Social Studies 10

Lesson The Election Process

5.7 FACTS According to Nepal Election Commission 2017, the total number of voters in
Nepal are 12,40,54,482. Among them 70,69,714 were men and 69,84,625 were
to Understand women and 143 persons of third gender.

Election Process

Election is the formal process of choosing the representatives for various levels
of the state for certain duration. It is a formal decision making process by which
people choose an individual to hold public office. Election is very important to elect
the representatives in federal, provincial and local level. Therefore, the election is
indispensable in a democratic society. The Election Commission of Nepal has the
responsibility for conducting free and fair elections to ensure the democratic process.

Bodies to Conduct Election

There are three major bodies to conduct fair elections, they are:

1. The Election Commission : At the Centre
2. The Returning Officer : In each district
3. The Polling Officers : At the polling centers

151 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

1. The Election Commission

A central election commission is formed to conduct election at the national level.
It appoints other election officers and returning officers in the constituencies and the
polling centres. Its major functions are:

It works from the centre,
It carries out all work required for election like registering the political parties

and their candidacy prepares electoral roll, ballot paper and ballot box, dividing
a country into different election constituencies fixing the numbers of booths and
sub-booths, etc.
It appoints election officers and mobilizes them during the election.
It fixes the election date.
It prepares election policy and code of conduct


Read the passage below describing the
responsibilities of Election Commission

Election Commission Nepal (ECN) has finalized the voters list for the
local level Election. According to the final voter list released on March 2,
2017 the total member of voter is 12,40,54,482. Among them 70,69,714
are men and 69,84,625 are women, and143 persons of third gender.
The ECN will publicize the voter list through its own website following
the completion of predetermination of polling centres throughout the
country.

Citizens who completed 18 years of age on February 20, and had
registered their names on voter list with photographs on the same day
are eligible to vote in the election. According to the Electoral Rolls Act,
2017 AD no further transfers of voters from one place to another.

Source: Election Commission Nepal, 2017 AD

2. The Returning Officers

The Returning officer is appointed by the Election commission on the
recommendation of the judicial council. The chief Returning Officers are appointed
in each constituencies and Returning Officers in all the 77 districts to conduct the
elections.

The election commission appoint the district judge as the chief Returning Officer
while second class officers from judicial service as the Returning Officers as per the
recommendation of the judicial council.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 152

The Returning Officer has the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Manages and conducts election at election constituency and its booths.
2. Assists Polling officers and election commission.
3. Supervises the counting of votes and announces the results.
4. Verifies registration validity of the voters.
5. Records the election results in permanent records.
6. Their tenure ends after the result of election.

3. Polling Officers

The polling officers are appointed to conduct the election or poll in the polling
centres. The officers are selected among civil servants, teachers, etc. Numbers of
polling officers are determined based on the number of polling centres.
The polling officers have to manage the polling centres, security system and conduct
election in a legal process. If necessary, the polling officers need to decide the election
related case on the spot or cancel or postpone the election, if required. The officer
can cooperate and take help from the activities of local political parties, intellectuals
and other important persons of the area. It deposits the ballot boxes to the concerned
centre. If necessary, the polling officer's has got an authority to count votes of the local
level election.

The Electoral Roll or the Voters' List

The Election commission updates the voters list by adding the names of new voters
who have attained 18 years of age and the citizens who are eligible to cast votes but
missed to register their names. An electoral roll means the name list of the voter
who is enlisted by the Election Commission. It omits names of those who have died
or migrated to other place. One who has not registered in the voters list cannot be a
candidate for any election.

Do You Know

The British General Election, 1708 AD was the
world first election held in Britain.

153 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Ballot Paper

It is a piece of paper used for voting in a ballot or in an election. The ballot paper
consists of different symbols of different parties.

A sample of ballot paper

Voters Identity Card

Voters Identity card is an important document needed to participate in any election.
There are voter's names, address, identity, card no and voters photo in it.


Election ballot Voter's ID

Polling Location and Polling Centre

These centres are generally set up in public places like schools or colleges. While
setting up polling location and polling centre, a few things must be taken into
consideration. For example, distance, public security, convenience for voters, access

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 154

of transportation and other logistic arrangements on the basis of population these can
be more than one polling centres in the same area.

Qualifications of the Candidate

To stand as a candidate for an election a person requires the following qualifications
mentioned in the Constitution of Nepal, 2072:

Must be a Nepali citizen.
Must be at least 25 years of age.
Should not hold any beneficial post or government offices.
Should not be disqualified by any law of the nation
Should not have been punished by the court of law for immoral criminal offence.

For the following post age requirements are as follows:

i) President/Vice-President must be at least 45 years of age.
ii) Members of the federal parliament must be at least 25 years of age for the

House Representative and 35 years of age for the National Assembly.
iii) Members of the Provincial Assembly must be at least 25 years of age.
iv) The chairperson/the vice-chairperson or members of the Gaunpalika (Rural

municipality) and the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor or members of the
Municipality must be at least 21 years of age
v) Members of the Village Assembly or Town Assembly must be at least 21 years
of age.

Types of Election Held in Nepal

An election usually held in regular intervals in which all the members of a given
political party are chosen for the parliament. It is generally conducted after the end
every set tenure, mostly of 5 years.

General Election

In the history of Nepal, the General election took place on Falgun 7, 2015 to Baishakh
21, 2016, Baisakh 29, 2048, Kartik 29, 2051 and Jestha 3, 2056 .

By-Election

It is the re-election in case of any representative won from two places or in case of
death or resignation his/her seat. Such election is conducted to fulfill the vacant post

Local Election

The election conducted at local levels such as Guanpalika (Rural Municipality),
Nagarpalika (Municipality) and District Coordination Committee to elect the local
representatives.

155 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Referendum

It is a democratic process in which the people are given issues and options to choose
through voting to decide a national issue.

Election of Constituent Assembly

The election conducted for choosing the representative to draft a completely new
constitution or amend the existing constitution is called Constituent Assembly
Election. In Nepal, the Constituent Assembly election was held for two times, i.e. on
Chaitra 28, 2064 and Mangsir 4, 2070 to draft the new constitution.

Do You Know

1. First past the post system (Direct Elections System) is a process in which
the voters vote to the candidate and the candidate who secures the highest
numbers of votes in the election is declared the winner.

2. The proportional Representation system of voting is the process in
which the voters vote for the party to elect candidate on the basis of the
proportion of the vote each political party secures in the election.

Local Level Election

In BS 2074 local level elections were held in Nepal in three phases on Baisakh
31, Ashad 14 and Asoj 2 in 6 Metropolitan Cities, 11 Sub-metropolitan Cities, 276
Municipalities and 460 Rural Municipalities (Gaunpalika). It was the first local level
election to be held since the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal BS 2072.

In the first phase Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali Pradesh took part in the election.

In the second phase Province No. 1, Lumbini and Sudurpachim Pradesh took part in
the election.

Similarly, only Province No. 2 took part in third phase election.

The election was direct in nature in local level.

Local Levels Members
Metropolitan City One Mayor
One Deputy Mayor
One ward Chairperson
4 Ward Members

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 156

Sub-metropolitan City One Mayor
One Deputy Mayor
Municipality One ward Chairperson
4 Ward Members
Rural Municipality One Mayor
(Gaunpalika) One Deputy Mayor
One ward Chairperson
4 Ward Members
One Head
One Deputy Head
One Ward Chairperson
4 ward members

In each ward, out of the four members two members must be female. Tenure of these
elected members are 5 of years.

Local Level Elections Update: 2074

Total numbers of Votes = 14,054,482

Male voters = 7,069,714

Female voters = 6,984,625

Third genders = 143

Highest voters in the country = 563,870 in Morang District

Lowest numbers of voters in the country = 5,094 in Manang District

Voters in Kathmandu District = 559,400
Source: Election Commission, 2074

The Provincial Assembly and Federal Parliament Election, 2074

The provincial Assembly Elections were held in Nepal on Mangshir 10 and Mangshir
21, 2074 along with the legislative elections. Out of 550 seats in the seven newly
created provincial assemblies were elected by FPTP and 220 seats by Proportionate
Representation.

The first phase of the election was carried out on Mangshir 10, 2074 in 32 mountainous
and hilly districts.

157 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

The second phase of the election was conducted on Mangshir 21, 2074 in 45 districts
including Terai and rest of the hilly districts of Nepal.

The result of Federal Parliament Election in both the phases was declared.

Political Parties Total Seats
118
Left Alliance
(CPN UML and CPN Maoist) 24

Right Alliance
(Nepali Congress, RPP)

Political Parties Seats
CPN UML 80
Maoist (Centre) 36
Congress 23
Rastriya Janata Party (RJP) 11
Federal Socialism Forum Nepal (FSFN) 10
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) 1
Naya Shakti Party 1
Janamorcha Party 1
Independent Party 1
Nepal Majdur Kishan Party 1

Source: Election Commission, 2074

National Assembly

National Assembly is also known as Upper House.

Seats 59
Tenure
Voting System 6 Years
Elected Members
Indirect
Nominated Members
56
(Each of the Seven States elects Eight members on each)

3
(Nominated by the president on the recommendation of
Government of Nepal.)

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 158

Activities

a. Prepare a sample ballot paper with election symbols
b. Prepare a conversation encouraging people to take part actively and vote in

elections.
c. Now in Nepal also the trend of using Electronic voting machine instead of

using stamp in a ballot paper has started. What sort of ease and complication
can come in using this machine? Organize an interaction program on this topic
in your school.
d. In some of the countries of the world there is a provision of rejection for
vote. It is also called none of the above (NOTA). Is the provision suitable or
not in Nepal? Prepare an editorial on this issue for a leading newspaper of
Nepal.

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:

1. What is an election? How is it conducted? Explain.
2. What do you understand by an election process? Why is it important in a

democratic country?
3. A lot of ballots cast by people become invalid as people often stamp the ballot in

appropriately. How can this problem be reduced? Give any four suggestions.
4. Mention the major responsibilities of the Election officer and Polling officers.
5. Write down the qualifications required for the members of the Provincial

Assembly.

iCommun ty Work
Conduct an election in your class room to choose the monitor. Prepare necessary materials
required for an election, like ballot paper, ballot box etc. Prepare a report on the basis of your
experience you gained and present it in your class.

159 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson Role of Citizens in the Election

5.8 FACTS The word citizen was first used in ancient Greece. Greece was divided into
several city-states. The people who lived in city-states of ancient Greece were
to Understand known as citizens.

Asmi, Sukriti, Aagya, and Surakshya, the students of grade 10 are discussing about
the role of citizens during election. They are little bit confused on the subject matter.
In the meantime Bibek entered into the classroom.

Bibek : Hi everyone! What are you doing?

Asmi : We are discussing on the role of citizen during the election. Do
you know Bibek, why should people cast vote in the election?

Bibek : It is the fundamental right of every citizens to cast vote in the
election, and it is the duty of a citizen too. People can choose
their favourite candidate or party to form their government.
Therefore, a single vote can make the favourite candidate a
winner or a loser.

Sukriti : What type of candidate should we choose in the
election?

Aagya : Wait! I'll explain.

We should choose honest, active, commanding, loyal to the
people and educated candidate in the election.

Surakshya : But how do we know all the qualities of a candidate?

Asmi : Listen! There is a manifesto published by every political party.
It helps the voters to understand the principle of political
party. We must read the election manifesto before choosing
any candidate in the election.

Sukriti : Is there any role of citizens in election excepts voting
to the right candidate?

Bibek : Yes Sukriti, there are many other roles of citizens before,
during and after election. [In the meantime Isha and her
friends came to listen]

Isha : Bibek! Tell us the role of citizens before election.

Bibek : Ok listen

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 160

An ideal citizen registers his/her name in the electoral
roll, helps family members, relatives and neighbours for
the same who is eligible of voting, i.e. who has attained
18 years of age. The electoral roll is available in every
Gaunpalika and Nagarpalika.

If there is any mistake in the electoral roll he/she
can claim by writing an application to correct name,
surname, age etc. He or she can inform the neighbours
too.

Make people aware about parties and candidates along
with their election symbols and voting process.

Campaigns about various parties and their election
manifesto.

Tells people not to accept bribe but choose the right
candidate.

It is a duty of all the eligible voters to cast their votes
which makes proper use of this right.

Surakshya : Asmi! Do you know the role of citizens during election?

Asmi : Yes, I will try to explain in points.

Do not forget to carry voter's identity card. Also remind
family members and neighbours too to carry their voter's
identity card.

Make people aware to stamp the ballot paper correctly
and insert the ballot in the ballot box.

Do not be influenced by any kind of bribery, intimidation
and false promise while casting vote.

Do not cast vote in fear and should not change the voting
decision due to the pressure of other person or party.

Do not cast proxy vote.

Stand in queue and wait for your turn patiently.

Support and help the aged, needy and physically
different people for finding their name in voters list.

Help the electoral authorities in maintaining law and
order.

161 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Read the election manifesto properly of all the political
parties.

Bibek : Asmi, you are genius. Now who will say about the role of
citizens after the election?

Isha : Is there any role of citizens after the election?

Aditya : Yes, why not? There is an important role of citizens even after
the election. Listen, I will tell you.

Citizens should wait for the result patiently and respect
the outcome.

Should not be over-excited when result will be in favour
and depressed when it is in other's favour. They must
accept the result.

After the election, help in cleaning the area by removing
pamphlets and banners of the political parties.

Maintain good relationship and harmony in the
neighbourhood after the election even if their ideology
is different.

Surakshya : It is a good time to know and understand the role of citizens in
election. Tomorrow when teacher will ask questions in class, I
will give all the answers.[Everybody starts laughing. Bell rang
they went for Recess.]

Activities

a. Prepare an election manifesto of your own political party. Draw the flag of
your party

b. Create a street show based on the role of a citizen in an election.
c. Make a sample of ballot paper used in an election.

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:

1. What is universal adult franchise?
2. What are the roles of an ideal citizen in an election?

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 162

3. There may be many candidates contesting election representing different
political parties. How do you choose the best one? Write the criteria of a good
candidate.

4. What is the importance of vote? Write in four points.
5. What is an electoral roll? Write any four roles that should be played by the

citizens before, during and after the election.
6. Write a letter to your sister explaining the importance of election and choosing

the right candidate. Encourage her to take part in the election for protection of
the democracy.

iCommun ty Work
Visit your community and find out the women leaders who have contested election in
previous local election or the fresh candidate who are planning to contest an election. Ask
their past experience to the previous one planning for development activities for the fresh
women candidates.

163 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson Human Rights and National and
International Agencies
5.9

FACTS Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or
through freely choose representatives.
to Understand
• Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.

• The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government
this will be expressed in periodic and any genuine elections which shall be
conducted by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote
or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Source: Article 21, UN Declaration of Universal Human Rights

Introduction

Human rights are the basic rights and freedom that all people are entitled to
regardless of their age, sex, nationality, etc. Human rights refer to the privileges
that are required for all-round development of a personality, i.e. social, economic and
intellectual. They are universally acknowledged as human rights are not limited to a
nation or a territory; rather they have become a global issue. Many international laws
have protected legal rights.

Historical Background

The concept of human right emerged after the World War II. Eleanor Roosevelt, the
wife of former American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, contributed much for the
declaration of human rights on December 10, 1948 through the General Assembly of
the UNO. So, 10th December, is celebrated as the International Human Rights Day.
The Declaration contains 30 articles and is obligatory for every UN member.

Following this historical act, the Assembly called upon all member countries to
publicise the text of the Declaration and to cause it to be disseminated displayed,
read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without
distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.

Differences between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights

Human rights, generally, means the rights of an individual to develop his or her
personality. According to UN, Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings,
whatever our nationally, place of residence, sex national or ethnicity, origin, colour,
religion, language or any other status." These human rights are guaranteed by law,
in the form of treaties, customary international law, general principles and other
sources of international law."

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 164

The differences between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights are discussed below:

Human Rights Fundamental Rights

Human Rights are broad in expression. Fundamental rights are narrow in
expression.

They fall under the international laws. They come under the national laws.

Human rights are basically concerned Fundamental rights are concerned with

with the human being. the citizens.

Human rights are also known as natural Fundamental rights are also known as

rights or unalienable rights. civil rights, constitutional rights and the

basic rights.

Human rights do not have any legal Fundamental rights have legal obligation
obligations and are not enforceable in and are enforceable in courts.
courts

Human rights are universal. They are the Fundamental rights differ from one

same in all the countries. country to another country.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Consists of 30 Articles

Article Provisions
1.
2. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with
reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
3.
4. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without
5. distinction for any kind, such as race colour, sex, religion, political or other opinion,
6. national or social origin, property birth or other status. Furthermore, no differences
7. shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the
country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent trust, non-
8. self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
9.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

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

No one shall be subjected to torture or to be cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment.

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

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal
protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in
violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the complete national tribunals for
acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

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

165 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

10. Everyone is entitled to full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and
impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal
charge against him.

11. Nobody should be blamed for doing anything until it is proven. When people say we
did a bad thing we have be subjected to arbitrary interference neither with his privacy,
family, home or correspondence nor to defend it.

12. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home
or correspondence nor to attacks upon his attacked upon his honour and reputation
does Everyone have the right to the protection of the law against such interference
or attacks.

13. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and reside within the border of the
country.

14. Everyone has the right to take asylum in other countries to be safe.

15. Everyone has the right to have nationality or belong to a country.

16. Every grown up men and women has the right to marry, have family without any
limitation due to race, nationality or religion. They are entitled to equal right to marriage
and its dissolution.

17. Everyone has the right to own things or share them Nobody shall be arbitrarily deprived
of his property.

18. Everyone has right to freedom or thought, conscience and religion, this right includes
freedom to change religion or belief either alone or in community, in public or private,
to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practise, worship and observance.

19. Everyone has right to make up their own mind to think what they like to say what they
think and to share their ideas with other people.

20. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly or join an association.

21. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through
freely chosen representatives' rights of equal access to public service in his country.
Every grown up have right to choose their leaders in a democratic way.

22. Everyone has the right to social security affordable housing, medicine, education and
child care, enough money to live on and medical help if we are ill or old.

23. Every grown up has the right to do a job free to choose an employment, to get equal
payment for equal work, join trade union for the protection of own interest.

24. Everyone has the right to rest and leisure including reasonable limitation of working
hours and periodic holidays with payment.

25. Everyone has the right to have standard living with his family including food, clothing,
housing and medical care and necessary social services and the right to security
during unemployment, sickness, disability, old age and other circumstances beyond
the control.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 166

26. Everyone has the right to education. Elementary education shall be compulsory and
free.

27. Everyone has the right freely to participate in the culture life of the community, to enjoy
the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits, right to protection
of the moral and material from any scientific, literacy or artistic production of which
he/she is the author.

28. Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the right and freedom
set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

29. Everyone should respect others rights and freedom while using own rights and
freedoms.

30. Everyone has right to enjoy all these rights which neither be seized nor encroached
by anyone.

Some Organization Working to Promote Human Rights in
Nepal

In Nepal, the human rights organizations have been working very actively for
promoting human rights. There are three key achievements safeguarding human
rights condition in Nepal as follows.

Nepal does not have the death penalty for any degree of crime and offence.
Nepal has kept the National Human Right Commission as one of the most

important constitutional organs.
The United Nations Human Rights Commission and Human Rights groups are

working in Nepal to protect and promote human rights.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

The National Human Rights Commission is an independent
and autonomous constitutional body working in areas of human
rights protection. It was established in BS 2057 (2000 AD) as a
statutory body under the Human Rights Commission Act, BS
2053 (1997 AD). It has a separate sphere of responsibilities in
the constitutional and legal system of the country. The main
motto of the commission is Dignity, Equality and Justice for all.
For detail information you can log on to www.nhrcnepal.org.

Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC)

Informal Sector Service Centre works for the protection
and promotion of human rights in Nepal. It was founded in
1988 AD by Human Rights defender late Prakash Kafle and
prominent Human Rights activities Sushil Pyakurel. The

167 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

efforts made during its early days made effective constitutions in institutionalizing
the democratic polity in the nation from a right based approach both at the policy and
grassroots level especially after the restoration of democracy in BS 2062/63 (1990/91).
It works with different disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Every year it publishes Human Right Year Book. For detail information log on to
www.insec.org.np.

Amnesty International

Amnesty international is a non-governmental organization focused on human
rights that claims to have
over 7 million members and
supporters around the world.
It was founded by lawyer Peter
Berenson in London in 1961.
Its objectives are to conduct
research and generate action
to prevent and end grave
abuses of human rights and to
demand justice for those whose
rights have been violated. The
organization was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for its campaign against torture and the United Nations
Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978. It was established in Nepal in 1969 AD
by a lawyer named Nutan Thapaliya. Log on to www.amnestynepal.org.

The other organizations related to Human Rights are Human Rights Watch (HRW)
founded in 1978. It is known for its accurate fact finding, impartial reporting, effective
use of media and targeted advocacy with the help of local human rights groups.

Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is one of the agencies of
UN works to protect and promote the human rights as guaranteed in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 AD. It was established on 20th December 1993.

Activities

a. Find out the names of the human rights organizations working in Nepal. Also
write their objectives.

b. Collect the information about Eleanor Roosvelt and prepare her biography.
c. Collect the paper cutting news related to human rights activities and paste

it in bulletin board.
d. Draw a logo of Amnesty International and explain its meaning. For your help

logo on to www.amnestynepal.org.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 168

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:
1. What are human rights? Why is it obligatory for a country to uphold human

right?
2. "To enjoy one's human rights, one has to respect others as well." Explain the

statement with examples.
3. How does the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 guarantee fundamental rights as part

of human rights?
4. Show in a chart the differences between human rights and fundamental rights.
5. Write down the process of the formation of the National Human Rights

Commission.
6. What is OHCHR? Write its functions.
7. Mention the role played by INSEC and Amnesty International.
8. What do you understand by UN Declaration of human rights? Mention any ten

articles of it.
9. Write an editorial on Fundamental rights guaranteed the human rights to its

citizens by the state.

iCommun ty Work
Collect the information about the human rights activities done in your community. Prepare a
report and present it in your classroom.

169 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson Rights to Women, Indigenous and
Adibasi Janajati
5.10

FACTS women of two thirds of the world's work receive 10 percent of the world's income
and own 1 percent of mean of production.
to Understand
Richard H. Robbins, Global Problems and culture of Capitalism

Women Rights

Women occupy more than 50 percent of the total population in Nepal. So, empowerment
of women is very essential to develop the country. Women's right is defined as freedom,
liberties and opportunities inherently possessed by women to girls of all ages equal to
those of men, with respect to suffrage, property, politics, the professional fields, etc.

Historical Background

The women's rights movement began in the 19th century demanding for the right
to vote which is also known as suffrage by some women reformer in the US. In fact,
they demanded the same legal rights as men. Though their voice for vote was secured
by the 19th amendment of the US Constitution in 1920 but much effort were put to
gain other rights. UN member states adopted the Declaration on the Elimination
of discrimination against women in 1967, which stated that discrimination against
women is an offence against, human dignity and called on states to abolish existing
laws, customs, regulations and practices which are discriminatory against women,
and to establish adequate legal protection for equal rights of men and women. The
year 1975 was celebrated as International women's year and the decade of 1975-1985
as the United Nations Decade for women. The international conference in 1980 AD in
Copenhagen declared the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Another conference on women in Nairobi in 1982 began its task and finally the fourth
world conference on women held in Beijing passed in 1955 passed different important
issues on women which turned to be a milestone in achieving different rights.

The Constitution of Nepal, 2072 guaranteed the women's Right. It is mentioned in
Part 3, Article 38 in Fundamental Rights. The status of women in Nepalese society
is not satisfactory. Women do not enjoy equal benefits as men in the civil, political,
social and economic advancement. They remain marginalized in their pursuit of
equality. The situation is miserable in rural areas. Some women rights provisioned in
the Constitution of Nepal are discussed below:

To build equitable society on the basis of proportionate, inclusive and
participatory principle.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 170

To end gender discrimination
To get citizenship from mother's name
Not to discriminate on the basis of origin, religion, race, caste, gender, disability

or any other things to use general law.
To have special provision of protection of socially or culturally underprivileged

women and people with disability, empowerment or development according to
the law.
To make provision of equal rights by descent to the women without gender
discrimination
To have provision of women's rights to safe motherhood and reproductive health
No physical, mental, sexual, psychological or any other types of violence or
exploitation on the basis of religion social and cultural tradition or customs or
any other things and such acts are punishable by law and the victims will get
compensation
There will be participation of women in all the agencies of the state on the basis
of proportional inclusions
To provide special opportunities to women in education health, employment
and social security on the basis of positive discrimination
Equal rights to property and family affairs to the couple
Formation of National Women Commission
To guarantee right to social justice even to socially underprivileged women in
all the agencies of the state on the basis of inclusiveness
Provision of right to social security to economically deprived, invalid and
helpless, single women
A state's political objective is to guarantee fundamental rights, norms and
values of human rights and gender equality

Do You Know

National Women Commission (Part 27, Article 252)
There shall be National Women Commission in Nepal. It will contain a President
and four other members. The Commission will enjoy a lot of power and perform

a variety of functions for the sake of women. While carrying out its activities, the
commission can establish its branches in all the provinces too.

171 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Rights of Indigenous and Janajati

Nepal is very rich in social cultural aspect because of it multilingual, multi religious
and multi-ethnic characteristics. Indigenous people are the distinct groups residing in
different parts of the world. The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous
People (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly of 13th September, 2007. The
declaration analyzed the indigenous groups with the following features.

Having distinct groups with their own unique culture

Enjoy the same rights with all

Want to enjoy their rights to land, territories and resources which have owned
traditionally.

Do You Know

About 35.81 percent Adibasi and Janajati live in Nepal. Out of 125 castes and
ethnic groups 63 are indigenous group but only 59 indigenous groups have been
identified by Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN).

Indigenous nationalities mean a tribe or community who have their own languages
and traditional rites customs, written or unwritten history, distinct cultural identity,
distinct social structure. This fact has been mentioned in chapter 1, Article -2 of the
National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFBIN) Act, 2058.

Educational and Other Rights of Indigenous Nationalities

Right to free and compulsory basic education
Right to child friendly education at school
Right to conversation and promotion of own language, script and civilization.
Right to easy access to natural means and resources
Right to basic education in mother tongue.
Right to special facility to study up to higher education.
Rights to special privilege in service, facilities shelter and employment provided

by the state
Right to strong presence and inclusive representation in various agencies of the

country.

Efforts made by the state in establishing rights related to indigenous people

Establishment of Adibasi and Janajati Commission
Provision of basic education in mother tongue

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 172

Adoption of participatory principle for equal access and opportunities in various
agencies of the state.

Management of curriculum, textbooks and study materials and teachers to
impart education in mother tongue.

Provision for scholarship

Activities

a. Organize a speech competition on various ways of women empowerment.
b. Make a list of the provision of women's rights guaranteed by the Constitution

of Nepal, 2072.

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:

1. What is a woman's right?
2. What should be done to promote women's right? Explain.
3. Make a list of women's rights mentioned in the Constitution of Nepal.
4. To get education in Mother tongue is the right of all indigenous nationalities.

Give logical answer.
5. Explain the constitutional provision made for indigenous nationalities.
6. We cannot establish the rights of women and improve their status without

promoting them socially. Explain.
7. What is the provision in the Article 252, Part 27 of National Women Commission?
8. Who are indigenous people? Name the different indigenous people residing in

Nepal.
9. Write down the efforts made by the state in establishing rights related to

indigenous nationalities.

iCommun ty Work
Visit your community and collect the information about the indigenous people of your
community prepare a report including their languages, customs, festivals and other aspects
of culture and present it in your class.

173 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson Citizen Identification and Citizenship

5.11 FACTS The word 'citizen' has been derived from the Anglo-French word 'citezein' and

to Understand French word 'citizen' which means people united in a city or community.

Citizenship is the valid or legal document provided by the state for its citizen as their
identity. The word citizenship is derived from the word citizen.

Citizen is a person who is a member of a particular country and citizenship refers to
the state of being a citizen of a particular country legally. Citizenship and nationality
are two different things. Citizenship can be renounced or the relations can be end
but it can't be done with the nationality. Nationality is the psychological factor. So, it
can't be removed.

Difference between Nationality and Citizenship

Nationality Citizenship

Nationality remains even an individual Citizenship can be obtained on the basis
lives in foreign land. of settlement.

Nationality is the psychological and Citizenship is the relation between state
emotional phenomenon. and the law

Nationality is permanent in nature which Citizenship is temporary in nature which
cannot be renounced. can be renounced.

Nationality has adopted collective Citizenship has adopted an individual
concept. concept.

Norms Related to the Citizenship

There are various norms about the citizenship. The norms of acquiring citizenship

indicates the condition of acquiring citizenship on the basis of marriage in case of

women or job in case of men.

Similarly, getting citizenship

by descent means getting Do You Know
citizenship on the basis of clan
of parents.

In some countries there is a Sir Edmond Hillary was the first foreign citizen to get
provision of dual citizenship. Honorary Nepali citizenship. Dr. Tony Hegan, a Swiss
The condition remain without geologist also got Honorary citizenship of Nepal
citizenship is another norms because he made Nepal famous by his exclusive
related to the citizenship. documentary on Nepal and Nepalese society.
Similarly, some country may

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 174

confer honorary citizenship to a renowned foreign citizen who have contributed to
enhance the glory of the country.

In some countries an individual may be given second graded citizenship. In that
condition an individual may be deprived of rights, services and facilities that the
state provides.

Provision Related to Citizenship As per the Constitution of Nepal

There is a provision of single federal citizenship with provincial identity in Nepal.
Every Nepali citizen has the right to acquire citizenship. According to the present
Constitution of Nepal following criteria have been mentioned in Part 2, Article 10-15
to acquire citizenship in Nepal.

A. Citizenship by Descent (Natural)

Any person whose father or mother was a citizen of Nepal at the time of
his birth.

A child of a citizen who has acquired citizenship of Nepal by birth before
the commencement of this constitution shall, if his her father and mother
both are the citizens of Nepal, shall be entitled to Nepal citizens by descent
upon his/her attaining the age of majority.

Every child found in Nepal where about of whose paternity and maternity
is not known shall, until the mother or father is traced, be deemed a
citizen of Nepal by descent.

B. Citizenship by Naturalized (Acquired)

A person born to a Nepali citizen mother and having his/her domicile
in Nepal but whose father is not traced, shall be conferred the Nepali
citizenship by descent. Provided that in case his/her father is found to be a
foreigner the citizenship of such a person shall be converted to naturalized
citizenship according to the federal law.

If a foreign woman married to a Nepali citizen, she may acquire naturalized
citizenship of Nepal as provided by federal law.

In case of person born to Nepali woman citizen married to a foreign
citizen, he/she may acquire naturalized citizenship of Nepal as provided
by a federal law if he/she is having the permanent domicile in Nepal and
he/she has not acquired citizenship of the foreign country.

c. Honorary Citizenship

According to the Constitution of Nepal, 2072, Part 2, Article 9, Government
of Nepal may confer honorary citizenship according to the Federal law who have
contributed to enhance the national glory and worked for the welfare of the Nation.
Dr. Toni Hagen, a Swiss Geologist and Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand
mountaineer were honoured by this citizenship by Government of Nepal.

175 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

d. Non Residential Citizenship

As per the constitution, a person who has resided in and acquired the citizenship
of a foreign country other than the SAARC nations and who or whose father or mother
grandfather, or grandmother was previously a citizen of Nepal by descent or birth but
subsequently had acquired the citizenship of the foreign country can apply for such
citizenship. However, such citizens may enjoy only the economic, social and cultural
rights.

Activities

a. Organize a debate competition in the favour of the topic "citizenship is the
basic identity of a citizen".

b. Have a glance to the citizenship of your parents and find out what things are
mentioned in it and discuss in your classroom.

Answer the following question: E ixerc se...

1. Define citizenship. What rights can citizens enjoy after getting a citizenship?

2. Differentiate between nationality and citizenship in four points.

3. What are the differences between the citizenship by descent and the naturalized
citizenship? Write in four points.

4. Who gets honorary citizenship? Explain

5. Prepare a sample of Nepali citizenship certificate.

6. What is your opinion on non-residential citizenship? Is it justifiable to limit
their rights? Give logical answer.

7. Which part and article the constitution of Nepal has ensured the provision of
the citizenship?

8. What is the meaning of dual citizenship? Write in a sentence.

9. Write down the provision of obtaining citizenship mentioned in the Constitution
of Nepal.

iCommun ty Work
Are there any problems about citizenship in your community? Visit your community and
find out. If yes, mention the problems asking to the chairperson of Gaunpalika or Mayor of
Nagarpalika. Prepare a report on the basis of your finding and present it in your class.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 176

Review Questions

Answer the following questions:

1. How is provincial legislature different from a federal legislature?
2. What might be the reason of keeping the provision of proportional representation

in electing the members of the House of Representatives?
3. A precedent (Najeer) may become a law in future. In this periphery find out the

meaning of the word by consulting a dictionary.
4. The legislature can register vote of no confidence against the executive. How can

it compel the executive to become responsible in its work? Explain.
5. What might be reason behind keeping the provision of not exceeding the members

of the executive 25 in number? Give reasons.
6. What is the significance of the executive in the modern world? Prepare a dialogue

between you and your friend including its vital aspects.
7. What is the Judiciary? Explain the functions of the Judiciary.
8. "The judiciary is a dignified organ of the government." Highlight its importance in

democracy.
9. Mention the three types of judicial system.
10. What are the functions of Supreme Court? Also mention the qualifications required

to become the chief justice of the Supreme Court .
11. Write the name of the constitutional organs, their functions and qualifications to be

the member of the constitutional organs.
12. Who are the target groups of the National Inclusion Commission? How can they be

benefited?
13. How do the constitutional commissions bring forth equality among the people by

promoting the marginalized communities? Discuss with examples
14. Nepal is undergoing political crisis. What are the roles of political parties resolving

on going problems?
15. Explain the election process in Nepal.
16. Many ballot papers go invalid in Nepal due to improper stamping. What can be the

measures to improper such faulty marking? Give any four suggestions.
17. A single vote plays an important and determining role in election? Elucidate.
18. How is the condition of human rights in Nepal? Has it been able to abide all human

rights declared by the UNO? Explain with examples.
19. Explain the constitutional provision on women rights.
20. What are the efforts made in Nepal to empower indigenous nationalities?
21. What is citizenship? Write the procedure to acquire citizenship in Nepal.
22. Mention the types of citizenship.

177 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Unit OUR EARTH

6 Learning Outcomes of the Unit

UNIT CONTENTS The competencies of the social studies curriculum in
the unit are to enable students to:
6.1 World Climatic Zones and the
Factors Affecting to Climate 179 q study the types of world climate.
q effects of topographical diversity on human life.
6.2 Tropical Zone 184 q physical, social and economic environments and

6.3 Human life in Tropical zone 188 social life in North America, South America and
Africa.
6.4 Temperate Zone 191 q know about earthquake, its causes, effects and
safety measures .
6.5 Human Life in Temperate q fill up the different facts in the given map of the
Zone 195 world.
q draw map of Nepal adopting different techniques and
6.6 Polar Zone 198 fill up the main facts.

6.7 Activities of Polar Zone 201

6.8 Natural Vegetation and
Animals in the World 204

6.9 Effects of Diverse Climate and

Topography on World

Lifestyle 206

6.10 North America 209

6.11 Social and Economic Activities

of North America 214

6.12 South America 217

6.13 Social and Economic Activities

of South America 222

6.14 Africa 225

6.15 Social and Economic Activities

of Africa 230

6.16 North America, South America,

Africa and Nepal 233

6.17 Natural Disaster:

Earthquake and Tsunami 236

6.18 Different Methods of Tracing

Map and Modern Applicable

Map Technology 242

6.19 Map Work 247

Review Questions 250

Evaluation Scheme for the Unit -6

Total Period(s): 27

Sl. Question Knowledge Creative, Critical Application, Practical Value & Total No. of Total Weightage Time
of Marks (Minute)
NO. Type & Understanding Thinking & Analysis & Research Skill Attitude Questions
– –
1. VSATQ – – – ––
3 x 4 = 12 12x1.8=21.6
2. SATQ 1 1 1 –3
1x7=7 7x1.8=12.6
3. LATQ – – 1 –1
19 19 x1.8=34.2
Total 1 1 2 –4

Note: V = Very | S=Short | L = Long | A = Answer | T = Type | Q =17Q8uestion(s) | 1 Mark = 1.8 minute(s)
Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson World Climatic Zones and
the Factors Affecting Climate
6.1

FACTS According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average
temperature of the earth has increased by more than 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over
to Understand 100 years. Scientists predict that the global temperature will rise between 2 and
12 degree Fahrenheit by 2100 AD.

As we go towards the Polar region from an Equator we find differences in climate
and vegetation. Similarly, in the hills and mountains as the altitude increases, the
temperature decreases. The temperature increases in low altitude. With the ascent
of 165 meters in height, the temperature decreases by 1 degree Celsius. The different
climate in Namche bazaar and Mt. Everest is due to the difference in altitude.

There are different types of vegetations in different regions having altitude differences.
In the Southern part of hills, evergreen forests are found which have broad leaves and
tall trees.

Deciduous forest is found in little higher altitude where there is moderate climate.
The leaves shed during dry season in deciduous forest. As we go more towards in the
northern region, coniferous forest is found with needle-shaped leaves, bear cones to
survive in cold climate.

In extreme north Tundra vegetation is found in which only mosses and lichens are
grown. These differences in vegetation are due to the differences in climatic regions.

Climate zones are divided into three on the basis of the extension of latitude, heat of
the sun and air pressure in both the poles. Accordingly there are three climate zones
in hemisphere but there are altogether five zones in both the hemisphere. Under
every climatic zone of the world four climatic regions have been set locally.

According to the differences in latitude there are twelve different types of climate and
thirteen different types of climate are found as per the altitude. The following chart
shows that the distribution of temperature and rainfall varies due to various climatic
factors. Study the chart carefully.

Tundra Zone Tundra or Polar Climate 90°N
Temperate Zone 70°N
Cool Temperature Oceanic climate 60°N
Tropical Zone
Cool Temperate Temperate St. Lawrence or Manchurian 45°N
Grassland
30°N
Mediterranean Temperate Temperate Monsoon Climate 20°N
Climate 5°N
Desert Climate China Type of climate 0°

Tropical Desert Climate Tropical Monsoon Climate
Tropical Grassland Climate

Equatorial Climate

179 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Factors Affecting Climate

Latitude (Distance from the Equator)

As the distance from the equator goes on increasing towards the north and the
south of the equator, the rays of the sun also get gradually slanted. In this way the
temperature goes on decreasing and the characteristics on climate differ. The slanted
ray has to pass through a thick layer of atmosphere and cover a wide area on the
surface. The temperature, therefore, decreases in Polar Regions and increases in the
equatorial region.

Heat of the sunrays Sun

Altitude and Slope

The higher the altitude, the colder is the climate of a place and the lower the altitude
the hotter is the climate of a place. It is principally different due to decrease of
temperature by 1°C after every 165 m of altitude. The reason is that atmosphere in
lower altitude remains dense. Hence, the thick air with relatively thick dust particles
absorbs more heat and retains the heat for longer duration while the thinner layer
of air at higher altitude absorbs comparatively less heat of the reflected rays of the
sun by the earth's surface. That’s why Namche Bazaar and Nepalgunj lie at the same
latitude, but Nepalgunj is hotter than Namche bazaar.

The slopes which receive moist winds coming from the sea receive plenty of rainfall
than the mountain range. The slopes opposite to the windward slopes are called
leeward slopes where the moist winds do not reach. As a result, the leeward slopes
remain dry. For example, Nepal has warm and wet climate as it lies in the windward
slope of the Himalayan range whereas Tibet has cold and dry climate as it lies beyond
the Himalayan range.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 180

Distance from the Sea

A place may be located at the Do You Know
same latitude and altitude, yet
the climate can be different due

to distance from the sea. A place

near the sea or surrounded The cariolis force is responsible for deflecting
winds towards the right in the northern
by the sea has comparatively hemisphere and towards the left in the southern
moderate climate due regular hemisphere. This is also known as Ferrel's law.
exchange of land breeze The law was made by geologist Ferrel.
and sea breeze and oceanic

influence. Such places receive

reliable and abundant rainfall.

The summer and winter temperature variation is low.

Places away from the sea have less or no oceanic influence. It is rather hot in summer
and cold in winter. Thus, climate is extreme. The summer and winter temperature
difference is high. Rainfall is low and climate is rather dry. Such climate is found in
the inner parts of the continents. At Moscow, the winter temperature may come down
to -20°C whereas the summer temperature may go up to 25°C.

Presence of Mountains (Topography)

Climate can be affected by mountains. Mountains receive more rainfall than low lying
areas because as air is forced over the higher ground it cools, causing moist air to
condense and fall out as rainfall.

The higher the place is above sea level colder it will be. This happens because as
altitude increases, air becomes thinner and is less able to absorb and retain heat.
That is why you may see snow on the top of mountains all year round.

Wind

Wind is another prominent factor that affects the climate of a place. The nature of
wind affecting a place determines the pattern of rainfall. The places that are affected
by moist winds coming from the sea get more rainfall while the places where dry
winds blow have arid climate. For example, Nepal and other monsoon regions have
rainfall in summer due to the influence of moist summer monsoon winds whereas this
region is dry in winter due to dry winter monsoon winds.

Vegetation

Natural vegetation is also the prominent factor that affects the climate of a place.
The area having dense forest and vegetation also influences rainfall and temperature
pattern of a place. The forests area have moisture in the environment where as the
area having barren land or without vegetation have dry climate.

181 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Oceanic Current

The surface water in the oceans is in a continuous flow due to the influence of wind and
water temperature. It is called oceanic current. There are warm oceanic currents and
cold oceanic current. Places under the influence of warm currents have comparatively
warm climate and receive more rainfall but place under the influence of cold oceanic
currents are rather dry. In the Eastern coast of America places under the influence of
warm currents have wet and warm climate whereas the western coast of America is
cold and dry due to the influences of cold oceanic currents.

Soil

The colours of soil also determine the climatic condition of a region. A region having
black soil has warmer temperature and abundance of water whereas grey soil has
cooler temperature and less precipitation.

Activities

a. "The distribution of temperature and rainfall varies due to various climatic
factors and this results in different types of climate in different parts of the
world." Discuss.

b. What kind of climate does your locality have? Prepare a report and present
it in your class. Draw the given picture in chart paper.

Paste the picture on your display board.

Frigid zone
peak

extreme Cold
Warm cold
Hot

land

sea

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 182

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:
1. In what ways does Oceanic current affect the climate? Explain.
2. "The slopes opposite to the windward slopes are dry." Justify the statement.
3. "Soil also affects the climate of an area." Give logical answer.
4. "Presence of forest also influences rainfall and temperature pattern in a place."

Explain clearly.
5. Which factor has the most impact on the variation of climate of Nepal from

South to North? Explain
6. The characteristic of vegetation varies with the features of climate. Write with

examples how plants try to adapt themselves to the climatic condition.

iCommun ty Work
Make a plan for hiking along with your teachers and classmates. Observe the vegetation and
climatic condition from South to North. Prepare a report as per your observation.

183 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson Tropical Zone

6.2 FACTS The world biggest rain forest found in the Amazon Basin is called the Selvas.

to Understand

The zone lies on either side of equator roughly upto 30° North and South is known
as the Tropical Zone. The rays of the sun in the this zone are more or less vertical
throughout the year so it is hot but rainfall in this zone differs with time and location.
On the basis of temperature and rainfall, this zone can be divided into the following
regions of climate and natural vegetation.

a. Equatorial Region

The Equatorial Region extends up to 5° North and South of the equator. The
rays of the sun are vertical and it becomes hot throughout the year. The annual
average temperature is about 27°C. Due to high temperature the air from the surface
gets heated, becomes lighter and rises up with moisture and causes heavy rainfall
almost everyday in the afternoon. The annual rainfall exceeds 200 cm. The length of
day and night remains the same and there are no changes of seasons in this region. As
it is hot and humid throughout the year the environment becomes ideal for the growth
of different types of vegetation. The trees are tall with hard wood and broad leaves.
The main species of trees are Mahogany, Ebony, Rose wood, Sal, Bamboo, Rubber, etc.
Many ferns, parasitic plants and creepers grow beneath the tall trees. The equatorial
climatic region is rich in various species of wild animals and birds. About 90 percent
of the living species of the world are found here. This climate is mainly found in the
Amazon Basin of South America, the Congo Basin of Africa, countries of South-east
Asia and the northernmost part of Australia.

b. Tropical Grassland Region Do You Know

This region stretches on both Equatorial climate is more extensively found in
sides of the equatorial belt between the Amazon Basin. It is also called Amazon
5° to 20° North and South latitudes. type of climate.
Brazilian Highlands, Sudan of Africa,
Highlands of South America, Orinoco
Basin of Venezuela, Northern
Australia, Cuba, Jamaica, Pacific
Islands of Central America, Senegal,
Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, etc. lie in
this region.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 184

It experiences only two seasons: they are summer and winter. This climatic region
is also known as Savanna region. It is very hot in summer and warm and dry in
winter. The annual rainfall is not enough to support the growth of trees. The average
annual rainfall varies from 50 cm to 150 cm according to the place and the average
temperature during summer is 34°C and in winter the temperature is 24°C. The
rainfall is not enough to support the growth of trees. So the climate can only support
the growth of coarse grasses, scrubby bushes and shrubs. The tall grasses may reach
the height of 3 meters (10 feet). The elephant grass grows up to 4.5 m tall. The roots
of both the trees and grasses are long.

The Savanna region of Africa provides best shelter and fodder for many herbivorous
and carnivorous animals such as elephants, zebras, leopards, deer, giraffes, wolves,
buffaloes, antelopes, ostriches, vultures, hyenas, cheetahs, etc. Hence, it is also called
the "Zoo of the World." This grassland in Africa is called Sahel, in the Orinoco basin
of Venezuela, it is called Llanos, Campos in Africa, Savanna in Central Africa and
Australian Savanna in the northern Australia. It is also known as the Sudan type of
climate because this climatic region is mostly found in Sudan in Africa.

Do You Know

Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Angola, Congo,
Sudan, Kenya, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, India, etc. lie in
the tropical zone.

c. Tropical Desert Region

This region lies between 20° and 30° North and South of the equator. Most of the
deserts are located on the western side of the continents coming under the influence
of permanent trade winds and rain shadow area. Many great deserts like the Sahara,
Arabia, Iran, the Australian desert, the Kalahari, the Atacama the Californian and
the Mexican deserts fall in this region. It is also known as the Saharan type of climate.

The climate is extreme, i.e. the day temperature in summer sometime exceeds 50°C
and it plunges down around 5° to 10°C in nights during the winter. The average
annual rainfall recorded is 12 cm in some places. In deserts, oasis are found where
there is some human settlement. An oasis is a fertile vegetated area in the midst of a
desert where water is available. Mainly, such oasis are found in the Sahara and the
Arabian Deserts.

Days are very hot and nights are very cold, dry climate, inequalities in temperature,
scanty rainfall are some special features of this region. The common plants found
here are cacti, thorny bushes and coarse grasses.

185 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Animals like desert foxes eat small animals to quench their thirst from the blood of
these animals. These animals live in the holes during the hot day and come out at
cool night.

d. Tropical Monsoon Region

This region stretches between 5° and 30° of latitudes on both sides of the equator.
The eastern parts of the continents are affected in a large scale by the seasonal land
and sea breezes. The places having tropical monsoon climate are South and East Asia,
Central America, South East Brazil, South East Africa and North East Australia
summer are hot and wet and the winters are cold and dry in monsoon type of climate.
During summer season, the winds blow from the sea to the land bringing heavy
rainfall to coastal regions, while in the winter season, the dry wind blows from the
land to the seas causing little or no rain. The mean temperature here in summer is
32°C and 15°C in winter. The seasonal wind is called the monsoon wind. The annual
rainfall varies from place to place from 50 cm to 200 cm. Places along the coasts and
windward sides of the mountains receive heavier rainfall than those situated in the
interior or the leeward side of the mountains. Rainfall is unreliable and the amounts
fluctuate greatly from year to year.

The main vegetation of this region is deciduous forest. Evergreen forest is also found
in the region where there is high temperature and heavy rainfall. Tigers, bears,
elephants, rhinos, etc. are the common animals in the monsoon forests. It is suitable
for human settlement and agriculture.

Activities

a. Look at the physical map in Atlas and identify the places having tropical
regions.

b. Prepare a table that shows vegetation at different latitudes within the
tropical zone.

c. If you know anyone who has returned from Gulf countries, ask him/her about
the fact on camel and discuss its importance with your friends.

d. Insert the following tropical desert regions in an outline map of the world:
Sahara (North Africa), Kalahari (South Africa), Thar (India) and (Australia)

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 186

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:

1. Explain the latitudinal extension of the tropical zone.
2. Differentiate between the climate of Equatorial Region and the tropical desert

in four points.
3. In which climatic region does Nepal lie? Explain its feature.
4. Why is the Savanna region called " the Zoo of the world? What prospect does it

have?
5. Plants grown in the Tropical Desert region have long roots, tough, waxy or

needle-shaped, thorny bushes. Give reasons.
6. Nepal lies in the monsoon region, but the natural vegetation from South to

North is different, why?
7. Write any four characteristics of climate and natural vegetation found in the

equatorial region.

iCommun ty Work
Find out the various types of vegetation found in your community and compare it with your
friend. Also find out the reasons of any kind of difference in vegetation. Prepare a report and
present it in your class.

Project Work

Fill the following table having different climates of the Tropical Zone:

Sl.No. Name of the climate Special features
1

2

3

4

187 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson Human Life in Tropical Zone

6.3 FACTS Tropical rain forests cover a massive amount of world's tree surface, each year
over 90,000 sq. miles of the forests are harvested for human use. It is believed
to Understand that deforestation may accelerate the effects of global warming and transform
the rainforest climate.

a) Equatorial Region

A few indigenous ethnic

groups live permanently

in the rain-forests of this

region. Life is very primitive.

The pygmies of the Congo

Basin and the Red Indians

of the Amazon basin are

expert at hunting with bows

and arrows and collecting

edible roots and fruits. Some

tribes practice agriculture in Amazon rainforest village

different parts of this forest.

Such people are found in the Amazon and the Zaire basins. In East Indies, however,

the people are very civilized due to the influence the European people and development

friendly attitude of the people. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are its examples.

The major economic activities of this region are tourism, trade and commerce and

industries of this region.

b) Tropical Grassland Region (Savannas)

The lifestyle of the people living in the Savanna region is still not modern.
People lead pastoral nomadic lives. This region is not much suitable for human
settlement due to the hot and
dry climate. The lifestyles of
Masai of Kenya, Tanzania
and Hausa of Nigeria have
this type of lifestyle.

In these days, the condition Savanna region of Africa
of the Savanna region
is changing. Tourism is
developing slowly and as
a result, the vast areas of
grasslands and woodlands
are being preserved and

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 188

developed as national parks for the attraction of tourists from across the world.
Commercial farming is also practised in some places. Animal husbandry and tourism
are also developing in this region. Several wildlife reserves and national parks are
increasing. It attracts the tourists and has become destination for film shooting. Cash
crops such as tea, coffee, banana are grown in a large scale in this region.

c) Tropical Desert Region

The lifestyle of inhabitants

of this region is not easy. Only

about 5 percent of total world

population inhabit in the desert

region. Some of the people of

the desert are nomads and they

live in tents. They roam from

one place to another with their

business motive. The increasing

economic activity here is due to desert
the availability of petroleum, gold

and other minerals. Infrastructures are developing along with the increasing trade

and commerce. Camels are the main means of transportation. People obtain milk,

meat, wool, skin, and bone from the camels. So, camels are the most useful animal

in the desert. It is also called the 'Ship of the Desert'. Oasis are very important for

agriculture and settlement.

d) Tropical Monsoon Region

The climate of the region is suitable for agriculture due to fertile plains and plenty
of rainfall and many rivers for irrigation. Most of the countries in the Tropical Monsoon
Region are agricultural as they have very favourable environment for agriculture. This
region is densely populated. It is rich in human civilization such as the Indus valley,
the Hwang-Ho valley civilization developed here. The Indus, the Hwang-Ho, Irawadi,
Ganga, Brahmaputra rivers are the centre for culture and civilization in this region.
About one-third population of the world live here. The major economic activities of the
people living in this region are agriculture, industries, cash crops and tourism. Wheat
and paddy are the major food crops and cash crops like tea, tobacco, jute, etc. are grown
here. There are many mineral-based industries established here.

189 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

jute farming tobacco farming

Activities

a. Compare the lifestyle of the people living in Amazon jungle with that of the
people of East Indies in the Equatorial Region.

b. Write an editorial on the topic "the least developed remote places of Nepal
have great prospect of development".

c. The lifestyle of people living in the Savanna zone is of primitive type but the
zone holds great prospects for its future development. Discuss this matter
in your class and write a paragraph about it.

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:

1. Who are Masai and Hausa? How do they earn their living?
2. Why is the camel known at the Ship of the desert?
3. Name the civilization developed in the Tropical Monsoon Region.
4. Explain the reasons for increasing tourism in tropical grasslands.
5. Population density is very thick in the Tropical Monsoon Region. India,

Bangladesh, China, Japan and Nepal are its examples. Find out the reasons for
the thick population.
6. Write a letter to the group of farmers to develop the scientific technique for
farming. Also suggest the various ways that can be adopted for better yielding.
7. Compare the life of the people who live in the eastern islands in the equatorial
region with the people who live in the Amazon basin.
8. "The equatorial climate is favorable for forest." Justify.

iCommun ty Work
Have a comparative study of lifestyle between the people of your locality and the people of
the Tropical Desert Region. Prepare a report and present it in your class.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 190

Lesson Temperate Zone

6.4 FACTS Some of the best weather in the world is found in areas with a temperate or mild
climate. These areas are usually mid-way between the equator and the poles.
to Understand They are often found near a warm ocean or sea. Areas around the Mediterranean
ocean enjoy Mediterranean climate. They have hot dry summers and short.
warm and rainy winters.

The Mediterranean Sea

The temperate zone lies between 30° and 60° North and South of the equator. In this
zone, it is neither too hot nor too cold. There is adequate rainfall. So, this zone is very
important for agriculture and human settlement. It is a densely populated zone and
different types of cash crops and food crops are grown and people obtain economic
advantages from different types of domestic animals. The big cities are also located
here. There is great diversity in the zone in terms of natural vegetation, climate,
human settlement and their culture. This zone can be studied by dividing it into the
following regions.

a) The Mediterranean Region

The Mediterranean Region lies between 30° to 45° latitude in the northern
hemisphere and 30° to 40° latitude in the Southern hemisphere from the equator.
The land along the border of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe, the Middle
East, California area of the USA, Central Chile in South America, South and South
West part of Australia and Africa have the Mediterranean type of climate. Due to the

191 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

shifting of the sub- tropical high pressure belt, this region comes under the influence of
dry trade winds in summer and warm and moisture bearing westerly wind in winter.

The average temperature varies from 20°C to 26°C in summer and 5°C to 15°C in winter.
Rainfall is moderate, about 50 cm to 100 cm depending on the places annually. Westerlies
blow from the sea to land bringing rainfall in this region. As the rain occurs in winter, the
trees and plants develop long roots, thick bark and small and smooth leaves to protect
themselves from the long summer drought. Bushes, shrubs and trees constitute the
vegetation structure of the region, which is different from that of other climatic region.
This region is also known as the "Orchard of the World" or "Garden of the World" as it
produces 70 percent of the world export of fruits like oranges, lemon, grapes, apricots,
cherries, etc.

b) Temperate Grassland Region

The Temperate Grassland Region extends between 45° and 60° North latitude
and 30° and 40° South Latitude from the equator. It is found between the Rocky
Mountains in the West to the Great lakes region in the east in the North America.
in the South America. It is found in Uruguay and Argentina, between the Black
Sea and the Caspian Sea in the West to lake Baikal and parts of North China in
the East, between Drakensberg Mountain and the Namibian Desert in South Africa
and the Murray Darling basin of Australia. This type of climate is also known as the
Continental Climate.

grassland

The temperate grassland are named differently in different places such as Steppes in
Eurasia, Praires in North America, Pampas in Argentina, South America, Velds in
Africa and Downs in Australia.

The climate of this grassland region is an extreme with very cold winter and hot
summer. Average temperature in summer rises up to 24°C and 0°C in winter Rainfall
is moderate varing from 25 cm to 65 cm in summer and winter precipitation is in the
form of snow. Due to the scanty rainfall tall trees are not grown here, only grasses are
grown. Areas where the rainfall is more than 50 cm have rich grass for cattle rearing.
The land is very fertile and suitable for wheat cultivation. This region is the leading
producers of wheat in the world. Hence, it is also called the 'Granary of the World' or
'Store House of Grains' or the 'Bread Basket of the World'.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 192

c) Temperate Oceanic Region

The Temperate Oceanic climate is found between 45° and 60° North latitude
and 45° to 50° South latitude in the Western part of the continents. The main areas
of this climate are Western Europe, Western Canada, Chile, Tasmania Island and
South New Zealand.

The climate is favorable for human settlement. The summer temperature does not
exceed 20°C while winter remains around 5°C. This region receives rainfall all the
year round. Average rainfall ranges from 50 cm to 120 cm. Rainfall goes up to 250 cm
in the windward side. The annual heating effect is very less because of the influence of
seas and oceans. The western wind and temperate cyclone bring rainfall. The forests
are of deciduous nature. The trees like maple, oak elm and chestnut are found in
lower altitude and spruce and pine are found in higher altitude. This is also known as
the St. Lawrence type of climate.

d) Temperate Monsoon Region

The Temperate Monsoon Region is found between 30° to 45° North latitude
and 30° to 40° South latitude of the equator. This type of climate is found in North
and South China, Southern Korea and Japan, South East USA, South Brazil, North
Argentina, South East coastal region of Africa and New South Wales and Queensland
of Australia. Since it covers the maximum area of East China, it is also called the China
Type of Climate. The average summer temperature is 25°C and winter temperature is
12°C. The average rainfall ranges between 75 cm and 150 cm. Rainfall mostly occurs
during the summer season and winter is dry. Deciduous mixed forest is found in
this region. The climatic condition is well-suited for grass, ferns, bamboos and palms.
Mulberry trees thrive best in this region.

Activities

a. Complete the following table:



Climate region Climate Vegetation Annual rainfall

Temperate Grassland Region

Temperate Monsoon Region

Temperate Oceanic Region

Mediterranean Region

b. Show the areas having temperate climate region in the world map.

193 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:

1. Mention any four differences between the Temperate Oceanic Region and
Temperate Grassland Region.

2. Why is Temperate Oceanic Climate considered as the best climate in the world?
3. What do you know about the China type of climate?
4. Write any two reasons why the vegetation of the Mediterranean Region is

evergreen though there is no rainfall in summer.
5. Mention any two features of the Temperate Monsoon Region.
6. Write short notes on:
a. Pampas
b. Prairies
c. Steppe
d. Downs
7. Give geographical reasons for the following statements:
a. The Mediterranean region receives more rainfall in winter season.
b. Grasslands are very useful for farming staple crops.
c. Temperate coastal regions receives rainfall throughout the year.
d. Temperate monsoon is good for sericulture.

iCommun ty Work
Compare the climate of your locality with the climate of the Temperate coastal region. Find
out the similarities and the differences.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 194

Lesson Human Life in Temperate Zone

6.5 FACTS The natural vegetations in the temperate zone are grasses like Prairies and
pampas. Temperature is also mild. So, Temperate zone is considered as an ideal
to Understand place for human settlement. Mostly land is fertile suitable climatic condition is
favourable for agriculture.

cow farming

The temperate zone is the most developed zone of the world. The USA, all the developed

countries of Europe, China, Japan, and Korea of Asia and the developed parts of

Australia lie in this zone. North west Europe, south eastern Canada and eastern and

north eastern USA are very advanced in terms of transportation and communication,

education and other many facilities are available in this region. The densely

populated cities like New York, Beijing, Hongkong, Washington, Paris, etc. are also

lie here. Similarly, the advanced

level of modern civilization has

been attained in the zone. Due to

the pleasant climate there is high

economic prospect. Most of the

people are involved in horticulture,

trade and commerce. The Prairies

of North America are known as the

"Granary of World" and Steppes of

Europe are well known for wheat

production, has applied advanced

technology lies in this region.

Eastern part of Korea and China

is producing and trading silk from Prairies
ancient period.

195 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Agriculture is the most widespread activities where people practise mixed farming.
They grow spring wheat, barley, soyabeans, oats, etc. Dairy farming is also popular in
this region. There is huge investment in animal husbandry for commercial purpose.
Switzerland, Netherlands, Finland, Denmark and many states of America's economy
is based on animal husbandry. Animal rearing is done here for milk, meat and hide.
Milk and milk products are exported in huge amount from this region. Prairies and
Steppes are well known for cattle rearing. Therefore, these regions are also known as
"Milk Bag."

Similarly sheep rearing is done in Downs in Australia and Pampas of Argentina.
Australia is popular for sheep wool and Argentina is popular for meat of sheep.
Different varieties of fruits like grapes, lemons, oranges, apricots, pears, figs, dates,
etc. are sufficiently grown in the Mediterranean region. Horticulture has given rise
to specialized industries such as wine making, fruit canning and fruit processing
industries are established in the countries like France and Portugal.

grapes farm

In temperate desert region human settlement is very thin. Their living standard is
very difficult and backward. People are living nomadic life. They move from one place
to another for fodder for cattle.

In temperate zone, education, health,
art and music are highly developed.
There are many reputed colleges and
universities and hospitals with advanced
health facilities have been established in
this region. Hollywood film industry is
the world's best and popular film industry
established in California, America

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 196

Activities

a. Discuss the reasons for growing wheat sufficiently and establishment of large
scale animal farming in the Prairies of North America and the steppes of Eurasia.

b. Prepare a chart mentioning economic activities in the temperate zone and
paste it in your classroom.

c. Study the following pictures. Write about the climate that is shown in the picture.



E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:
1. Why are the Prairies known as the " Bread Basket or Granary of the World?
2. Why do Australia export wool and Argentina export meat?
3. Why is wine produced mostly in the Mediterranean region?
4. Give as many reasons as you can why the temperate zones are the most

developed part of the world.
5. Give reasons why most people of the world live on the temperate part of the

earth.
6. Describe the modes of life of the temperate zone.
7. Countries around the Mediterranean Region are getting more economic benefits

due to production of wine in large scale from fruits. Why and how may it has
been possible? Present your own views.
8. Compare the economic activities of the people of different regions of the
temperate zone.

iCommun ty Work
Compare the similarities and dissimilarities in economic activities of your locality 15 years
ago and now. In which sector changes have been seen. Prepare a report and present in
your class.

197 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

Lesson Polar Zone

6.6 FACTS Penguin and Weddell seal can adept to their harsh climate because penguin has
close growing feathers to keep a lot of warmth and Weddell seal has thick layer
to Understand of fat under its skin that protects heat loss from its body.

The Polar zone extends from 60° to 90°

Latitude in both the hemispheres. It is

very cold in polar zones due to the slanted

sun rays. It remains dark in polar zones

throughout the winter seasons as the

sunlight does not get to the region. The

water of the ocean freezes. In southern

hemisphere there is Antarctica covered

with ice throughout the year. At places

the continent has the depth of ice up to

4 km. No plants grow and the animals

cannot live there. However, thousands of

birds and other animals are found along Penguin
the coastal part of the continent. In the

ocean, different types of fishes and birds

are found. Thousands of seals and whales are also found. The penguin is the main

bird found in this region.

On the basis of the annual ranges of temperature and vegetation, polar zones can be
divided into three regions. Taiga is in the lower part within 60° to 70° latitude, the
Tundra Region above 70° latitude and snow capped climate in the extreme poles of
90°. They are described briefly below.

a. Siberian Region (Taiga) Taiga forest, Sweden

This climatic region extends
from 60° to 70° latitude in the
northern part of the continent. It
is popular for Taiga Forest. The
average temperature during summer
reached up to 19°C and -35°C to -45°C
temperature remains in winter.
The main areas of this climate are
Southern Alaska, Canada, Northern
part of Siberia, Parts of Norway and
Sweden. Since this type of climate is

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 198

predominantly found in Siberia, it is also called the Siberian type of climate. Annual
rainfall is about 40 cm and the region is cyclonic. This region is popular for lumbering.

b. Tundra Region

The tundra region is located

beyond 70° Latitude around

the pole only in the northern

hemisphere. This region is

extremely cold. During summer

the temperature ranges from

-2°C to 5°C and -35°C to -45°C

in winter. The main areas of this

climate are the northernmost

parts of Canada, Alaska, North

West Scandinavia, Icelands,

Greenland and Siberia. Inuits

and Eskimos are the major Tundra region, Igloo
inhabitants of the region. Plants

like mosses, lichens part dwarf

shrubs, birches and grasses are grown. Animals like reindeer, musk oxen, Arctic fox,

polar bear, penguin, etc. are found Antarctica climate region.

Do You Know This climate is found in 66° to 90°
South latitude. It is extremely cold
Antarctica has the lowest temperature ever throughout the year. The Antarctica
recorded -89.2°C at Vostok station. continent is the major area of this
climate in which temperature
remains below -45° c. This region is
not suitable for human settlement.
Only temporary residents come
here to do scientific research.

Activities

a. Find out the name of the countries located in the polar zone with the help of
an Atlas and make a list.

b. Write the similarities and dissimilarities in climatic conditions of the Himalayan
region of Nepal and the polar region.

199 Dynamic Social Studies - Book X

E ixerc se...

Answer the following questions:

1. What is meant by the taiga belt?
2. How can penguin and seal adapt to harsh climate?
3. What do you mean by the Siberian climate region?
4. Explain polar climate in four points.
5. Why is there a huge difference in the length of day and night in the polar region?
6. Why has Antarctica become the research centre for many scientists? Give a

logical answer.
7. Describe briefly the vegetation system found in the polar zone.
8. Imagine that you are going on a study expedition to the cold himalayan region.

Make a plan of your travel. The topics are given below:
a. Information of the region or area including its climate and geography
b. The things you need to take
c. Objectives of your visit

iCommun ty Work
You may have experienced cold air while visiting some places. Share your experience with
your friends and also ask them to share if they have any such experience.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book X 200