Social Studies grade 4 final corrected Rt 2078 (2)

Unit : Three

SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND
SOLUTIONS

Lessons in this unit:
3.1 Let's Help
3.2 Beware of Bad Habits
3.3 Social Evils
3.4 Settlement of Disputes
3.5 Ways to Eliminate Social Evils
3.6 Service Providing Institutions
3.7 Role of Social Organisations

AApppprroovveedd bbyy CCuurrrriiccuulluumm DDeevveellooppmmeenntt CCeennttrree,, Vedanta Integrated Social Studies - Book 4 51
SSaannootthhiimmii,, BBhhaakkttaappuurr

Lesson Let's Help

3.1 After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• make a list of needy and helpless people of our
community;

• help people who are in problem; and
• act out how we can help the victims of various

natural disasters such as earthquake and flood.

Barhabise, Sindupalchowk
19th Ashad, 2078

Dear Janak,
Sweet remembrance,

I was very happy to know that you have set up a child club to help
needy and helpless people in your town. First of all, I want to
congratulate you on being elected as the vice-president of the club.
I hope your club will do several social activities for the benefit of all
people in your locality. Let me share my own personal experience
about how I help others.
Many people live in our society. Sometimes, some of them have to
face various problems. For example, one of my friend's, Nirmala’s
house, caught fire a couple of weeks ago. All local people collectively
put out the fire. Some of them supplied buckets of water, and some
threw sand and soil into the burning fire. I also lend a hand to it.
Luckily, we put out the fire within half an hour, but many things
burnt to ashes. We gave food, clothes and shelter to her family. I
also gave her some copies, pencils and pens. Her family thanked all
the villagers for helping them in trouble.

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I also go to a local temple of my village time and again with my
sister to help needy and helpless people.

Last Shrawan, a heavy flood in our local river panicked the whole
village. We all were frightened at that time. An institution named
Red Cross helped many flood victims with rice, lentils, clothes,
pots, and tents. The people of the surrounding villages and towns
also helped us. Several institutions arrived to help us with various
relief packages. They promised to help us in every case of a natural
disaster.
You already know that there is a child club in our village too. We
have been raising fund to help landslide victims of our neighbouring
villages. All members have been donating 20 rupees a month,
and we have already collected a good amount. Sometimes, some
helpful people and teachers also contribute to donation.
My parents and teachers also encourage me to help people who
are in problem. My father often says, “It is good to help those in

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trouble. Those who help others can receive help in need. No one
can tell when we need help ourselves!” My mother also tells me,
“Helping others makes us happy. The smiles on the face of needy
and helpless people after receiving our help bring happiness in our
life also. And we feel satisfied.”
Okay, this should be enough for today. Don’t forget to share your
experience of helping people in need and the activities of your
child club. I will share more in my next letter. See you soon.

Yours,
Bhim Chapagain

set up GLOSSARY
trouble
panicked : started a new organisation or institution
relief : a source of difficulty, an event causing pain
: caused a person or animal to feel extreme fear
: things given to help people who are victims of

earthquake and flood

EXERCISE

(1) Write whether the following statements are true or
false.
(a) We should always be ready to help needy
and helpless people in our locality.
(b) It is not necessary to thank others after
receiving their help.
(c) Children cannot help people in trouble
in any way.

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(d) Those who help others can receive
help from them.

(e) Helping others makes us happy and
satisfied.

(2) Answer the following questions.
(a) Why should we help others? Mention any two reasons.
(b) What types of people need help in our society?
(c) How can we help needy and helpless people in our
locality?
(d) What type of institution is the Red Cross?

(3) How would you help people in the following situations?
(a) When someone’s house catches fire in your
neighbourhood.
(b) When some people of your locality are hungry due to
lack of food and money.
(c) When you see poor and helpless people in front of
religious sites.
(d) When some friends lose their books and copies because
of natural disasters.
(e) When you meet the victims of an earthquake or a flood.

(4) Write a letter to your friend requesting him or her to
help those in difficulty.

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L3es.so2n Beware of Bad Habits

After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• recognise several bad habits, such as smoking and
alcoholism;

• tell the harmful effects of such bad habits; and
• request and encourage elders to celebrate festivals

and rituals without liquors.

Some people in our society drink too much alcohol in the name of
festivals and other reasons. Likewise, some people smoke cigarettes,
cigars, or pipes. Both drinking liquors and smoking are bad habits.
These habits have many disadvantages. We should always protect
ourselves and others from such bad habits.
When people drink liquors, they cannot live a healthy and normal life.
Consumption of liquors worsens their health conditions. They suffer
from liver diseases, heart diseases, diabetes and chest infection.
Liquors weaken their immune system and cause problems in the
pancreases. They also decrease thinking capacity, imbalance the
body, and weaken memory and judgement power. A large number
of people die in road accidents due
to drink and drive cases every year
in Nepal and the world.
Drunkards do not have a good
relationship with their family,
neighbours, relatives and other
people. They cannot do their duties
properly. Therefore, people do not
trust them. They do not have social
prestige in their society.

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Children learn so many things from their parents and family. If senior
members in a family drink and smoke heavily, there are more chances
that children will also copy them. When senior members drink or
smoke in front of children, they become curious and try to copy
their elders. As a result, they get addicted to them without realising
their harmful effects. Therefore, parents and senior members must
act as role models for children and never drink or smoke.

There is a tradition of drinking alcohol in the name of festivals and
occasions in some communities in Nepal. It is a bad custom. It needs
reform. It is not good to practise traditional practices blindly. We
should always use our intelligence to reform bad customs.
Many people in our society have the habit of smoking cigarettes,
cigars, or pipes. Cigarettes and cigars contain a poisonous chemical
known as nicotine. People find it difficult to quit smoking once they
begin it. Smoking affects the health of the lungs and can cause
lung cancer. This can damage the heart, blood vessels and blood
cells as well. This may damage one’s immune system. Smoking also
causes bad breath and wastes one’s money. Therefore, we should
advise others to give up smoking or remain away from such habits.
Nobody can smoke in public places. It is against the law.

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GLOSSARY

liquor : an alcoholic drink

consumption : the act of eating or drinking something

worsen : to make something worse or to become worse

pancreas : a large organ of the body that is near the stomach
and that produces insulin and other substances that
help the body digest food

prestige : the respect and admiration that someone or
something gets for being successful or important

curious : having a desire to learn or know more about
something or someone

EXERCISE

(1) Tick ( ) the drinks worth drinking and cross the ones
which harm our body.
(a) Alcohol (f) Beer
(b) Brandy (g) Chhyang
(c) Curd (h) Juice
(d) Milk (i) Mohi
(e) Water (j) Wine

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(2) What messages do the following pictures give? Write.





(3) Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.
(a) Drinking liquors and ............................. are bad habits.
(b) Liquors weaken one’s ............................. system.
(c) Drunkards do not have social ............................. in their
society.
(d) The tradition of consuming liquors during festivals need
............................. .
(e) Smoking in public places is against the .............................

(4) Answer the following questions.
(a) Why should people not consume liquors? Write any
three reasons.
(b) Why don't people trust drunkards?
(c) Why should senior members not drink and smoke in
front of children?
(d) What is nicotine?
(e) Write any three reasons why people mustn’t smoke.

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Lesson Social Evils

3.3 After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• give an introduction to social evils and discrimination;
• make a list of social problems and evils; and
• be aware of discriminations and bad practices found

in our family and community.

People follow several bad practices in our society in the name of
rituals, religion or culture. Such bad practices are social evils. Some
of the common social evils in our society are the dowry system,
Deuki Pratha, untouchability, and various types of discrimination on
the basis of caste, religion and class.

(1) Dowry System

The practice of giving
money and properties to her
husband by a wife or her family
when they get married is the
dowry system. This system is
prevalent in many societies of
Nepal and India. In Nepal, the
tradition of requiring a bride’s
family to provide dowry is illegal,
but its practice is common.
Dowry is known as ‘Daijo’ in Nepali and ‘Dahej’ in Hindi, Maithali,
and Bhojpuri language. Giving and receiving dowry is an illegal
activity in Nepal. It makes people money-minded. Poor parents
of the bride have to suffer many problems. Marriage becomes
expensive because of dowries. Many women are treated inhumanly

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in Nepal for not bringing enough dowries from their maternal
home. Many women commit suicide because of too much torture
from their family. Many parents prefer to give birth to sons, not
daughters, because of the dowry system.
The major reasons behind the rise in Daijo Pratha are greedy
nature, poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. Therefore, more job
opportunities should be available. If people have jobs, they will be
proud of their earning and not demand dowries. Females should
get education so that they can be educated and aware. Awareness
programmes should be launched time and again.

(2) Deuki Pratha

There is a custom of offering
a young girl to the temple to fulfil
one’s wishes in districts like Baitadi,
Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Doti and
Bajura. This custom is still prevalent
in some parts of Nepal in the name
of Devi system these days. They
cannot get married. Some people
misbehave with them. They do not have freedom and have to live
a miserable life. This type of custom is Deuki or Devi Pratha.

(3) Religious Discrimination

The practice of treating one person or group of people less
fairly or less well than other people or groups because of their
religion is religious discrimination. It is an illegal activity.

(4) Class Discrimination

The practice of treating poor people unfairly and differently
from rich people of high class is class discrimination.

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(5) Superstition

Superstition is a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear
of the unknown and faith in magic or luck. Superstitious people
believe more in faith and fortune. Superstitious beliefs bring many
social problems and evils.

(6) Caste Discrimination

When people of one caste insult
and ignore other castes, it is caste
discrimination. Practices of caste-based
discrimination and untouchability are
illegal in Nepal. However, in many parts
of the country, Dalits - the so-called
lower caste within the Hindu caste
hierarchy - are still considered and treated as 'untouchable'. The
law of our country doesn't allow anybody to discriminate people
on the basis of their castes.
Many people have to live miserable life because of such problems
and evils. They disturb the peace and prosperity of our society. Such
social evils bring disputes, discrimination and violence. Therefore, it
is necessary to eliminate them to secure social peace and harmony.

prevalent GLOSSARY
torture
poverty : common and widespread
illiteracy : give severe pain or suffering
miserable : the state of being very poor
fortune : the inability to read or write
hierarchy : very unhappy or uncomfortable
: chance or luck affecting human affairs
eliminate : a system in which people or things are placed in a

series of levels with different importance or status
: remove something that is not needed

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EXERCISE

(1) Choose the right answers and fill in the blanks.

discrimination Deuki Pratha
superstition dowry system

(a) A custom of offering a young
girl to the temple to fulfil one’s
wishes

(b) Treating a person or particular
group of people differently,
especially in a worse way

(c) The practice of giving money
and properties to her husband
by a wife or her family when
they get married

(d) A belief that some objects or
actions are lucky or unlucky
based on old ideas of magic

(2) Write whether the following statements are true or
false.
(a) Social evils are beneficial for our society.
(b) Giving and receiving dowry is an illegal
activity in Nepal.

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(c) It is fair to discriminate against people on
the basis of religions they follow.

(d) Blind beliefs bring many social problems
and evils.

(e) Social problems and evils disturb the
peace and harmony of our society.

(3) Answer the following questions.
(a) What are social evils? Give any four examples.
(b) Do you like the dowry system? Why? Write any three
reasons.
(c) What is your view on Deuki Pratha? Write in a couple of
sentences.
(d) How is religious discrimination different from caste-
based discrimination?
(e) Why should we eliminate social evils?

(4) Like mentioned in the lesson, there may be some other
social evils in your society. Make a list of them. Discuss
the impacts of such social evils in your society in the
class.

(5) Collect some pictures, photographs and news from old
newspapers related to bad customs and traditions to
present them in the class.

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Lesson Settlement of Disputes

3.4 After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• find our major causes of disputes in society because
of discrimination;

• develop positive thinking;
• solve disputes with the help of a mediator; and
• promote harmony and peace in our society.

People of different nature live in our society. Sometimes, disputes
may occur among them. Such disputes happen mainly due to
misunderstanding, discrimination, and injustice. However, we should
always try to settle such conflicts through peaceful ways.
Prabina is a diligent student
reading in class four. One day,
she was discussing with friends
about their project work in a
group during their tiffin time.
At the same time, someone put
the finger in a small hole in her
shirt and tore it. She looked back
and saw Ismile. She slapped
and started fighting with Ismile.
Prabina’s friends and Ismile also
got involved in the quarrel.
Dolma stopped them and tried to find the cause of their quarrel.
Prabina began to cry and said, “There was a little hole in the sleeve
of my shirt. He pulled it and made it bigger. He insulted me, maybe
because I am poor. So, I also slapped him and pulled his shirt.”

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Dolma and her friends listened to them carefully. After listening to
both of them, they concluded that it was Ismile’s mistake. Dolma said,
“Look Ismile, both rich and poor people live in our society. Similarly,
people of different castes and background live in our neighbourhood.
But we all are equal. We shouldn’t make fun of others' dresses, face,
body structure and study, and insult them. They will feel sad and left
out. Some students even discontinue their study when their friends
insult or laugh at them. So, we should never hurt others’ feelings.”

Paul added, "How would you feel if somebody makes fun of your
dress or face?” Ismile said, “I will feel bad.” Paul turned towards
Dolma and said, “It looks like Ismile has realised his mistake.” Then,
Dolma said, “Your behaviour has hurt Prabina. What will you do now,
Ismile?” Ismile said, “I will accept my fault and ask for forgiveness.”
He went towards Prabina and said, “It was my mistake Prabina. I am
sorry. Please forgive me.” Prabina smiled and said, “It’s okay. I have
also realised my mistake. I shouldn’t have slapped you and picked
up a quarrel. I should have told the class teacher.” Both Prabina and
Ismile promised not to quarrel again. Both were happy. After that
incident, they never quarrelled.

In this way, we should never quarrel or fight with our friends. It
damages our relationship with them. No one likes to be a friend
with a person who often quarrels with others. We should treat all
our friends equally. We have to exchange help and maintain a good
relationship with all of our friends. We should always try to settle
disputes among our friends using our logic and without taking
anybody’s side.

GLOSSARY

misunderstanding : a failure to understand something correctly

diligent : careful and hardworking

sleeve : the part of a shirt, jacket, etc., that covers all or
logic part of your arm

: a proper or reasonable way of thinking about or
understanding something

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EXERCISE

(1) Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.
(a) People of different ............................ live in our society.
(b) We should never hurt others' ................................ .
(c) When we make a mistake, we should accept it and ask
for ................................ .
(d) Quarrels and fights damage our .......................... with
our friends.
(e) We should treat all our friends ................................ .

(2) Dolma applied the following ways to resolve the
quarrel between Prabina and Ismile. Write them down
in proper order.
(a) Both of them promised not to quarrel again.
(b) They concluded that it was the mistake of
one of them.
(c) They listened to both parties attentively.
(d) They convinced both of them.
(e) Asked Prabina and Ismile to choose the
punishment.
(f) Friends mediated, and quarrelling was
solved.

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(3) Write whether the following statements are true or
false.
(a) Children cannot play any role in settling
disputes between their friends.
(b) We shouldn’t make fun of others’
dresses, face, body structure and study,
and insult them.
(c) We feel happy when other people make
fun of us.
(d) We should never forgive our friends
when they make a mistake.
(e) We have to exchange help and maintain
a good relationship with all of our
friends.

(4) Answer the following questions.
(a) Why do disputes occur in our society?
(b) Why shouldn’t we make fun of others?
(c) How do you feel when someone makes fun of you?
(d) Why shouldn’t we quarrel or fight with others?
(e) How can we try to settle any disputes in our class or
society?

(5) Quarrel and conflict emerge due to misunderstanding,
discrimination, and injustice in our society. If you or
your friends have any experience of resolving them,
share such experience with your friends.

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Lesson Ways to
Eliminate Social Evils
3.5
After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• tell ways to eliminate social evils and discriminations;
• prepare pamphlets and posters to raise awareness

against social evils;
• participate in activities against social discrimination

and evils; and
• help in the elimination of social evils and

discriminations.

(Here is a conversation between Mary and her mother. They are
discussing various ways to eliminate social evils.)

Mary : Mom, I have read that social evils disturb the peace
and prosperity of society. If so, why do people
follow them?

Mother : That's a good question, Mary. People follow social
evils in the name of religion or culture. They do not
know the bad effects of such social evils. Similarly,
many people can’t oppose such practices because
they are deeply rooted in our religion or culture.
Some people follow them because they imitate
others’ culture blindly.

There are so many such evils in our society, even
in this 21st century. Because of these social evils,
many people have to live miserable life. They
threaten social peace and prosperity. They bring
violence to our society as well. Therefore, these
social problems need to be eliminated in order to
ensure social peace and harmony.

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Mary : What are ways to eliminate such social evils, Mom?

Mother : Well, it is not possible to eliminate such social evils
in a single day or short period of time. There are
various ways. Firstly, we should launch awareness
programmes effectively. We can organise a rally by
carrying placards with different slogans. We can
also paste posters and pamphlets with messages
on the wall. People can know about their harmful
effects by reading them.

Likewise, periodical public meetings and
discussions can help in making people aware of
their harmful effects. Media such as newspaper,

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television, radio, and online media can also
play an important role by broadcasting various
programmes and notices against social evils.



Similarly, education can play a significant role in the
eradication of social evils. Education helps people
Mary : decide what is right and wrong. Educated people
Mother : can know the harmful impacts of social evils and
play an active role to eradicate them. They have
an important role in generating awareness against
social evils.
Are there some other ways too?
Yes, the government should make effective
laws against social evils. It can implement such
laws effectively. Those who do not follow those
laws should be punished. The government
should encourage and award those people or
organisations working effectively to eliminate
social evils. Educated people and political leaders
should set an example by reforming or eliminating
such malpractices.

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Mary : Thanks, Mom! Now, I can do my project work well.
Mother : It’s my pleasure!
(Then, Mary begins to prepare the project work of Social Studies.)

prosperity GLOSSARY
imitate
ashamed : the state of being prosperous
placard : take or follow as a model
: feeling shame or guilt
slogan : a large notice or sign put up in a public place or

pamphlet carried by people
: a word or phrase that is easy to remember used by

a group to draw attention
: a word or phrase that is easy to remember and is

used by a group or business to attract attention

EXERCISE

(1) Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.
(a) Many people have to live a ............................ life because
of social evils in our society.
(b) We can organise a ............................ against social evils
by carrying placards with different slogans.
(c) We can paste .................................... and pamphlets
with messages against social evils on the wall to make
people aware.

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(d) ...................................... helps people decide what is
right and wrong.

(e) The ............................ should make effective laws against
social evils.

(2) Answer the following questions.
(a) Why do people follow social evils?
(b) Why should we eliminate social evils? Write any three
reasons.
(c) How can we eradicate social evils? Write any three ways.
(d) How can we raise public awareness?
(e) What roles can the media play to eradicate social evils
from our society?

(3) Write down the following slogans on a sheet of paper
in big letters. Then, paste it on cardboard to make
placards. Prepare such other slogans for a rally in your
community.
(a) Both sons and daughters are equal!
(b) Consumption of liquors is harmful to health.
(c) Do not believe in superstition.
(d) Stop early marriage!
(e) Untouchability is a sin.

(4) Prepare a pamphlet that reads “Do not discriminate
between sons and daughters” to paste it in the
surrounding of your house.

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Lesson Service Providing
Institutions
3.6
After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• tell the names of service-providing organisations;
• tell ways to get service from such institutions; and
• tell the need and importance of such institutions to

our society.

We need different services in our
daily life. They make our life easier
and convenient. Such services
include the facilities of electricity,
drinking water, cleanliness, health
service, security, deposit and
withdrawal of money, and so on.
There are various institutions in
our community to provide such
services. The service they provide
also differ from institutions to institutions.
A brief introduction of such institutions and their services is given
below.

SN Social Institutions Services Provided

1 Post Offices They deliver letters and parcels
to people and offices from one
place to another. We can also
buy stamps in post offices.

2 Schools and Colleges They provide knowledge and
skills to children and students.

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3 Police Stations They make people obey the
law. They also prevent and solve
crime. They provide security to
all people. They rescue people
during natural calamities and
disasters. They control the mob
and crowd on various occasions.
Traffic police control all the
vehicles.

4 Hospitals and Hospitals give medical
Health Posts treatment and care to ill and
injured people. Children are
often born there. Health posts
provide basic health services to
people who live in rural areas.

5 Banks They provide various financial
services, for example, keeping
or lending money. We can get
interest when we deposit our
money in a bank. Likewise, they
lend loan for various purposes
such as running a business,
buying vehicles and building
houses.

6 Drinking Water Offices They supply clean drinking
water. They collect service tax
for their service.

7 Electricity Offices They install electricity at home.
They also charge money for
electricity consumption.

8 Telecom Offices They provide telephone lines
and raise fees for their service.

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9 Cable TVs/DTHs They transmit television
10 Waste Management programmes to the television
sets through cable and satellite
Offices signals. We need to pay money
11 Municipalities/Rural for their service.
They clean roads and paths.
municipalities They also collect garbage and
other waste materials from
home. We should pay money
for their service.
They verify citizenship
certificates. They collect tax
and resolve the disputes at the
local level.

These sorts of social organisations can be governmental or non-
governmental. They make our life convenient. We should remain
thankful to them for their service.

convenient GLOSSARY

: allowing you to do something easily or without
trouble

withdrawal : an act of moving something away or taking
something away

mob : a large group or crowd of people who are angry or
violent or difficult to control

transmit : to send (information, sound, etc.) in the form of
electrical signals to radio, television, computer, etc.

resolve : to settle or solve (something)

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EXERCISE

(1) Which institutions will you consult in the following
situations? Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.

(a) When somebody steals things
from your house

(b) When someone is sick at your
home

(c) When the telephone line in your
house is dead

(d) When water doesn’t come in
your tap

(e) When you need to post a
letter

(f) When you need to withdraw
money

(g) When your community is full of
wastes

(h) When your sister is ready to
read and write

(2) Answer the following questions.

(a) What services do we need in our daily life?
(b) Why do we need different services in our life?
(c) What do post offices and police stations do?
(d) How is the service of banks different from the service of

telecom offices?
(e) What services do municipalities and rural municipalities

provide?

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(3) Identify the following service-providing institutions.

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Lesson Roles of Social
Organisations
3.7
After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• give an introduction to social organisations;
• find out the social organisations in our locality and

tell their functions; and
• compare the activities of different social

organisations.

There are many social organisations in our neighbourhood. They
work for the welfare of all people in the locality. The common
examples of social institutions are Red Cross, Scouts, local clubs,
and Mothers’ Group (Aama Samuhas). All these social institutions
work for the betterment of others and make people aware of various
social problems and evils. We should be familiar with the social
institutions working in our locality and their major contributions or
work. We should also learn to receive their help in need.

The grade four students of a school in Dhading Bensi are going to
learn about the activities of a nearby local club. They made a plan
to visit the club yesterday. Their plan goes like this:

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Study Tour Plan of Ijara Youth Club

Where to go : Ijara Youth Club

Why to go : To collect information about the activities of
the club

When to go : 5th Ashad, 2078 BS (10 am)

Who else will go : All the students of grade 4, and Social Studies
teacher, Mrs Shanta Tharu

Whom to meet : Roshan Shrestha, the Chairperson of the Club

What to ask : (a) When was the club established?

(b) What activities does it do?
(c) Who are the members of the club?
(d) What are their future programmes?

As per the plan, the Social Studies teacher took the students there.
The chairperson of the club, Roshan Shrestha, informed them about
its activities. Pramila wrote the collected information as a report in
the following way.

We visited a local club in our village. The name of the club is
Ijara Youth Club. It was established in 2075 BS. The current
chairperson of the club is Mr Roshan Shrestha.

The club carries out the following activities from time to time.

It conducts cleanliness and awareness campaigns.
It conducts various sport activities.
It has planted trees in open and barren land.
It runs adult literacy classes.

The contribution of this club in its area is appreciable. I am also
interested in being a member of the club and do good work for
my society.

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GLOSSARY

welfare : the state of being happy, healthy, or successful

contribution : something that is done to cause something to
happen

campaign : a series of activities designed to produce a
particular result

barren : having very few plants; not suitable for plants

EXERCISE

(1) There must be several social organisations like the
one given in the lesson in your neighbourhood too.
Complete the table by writing their names and major
functions.

SN Names of Organisations Functions

1 Children’s club Works for children’s right

2

3

4

5

Among the social organisations, which organisation’s activities
do you like the most? Mention with reasons.

(2) Answer the following questions.
(a) What are social organisations?
(b) Give any four examples of social organisations.

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Revisiting the Unit

(1) Give any four examples of the following.
(a) Bad or harmful habits
(b) Social evils
(c) Service-providing institutions in your community

(2) Write short notes on the following topics.
(a) Ways to Protect Ourselves from Bad Habits
(b) Dowry System

(3) Write creative answers to the following questions.
(a) How can we eliminate social problems and evils from
our society? Write any five ways.
(b) Make a list of any five service-providing institutions in
your society with their services.

(4) Identify the following social organisations with the
help of their logos.



(5) What will you do in the following situations? Discuss
and write.
(a) When there are needy and helpless people in your
locality.
(b) When elders drink and smoke heavily in your
neighbourhood.

82 Social Problems and Solutions AApppprroovveedd bbyy CCuurrrriiccuulluumm DDeevveellooppmmeenntt CCeennttrree,,
SSaannootthhiimmii,, BBhhaakkttaappuurr

Unit : Four

CIVIC SENSE

Lessons in this unit:
4.1 Our Rights
4.2 Participation of Children
4.3 Our Natural Resources
4.4 Our Cultural Heritages
4.5 Cleaning of Public Places
4.6 Traffic Rules
4.7 Rural Municipality
4.8 Municipality
4.9 Equal Treatment

AApprporvoevdedbybyCuCrurrirciucluulmumDDeveevleolpompmenetnCt eCnetnrter,e, Vedanta Integrated Social Studies - Book 4 83
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Lesson Our Rights

4.1 After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• identify the rights of children;
• exercise child rights; and
• get information about women rights.

On the occasion of National Children’s Day on Bhadra 29, two grade
four students of Nepal Aadarsha School deliver speeches on two
topics. The topics are Rights of the Children and Rights of Women.
The names of the speakers are Alam Khan and Sunita Chemjong.

Alam Khan: Rights of the Children

According to the Children Act 2075, someone under the age of 18
years is a child. Children are at a gentle age. They are young, innocent,
ignorant, immature, and dependent on adults. They need many
things such as nutritious food, clothes, education, shelter, health,
love, care, rest and entertainment
for their physical, mental and
emotional development. Such
freedom of children to receive
caring treatment, proper living
conditions, health care and
education is called children’s right.
They need their rights to live a
meaningful and honourable life.

If children are deprived of their
basic rights, they cannot grow into
healthy and capable citizens in future. The children of today make
tomorrow’s Nepal. The way they are brought up determines the

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future of our country. Therefore, every child should be safe from
discrimination, violence, bad behaviour and insult.
However, a large number of children are deprived of their rights in
Nepal. Actually, the law of our country restricts the use of children
in any kinds of labour. However, thousands of children are working
in fields, houses, vehicles, workshops, hotels, and factories as child
labourers. Many homeless and orphans have to spend miserable
life in the streets.

Every child must get his or her basic rights. For this, the government
has to make effective plans and policies in favour of the children’s
rights, and implement them. Education can also play a significant
role in the field of child rights. It can make children aware of their
rights, and they can demand their rights if they are deprived of
them. Awareness programmes should be launched time and again
to make people and children aware of their rights. Media can also
bring out issues related to child rights in front of all people.

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Sunita Chemjong: Rights of Women

Our constitution has made a provision of woman’s rights in the form
of basic rights. The basic rights of women are as follows.

No woman shall be discriminated against because of being a
woman.

Every woman shall have the right to reproductive health.
No violent physical, social, mental or other forms of torture

shall be given to women.
Both sons and daughters have an equal right to property.

Many women in our country are deprived of their women rights.
They have become victims of many forms of discrimination, torture,
exploitation, and so on. Therefore, effective programmes should
be launched to raise the status of women. Awareness programmes
should be launched time and again to make women aware of their
rights. Education and skill-based training should be provided to
them.

GLOSSARY

gentle : not strong or harsh in effect or quality

ignorant : lacking knowledge or information

deprive : to not allow someone to have or keep something

violence : the use of physical force to harm someone, to
damage property, etc.

constitution : the system of laws of a country that formally states
people’s rights and duties

exploitation : a situation in which you treat someone unfairly by
asking them to do things for you but give them very
little in return

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EXERCISE

(1) Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.
(a) We celebrate National Children’s Day on ........................
every year.
(b) Someone under the age of ............................... years is
a child.
(c) Children need their rights to live a .................................
and honourable life.
(d) Actually, the law of our country restricts the use of
children in any kinds of .................................. .
(e) Both sons and .................................. have an equal right
to property.

(2) Write whether the following statements are true or
false.
(a) Children are young, innocent, ignorant,
immature, and dependent on adults.
(b) It is not necessary to protect children from
discrimination, violence, bad behaviour,
and insult.
(c) The law of our country allows one to use
children in any kinds of labour.
(d) Education can play a significant role in
the field of child rights.
(e) Many effective programmes should be
launched to raise the status of women.

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(3) Answer the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by children’s rights?
(b) Why should children get their basic rights?
(c) Many children of Nepal are deprived of their basic rights.
What should be done to provide them with their rights?
(d) What are the basic rights of women?
(e) What should be done to raise the status of women in
Nepal?

(4) Have women in your house or community got their
rights as mentioned in the lesson? Read the lesson and
write your answer.

(5) What can you see in the following pictures? Compare
and write a short paragraph.

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Lesson Participation of Children

4.2 After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• participate in child-friendly activities;
• obtain basic ideas of the election process; and
• take part in family and community work.

The right of children to receive caring treatment, proper living
conditions, health care and education is called children’s right.
Children’s rights are the basic rights of children. Similarly, children’s
freedom to get involved themselves in the activities of home, family,
school and society also comes under child right.

Every child has the right to take part in the activities of his or her
home. He or she has the right to express views on important issues
of his or her family. Many parents think that children lack knowledge
and judgement. Involving them in decisions is to place a too heavy

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burden on them. They think that giving children a voice will lead
to excessive demands, bad behaviour and disrespect for elders.
However, if children get time and opportunity, they can decide
their rights for their wellbeing. They can claim their rights with their
own voice. If children cannot take part in decision making at home,
they cannot raise their voice against violence and discrimination
anywhere. Therefore, children must get a chance to express their
wish, desires and view openly at home with family. Then only,
children can learn to utilise their rights properly.
Similarly, every child has the right to participate in the activities
of his or her school. It helps him or her develop leadership and
coordination skills. Every student
has an equal right to take part in
various co-curricular and extra-
curricular activities organised by
the school. He or she has the right
to receive education in a peaceful
environment. No teachers or other
people can torture him or her
physically, mentally or emotionally.
No one can discriminate against
him or her because of his caste,
religion, language and economic
status. They have the right to receive education and skills necessary
for them to become capable, skilled, good, and aware citizens.
Every child has the right to freely express his or her own views in all
matters affecting him or her. He or she has the right to comment
on issues concerning him or her and his or her life. He or she should
get a chance to participate in all kinds of cultural events in his or
her society.
Here is an example of how children have participated actively in the
decision-making process in a matter that concern them.

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Last Friday, our Social Studies teacher said, “We have the rights
to involve ourselves in the activities of home, family and school.”
Sanjita asked her, “How can we involve ourselves in such activities?”
The teacher said, “You can take part in different extra-curricular
and co-curricular activities in school. Those activities are electing
monitors, making rules and regulations of the school, taking part
in inter-school and intra-school competitions and sports activities.
These all are your rights.”
At the same time, all students said in a single voice, “Then, let’s use
our rights to select the monitor in our class.” The teachers requested
the interested students to contest monitor to raise their hand.
Ranjan, Mohammad, Phurwa and Munni raised their hands. The
teacher said, “There are four candidates. We have to elect a monitor
out of these four candidates in the contest. We need to conduct an
election.” Everyone was ready and excited about the election.
The teacher asked all the students to write the names of the candidate
they like the most on a small sheet of paper. He collected all the pieces
in a box. After that, he counted them reading out the pieces. Munni
Yadav got the maximum number of votes and won the election.
All students clapped and supported her. Then, they decided to make
rules and regulations for the classroom with the help of their new
monitor and teacher. This is how the children used their right to
select their representative.

judgement GLOSSARY

wellbeing : an opinion or decision that is based on careful
maturity thought

election : the state of being happy, healthy, or successful
: the state of being fully developed in the body or

the mind
: a time when people vote to choose someone for an

official job or post

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EXERCISE

(1) Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.
(a) Children’s rights are ........................ rights of children.
(b) Children must get ........................ to express their wish,
desires and view openly at home with family.
(c) Children should claim their rights with their own ...............
(d) Every child has the right to receive education in a
........................ environment.
(e) Every child can participate in all kinds of ........................
events in his or her society.

(2) Answer the following questions.
(a) Why do children need to take part in the activities of
their home?
(b) What can children do if they get time and opportunity?
(c) Write the reason why children need to take part in their
school activities.
(d) Why do children need to receive education and skills
necessary for them?
(e) What activities will you do for your classroom if you are
selected as a monitor?

(4) In which decision-making activities can you participate
at your home? Discuss and make a list.
(a) We discuss what colour and quality clothes to buy for
my brother and me.

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Lesson Our Natural Resources

4.3 After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• give an introduction to natural resources;
• utilise and conserve natural resources; and
• participate in natural resource conservation activities.

There are several things in our surrounding, such as forests, water,
minerals, land, oil, and air. They exist naturally in a place. Such
valuable things found in nature are natural resources. They are
important in many ways. We can use them for our benefit.

Forests

Forests are thick growth of trees
and bushes covering large areas.
They are the habitat of plants, wild
lives, birds, and insects. Forests are
useful for us in many ways. They
provide fresh air, firewood, fodder,
medicinal herbs, and timber to
us. They can also prevent floods,
landslides, and soil erosion. They Forest

support to bring rain. They also supply raw materials for various
types of industries. They keep the environment cool and fresh.

We should stop random cutting down of trees in forests. We should
preserve them from fire. We have to plant trees in the forest from
time to time. We need to stop unorganised grazing of animals in
forests. We should also launch awareness programmes regularly to
make people aware of the significance of forest.

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Soil Farming in Soil

Soil is another important natural
resource. Almost all crops, fruits,
vegetables and flowers grow
in soil. It is also the habitat of
many insects and animals such as
earthworms, ants, rats and snakes.
Minerals such as coal, petroleum,
salt, oil and natural gas are found
in soil. It stores a large volume of
underground water. People use soil
for construction as well.

We should plant trees in barren land to preserve soil. We should
do terrace farming for growing crops in sloppy areas. We have to
preserve forest to control soil erosion.

Water

Water is an essential natural
resource. There are more than
6000 rivers and 660 lakes in
Nepal. Water is essential for plants
and animals for their life. People
generate hydroelectricity from fast-
flowing rivers in Nepal. Likewise,
people use water for different
purposes, such as agriculture,
irrigation, transportation, and
other recreational activities like
Rafting

rafting, canoeing, and boating. It
is the habitat of many aquatic animals. We shouldn’t pollute the
water. We should always keep the sources of water clean.

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Minerals

Petroleum, salt, coal, iron, copper, and limestone are minerals. They
form naturally under the ground. These minerals are important
raw materials for various industries such as cement factory, chalk
factory, metal industry, and marble factory. Nepal is rich in mineral
resources. We should dig up those minerals and use the money for
the development of our country.

GLOSSARY

timber : a large piece of wood that is used to form a part of
terrace a building

: each of a series of flat areas made on a slope, used
for cultivation.

recreational : done for enjoyment
canoeing : going or traveling in a long narrow boat

EXERCISE

(1) Match the following. for breathing and respiration
(a) Forest stops flood, landslide, and soil
(b) Soil erosion
to make utensils and jewelleries
(c) Water for drinking, irrigation and fishery
(d) Minerals to grow crops, fruits, and
(e) Air vegetables

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(2) Write whether the following statements are true or
false.
(a) Natural resources exist naturally in a place.
(b) Soil keeps the environment cool and fresh.
(c) We should plant trees in barren land to
preserve soil.
(d) Plants and animals do not need water for
their living.
(e) Minerals form naturally under the ground.

(3) Name any four of the following.
(a) Natural resources
(b) Things that we get from forests
(c) Animals that live in the soil
(d) Domestic uses of water
(e) Minerals

(4) Answer the following questions.
(a) What are natural resources?
(b) Why are forests important? Write in three points.
(c) How can we preserve forests? Write any three ways.
(d) Write the importance of soil in three points.
(e) How can you say that water resource is an essential
natural resource?

(5) Plant trees in barren areas around your house and
school.

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Lesson Our Cultural Heritages

4.4

After the completion of this lesson, we will be able to:

• give an introduction to cultural heritages;
• utilise cultural heritages; and
• take part in the conservation of cultural heritages.

There are many items of cultural importance in our country. They are
our cultural heritages. They include Pati, Pauwa, temples, Gumbas,
Bihars, mosques and churches. They are assets or pride of our
country. There must be such cultural heritages in your locality too.

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One day the grade four students of Charikot Boarding School
got an opportunity to go on an educational tour to a nearby
temple. Their Social Studies teacher and Principal ma’am also
joined the tour team. The teacher divided the students into four
groups and requested the students to write the information
they collected. Manoj Tamang was the leader of his group. He
prepared the report of his team in the following way.

Name of the temple: Dolakha Bhimsen Temple

District: Dolakha

Name of place: Dolakha Bazar

Description of the temple:

The Dolakha Bhimsen Temple is located at a distance of around 4
km east from Charikot. It is a place of faith not only for the people
of Dolakha but all over Nepal. People worship the idol inside
the temple in three forms: Bhimsen in the morning, Mahadev
in the afternoon and Bishnu in the evening. They worship the
idols in different ways in the morning, in the afternoon and in
the evening.

People believe that offering worship to the temple will fulfil the
wish for children, progress in business, end of trouble and rise of
status. Devotees also offer animal sacrifice in the temple. There
is a temple of Tripurasundari near the temple. People organise
fairs on the occasions of Ram Nawami, Chaite Dashain, Bala
Chaturdashi, and so on at this temple.

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After the students returned to their school, their Social Studies
teacher said the following:

“There is a great importance of our cultural heritages. They show
our art and skill. They introduce one place to the whole country.
They also attract thousands of tourists every year. We feel proud
of our country by looking at them. Therefore, we must conserve
our national heritages. For their preservation, we should launch
cleanliness and repair programmes regularly. We should also make
local bodies and people aware of the importance of such heritage
sites. We should be involved in the promotion and preservation of
our cultural heritages.”

GLOSSARY

accompanied : went somewhere with someone
promotion : the activity of helping something to happen,

develop, or increase

EXERCISE

(1) Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.
(a) Our cultural heritages are ............................ or pride of
our country.
(b) Bhimsen Temple is located in ............................ district.
(c) Our cultural heritages show our ........................ and skill.
(d) We feel ............................ of our country by looking at
our cultural heritages.
(e) We should be involved in the promotion and
.......................... of our cultural heritages.

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(2) Answer the following questions.
(a) What are our cultural heritages? Define and give
examples.
(b) Give a brief introduction to Dolakha Bhimsen temple.
(c) Why are our cultural heritages important? Write any
three reasons.
(d) How can we preserve our cultural heritage? Write any
two ways.
(e) What activities have you done to preserve cultural
heritages in your locality? Make a list of any three
activities.

(3) Make a list of important cultural heritage sites in your
district.

Community Work

Visit an important cultural heritage site in your locality,
and prepare a short report including the following
details.

(a) Place:
(b) District:
(c) What are there around?
(d) What is the place like?
(e) Significance of the place

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