies Book 10 189

"" Most of the trees are tall, hard, heavy, durable, broad leafed and evergreen. Mahogany,
ebony, rosewood, sal, bamboo, rubber, iron wood, etc. are some important tress
found in this climatic region.

"" Animals like monkeys, lemurs, leopard, chimpanzee, gorilla, apes, orangutan, etc.
live on trees. Other animals found are crocodiles, hippopotamus, etc.

"" Different types of bright coloured birds like toucans, hornbills, parrots, macaws, etc.
and a large variety of insects like termites, mosquitoes, spiders, ants and butterflies
are found here.

"" Many reptiles and amphibians like snakes, lizards and frogs are found.

b. Tropical Grassland (Savanna)

The Tropical Grassland region is also called ‘Savanna’ Savanna climate
grassland. This region is covered with thick grassland.
It is the transitional belt between equatorial forest and
tropical desert areas.

Location and Areas

It is found between 5° and 20° N and S of the Equator. Brazilian highland, Guiana Highlands,
parts of Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Sudan, Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, Cuba, Jamaica,etc. have
this type of climate.

Characteristics

"" This region has mainly two seasons i.e. summer and winter.
"" Summers are very hot with monthly average temperature of 34° C and winter 24° C.

"" This region receives much rainfall in summer season. The amount of rainfall varies
from 50 cm to 150 cm.

Vegetation and Wildlife

"" This region is called the natural grassland Savanna grassland
of the world because of its scattered
trees, coarse grasses, scrubby bushes and
shrubs. The grasses are tall (4m) in the
heart of Savanna.

"" These grasslands are known by different
names like Llanos in Venezuela, Campos in
Brazil and Savanna in Africa and Downs
in Australia.

"" Umbrella shaped trees with scattered branches that help them stand against the
strong trade winds.

190 Social Studies Book 10

"" The Savanna grassland is known as ‘The Zoo of the World’ for its large variety of
birds and animals. Moreover, large number of national parks and wildlife reserves
are set up here.

"" Many herbivorous and carnivorous animals like deer, gazelle, antelope, zebra, giraffe,
elephant, lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, etc. are found here.

"" Common birds found are ostrich, emus, cassowary, etc. Most of these birds are
flightless as they live in the vast region where there are very few trees. Most of the
trees found here are umbrella shaped.

c. Hot Desert Climate

The places that receive less than 25 cm of annual North Europe Asia
rainfall is a desert. Hot desert region has bright America
sunny days, and clear and cloudless nights. Most
of the hot deserts are located in the western sides Africa
of the continents in the dry trade wind belt. Most
parts of this region look sandy, barren and naked. South
Human life in this region is influenced much by America
the high fluctuation of temperature between days
and nights. Oasis is an area in the desert which Australia
is kept wet by small natural source of water. It
supports for the growth of small green plants. Hot Desert Climate

Location and Areas

Tropical Desert Climate lies between 20° and 30° N and S of the Equator. Sahara and Kalahari
Desert in Africa, Thar Desert in Asia, Atacama Desert in South America, Arizona and Mexican
Desert in North America and the Great Australian Desert in Australia are the examples of hot
deserts of the world.

Characteristics

"" It has clear sky and hardly any rainfall. The average annual rainfall is less than 25cm.
"" It has extreme temperature. The day time exceeds 49° C which drops to below 10°

at night.
"" It experiences long period of drought.
"" It has hot and dry climate throughout the year.

Vegetation and Wildlife

"" Plants in this region have long roots that help to absorbed the underground water.
Cactus is the most common plant found in the region. Their long roots help them
search water from deep underground. It also stores the water in its stem and leaves.

Social Studies Book 10 191

Hence, it can survive in hot climate.

"" They have tiny, waxy and leathery leaves which helps them minimize loss of water.
The plants have thorns or spines to prevent loss of water through evaporation. These
plants shed leaves and stop growing during the driest periods.

"" Desert animals mostly live in holes and burrows, and they move about only in cool
hours of the nights or early morning.

"" Oasis is the place in desert where underground water, tall trees etc. are found.
Generally, permanent human settlement is available and people do farming.

"" Camels can survive with little water
for a long time. The fats can be used
as substitute to water and energy.
Camels’ can trap a layer of air and help
keep their body cool during day and
warm during night. Camel’s tough lips
and tongue enables them to nibble
and chew thorny plants, their thick
eyebrows protect from sand storm,
Camel

and their broad feet walk on the sand.
Camels, known also as the ‘Ship of the Desert’, are the most dependable means of
transport.

"" Foxes, snakes, lizards, gazelle, hyenas, donkey and horses are also found in this
climate.

d. Tropical Monsoon Climate

Monsoon climate is determined by the reversal
blow of the wind between land and sea with the
change in season. This type of climate found
in tropical region is called tropical monsoon
climate. The amount of rainfall in this region
varies from place to place and the type of the
vegetation is determined by the amount of
rainfall. Similarly, monsoon climatic region Tropical Monsoon climate

is supposed to be suitable for human settlement. Agriculture is the main occupation of the
people here.

Location and Areas

Tropical Monsoon Climate is found within the latitude of 5° and 30° N and S of the Equator.
Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, parts of Vietnam, South
China and, Northern Australia have this type of climate.

192 Social Studies Book 10

Characteristics:

"" There are two seasons: summer and winter.
"" The average summer temperature is 32° C and winter temperature is 15° C.
"" Annual rainfall varies from place to place between 50 cm to 300 cm. It rains in

summer season here.
"" Summer is hot and wet and winter is cool and dry.
"" Average summer temperature is 32°C and winter temperature is 15°C.
"" Places near or along the coasts and windward sides receive more rainfall than the

leeward side and interior parts.

Vegetation and Wildlife

"" The type of vegetation differs as per the amount
of rainfall. Mostly mixed forest are found.

"" In areas of heavy rainfall over 200 cm, evergreen
trees like teak, cinchona, rubber, bamboo,
etc. are found. In areas of moderate rainfall
between 100 cm and 200 cm, deciduous trees Javan Rhino

like sal, acacia, sisau, eucalyptus, etc. are found. In areas with rainfall less than 100
cm, tall grasses, thorny bushes and shrubs are found.

"" Different species of birds, animals and insects are found in this region. Animals like
leopard, tigers, water buffaloes, yaks, Asian elephants, Indian and Javan rhinoceros,
lions, monkeys, langurs, orangutan, gibbons, etc. are found here.

"" Some other species of birds, reptiles and insects like peacocks, hornbill, bulbuls,
parrots, swallows, snakes, alligator, crocodiles, lizards,etc live here.

Word Meaning

• insulation : exposure to the sun's rays
• torrential : rapidly pouring rain
• humid : damp, wet
• luxuriant : lavish, abundant
• varies : differs
• human settlement : people living in a certain place
• dormant : inactive, passive
• substitute : alternative
• drought : lack of rain
• fluctuation : not stable
• nibble : to bite, eat, or chew gently and in small amounts

Social Studies Book 10 193

Points to Remember

"" The Equatorial climatic region has very little variation in temperature.
"" Savanna grassland region is also known as ‘the Zoo of the World’.
"" Hot Desert plants have long roots, tiny, waxy and leathery leaves
"" Camel is known as the ‘Ship of the Desert’.
"" Tropical Monsoon Climate is characterized by hot-wet summer and cool-dry winter.

Activities

1. Very Short answer questions

a. Why is equatorial region hot and wet throughout the year? Give a reason.
b. Why is Savanna Region called zoo of the world?
c. What are tropical grasslands called in Venezuela and Brazil?
d. What is a desert?
e. What is an oasis?
f. Why do desert plants mostly have long roots?
g. Why are camels called ‘Ship of Desert’?
h. Name countries that have Tropical Monsoon Climate.
i. Why do desert palnts have thorns and waxy leaves?

2. Short answer questions

a. Write down any four characteristics of the Equatorial climate.
b. Describe about natural vegetation and wildlife found in Equatorial climate.
c. What are the characteristics of Hot desert climate? Write any four.
d. Why do very few people live in the Hot Desert climate? Give resons.
e. Compare Hot Desert Climate with Tropical Monsoon climate in term of natural

vegetation and wild life.
f. Describe the vegetation and wildlife of Tropical Monsoon climate.
g. Show the differences between the Equatorial Climate and the Savanna Climate.
h. Describe the natural vegetation and wildlife found in the Savanna Climate.
i. Describe the relationship between the climate and vegetation.
j. Compare the vegetation found in the mountain and the Terai of Nepal.
k. The tropical monsoon climate is favorable for agriculture. How?
l. Show the relationship of climate with vegetations.

194 Social Studies Book 10

3 Life in Tropical Zone

Lesson

a. Equatorial Region

The lifestyle of the people in this region is more or
less similar. The people in most part of this region
follow primitive way of life. They live on hunting
and collecting edible wild fruits and roots of the
plants. Some advanced forest dwellers have started
‘Shifting Cultivation’ along with hunting and food
and fruit gathering. This climate is suitable for
rubber cultivation. Rubber cultivation has well
flourished in Amazon and Congo Basins. The Life in equator region

traditional inhabitants of Congo Basin are Pigmies. They live in the thickest part of the forest.
They are not so tall. The men measure not more than 140 cm and women are even shorter
than them. They live nomadic life by hunting and gathering fruits. Their houses are made of
branches, twigs and leaves. They wear very little clothing. Red Indians live in Amazon Basin.
They also live a very traditional life. The Semangs are the traditional inhabitants of Malaysia
and the Kubus and Dayaks live in Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. They also live by hunting
and collecting wild fruits and edible herbs and roots.

People in the eastern islands have begun to live modern lifestyle. They live permanently in a
place. They involve in industries and services for income generation. The climate is favourable
for human settlement. There is good development of science and technology in this region.
Life style of the people living in South-East Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and
Singapore are examples of places where people have advanced life style in the equatorial
region. The people living in this region export copper, iron, tin, uranium, etc. to the European
countries.

b. Tropical Grassland (Savanna) People of Kenya

The Savanna grassland region is sparsely populated
because this region is not well developed. Nigeria,
Kenya and Tanzania are more populated than other
places of this climatic region. The people live a
primitive life due to lack of economic development.
The traditional inhabitants of Savanna regions are
Masai of Kenya and Tanzania and Hausa of Nigeria.

Social Studies Book 10 195

The Masais live in a fenced village called ‘Kraals’ in Kenya and Tanzania. Their houses are
made of woods with grass roofs. The men rear animals whereas women do agricultural work.
Their food consists of maize, millets, milk and fresh animal blood. They also grow sugarcane,
bananas, tobacco, sweet potatoes, beans, etc.
Similarly, the Hausas involve in rearing cattle, sheep and goats. They mostly dwell in small
villages and towns, and are economically a bit better. Modern farming and agriculture is taking
place in this region. Commercial crops like cotton in Sudan, coffee and tea in Kenya, tobacco
in Zimbabwe etc are grown. The savanna region has a great scope for economic development.
Savanna region is called the zoo of the world. A large number of national parks and wild life
reserves have been set up here for the conservation of wild lives. This region is popular for
shooting films and documenteries, however tourism has not been developed here as per its
prospect.

c. Hot Desert Region

The life of the desert dwellers is very difficult because of the extremely hot and dry climate.
Desert dwellers have developed great endurance, patience and courage over the years.
Primitive nomadic tribes live in small numbers.

The people of desert areas have generally nomadic life
style. They don’t have permanent settlement. They
keep moving in search of food and water with their
camel. They rear camel for meat, milk and means of
transportation. The traditional inhabitants of hot
desert are Bushmen of Kalahari Desert, Aborgines of
Australian Desert, and Bedouins of Arabian Desert.
The Bushmen and the Aborgines mainly live by hunting Life in desert

wild animals, whereas the Bedouins live in tents and move pasture to pasture with their flocks
of animals like sheep, goats and camels. Their food consists of camel milk, millets, dates, etc.
They wear white cotton flowing dresses with a headdress to protect themselves from heat and
dust.

The economic activities are improving in West Asian Region because of the availability of
petroleum and gold. The commercial farming and animal husbandry have been started using
the modern technology in this region. The countries now concentrate on the development of
trade and infrastructures here.

d. Tropical Monsoon Region

This region is densely populated. Nearly one third of the world population lives in this
region. Many great civilizations like the Indus and Hwang-ho River Basins Civilizations
were flourished here. Similarly, the great river systems like the Ganges, the Brahmaputra,
and the Godavari in this climatic region have been supporting a huge population since
time immemorial. Therefore, the monsoon land regions are also known for the growth and
development of the rich eastern culture.

196 Social Studies Book 10

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in this region because of change in seasons,
fertile soil, plain land, sufficient rainfall and high temperature. Variety of food and cash crops
such as rice, maize, wheat, gram, sugarcane, jute, tea, etc are produced. Besides agriculture,
animal husbandry, fishing, mining and forestry and manufacturing are the other occupations
people engaged in. Paddy is the main food crop of this region. Industry and tourism are the
major economic activities of the people here. India alone is the largest sugarcane producer
in the world. Bangladesh and India situated in this region are the largest producers of jute in
the world and tea is highly grown in Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. Forests have been cleared for
farming and settlement. It often causes soil erosion and landslides.

Word Meaning

• aborigine : a person, animal, or plant that has been in a country or region
• edible from earliest times
• nomadic life
• fenced : suitable or safe to eat 
• densely : living by moving from one place to another
• pasture : guarded or protect with a fence
• immemorial : thickly
: land covered with grass
: from the very beginning, in the early past

Points to Remember:

"" Human Life in Tropical Region is mostly primitive who live by hunting and collecting
wild fruits.

"" Tropical Region is suitable for rubber cultivation.
"" The traditional inhabitants of Congo Basin are Pigmies, Amazon Basin are Red Indians,

Malaysia are Semangs and Indonesia are Kubus and Dayaks.
"" The traditional inhabitants of Savanna regions are Masai of Kenya and Tanzania and

Hausa of Nigeria.
"" Savanna region is called the zoo of the world.
"" The people of desert areas have generally nomadic life style.
"" The traditional inhabitants of hot desert are Bushmen of Kalahari Desert, Aborgines of

Australian Desert, and Bedouins of Arabian Desert.
"" Tropical Monsoon Region is densely populated.
"" Many great civilizations like the Indus and Hwang-ho River Basins Civilizations.
"" Bangladesh and India are the largest producers of jute in the world.

Social Studies Book 10 197

Activities

1. Very short answer questions

a. How do people live in the Tropical Region? Answer in a sentence.
b. Which region is suitable for rubber cultivation and why?
c. Name the traditional inhabitants of Congo and Amazon Basins.
d. Who are the traditional inhabitants of Malaysia and Indonesia?
e. Who are Masai and Hausa?
f. Who are the traditional inhabitants of hot deserts?
g. Name the largest producers of jute in the world.
h. What do you see in the given picture? Name it.

2. Short answer questions

a. If you were an inhabitant of equatorial climatic region, how would be your life?
Discuss.

b. Shifting cultivation is a traditional, sustainable method of agriculture which has
been practised by indigenous tribes for centuries. Discuss.

c. Prepare a short dialogue about human Life in Tropical Grassland.
d. The life of the desert people is really difficult due of extreme hot and dry climate.

Justify.
e. Compare and contrast the life of people living in Hot Desert Region with those

who live in Tropical Monsoon Region.

198 Social Studies Book 10

4 Temperate Zone

Lesson

Temperate Zone extends from 30° to 60° latitudes in the both hemispheres of the earth. This
region is neither too cold nor too hot. Sufficient amount of rainfall and moderate temperature
are its main characteristics. This region is suitable for agriculture, animal husbandry, plants
and human settlement. This region has mainly four types of climate. They are Mediterranean
climate, Temperate Grassland, Temperate Oceanic and Temperature Monsoon.

a. Mediterranean Climate

This region is hot and dry in the summer and cold and Mediterranean region climate
wet in the winter season. Westerly wind blows from the
sea to land in winter bringing rainfall, whereas dry trade
winds blow from land in summer and brings no rainfall.
It rains in winter season here. This region is called the
garden of the world.

Location and Areas

This climatic region is found from 30° to 40° latitudes in the southern hemisphere and 300
to 450 in the northern hemisphere. It is found in countries around the Mediterranean Sea,
Central California, Central Chile, Cape Province of South Africa and South-western and
Southern Australia, Western Asia, Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

Characteristics

"" There are two seasons : summer and winter.
"" It has hot and dry summer and mild and wet winter.
"" Average summer temperature varies from 20° C to 25° C and winter temperature 7°

C to 13° C
"" The average annual rainfall varies from 50 cm to 80 cm.
"" Trees have hard woods with spongy barks and thick leathery leaves.

Vegetation and Wildlife

As precipitation is moderate, vegetation is not luxuriant, but some dwarf trees and shrubs
are found. Trees have hard wood, spongy barks, and thick leathery leaves to reduce loss of
moisture during long hot and dry summers. Most plants, like grape vines, generally have long
roots in search of water.

"" Tall trees are rare Oak, Walnut, almond, chestnut, fig and firs are found.
"" This region is suitable for the production of citrus fruits like orange, lemon, grapes,

lime, etc. and known as the garden of the world.

Social Studies Book 10 199

"" Native animals include deer, rabbits and several rodents. Rodents hide in burrows
in summer to avoid heat.

"" Birds tend to have short wings and long tails to facilitate flying in and around shrubs.

b. Temperate Grassland Region

This climatic region is situated far away from the Temperate grassland
sea. It is occupied by thick grasslands. They are
given different names in different continents.
These temperate grasslands are called steppes
in Asia and Europe, prairies in North America,
pampas in South America, velds in Africa, compos
in Brazil and downs in Australia. This region is
known as the Granaries of the world because this
region produces highest amount of food crops in
the world such as paddy, wheat, maize, etc.

Location and Areas

This climatic region is found between the latitudes 450 and 600 in the northern hemisphere
and 300 to 400 latitudes in the southern hemisphere. This climate is found between the Rocky
Mountain and the Great Lakes Region in North America, Argentina and Uruguay in South
America, and the Murray-Darling in Australia.

Characteristics

"" The summer is hot and wet and winter is cold and dry. The average summer
temperature is about 24° C and in winter season it goes below 0° C.

"" It rains only in the early summer in this region. The amount of rainfall ranges from
25 cm to 65 cm.

Vegetation and Wildlife

"" The climate is dry with poor rainfall, so here are not big trees. Only thick grasslands
are found here.

"" Only short grasses grow all around. Places receiving more than 50cm rain have a
rich carpet of grasses suitable for cattle, and the areas receiving rain less than 50 cm
have coarse and stiff grasses suitable for sheep and goats. However, some trees are
found on the hillsides with more rainfall.

"" Some commonly found animals in this region are rodents, mole, prairie dog of
America and the hamster of Eurasia which live underground to escape predators
and the summer heat. Ostriches and Emu also found here.

200 Social Studies Book 10