(e) The Leader from the Opposition Party in the House of Member
Representatives
(f) Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives Member
While making a recommendation for appointment to the office of the Chief Justice,
the Constitutional Council includes the Minister for Law and Justice of the Government
of Nepal as its member.
Judicial Council
Article 153 of the Constitution of Nepal has the provision of forming a Judicial Council
under the leadership of the Chief Justice. It is formed to recommend and give advice
for the appointment, transformation, taking disciplinary action, and dismissal of the
judges and other matters relating to judicial administration. It consists of the following
Chairperson and members:
(a) Chief Justice Chairperson
(b) The Federal Minister of Law and Justice Member
(c) The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court Member
(d) A legal expert appointed by the President on the Member
recommendation of Prime Minister
(e) A senior advocate or an advocate who has experience of 20 Member
years to be appointed by President on the recommendation of
Nepal Bar Association
Precedent -glh/_: A precedent is a statement of law found in decisions of a Superior
Court. Though lawmaking is the work of the legislature, Judges make law through
precedent. It is binding and must be followed by lower courts. It refers to a previous
decision upon which the judges have to follow the past decisions carefully in the
cases before them as a guide for all present or future decisions. It is also called the
judge-made law.
Activities
(1) Organise a speech contest on the topic, ‘Fair and free judiciary is the foundation
of democracy’ in your class. Note down the major points presented by the
speakers.
(2) It is often said that no one can escape from the long paws of law. What does
it mean? Discuss among your friends, and draw a conclusion.
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Exercise
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) What is the judiciary? Why is it called the guardian of the constitution?
(b) Why is the Supreme Court known as the court of records? Write its three
functions.
(c) How are the judges of the Supreme Court appointed? Write the necessary
qualification for their appointment.
(d) Write about the tenure of the Chief Justice and judges of three tiers of
the judiciary and the functions of district court according to the present
constitution.
(e) “The independent, impartial, competent and powerful judiciary makes
democracy effective and successful in the country.” Justify this statement in
your own words.
(f) How can the judiciary win the trust of the common people? Mention in four
points.
(g) Mention any four differences between a criminal case and a civil case.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) Make a list of major functions of the judiciary and explain any two of them.
(b) Clarify the inter-relationship among the legislative, executive and judiciary in
accordance with the constitution of Nepal in three points each.
(c) Write a newspaper article highlighting the contribution of the supreme court
in the protection of fundamental rights and the constitution.
Project Work
Who is the current Chief Justice of our country? Paste his or her photo on a
sheet of A4 sizepaper, and write a short paragraph about him or her.
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Lesson Constitutional Bodies
in Nepal
5.4
Engage Yourself
There are several bodies established in accordance with the provision of the constitution.
They are called constitutional bodies. They carry out their functions as per the constitution.
(1) What are the constitutional bodies prevailing in our county?
(2) What are common qualifications for the appointment of the Chief Commissioners and
other Commissioners of all constitutional bodies?
(3) What do you know about the functions of the constitutional bodies?
Introduction
Besides the legislative, executive and judiciary, various entities or bodies are
created in the constitution for specified tasks and running state affairs smoothly.
They function as checks and balances on executive authority by independently
performing certain executive functions. Such organs are called constitutional
bodies. They help to maintain fairness, transparency and accountability in the
state.
The formation, functions, duties, and power along with required qualification for
the chiefs and officials of such constitutional bodies are clearly mentioned in the
constitution. According to the article 306 sub-article (1L) of the present constitution,
"Constitutional body" means the commission established in accordance with this
constitution (Constitution of Nepal) such as Commission for Investigation of Abuse
of Authority, Auditor General, Public Service Commission, Election Commission,
National Human Right Commission, National Natural Resource and Finance
Commission, National Women Commission, National Inclusion Commission,
Adibasi Janajati Commission, Madheshi Commission, Tharu Commission and
Muslim Commission.
Appointment and Tenure of Chiefs and Officials
The constitutional bodies have a chief and four officials each. The President
appoints them on the recommendation of the constitutional council. The tenure of
the chiefs and officials is of six years from the date of appointment.
Annual Report of the Constitutional Bodies
All the constitutional bodies should submit the annual report of their activities to
the President. The President will present it through the Prime Minister before the
federal parliament. They also may prepare a separate report of their work in the
provinces and submit it to the Chief of the Province.
Vedanta 151 Approved by Curriculum Development Centre,
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Common Qualification for the Chiefs and Officials of the Constitutional
Bodies
Having attained the age of forty-five years;
Not being a member of any political party at the time of appointment;
Possessing high moral character;
Having passed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. However, to
be the chief and other officials of the Public Service Commission, one should
hold a master's degree as his or her academic qualification.
Constitutional Bodies
Parts 21 to 27 of the Constitution of Nepal have the provision of the constitutional
bodies. They can be studied briefly as given below:
(1) Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of Authority
(CIAA)
The Constitution of Nepal has the provision for CIAA
the Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of
Authority in part 21. It consists of a Chief Commissioner
and four other commissioners. The President, on
the recommendation of the constitutional council,
appoints them. The Chief Commissioner works as the
Chairperson of the commission. The tenure of their
office is six years from the date of appointment.
Specific Qualification for CIAA Chief Commissioner and Commissioners
In addition to the above-mentioned common qualifications, a distinguished
person having at least 20 years' experience in the field of accounting, revenue,
engineering, law, development, or research is eligible for appointment as the Chief
Commissioner or a Commissioner of CIAA.
Functions
The commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of Authority can conduct the
investigation of corruption made by a person holding a public office. However,
it does not conduct any investigation to any official to whom the constitution
and other law provide separate special provision for such action.
If the commission finds that any official has committed an act defined by law
as corruption, it recommends for department sanction.
The commission also files the case against such a person who has committed
any act defined by law as corruption in the court in accordance with the law.
The commission also carries out other duties as determined by federal law.
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(2) Auditor General
Part 22 of the constitution of Nepal has the Auditor General
provision for Auditor General. The President, on the
recommendation of constitutional council, appoints
Auditor General for the term of six years from the
date of appointment.
A person who has passed bachelor's degree in management, commerce or accounts
from a recognised university or has worked as a special class officer of the
Government of Nepal after completing Chartered Accountant examination or has
twenty years’ experience of auditing along with other above-mentioned common
qualification is eligible for the post of Auditor General.
Functions
With due consideration given to the regularity, economy, efficiency,
effectiveness and propriety thereof, the Auditor General audits the accounts of
the office of President and the Vice President all courts including the Supreme
Court, constitutional bodies and their office, Federal Parliament, Provincial
Assemblies and Governments, the office of Attorney General, Nepal Army,
Nepal Police and Armed police force as well as all the government offices in the
manner determined by law;
The Auditor General provides consultation while appointing the auditor for
carrying out the audit of any corporate body of which the Government of Nepal
or Provincial Government owns more than 50% of shares or assets; and
The Auditor General also issues necessary directives setting forth the principles
for carrying out the audit of such corporate body.
(3) Public Service Commission
The rule of law is the primary characteristic
of democracy. Competent, dedicated and qualified
staff in the public service position are necessary to
establish the rule of law in the country. In order
to recommend the qualified staff of public service
position, part 23 of the constitution of Nepal has Public Service Commission
the provision of the Public Service Commission. It
consists of one Chairperson and four other members appointed by the President on
the recommendation of the constitutional council.
At least fifty per cent of the total number of members of the Public Service
Commission are appointed from among the persons who have worked for twenty
or more years in any government service, and the rest members shall be appointed
from among persons who have done research, investigation, teaching, or any other
signification work in fields such as science, technology, art, literature, law, public
administration, sociology, or any other sphere of national life and who hold a high
reputation.
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Besides the above-mentioned common qualifications, the Chairperson and members
of PSC should have passed a post-graduate (master’s) degree from a recognised
university. The tenure of the office of the Public Service Commission is six years
from the date of appointment.
Functions
The primary duty of the Public Service Commission is to conduct the written
and oral examination to select competent and qualified candidates for the civil
service position. It also takes a practical examination if necessary. Then, it
recommends the selected candidates to the government for an appointment.
The PSC conducts written examinations to be taken for the appointment to
the offices of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal, other
Federal government services and corporate bodies other than the Civil Service
Position.
The PSC provides consultation on the matters concerning general principles to
be followed while promoting a person holding a position of Nepal Army, Nepal
Police, Armed Police Force and other Federal government services.
The PSC provides consultation on matters concerning the general principles to
be followed while formulating laws concerning terms and condition of service
of any corporate body, including promotion and departmental action.
The PSC also recommends the appointment in a position that entitles the
pension from the Nepal Government.
Permanent appointment to any position in the Civil Service which carries the
benefit of pension shall not be made except in consultation with the Public Service
Commission.
(4) Election Commission
Election Commission is the constitutional body
established based on the provision given in part 24
of the constitution of Nepal. It consists of a Chief
Commissioner and four other commissioners. The
Chief Commissioner works as the Chairperson. Election Commission
The President, on the recommendation of the
constitutional council, appoints them for the period of six years from the date of
appointment. It was introduced for the first time in 2007 BS.
Functions
With the support of the Government of Nepal regarding human resource
management with other necessary arrangements of the election, the Election
Commission conducts, supervises, directs and controls all levels of the
election. The elections of the President, Vice-President, Federal parliament,
provincial assemblies and local level elections are all conducted by the Election
Commission.
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The Election Commission prepares the electoral rolls, ballot papers, ballot box
and other required things to conduct an election.
The commission decides on the complaint made against any candidate
regarding qualification from the time of his/her nomination and the publication
of the election result.
It also conducts referendums on matters of national importance according to
the constitution and the law.
(5) National Human Rights Commission
The Constitution of Nepal has the provision
of the Human Rights Commission in part 25 for
protection, promotion and effective implementation
of human rights. It consists of Chairperson and four National Human Rights Commission
other members appointed by the President on the
recommendation of the constitutional council for the term of six years.
In addition to the above-mentioned common qualifications, a person who has the
following qualifications will be eligible to be appointed for the post of Chairperson
and other members of the National Human Right Commission.
A person from among the retired Chief Justice or judges of the Supreme Court
who has made an outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of
human rights, or a person who holds a high reputation and has rendered an
outstanding contribution in the field of protection and promotion of human
rights or various sections and national life for at least twenty years will be
eligible for the post of Chairperson.
A person with a high reputation who has been actively involved in the field of the
protection and promotion of human rights or children rights or various section
of national life and rendered an outstanding performance in the respective
fields for at least twenty years will be eligible for the post of a member.
Functions
The main function of the National Human Right Commission is to respect, promote,
protect, and implement human rights. Besides it, it also carries out the following
functions:
Conduct inquiries and investigations on the complaints of violation of human
rights.
Forward a recommendation to the concerned authority to take departmental
action against or imposing punishment on the violators of human rights, giving
clear reasons, and basis therefore.
File the cases in the court in accordance with the law against a person or
institution that has violated human rights.
Work jointly and in a coordinated manner with civil society to enhance
awareness of human rights.
Vedanta 155 Approved by Curriculum Development Centre,
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(6) National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission
Part 26 of the constitution of Nepal has the provision of the National Natural
Resources and Fiscal Commission. It consists of a maximum five members,
including a chairperson appointed by the President on the recommendation of the
constitutional council for the term of 6 years.
A person who expertise and has at least 20 years’ National Natural Resources and
experience in natural resource or fiscal management, Fiscal Commission
economics and law or management along with
the qualifications as above-mentioned common
qualification is eligible for appointment in the post
of Commissioner and other commissioners of this
commission.
Functions
The functions of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission are as
follows:
It determines a fixed basis and design regarding the distribution of revenue
from the federal consolidated fund to the federal, provincial, and local
governments according to the constitution and law.
It forwards recommendations, according to law, on the distribution of the
equalisation grants to provincial, and local governments from the federal
consolidated fund.
It conducts research and studies with regard to making the basis for the
distribution of conditional grants to provincial and local governments in
compliance with national policy and programme and standards and the state
of infrastructure there.
It determines extensive grounds and measures regarding the distribution
of revenue between provincial and local governments from the provincial
consolidated fund.
Dismissal from the Post of Chiefs and other Commissioners
The post of the chief or other officials of the constitutional bodies becomes vacant
in the following conditions.
If he or she submits a written resignation to the President.
If he or she attains the age of sixty-five years (the constitution has not
mentioned the age limit of the chief and officials of National Human Rights
Commission).
If a motion of impeachment is passed against him or her as per Article 101.
If the President removes him or her on the recommendation of the constitutional
council for being unable to hold and discharge the duties of his or her office due
to physical or mental illness.
If he or she passes away.
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Activities
(1) Prepare a list of all constitutional bodies and discuss one major function of each
body.
(2) Who are the current chiefs of the constitutional bodies given in the lesson?
Take the help of your teacher and write their names.
Exercise
(1) Fill in the blanks with suitable names of constitutional bodies.
Constitutional Part of the Date of establishment Major Function
Bodies Constitution or recognition
Part 21 28th Magh, To investigate and probe cases against the persons holding any
2047 BS public office and their associates who are indulged in the abuse
Part 22 of authority by way of corruption.
29th June, To conduct the statutory audit of all government offices of
Part 23 1959 AD federation, provinces and local levels and wholly government-
Part 24 owned corporate bodies considering regularity, economy,
Part 25 15th June, efficiency, effectiveness and propriety thereof.
1951 AD To select meritorious candidates required by the Government
Part 26 12th November, of Nepal for various vacant posts of the civil service.
1951 AD To conduct the elections of different tires – federal, provincial
Under Human Rights and local bodies – as per the stipulated electoral systems.
Commission Act To receive the complaints against human rights and carry out
of 1997 necessary monitoring and investigation.
The 2015 Constitution
of Nepal To ensure just and equitable distribution of natural and fiscal
resources among federal, state and local governments.
(2) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) How are the functions of CIAA different from that of the Auditor General?
Mention in four points.
(b) Discuss the functions of the Public Service Commission and the Election
Commission.
(c) Write a letter to one of your friends explaining the functions of the National
Human Rights Commission.
(d) Mention the major functions of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal
Commission.
(e) Explain the importance of constitutional bodies in a democratic country like
ours in brief.
(f) Write down the provision for the dismissal of the chiefs and officials of the
constitutional bodies from their post.
(3) Write long answers to the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by constitutional bodies? Why are they necessary for a
nation? Compare the roles and functions of the Public Service Commission
and the Auditor General for good governance in Nepal.
(b) Write the appointment system, essential specific qualifications, composition
and duration of service of chairpersons and other members of all constitutional
bodies.
Vedanta 157 Approved by Curriculum Development Centre,
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Lesson Other Constitutional
Commissions
5.5
Engage Yourself
Do you think we need a separate body to uplift the backward communities and people?
What should the constitutional commissions do to uplift those backward communities
and people? There are various communities and groups that did not get opportunities for
their development, because of which they are comparatively backward. The constitution
has the provisions of constitutional commissions to do work for the welfare of such
backward people and communities.
(1) What are various constitutional comissions in our country?
(2) What are the main functions of such commissions in Nepal?
The Constitution of Nepal has made the provision of several commissions based
on the aspiration of people expressed in different revolutions. These commissions
are established based on the provision given in part 27 articles 252 to 264 for the
upliftment of the people who are backward due to lack of opportunities. There
are seven such commissions. They are National Women Commission, National
Dalit Commission, National Inclusion Commission, Indigenous Nationalities
Commission, Madhesi Commission, Tharu Commission and Muslim Commission.
According to the Constitution of Nepal, all the Chairpersons and members of the
National Women Commission, National Dalit Commission, and National Inclusion
Commission need to possess the following common qualifications.
He or She should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university for the
post of Chairperson.
He or She should have attained the age of 45 years.
He or She shouldn’t be a member of any political party immediately before the
appointment.
He or she should possess high moral character.
(1) National Women Commission
The Constitution of Nepal has the provision
about the National Women Commission in article 252
to 253. The commission consists of one Chairperson
and four other members. The President, on the
recommendation of the Constitutional Council,
appoints them for the term of six years.
Women Empowerment
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Qualifications
A woman who has made a significant contribution to the rights, interest of women
or gender justice, or women development or in the field of human rights and law
for at least 10 years and possessing the common qualifications as mentioned above
is eligible to be appointed as the Chairperson or member of the National Women
Commission.
Functions
The National Women Commission has the following functions as per the provision
in article 253 of the constitution:
To formulate policies and programmes regarding women welfare and forward
them to the Government for implementation.
To monitor whether the laws and programmes related to women’s welfare
as per the international treaties signed by Nepal as a signatory have been
executed or not and suggest the Government of Nepal for implementation in
case they are found not executed.
To monitor, review and evaluate the policies and programmes implemented by
the state to bring women into the mainstream of national development, such
as proportionate representation in all of the state agencies.
To forward a recommendation to the Government of Nepal for effective
implementation of those provisions.
To carry out research and studies regarding gender equality, women
empowerment, other legal provisions concerning women and to forward a
recommendation to the concerned bodies regarding the areas to be amended
in those laws and to monitor the same.
To monitor the government regarding the report to be submitted by the
Government of Nepal in matters related to international covenant and treaties
to which Nepal is a party.
(2) National Dalit Commission
According to article 255 of the Constitution of Nepal, there is a National Dalit
Commission in Nepal. It consists of a Chairperson and four other members. The
President, on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, appoints them for
the term of six years.
Qualification
A person from the Dalit Community who has significantly contributed to Dalit
welfare, human rights in the legal fields for at least 10 years and possesses the
common qualifications as mentioned above is eligible to be appointed as the
Chairperson or member of the National Dalit Commission.
Vedanta 159 Approved by Curriculum Development Centre,
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Functions
The National Dalit Commission has the following functions as per the provision in
article 256 of the constitution:
To formulate national policies and programmes in matters related with ending
caste discrimination, untouchability, suppression and to enhance Dalit’s status
and development, and forward them to the Government for implementation.
To carry out research and studies regarding the Dalit community of Nepal
so as to identify legal and institutional reforms to be made and forward a
recommendation to the Government of Nepal.
To monitor whether the special provisions and laws related to Dalit welfare have
been implemented or not, and forward recommendation to the Government of
Nepal in case these provisions are found not to have been implemented.
To monitor or review the Government of Nepal so as to ensure that the
Government of Nepal submits the report as a signatory to the international
treaties and agreement, as provisioned by those treaties.
To monitor, review and evaluate the policies and programmes implemented
by the state to bring the Dalit community into the mainstream of national
development, such as proportionate representation in all of the state agencies
and forward a recommendation to the Government of Nepal for effective
implementation of those provisions.
(3) National Inclusion Commission
There is a provision of establishing a National Inclusion Commission of
Nepal in article 258. It consists of a Chairperson and four other members. On the
recommendation of the Constitutional Council, the President appoints them for the
tenure of six years from the date of appointment.
Qualification
A person who has significantly contributed in the fields of social inclusion and in
promoting the rights and interests and development of persons with a disability,
marginalised, minority, and backward communities, and human rights for at least
10 years and possesses the common qualifications mentioned above is eligible to be
appointed as the Chairperson or member of the National Inclusion Commission.
Functions
The National Inclusive Commission has the following functions as per the provision
in article 259 of the constitution.
To carry out research and studies for protecting rights and welfare of Khash
Arya, backward class, a person with a disability, senior citizens, labourers,
peasants, marginalised and minority communities, people of the Karnali
region and economically backward people.
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To review the policies of the Government of Nepal for the inclusion of the
persons from different communities, classes and regions as mentioned above
and their implementation, and forward a recommendation as per need to the
government for reform.
To conduct a study about the appropriate representation of the persons from
the different communities, classes and regions as mentioned above in the state
mechanism and forward a recommendation to the Government of Nepal to
review the provision to ensure their representation therein.
To study whether protection, empowerment and development of the persons
from different communities, classes and regions as mentioned above are
satisfactory or not and forward a recommendation to the Government of Nepal
regarding the policies to be adopted for future.
To recommend the Government of Nepal regarding the policies and programmes
to be implemented for the development and prosperity of the Karnali and other
backward regions.
To recommend for timely revision in the laws related to minorities and
marginalised communities.
To monitor the situation of implementation of rights and interests of minorities
and marginalised communities and to make recommendations for revision
based on reports of the periodic census and human development.
(4) Indigenous Nationalities Commission
Article 261 of the Constitution of Nepal has a provision about the Indigenous
Nationalities Commission (INC). The Commission was established on the 13th
November, 2018 AD. The Constitution of Nepal and Indigenous Nationalities
Commission Act, 2074 governs the Indigenous Nationalities Commission. The
functions and duties of the Indigenous Nationalities Commission (INC) are to
conduct study and research work for the protection of the rights and interest of
indigenous nationalities. It consists of a Chairperson and four other members. The
President, on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, appoints them for
the tenure of six years from the date of appointment.
(5) Madhesi Commission
Article 262 of the Constitution of Nepal has a provision about Madhesi
Commission. It consists of a Chairperson and four other members. The President,
on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, appoints them for the
tenure of six years from the date of appointment. The commission was formed in
November 2018 with the task of recommending suggestions to the government
to formulate the required policies and programmes for the social, cultural, and
economic development of the Madhesi community.
Vedanta 161 Approved by Curriculum Development Centre,
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(6) Tharu Commission
Article 263 of the Nepal Constitution has a provision about Tharu Commission.
It consists of a Chairperson and four other members. The President, on the
recommendation of the Constitutional Council, appoints them for a tenure of six
years from the date of appointment. The commission was formed on 19th February,
2019 AD for the identification of the history and culture of the Tharu Community,
protection and promotion of the rights and interests and the empowerment of the
Tharu community.
(7) Muslim Commission
Article 264 of the Nepal Constitution has a provision about Muslim Commission.
It consists of a Chairperson and four other members. The President, on the
recommendation of the Constitutional Council, appoints them for a tenure of six
years from the date of appointment. It was formed for the identification of the
history and culture of the Muslim Community, protection and promotion of the
rights and interests of the Muslim Community and the empowerment of the
Muslim community.
Other functions, duties, and powers of these commissions shall be as specified in
the Federal law.
Activities
(1) Complete the following table in a chart paper with information about other
Constitutional commissions mentioned in the lesson and display in the class.
Name of the Parts and Formation Essential Functions
commission articles
process Qualification
(2) Who are the current Chairpersons of other current Constitutional Bodies
mentioned in the lesson? Search on the internet or newspapers, and present
their names in the classroom.
Exercise
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Explain in brief the need and importance of the National Women Commission
in the context of Nepal.
(b) Mention the major functions of the National Dalit Commission.
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(c) Compare the major functions of the National Inclusion Commission and
Indigenous Nationalities Commission.
(d) Write the similarities in the provisions of the formation of constitutional
commissions in Nepal.
(2) Write long answers to the following questions.
(a) Prepare a news article explaining the need and importance of other
Constitutional Commissions mentioned in the lesson.
(b) How can the Indigenous Nationalities, Madhesi, Tharu, and Muslim
Commissions work to secure and promote the rights and interests of their
concerned communities? Mention.
Project Work
Complete the following table with the information about the other commissions
included in the constitution of Nepal.
S. Commissions Process of Qualification of Functions
N. formation chiefs and officials
1. National Women
Commission
2. National Dalit
Commission
3. National Inclusion
Commission
4. Indigenous
Nationalities
Commission
5. Madhesi Commission
6. Tharu Commission
7. Muslim Commission
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Lesson
5.6 Political Parties
Engage Yourself
Have you ever observed a mass gathering organised by political parties? What did you
hear from the leaders of political parties in such gathering? Are you satisfied with the
work of the political parties? There are many political parties established by organising
the people who believe in the same ideology, philosophy and programmes. They always
organise the people and make them politically aware?
(1) What do you mean by a political party? What are the major political parties of Nepal?
(2) What is the formation process of such political parties? What is their importance?
(3) What are the roles of political parties for political changes in our country?
A political party is an organisation of people who share the same views about the
way power should be used in a country or society. It refers to a group of people
sharing the same views, political ideology, philosophy, and programmes about the
way to use the power in a country or society. It is an organised group of people with
an objective to acquire and exercise political power. It is an essential and strong
medium to make people aware and organise them.
Nepal has adopted the competitive multiparty system. Various political parties
compete with each other through election in such a system. They influence people
with their philosophies, objectives and activities and win the elections to form the
government. According to the constitutional provision, the party which wins the
majority seats in the parliament and forms the government in Nepal. Other parties
remain as the opposition parties. They support the government for its good work
and criticise the wrong deeds. There are more than 130 political parties registered
in Election Commission in Nepal. Among them, the following are the major parties
in Nepal.
Communist Party of Nepal (UML) Nepali Congress
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Samajbadi Party Nepal
Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Rastriya Janamorcha
Constitutional Provisions Regarding Political Parties
The Constitution of Nepal has the provision of political parties in part 29. According
to this article, people who are committed to a common political ideology, philosophy,
and programme can form a political party. They can carry out activities to generate
publicity and get public support and cooperation. The political parties should fulfil
the following conditions for registration:
Constitution and rules of the party should be democratic.
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The constitution of the party should have the provision of election of the
executive members of the party in the federal and provincial levels at least at
the interval of five years. However, they can extend up to six months in any
special circumstance.
There should be provision of proportional participation so as to reflect the
diversity of Nepal, in the executive committees at various levels of the party.
There should be the provision for making party members disciplined and
dedicated.
If any political party has its name, objective, insignia or flag which disturb the
religious and communal unity of the country or divide the country, such party will
not be registered.
Similarly, the political parties should be registered in the election commission in
accordance with the procedure determined in law. While submitting application
for registration, the political parties should submit their constitution, annual audit
report, and manifesto. They also should mention the following descriptions in the
application.
Name of political party and address of its head office;
Name and address of the executive committee and the same level committees
of the political party; and
The description of the income source of the party and the source to collect the
fund for the party.
Role of Political Parties in
Establishment of Democracy in Nepal Creating social Protection and
awareness promotion
Political parties have played very important of national
roles in establishing democracy in Nepal. against social
problems and integrity and
sovereignty
evils.
They have struggled a lot for fighting with Establishing Role of Establishing
various obstacles for establishing democracy. good Political and
Some of the significant roles of the political
parties can be enlisted as given below: governance Party institutionalising
the democracy
The Praja Parishad, Nepali Congress,
and Nepal Communist Party led mass Facilitating
movement in 2007 BS, and introduced in the
democracy by overthrowing 104 years
development
work.
long autocratic Rana rule;
They have participated actively in the general elections held in 2015 BS, 2048
BS, 2051 BS, and 2056 BS to institutionalise the democracy;
They struggled a lot to end party-less panchayat system revolving against
them secretly from time to time;
Nepali Congress and United Left Front formed United People’s Movement
Committee to launch people’s movement and successfully restored democracy
by overthrowing party-less Panchayat system in 2046 BS;
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With the combined efforts of Seven Party Alliance and CPN (Maoist), People’s
Movement-II was launched and it restored people’s seized rights and provided
the opportunity to people to be the master of sovereignty and power of the
state; and
They participated in the Constituent Assembly elections held on 28th Chaitra,
2064 BS and on 4th Mangsir, 2070 BS and became successful to promulgate the
Constitution of Nepal on 3rd Ashoj, 2072 BS. This constitution has established
republican system with federalism in Nepal.
Thus, the role of political parties in establishment of republican system,
strengthening democracy, establishing peace, and promulgating constitution from
the Constituent Assembly is positive and appreciable.
Activities
(1) There may be some politicians from different parties in your community. Meet
some of them and prepare a list of the good work done by various political
parties working in your community with their help and share in the class.
(2) Collect the manifesto of different political parties issued in the Election of
parliament held in 2074 BS and discuss on the major issues mentioned there
as commitment of the party in the class. Then, write down the major points
finalized in the discussion.
Exercise
(1) Give short answer to the following questions
(a) Define political party and write down the names of the major political parties
of Nepal.
(b) What political system does Nepal possess now? Explain its importance in
brief.
(c) Explain the role of political parties in the modern society.
(d) “Political parties are pillars of democracy.” Justify the statement.
(e) Enlist the provisions regarding registration of political parties in the Election
Commission to contest in the election.
(f) Why are political parties that jeopardises religious and communal harmony
in the country prohibited to be registered? Mention the reasons.
(g) What is an election manifesto? If you open a political party, what kinds of
aims and policies would you include in the manifesto of your party to make
it win the election? Mention any three of them.
(h) If you were a leader of a political party, what would be your role to
institutionalise democracy in Nepal? Write any four roles.
(2) Give long answer to the following questions
(a) Prepare an article explaining the contribution of political parties in the
democracy and positive aspects of multiparty democratic system.
(b) “The people’s movement I and II have proved that the aims of people are
fulfilled only through unity in the political parties in democracy.” Justify this
statement in five points and enlist any four measures to continue the unity in
political parties in the days to co1m66e.
Unit Five:
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Lesson
5.7 Election Process
Engage Yourself
Have you ever seen the election activities in your locality? Why do people need election?
What do you know about the election process in Nepal? An election is an important
process that saves the right to vote of the people and gives chance to participate in the
main stream of government. There are various types of election and election processes in
practice. The election commission has the provision of appointing election authorities in
different level to conduct election fairly.
(1) What is an election? What are its types and importance?
(2) What are the responsible authorities to conduct election in Nepal?
(3) What are the important terms related to election process?
Introduction
Nepal has a multiparty democratic system of Election Commission Office, Kathmandu
ruling. Various positions of ruling from ward
members of a local body to the President of the
nation are elected through an election.
An election is the process of voting to
choose someone to be their political leader
or representative in the government. In a
democracy, the right to vote is the main way
most citizens can influence the decisions about
how their country is governed. Citizens get
their chance when the government decides to
hold an election.
In a democratic government, periodic elections are mandatory. Through elections,
mandates are given to the government, government activities are evaluated, and
people's representatives are selected. Elections are the foundation for making
democracies active and vibrant. People elect their representatives in federal,
provincial and local level authorities for making decisions about future plan, policy,
and programmes according to their will through elections.
Types of Election
Different types of election are in practice in democratic countries like ours. Some
of them are as follows:
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a. General Election
The election done for selecting the representatives for legislative body, i.e.
the parliament, is called general election. It is a common form of the election.
General elections are conducted usually in the certain interval as mentioned in the
constitution of the respective country. Our constitution has a provision of holding
general election in every five years.
b. Mid-term Election
It is the election held in case of dissolution of the elected body before
completing its tenure. Nepal had a mid-term election in 2051 BS as the House of
Representatives elected in 2048 BS was dissolved before completing its full tenure.
c. By-election
The election held to fulfil the vacant post of the elected representative in any
case of death, resignation, and termination for legal reasons is by-election. When a
candidate wins the election from two places, she or he has to resign from one place.
In such condition, by-election is held to fulfil the vacant post.
d. Local Election
The election conducted for choosing the people’s representatives for local
bodies is called local election. The people’s representatives for 753 local bodies are
elected through local election in our country.
e. Referendum
It is the election held to decide the issues of national importance. Referendum
was held on 20th Baisakh, 2037 in the history of Nepal. People were asked to choose
any one of the issues continuations of improved Panchayat System or establishing
multiparty democracy. The party-less Panchayat system won with a narrow margin
in the election.
f. Constituent Assembly Election
This election is held to elect people’s representatives to draft a new constitution.
The constituent assembly election was held twice on 28th Chaitra, 2064 BS and on
4th Mangsir, 2070 BS in Nepal.
Importance of Election
An election is the soul and backbone of democracy. It provides a way to the people
to assert their voice, and opinion, and choose the person whose priorities and ideas
match with them most. The importance of election in Nepal or in any democracy
can be presented in the following points:
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(1) It provides a way for the citizens to choose their leaders. They do so by casting
their vote in favour of the candidate or party whose views appeal them the most.
This ensures that the will of the people is reflected in the elected candidates.
(2) Elections open the door for new issues to be raised in public.
(3) It makes the government responsible towards the people. In the absence of
mandatory periodic elections, representatives of the people in the government
could behave irresponsibly towards the people.
(4) Elections make a fundamental contribution to democratic governance.
Authorities to Conduct Election in Nepal
There are three responsible authorised bodies to conduct election in Nepal. They
are:
a. Election Commission (at the Centre)
It is the apex level election authority in Nepal. It is formed as per the provision
given in part 24 of the Constitution of Nepal. It is a permanent body. The activities,
such as preparing electoral roll, ballot paper and ballot box, registering political
parties and their candidacy, fixing number of polling booths and sub-polling
booths and appointing the election officers are the major functions of the Election
Commission.
b. Election (Returning) Officer (at Constituency)
Election Commission appoints the chief election officer in each district and
election officer in each constitution after the announcement of the election to be
held.
c. Polling Officer (at Polling Booth)
Polling officer is the election authority appointed to conduct election in each
polling booth. The polling officer organises necessary arrangement to conduct
election in time. He or she begins and ends the election, investigates and decides
on complains and stops or postpones election if necessary. It is the duty of polling
officers to submit the ballot boxes to the concerned authority. The polling officers
also count the votes in the local election if necessary.
Some Important Terms Related to Election Process
There are various terms used in election process. Some of such terms are introduced
here for general information.
Electoral Roll -dtbftf gfdfjnL_
It is the official name list of the people who are entitled to vote in an election in a
specific area. It is also known as electoral register. The Election Commission updates
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the electoral roll every year and includes the names of people who have completed
18 years of age. In course of updating the electoral roll, the Election Commission
removes the names of the people who died, out-migrated, and get married to
another place. The names of in-migrants due to marriage and other reasons are
included in the electoral roll. Those people whose names are not included in the
electoral roll neither can cast vote nor give candidacy in the election. Therefore, it
is everyone’s duty to update electoral roll including his or her names if he or she
has completed 18 years of age.
Voter’s Identity Card -dtbftf kl/rokq_
It is an identity card given to the voters whose
names are enlisted in the electoral roll. It contains
the voter’s identity card number, name and
surname of the voter, his or her date of birth, gender,
citizenship number, address, parent’s or spouse’s
name, constituency number, and the signature of
chief identity card distribution officer.
Voter’s identity card is also called biometric voter Voter’s Identity Card
identity card as it is prepared using biological
characteristics such as fingerprint or iris patterns in the electronic system. Use of
such voter’s identity card reduces the proxy votes (votes cast by another person in
name of real voter).
Ballot Paper -dtkq_
A ballot paper is a piece of paper on which voters
indicate their choice of political parties or candidates
in an election. They stamp the Swastika sign ( )
and drop into the ballot box.
Ballot Box -dtk]l6sf_ Ballot paper
A ballot box is the box into which ballot papers are put after people have voted.
Candidate -pdb] \åf/_
Somebody who competes in the election is a
candidate. The candidate becomes uncontested
winner in case of no rival. The election takes place
only in the situation of having more than one
candidate for a post.
In addition to these qualifications, one should be a
voter of the concerned province to be a candidate for Election
a member of Provincial Assembly. Similarly, one
should be a voter of the concerned Municipality or Rural Municipality to be the
candidate for a member of Village or Municipal Assemblies.
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Our constitution has fixed a certain age bar for the candidates in different levels
as given below.
President and Vice-President: 45 years
Member of House of Representatives: 25 years
Member of National Assemblies: 35 years
Member of Provincial Assemblies: 25 years
Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and member of Rural Municipality: 21 years
Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Member of Municipality: 21 years
Election Code of Conduct -lgjfr{ g cfr/;+lxtf_
It is a set of rule and regulations issued by the Election Commission. All the
concerned entities such as political parties, candidates, government offices, public
institutions, mass media, INGOs and observers are abided by it.
Manifesto -3f]if0ff kq_
It is a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election
by a political party or candidate to influence the voters.
Election Constituency -lgjf{rg If]q_
Election Constituency is one of the official areas of a country from which a member
is elected as a representative of the people from it in a parliament or legislature.
There were 165 election constituencies in Nepal across the country for the election
of House of Representatives 2074 BS.
None of the Above (NOTA)
NOTA, or "None of the Above", is the option which enables the voter to officially
register a vote of rejection for all candidates who are contesting. If a voter chooses
NOTA, it indicates that the voter has not chosen to vote for any of the party. It is
not practice in Nepal.
Types of Electoral System
Different electoral systems have been practised in Nepal for the formation of
federal, provincial and local legislature.
First Past the Post Electoral System.
This is an electoral system in which people caste vote directly to the candidates
and the candidate who gets more votes win the election. Nepal has been
divided into one hundred and sixty-five constituencies based on the geography
and population. One hundred and sixty-five members of Federal House of
Representatives, three hundred and thirty members in Provincial Legislature
and members of local legislature are elected through this electoral system.
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Proportional Representation Electoral System
In this electoral system, voters vote for parties treating the whole country
as a single electoral constituency. Then, the parties gain the seats in the
parliament in proportion to the votes cast by the people to them. One hundred
and ten members of the Federal House of Representatives and forty per cent
members of the Provincial Assembly are elected from this electoral system.
According to the provision in the constitution, the political party should file the
candidacy for the election of the House of Representatives for the proportional
representation system through closed list of women, Dalit, Adibasi Janajati,
Khas Arya, Madhesi, Tharu, Muslim and backward region. Balance in
geography and province shall be considered for such candidacy.
Single Transferable Vote Electoral System
This is an electoral system in which certain number of vote (Quota) required
to win the election by any candidate is fixed. Then, the vote given to the best
preferred candidate will be transferred to the second preferred candidates in
case of votes cast is more than the required quota to him or her. The same
votes can also be transferred to the third candidates if the votes become more
than the requirement
These all types of electoral system will be effective if we can make the election
free and fair. Democratic culture, good security, publicity, political awareness
in the voters, confidential voting system, independent observation and positive
role of INGOs and political parties are the basic requirement for making the
election free and fair.
Activities
(1) Which of the following qualifications are of a member of a provincial assembly
and which are of rural municipal or municipal assembly? Discuss among your
friends and find out.
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a member of the ……….
(a) Being a citizen of Nepal,
(b) Having completed the age of 25 years,
(c) Not having been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude,
(d) Being a voter of the concerned province,
(e) Not being disqualified by any law, and
(f) Not holding any office of profit.
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a candidate for the post
of a member of the ……….
(a) Being a citizen of Nepal,
(b) Having completed the age of 21 years,
(c) Being his or her name included in the electoral rolls of the Rural Municipality/
Municipality, and
(d) Not being disqualified by any law.
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(2) Due to lack of knowledge of folding ballot paper, many votes become invalid
in our country. Prepare a sample ballot paper and demonstrate the way of
folding the stamped ballot paper properly in the class.
(3) Why should the candidates and voters be adult persons? Discuss in the class
and note down the main points agreed by the majority of the classmates.
Exercise
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Define the term 'election' and explain its importance in the modern age.
(b) What are the qualifications required to be a member of federal parliament?
(c) What are the types of elections? Explain them.
(d) Introduce the election authorities with their major functions briefly.
(e) Mention any two causes of having more invalid votes in Nepal with two ways
to solve the problems.
(f) What do you mean by NOTA? Write down your opinion whether it is
necessary in our election or not.
(g) Write short notes on the following topics:
(i) Electoral roll (iii) Election constituency
(ii) Ballot box (iv) Voter’s identity card
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) What is free and fair election? Explain its six basic conditions in brief.
(b) Introduce election code of conduct in your own words and explain its
importance and ways for effective implementation in three point each.
Community Work
Here is a model of form for electoral roll published by the Election Commission.
Copy the form in your exercise book and fill it visiting the families in your
locality and write a brief report of your work.
A Model of a Form for Electoral Roll
ELECTION COMMISSION
District Election Office, ......................................
Details of Voters: Date……………
Rural Municipality/Municipality………………….. Ward No. …………….
S.N. Name of Father’s Name GrandFather’s Age Gender Village/ House No.
Voters Name Tole
Male Female
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Lesson
5.8 Roles of Citizens in Election
Engage Yourself
Have you ever seen the election activities in your locality? How did the people support the
election authorities during elections? Various activities are done in the election. All people
should support election authorities to make election fair, independent and impartial.
(1) What roles should people play to make the election fair, independent and impartial?
(2) How do you help election commission as a senior class students who do not cast vote
in the election ?
Periodical election provides an important opportunity for people to choose their
representatives. It also provides a chance to reject the persons who do not work
according to the need of the country and will of the majority people. People can
choose their referred candidates to form their own government. All the stakeholders
play very important role to make the election successful. Among the stakeholders,
people’s role in the election is very important. Their role makes the election
successful, respectable and disciplined.
The roles of the people in the election can be studied under following headings.
(1) Updating the electoral roll with correction: The citizens should help the
Election Commission by giving correct information to publish the correct electoral
roll. They can play following roles for updating
the electoral roll correcting the mistakes.
The Election Commission has been working
regularly to make necessary arrangement
for the election to be held periodically.
It prepares electoral roll every year and
publishes it as required. Such revised and
updated electoral roll includes the citizens
who attained 18 years of age at the end of
Chaitra. It is a duty of citizens to check
the list to assure whether their names are
included in the list or not. Periodical election
There may be mistakes regarding personal
information of voters such as name, date
of birth, address, parent’s name and so on in the list. A citizen has to submit
application for correction. This process is called ‘claim.’
If the name of the people who have already died, migrated away from that
place or women who have married and gone to another place and the someone
who is not a citizen is in the list, it should be removed. The citizen should give
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written application to exclude the name of such people from the electoral roll.
Otherwise, some may misuse it during the time of election. This process is
called ‘protest’.
(2) Creating awareness among themselves: Awareness among the people is
very important during the election. This helps to minimise the problems which can
exist in the election. In order to create awareness among themselves, the citizens
can play following roles during election.
Citizens can discuss in their family and neighbourhood to be clear about
election process.
Various political parties take part in the election. Some fraud parties may
influence the people and win election. The citizens can support each other to
be aware about such fraud parties and candidates.
Some learned people can make the people in their locality aware of proper
stamping on the ballot paper. This helps to minimise invalid votes due to
faulty marking.
(3) Maintaining peace and order during the election: Peace and order is very
essential for making election fearless. Citizens can play important roles to maintain
peace and order in the election. They should remain in queue carrying voter’s
identity cards and cast vote in a disciplined manner. The aged, the differently
abled and sick people are to be given priority to cast vote without waiting for their
turn in the queue. The people should support polling officers to conduct election in
a peaceful manner.
(4) Cleaning the surrounding of polling booth: The public places or schools
are used as polling booths during the election. Polling booths remain busy and
crowded during election. Various waste products such as banners, pamphlets,
posters, etc. can be thrown here and there. Ideal citizens help the concerned
authority by maintaining the cleanliness after the voting work is over so that day
to day activities of the respective public places can run just after the election is
over.
(5) Accepting the result of election in peaceful manner: Normally, election
takes place in the situation of more than one candidate competing for a post. One
among the contestants wins the election. Ideal citizens wait the result patiently
and accept the result in a peaceful manner. They neither become more excited nor
disheartened after hearing the result. They congratulate and suggest the winners
to carry out the work in favour of the people and the country.
Role of School Level Students in the Election
Although the school level students do not have enfranchisement, they can support
Election Commission in the election. They can play important role by doing
following activities in the election:
Vedanta 175 Approved by Curriculum Development Centre,
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Protesting against the fraud information in the electoral list on time so that
Election Commission can correct the list immediately;
Helping the polling officers by giving correct information on various complains
put forward by the people during election;
Encouraging the people to cast vote and choose the right candidates;
Requesting the people to create peaceful environment in the polling booth;
Teaching the voters in their family and neighbourhood about proper stamping
in the ballot paper;
Launching cleaning campaign in the polling booth after the voting is over; and
Supporting the senior citizens and the differently abled people for casting vote
in the polling booth.
Role of a Responsible Citizens Before, During, and after Election
Before the Election
To register or verify his or her name in the electoral roll and help his family
members, neighbours and relatives do the same if they are eligible for voting
(if they have attained 18 years of age);
To claim or protest by writing an application if there is any error in the electoral
roll;
To encourage voters in the family and neighbourhood to cast votes in the
election;
To make people aware on importance of voting and choosing the best
representatives;
To study the manifesto of all political parties, discuss on their aims and policies
to make the right decision for voting;
To teach people about the right process of voting so that their votes do not get
invalid; and
To make themselves and other people aware for casting a vote free from
pressure, fear, threat, temptation, or undue favour.
During the Election
To carry voter’s identity card compulsorily and remind others to do the same;
To reach election booth in time and wait for his or her turn in a queue in a
disciplined manner;
To cooperate with the volunteers, election officials, and other concerned
authorities for conducting the election in a fair and impartial manner;
To give priority to aged, differently abled, sick and needy people for casting
votes;
To discourage and oppose any activities against election ethics; and
To not compel another voter to cast a vote in favour of any candidate against
his or her will.
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After the election
To organise cleanliness campaign of the polling booth by removing banners,
pamphlets, posters, etc;
To wait for the result patiently;
To accept the result of the election in a peaceful manner and not become
overexcited or dishearten after hearing the result; and
To congratulate the winner and suggest him or her to work in favour of people
and the country.
Activities
(1) Prepare a street drama to make the people aware of their roles in the election
and demonstrate in the class.
(2) Conduct a mock election and choose the monitor in the class.
Exercise
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) List out any four responsibilities of citizens in the election.
(b) How can we minimise faulty marking in the ballot paper? Write your opinion
in four points.
(c) Write the roles of following stakeholders to make the election successful,
respectable and disciplined.
Polling officer, agents of political parties or candidates, voters and
Election Commission
(d) Prepare a news article on the topic “A good citizen must participate in an
election.”
(e) How do you convince the persons who do not want to cast vote?
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) Compose a dialogue between two persons including the roles of ideal
citizens before, during, and after election.
(b) Write a letter to the Election Commission explaining the role of school level
students in the election. Also, write any three ways to get the support of
students during election in three points.
Community Work
Meet some people in your neighbourhood who have taken part in the election
activities during an election. Ask what activities they carried out during an
election and write a paragraph including their activities.
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Lesson Human Rights and National
and International Agencies
5.9
Engage Yourself
What is right? Can we enjoy our rights without performing a duty associated with it?
Many people think that they should not perform duty to enjoy the right. They also think
that everybody should get right in democracy. It is a wrong concept. Right and duty can
not be separated from each other. It is a right of students to get good education in fearless
environment at the same time every student should be disciplined and study properly.
Otherwise, they cannot enjoy this right.
(1) What are human rights and Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
(2) What are differences between human rights and fundamental rights?
(3) What are some national and international organisations that have been working to
make people aware of their rights?
Meaning of Human Rights
The claim needed for personality development, accepted by the society, granted
by the law and achieved by performing a duty associated with it is called right. It
asserts that people have to be treated in a fair, morally acceptable or legal way.
Similarly, human rights are those rights that are essential for us to be able to
live as human beings. Without human rights, we cannot fully develop and use our
human qualities, our intelligence, talents and creativity. They are inborn rights of
all people, regardless of their race, colour, gender, language, religion, political or
other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Eleanor Roosevelt, an American writer and politician, the wife of US President
Franklin D. Roosevelt forwarded the concept of human rights for the first time.
She was known for supporting the rights of women and minority groups. She
took initiative for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the General
Assembly of the United States. The Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration
of Human rights on 10th December, 1948 AD. By this declaration, governments of
member nations accepted the obligation to ensure that all human beings-women
and men, rich and poor, strong and weak, young and old, of all races and religions-
are treated equally.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the
world. It has been translated into more than 500 languages.
There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The simplified
version of those articles is given below:
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1. Right to Equality
We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas
and we should all be treated the same way.
2. Freedom from Discrimination UNHRC
The rights in the UDHR belong to everyone, no matter who
we are, where we are from, or whatever we believe.
3. Right to Life, Liberty, Personal Security
We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety.
4. Freedom from Slavery
No one should be held as a slave, and no one has the right to treat anyone else
as their slave.
5. Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment
No one has the right to inflict torture, or to subject anyone else to cruel or
inhuman treatment.
6. Right to Recognition as a Person before the Law
We should all have the same level of legal protection whoever we are, and
wherever in the world we are.
7. Right to Equality before the Law
The law is the same for everyone, and must treat us all equally.
8. Right to Remedy by Competent Tribunal
We should all have the right to legal support if we are treated unfairly.
9. Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile
Nobody should be arrested, put in prison, or sent away from our country unless
there is good reason to do so.
10. Right to Fair Public Hearing
Everyone accused of a crime has the right to a fair and public trial, and those
that try us should be independent and not influenced by others.
11. Right to be Considered Innocent until Proven Guilty
Everyone accused of a crime has the right to be considered innocent until they
have fairly been proven to be guilty.
12. Freedom from Interference of Privacy, Family, Home and Correspondence
Nobody should try to harm our good name. Nobody has the right to come into
our home, open our letters, or bother us, or our family, without a good reason.
13. Right to Free Movement in and out of the Country
We all have the right to move freely within our country, and to visit and leave
other countries when we wish.
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14. Right to Asylum in other Countries from Persecution
If we are frightened of being badly treated in our own country, we all have the
right to run away to another country to be safe.
15. Right to a Nationality and the Freedom to Change It
We all have the right to be a citizen of a country and nobody should prevent us,
without good reason, from being a citizen of another country if we wish.
16. Right to Marriage and Family
Every grown up has the right to marry and have a family if they want to. Men
and women have the same rights when they are married, and when they are
separated.
17. Right to Own Property
Everyone has the right to own things or share them. Nobody should take our
things from us without a good reason.
18. Freedom of Belief and Religion
Everyone has the right to practise and observe all aspects of their religion and
change their religion if they want.
19. Freedom of Opinion and Information
Everyone has the right to their own opinions, and to be able to express them
freely. We should have the right to share our ideas with who we want, and in
whichever way we choose.
20. Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association
We should all have the right to form groups and organise peaceful meetings.
Nobody should be forced to belong to a group if they don’t want to.
21. Right to Participate in Government and in Free Elections
Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his or her country.
Every grown up should be allowed to vote to choose their own leaders.
22. Right to Social Security
Everyone has the right to social security and opportunities to develop their
skills.
23. Right to Desirable Work and to Join Trade Unions
Every grown up has the right to a job, to a fair wage for their work, and to join
a trade union.
24. Right to Rest and Leisure
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure time. There should be limits on
working hours, and people should be able to take holidays with pay.
25. Right to Adequate Living Standard
Everyone has the right to enough food, clothing, housing and health care.
Mothers, children and people who are old, unemployed or disabled have the
right to be cared for.
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26. Right to Education
Everyone has the right to education, and to finish primary school, which should
be free. We should be able learn a career, or to make use of all our skills.
27. Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of Community
Everyone has the right to his or her own way of life, and to enjoy the good
things that science and learning bring.
28. Right to a Social Order that articulates this Document
There must be proper order so everyone can enjoy rights and freedoms in their
own country and all over the world.
29. Community Duties Essential to Free and Full Development
Everyone must respect the rights of others, the community and public property.
30. Freedom from State or Personal Interference in the above Rights
No government, group or individual should act in a way that would destroy the
rights and freedoms of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Introduction to Fundamental Rights
Those basic rights that are essential for all round development of an individual
are fundamental rights. The constitution of a country determines the fundamental
rights of its citizens. Therefore, they are limited within a country only. They are
also called constitutional rights. Human rights on the other hand are the inborn
rights of every individual as human. They are the universal rights. However, both
fundamental and human rights aim at protecting individuals and at creating
harmonious and just societies. Both of them originate from the idea of a civilised,
just, and equal society.
Differences between Fundamental Rights and Human Rights
Fundamental Rights Human Rights
1. Fundamental Rights means the 1. Human rights are rights inherent to all
primary rights of the citizens, which human beings, regardless of race, sex,
are justifiable and written in the nationality, ethnicity, language, religion,
constitution. or any other status.
2. They are specific to a country. 2. They are universal.
3. The courts of law enforce them. 3. United Nation Organisation enforces
them.
4. They are guaranteed by the 4. They are guaranteed internationally.
constitution of a country.
5. They may differ from country to 5. They are similar throughout the world.
country.
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Roles of National and International Agencies in Protection
of Human Rights
Various national and international agencies concerned with human rights have
been working effectively in Nepal. Such agencies exert pressure on the government
in violation of human rights, raise awareness programmes, and advocate the values
and norms of human rights. Some of such fundamental agencies are as follow.
(1) National Human Right Commission
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal is an independent
and autonomous constitutional body. It was established in the year 2000 AD (2057
BS). The primary function of the NHRC is to respect, protect and promote human
rights and ensure effective enforcement thereof. Its motto is "Dignity, Equality
and Justice for all". Its central office is in Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur.
NHRC consists of a chairperson and four other members. The President, on the
recommendation of the Constitutional Council, appoints the chairperson and
members for six years from the date of appointment. Once appointed chairperson
and members will not be eligible for reappointment.
(2) Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC)
Founded in 1988 AD, INSEC is actively involved in human rights and social
justice. For the studying and monitoring of the incidents of human rights violation,
it has deployed a district representative each in all 77 districts. This organisation
has significantly contributed in the protection and promotion of fundamental
rights of people in all sectors. It has been involving itself in campaigns, awareness
creation and education programmes for the promotion of “all rights for all”. It has
been publishing the Nepal Human Rights Yearbook since 1992 AD and has been a
trademark of INSEC. Its office is located at Syuchatar, Kalanki, Kathmandu.
(3) Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people
who campaign for a world where all enjoy human rights. It works to ensure that
everyone enjoys the rights mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and other international human rights standards. It is the world’s largest
common human rights organisation. Peter Benenson, a British lawyer, founded it
in 1961 AD. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 AD for its ‘campaigns
against torture’. It was also able to receive the United Nations Prize in the field of
Human Rights in 1978 AD for combating torture and other ill-treatments. Its office
is located at Basanta Nagar, Balaju in Kathmandu.
Nutan Thapaliya, lawyer by profession, established Amnesty International (Amnesty) in
Nepal in 1969 AD.
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Activities
(1) Conduct a speech competition on the topic, ‘Right to personal freedom and
self-defence to each person is the foundation of human rights.
(2) Make a list of the summary of human rights and present in the classroom.
(3) Consult Universal Declaration of Human Rights from different sources and find
out the description of human rights mentioned in the Article 1 and 7. Then,
rewrite them in your own words analysing their usage in human life.
Exercise
(1) Write short answers to the following questions.
(a) What are human rights? Write their importance in three points.
(b) Give a short introduction to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
(c) Mention the contribution of Eleanor Roosevelt in the field of human rights.
(d) Write any four differences between human rights and fundamental rights.
(e) Write a short note on composition of National Human Rights Commission.
(f) What is the role of NHRC in the protection of human rights?
(g) ‘Fundamental rights are the human rights assured by the state to its citizens.’
Present your logic in this statement.
(h) How can you respect the individual or authority working to protect and
promote human rights? Write any four ways.
(i) How does the freedom to assemble peacefully guarantee the acquisition of
human rights? Present your logic.
(2) Write long answers to the given questions.
(a) Mention the roles of National Human Rights Commission, Informal Sector
Service Centre (INSEC), and Amnesty International in promotion and
protection of human rights.
Project Work
(1) Collect information from various sources and prepare a biography of Eleanor
Roosevelt.
(2) Draw a logo of Amnesty International and clarify its inherent meaning.
(3) Collect some news stories, editorials, and news articles related to human
rights and prepare a wall magazine pasting them on the wall of the notice
board of your school. Keep on updating it time to time .
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Lesson Rights of Women and
Indigenous Nationalities
5.10
Engage Yourself
Do you think women and indigenous nationalities in your community have similar status
to others? Is it necessary to discuss about their empowerment? Women and indigenous
nationalities are comparatively backwad than others due to equal opportunities in the
past. Therefore, there is a worldwide movement to uplift their status.
(1) What are the rights of women and indigenous nationalities? Why are they important?
(2) What efforts has the state made to establish the rights of women and indigenous
nationalities?
Article 18 of Part 3 in Constitution of Nepal states that all citizens are equal before
law. No person can be denied the equal protection of law. No discrimination can be
made in the application of general laws on the basis of origin, religion, race, caste,
tribe, sex, physical condition, condition of health, marital status, economic condition,
language, ideology, or similar other grounds. The state cannot discriminate citizens
on grounds of these factors. Moreover, the principles of inclusion offer special
privilege rights for women and indigenous nationalities.
Rights of Women
Women occupy more than half of the total population of Nepal. They are not less
competent than men. No one can undervalue their contribution in the development.
The progress of a country is not possible until they are empowered and brought in
the mainstream of the national development. They must gain freedom and power
to do what they want or to control what happens to them. They have to become
stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their
rights. Such process is called women empowerment. Women's participation in
development speeds up its pace.
Provisions made in the constitution, laws, and policy-making level for establishing
the rights of women:
(1) Formation of equitable society through the principle of participatory, inclusive
and proportional representation;
(2) End gender discrimination;
(3) Make provision of acquiring citizenship from the name of mother;
(4) Equal parental rights are given to women without gender discrimination;
(5) No discrimination in the use of law on any ground of origin, religion, caste,
colour, sex, disability or any other factor;
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(6) Special provision for protection, empowerment and progress of socially or
culturally backward women and differently able citizens;
(7) Provision of rights to women for safe motherhood and reproductive health;
(8) No any physical, mental, sexual, and psychological or any other kind of
oppression and violence against women based on any religious, social, cultural
traditions or practices. Such acts are punishable and the victim has right for
compensation;
(9) Participation of women in all structures and bodies of the state on the basis of
proportional inclusive principle;
(10) Provision of special opportunity for women in education, health, employment,
and social security based on positive discrimination;
(11) Equal right of couple in the property and family affairs;
(12) Formation of Nepal Women Commission;
(13) Assurance of social justice to socially backward women to represent in all state
strictures and bodies on the basis of inclusive principle;
(14) Provision of right to social security for destitute, disable, and helpless single
women; and
(15) Declaration of political priority on fundamental rights, human rights and
gender equality.
Rights of Indigenous Nationalities
Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multilingual country.
There are people of 125 castes in Nepal. Out of them
59 castes, belong to indigenous nationalities. The
National Foundation for Development of Indigenous
Nationalities Act-2058 (2002 A.D.) defines indigenous
nationalities (Adivasi Janajati) as distinct communities having their own mother
tongues, traditional cultures, written and unwritten histories, traditional homeland
and geographical areas. They are known as Adivasi Janajati in Nepali. The primary
objective of classifying them into indigenous nationalities is to uplift their status
and make them participate in the mainstream of national development. It also
helps them to make an access to education, communication, health and resources.
Right to get basic education in their own mother tongue is the fundamental concern
of the indigenous nationalities.
At the call of the United Nations, August 9 is observed as the International Day of the
World's Indigenous People every year.
Educational and Other Rights of the Indigenous Nationalities
(1) Right to get free and compulsory basic education;
(2) Right to get education in a child friendly environment in school;
(3) Right to preserve and promote their language, script and civilisation;
(4) Right to easy access to natural resources and means of their areas;
(5) Right to get basic education in their own mother tongue;
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(6) Right to receive special privilege for higher education;
(7) Right to get special facility for housing, employment, and services and facilities
offered by the state; and
(8) Right to effective presence in the various state bodies and inclusive representation.
Efforts Made by the State to Establish Rights of Indigenous Nationalities
(1) Establishment of Indigenous Nationalities Commission,
(2) Provision of receiving basic education in mother tongue,
(3) Provision of scholarship for indigenous nationalities students,
(4) Management of curriculum, textbooks, teaching and learning materials, and
teachers to provide education in mother tongue, and
(5) The state has adopted the principle of participation for equal access and
opportunity in various state bodies.
Activities
(1) Make a list of indigenous nationalities living in your community. Find out whether
they use their mother tongue or not. Present your finding in the classroom.
(2) Find out whether the indigenous nationalities living in your community are
enjoying the rights mentioned in the lesson or not. Present your findings in your
classroom.
Exercise
(1) Answer the following questions in brief.
(a) What does women right mean? What are various measures for women
empowerment? Mention any three of them.
(b) ‘Rights of women cannot be established without promoting the social status
of women’. Present your logic in favour of this statement.
(c) Who are indigenous nationalities? Mention their rights in three points.
(d) ‘It is right of indigenous nationalities to get basic education in their mother
tongue’. Present your opinion in its support.
(2) Answer the following questions in detail.
(a) What provisions have been made in the constitution, laws and policy making
level to establish the rights of women? Mention them in points.
(b) Introduce indigenous nationalities and mention the efforts made by the
state to establish their rights.
Community Work
Collect the information about the indigenous nationalities living in your
community. Prepare a report including the information about their languages,
customs, and cultures.
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Lesson
5.11 Civic Identity and Citizenship
Engage Yourself
What do you mean by nationality and citizenship? What would happen if we do not have
nationality and citizenship? The citizenship is a legal identity of every citizen residing
in a particular country. The nationality is a psychological feeling with positive response
towards the nation where we live. In the context of Nepal, the people above 16 years of
age will be provided the citizenship.
(1) What would you feel when you get the legal identity as Nepali citizen receiving Nepali
citizenship?
(2) What provisions does our constitution have to get Nepali citizenship?
The word ‘citizen’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Civis’ which means the people
who lives in the city. In ancient Greece, people used to live in city states. Only the
male members of the city states used to get political and legal rights. Such male
members of the city states who possessed political and legal rights were called
citizens. But, the word ‘citizen’ is used in a broad sense at present. All the people
living permanently in a country are called citizens.
Citizenship is a state of being citizen of a country. It is the legal identity given by
any state to its citizens. Similarly, the status of belonging to a particular nation
by origin, birth or naturalisation is called nationality. Although citizenship and
nationality seem to be similar, there are several differences between them. The
relationship with citizenship can be terminated but that of nationality cannot be
terminated.
Difference between citizenship and Nationality
Citizenship Nationality
The citizenship is the legal status of Nationality is the psychological feeling
being citizens. with positive attitude, love and sense of
responsibility towards one’s nation due
It is legal relationship with the state and to the state of belonging to the nation
acquired by residing in the country. by origin, birth, or naturalisation.
It is temporary in nature and can be It is emotional relationship with the
terminated. state and remain even residing in the
foreign country
It is permanent in nature cannot be
terminated.
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It is a limited concept. It is a broad concept.
It adopts formal and individual concept. It adopts informal and collective
concept.
Citizenship is the relationship between Nationality is the sentimental
law and the state. attachment with the nation.
Different Assumptions in the Concept of Citizenship
A loyal person living as a member of a state enjoying social, political and economic
rights provided by the state and performing different duties for the betterment of
the concerned state is a citizen. Citizenship is the state of being a legal member of
a particular country. There are different assumptions regarding citizenship in the
world because of the policies in different countries.
Citizenship by birth is an assumption of acquiring the citizenship on the geography
where one has been born. The citizenship granted based on blood relationship is
citizenship by descent. This citizenship is acquired based on the parents’ citizenship.
Some countries have provision to grant dual citizenship. The honourary citizenship
is granted to the foreigner who is renowned in the world because of his or her
contribution for the nation. Second class citizenship is granted to the foreigners who
live temporarily in a country. The people who have acquired such citizenship may
not get all rights and facilities provided by the country to its citizens. Statelessness
is the state of being without citizenship.
Constitutional Provision Regarding Citizenship in Nepal
The constitution of Nepal has the provision
of providing single federal citizenship with
provincial identity. Every citizen has the right to
obtain citizenship in Nepal. There are following
provisions to obtain Nepali citizenship in the
present constitution.
(1) Citizenship by Descent
The citizenship by descent can be obtained Nepali Citizenship
based on the following conditions:
(a) Any person whose father or mother was
the citizen of Nepal at his or her birth;
(b) A child whose father and mother both are citizens of Nepal and have already
obtained the citizenship of Nepal by birth prior to the commencement of
this constitution. To acquire the citizenship in this condition, the child
should attain the age of legal maturity;
(c) Every child found in Nepal whereabouts of whose paternity and maternity
is not known. According to this condition, the child gets citizenship by
descent until the father or mother is traced;
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(d) A person born to mother with Nepali citizenship having his or her domicile
in Nepal but his or her father is not traced. In case his or her father is
found to be a foreigner, the citizenship of such person shall be converted
to naturalised citizenship as per federal law.
(2) Naturalised Citizenship
The citizenship provided to a foreigner after he or she fulfils the conditions
laid down by the constitution and existing law of the respective country is
naturalised citizenship. According to the provisions in the Constitution of
Nepal, the naturalised citizenship can be provided based on the following
conditions:
(a) The Nepali citizenship by descent provided to a person born to Nepali
citizen mother and having his or her domicile in Nepal but whose father is
not traced will be converted into naturalised citizenship according to the
federal law in case of his or her father is found to be a foreigner;
(b) If a foreign woman is married to Nepali citizen wishes to get citizenship of
Nepal; and
(c) A person born from woman who is a Nepali citizen married to a foreigner
may acquire the naturalized citizenship of Nepal in accordance with
federal law in case he or she has resided in Nepal permanently and has
not acquired citizenship of foreign country.
(3) Honourary Citizenship
The constitution of Nepal has the provision of providing the honorary
citizenship to internationally renowned foreign persons who have helped to
promote the interest, glory and greatness of Nepal. Dr Tony Hagen (from
Switzerland) and Sir Edmund Hillary (from New Zealand) have acquired the
honorary citizenship of Nepal.
d. Non- Resident Nepali Citizenship
The constitution of Nepal has provision of Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN)
citizenship. The provision of such type of citizenship has been recently
introduced in Nepal. According the provision in the Constitution, the Nepali
citizens who have already got citizenship of a foreign country and has resided
in any country except a member of South Asian Association of Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) can get this type of citizenship. To get this citizenship,
the person or whose father or mother, grandfather, or grandmother should
previously be the citizen of Nepal by decent or birth but subsequently acquired
the citizenship of foreign country. However, such a person may enjoy only
economic, social, and cultural right in Nepal according to the federal law.
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Activities
(1) Collect all the information given in the citizenship of your parents and share
it in the class.
(2) Organise a speech contest on “Citizenship is the basis of Civil Identity” in the
class and write down the main points brought by the speakers.
Exercise
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Write major differences between nationality and citizenship.
(b) Introduce natural citizenship and naturalised citizenship in your own words.
(c) What sort of international personality should be given the honorary
citizenship of Nepal? Write your opinion.
(d) Enlist the provisions given in the Constitution of Nepal regarding the
citizenship by descent?
(e) Is it good to limit the rights to the people who got Non-Resident Nepali
Citizenship? Write your opinion in four points.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) Write a letter to your friend living in a foreign country explaining the
importance of Nepali nationality and citizenship and also suggest him/ her
in four points for returning Nepal soon.
(b) What are the bases of getting Nepali citizenship? Write about any two of
them in brief.
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Unit OUR EARTH
6
Introduction
Human beings are closely related to the environment. Physical environment or nature
have an effect on the lifestyle of people and their activities. There are various factors that
influence the climate of different places. The climatic conditions of a place influence its
vegetation, animals and other bio-diversities. The global trends influence the lifestyle
and other activities of the people living in the different corners of the world. Impacts of
topography on the lifestyle of the people is another important matter of this unit.
We study about the physical condition and socio-economic life of the people of North
America, South America and Africa in this unit. The causes and consequences of the
earthquakes and tsunami are also focused in this unit. Modern technology and different
skills of making map are the important matter of this unit. Such matters are discussed here
in this unit.
Learning Outcomes
On the completion of this unit, we will be able to:
• introduce climate and the factors that influence climate;
• explain about the climatic regions of the world;
• describe the distribution of natural vegetation and wildlife of the world;
• shed light on the impact of the climate and topography in human lifestyle;
• introduce the physical environment and socio-economic life of the people of North
America;
• clarify the physical environment and socio-cultural life of the people of South America;
• elucidate the physical environment and socio-cultural life of Africa;
• identify the causes and consequences of the earthquakes and tsunami; and
• trace the map and describe the modern technology used in making maps.
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Lesson World Climate and Factors
Affecting the Climate
6.1
Engage Yourself
Have you ever experienced frequent changes in atmospheric condition in your
surroundings? It is known as weather. Climate is a generalised form of weather that exist
throughout the year in a particular place. The climatic condition of different places in the
world is not same.
(1) What is climate?
(2) What are the different types of climate that exist in the world?
(3) Why is the climatic condition different in various parts of the world?
Weather and Climate
Weather and climate are two terms connected with atmospheric conditions like
rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and winds. We experience different
atmospheric conditions such as cold, sunny, windy, and rainy on a day. Such
change in the atmospheric condition of a place over a short period of time is called
the weather. Weather changes frequently in a place. It is also different in various
places. When it is raining in a place, it may be sunny in a nearby place. Similarly,
the accumulated and averaged weather patterns of a locality or region is called
climate. It does not change like the weather. It is calculated on the basis of the
records of the average atmospheric conditions over a long period.
Types of Climate
There are various types of climate found in the world. The main source of heat in
the atmosphere is the sun. The distribution of solar insolation on the earth is not
the same. Some parts of the earth are hot; some are
warm; and some are cold. On the basis of the lines of
latitudes, the surface of the earthis divided into three
heat zones. They are:
(a) Torrid (Tropical) Zone: The part of the earth
between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic
of Cancer.
(b) Temperate Zone: The part of the earth between Torrid zone, Temperate zone and
the Tropic of Cancer and the Artic Circle in the Frigid zone
north and between Tropic of Capricorn and
Antarctic Circle in the south.
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(c) Frigid Zone:
The part of the earth beyond the Artic Circle in the north and the Antarctic
Circle in the south.
Similarly, on the basis of the latitudinal extension, the earth is divided into 12
climatic regions. There is another climatic region that is based on the altitude.
Thus, the earth has 13 types of climate. They are given below.
(1) Tropical Zones
(a) Equatorial Climate (b) Tropical Grassland type of climate
(c) Tropical Desert Climate (d) Tropical Monsoon Climate
(2) Temperate Zone
(a) Mediterranean Climate (b) Temperate Desert Climate
(c) China Type of Climate (d) Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate
(e) Temperate Grassland Climate (f) St. Lawrence or Manchurian Climate
(3) Frigid Zone
(a) Cold temperate or Coniferous Climate
(b) Tundra Climate or Polar Climate
High mountain
(a) Alpine Climate or Mountain climate vaengdetsaotiilon Altitude
Factors affecting the climate ocean Factors Latitude
current affecting the Distance from
The world experiences various types of climate sea coast
in different parts. Some parts of the world are climate
very cold whereas other areas are hot. The Pmroeusenntacien of
tropical desert climate remains hot and dry slopelaonfdthe nature of
throughout the year. The equatorial climate wind
is hot and wet throughout the year. There are
some factors that affect the climate of a place.
Here is a short description of such factors.
(1) Altitude: The altitude determines the climate of any places. Normally, the
temperature decreases while height increases at the ratio of 1°C every at 165
m. The density of air in the lower altitude is thicker. The air here also contains
more dust particles. This situation does not exist at a higher altitude. The
thicker air can absorb more heat from the sun and keep the places warmer than
thinner air at higher altitude. Therefore, plains are hotter than mountains.
(2) Distance from the Sea: There is an unequal proportion of heating between
land and water. They get heated and cooled differently. Because of this, the
coastal areas are influenced by sea breeze and land breeze. Therefore, the land
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near the sea or ocean experiences a Distance from the sea
pleasant climate. It is neither hot nor
too cold. On the other hand, the place
which is away from the sea or ocean
has extreme types of climate. Eastern
Europe has an extreme climate at it
is far away from the sea. Similarly,
Western Europe has a moderate
climate though they lie in the same
latitude.
(3) Latitude (Distance from the Equator): Latitude is an important factor
that affects the climate. The equator is the 0° latitude which lies exactly in
the middle of the Earth. It receives vertical sun rays throughout the year. So,
it has a hot and wet climate all the year round. The temperature decreases
gradually towards the north and south poles from the equator as the sun rays
are getting slanting towards the poles. Therefore, the place near to the equator
is hot whereas a place faraway from the equator is cold.
(4) Mountain Slope (Aspect): Mountain slope is an important factor that
affects the climate of a place. The slope of the mountain that faces the sea has
a damp climate. The mountain slope
that faces away from the sea has a
dry and extreme climate. Similarly,
the mountain slope that faces the sun
is warmer than its opposite slope.
The northern slope of our Himalayas
has a cold and dry climate, whereas Mountain aspect
the southern slope has a warm and
humid climate.
(5) Presence of Mountain: The presence of mountain blocks the rain-bearing
wind and compels it to cause rainfall. Similarly, the leeward side of the
mountain is comparatively dry. Thus, the windward slope of the mountain
receives more rainfall, and the leeward slope of the mountain receives less
rainfall.
(6) Nature of Wind: The winds have
different nature as per the place of
origin. The winds that originated in
the cold region are cold and dry. The
places over which such winds blow
have a cold dry climate. The winds Nature of Wind
originated in the warmer oceanic
regions are warm and moist. They cause rainfall and keep the places where
they blow warmer. southeast Asia, including Nepal, receives more rain during
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the summer under the influence of the winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal.
This region is cold and dry in the winter season as the cold and dry wind
blowing from the central Asia influences this place.
(7) Ocean Current: There is a constant flow of surface water in the ocean due
to prevailing winds, rotation of the earth and difference in the temperature
salinity. This horizontal movement of ocean water is called ocean current. The
ocean current flows like a river in the ocean. As per the place of origin, there
are two types of currents- warm and cold currents. The coastal areas along
which warm current flows have a warm climate. Similarly, the places where
cold current flows have a cold climate. The Eastern coast of the USA has a
hot climate as the warm current (Gulf stream current) flows along with it.
Similarly, the west coast of the USA has a comparatively cold climate as the
cold current (Californian current) flow along with it.
(8) Vegetation: Vegetation affects the climate of a place. The areas with dense
forest have moist and cold climate. Similarly, the areas without the vegetation
has the have comparatively dry and extreme climate.
(9) Soil: The nature of the soil in a particular place also determines the climate of
that place. The sandy and stony soil gets heated and cooled faster. Such area
has an extreme climate. But, the climate in the land with alluvial soil is not
extreme.
Activities
(1) Prepare a chart showing different types of climate as given in the lesson and
display it in your class.
(2) Draw a picture of heat zones and make a list of their features through discussion
Exercise
(1) Give short answer to the following questions
(a) Distinguish between weather and climate in your own words.
(b) Complete the following table with a list of climates as per their location in
the earth.
Eastern Western Central part of Central and East to west of
part of the part of the the continent western part of the the continent
continent continent
continent
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(c) "Western Europe has mild climate wherea Eastern Europe has extreme
climate though they lie in the same latitude." Justify with reasons.
(d) How does the nature of wind affect the climate of Nepal? Explain your
answer.
(e) Explain the effects of oceanic currents on the climate of a place with example.
(2) Give geographical reasons.
(a) The land which is faraway from the sea has an extreme climate.
(b) Higher the altitude lower the temperature is.
(c) Southern slopes of the Himalayas are warmer than the northern slopes.
(3) Answer the following questions
(a) Prepare a list showing major factors affecting the climate? Explain any one
with a figure.
(b) Mt Everest and Dhangadhi lie in the same latitude, but they have altered
types of climate. Mention the reasons behind it with an appropriate figure.
Community Work
Meet some people who live at the top of the hills or the people who have
experience of climbing a mountain, and ask their experience about the climate
at the bottom of the hills and top of the hills. Then, write a report based on
your study.
Practical Work
Look at the given figure showing effects of wind and draw another figure
showing effects of altitude in climate.
Approved by Curriculum Development Centre, 196 Unit Six:
Sanothimi, Bhaktapur Our Earth
Lesson
6.2 Tropical Zone
Engage Yourself
What type of climate do you experience in your area? You might have experienced hot
in summer, cold in winter and mild climate in spring and autumn . Likewise, some parts
of the globe are very hot, some have moderate climate and other parts are very cold. Our
food habits, costumes, houses, economic activities and lifestyles are influenced by the
climate. We perform different activities as per the climatic condition in our location.
(1) What type of climate is tropical climate?
(2) Which regions of the world have tropical climate?
(3) Are the climates of such places similar to your surroundings?
(4) How are the climatic condition, natural vegetation and lifestyle of people in the
tropical zone?
The earth is not perfectly round. It is bulged at the centre and flat at the tops. The
axis tilts at 66.5° angles. Therefore, the sunrays always directly fall on the equator,
and the places near the equator have hot climate. Tropical Zone is the part of the
world that lies between the equator and 30° latitudes in both hemispheres. This
part receives more heat from the sun as it lies near the equator. However, there is
variation in the nature of climate. The temperature and rainfall differ greatly in
different parts of this zone. On the basis of variation in temperature and rainfall,
there are four different types of climate in this
zone.
(1) Equatorial Climate
(2) Tropical Grassland Type of Climate
(3) Tropical Desert Climate
(4) Tropical Monsoon Climate
(1) Equatorial Climate:
(a) Location and Features: The climate found between 5°N to 5°S latitudes
is called equatorial climate. This climate is found in the Zaire basin, Amazon
basin, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and New Guinea. It is hot and wet
throughout the year. It has a calm situation on the surface of the earth. The
temperature range of this climatic region is very low. The average temperature
of this region is about 27°C and the range of temperature is 20-30C. This
region lies at the central parts of the earth. Therefore, it receives vertical rays
from the sun throughout the year. This region also receives rainfall all year
round. The annual average rainfall is about 200 cm. An equatorial region of
the Atlantic Ocean receives sudden storms, and light unpredictable winds.
The region is called doddrum.
Vedanta 197 Approved by Curriculum Development Centre,
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(b) Natural Vegetation and Animals: This climatic region is very rich in bio-
diversity. It is said that about 90 per cent of the animal species of the world are
found in this region. This region has a very dense forest, which is known as the
tropical rainforest. The dense part of the Amazon forest is known as Selvas.
The vegetation of this region has unique nature.
The trees are tall with hard wood and broad
leaves. They are evergreen in nature. The plants
are very dense and create three layers of plants
(shrubs, middle sized, and tall trees). The trees
such as rubber, ebony, mahogany, rosewood and
walnut are found in this region. This region is also
rich in wildlife such as anaconda, chimpanzee
(orangutans), monkeys, sun bears, tigers, pigs, Tropical rainforest
jaguars, and so on.
(c) People's Lifestyle and Economic Activities: The lifestyle of the people
in the equatorial region is different in the different areas. Red Indians in
the Amazon basin and Pygmies in the Zaire basin are the indigenous tribes.
They have primitive (nomadic) way of life. They live by hunting wild animals,
collecting wild fruits, and fishing. Some indigenous people living in this region
even do not wear the cloths. They live under the trees by making a shed from
the local materials.
On the other hand, the people in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore of
southeast Asia experience advanced modern life. They engage in rubber
plantation, boat making, fishing, wood production, furniture making, and so
on. Thus, people have both primitive and modern lifestyle in this region.
Industry, trade, and tourism are highly developed in this region. Many multi-
national companies are established in Singapore. It is one of the developed
countries of the world. Socio-economic conditions of the people are very
advanced. Health, education, transportation, communication, industries, and
the trades are highly developed.
(2) Tropical Grassland (Savannah) Climate
(a) Location and Features: This type of climate
is found in between 5° to 20° latitudes in both the
hemispheres. It is normally found in the inner
part of the continent like Brazilian highland,
Orinoco Basin, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and
Ethiopia. This region is hot in the summer and
warm in the winter. It receives moderate rainfall Savannah grassland
during the summer season. The temperature
falls up to 20-25°C in winter and reaches up to 40-45°C during the summer
season. This region receives about 50- 150 cm annual rainfall on an average.
Approved by Curriculum Development Centre, 198 Unit Six:
Sanothimi, Bhaktapur Our Earth
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