h. Establishment of republic system
The role played by the political parties in the establishment of republic system in the
country is admirable. The first meeting of Constituent Assembly declared Nepal as a
Federal Democratic Republican State on 15th Jestha, 2065 BS.
i. Implementation of Federalism
The political parties participated in the elections of Federal, Provincial and Local Levels
held in 2074 BS and helped to implement Federalism in the country.
Representation of Political Parties in Federal Parliament
Political Parties House of Representatives National Assembly
Nepal Communist Party 174 50
Nepali Congress 63 6
Rastriya Janata Party Nepal 17 2
Samajbadi Party Nepal 17 1
Others 4 -
275 59
Total
Representation of Political Parties in Provincial Assemblies
Political Parties Province Province Bagmati Gandaki Province Karnali Sudurpashchim
No. 1 No. 2 Province Province No. 5 Province Province
Nepal Communist Party 66 32 61 39
Nepali Congress 21 19 80 39 19 33 12
Rastriya Janata Party 22 15 6
Nepal - 25 1 2
Samajbadi Party Nepal - - -
Others 3 29 5 -
Total 3 2 1 2 1 - -
93 107 7 4 87 1 53
110 60 40
Activities
1. There may be some politicians in your community. Meet some of them from different
political parties and ask about the good works done by their political parties in the
community, then make a list of such good works.
2. Collect the manifesto of different political parties and discuss in the class on the
major aspects mentioned there. Then draw your conclusion.
Civic Awareness 151
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. What is a political party? Make a list of any six political parties of Nepal.
2. The role of political parties was important in the restoration of multiparty democracy
in 2046 BS. Why?
3. “The historical Peoples’ Movement of 2062/63 became successful only by the unified
effort of the political parties.” Justify this statement.
4. What is multiparty governance system? Why is it important?
5. What are the bases to open a political party? Present the bases.
6. What provision has been made by the Election Commission relating to the registration
of political party? Write in points.
7. Mention the roles of political parties in democracy.
Long answer questions:
1. Prepare an article on the topic “Political parties are the pillars of democracy” giving
the example of role of political parties in the establishment of democracy in Nepal.
2. Why is the political party that jeopardizes the religious and communal unity and
fragments the country not allowed to be registered? Mention the reasons.
Community Work
What activities have been done by the political parties in order to spread awareness in
your community? Discuss with the local political leader or head cadre and note down the
description.
152 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
7LESSON Election Process
Election Commission
Introduction
Election is a legitimate process in which the voters choose their representative or
participate in the decision making process using their voting rights. It is done for electing
the representatives in federal, provincial and local level for making decisions about future
plan, policy and programs. Similarly, people can also vote for the decision of any national
issue. This is called referendum. Periodic election is the backbone of democracy. A fair,
independent, and impartial election can help in the resolution of national problems.
Importance of Election
It makes the government responsible towards the people through the means of election,
It strengthens and develops the democracy through periodic election,
It resolves the conflict and gives away the power in peaceful manner through independent
and impartial election,
It ensures the presence of voters in political decision, and
It maintains the legitimacy of government in national and international level through
the election.
Election Process
A set of activities which needs to be performed in order to complete an election is known
as election process. The election process includes several activities to be performed in pre-
Civic Awareness 153
election phase, during election phase and post election phase. Determination of electoral
system, formation of election law and directions, determination of election constituency,
formation of election calendar, collection and update of electoral roll, interaction with
stakeholders, determination of polling center, mobilization of manpower, election
training, voters education program, establishment of election offices, management of
security, operation of election, implementation of election code of conduct, supervision
and regulation of election, voting, counting of votes and declaration of result, reports and
feedback, etc are the activities to be performed in the election process.
Bodies to conduct election
a. Election Commission
The Constitution of Nepal has made a provision of Election Commission in part 24.
There is a Chief Election Commissioner and four other Commissioners in the Election
Commission. It conducts, supervises, directs and controls the election of the President,
the Vice-President, Federal Parliament, Provincial Assemblies and local levels. It also
prepares the voters’ list for the purpose of election.
b. Election Officer
When the date of election is announced, the Election Commission appoints the Election
Officers. The Election Officers conduct the election in different election constituencies.
c. Polling Officer
Polling Officers are appointed to conduct the election in different polling centers. They
have to make necessary arrangement of booth, security management, begin and complete
the election in scheduled time and with legal process. They have to stop or postpone the
election if needed and make a decision on any filed cases and other problems. They also
hold the responsibility to submit the ballot box to concerned authority and if needed count
the votes in the local election.
Electoral Roll
Electoral roll is an official list of the names and address of the people in a specific area
who are entitled to vote in an election. The Election Commission updates the electoral roll
every year and includes the names of people who attain 18 years of age to ascertain the
voting right of people as Nepalese citizens. It provides certain time to include the name
in the electoral roll if somebody is missed. While updating the electoral roll, the name
of those who died, out-migrated or got married and left the place are removed from the
electoral roll and those one who attained 18 years, in-migrated and got married and came
in are included in the electoral roll. Those one whose name is not included in the electoral
roll is neither allowed to vote nor to give candidacy in the election.
Voter Identity Card
Voter Identity Card is needed for casting vote in the election. It includes the name, address,
identity card number and photograph of voter. It is called biometric voter identity card.
154 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
This card is useful to identify the
real voter to electronic system using
biological characteristics such as
fingerprints or iris patterns and prevent SAMPLE
the proxy votes.
Polling Station
It is an officially chosen place for
casting votes during an election. It is
also called voting booth. Polling stations
are set up in several places in an election Biometrics Voter Identity Card
constituency. The area is chosen as per
the convenience of people. Generally, public places such as school, play ground, etc are
chosen as the polling station.
Ballot
The total number of votes that
have been cast in an election is
called ballot.
Ballot Paper
It is a paper containing the
election symbols or names of
candidates or political parties.
The voters put stamp on it, fold
it and drop into the ballot box.
Ballot Box
It is a box in which voters drop
their ballots after marking
them.
Candidate
Somebody who is seeking to be
elected in the election is called
candidate.
Election Code of Conduct
It is a set of rules or guidelines
issued by the Election
Commission during the
election. It should be abided Sample of Ballot Paper
by candidates, political parties,
government, public institutions, employees, mass media, INGOs, observers, etc.
Civic Awareness 155
Qualification of the Candidate for the Member of Federal Parliament
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a member of the
Federal Parliament:
a. Being a citizen of Nepal,
b. Having completed the age of twenty five years, for the House of Representatives, and
the age of thirty five years, for the National Assembly,
c. Not having been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude,
d. Not being disqualified by any Federal law, and
e. Not holding any office of profit.
For the member of Provincial Assembly, one should be a voter of the concerned Province
in addition to the above qualification.
Age Bar
Age bar for the candidate is fixed by the constitution. According to which, the candidates
should have attained the following age bars:
President/Vice-President: 45 years
Member of House of Representatives: 25 years
Member of National Assembly: 35 years
Member of Provincial Assembly: 25 years
Chairperson/Vice-Chairperson/Member of Rural Municipality and Mayor/Deputy
Mayor/Member of Municipality: 21 years
Electoral Systems
Electoral system is a method of election which has its own rule of casting votes, counting
the votes and giving final result. Various electoral systems are used in different countries.
There are three electoral systems in practice at present in Nepal. They are First-Past-
The-Post Electoral System, Proportional Electoral System and Single Transferable Vote
Electoral System.
a. First-Past-The-Post Electoral System
It is an electoral system in which, the one who obtains more votes than any other candidate
gets elected. This system is used to elect a single candidate from an election constituency
in which the voters cast their votes directly to their preferred candidate.
b. Proportional Electoral System
It is an electoral system in which the whole country is considered a single constituency.
The voters cast their votes to their preferred political party and the percentage of the
popular vote won by the party is converted into seats. For example: if 40% of the voters
support a particular political party, then roughly 40% of seats will be won by that party.
c. Single Transferable Vote Electoral System
It is an electoral system in which surplus votes of candidates with higher priority shift to
candidates with lesser priority in the same order the electorates marked their preferences.
156 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Election Commission first determines how many votes a candidate needs to win the
election and if the candidate gets more than the required number of votes, then the surplus
votes shift to candidates in top to down priority.
Manifesto
Manifesto is a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an
election by a political party or candidate.
Election Constituency
Election Constituency is a territorial subdivision for electing members to a legislative
body. In the general election of 2048, 2051 and 2056 BS, the country was divided into
205 election constituencies whereas in the election of constitution assembly of 2064 and
2070 BS there were 240 election constituencies in Nepal. For the historical election of
federal parliament and provincial assembly 2074, a total of 165 constituencies for the
election of House of Representatives and 330 constituencies for the election of provincial
assembly were maintained.
Periodic Election
It is an election to be held at regular interval. In the context of Nepal, periodic election is
held in 5 years interval. General election is an example of periodic election. The elections
held in 2015 BS, 2048 BS, 2056 BS and 2074 BS were the general elections. If the election
is held before its fixed interval of 5 years, it is called Mid-term election. Mid-term election
was held in 2051 BS. Periodic elections are concentrated on the development agendas and
related with the formation of government.
Referendum
It is an election to be held for national issue. In the referendum, a matter of national
importance is decided by the vote of whole population. It is occasionally held. It was once
held in the political history of Nepal on 20th Baishakh, 2037 BS on the issue of ‘Reformed
Panchayat System’ or ‘Multiparty Democracy’.
Election of Constituent Assembly
It is an election to be held for electing the representatives for Constituent Assembly. It
is occasionally held, generally after the change in political system. Its main issue is the
formulation of Constitution. Election of Constituent Assembly was held on 28th Chaitra,
2064 BS and 4th Mangsir, 2070 BS for drafting new constitution.
Election Threshold
Election threshold is the minimum share of vote that a political party requires to obtain in
the general election for the representation in the parliament. Nepal has also provisioned
a threshold of 3% votes under the election of proportional electoral system and at least 1
seat under the election of FPTP electoral system to secure the status of a national political
party.
Civic Awareness 157
Activities
1. Study the qualifications mentioned below which is required to be the member of
Provincial Assembly and Rural Municipal/Municipal Assembly? Discuss in the class.
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a member of the Provincial Assembly:
a. Being a citizen of Nepal, b. Being a voter of the concerned province,
c. Having completed the age of 25 years,
d. Not having been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude,
e. Not being disqualified by any law, and f. Not holding any office of profit.
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a candidate for the office of the Member
of the Rural Municipal/Municipal Assembly:
a. Being a citizen of Nepal, b. Having completed the age of 21 years,
c. Being his or her name included in the electoral rolls of the Rural Municipality/Municipality, and
d. Not being disqualified by any law.
2. Collect the sample ballot papers and prepare its model. Prepare a stamp and practice
to stamp on the model ballot paper.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. What is an election? Why is it important?
2. What is meant by electoral system? Give short introduction of the electoral systems
being practiced in Nepal at present.
3. Write short introduction to the following:
a. Electoral roll b. Election code of conduct
c. Polling station d. Voter identity card
4. What are the qualifications required to be the member of Federal Parliament?
5. Mention the functions of Polling Officer.
6. Read the given news published in a daily newspaper and answer the question below:
28th Mangsir, 7.37% votes have become invalid in the election of House of Representatives and Province Assembly.
Likewise 11,333 votes have become invalid in both FPTP and Proportional electoral system in another district.
Write clearly any two causes why votes in most election of Nepal become invalid and
also mention any two measures to solve this problem.
Long answer questions:
1. What are the bodies to conduct election in Nepal? Write short description of each.
2. The use of Electronic Voting Machines instead of stamping on ballot paper has been
started in Nepal as well. What easyness and difficulty may it bring? Write.
3. Some of the countries in the world have made the provision of rejection of vote in
these days. It is also known as “None of the above-(NOTA)”. Is it appropriate in our
context? Why? Prepare an article including the positive and negative aspects of this
system.
Community Work
Visit the office of Rural Municipality/Municipality and collect the information regarding
the update of electoral roll, then prepare a report on the basis of your findings.
158 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
8LESSON Role of Citizens in the Election
Introduction
A periodical election provides an opportunity to people for electing representatives as per
their choice in different times. People can choose their preferred candidate or party in the
election to form their government. A fair, independent and impartial election can help in
the resolution of national problems. The citizens have to play important role to make the
election successful, respectable and disciplined. They should play various roles before,
during and after the election. The role of citizens in the election is presented as follows:
Role of citizens
Before Election
Verify the electoral roll and make sure that the name of family members who have
attained 18 years of age is included in the electoral roll,
Help the Election Commission to update and revise the electoral roll if found any
error in personal details,
Encourage and help the neighbors and relatives to verify and update the electoral roll,
Civic Awareness 159
Encourage the voters in the family and neighborhood to participate in the election for
casting their votes,
Study the manifesto of different political parties and discuss with the voters to elect
the best candidate,
Learn and teach other people about the technique of casting vote so that it would not
be invalid, and
Counsel the voters that they should not fall in greed and threat.
During Election
Carry the voter identity card and remind others to do so,
Stand in queue to cast the vote in disciplined manner,
Cast the vote regardless of nepotism and favoritism,
Help the aged, differently able and needy ones to cast the vote,
Raise the voice if there is any irregularity or violation of election code of conduct, and
Support the electoral officials to conduct election in peaceful environment.
After Election
Wait for the result patiently,
Congratulate and suggest the winner candidate to carry out the works in favor of
people and the country, and
Carry out the cleanup campaign in and around the polling station, or booths.
Role of students in the election
Provide correct information and help the election commission to update the electoral
roll,
Encourage people to cast vote for electing the best candidate or party,
Teach people about proper stamping on ballot paper,
Help to maintain peaceful environment in the polling station, and
Support aged and physically challenged people to cast their votes in the polling
station.
160 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Activities
1. Conduct an election of a monitor in your class as per the election process you learned
in the lesson.
2. Discuss about the criteria required for the voters in the election.
3. What is a proxy vote? What should be done to check the proxy vote? Discuss in the
class.
4. Present a street drama acting the role of citizens to be played in the election.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Prepare a dialogue between two friends on the role of a responsible citizen in the
election.
2. “A good citizen must participate in an election.” Prepare a speech on it.
3. What suggestions would you give to your guardians and neighbours to cast their
vote?
4. How do you convince your family members who don’t wish to vote in the election?
Long answer question:
1. What roles would you play as a conscious citizen to complete an election in fair and
fearless environment? Mention your roles to be played before, during and after
election.
Community Work
Meet your seniors who have participated in the election activities during the local election
in or around your community and ask what activities they carried out in that election.
Note down their response and present in the class.
Civic Awareness 161
9LESSON Human Rights and National and
International Agencies
Introduction to Rights
Everyone needs an appropriate condition in life for the development of personality. Such
appropriate conditions which the people claim and every civilized society recognizes as
essential claims are called rights. Only when the people get and enjoy rights, they can
develop their personalities and contribute their best services to the society. The rights are
enforced and protected by the laws of the state. It is the duty of a state to protect the rights
of people.
Introduction to Human Rights
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings. UNHRC
We all are equally entitled to our human rights without
discrimination. Universal human rights are often expressed
and guaranteed by law. According to the international
human rights law, it is the responsibility of the government
to promote and protect human rights and fundamental
freedoms of people.
After the end of World War II, the international community Logo of United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC)
promised never to allow violent incidents again. World
leaders decided to guarantee the rights of
every individual everywhere. Thus the UN
General Assembly adopted The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights on 10th
December, 1948 AD. Eleanor Roosevelt,
the wife of then US President Franklin D.
Roosevelt was the first person to initiate
the concept of human rights. She was the
Chairperson of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights drafting Committee as well.
So she is recognized as the driving force President Franklin D. Roosevelt & Eleanor Roosevelt
for the approval and issue of first Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the UN
General Assembly. There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
162 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
An outline of the 30 articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1. Right to Equality: Everyone is free and we should all be treated in the same way.
2. Freedom from Discrimination: Everyone is equal despite differences in skin
colour, sex, disability, religion, language for example.
3. Right to Life, Liberty, And Personal Security: Everyone has the right to life and to
live in freedom and safety.
4. Freedom from Slavery: No one has the right to treat you as a slave nor you should
make anyone your slave.
5. Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment: No one has the right to hurt you
or to torture you.
6. Right to Recognition as a Person before the Law: Everyone has the right to be
treated equally by the law.
7. Right to Equality before the Law: The law is the same for everyone, it should be
applied in the same way to all.
8. Right to Remedy by Competent Tribunal: Everyone has the right to ask for legal
help when their rights are not respected.
9. Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile: No one has the right to imprison you
unjustly or expel you from your own country.
10. Right to Fair Public Hearing: Everyone has the right to a fair and public trial.
11. Right to be Considered Innocent until Proven Guilty: Everyone should be
considered innocent until guilt is proved.
12. Freedom from Interference with Privacy, Family, Home and Correspondence:
Everyone has the right to ask for help if someone tries to harm you, but no one can
enter your home, open your letters or bother you or your family without a good reason.
13. Right to Free Movement in and out of the Country: Everyone has the right to
travel as they wish.
14. Right to Asylum in other Countries from Persecution: Everyone has the right to go
to another country and ask for protection if they are being persecuted or are in danger
of being persecuted.
15. Right to Nationality and the Freedom to Change It: Everyone has the right to
belong to a country. No one has the right to prevent you from belonging to another
country if you wish to.
16. Right to Marriage and Family: Everyone has the right to marry and have a family.
17. Right to Own Property: Everyone has the right to own property and possessions.
18. Freedom of Belief and Religion: Everyone has the right to practice and observe all
aspects of their own religion and change their religion if they want.
Civic Awareness 163
19. Freedom of Opinion and Information: Everyone has the right to say what they
think and to give and receive information.
20. Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association: Everyone has the right to take part in
meetings and to join associations in a peaceful way.
21. Right to Participate in Government and in Free Elections: Everyone has the right
to help, choose and take part in the government of their country.
22. Right to Social Security: Everyone has the right to social security and opportunities
to develop their skills.
23. Right to Desirable Work and to Join Trade Unions: Everyone has the right to work
for a fair wage in a safe environment and to join a trade union.
24. Right to Rest and Leisure: Everyone has the right to rest and leisure.
25. Right to Adequate Living Standard: Everyone has the right to an adequate standard
of living and medical help if they are ill.
26. Right to Education: Everyone has the right to go to school.
27. Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of Community: Everyone has the right to
share in their community’s cultural life.
28. Right to a Social Order that Articulates this Document: Everyone must respect the
‘social order’ that is necessary for all these rights to be available.
29. Community Duties Essential to Free and Full Development: Everyone must
respect the rights of others, the community and public property.
30. Freedom from State or Personal Interference in the above Rights: No one has the
right to take away any of the rights in this declaration.
Introduction to Fundamental Rights
Fundamental rights are the basic rights to be acquired by an individual to live with dignity,
respect and as a citizen of the country. As the fundamental rights are guaranteed by the
constitution, they are effective only within the country. It is also called civic rights, basic
rights or constitutional rights.
Difference between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights
Human Rights Fundamental Rights
Human right is a widespread expression. Fundamental right is limited expression.
It comes under the international law. It comes under the national law.
It is similar in all the countries. It can differ from country to country.
International laws make the human rights Constitution of the country makes the
monitoring mechanism. provision of protection and promotion of
fundamental rights.
164 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Role of National and International Agencies for the Protection and
Promotion of Human Rights
Various national and international agencies concerned with human rights are working
effectively in Nepal. These authorities are working in the fields like warning against the
violation of human rights, publicity of the values and norm of human rights, and growth of
public awareness regarding human rights, etc. Role of national and international agencies
in protection of human rights are presented below:
1. National Human Rights Commission
It is a constitutional organ of Nepal. It was
established in 2057 BS. It is constituted with a
Chairperson and four other members appointed
by the President on the recommendation of
Constitutional Council for a term of six years. It
has been working for the protection and promotion
of human rights in the country. “Dignity, Equality
and Justice for all” is the main motto of this agency.
2. Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) Logo of National Human Rights Commission
It has been working in the sector of human
rights and fundamental rights since 1988 AD. It
was started with the objective of protecting the
rights of people engaged in informal sectors. It
has significantly contributed in protecting and
promoting the fundamental rights of people in
almost all sectors. It has been publishing the
Human Rights Year Book every year.
3. Amnesty International
It is an international agency involved in the sector Logo of INSEC
of human rights. It was established in 1961 AD
in London with the objectives 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. It works
to mobilize public opinion to put pressure on
governments that allows abuse during their tenure.
This organization was awarded with Nobel Peace Logo of Amnesty International
Prize in 1977 AD and the United Nations Prize in
the Field of Human Rights in 1978 AD for its “campaign against torture”.
Civic Awareness 165
Activities
1. Prepare a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt collecting the information from different
sources.
2. What is mentioned in the article 1 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
3. Make a list of the outline of human rights and present in the class.
4. Collect the news articles and editorials published in the newspapers regarding the
protection of human rights and paste on the bulletin board.
5. Draw a logo of Amnesty International and clarify its inherent meaning.
6. Prepare a list of the organizations working in the field of human rights in your
community and note down their best works. Present your work in the class.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Give a short introduction to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
2. Differentiate between human rights and fundamental rights in four points.
3. Prepare a model of speech on “Right to personal freedom and self defence to every
one is the foundation of human rights”.
4. How is National Human Rights Commission constituted? What is its role in the
protection of human rights?
5. “Fundamental rights are the human rights guaranteed by the state to its citizens.”
Present your logics on it.
6. Mention the contribution of Eleanor Roosevelt in the declaration of human rights.
7. How do you honour the individual or authority working to protect and promote the
human rights?
8. How does the freedom to assemble peacefully guarantee the acquisition of human
rights? Introduce your logics.
Long answer question:
1. Various national and international authorities concerned with human rights are
working in Nepal for the protection of human rights. Give short introduction and
role of the following agencies in the protection of human rights:
a. National Human Rights Commission
b. Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC)
c. Amnesty International
Community Work
Collect the activities performed by different clubs for the promotion of human rights in
your community and prepare a report. Then present it in the class.
166 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
10LESSON Rights of Women and Indigenous
Nationalities
Introduction
All the people are equal in democratic system. Every citizen has the right to participate
in the governing system. State has to bring every community, sex, caste, religion and
class into the mainstream of development without any discrimination on the basis of the
principle of inclusion. The Constitution of Nepal and other prevailing laws have established
rights to the people of every sector and class. Here, we will discuss about the rights of
women and indigenous nationalities.
Rights of Women
Women are not less capable than men. Their contribution in the development cannot
be underestimated. They have been playing significant roles in development since
the very beginning. For further betterment, women empowerment is a must. Women
empowerment is possible only if their rights are ensured. Women have occupied more
than half population of the country. The presence and participation of women in the
development may double the pace of development.
Provisions made in the constitution, laws and policy making level to
establish the rights of women:
a. Provision of acquiring citizenship certificate in the name of mother,
b. End of gender discrimination,
c. Equal parental rights to women without gender discrimination,
d. Equal rights of couple in the affairs of property and family,
e. Formation of equitable society on the basis of proportional, inclusive and participatory
principle,
f. Formation of National Women Commission,
g. Guarantee of social justice so that socially backward women also can participate in all
state structures and bodies on the basis of inclusive principle,
h. No physical, mental, sexual or psychological violence against women, or any kind
of oppression based on religious, social and cultural tradition and other practices and
such an act is punishable and the victim has the right to compensation,
i. No discrimination in the use of law on any ground of origin, religion, color, caste, sex,
disability or any other,
j. Participation of women in all state structures and bodies on the basis of proportional
inclusive principle,
k. Political objective of the state to assure the fundamental rights, gender equality and
values, norms of human rights,
l. Provision of rights to women for safe motherhood and reproductive health,
Civic Awareness 167
m. Provision of special opportunity for women in education, health, employment and
social security on the basis of positive discrimination,
n. Right to social security for economically weak, disabled, helpless and single women
as well, and
o. Special provision as provided by the law for the protection, empowerment and
development of socially or culturally backward women and disable citizens.
Rights of Indigenous Nationalities
Nepal is a multiethnic and
multilingual country. There are 125
castes of people living in the country.
According to ‘National Foundation
for Development of Indigenous
Nationalities Act, 2058 (2002 AD)’,
‘Indigenous Nationalities’ means a
tribe or community having its own
mother tongue and traditional rites
and customs, distinct cultural identity, distinct social structure and written or unwritten
history. This act has listed 59 castes of people as indigenous nationalities in its schedule.
It is for social, economic and cultural development and upliftment of various indigenous
nationalities of Nepal and for their equal participation in the mainstream of national
development. As they are behind in the development and human development, it has been
aimed to establish access to education, communication, health and resource for them. The
main issue concerned to indigenous nationalities is right to get basic education in their
own mother tongue.
Rights to be acquired by the Indigenous Nationalities
a. Right to free and compulsory basic education,
b. Right to education in child friendly environment in school,
c. Right to preserve and promote their language, script and civilization,
d. Right to easy access to natural resources and means of their location,
e. Right to basic education in their own mother tongue,
f. Right to special privilege for higher studies,
g. Right to special facility for housing, employment and service and facilities to be
provided by the state, and
h. Right to respectful presence in the various state bodies and inclusive representation.
Efforts made by the state to establish the rights of Indigenous Nationalities
a. Establishment of Indigenous Nationalities Commission,
b. Provision of getting basic education in mother tongue,
c. Provision of scholarship,
d. Management of curriculum, text books, teaching and learning materials and teachers
to provide education in mother tongue, and
e. The state has taken the principle of participation for equal access and opportunity in
various state bodies.
168 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Activities
1. Inquire whether the indigenous nationalities living in your community are enjoying
the rights mentioned in the lesson or not and present the findings in the class.
2. Make a list of the indigenous nationalities living in your community and find whether
they are using their mother tongue or not. Then present the finding in the class.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Discuss about the measures for women empowerment.
2. “Rights of women cannot be established without promoting the social status of
women.” Present your logic on this statement.
3. What is meant by the rights of indigenous nationalities? Mention rights to be
acquired by the indigenous nationalities.
4. “It is the right of indigenous nationalities to get basic education in mother tongue.”
Present your opinion to support this statement.
Long answer questions:
1. What is meant by the rights of women? Mention the provisions made in the
constitution, laws and policy making level to establish the rights of women.
2. Who are Indigenous Nationalities? Mention the efforts made by the state to establish
the rights of indigenous nationalities.
3. Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed Fundamental Rights and other constitutional
provisions to empower or develop women. How far have those Rights and
constitutional provisions implemented effectively? Present yours evaluation in
points.
Community Work
Collect the information about the indigenous nationalities living in your community.
Prepare a report including their language, culture and rites. Then present in the class.
Civic Awareness 169
LESSON
11 Citizen Identity and Citizenship
Introduction to Citizen, Citizenship and Nationality
Somebody, who is a legal resident of state, is called a citizen. A citizen can enjoy the rights
granted by the state and fulfill the duty towards the state as well. The legal status of being
a citizen of a country is called citizenship. The citizenship is the evidence of identity of a
citizen given by the state. This is the lawful base of identity. Citizenship can be acquired
by two bases: on the basis of descent or blood relation and on the basis of birth or land.
Citizenship is different than nationality. The status of belonging to a particular nation by
origin, birth, or naturalization is called nationality. The relationship with citizenship can
be broken but the relationship with nationality cannot be broken.
Difference between Nationality and Citizenship
Nationality Citizenship
It is emotional relationship with the state. It is legal relationship with the state.
It is permanent in nature and cannot be quitted. It is temporary in nature and can be quitted.
It adopts the collective concept. It adopts the individual concept.
It remains even residing in foreign country. It can be acquired by residing in the state.
It is a widespread concept. It is a limited concept.
Concept of Citizenship
There are various concepts regarding the citizenship. It depends on the policy determined
by the state. Citizenship by birth denotes the acquisition of citizenship based on the
geography where one has been born. Similarly, the citizenship by descent denotes the
acquisition of citizenship based on the ancestral background. Some countries make the
provision even of dual citizenship and some countries grant honorary citizenship to the
renowned citizen of other country. The state of being without citizenship is also another
concept regarding the citizenship. In some places, the identity is also given as second class
citizen. In such condition, an individual may be deprived from the rights, services and
facilities provided by the state.
Constitutional provisions regarding Citizenship
The Constitution of Nepal has made the provision of single federal citizenship with
provincial identity. No citizen of Nepal may be deprived of the right to obtain citizenship.
The persons who have obtained the citizenship of Nepal at the time of commencement of
this Constitution and who are qualified to obtain citizenship shall be the citizens of Nepal.
Whenever any territory is acquired by way of merger into Nepal, a person having his/her
domicile in such territory shall become a citizen of Nepal.
A person who obtains the citizenship of Nepal by descent may obtain a certificate of
citizenship of Nepal with gender identity by the name of his/her mother or father.
According to the Constitution of Nepal, citizenship can be obtained on the following bases:
170 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
1. Citizenship by Descent SAMPLE
The following person who has his/her permanent
domicile in Nepal at the time of commencement of this Front side of Citizenship Certificate
constitution shall be the citizen of Nepal by descent:
a. A person whose father or mother was a citizen of SAMPLE
Nepal at his/her birth,
b. A child of a citizen having obtained the citizenship
of Nepal by birth prior to the commencement of this
constitution shall, upon attaining majority, acquire
the citizenship of Nepal by descent if the child’s
father and mother both are citizens of Nepal.
c. Every minor who is found within Nepal and the
whereabouts of whose father and mother are not
known shall, until the father or the mother of the
child is traced, be a citizen of Nepal by descent.
d. 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 shall be provided with
the citizenship of Nepal by descent.
2. Naturalized Citizenship Back side of Citizenship Certificate
According to the Constitution of Nepal, the following are the bases to acquire the
Naturalized Citizenship of Nepal:
a. 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 shall be provided with the citizenship
of Nepal by descent. Provided that in case his or her father is found to be a foreign
citizen, the citizenship of such person shall be converted into naturalized citizenship.
b. A foreign woman who has a matrimonial relationship with a citizen of Nepal, if she
so wishes, acquire the naturalized citizenship of Nepal.
c. In the case of a person born from a woman who is a citizen of Nepal and married to a
foreign citizen, the person may acquire the naturalized citizenship of Nepal if he/she
has permanently resided in Nepal and has not acquired the citizenship of a foreign
country.
3. Honorary Citizenship
According to the Constitution of Nepal, the Government of Nepal may grant the honorary
citizenship of Nepal to any foreigner who has contributed to enhance the benefit, pride
and prestige of Nepal. The honorary citizenship has been granted to Dr. Toni Hagen of
Switzerland, Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, Collin Philip Smith (Putali Baj) of
United Kingdom, etc.
4. 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 who or whose father or
mother, grandfather or grandmother was previously a citizen of Nepal by decent or birth
but subsequently acquired the citizenship of the foreign country. Such person may enjoy
economic, social and cultural rights.
Civic Awareness 171
Activities
1. A citizen of Nepal, who has completed the age of 16 years and intends to obtain
the certificate of citizenship of Nepal by descent, has to make an application and
accomwwwpwwwa.l.nlaawiweccodommbmmiyissstiiohonn.eg.goofvvo.n.nlplpowing documents, to the concerned Chief District Officer:
a. The certificate of citizenship of Nepal of his/her father or mother or relative
www.wlawitchoimnmtishsiroene.gogve.nnperations of his/her lineage,
b. pAlarecceoamnmd reenldataitoionnshmipaodreabcyetr■h■■tieficc oa tneceorfnbeidrthLorceaglisBtoradtyiosne.tting out his/her birth
Suppose youaregoingtoobtaint■hecertificateofcitizenshipofNepa l, fill the required
iNnefopraml,atthieonnpinretsheentfoinllotwheincglafsosr.matsof applicationandcertificateofcitizenship of
FFuul llNNaammee((iinn bblloocckk))::.......... ........................
SSeexx::.................
FullName(inblock):.................................
PSelaxc:e...PVPWo.VWPP.elfD.leaaDr.aarc.BmrC.cmrdCe.dei./ara/.oMNn.oMtNn.fheo.fue.onBu.nBn(t.nii.ti.irnAic.rAtc.ith.dbiph.dp.dla(.dao(.ilr.inlriec.nite.stykb.syb/)ls/:Slo.:So.Duc.Duc.kbi.kbis.)/.s)/M.t.M.tr..ri..eic..ec..tt..trt...r.o...o...p...p...o...o...l...li...i.s...s.......................................
Perm anentAddress:District............... ........
VDC/DMDauatteneiocofifpBBailirirttthyh/((ASAuDDb)/):M:....e..t.r..o..p..o.yyleieasar.r............................
Ward MNMooon.n.t.th.h..................................D.Daayy
MDaotnetho.f..B...i.r.t.h....(.A...D..)..:......D...a..y.....year...............
172 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
■■■
www.lawcommission.gov.np
■
Government of Nepal has issued the Citizenship Certificate with following details:
Citizenship Certificate No.
Full Name (in block): Sex:
Date of Birth (AD): Year Month Day
Place of Birth (in block):
Permanent Address (in block): District
VDC/Municipality/Sub/Metropolis: Ward No:
×
Government of Nepal has issued the Citizenship Certificate with following details:
Citizenship Certificate No.
■
Full Name (in block): Sex:
Date of Birth (AD): Year Month Day www.lawcommission.gov.np
Place of Birth (in block):
ExercisePermanent Address (in block): District
VDC/Municipality/Sub/Metropolis: Ward No:
S hort answer questions:
1. Prepare a speech for an oratorypro gram on the topic “Citizenship is the basis to give
an identity to the citizen”.
2 . Differentiate between Nationality and Citizenship.
3 . What is the difference between the Citizenship by Descent and Naturalized
Citizenship?
■ 4. Who are granted an Honorary Citizenship? Write the provisions with examples.
5. The person who acquires the Non-Resident Nepalese Citizenship cannot enjoy all the
rights.www.lawcommission.gov.np
Should be limited within the rights given to them? Present your logic.
they
Long answer question:
1. What is Citizenship? Explain the various bases to obtain citizenship certificate
according to the Constitution of Nepal.
Community Work
Collect the news published in newspaper regarding the Citizen and Citizenship. Also
collect the opinion of the people living in your community on this matter and prepare a
report including your conclusion. Present your work in the class.
Civic Awareness 173
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