JBD Social Studies Book 10

Lesson Domestic Violence and
Untouchability
2

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• tell about domestic violence, its causes and measures.
• explain the causes and ways to control of untouchability.

Present society is moving towards modernization. Various discoveries in the field of
science and technology have increased the level of consciousness in the people. But,
traditional thinking, superstitious belief and orthodoxy nature of the people have created
the problems in the society. They are the hindrances of ideal human society. These
traditional beliefs and narrow behaviours of the people are the main sources of many
social problems in our country. Among the various social problems, domestic violence and
untouchability with their causes and ways of remedy are important.

A. Domestic Violence

Violence is an action intended to cause destruction, pain or suffering on people. It is
a harmful act. Domestic violence refers to the violence committed by one member of
a family or household against another. In another word, domestic violence indicates
to negative behaviours, pressure, assault etc over the family members inside the home
in matter of behave, speaking, respect, right or access etc. Domestic violence also can
be defined as the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and other
abusive behaviour as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one
intimate partner against another.

Causes/factors of domestic violence

No single factor explains why men and women assault and abuse their partners. The
causes of domestic violence depend upon the types of violence. The following are the
major causes factors of domestic violence. They are

� Low income
� Growing up in a violent family
� Alcohol or substance abuse
� Unemployment and low job satisfaction
� Sexual difficulties

JBD Social Studies Book 10 95

� Patriarchal social order and family structure.
� Women's dependency on men

Effects of domestic violence:

� Victims experience depression, psychological disorder, tension etc.
� Physical injuries can range from bruises, cuts, burns, stab wounds, miscarriages

in women and may cause death.
� Victims may involve in drug abuse or may commit suicide.
� Children who witness domestic violence experience depression and

psychological distress
� Family conflict and breaking of family relationship
� Reduces the social prestige, cooperation and it may increase social conflict.

Type of domestic violence

Domestic violence is not Domestic Violence

limited within any classes

or ages. It is found in every Physical Violence Sexual Violence
class and any age groups. Hit with a fist Marital rape
But mostly women have Kicking Demanding sex regardless of partne’s
experienced it. Domestic Slapping physical condition
violence is found in all Bruising Force to watch pornographic video
societies, in all countries at Strangled
all levels of development. Flesh burning
But the types of domestic Locking in a room
violence may be different. The

common types of domestic Psychological Violence Economic Violence
violence are as given in the Injury Not giving money

chart. Beating up Using household money for

Controlling measures of Use of insulting Gambling and drinking alcohol
domestic violence: Forcing wife to bear children Controlling wife’s own property
Taking children away from wife Withdrawal of financial support
Domestic violence is a hidden Forcing wife to have an abortion

problem that might have long

lasting effect on the victim. It is also called the hidden epidemic. It is a way of human right

violation. Victims may not expose their problems due to the privacy of home or family. It is

recognized an urgent public health issue in Nepal as well as in other countries. Therefore,

it is necessary to control in time. The following steps can be taken as its controlling

measures.

� Raising wide public awareness against domestic violence.
� No discriminatory behaviour among the family members.

96 JBD Social Studies Book 10

� Establishing equal ownership in property.
� Respecting the opinion of all members of the family
� Working from collective decision
� Maintain discipline and be civilized
� To inform police or concerned agencies against violence immediately.
� To unite all against domestic violence.

B. Untouchability

The discrimination on the ground of caste,

religion occupation, gender, physical disability

etc is called untouchability. There is a line

between so called lower and upper caste in

Nepalese society. According to this system,

the lower caste people are not allowed to

touch food, water and other eating materials

of upper castes. Even they are not allowed

to enter the house of upper caste and other

public places. This practice discriminates those

people from other. Due to this discrimination,

misunderstanding, chaos and agitation may

occur in the society.

Untouchability is illegal in our country but it is

still practised in rural and hilly parts of Nepal. Fig : Untouchability is a crime.
New Muluki Ain has made it illegal in 2020

BS. The Constitution of Nepal has also declared untouchability as illegal and has made

a provision of rights against untouchability. Nepal has signed in different international

codes including ILO declaration to end the untouchability from the root level. But,

because of the religious believes, traditional concept and deep rooted cultural practices,

untouchability is still practised in Nepal. So, let's start ourselves to uproot this type of

discrimination and exploitation

Effects of untouchability

� Feeling of inferiority
� Discrimination in facility and opportunity
� Less social prestige
� Possibility of social discrimination and conflict in the society
� Violation of human right and right to live respectfully

JBD Social Studies Book 10 97

� Hindrance in social development
� Lack of social cooperation and integration
Ways of solving the problems of untouchability
� Create public awareness
� Educate the people
� Provision of strict legal punishment to the person who discriminate other in

the name of untouchability
� Conduct the program to increase co work, cooperation and integration in the

society
� Keep social inclusiveness
� Manage positive discrimination

1 Very short answer questions

a. What is meant by domestic violence?
b. Make a placard making people aware against domestic violence.
c. Why dont the victims of domestic violence expose their problems?
d. What is untouchability?
e. Do you think that the untouchability is a social problem? Why ?/ Why not?

Give your logic in one sentence.

2 Short answer questions

a. What do you mean by domestic violence? Mention its causes.
b. Describe the effects of domestic violence briefly.
c. 'Untouchability is an evil social practice.' How? Describe with reasons.
d. Untouchability is still practice in Nepal. What measures can be effective to end

the untouchability in Nepalese society?
e. There may be any kind of domestic violence in your society. What can you do

to solve the problems of domestic violence in your home? Write any foal.

98 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Lesson Some Social
Malpractices
3

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• describe the social malpractices still practised in our society.
• discourage dowry, untouchability, Deuki, Jhuma system etc.

Nepalese society is based on traditional belief, practices and superstition. Some of
traditional beliefs and practices are good for the society and some are harmful. Such
harmful activities, which ruin the life of individual as well as society, are called social
evils. They are obstacles of the development and they hinder the progress of the country.
We have to discontinue such malpractices of the society. Child marriage, untouchability,
dowry, system, Chhaupadi system, Deuki, Jhuma, Ghumto Pratha, gender inequality, bonded
labour, Badi, Boksi Pratha etc are some of the common malpractices or evils still existing
in our society.

Some Social Evils

Deuki

Deuki means 'girl offered to God'. Due to some traditional

religious practices, some girls lose their freedom to live the

life of their own choice. This system is practised in some

hilly areas like Baitadi, Darchula, Dadeldhura, Doti districts

in Far-western development region. The parents believe

that if they offer their daughter to the god in the temple,

they may get the blessing of the god for prosperity. So, girls

Fig : Deuki are offered by their own parents and some girls from the
poor families are purchased like an animal by rich or high

cast people and offer to the God as Deuki.

It is thought unwise to marry a Deuki, as they have already been 'married' to the temple.
They cannot share their parental property. They have to clean temple, utensils, collect

wood and prepare food for ritual offerings. They have no freedom of their own. Sometimes
such girls are found involved in prostitution.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 99

Dowry System

Dowry system is a practice of giving money or property by

bride's family to bridegroom at the time of marriage. In the

past, it was given to daughter by their parents to show their

love and affection. Nowadays, it has taken the form of an

ugly system in the Nepalese society. This system is widely

practised throughout the country in all castes but it seems

more in Terai. It has become a great problem in our society. If

the bride brings less amount of dowry, she is often harassed

and nowadays, there is increasing case of bride burning by

the groom's family. Also many brides commit suicide due to Fig: Voice against dowry

depression resulting from such harassment. So, this type of cruel crime must be abolished

from our society.

Jhuma Pratha

In the Himalayan region, there is a system of offering the second daughter to the
monasteries (Gumba) in Buddhist family. This system is called Jhuma system. This system
is similar to Deuki system of western hills. She has to clean and take care of Gumba. She
has no rights to marry. She must practise celibacy for life. So this type of custom should
not be practised.

Ghumto Pratha

The system in which married women should cover their face in front Fig: Ghumto
of other males with a cloth called Ghumto is called Ghumto system/
Pratha. This system is practised in east and mid Terai of Nepal. This
is against human rights. It is the symbol of gender inequality. It blocks
in personality development of women. They are deprived of education
and opportunity after marriage. Thus, it must be discouraged.

Chhaupadi

This evil system is practised in the villages of far and mid

western development regions (provinces no. 6 and 7) of

Nepal. In local language 'Chhau' means 'cowshed' and 'Padi'

means to stay. Thus, Chhaupadi is a social system where girls

or women are kept alone in the cowshed far from their home

during mensuration period. Women spent a difficult life in

chhaupadi, Mensuration is a regular process of women. They

need nutritious food and family support in this time. But Fig: Chhaupadi

women are compelled to live a hazardous life due to the false tradition of Chhaupadi.

They do not get more food and cloth during Chhaupadi. They suffer from many diseases,

snake bite and attack of wild animals. They are being the victim of sexual exploitation,

100 JBD Social Studies Book 10

raped and have got physical and mental torture in Chaupadi. This is a result of superstition
and traditional evil practice. The feminist organizations, social worker, politician and
educated people should fight against this system. Government should aware the people
and has to make effective rules to discourage this type of social malpractice.

1 Very short answer questions

a. What is Deuki system? Where is it mostly practised?
b. Mention any two social malpractices of your community.
c. What do you mean by Chhaupadi?
d. Where is Ghumto Pratha practised?
e. What personal measures would you take to control dowry system? Mention

any two of them.

2 Short answer questions

a. What is meant by 'Jhuma Pratha?' Why is it regarded as a social problem?
Mention any three reasons.

b. 'Chhaupadi' is the result of superstition'. How? Explain with example.
c. 'Nepalese women are affected more than male due to the bad social practices

in Nepal.' Why would this happen? What solutions do you suggest to solve this
problem? Mention..
d. Look at the picture and answer the questions:
i) Which social evil is shown in the given figure?
ii) What type of effects has it on the Nepalese society? Describe.
e. Point out any four bad customs which must be discontinued and
describe any two of them.

Extra Questions for More Practice

a. Mention any two social problems of your community. What may be your role
to solve the problems? Write in brief.

b. Dowry system is a totally bad custom. How are the present activities effective
in Nepal to control this custom? Present your view.

c. Discuss any four problems created by Deuki system.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 101

Lesson Role of International Organizations
in Solving Social Problems
4

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• introduce Red Cross Society, Scout and SOS in brief.
• tell the functions of these international organizations in Nepal.
• be inspired and participate in social work.

Scout is a worldwide international social organization established by Baden Powell in
1907 AD. It was established with 20 boys members, but now there are more than 16
million boys members in the world including Nepal.

Baden Powell was a British army commander. During 1899 to 1902 Fig : Baden Powell
AD. He was involved in a war in south Africa to protect dutch settlers
in Mafeking city. In the war he protected the Mafeking city despite
his bad health and without food supply for a week. He gave training
to the local warriors on the first aid, exchanged news and guarded
sensitive places, which made him popular in England. His concern
was for those British boys who lived with no opportunities for further
development of the country. They had sensitive health and the habit
of taking drug and committing crimes.

He arranged a camp with 20 boys in London in 1907 AD. He gave leadership training/
skill, creativity, cooperation and sense of responsibility to them. He published a book
'Scouting for Boys' in 1908 AD., which led to scouts being formed in other countries.

Scouting in Nepal

Scout was founded in Nepal in 1952 AD. Its headquarters is at Lainchaur
in Kathmandu. It has spread throughout the country. There are nearly
50,000 members in Nepal scout. In Nepal, both boys and girls are called
scout but in some countries girls are called guides. The parliament of
Nepal recognized scouting with Nepal scout Act in 1993 AD. (2050 BS).
Scout Logo Scouts have their own uniform. The Boy-Scouts wear light grey shirts and
dark grey trousers and girl scouts wear green Sariees or frocks in Nepal. All the scouts
wear scarf of different colours to their company. They are given badges according to their
level. They all take oath to help others and follow scout rules as their responsibilities for
the country and God.

102 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Scout Activities in Nepal

The activities of scout are nearly similar everywhere. It helps to the poor. It provides
leadership skill to its members and makes a personal commitment to a simple code of
living like a duty to God and country, a duty to others and duty to one self. However, the
following are its functions in Nepal:
(a) Crowd control in festivals: Nepal scout is seen actively participating in crowd

control in different festivals like at Teej and Shivaratri near Pashupatinath temple in
Kathmandu and at Ram Janaki temple in Janakpur during Ram Nawami.
(b) Environmental sanitation: Nepal scout conducts different programmes related to
environmental sanitation. It participates in tree plantation, clearing the street, river,
lakes and religious heritage.
(c) Help natural victims: Scout distributes food, clothes, medicine to the people who
are suffering from natural disasters like landslide, flood, earthquake etc. It also
provides temporary shelter to the victims.
(d) Youth oriented programmes: Scout provides leadership training to the youths. It
encourages youths to involve in volunteer service and also provides different skill
trainings to the youths below 40 years.

Red Cross Society

Red cross society was founded by Swiss citizen Jean
Henry Dunant in 1863 AD. When Henry Dunant was
spending his holidays in Italy, he saw a battlefield at
Solferino. Next day, he visited the battlefield where
nearly forty thousand soldiers were injured and
Red Cross Logo thousands were killed. But nobody was there to look Fig : Henry Dunant
after them. Injured soldiers were not getting any
food, medicine, medical treatment and other essential materials. There were no doctors
and people to help and to take them to hospitals. There was a horrific situation in the
battlefield. He published a book 'Remembrance De Solferino in 1862' in which he appealed
to all the volunteer groups to help the victims of war and natural disasters.

In 1863, representatives of 16 countries assembled at Geneva, Switzerland and established
Red Cross. Jean Henry Dunant was elected as the chairman of that international
organization. They approved the flag of Red Cross. It was just opposite of the Swiss flag.
The flag of the Red Cross society has a red cross on a white background. Only 2 courtiers
signed on the Geneva Convention in 1864 AD. According this convention, no wounded
soldiers and Red Cross volunteers will be attacked, no civilian will be attacked and kill in
the war and no prisoner will be killed in the war. The name of Red Cross is Red Crescent
in Muslim countries and Red Star in Israel.

After a hundred year of International Red cross, Nepal Red cross society was established
in 1963 AD. (2020 BS). Its headquarters is located at Kalimati in Kathmandu. Branches of
Nepal Red cross society have been established in all districts of Nepal.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 103

Red Cross society has now established in 183 countries including Nepal. Humanity,
freedom, unity, neutrality, volunteer service and non-alignment are the basic principles of
Red Cross society.

Functions of Red Cross Society
Initially, Red Cross society was founded for providing care and treatment to the wounded
soldiers in war. Now, it has extended its services to various category of people. The
following are its main functions:
(a) Disaster Relief Programmes: After the disaster caused by earthquake, volcanic

eruption, flood, landslide, fire, it provides food, clothes, shelter and other necessary
things to the people affected by such havoc.
(b) Health related programmes: Red Cross society runs health programmes in
different parts of the country. It looks after the sick people by providing medical
treatment and distributing medicines free of cost. It supplies clean drinking water
to the people where water is not available and provides nutritious food for children
and mother's milk.
(c) Helps refugees: It gives aid at international level to assist refugees. It provides
free medical service, distributes food, clothes and manages housing for the refugees.
(d) Blood donation and Ambulance service: Red Cross society runs blood
donation programmes by setting up blood banks and provides blood to the sick
people and also provides Ambulance service as needed.
Besides these works, Red Cross society protects the prisoner, runs child health camps,
provides first-aid trainings, cares for elderly and handicapped people.

SOS

Save Our Soul, in short SOS, which also means society of
social workers, is an international non-profitable
organization. It was established by an Australian professor
Dr. Herman Gmeiner in Austria in 1949 A.D. It was
established to provide help to the orphan, disabled, helpless
and homeless children of Europe after the Second World
War. It has been established in 133 countries in the world.
There are more than 1500 children villages all over the Fig : Herman Gmeiner

world. Children of different age groups live there with aunt in the children villages.

A branch of SOS was established in Nepal in 2028 BS. Its headquarters is
located in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur with the name of SOS Balgram. There
are 9 children villages in different parts at present in Nepal.
The work of SOS village in Nepal are: SOS Logo

a. Provide education to orphan and homeless children.
b. Provide shelter, food, clothes and homely environment to the orphan children.
c. It has an orthopedic hospital in Jorpati, which provides different medical
treatment free of cost to the needy people.
d. It provides vocational training such as ceramic training, wood carving, knitting,
weaving, electronic repairing for their sustainable living.

104 JBD Social Studies Book 10

1 Very short answer questions

a. When and where was Scout established?
b. Who founded Red Cross Society? When?
c. Write down the name of the person given in the picture and also

write the name of the organization he established.
d. Write any one reason of establishing SOS.
e. Look at the logo and identify the organization associated with it.

2 Short answer questions

a. Give a short introduction of Nepal Scout and mention its functions.
b. What benefits does Nepal get from the Red Cross Society? Write in points.
c. Write five sentences on Scout by using the following words.
4-25 years, promise, challenging, high standard, people and country, help,

world-wide, peace.
d. Discuss the help that Nepalese society gets from the SOS activities.
e. Nepal Red Cross Society and Nepal Scout helped to earthquake affected people

of April 25, 2015 (Baisakh 12, 2072). Complete the following table based on
your experience and the news that you have heard and read.
S.N. Functions of Nepal Red Cross Functions of Nepal Scout

Extra Questions for More Practice

a. The slogan of the Scout is 'Always be prepared'. Why is the slogan suitable for
all youths ? Describe.

b. Red Cross Society helps people conducting health service campaigns, training
to youths and primary health training frequently. What activities have been
carried out by Junior Red Cross circle in your school? Write in four points.

c. There may have homeless and orphan children in your locality. Write a request
letter to the chief of SOS, Sanothimi to help them.

d. Find one of the international organizations working in your locality. Write the
objectives and functions of that organizations working there.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 105

Lesson Some Other International
Organizations
5

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to
• name different social organizations which are working to tackle the social problems in
Nepal

The organizations which provide their workers or services in more than two countries are
called international organizations. Various organizations have been established in the
world. They provide various humanitarian services. Different international organizations
including UN and its special agencies have been working in Nepal to tackle the existing
social problems. Some of such organizations are described below.

UNFPA

The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) is one of
the special agencies of UN. It has been working with government of
Nepal since 1971 AD. Its functions in Nepal are as given below:

a. It assists in peace keeping process.
b. It increases access to quality reproductive health services

of poor and rural women.
c. It has been helping Nepalese women to participate in various fields of

development.
d. It ensures a balance between population dynamics and socioeconomic

development.
e. It enhances gender equality and women's empowerment.

NORAD

Norwegian Agency for Development (NORDA) has been working
in Nepal under the supervision of Norwegian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs since 2028 B.S. It helps in Nepal in the following areas:

a. It provides free legal service to Nepalese women.
b. It raises awareness in destitute women for their social, political and economic

rights.

ILO

International Labour Organization (ILO) is also a special agency of UNO.
The functions of this organization are:

a. It helps to abolish all kinds of child labour.
b. It helps to eliminate bonded labour in Nepal.

106 JBD Social Studies Book 10

c. It fights to protect the rights of labour.
d. It provides social and occupational protection of workers.
e. It helps to prevent HIV/AIDS in Nepal.

DANIDA

The Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) is a
programme conducted in collaboration with Danish Embassy and
other international agencies. It has been providing help as well as
training programmes for the deaf people. It provides assistance to
the poor and marginalized people in Nepal.

INF

The International Nepal Fellowship (INF) has been working to
rehabilitate drug addicts. It also helps the people suffering from TB and
leprosy. It provides free medical treatments and distributes medicine in
free of cost to them.

Jaycees, Rotary, Leo and Lions clubs

These are international social organizations. These clubs provide
support to the poor, marginalized and naturally victim people. Their
works include medical check-up, medical camps in remote area, free
medicine distribution, developing brotherhood among the youths and
provide leadership training to youths.

Plan Nepal

Plan International is one of the international social, non profitable and
humanitarian organizations working more than 120 countries. It has been
working in Nepal as Plan Nepal since 1978, helping the poor children to
access their rights to health, education, economic security and protection.
The following are the main functions of this organization in Nepal.

(i) It constructs school building and distributes books and other
educational materials to the poor children.

(ii) It ensures that all children have access to quality education.
(iii) It establishes and runs libraries.
(iv) It helps to children in better future through good health practices.
(v) It helps the children with disabilities to enjoy inclusive education.

IUCN

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an
international organization working in the field of nature and natural
resources conservation. IUCN has been working in Nepal since 1960 AD.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 107

but its country office was formally established in Nepal in 1995. Its main aim in Nepal
is to conserve biodiversity to improve and secure livelihoods. The main functions of this
organization in Nepal are as follows:

(i) It mobilizes the local communities to promote biodiversity conservation,
environmental justice and sustainable livelihoods.

(ii) It provides economic and technical supports in the protection of wildlife and
plant species.

1 Very short answer questions

a. What does UNFPA stand for?
b. Which organization is providing free legal service to women?
c. What is the main function of WFP?
d. Name any two international organizations working in Nepal.
e. Write any one function of Plan Nepal.

2 Short answer questions

a. What is ILO? List its functions in Nepal.
b. Write short notes on UNFPA.
d. Describe the role of international organizations in Nepal.
e. Describe DANIDA and Rotary club in brief.

Extra Questions for More Practice
a. What are the major works of IUCN and International Nepal Fellowship in

Nepal? Prepare a list.
b. Write the full form and one function of each of the following abbreviations.
(i) UNHCR (ii) NORAD (iii) INF (iv) IUCN
c. International labour organization has carried out several programmes to

end child labour but this problem has not been solved yet. Write your view
regarding this in four points.

108 JBD Social Studies Book 10

5UNIT

CIVIC
SENSE

� Legislature
� Executive
� Judiciary
� Constitutional Organs
� Other Constitutional Commissions
� Political Parties of Nepal
� Election Process
� Role of Citizens in Election
� Human Rights
� Women Rights in the Constitution of Nepal
� Rights Regarding to Adibasi Janajati
� Identification of Citizen and Citizenship

JBD Social Studies Book 10 109

Lesson

1 Legislature

At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to
• define legislature and tell its composition in Nepal
• describe importance and functions of legislature

A state has three organs

legislature, executive

and judiciary for smooth

functioning of its activities.

Legislature is law making

body made from the

people's representatives.

The country runs smoothly

according to the law made

by it. According to the

Constitution of Nepal, there

shall be a legislature, called Fig : Federal Parliament

Federal Parliament, consisting of two Houses, namely the House of Representatives and

the National Assembly at the centre. It is also called Samsad in Nepal.

Formation of House of Representatives

House of Representatives is the Lower House of Federal Parliament or Legislature. It
consists of two hundred and seventy-five members as follows:

(a) One hundred sixty five members elected through First-Past The Post (FPTP)
electoral system consisting of one member from each of the one hundred and
sixty five electoral constituencies.

(b) One hundred and ten members elected by proportional representation electoral
system where voters vote for parties, while treating the whole country as a
single electoral constituency.

The election for the members of House of Representatives shall be held through secret
ballots as provided in term except when dissolved the House of Representatives earlier.

110 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Formation of National Assembly:

It is an Upper House. It consists of fifty nine members as follows:

(a) Fifty six members, with eight members from each province including at least
three women, one Dalit, one person with disability or minority elected from
an Electoral college.

(b) Three members, including at least one woman to be nominated by the President
on the recommendation of Government of Nepal.

National Assembly is the Permanent House. The tenure of members of this House shall
be six years. The tenure to retire of the member is fixed by drawing lottery. One-third of
the members have the expiry of two years, another one-third on the expiry of four years
and the final one-third on the expiry of six years.

Qualification for members

Persons who meet the following requirement shall be considered eligible to be the member
of Federal Parliament.

(a) Citizen of Nepal

(b) Who has attained twenty five years of age can be the member of the House of
Representatives and thirty five years of age for National Assembly.

(c) Who has not been punished for any criminal offence involving moral turpitude,

(d) Not ineligible under any law

(e) Not holding an office of profit.

Functions

The legislative parliament in Nepal has the following functions:

a. Formulation of Law: The important function of legislative is to formulate the
laws according to the need and will of country and people. Parliamentarians are the
representatives of the people chosen from an election. So, they make the law as the
will of people.

b. Financial functions: Legislative parliament has the power of financial control.
It passes the budget prepared by executive. No tax can be imposed to the people
without the permission of legislature. Government cannot make any expense from
the state treasury except mentioned in the budget.

c. Administrative functions: Council of Ministers is the main administrative
organ of the government. The executive chief or Prime Minister, is appointed by the
legislature. The council of ministers remains in power as long as it enjoys the vote of
confidence of the legislature. The members of legislature can raise the question on

JBD Social Studies Book 10 111

the work of executive or can criticize them and make them alert for the development
of the country. The legislature can forward the vote of no confidence if the executive
does not work properly. In this way, legislature controls the executive.

d. Amendment of the constitution and other laws: As mentioned in our
constitution, the power of amending the constitution is given to the legislature.
If any article of the constitution is not suitable to the country, that article can be
amended by two-third majority of the parliament. It also amends other laws.

Provincial legislature

The legislature which is formed in each province is known as provincial legislature.
The Constitution of Nepal has mentioned its provision in part 14, Article no. 175-196.
According to the present constitution, there shall be a unicameral legislature in a province
which shall be called the Provincial Assembly. Every Provincial Assembly will be formed
with the following number of members.

(a) Members equal to the number of members to be elected through the FPTP
election system to the House of Representatives from the concerned province.

(b) The number of member to be elected through the Proportional Representation
(PR) election system to the number equivalent to the remaining forty percent
when the number of members mentioned above is regarded as sixty percent.

Unless dissolved earlier pursuant, the term of the Provincial Assembly shall be five years.
Provincial Assembly will elect a speaker and a Deputy speaker to conduct the meeting of
the Assembly.

Law making process

a. Introduction of Bills: A Bill is a draft of a proposed law presented to legislature
while making the law. A Bill is tabled by the concerned minister at either House
of the Federal Parliament but the Finance Bill must be introduced in the House of
Representatives only.

b. Discussion and Passage of Bills: The tabled Bill is discussed by forming different
committees and sub-committees in the parliament as required. After a long discussion,
a bill is passed by one House of Federal Parliament and it is immediately sent to the
other House. After the Bill is passed from both Houses, it is sent to the President for
certification. The Bill which is presented to the President for certification have to be
authenticated by the speaker or chairperson of the House where it originated.

c. Authentication of Bills: The bill presented to the President for certification should
be certified within 15 days and the Bill becomes an Act or law after it is certified by
the President.

112 JBD Social Studies Book 10

1 Short answer questions

a. What do you mean by legislature? Describe the composition of House of
Representatives.

b. Write a couple of paragraph on the importance of modern legislature in a
democratic country.

c. What are the qualifications to be a member of the Parliament ! List them.
d. What is Bill? Explain the law making process of parliament.
e. Write in brief about the provision or provincial legislature.

2 Long answer questions

a. Mention the formation of National Assembly and analyse the condition of
women participation in National Assembly.

b. Describe the functions of legislature.

Extra Questions for More Practice
a. 'In Loktantra the decision of majority is recognized but the minority also

should be respected. Justify the statement.
b. Write in table any four differences in points between the process of the

formulation of laws and amendment of the constitution.
c. What is Proportional Representation electoral system? Why do you think the

present constitution has made the provision of this system?
d. Differentiate between First- Past-The-Post (FPTP) and Proportionate

Representation (PR) election system in four points.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 113

Lesson

2 Executive

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• define executive and to describe its functions.
• define provincial and local executive

Executive is the law executing body.

It is also an administrative organ

of the state which performs daily

administrative work of the country.

It is called Council of Ministers or

government in general sense. This

organ makes plans and policies and

implements them for the overall

development of the country. The

executive power of Nepal is exercised Fig: Singha Durbar

by council of ministers in accordance with this constitution and law. According to the

present constitution, there will be federal executive in the center, provincial executives in

each province and local executives in local level in Nepal.

Formation of Council of Ministers

Part 7, article no. 76 of the Constitution of Nepal explains the formation of the Council
of Ministers. According to this article, the Council of Ministers will be formed in the
following ways:

a. Government of Majority: The President shall appoint the parliamentary party
leader of the political party with majority in the House of Representatives as a Prime
Minister and a Council of Ministers shall be formed under his/her chairmanship.

b. Coliation government: If there is not a clear majority of any political party in
the House of Representatives, the President shall appoint as Prime Minister to the
member of the House of Representatives who can have the majority with the support
of two or more political parties represented in the House of Representatives. The
Prime Minister appointed on the support of two or more parties has to receive vote of
confidence of the House of Representatives within 30 days of his/her appointment.

114 JBD Social Studies Book 10

c. Government of minority: If there is a situation where it is not possible to make the
appointment of the Prime Minister from the collision of two or more political parties
within 30 days of the final result of the election of the House of Representatives, the
President shall appoint the leader of the party with the highest number of members
in the House of Representatives as the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers shall
be formed under his/her chairmanship. This Prime Minister also should receive
the vote of confidence of the House of Representatives within 30 days of his/her
appointment.

The Constitution of Nepal, has clearly mentioned that the Council of Ministers will form
not exceeding twenty five in number from among the members of the Federal Parliament
on the basis of the principle of inclusion.

Functions

The progress of the country depends on the stability of the government. The executive
implements the law to maintain law and order in the country. If we have proper
implementation of law, creates peaceful environment, progressive and happy nation.
All the basic needs of the people are easily fulfilled. So, the power and function of the
executive has been increased day to day. The most important functions of executive are
described below:

a. Administrative functions: The main work of executive is to run daily
administration smoothly and maintain law and order in the country. It monitors,
supervises and gives various directions to different departments and offices of the
government. It establishes a good co-ordination among the various departments
and offices of the government. It appoints the heads of different constitutional
organs and also appoints the heads of various corporations which are under the
ownership of the government like Nepal Telecom, Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal
Oil Corporation, Nepal Airlines Corporation, etc. In maintaining peace and order, it
makes a high level decision and gives order and direction to the subordinate offices
and departments.

b. Financial Functions: The yearly budget of the country is prepared by the Finance
minister with the help and in coordination with other ministries and departments.
Executive can impose new taxes through national budget and can collect them. It
can mobilize the money from state treasure and takes loan from foreign countries
and organizations. In this way, it executes the financial administration of the country.

c. Diplomatic functions: Besides financial and administration function, it keeps
diplomatic relationship with other countries. Executive makes foreign policy, makes
treaties and agreements with other countries. It appoints ambassadors and consul
as the representative of the government to other countries.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 115

d. Military functions: According to the present Constitution of Nepal, there is
a provision of security council to help the council of ministers in handling and
mobilizing the Nepal Army. Prime Minister is the head of security council. Similarly,
the head of executive. President is the supreme commander-in-chief. He appoints
and dismisses the chief and other high ranking officers of the army. Executive
saves the country from external aggression and declares war against them.
Nepal government can mobilize Nepal Army in development work and disaster
management. The President mobilizes the Nepalese military force as decision made
by Nepal government.

e. Legislative and judicial functions: As the principle of separation and balance
of power, executive exercises some legislative and judiciary powers. Mostly, bills
are prepared and tabled by the government for discussion. The head of executive
summons and ends the sessions of the House. The executive issues an ordinance
when the session of parliament is not and the ordinance can work as law for 6
months. The Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court are appointed
from the Judicial Council in which the Prime Minister is the head and Law and
Justice Minister is the member. Similarly, executive can reduce the punishment
given by the judiciary.

Provision of Provincial and Local Executive

Provincial Execntive

Part 13 of the present Constitution explains the provincial executive. The executive power
of the province is exercised by the provincial executive. The responsibility for issuing
general directives, controlling and regulating the administration of the province lie in
the provincial Council of Ministers. The president shall appoint a provincial Head and
he/she will appoint the Chief Minister and Provincial council of Ministers will be formed
under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. The Provincial council of ministers will
not exceed more than twenty percent of the total number of members of the Provincial
Assembly.

Local Executive

According to the present constitution, a local executive i.e. village executive and municipal
executive will form in each local level. The responsibility for issuing general directives,
controlling and regulating the administration of village council and municipality lie in the
village executive and town executive. There shall be a Head of village executive in every

116 JBD Social Studies Book 10

village council. The village executive shall be formed under his/her chairmanship. It is
constituted with a Head, Deputy head, chairpersons of each ward, four women member
and two members from Dalit or minority community. Similarity, municipal executive
consist of a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward chairpersons, five women members and three
persons elected from Dalit or minority community.

1 Short answer questions

a. Explain the process of forming council of ministers in Nepal.
b. Distinguish between federal executive and provincial executive in four points.
c. List the functions of executive in points.
d. How does executive control legislature and judiciary?
e. What type of planning would you make to maintain peace and order in your

country if you were Home Minister of Nepal? Mention in four points.

2 Long answer questions

a. What is legislature? Describe the four major functions of legislature.
b. Why is executive important? Prepare a dialogue between two friends.

Extra Questions for More Practice

a. What is the structure of the present government of Nepal? Describe.
b. Suppose you are the Prime Minister of Nepal, what programmes would you

make to develop Nepal? Describe.
c. Write the name of the Prime Ministers of Nepal and their associated party after

People's Movement II, 2062/063 to now in the table below.

S. No. Name of the Prime Ministers Associated political party

JBD Social Studies Book 10 117

Lesson

3 Judiciary

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• tell about the judicial institutions of Nepal.

• respect the law and decision made by the courts.

Judiciary decides the cases on the basis of equality and gives equal justice to the people.
Judiciary interprets the law and punishes the wrong doers. Judiciary is regarded as the
guardian of the people. It protects the fundamental rights of the people and maintains
rule of law in the country. It explains the constitution. Judiciary is independent and
impartial. If the judiciary of the country is independent and impartial, democracy will be
effective and successful in the country. According to the Constitution of Nepal, there are
3 tiers of courts in Nepal.

A. Supreme Court Supreme Court

Supreme Court is at the apex of the whole judicial High Court
organizations. It is the highest court in the judicial hierarchy District Court
of our country. This court is also known as court of records
because all the decisions made by this court are recorded for
perpetual memory and testimony. The decision made by
Supreme Court is the final decision and it is the final
interpreter of the constitution.

The Supreme Court is constituted by one Chief Justice
and 20 other judges. The Chief Justice is appointed
by the President on the recommendation of the
Constitutional Council and other judges are appointed
by the Chief Justice on the recommendation of the
Judicial Council. If the number of existing judges
becomes less due to an increment of the cases, ten
temporary ad hoc judges are appointed for a fixed
term. The tenure of office of Chief Justice will be six
years.

Qualification to be appointed in the post of the Chief Justice and other Judges of the
Supreme Court

Any person who has worked as a judge of the Supreme Court for at least three years is
eligible for appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. And, for other Judges, the

118 JBD Social Studies Book 10

following qualification are required:
(i) The person should be Nepali citizen
(ii) Have bachelor's degree in law
(iii) Worked as Chief Judge or Judge of the High court for seven years or
(iv) Practised law for at least fifteen years as a law graduate senior advocate or advocate

or
(v) Worked for at least fifteen years in the judicial or legal field or
(vi) Worked as a first class gazetted officer or above of the judicial service for at least

twelve years.

Functions of Supreme Court

• To hear the appeal and give the verdicts on civil and criminal cases using the
existing law of the country.

• To interpret the constitution and also declare a law void if it is inconsistent
with the constitution.

• To hear the original cases regarding the violation of fundamental rights and
give decision in enforcement of violated fundamental rights.

• To issue different writs such as heabeascorpus, Mandamus, Certiorari and
Prohibition as its extra-ordinary function.

B. High court

There is a constitutional provision of the High court in every province in Nepal. The
High Court can initiate a contempt of court case and punish according to the law against
anyone obstructing its or its subordinate court's act of judicial execution or not abiding by
its order or verdict. Every High court has a Chief Judge and other judges in the number as
provided in the federal law. The Chief Justice appoints the chief judge and other judges
of high court on the recommendation of the Judicial Council. Following qualifications are
required to be appointed in the post of Chief Judge and Judges of High Court. The person
(i) having Nepali citizenship
(ii) holding bachelor's degree in law
(iii) having work experience as a judge of district court for at least five years or
(iv) practised as a law graduate senior advocate or advocate for at least ten years. or
(v) either taught law or conducted research or worked in any other field of law or

justice for at least ten years or
(vi) worked in any post of gazetted first class officer of the Judicial service for a period

of at least five years.

C. District Court

The courts which are established in each district as subordinate to the Supreme Court are
District Courts. A District Court consists one chief judge and one or more judges. They
are appointed by the Chief Justice on the recommendation of judicial council. The local

JBD Social Studies Book 10 119

level judicial institutions established according to the provincial law will remain under
the District Court. The District Court inspects, supervises and issues necessary instructions
to its subordinate judicial institutions.

Function of the judiciary
a. Judicial function: Judiciary decides the cases by using the existing law of the

country. It adjudicates justice according to prevailing law and punishes the guilty. It
gives verdict on civil and criminal cases.
b. Formulation and interpretation of Law: Another important function of
judiciary is to interpret the law. While making the decision, it interprets the law.
This explanation may be new law and used as a reference or precedence while
taking decision of other cases. Supreme Court has the power of explaining the
constitution and it also declares a law void if it is inconsistent with the constitution.
c. Protection of fundamental rights and freedom: In every country, some
rights are provided by the constitution to the people. If such rights are violated,
the court restores the violated rights of the people. Therefore, judiciary protects the
people's rights and freedom.
d. Advisory work: Judiciary is the only organ which gives advice on various legal
questions and problems to the executive and legislature. The head of the state and
the head of the government take advice from the judiciary.

1 Short answer questions

a. Write short note on the Supreme Court.
b. 'Judiciary is highly dignified body of the state.' Justify it.
c. Describe the functions of the Supreme Court.
d. Explain the role of judiciary in the country where the legislature and executive

are not functioning properly.
e. How does judiciary control legislature and executive?

2 Long answer question

Explain the functions of judiciary in detail.

Extra Questions for More Practice

a. ‘Independent and unprejudiced judiciary is the backbone of democratic system.
Justify this statement on the basis of the functions of judiciary.

b. Describe the structure of the judiciary of our country.
c. The verdict made by judiciary is sometimes controversial. Explain with

example. (take help of your teacher.)

120 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Lesson

4 Constitutional Organs

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to
• introduce some constitutional organs.
• describe the function and formation of constitutional organs.

All the administrative functions of the state cannot be completed only by legislature,
executive and judiciary. The country requires other organs to conduct the administration of
the country smoothly and efficiently. The organs which are mentioned in the constitution
for helping in various work of government and manage their functions, power and duties
themselves as mentioned in the constitution are called constitutional organs or bodies.
There are different constitutional organs according to the Constitution of Nepal. The
functions, formation, qualification and power of all these organs are described below.

A. Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA)
Part 21, Article 238-239 of the present constitution has the provision of Commission for
the Investigation of Abuse of Authority to investigate the Abuse of Authority:

Formation and appointment

CIAA is constituted by a chief commissioner and other for commissioners. They are
appointed by the President on the recommendation of Constitutional Council for 6 years.

Qualification
i. A person must be graduate from any university recognized by Nepal
Government.
ii. A person must not be the member of any political party.
iii. Must have worked in the field of accounting, revenue, engineering, law
development and research for at least 20 years.
iv. Must have completed 45 years of age.
v. Must have high moral character.

Functions
i. The commission conducts, inquires and investigates improper conduct or
corruption done by a person holding any public offices.
ii. If it finds any person to have committed corruption or misuse of authority, it
files a case in the special court.
iii. It submits a report of its annual works to the head of the state.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 121

B. Auditor General (AG) (Part 22, Article no. 240-241)

Formation and appointment

There will be an Auditor General in Nepal. He or she is appointed by the President on the
recommendation of constitutional council for 6 years.

Qualification
A person must

i. have university graduate in management
ii. not be member of any political party
iii. completed 45 years and have high moral character.

Functions
i. Auditor General audits the account of the office of President, legislature,
provincial assembly, Supreme Court, parliament, constitutional organs,
Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and other government offices.
ii. It checks or appoints other auditors to audit the account of any corporation,
and organization having at least 50% share of Nepal government or provincial
government.
iii. It submits annual report to the President.

C. Public Service Commission (PSC) (Part 23, Article No. 242-243)

Formation and appointment

There is Public Service Commission in Nepal. It is

composed by a chairperson and other members

as required. 50% of its members are chosen from

government offices and remaining others are selected

from among the people renowned in the field of science, Fig: Public Service Commission
art, literature, law, sociology, teaching etc. They are

appointed by the President on the recommendation of constitutional council for 6 years.

Qualification
A person must

i. have master's degree in any social sciences
ii. not involved in any political party during the time of appointment
iii. be 45 years and have high moral character.

Functions
i. It conducts examination for the selection of right candidate to be appointed
in various civil service posts.

ii. It provides suggestions to the concerned authority about the appointment,
promotion or punishment of civil servants.

iii. It conducts interview and selects bonafide candidates for the appointment in
various posts of the government office.

iv. It submits its annual report to the President.

122 JBD Social Studies Book 10

D. Election Commission (EC) (Part 24, Article no. 245-246)

Formation and appointment

Election Commission constituted by a chief
commissioner and other four commissioners.
They are appointed by the President on the
recommendation of the constitutional council for a
period of 6 years.

Qualification Fig : Election Commission Building
i. A person must be graduate from any

university recognized by the government of Nepal.

ii. A person must not be the member of any political party.

iii. A person must have completed 45 years of age.

Functions
i. Election commission conducts, supervises and controls the election for
president, vice-president, federal parliament, referendum and other local
bodies.
ii. It publishes voter list each year.
iii. It prepares ballot paper, ballot box and other things to conduct election.

E. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) (Part 25, Article no. 248-249)

Formation and appointment
National Human Rights Commission consists of a chief commission and four other
members. They are appointed by the President for 6 years.

Qualifications
i. A person must be graduate in any discipline from a recognized university.
ii. A person must have high moral character.

Functions:
i. To respect, protect and promote the human rights of all.
ii. To identify the violation of human rights and to recommend for punishment.
iii. To rescue the people if his/her human rights are violated and to recommend
for compensation in accordance with the law.
iv. To recommend to the government to amend the existing law related to human
rights.
v. To submit its annual report to the President.

F. Attorney General

Formation and appointment
There shall be an Attorney General in Nepal appointed by the President on the
recommendation of the Prime Minister. He or she will remain in his/her post as wish of
the Prime Minister.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 123

Qualifications
i. A person must be graduate in law.
ii. A person must have seven years of work experience of judge in appellate court
or 12 years of work experience in the first class gazette officer in judiciary
service or 15 years of work experience in the field of law.
iii. Must have completed 45 years and must have high moral character.

Functions
i. Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the government of Nepal.
ii. He/she represents the government to any legal rights, interests and concern
of the government.
iii. He/she has the right to make final decision whether or not to proceed any
case on the behalf of the government in any court.
iv. It investigates and gives direction to concern authority and informs the
relatives about the activities done to the people who are in custody.
v. It submits its annual report to the president.

G. National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission (NNRFC): Part
26, Article no. 250 - 251

Formation and appointment
National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission in Nepal consists of a chairperson
and members not exceeding five in number. The president appoints chairperson and
members of National Natural Resources and Fiscal commission on the recommendation
of constitutional council for 6 years.

Qualifications
Any person with the following qualifications is eligible to be appointed as the chairperson
or member of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission.

(a) Who holds at least a Bachelor's Degree in the concerned subject from a university
recognized with expertise in law or management or natural resources or fiscal
management and having at least twenty years of experience in the sector.

(b) Who is not a member of a political party at the time of the appointment.

(c) Who is at least forty five years of age, and

(d) Who has a high moral character.

Functions
The functions, duties and powers of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission
are as follows:

(a) To determine extensive grounds and measures for the distribution of revenue
from the federal consolidated fund to the federal, provincial and local level
government.

124 JBD Social Studies Book 10

(b) Making recommendations on distribution of grants to provincial and local
governments from the federal consolidated fund.

(c) Determine base for computing the share of investment and return for federal,
provincial and local governments while exploiting natural resources.

(d) Making recommendations of reforms on revenue generation for the federal,
provincial and local governments.

1 Short answer questions

a. Write down the formation and functions of Public Service Commission.
b. Mention the role of CIAA. Do you think CIAA is working effectively as its role

in Nepal? Describe.
c. The incidents of human rights violations have increased day by day in Nepal.

Why?
d. How is Election Commission formed? Why is it necessary?
e. Who are eligible to be appointed in constitutional bodies?

2 Long answer question

What is meant by constitutional organ? Name six constitutional organs and
describe formation, appointment procedure and functions of any three of them.

Extra Questions for More Practice
a. Explain the formation, power and functions of the Public Service Commission.
b. Public Service Commission appoints civil servants from the rejected mind. Do

you agree with this statement? Why ? Why not?.
c. Corruption is the main problem to develop the country. So what should be the

role of the CIAA in the present context? Give your suggestions to overcome
the problem of corruption.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 125

Lesson Other Constitutional
Commissions
5

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to
• tell the name of different commissions established as constitutional organs.
• describe the formation, qualification and functions of these commissions.

The Constitution of Nepal has managed seven commissions as constitutional organs
in Part 27, Articles no. 252 to 265. The formation, qualification and functions of these
commissions are discussed below.

A. National Women Commission

Formation and appointment
National Women Commission in Nepal consists of a chairperson and four other members.
The president, on the recommendation of the constitutional council, appoints the
chairperson and other members of the National Women Commission. The term of their
office is six years from the date of appointment.

Qualification
Any person who possesses the following qualifications is eligible to be appointed as the
chairperson or member of National Women Commission.

(i) A woman who has made a significant contribution for the rights, interest of
women or gender justice or women
development or in the field of human rights
and law for at least ten years.

(ii) Holds Bachelor's Degree
(iii) Has attained the age of forty-five years.
(iv) Is not a member of any political party

immediately before the appointment
(v) Possesses high moral character

Functions
The functions of National Women Commission are as follows:

(i) To formulate policies and programs regarding women welfare and forward
them to the government for implementation.

(ii) To review the international covenant signed by Nepal as a signatory and to

126 JBD Social Studies Book 10

forward a recommendation to the Government of Nepal in case they are found
not to have been executed.
(iii) To carry out research and studies regarding gender equality, women and to
forward a recommendation to the concerned bodies regarding the areas to be
amended in those laws.
(iv) To lodge a petition in the court in matters with gender violence, and women
deprived of women rights due to social malpractices.

B. National Dalit Commission

Formation and appointment
National Dalit Commission consists of a chairperson and four other members. The
President, on the recommendation of Constitutional Council, appoints the chairperson
and members of National Dalit Commission. The term of office for the chairperson and
members of this commission is six years from the date of appointment.

Qualification
Persons who meet the following qualifications are eligible for appointment in the posts of
chairperson and members of the National Dalit Commission.

(i) a person from Dalit community who has significantly contributed to Dalit
welfare, human rights and in the legal field for at least ten years.

(ii) in case of the chairperson a person who has held at least Bachelor's Degree.
(iii) who has attained the age of forty five years
(iv) who has not been a member of any political party immediately before the

appointment
(v) who possesses high moral character

Functions
Functions, duties and power of National Dalit Commission are as follows:

(i) To carry out research and studies regarding Dalit community of Nepal so as to
identify legal and institutional reforms to be made and make a recommendation
to the Government of Nepal.

(ii) To formulate national policies and programs in matters related with ending
caste discrimination untouchability, suppression and to enhance Dalit's status
and development.

(iii) To monitor, so as to ensure whether the special provisions and laws related
with Dalit welfare have been implemented or not.

(iv) To monitor, review and evaluate the policies and programs implemented by the
state to bring Dalit community into the mainstream of national development,
etc
JBD Social Studies Book 10 127

C. National Inclusion Commission

National Inclusion Commission consists of a chairperson and as many as four members.
The president on the recommendation of Constitutional Council appoints the chairperson
and other members of National Inclusion Commission. They are appointed for six years
from the date of appointments.

Functions
• To carry out research and studies for protecting rights and welfare of Khash
Arya, backward class, persons with disability, senior citizens, laborers,
peasants, marginalized and minority communities, people of Karnali region
and economically disadvantaged people.
• To review the policies of the government for inclusion and their implementation
on to the forward necessary recommendation to the government for reform.
• To recommend the Government of Nepal regarding policies and programs to be
implemented for development and prosperity of Karnali and other backward
regions.
• To study whether protection, empowerment and development of the Khas
Arya, backward class, persons with disability, minorities and marginalised
communities is satisfactory or not.

D. Indigenous Nationalities Commission

Adibasi Janajati commission consists of a chairperson and four other members. The
President appoints the chairperson and other members on the recommendation of
Constitutional Council for six years. The main function of this commission is to conduct
research and studies for rights and welfare for Adibasi Janajati and to recommend to the
Government of Nepal for timely revision in the laws, policy, rights and other necessary
matters related to Adibasi Janajati (indigenous nationalities).

E. Madheshi Commission

Madheshi Commission consists of a chairperson and four other members. The President
appoints the chairperson and other members on the recommendation of Constitutional
Council for the period of six years.

This Commission carries out research, studies and explores the overall condition of
the Madheshi people, identifies necessary areas for the protection, empowerment and
development of Madheshi community and make recommendation to the government to
implement plan, policies and laws related to Madheshi people.

F. Tharu Commission

Tharu Commission consists of a chairperson and four other members. The chairperson and
other members are appointed by the President on the recommendation of Constitutional
Council for the period six years.

128 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Tharu Commission conducts studies and research works for the protection, promotion,
empowerment and development of Tharu people. It also suggests to upliftment of Tharu
community.
G. Muslim Commission
Muslim Commission consists of a chairperson and other four members. They are appointed
by the President on recommendation of Constitutional Council for six years.
Muslim Commission conducts research and fights for the protection of the rights of
Muslim community.

1 Short answer questions

a. What is inclusive commission? Mention its functions.
b. Give a brief introduction to any four constitutional commissions, which are

mentioned in present constitution.
c. Write a letter to the chairperson of Adibasi Janajati commission requesting

him /her to promote the rights of Adibasi Janajati.
d. State the formations and functions of National Women Commission.
e. What are the required qualification to be appointed in the chairperson of Dalit

commission.

2 Long answer question.

a. Why are so many constitutional organs felt necessary in Nepal? Compare
the roles and functions of Madhesi, Tharu and Muslism Commission in
six points.

b. Write the formation, appointment and function of any four constitutional
commission in table.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 129

Lesson Political Parties of
Nepal
6

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• name the major political parties of Nepal.
• tell the importance, role and constitutional provision to establish political party in Nepal

A political party is an organization or group of people having common thought, idea, goal

and aspiration. Political parties

are very important in democracy.

Their main aim is to form the

government through the process

of election. The party that wins

the majority seats in parliament

forms the government. People

elect their representatives by

casting their vote for different

political parties and they make

necessary law in favour of Fig: Symbols of Major Political Parties of Nepal

people. Political parties help to increase people's participation in various development

works. They make people aware and maintain peace and order in the country. We cannot

imagine democracy without political parties. People National political parties of Nepal
express their thought and ideology through political
• Nepali Congress
parties. We have practised multi-party democratic system • Nepal Communist Party

since 2046 BS in Nepal. Therefore, the role of political • United Socialist Forum
parties is great in Nepal. Constitution of Nepal has made • Rastriya Janata Party

the provision to establish political party in part 29, article

no. 269 and 272. Following conditions are required to establish a political party.

a. The political party should have democratic law and constitution.

b. There should be the provision in the constitution of the political party of the
election of the office bearers in the federal and provincial levels of least at
once in five years.

c. There should be the provision of inclusive system to include women, Dalit and
underprivileged communities in the executive committees at different levels in
political party.

d. There should be a provision for keeping members of the party well disciplined.

130 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Article no. 17 (2,c) of the Constitution of Nepal, has provided freedom to form the political
party as fundamental rights of people. But the political party can be banned which
undermines the nationality, sovereignty, indivisibility of Nepal or an act of espionage
against the nation of disclosing national secrets or helping foreign state or organization
that may jeopardize Nepal's security, or an act of treason, or an act that undermines the
harmonious relations subsisting between federal units, or instigates communal animosity,
or jeopardizes the harmonious relations subsisting among different caste, ethnicity,
religious groups and communities, or an act that incites violence.

Conditions to get registered a political party in the Election Commission

Without registering a political party in the Election Commission, it cannot participate in the
election. So, a political party must be registered in the Election Commission. The Election
Commission has made certain rules and procedure to register at the commission to be
recognized as political parties. A party has to submit its rules, regulations and manifesto
along with application as well as the following information to the Election Commission:

a. Name of the political party and address of its head office

b. Name and address of all the members of executive committee

c. The income source or information about collecting the fund for political party

d. Annual auditing report and other documents as required by law.

According to the Constitution of Nepal (2072), no political party will be banned unless
they work against religious communal unity and national integrity. The political parties
will not be registered at the Election Commission if the political parties fail to fulfil the
objectives and true spirit of the preamble of the constitution.

Role of political parties in the establishment of Democracy in Nepal

The political Establishment of Involvement on people
Loktantra and its welfare program
parties have
protection
played active and

significant role in Promotion of human Role of Political Party Emphasis on Good
Nepal since 2007 right and social justice governance
BS. They have

been fighting Facilitation on Awareness against
development work social problem and evil
against autocratic

and tyrannical

governments since then to establish democracy in Nepal. The revolution of 2007 BS,

ended 104 years of Rana rule. In Poush 2017 BS, king Mahendra banned the political

parties but they did not lose heart and they fought continuously for establishing multi-

party democracy in Nepal. Finally, multiparty democracy was restored in Nepal, ending

partiless Panchayat System in 2046 BS. People got their fundamental rights, political

freedom, adult franchise and sovereign power in their hands with the end of Panchayat

system. Sometimes, our democracy seems to be in danger. King Gyanendra again put

JBD Social Studies Book 10 131

democracy in danger. He dismissed parliament and took all the powers in his hand in
2059 BS. To reinstate parliament and democracy, Nepalese political parties got united
together and fought against the act of Gyanendra Shah in 2062/063 BS. The strong storm
of political parties swept away not only Gyanendra's rule as well it swept 240 years Shah
dynasty and enforced Nepal as a federal democratic republic country.
The election of historical Constituent Assembly first time on 28th Chaitra, 2064 and
second time on 4th Mangsir, 2070 hold successfully in support of political parties. After a
long discussion and consensus of political parties, the Constitution of Nepal promulgated
through Constituent Assembly on 3rd Asoj 2072. In this way, the role of political parties
in establishing Republic system, strengthening of democracy, maintaining peace and
declaration of constitution through constituent assembly is praiseworthy.

1 Short answer questions

a. What criteria are necessary to establish a political party?
b. Prepare a dialogue between two friends regarding the provision and condition

to be fulfilled to register the political party at the election commission according
to the Constitution of Nepal (2072 BS).
c. Why would the political parties be restricted that undermine the nationality,
instigate communal animosity, or jeopardize the harmonious relations among
caste, ethnicity and religious group? Mention the causes.
d. Describe the role of political parties to establish democracy in Nepal.
e. What does the manifesto of political party mean? Prepare an election manifesto
on behalf of your party for the coming election.

3 Long answer question

Name any four national parties of Nepal and describe why the political parties are
important in democracy.

132 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Lesson

7 Election Process

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• say about the process of election in Nepal
• describe the function of different institutions of election
• prepare ballot paper and ballot box

Election is the process of exercising
one's basic fundamental rights to
choose a right candidate by casting

the vote on one's choice. In democracy,

election plays an important role. There

is a certain process to conduct the

election of parliament, President, vice

President, provincial assembly and

local authority. There are different

categories of election in Nepal. They

are General Election, Referendum,

Constituent Assembly election, Mid- Fig: Election

pol, by election and Local election. Following procedure is applied to conduct the election

in Nepal.

Required Preparation

(i) Electoral Roll
(ii) Ballot paper and Ballot box
(iii) Voter identity card
(v) Election constituency

Electoral Roll: An electoral roll is the name list of eligible voters. It is published and
updated every year including name of Nepali citizens who attain 18 years of age and
exclude the name from the voter list who is already dead, migrated and got married in
the case of women and left the place. Similarly, the name of those who attain 18 years,
in-migraed and girl married and come to the place is included in electoral roll each year
during updating it.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 133

Ballot paper and Ballot box: Ballot paper is the paper with the names or the symbols
of all candidates in which the voters cast their vote.

Ballot box is an iron cubical box in which voted ballot papers are kept. The box is provided
to each polling booth.

Voter Identity Card: In order to avoid proxy votes and to hold fair election, election
commission has introduced voter ID card with photo. It is called biometric voter card.
Therefore, it is the duty of all eligible citizens and voters to make a voter ID card.

Election constituency: To conduct the election of parliament, a district is divided into
different areas on the basis of population and geographical areas. This division is known
as election constituency. A district is divided at least in one constituency.

Office Management

a. Election Commission: Election commission is the central body of
conducting election throughout the country. It directs, controls and supervises
the general election of parliament, provincial and local authority.

b. District Election Commission: A district election commission is
established to conduct the election of the member of parliament, provincial
assembly and local level during election period.

c. Polling Booths and Sub-polling Booths: An election constituency is
further sub-divided into polling booths and sub-polling booths. There should
be at least one polling booth in each rural municipality and municipality and
sub-polling booths are set up on the basis of population and area of rural
municipality and municipality. Public places are chosen for polling booths and
sub-polling booths, according to convenience of people.

Personnel Management

• Election commissioner: An election commissioner is appointed by the
President on the recommendation of the constitutional council as the chief of
election commission for 6 years.

• Election officer: Election officers are appointed by the election commissioner
after the announcement of an election. There is an election officer in each
election constituency. They are responsible to conduct and supervise the
election of their respective election constituencies.

• Polling officers: Polling officers are appointed to all polling booths. They
are appointed by election officer from among the civil servants or from the
employees of different corporate offices of the government. Polling officers
have to perform many tasks at their polling booths.

134 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Functions of polling officers:
– They have to manage necessary arrangement at the booth,
– Make security arrangement,
– Begin and conclude the election,
– Stop or postpone the election if necessary and listen.
– Decide a filed cases at the booth.

• Security personnels: People express their opinion and view through ballots.
To respect it and provide security, is the responsibility of the state. Thus, state
requires some persons for the fixed time. Government appoints some police
personnels as temporary police called Myadi Prahari. Similarly, Nepal Police,
Armed Police Force and Nepalese Army are mobilized as required to protect
the vote casted by people.

Qualification for the Candidate

Our constitution has provided the right of participating to all the citizens in election
process. They can be the candidates in election or act as voters. The Nepali citizen having
eighteen years are eligible to caste their vote. But following qualifications are required to
be the candidate of different levels.

(a) For the member of federal parliament
Persons who meet the following requirements can be considered to be the member
of federal parliament.
(i) Nepali citizen
(ii) Who has attained twenty five years of age for the House of Representatives
and thirty five years of age for the National Assembly and forty five years for
President and Vice President.
(iii) Who has not been punished for any criminal offence involving moral turpitude
(iv) not ineligible by any law
(v) not holding an office of profit.

(b) For the member of Provincial Assembly
(i) be a Nepali citizen
(ii) have attained twenty five years
(iii) be a voter of the concerned province
(iv) not have been punished for any criminal offence involving moral turpitude.
(v) not be holding an office of profit

JBD Social Studies Book 10 135

(c) For the member of village council and municipality
(i) be a Nepali citizen
(ii) have attained twenty-one years of age
(iii) is not ineligible by any law
(iv) is included in the voters of the concerned village council or municipality

1 Short answer questions

a. Mention the officials for conducting election and describe their roles and
responsibilities.

b. What are the qualifications to be the candidate of federal parliament?
c. Many of the ballot papers are invalid in our country because of improper

stamping. Why and how can it be reduced? Write any four ways of reducing
it.
d. Describe the importance of having voter identity card in four points.
e. What are polling centres? Write down the responsibilities of polling officers.

2 Long answer question

Define election. How is general election conducted in our country?
Describe.

Extra Questions for More Practice
a. Describe the importance of election in democracy.
b. Election could not be held in time in Nepal. If the election is held in time also

is not fair. Why? Find as more as possible causes and describe them briefly.
c. How is general election conducted in the country? Describe.
d. Nepal has practised the process of casting vote through electronic machine

instead of Swastik stamp like in other country. What may be the simplicity
and complication while casting the vote from this machine. Write in points.
e. In most of the countries there is the provision of rejection of vote which is
also called none of the above (NOTA). How far this provision is suitable in the
context of Nepal? Describe with reasons.

136 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Lesson Role of Citizens in
Election
8

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• describe the importance of election.
• tell the role of citizens in the election.
• help the citizens during the elections.

Election is very important in

democracy. It is one the basic

components of democracy.

Ballot is accepted stronger

than bullet in democracy.

People can choose their

ideal candidates or parties

to form the government

through election. If people

choose right candidate in

the election, he or she makes

the progress and develops

the country. There will be

good governance and people

can enjoy their fundamental

and human rights without

any obstacles. If they choose Fig : A dutiful citizen casting vote
wrong person, there will be

corruption, chaos and violence everywhere. Therefore, we being good citizens, have to

use voting right to choose right party and right candidate to form government. Citizens

can play a vital role in making an election fair. So, the following are the roles of citizens

before the election, during the election and after the election.

Role of Citizens Before the Election

a. The Election Commission publishes and updates the electoral roll of eligible
voters who have attained at least 18 years in the month of Baishakh each
year. This updated name list is kept in all the wards Rural Municipality and
municipality. It is the duty of all citizens to consult the list and make sure that

JBD Social Studies Book 10 137

his/her name according to his/her address and age is included or not. This
process of correcting voter's list is called claim.
b. If there is any mistake in name, age, address, caste, father's name in the
electoral roll, it is the duty of each citizen to correct it in time.
c. It is the duty of each citizen to exclude the name from the voter list if the
person is dead, migrated or a woman who got married or someone who is not
the citizen of Nepal or of the concerned place. It is called protest.
d. It is the duty of citizen to make aware the illiterate people how to cast the
vote.

Role of Citizens During the Election

a. To encourage the neighbours to go to the polling booth to cast their vote is the
duty of responsible citizens.

b. It is the duty and right of the citizens to cast vote in the election.
c. All the voters should wait their turn staying in the queue patiently.
d. One should discourage the proxy vote.
e. It is the duty of citizens to help physically handicapped, old and sick people

during the election.
f. Provide necessary help to the polling officers, security personnel and help

ensure the security of ballot box.
g. It is the duty of citizens not to cast vote more than once and should not make

any disturbance during the election.

Role of Citizens After the Election
a. Wait the result patiently.
b. Respect the result and elected person if he/she is of opponent party.
c. Launch cleaning campaign to maintain clean environment.
d. Provide necessary help to the elected person or party in development campaign.

The school children like you also can help in the election campaign of the country. You can
encourage your family members to take part actively in election process. You can check
the voter list of your parents and other family members and can correct the voter list if
there is any mistake. You also can help the physically challenged or aged people to cast
vote. You can teach the illiterate ones to cast their vote in a proper way.

138 JBD Social Studies Book 10

1 Short answer questions

a. Write down the roles that should be played by a good citizen before the
election?

b. 'Ballot is accepted not bullet in democracy.' Justify the statement.
c. Describe the roles of students in election campaign.
d. Write a letter to your senior sister to encourage her to take part in the election.
e. A voter said, it makes no difference weather casting or not votes for anyone

no one looks after us, I do not go to cast vote.' How do you convince him/her?
Describe.

2 Long answer question

Write a conversation between two friends explaining the each four roles of
citizens that should be played before and during the election.

Extra Questions for More Practice
a. What do you say to the person who casts the proxy vote?
b. How can you help to reduce the invalid votes? Describe your role in four

points.
c. ‘A good citizen should participate in an election. Prepare a dialogue on this

topic.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 139

Lesson

9 Human Rights

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• protect and respect the human rights of the people.
• describe the role of Eleano Roosvelt in the establishment of human rights.

The development of human personality depends upon the social, political and economic
freedom given by a state. A country is recognized either a democratic or autocratic country
based on the rights and freedom provided by a nation to its people. Rights are the claims
of the people which are socially accepted and recognized by the country. Human rights
are those rights that are needed for an individual for his/ her all-round development
without any external interference. These are natural rights.

Universal Human Rights Declaration was

passed by General Assembly of UNO on 10th

December 1948 AD. With the view to providing

basic requirements for people’s growth and

development and to make the governments

aware of their duties towards the citizens of their

respective countries, the UNO declared Human

Rights to be followed by its member nations.

It was the result of tireless efforts of Eleanor

Roosevelt, the wife of former US President

Franklin D. Roosevelt. Eleanor was an ideal

woman. She was hard working, supportive and Fig : Eleanor Roosevelt

kind-hearted woman. In fact, it was her support

that encouraged her polio-stricken husband Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidency

election of America thrice. Now, all the democratic countries of the world have granted

various Human Rights to their citizens through the constitution. Constitution of Nepal,
has included most of the Human Rights under the fundamental rights.

140 JBD Social Studies Book 10

Difference between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights

Human Rights Fundamental Rights

1. The rights which are universally 1. The rights which are given by

accepted and provided for the a state through its constitution

personality development of the people. or any other law for the overall

development of its people.

2. These are natural rights and are vague 2. These rights are specified and

or unlimited. limited.

3. Human Rights are international law 3. Fundamental rights are national

and equal for all the countries. law and these are different in

different countries

4. Human Rights are known as universal 4. These rights are known as

rights and it was declared by UNO. constitutional rights or civil rights.

5. There are 30 articles in universal 5. These rights are not fixed in number

Human rights. that depend on government.

Main Points Included in Universal Declaration of Human Rights

There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A brief summary of
these articles of Human Right Declaration is given below:

 Article 1. All are born free
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.

 Article 2. No discrimination at all
Everyone is entitled to all rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind such
as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social
origin, property, birth or other status.

 Article 3: Right to life
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of people.

 Article 4: Right against slavery.
No one shall be held in slavery. Slavery and slave trade shall be prohibited in all
their forms.

 Article 5: Right against torture
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 141

 Article 6: Right to recognition
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

 Article 7: Right to equality
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal
protection of law.

 Article 8: All rights are granted by law.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals
for acts violating the fundamental rights granted to him/her by the constitution or
by law.

 Article 9: Right against detention
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

 Article: 10 Right to public hearing
All are entitled to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal
in the determination of their rights and of any criminal charge against them.

 Article 11-20
Deals about right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty, right to privacy,
right to freedom of movement and residence, right to seek a safe place to live, right
to nationality, right to marriage, right to property, right to freedom of thought,
conscience and religion, right to freedom of opinion and expression and right to
freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

 Article 21-30 –
These articles of human rights declaration tell about the right to take part in the
government, right to social security, right to work and to free choice of employment,
right to entertainment rest and leisure, right to food, shelter and health to all, right
to free education, right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community,
right to enjoy fair, and by the last article of the human rights declaration all other
rights of human being are protected.

Role of National and International Organizations in the Protection of
Human Rights

The national and international organizations related to human rights have played very
effective role in Nepal. These organizations are involved in public awareness programs
against human right violation in our country. The role of some of the national and
international organizations involved in the protection of human rights in Nepal is given
below.

142 JBD Social Studies Book 10

a. National Human Rights Commission
This commission is an independent and autonomous
constitutional organ of Nepal. It was established in
2057 B.S. to protect and promote the human rights of
Nepalese people. The main motto of this commission is
"Dignity, Equality and Justice for all." This commission
conducts inquiries and investigations on its own or
upon a petition or complaints files to it on violation of
human rights and carelessness and negligence in the prevention of the human rights
by any person, organization or authority concerned. The commission can visit and
observe any authority, jail or any organization under the Government of Nepal and
to submit necessary recommendations to be made on the functions, procedures and
physical facilities which may be made necessary for the protection of human rights.

b. Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC)
This organization was founded in 1988 A.D. with the
objective of protecting the rights of people engaged in
informal sectors. It has significantly contributed in
protecting and promoting the fundamental and human
rights of people in virtually all sectors. It publishes
human rights year book each year.

c. Amnesty International
Amnesty International (AI) is an international
non-governmental organization established
in 1961 A.D. Its headquarters is in London,
England. Amnesty International has been
playing very important role to control or
minimize the events of human rights violation
in the world. It helps to provide the justice
to the people whose rights are violated. This organization raises the voice against
human rights violation and torture. It had got Nobel Peace price in 1977 and UN
human rights prize in 1978 AD. It publishes the articles, news and books including
the events regarding to human rights violation.

JBD Social Studies Book 10 143

2 Short answer questions

a. Describe the importance of Human Rights in the life of human being.
b. Give your logic on that fundamental rights guaranteed by the state are the

human rights of the citizen of that country.
c. Who was Eleanor Roosevelt? What lesson can Nepalese women learn from

the life of Eleanor Roosevelt?
d. Write a news article about the violation of human rights in your locality.
e. Differentiate between Human Rights and fundamental rights in four points.

3 Long answer question

a. Give an introduction to Universal Human Rights Declaration and mention any seven
provisions.

b. Describe the role of national and international organizations in the protection of
human rights in Nepal.

Extra Questions for More Practice
a. What do you say about the frequent violation of human rights in Nepal?
b. Describe the role played by Human Rights Commission and other Human

Rights Organizations in protecting the human rights in Nepal.
c. How is human rights violated, in your community? Describe with example.
d. How does right to freedom of peaceful assemble guarantee in achieving the

condition of human rights? Describe.
e. Write a model or speech on 'individual freedom and right of self defend is the

base of human right.'
f. Describe the role of Amnesty International in the protection of human rights.

144 JBD Social Studies Book 10