(4) No person shall be liable for punishment for an act that was not punishable
by the law.
(5) No person shall be tried and punished for the same offence in a court more
than once.
• Right of victim of crime (Article 21):
This right contains the following provisions.
(1) A victim of crime shall have the right to get information about the
investigation and proceedings of a case in which she or he is victimised.
(2) A victim of crime shall have the right to justice, including social
rehabilitation and compensation in accordance with the law.
• Right against torture (Article 22):
No person in detention shall be subjected to physical or mental torture or to
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Any person who is the victim of such
treatment shall have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with the
law.
• Right against preventive detention (Article 23):
This right contains:
(1) No person shall be held under preventive detention unless there is
sufficient ground of the existence of an immediate threat to the sovereignty,
territorial integrity or public peace and order of Nepal.
(2) Information about the situation of a person in preventive detention must
be given immediately to her or his family members or relatives.
(3) If the authority making preventive detention holds any person under
preventive detention contrary to law or in bad faith, the person held
under preventive detention shall have the right to obtain compensation in
accordance with the law.
• Right against untouchability and discrimination (Article 24):
This right contains:
(1) No person shall be subjected to any form of untouchability or discrimination
in any private and public places on the grounds of her or his origin, caste,
tribe, community, profession, occupation or physical condition.
(2) No person belonging to any particular caste or tribe shall be prevented
from purchasing or acquiring the goods, services or facilities distributed
or provided to any particular caste or tribe.
(3) No discrimination in any form shall be allowed at a workplace with or
without making untouchability on the ground of caste.
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(4) Any act of untouchability and discrimination in any form committed
in contravention of this Article shall be punishable by law as a severe
social offence, and the victim of such act shall have the right to obtain
compensation in accordance with the law.
• Right relating to property (Article 25):
Every citizen shall have the right to acquire, own, sell and dispose the property.
The state shall not requisite, acquire, or otherwise create any encumbrance
(claim on other's property) on the property of a person except for public interest.
Compensation will be provided in such cases.
• Right to freedom of religion (Article 26):
Every person who has faith in religion shall have the freedom to profess,
practice and protect her or his religion according to her or his conviction.
Every religious denomination shall have the right to operate and protect
its religious sites and religious trusts (Guthi). No person shall be entitled to
forceful conversion from one religion to another.
• Right to information (Article 27):
Every citizen shall have the right to demand and receive information on any
matter of her or his interest or of public interest.
• Right to privacy (Article 28):
The privacy of any person, her or his residence, property, document, data,
correspondence and matters relating to her or his character shall not be
violated except in accordance with the law.
• Right against exploitation (Article 29):
All the citizens have the right against exploitation, such as human trafficking,
slavery, forced labour and child labour practised in the name of tradition
and customs. No one can be compelled to do the work against his/her will
or capacity. However, this provision will not restrict the state from forcing
people to work for the public welfare.
• Right to clean environment (Article 30):
Every citizen shall have the right to live in a clean and healthy environment.
The victim shall have the right to obtain compensation, in accordance with the
law, for any injury caused by environmental pollution or degradation.
• Right relating to education (Article 31):
The right relating to education has the following provisions:
(1) Every citizen shall have the right to get compulsory and free education
up to the basic level and free education up to the secondary level from the
state.
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(2) The citizens with disabilities and the economically indigent citizens shall
have the right to get free higher education in accordance with the law.
(3) The visually impaired citizens shall have the right to get free education
through Braille script and the citizens with hearing or speaking
impairment shall have right to get free education through sign language,
in accordance with the law.
(4) Every Nepalese community residing in Nepal shall have the right to get
education in its mother tongue They can open and operate schools and
educational institutes, in accordance with law for that purpose.
• Right to language and culture (Article 32):
Every person and community shall have the right to use their languages and
participate in the cultural life of their communities. Every Nepali community
residing in Nepal shall have the right to preserve and promote its language,
script, culture, cultural civilisation, and heritage.
• Right to employment (Article 33):
Every citizen shall have the right to choose the employment of his/ her interest.
The terms and conditions of employment and unemployment benefit shall be
as provided in the Federal law.
• Right to labour (Article 34):
Every labourer shall have the right to practice appropriate labour. Every
labourer shall have the right to appropriate remuneration, facilities and
contributory social security. Every labourer shall have the right to form and
join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining in accordance with the
law.
• Right relating to health (Article 35):
Every citizen shall have the right to free basic health services from the state
and no one shall be deprived of emergency health services. Every person shall
have the right to get information about her or his medical treatment. Every
person should get equal access to health services and right of access to clean
drinking water and sanitation.
• Right relating to food (Article 36):
Every citizen shall have the right relating to food. Everyone should be safe
from the state of being in danger of life from the scarcity of food. They shall
have the right to food sovereignty in accordance with the law.
• Right to housing (Article 37):
Every citizen shall have the right to appropriate housing. No citizen shall be
evicted from the residence owned by him or her, nor shall her or his residence
be invaded except in accordance with the law.
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• Rights of women (Article 38):
The rights of women contain the following rights.
(1) Every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender-based
discrimination, safe motherhood and reproductive health.
(2) No woman shall be subjected to physical, mental, sexual, psychological or
other forms of violence or exploitation on the grounds of religion, social,
cultural tradition, practice or on any other grounds.
(3) Women shall have the right to participate in all bodies of the state on the
basis of the principle of proportional inclusion.
(4) Women shall have the right to obtain special opportunity in education,
health, employment and social security on the basis of positive
discrimination.
(5) The spouse shall have the equal right to property and family affairs.
• Rights of the child (Article 39):
Every child shall have the following rights:
(1) Right to get name and birth registration along with her or his identity.
(2) Right to education, health, maintenance, proper care, sports, entertainment
and overall personality development. (They should get this right from the
families and the state)
(3) Right to elementary child development and child participation.
(4) Right not to be employed to work in any factory, mine or engaged in
similar other hazardous work.
(5) Right not to be subjected to child marriage, transported illegally, abducted/
kidnapped or taken in hostage.
(6) Right not to be recruited or used in army, police or any armed group.
Besides, no child shall be subjected to physical, mental or any other form of
torture in home, school or other place and situation whatsoever. Similarly,
the child who is helpless, orphan, with disabilities, conflict victim,
displaced or vulnerable shall have the right to special protection and
facilities from the State. Every child has the right to obtain compensation
from the perpetrator, in accordance with law, if he or she becomes a victim
of his or her rights.
• Rights of Dalit (Article 40):
The Dalit shall have the right to participate in all bodies of the state on the
basis of the principle of proportional inclusion. Special provision shall be
made by law for the empowerment, representation and participation of the
Dalit community in public services as well as other sectors of employment.
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Provision of free education with scholarship, from primary to higher education,
shall be made by law for the Dalit students. Special provision shall be made
by law for the Dalit in technical and vocational education, health and social
security and use, protect and develop their traditional occupation, knowledge,
skill and technology. The state shall accord priority to the Dalit community in
modern business-related with their traditional occupation and provide skills
and resources.
• Rights of senior citizens (Article 41):
The senior citizens shall have the right to special protection and social security
from the state.
• Right to social justice (Article 42):
The socially backward women, Dalit, indigenous people, indigenous
nationalities, Madhesi, Tharu, minorities, persons with disabilities,
marginalised communities, Muslims, backward classes, gender and sexual
minorities, youths, farmers, labourers, oppressed or citizens of backward
regions and indigent Khas Arya shall have the right to participate in the state
bodies on the basis of inclusive principle. The family members of the martyrs,
warrior for the political change, victims of conflict and revolutions shall have
the right to get a prioritised opportunity, with justice and due respect, in
education, health, employment, housing and social security, in accordance
with the law.
• Right to social security (Article 43):
The indigent citizens, incapacitated and helpless citizens, helpless single
women, citizens with disabilities, children, citizens who cannot take care of
themselves and citizens belonging to the tribes on the verge of extinction shall
have the right to social security, in accordance with the law.
• Rights of the consumer (Article 44):
Every consumer shall have the right to obtain quality goods and services. A
person who has suffered injury from any substandard goods or services shall
have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with the law.
• Right against exile (Article 45):
No citizen shall be exiled.
• Right to constitutional remedies (Article 46):
If any fundamental right of a person is violated, he/she can file the case in
court to restore the seized right as provided in Article 133 and 144.
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ACTIVITIES
(1) Discuss in the class and decide to which fundamental rights do the
following rights belong to.
(a) Every person shall have the right to live with dignity. ___________
(b) All citizens can acquire, own, sell and dispose property
and can do other occupation under the prescribed
rules and laws. ______________
(c) No one is punished twice for the single offence. ______________
(d) All citizens can form unions and associations. ______________
(e) Every citizen has right to acquire information about
his/ her medical treatment. ______________
(f) Every worker or employee shall have the right to
reasonable labour practice. ______________
(2) Prepare a chart showing the fundamental rights with their respective
articles and display it in the class.
EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Make a list of any four characteristics of fundamental rights.
(b) What freedoms have been given by our constitution through the right to
freedom?
(c) “All the fundamental rights become meaningless in the absence of the right
to constitutional remedy.” Justify the statement in your own words.
(d) How has the right to social justice increased the inclusiveness in society?
Present your logic with examples.
(e) What other fundamental rights should be added to the list of present rights?
Support your answer with reasons.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by the fundamental rights? Make a list of provisions
given in the right to justice, and right against preventive detention.
(b) Make a list of any seven fundamental rights that you feel the most important
one with specific reasons.
COMMUNITY WORK
Visit any ten people in your community and find out which fundamental rights
are properly implemented and which are not. Then, write a short report based
on your study.
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Lesson
5.5 Duties of Citizen
Duty is an obligation of a person towards oneself, society and the state. It is a kind of
responsibility that a person has to perform to do good for others and oneself. Every
citizen has to perform a duty to enjoy the right. The constitution of democratic
countries has the provisions of fundamental rights for the all-round development
of the citizens. The citizens enjoy those rights performing the duties towards the
state. Thus, the duties that every citizen has to perform towards their country are
called the duties of citizens. Sub-article 2 of article 1 of the Constitution of Nepal
has the provision that every citizen shall have the duty to uphold this constitution.
Similarly, article 48 of the present constitution of Nepal has the provision of the
following duties of citizens.
(a) To protect the nationality, sovereignty and integrity of Nepal by being loyal to
the nation.
(b) To abide by the constitution and law.
(c) To serve the nation compulsorily when the state needs service.
(d) To protect and conserve the public property.
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It is the duty of every citizen to respect and uphold the dignity of the constitution
and prevailing laws. Besides, there are other duties of a citizen, as given below.
Moral Duties
The duties that we perform as guided by our own conscience are moral duties.
Moral duties do not exist due to anybody’s force. It exists because of own personal
moral ethics. The followings are some common moral duties of a citizen.
(a) To live an ideal, honourable, pure, impartial, and respectful life.
(b) To be obedient and respectful to one's parents, teachers and senior citizens.
(c) To be friendly towards everyone and respect them.
(d) To show love, affection and care towards poor, sick, physically challenged,
children, elders and helpless.
Legal Duties
The duties enforced by the existing laws of the country are known as legal
duties. The legal duties are punishable by laws. Every citizen has to follow legal
duties, as mentioned below.
(a) To pay tax regularly.
(b) To respect and abide by the constitution and laws.
(c) To support the concerned authority to implement the existing laws.
(d) Not to get involved in illegal acts.
Civic Duties
Every state provides rights and facilities to its citizens for their all-round
development. Every citizen has to perform certain moral and legal duties to enjoy
these rights and facilities. These duties are called civic duties. Everyone has to
perform duties towards themselves, their families, societies and the nations. The
followings are the common civic duties.
(a) To be moral, honest, disciplined, diligent, and healthy.
(b) To protect public properties such as playground, roads, schools, etc.
(c) To serve the nation at the time of need.
(d) To obey the laws, pay taxes and cast votes.
(e) To raise voice for the truth and justice.
(f) To participate in the development activities.
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Social Duties Social duty
The duties that one should perform for
the betterment of his or her society are social
duties. The followings are the common social
duties of everyone.
(1) To participate in the conservation,
promotion and sanitation of the religious
places.
(2) To participate in the celebration of religious
ceremonies and festivals.
(3) To discourage social evils, bad customs and
superstition prevailed in society.
(4) To be aware of social values, norms and traditions.
(5) To maintain social harmony and religious tolerance.
ACTIVITIES
(1) Discuss in the class and decide to which duty of a citizen do the following
belong .
(a) Having a friendly attitude toward others. __________
(b) Raising voice for truth and justice. __________
(c) Paying tax regularly. __________
(d) Not involving in illegal act. __________
(e) Maintaining social harmony and religious tolerance. __________
(2) Complete the following table with the duties of citizens in a chart paper and
display in the class.
Duties of Citizens
Moral Duties Legal Duties Civic Duties Social Duties
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EXERCISE
(1) Give short answer to the following questions
(a) Differentiate between legal and moral duties.
(b) Which duty is more important among all kinds of duties? Justify your answer
with an example.
(c) Make a list of the duties of a citizen mentioned in the present constitution of
Nepal.
(d) “Right and duty are the two sides of a coin.” Justify this statement in your
own words.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) Make a list of any four civic duties and three moral duties that a citizen has
to perform.
(b) Write a letter to your friend explaining the duties of citizens mentioned in
the present constitution of Nepal.
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Lesson
5.6 Right to Information
Right to information is a fundamental right given by our constitution. The present
constitution has the provision of right to information in article 27. According to
this right, every citizen shall have the right to seek information on any matters
of concern to her or him or the public except the matters to be kept confidential
according to the law. Similarly, the Right to Information Act 2064 and the Right
to Information Regulation 2065 have been enacted to ensure the people with the
right to information.
Information
Information means any notice or any form of written material of information
related to the function, procedure and decision of public interest and made by a
public agency. The public agency is the body, which provides public service and
performs the function of public importance. Here the public importance means a
matter related directly or indirectly to the interest of the citizen. The information
officer in every concerned agency is an authentic body to get information. Name
and contact number with a photograph of such person have been publicly displayed
in every concerned agency.
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Right to Information
The right to information simply refers to the right to request and obtain information
of public importance from the concerned public office. The right to information also
includes the right to:
study or observe any kind of written document, material held in the public
body or proceedings of such public body;
obtain a verified copy of such document;
visit or observe the place where any construction of public importance is going;
obtain a verified sample of any material stored in any type of device.
Public Bodies:
In the context of Nepal, the following are considered public bodies.
A body under the existing constitution;
A body established by an act;
A body formed by Nepal Government;
Corporate body or academy established as per the law to deliver the public
services;
Political party or organisation registered in accordance with the law;
Corporate body under the full or partial ownership or under control of the
government of Nepal or such body receiving grants from the Government of
Nepal;
Non-governmental organisation (NGOs) working in Nepal; and
Any other body or institution prescribed as Public Body by the government of
Nepal by publishing a notice in the Gazette.
The National Information Commission is an independent commission established
for the protection, promotion and implementation of the right to information in
Nepal.
Importance of Right to Information
Right to information is a very important fundamental right. Its importance can be
enlisted as given below.
Right to information protects the sovereignty of people who are the source of
power and builder of the nation.
It makes the decision-making procedure, decision and its implementation in
the public field effective.
It promotes the rule of law and decentralisation of power,
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It ensures public participation in governance.
It discourages all kinds of corruption, such as abuse of authority, financial
irregularities and a lack of discipline.
It controls misunderstanding and rumours by giving the circulation of true
and verified information.
It activates civic education and promotes democratic governance.
It helps to promote effective public service.
All the issues do not come under the right to information. Some information that
falls under the right to information and some which are restricted to provide are
given below.
Information that fall under right Information that do not fall under the right
to information to information
The structure and nature of Information that seriously jeopardises the
the public bodies. sovereignty, integrity, national security,
public peace, stability and international
Number of employees and relations of Nepal.
working details of the bodies.
Information about research, investigation
Service provided by the of prosecution of criminal cases.
concerned bodies, fees and
time duration required for Information that jeopardises the
service. harmonious relationship subsisted among
various castes and communities.
Name and contact number of
information officers. Information that interferes on individual
privacy and security of body, life,
Other information as property or health of a person.
prescribed by law.
Procedure and Cost of Acquiring Information
Every citizen has the right to get information from the concerned authority. Any
citizen who wants to obtain any information of public importance should submit a
written application to the concerned information officer. He or she should explain
the reason to receive such information. An applicant should also pay fees as given
below for getting information from the concerned authority.
Normally, there is no charge for the first 10 pages of information. One should
pay Rs 5 per page matter of normal A4 size paper if exceeds more than 10
pages.
It is Rs 50 per disk matter which made available, in diskette, CD and another
similar device.
Rs 50 per each extended hour per person for the observation of notices and
records at an office when it exceeds half an hour.
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However, no charge to be paid for visiting several public sources of information
such as media centres and libraries that provide the information free of cost
ACTIVITIES
(1) What efforts have been made for the promotion of right to information
in Nepal? Discuss in the class and note down the points accepted by the
majority of students.
(2) Write an article on the positive impacts of right to information in government
offices and share it in the class.
EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Define the following terms in your own words.
(i) Information (ii) Right to Information
(iii) Public body (iv) Public importance
(b) Make a list of any eight public agencies that work around your school.
(c) How does right to information help to strengthen the democratic governing
system? Clarify your answer.
(d) Write in brief about the importance of the right to information in our daily
life.
(e) What provisions does our constitution have regarding the right to
information?
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) Make a list of any four rights that come under right to information and six
subjects that do not fall under the right to information.
(b) Write a letter to the chief of the National Information Commission mentioning
any six suitable measures to make the right to information more effective in
Nepal.
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Lesson
5.7 Good Governance
Good governance is a recent and widespread term used in the governing process.
It was brought into use only in the 1990's decade. The term good governance is
made of two words; 'good' which means high quality and 'governance' means an
activity of governing the country. Hence, good governance means high quality of
government activity. It is related to the process of governing in the best manner.
Good governance is the system essential in providing speedy, impartial, reliable,
credible, and inexpensive government services to the people. It includes the rule of
law, protection of human rights, effective public participation, multiparty political
system, transparency, and responsibility.
Competent and efficient public sector, access to information, political ability and
equality also come under good governance. Good governance is not only within
government or public sectors but also helps to reform the whole governing system
with mutual partnership and mutual cooperation of private and civil service. UNO
prepared a report, 'Good Governance Practices for the Protection of Human Rights.
According to this report, human rights and good governance are linked in the
following different areas.
(a) Anti-corruption measures
(b) Delivery of state services
(c) Democratic institution
(d) Rule of law
Characteristics of Good Governance
The following are the characteristics of good governance.
Accountability of government;
Competent civil society;
Corruption free society;
Decentralisation of power of government;
Fast and effective service;
Freedom of information and communication;
Gender equality;
Guarantee of human rights;
Independent and fair judiciary;
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People-oriented service;
People's participation in administration and development activities;
Rule of law;
Sustainable environment development; and
Transparency in making the decision.
Important Elements of Good Governance
The state of good governance exists when all the organs of the state provide a
positive contribution to the welfare of the general people. Government, civil society,
media, and the private sectors collectively form the base for good governance. The
following chart shows the key elements of good governance.
Right to informationRight to minority Rule of law
Participation Good conduct
Transparency
Legitimacy Key Accountability
Honesty Elements
of Good Appropriate use of power
governance
Guarantee of human rights Civil society
Decentralisation
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Challenges and Problems of Good Governance in
the Context of Nepal
Nepal is a developing country. It lacks many things needed for the all-round
development of the people. Many people here are illiterate. Therefore, it is not an
easy task in maintaining good governance in Nepal. There are many challenges
and problems in achieving good governance. Some of them are given below.
Corruption;
Illiteracy;
Lack of effective implementation of prepared laws;
Lack of political awareness in general people;
Non -appropriate programmes and policies;
Poverty;
Procedural administration; and
Weak civil society.
No problem can be solved effectively with the government's efforts only. The people
should support the government to minimise the challenges of good governance.
Besides, the following measures should be taken to minimise the challenges of good
governance.
Management of activities of the public body, civil society, private sectors, court
and media.
Guarantee of independent media and freedom of opinion.
Use of citizen's charter for clients who get service from different concerned
bodies.
Effective implementation of the international convention against corruption.
Practical implementation of the Corruption Prevention Act and provision
of Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority(CIAA) as a
constitutional body.
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ACTIVITIES
(1) Discuss in the class and make a list of the basic elements of good governance.
(2) Write ‘G’ for the facts that fall under good governance and ‘NG’ for the facts
that do not fall under it.
(a) Misuse of development budget by the authority.
(b) Service providers perform their duty properly in public offices.
(c) Compelling the passengers to pay more bus fare at Dashain.
(d) The corrupt government officers in public offices are punished under the
law.
(e) Some government officers do not complete their work on time, as
mentioned in the citizen's charter.
(f) General people and government launch a campaign for establishing a
corruption-free society.
EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by good governance? Make a list of its characteristics.
(b) Enlist the challenges of good governance in our country with appropriate
solutions.
(c) "Good governance is transparent and accountable to the people." Justify
the statement in your own words.
(d) What roles can citizens play in the establishment of good governance in
Nepal? Write in four points.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) Prepare a dialogue between two persons with their opinion to support the
statement, “Our tradition and social norms and values help to build the
foundation of good governance”.
(b) Make a list of key elements of good governance and write about any three
of them.
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Lesson
5.8 Rule of Law
Laws are made to maintain peace and order in our society and provide a harmonious
environment for the sake of the progress of people. They are publicly promulgated,
equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and consistent with international
human rights norms and standards.
The rule of law is a principle of governance in which Lawyer
all persons, public and private institutions and the
state itself are accountable to the laws. It is also
known as Supremacy of Law or Constitutional
Supremacy. According to this principle, a nation
should be governed by the law rather than the
arbitrary decisions of individual government officials
governing it. The rule of law is the situation that no
one is above the law. Everyone, whatever his or her
condition or rank is, is subject to the ordinary laws of
the nation.
When there is a system of the rule of law, no one is discriminated against in the
nation. Law safeguards and promotes all equally. The people of such a nation follow
and respect the spirit of the law. All the activities of government, bureaucrats
and civilians are controlled by the laws. Thus, the actual virtue of democracy in a
nation depends on the rule of law.
Origin and Development of Rule of Law
The concept of the rule of law was first popularised in 1855 AD by a British jurist
and constitutional theorist named Albert Venn Dicey. He highlighted the following
three principles of the rule of law in his book Law of the Constitution.
• Supremacy of the Law:
The law is the guiding principle of everything. As mentioned before, there
should be the supremacy of the law in the state to function well. Both rulers
and people are required to act according to the law.
• Equality before Laws:
Everyone is equal in front of the law. All can should enjoy equal protection of
the law in any state. Even lawmakers and rulers can get punishment if they
break laws.
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• Constitution as the Source of Law:
Constitution is the supreme law of the country. All the laws inconsistent
with the constitution shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void. The
laws enacted in any country are the products of the constitution as they are
prepared based on the constitution.
Bases and Importance of Rule of Law
The rule of law has a greater significance in a nation. No democracy can exist in
the absence of the rule of law. The rule of law checks abuse of power by authorities.
It empowers individuals with rights that cannot be easily taken away. It treats
everyone equally without discrimination. There are many bases for the preparation
and implementation of the rule of law. The bases and importance of the rule of law
are enlisted in the following table.
Bases of Rule of Law Importance of Rule of Law
Assurance of quality and End of lawlessness and impunity.
Establishment of democratic and
equity.
Good governance. accountable government.
Guarantee of human rights. Harmony, progress and prosperity.
Independent and competent Independent judiciary and guarantee of
judiciary. free media/press.
Limited role of government. Ownership felt by people in government.
Periodic election. Peace and stability.
Separation and balance of Promotion of public welfare.
Promotion of social justice and equality.
power. Supremacy of law.
Transparency and
accountability.
Challenges for the Promotion of Rule of Law in Nepal
Although many commitments have been made, there is a lack of the rule of law in
Nepal. The rule of law is the soul of democracy. Democracy fails in the absence of
the rule of law. There are several challenges to the implementation of the rule of
law in Nepal. Some of them are:
Corruption and abuse of authority.
Insincere leadership.
Lack of correct interpretation of the law.
Lack of well-organised and active civil societies.
Political instability
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Poor implementation of verdicts given by the supreme court in favour of the
law.
Priority of rights over duty.
Trend of seeking legal solutions to all kinds of problems, ignoring socio-cultural
norms.
Unaware citizens.
Measures to Promote the Rule of Law in Nepal
The concept of the rule of law is essential to institutionalise democracy. The
obstacles seen in the implementation of the rule of law should be minimised. For
this, the following measures should be applied.
All people should be made politically aware of their rights and duties.
Efficient and sincere leaders should be chosen.
Government, as well as people, should practice the concept of democratic
culture.
The verdicts of judicial institutions should be respected and implemented.
All people should know " No right without performing a duty associated with
it" or No right without responsibility.
There should be political stability in the country.
Long term policy for formulation and implementation of strong laws should be
made.
ACTIVITIES
(1) Why should there be a rule of law in the country? Discuss in the class and
enlist the points accepted by the majority.
(2) Write a paragraph about the need for the rule of law in the school and discuss
it in the class.
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EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by the rule of law? Make a list of its characteristics.
(b) Why is the rule of law important in a country like ours?
(c) Make a list of any four main challenges of the rule of law.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) How can we identify the country with the rule of law and without the rule of
law?
(b) Make a list of at least seven problems for implementing rule of law in our
country with a solution to each.
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Lesson
5.9 Democratic Conduct
Democracy is an advanced ruling system in which people have been given the
power of ruling by the existing law of the state. It also guarantees the rights of the
people and makes the people illegible to participate in all state affairs. People have
the right to choose their representatives to form the government. The government
formed by the people's representatives rule the country according to the wish of the
people. In such a system, there should be a good democratic culture in all people.
Here, we discuss some aspects of democratic conduct in this lesson.
Enjoying own's right by respecting other's rights and maintaining understanding,
cooperation, peace and harmony is called democratic conduct. On the basis of the
democratic norms and values, the following are the aspects of democratic conduct.
• People's Participation in the Ruling System:
Democracy is the rule of people. There is people's participation in the ruling
system. People elect their representatives for forming a government. In a
democracy, all supreme posts such as president, prime minister, ministers,
and so on are chaired by people. The periodic elections ensure the participation
of people in governance. Therefore, the election should be free, fair, and valid.
• Supremacy of Law:
There is the supremacy of law rather than an individual in democratic culture.
The constitution plays a supreme role in the ruling system. All people should
follow the laws of the country.
• Pluralism:
Pluralism is the existence of different groups of people with different ethnic,
religious, or political background within one society. All the people in society
may not have the same view or opinion. Democracy accepts the diversity of
thoughts, ideas, and culture. Thus, the people in a democratic country should
accept pluralism.
• Protection of Fundamental Rights:
The democratic constitution provides fundamental rights to the people. All
fundamental rights should be protected. It is democratic conduct to reflect
the will of the people and protect their fundamental rights. There should be a
provision of constitutional remedy in the constitution for the protection of all
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fundamental rights. The victims can restore their violated fundamental rights
with this provision. Democratic culture can be developed.
• Respect for Minority:
Democracy is the rule of the majority. It gets the authority to govern the
country. However, the minority can not be ignored in democracy. There is the
provision of checks and balances. The ruling party can not be indifferent to the
suggestion and criticism of the opposition party. This prevents absolutism of
the ruling party.This trend of respecting the minority while the majority rule
should be continued.
• Inclusive Governance:
Inclusive governance means fair representation and acceptance of the
collective identity of different races, religions, languages, genders, colours, and
physical disabilities. In a democracy system, all people have equal chances of
participating in all state mechanisms such as legislative, executive, judiciary,
bureaucracy, army, and police. The concept of social justice and positive
discrimination has been adopted to facilitate those people who cannot reach
the state mechanism through competition. Nepal also has adopted inclusive
governance. There is a provision of inclusive commission, a constitutional body.
This works to assure the inclusion of different castes, communities, religions,
and classes of people.
• Active Civil Society:
Civil societies are the non-political, non-profit making and non-governmental
organisations of people that work in favour of general people and national
interest. They aware of the people and make their active participation in state
affairs. They work as a watchdog to government activities. They raise voice in
favour of truth, justice and human right. Civil societies should be active and
strong to institutionalise the democratic culture.
• Good Governance:
The government system in a democratic country is fair, transparent and
accountable. The government rules the country as per the wish of the people. It
is also committed to promoting the progress and happiness of people. It is free
of corruption. Such a government system is called good governance. There is a
trend of accountability, responsiveness and transparency in service providers
in good governance. Thus, good governance is an aspect of democratic conduct.
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• Freedom of Expression and Press:
Freedom of expression and press makes the people be timely updated on
social, economic, political, technological, and cultural changes in the world.
Information about such changes makes people aware. They learn to respect
other's voices and develop a democratic culture in them. Thus, freedom of
expression and press strengthen democracy
ACTIVITIES
(1) Write a news article, including the facts about the situation of democratic
conduct in your locality and present it in the class.
(2) Collect the information about the supremacy of the law as democratic conduct
and give a short speech in your class.
EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Write the meaning of democratic conduct in your own words and enlist
some democratic conducts in practice.
(b) Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of democratic conduct.
(c) Why should we respect the minority in a democractic system? Write your
opinion on four points.
(d) "The active and strong civil societies help to institutionalise the democratic
culture."Justify the statement in your own words.
(2) Give long answer to the following question.
(a) Prepare a dialogue between two persons on the role of democratic conducts
to institutionalise democracy.
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Lesson
5.10 Civil Society
A voluntary and independent human community organised to achieve a certain
specific objective is known as civil society. It can be understood as the "third sector"
of society, distinct from government and other private sectors. Civil society is a
non-profit-making and non-governmental movement that work actively in every
aspect of social life. It is a voluntary, self-mobilised, self-directed and self-organised
social lifestyle. Civil society is a forum where different social communities make
discussion and act in an organised way as per common law and legal direction. It is
a common platform to express the wishes, common assumptions and commitment of
all citizens. Various advocacy groups, registered charities, NGOs, women groups,
professional associations like teachers' union, clubs, trade unions, and other social
organisations are civil societies.
Features of a Civil Society
The following are some common features of civil society.
Civil society is a non-governmental organisation. However, its functions are
concerned with government work.
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Civil society is a voluntarily organised community of people who want to work
for the welfare of the people. It does not aim to make any kind of profit from its
work.
The civil society works on social awareness and remain away from any kind of
political intervention.
Civil society is formed by self-motivated people voluntarily. It aims to express
humanitarians feeling and sentiments. Every civil society can exist only with
this feeling.
Civil society conducts various activities for the benefits of the back warded
people with their own participation.
Civil society is the common platform of all concerned. People can express their
opinion, assumption, and commitments through a civil society.
Objectives of Civil Societyin objectives of civil society are as given
below.
To raise efficiency and capacity of general people required to build their living
standard;
To form a common platform for expression of social values, norms, wishes,
needs, and commitment;
To warn the government to become democratic and accountable;
To develop and expand alternative measures of development through a
participatory approach;
To provide constructive support to the government for development;
To construct a network of collective feeling with social objectives; and
To accept social events critically and provide suggestions based on government
policies.
Role of Civil Society
Civil society plays a vital role in maintaining good governance and institutionalising
democracy. It helps in forming popular wish about state affairs and awakening
them. It helps to negotiate and decide on the welfare of the general people. Suitable
laws for social empowerment and participation can be formulated with the support
of civil society. The challenges of development can be solved, maintaining social
unity and harmony. Civil society raises the voice of the voiceless as per need. The
socially, economically and politically back warded people are fully supported by civil
society for achieving their rights. Society also makes the politicians' industrials
and business people more responsible towards people. It also the organisations to
fight against corruption, discrimination, misconduct of government, and so on.
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Responsibilities of Civil Societies in Nepal
Civil society emerged in Nepal since the Lichhchhavi period. It also played a
crucial role in the unification campaign. Its supports to institutionalise democracy
in Nepal is appreciable. These days, it has been working to create a democratic
environment for maintaining good governance, building self-dependent and
enabling woman and backward class. To institutionalise democracy and establish
good governance become a great challenge in Nepal. Politically unaware people,
corruptions, bribery, delayed service in government offices, unemployment,
poverty, border encroachment, etc., have become serious problems in Nepal. The
civil societies established in Nepal are working to fight against these problems.
We, general people, should support such civil societies in their campaign of solving
social problems.
ACTIVITIES
(1) Make a list of different civil societies working in your locality with their
functions and share it in the class.
(2) Prepare a short speech on the role of civil society to institutionalise democracy
and present it in the class.
EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by civil society? Explain its importance in brief.
(b) Why should people be involved in civil society? Explain your answer.
(c) Explain the role of civil society in your own words.
(d) What should civil society do to uplift the backward people in the country?
Write your opinion in four points.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) Prepare a conversation between two persons on the need and importance
of civil societies in the context of Nepal.
(b) Make a list of some common features of civil societies and write about any
two of them in detail.
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Lesson
5.11 Peace and Order
Peace refers to the condition in which there is no war or conflict between countries
or groups. It is the condition of cooperation, equality, equity, mutual understanding,
and non-violence. Similarly, order is a peaceful condition in which any kind
of misbehave or crime is prevented with the implementation of the law. Peace
and order is an essential element to the society as food and water to the living
organisms. It plays a significant role in our life. It helps us to be free from fear and
worries. Everyone feels secured in a peaceful environment. Peace and order are
necessary from personal level to national level development and prosperity. No
one can make effective plans and policies and implement them in the absence of a
peaceful situation in the society and country. It is the base for development. It is
mandatory for maintaining public security for development.
Public security is the condition in which every citizen can live freely and peacefully
without any fear. Every citizen has the right to operate any business and engage in
any profession without any restriction. They can use private and public properties,
attend school, express view, and go around the country without fear. This right of
citizens comes under public security. Public security is the function of government
that ensures the protection of citizens, persons in their territory, organisations,
and institutions against threats to their well-being and to the prosperity of their
communities. The state is mainly responsible for maintaining public security. The
civil societies and stakeholders in the country co-operate with the government to
implement the law. Government, with the support of civil society, can maintain
peace and order. It ensures public security to the people.
School as a Zone of Peace
School is a centre of learning. Children from
diverse background are present in school. These
children are the future of the nation. The school
where young children study is more sensitive. A
peaceful environment is necessary for learning in
such schools. Learning can take place only in a
peaceful environment. Every student and teacher School
should feel free and secured in the school. School
administration, teachers, students and parents
should work together for maintaining a peaceful environment in the school. In
order to create such an environment, the school should be declared a zone of peace.
In order to maintain zone of peace in the school, the following measures can be
suggested.
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Any kind of political activities should be strongly prohibited within the school
premises.
Armed persons can terrorise teachers and students. Therefore, they should
not be permitted to enter the school's premises. Even security persons with
full uniform should not enter school if possible.
There should not be any situation of physical and mental abuse in the school.
Different academic activities should be conducted to encourage students to
participate in creative and social activities.
Any activity that hurts students' sentiment should be discouraged.
Peace education with clear theoretical and practical knowledge should be
included in the school's curriculum.
Any kind of students' bullying should be avoided in class.
ACTIVITIES
(1) Prepare a short speech on "Peace and order is the basis of the rule of law in
the country." and present it in the class.
(2) Prepare placards with suitable slogans to make people aware for maintaining
peace and order in the school and display them in the class.
EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by peace and order? Explain its importance in brief.
(b) Why should school be declared a zone of peace? Explain your answer.
(c) Explain the role of teachers and students to maintain peace and order in the
school in your own words.
(d) How does the political activity within the school premises affect peace and
order in the school? Write your opinion in four points.
(2) Give long answer to the following question.
(a) What do you mean by the zone of peace? Make a separate list of roles of
teachers, school administration, and parents to declare school as a zone of
peace.
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Lesson
5.12 Unity in Diversity
Unity means the state of being united or joined as a whole. Unity can lead to
mutual cooperation and harmony among all kinds of people. There are great
strength and power in unity. Similarly, diversity means the state of being different
or varied. Thus, unity in diversity refers to the condition of unity among diversified
individuals or groups or things. It is a term used as an expression of harmony and
unity among differences. It is a very important term for prosperity in various fields
using different ideas and views. It supports to have tolerance in physical, cultural,
linguistic, social, religious, political, and ideological differences that exist in the
country.
Nepal is a diverse country with multilingual, multi-ethnic, multicultural and multi-
religious features. According to the population census of 2068 BS, there are 125
ethnic groups speaking 123 languages in our country. They also follow different
religions and have different socio-cultural way of living. Unity in diversity is the
defining characteristic of Nepali society. People with different faiths, cultures and
ethnicities have been living harmoniously since ancient time. Mutual coexistence,
tolerance and cooperation have guided the people in achieving social strength,
peace, and happiness.
Unity in diversity is a typical feature of Nepali society. Nepali people have a long
tradition of respecting each other's religion, culture and beliefs. The Hindus go
to Buddhist monasteries and Gumbas, whereas Buddhists visit Hindu's temples
since ancient time. Swayambhunath is a good example of religious harmony in
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Nepal. The Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims visit it for religious purpose on various
occasions. Similarly, people participate in each other's festivals. Maghi is mainly
celebrated by the Tharu community in Nepal. However, people celebrate it by
organising different programmes all over the country these days. The festivals like
Makar Sankranti and Maghi inspire all Nepali people to maintain the feeling of
mutual unity, goodwill, friendship, and tolerance.
Constitutional Provision
The constitution of Nepal has encouraged unity in diversity in Nepali society
through different provisions. Some of such provisions are:
Article 3:
"All the Nepali people, with multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, multicultural
characteristics and in geographical diversities, and having common aspirations and
being united by a bond of allegiance to national independence, territorial integrity,
national interest and prosperity of Nepal, collectively constitute the nation."
Article 50 (2)
"The social and cultural objective of the State shall be to build a civilised and
egalitarian society by eliminating all forms of discrimination, exploitation and
injustice on the grounds of religion, culture, tradition, usage, custom, practice or
on any other similar grounds, to develop social, cultural values founded on national
pride, democracy, pro-people, respect of labour, entrepreneurship, discipline,
dignity and harmony, and to consolidate the national unity by maintaining
social cohesion, solidarity and harmony while recognising cultural diversity."
Article 51 a (2):
" To promote the national unity while developing mutual cooperative
relations between the Federal Units by maintaining mutual cohesion, harmony
and solidarity between various castes, tribes, religions, languages, cultures and
communities."
The given provisions of the constitution show that the state has made legal efforts
to encourage unity in diversity in Nepal. The constitution has the provisions of
fundamental rights to provide equal opportunities to all the citizens irrespective
of their castes, languages, religions and another social status. It also tries to bring
Madhesi, suppressed class, indigenous nationalities, physically challenged people
and people of other sectors in the mainstream of the state through the principle
of inclusiveness. The constitution also makes the government responsible for
terminating discriminatory laws and ensures equal treatment to all the citizens
through the provisions of proportionate participation. Besides such constitutional
provisions, the following measures can be adopted to maintain unity in diversity
in Nepal.
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There should be proportionate development in all provinces and geographical
regions.
The will, aspirations, and needs of the people should be respected.
The government should identify genuine problems in the country, ascertain
their root causes and address them appropriately.
People should be aware of the importance of each other’s social, cultural and
religious heritages.
We should realise the fact that each culture, religion, language and ethnic
group is equally important.
There should be mutual respect among the people.
Religious and cultural heritages in Nepal should be preserved and protected.
The inclusive policy should be adopted to bring every citizen into the
mainstream of development.
ACTIVITIES
(1) Sing our national anthem in the class and discuss the meaning of the words
given in it.
;of+} yª' u\ f km" nsf xfdL, Pp6} dfnf gk] fnL
;fj{efd} eO{ kml} nPsf, d]rL–dxfsfnL .
ks| [ltsf sf6] Lsf]6L ;Dkbfsf] cfFrn
jL/x?sf] /utn], :jtGq / c6n .
1fgel" d, zflGtel" d, t/fO,{ kxf8, lxdfn
cv08 of] Kof/f] xfd|f] dfte[ "ld gk] fn .
axn' hflt, efiff, wd,{ ;:+ sl[ t 5g\ ljzfn .
cu|ufdL /fi6« xfd|f], ho ho gk] fn ¤¤¤
(2) Prepare a model of editorial on the title, "Unity in diversity" and share it in
the class.
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EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Explain the term unity in diversity in your own words.
(b) Make a list of the facts included in the national anthem that explain unity in
diversity.
(c) What should be done to maintain unity in diversity in Nepal? Write in four
points.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) "Nepal is a diverse country, with multilingual, multi-ethnic, multicultural and
multi-religious features."Justify the statement in your own words.
(b) Prepare a conversation between two friends explaining the importance of
unity in diversity in society.
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Lesson Nationality and Matters of
5.13 National Concern
Nationality is the psychological feeling with a
positive attitude, love and sense of responsibility
towards one's nation. It is the state of being a
member of a nation with a special kind of virtue.
Nationality is an invisible thing. However, it is
reflected in the art, literature, manners, customs,
and lifestyle of the people of a particular nation.
Nationality is always above the interest of
individuals and communities. It is people’s feeling
of pride and expression of love towards the nation. Nationality
The emotional and mental commitment of all
people irrespective of various castes, languages,
genders, religions, class, etc, towards our nation is Nepali nationality.
The issues that are directly related to the nation and nationality are matters of
national concern. All the citizens of a particular nation should understand and
follow such matters of national concern. The government and the citizens of the
concerned country should always remain alert towards the matter of national
concern to protect nation and nationality. National integrity, sovereignty, self-
respect, dignity, border security and encroachment, self-esteem, social harmony,
religious tolerance, independence, patriotism, etc, are the matters of our national
concern. We discuss some of them here.
National Integrity
The state of being a complete or unbroken condition is integrity. Similarly, the
indivisible situation of territory and people in any country is known as national
integrity. Nepal is an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive,
democratic, socialism-oriented, federal democratic republican county. It is a
diverse country. If any fragmentation exists in our country, its existence may get
over. Therefore, all the citizens and government should play a vital role to protect
national integrity. Their efforts should focus on the promotion and protection of
national integrity, nationality, sovereignty and identity. The state should treat
equally to all the people irrespective of different castes, languages, religions,
regions, culture, etc. If any group feels partiality from the state, they begin the
separation movement. This may split the country. Thus, national integrity is a
matter of national concern. The following measures help to maintain national
integrity.
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All the people in the nation should work together to build the nation.
The state should adopt the policies for the progress of all castes, languages,
genders, religions, regions, etc, proportionately bringing them into the
mainstream of the nation.
Genuine and legitimate demands of anyone should be addressed on time.
There should be an equal distribution of means and resources in all parts.
The state should aim at reducing regional disparities and backwardness.
The state should ensure an efficient security arrangement for controlling the
activities against national concern.
Border Security and Encroachment
Border is an officially fixed line between two countries that separates them from
each other. Border security refers to the act of controlling any kind of criminal
activities in the border area. It also denotes the acceptance of the scientific
management and security of border. Border is fixed by the treaty between bordering
countries. Similarly, border encroachment refers to the illegal act of occupying the
land of another country across the border. Border security and encroachment are
important matters of national concern.
Every citizen and government should work together for maintaining border security
and encroachment. If border security is weak, criminal activities may increase in
both bordering countries. Nepal is a landlocked country that lies between India
and China. India surrounds it from the east, west and south. China lies to the
north of it. The northern border lies amidst steep rocks and mountain. Therefore,
there is relatively less chance of occurring problems related to border security and
encroachment.
Nepal and India have an open border. This facilitates many benefits to both
countries. However, this open border sometimes creates problems related to border
security and encroachment. Various criminal activities such as murder, smuggling,
girls trafficking, drug trafficking, etc, take place day by day. We are also facing the
problem of border encroachment from our neighbour. The human-made pillars,
called Junge pillars between India and Nepal, are often reported to have been
shifted or destroyed. If we develop a feeling of nationality, we can save our border.
The parliament of Nepal passed a new political map of Nepal, including Kalapani,
Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. All Nepalis supported government in this regard.
This proves that all Nepali people are united against border encroachment. Let's
discuss some causes, consequences, and measures to solve the problems related to
border security and encroachment.
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Causes
There are many causes of border encroachment. Some of them are:
Fixing border without a clear official treaty.
Insufficient facts and recorded documents about border demarcation.
Change in the course of the rivers that are used as a natural border.
Negligence of concerned countries about the international border.
Lack of clear border map and clear demarcation on the land.
Rapid population growth in border area and construction work near no man's
land.
Consequences
If border encroachment takes place between two bordering countries, the following
consequences can be observed.
There may be conflict among the people of both countries.
Criminal activities may increase in the border area.
Dispute between the countries may occur for the use of natural resources.
Wars may take place between the neighbouring countries.
Public confidence and safety will be decreased.
Friendly bilateral relations between the countries can be deteriorated.
Measures to Minimise Border Encroachment
There should be proper management of strong security forces in the border
area.
The criminal activities in border area should be controlled in time.
Government should make diplomatic efforts to minimise bilateral dispute.
International law should be consulted for border security.
Joint committee should be formed to solve any kind of border problem.
All the people and government should work to gather to minimise the problem
of border security and border encroachment.
Self-respect and Self-esteem
Nepal is an independent and sovereign country. Any foreigner has never governed
it since ancient time. Nepal has unique identities in a global society. It is the
country of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), the highest peak in the world. The globally
famous personalities such as king Janak, Janaki(Sita), Bhrikuti, and Gautam
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Buddha were born in Nepal. Various natural resources, art and architectures, and
culture enhance the glory of the nation. The bravery shown by Nepali warriors like
Amar Singh Thapa, Bhakti Thapa and Balabhadra Kunwar in Anglo-Nepal war
and other warriors in the first and second world wars entitled Nepali people as
the brave Gorkhas. Bhimsen Thapa, a true Nepali patriot, launched a campaign to
protect south Asian countries from British extremism.
All Nepali people are proud of being citizens of such a glorious country. We all live
with self-respect and self-esteem. It is our identity and pride. We should work hard
to protect it. We must not be lured by anything or person. It puts our nationality
and sovereignty at risk. If we lose our nationality and sovereignty, our identity gets
over. It is meaningless to live on this globe without a national identity. Therefore,
we must be ready to sacrifice our life for our nation and nationality.
ACTIVITIES
(1) Discuss in the class and find the solution to the problem of destruction and
shifting of Junge pillars between India and Nepal.
(2) Write the causes, effects and ways to minimise border encroachment in a
chart paper and display it in the class.
EXERCISE
(1) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Define the terms national integrity, self-esteem and border encroachment
and border security in your own words.
(b) Write any four ways to maintain national integrity.
(c) Why do we have more border security problem with India than that of with
China?
(d) Explain the importance of subjects of national concern in brief.
(2) Give long answers to the following questions.
(a) What do you mean by subjects of national concern? Enlist them and describe
any two of them in brief.
(b) How can we improve the relationship with our neighbouring countries by
solving the problem of border encroachment? Write some measures in
points.
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UNIT
6 OUR EARTH
Learning On the completion of this unit, we will be able to:
Achievements • clarify the relationships between longitudes and time;
• describe the relations between the physical diversities and climate of
Nepal;
• explain the relations of geographical diversities and lifestyle in Nepal;
• draw the map of Nepal and gain the knowledge of distance;
• identify the sources of water resources and their uses in Nepal;
• introduce the physical and socio-economic life of the people of Asia;
• clarify the physical and socio-economic life of the people of Europe;
• elucidate the physical and socio-economic life of Australia;
• identify the interrelations between Asia, Europe and Australia with Nepal
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Lesson
6.1 Longitude and Time
Longitudes are the geometrical lines drawn on
the earth surface. They are not the real lines
exactly drawn on the surface of the earth. They
are imaginary lines. There are altogether 360
longitudes drawn from the north pole to the south
pole. They are also known as the meridians.
Among them, 180 longitudes are drawn in the
eastern hemisphere and 180 lines are drawn in Longitude and latitude
the western hemisphere. Prime meridian is the
imaginary line that passes through Greenwich of
London. It joins the North pole to the South pole. This prime meridian is considered
as the 0° longitudes. All the longitudes are semi-circular and join the North Pole to
the South Pole. Each longitude is drawn at the interval of 1°, and the earth takes
4 minutes to rotate 1° longitude. Therefore, there is 4 minutes difference of time
between two nearest longitudes.
There is 180° meridian in both east and west of the prime meridian. If we travel
to the east or west from there, it results in a one-day difference so that this line
is called International Date Line. This line is zigzag as it has to go beyond the
borderlines of different countries to avoid the difference of a day within the same
country.
Relations between Longitudes and Time
There is an interrelationship between longitude and time. This relation has been
made by the rotation of the earth. The earth rotates around the sun and also spins
on its own axis. This process of making one complete round on its axis is the rotation
of the earth. It takes one day to complete its rotation. It means it takes 24 hours to
spin on its own axis. The shape of the earth is round. So, the geometrical value of
the earth is 360°. It means the earth takes 24 hours to rotate in 360°.
We know that to rotate 360° longitudes the earth takes 24 hours.
So, to rotate 1° longitudes the earth takes 24 hours.
360
= 24 × 60 minutes
360
= 4 minutes
Due to this reason, there is a variation of time in the several parts of the earth.
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A conference of the geographers of the world, held in the USA decided to consider
the longitude passes through Greenwich (a place near London) as 0° longitudes.
This 0° longitude is also known as Prime Meridian. So, the eastern part from this
longitude is called the eastern hemisphere, and the western part is known as the
western hemisphere.
The earth takes 1 hour to rotate 15° longitudes. So, there is a one-hour difference
in time in 15° longitudes. It means if it is 12:00 noon in London, it is 1:00 pm in
15° East longitude and 11:00 am in 15° West longitude. When it is mid-day in
London at the same time, it is mid-night at 180° Longitude. Nepal lies to the east
of the Prime Meridian. So, when it is mid-day in London, there is 5:45 pm in Nepal.
Whenever it is 24th October in Nepal, there is 23rd October in Canada and USA.
Calculation of Longitude and Time
We can calculate the time of place based on the difference in the longitudes. The
following steps should be applied for calculation.
Step 1 (Find meridian difference of two places)
At first, find out the meridian difference of two places by subtracting the smaller
one from bigger one if both are in the same hemisphere and adding if they are in
different hemispheres.
For example: (25° E - 10° E) or (15° E + 10° W ) , here, the places are in the
same hemisphere in the first group and the places are in different hemisphere in
the second group.
Step 2 (Calculate time)
Multiply the calculated longitude by 4 to find out the difference of time of two given
places as 1° meridian is equal to 4 minutes time.
(35 × 4 = 140 minutes ) or (25 × 4 =100')
Convert the calculated time into hours, minutes and seconds as per need.
(2 hours 20 minutes ) or ( 1 hour and 40 minutes)
Step 3 (Adjust the calculated time)
Add the calculated time with the given time of the place if the place of which time
is to be calculated is to the east of it and subtract if that is to the west
If subtraction is not possible, add 12 to the given time and convert am into pm and
vice versa. If it is not possible again add 24 and convert day as per location.
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Example
What will be the time of Berlin located at 25° east when it is 2 pm in
London located at 0° longitude?
Now, the longitudinal difference is 25° – 0°
= 25°
We know that,
In 1° longitude, there is 4' difference in time
So, in 25° longitudes, there is 4 × 25' difference in time
= 100' difference in time
= 1 hour 40 minutes.
Therefore, the time of Berlin is 2:00 pm
+ 1:40
= 3:40 pm
Thus, whenever it is 2:00 pm in London, it is 3:40 pm in Berlin.
Local Time and Standard Time
Local time is the actual time that is calculated on the basis of longitude with
reference to the Greenwich line (Prime Meridian). If we calculate the time of any
country with reference to the longitude only, there are various times in a small
country. There are eight longitudes within the boundary of Nepal as it extends
from 80° 04' to 88° 12' East longitudes. The time of these longitudes is totally
different. The places located in these lines have their own local time. In this case,
whenever it is 11:15 am in Bhimdattanagar, at the same time, it might be 11:30
am in Bhairahawa and 11: 45 am in Birtamod. Therefore, it may not be practical
to run the official time of the nation. So, our country has accepted only one official
time that is the time of 86° 15' longitude, which passes through Mt. Gaurishankar.
This time is accepted nationwide, which is the standard time of the nation.
The standard time is the official time of any country of the globe. There is only one
standard time in small countries like Nepal. But there are various standard times
in very large countries in the area. Canada adopts six time zones covering four and
half hours includes New Found Land, Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain and
Pacific. Similarly, Russia has eleven time zones covering nine hours, and the USA
has nine time zones, including Hawaii, Alaska and five United States dependencies.
If we count two uninhabited territories of US, there are eleven time zones.
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ACTIVITIES
(1) One of your relatives lives in Calgary of Canada. If it is 7:00 am in Nepal,
it is 7:20 pm in Canada. What are the reasons behind it? Discuss with your
friends and find its causes.
(2) We live in Nepal. If we go to the eastern part or western part of Nepal,
we have to adjust our clock. If we move to Japan, we have to advance our
clock but, if we go to Doha, then we should adjust our clock time back.
Discuss its reason with your friends.
EXERCISE
(1) Give very short answers to the following questions.
(a) What is longitude?
(b) Define Prime Meridians or Greenwich line.
(c) Which longitude is known as the International Date Line?
(d) What is standard time?
(e) Write the longitudinal value of the standard time of Nepal?
(2) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Differentiate between local and standard time.
(b) If it is 12: 30 pm in Kathmandu located at 85° east longitudes, what is the
time in Bangkok located at 100° east longitudes? Find the time with the
calculation process.
(c) When it is 7:45 am in Boston of USA (71° west), what is the time in Frankfurt
of Germany (8° East)?
(d) When it is 5:15 am in Kathmandu located at 85° east longitude, it is 2:31 am
in Baghdad. Find the longitudes of Baghdad.
(e) When it is 8:00 am in Philadelphia of the USA lying at 75° west if it is 1:16
pm in Madrid of Spain. Find the longitude of Madrid.
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Lesson
6.2 Physical Features of Nepal
Nepal is a landlocked country located in south-east Asia. It is situated between
China and India. Tibet, an autonomous region of China, lies to the north of Nepal.
Sikkim of India lies to the east. Uttaranchal of India lies to the west. Bihar and UP
of India lie to the south. Nepal is located at the southern lap of the Himalayas. It
lies between 26° 22' to 30° 27' North latitudes and 80° 4' to 88° 12' East longitudes.
Nepal is rectangular in its shape. Its east-west length is 885 km, and the average
width is 193 km. The maximum breadth is 241 km and minimum breadth of Nepal
is 145 Km. The highest summit of the world; Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) is the highest
point of Nepal and Musharniya of Dhanusha (59 m) is the lowest point in our
country.
Nepal is mainly divided into three geographical regions. They are the Terai, Hilly
and Himalayan region. The Terai region has a hot climate, the hilly region has a
moderate climate, whereas the Himalayan region has a severely cold climate. There
is a variation of climate in the various parts of the country due to its altitudes.
Map of Nepal showing the Himalayan, Hilly and Terai region
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1. The Terai Region
The Terai region lies to the southernmost parts
of Nepal and linked with India in its east, west
and south. The hilly region lies to the north of
Terai region. It occupies 17 % of the total area
of Nepal. This region is widening from Mechi
in the east to the Mahakali in the west. Its
width is varied from 25 to 32 kilometres. The
altitude is varied from 59 m to the 610 m above
sea level. There are small hills in the northern
part of the Terai region, which is known as
Chure range. There is another narrow plain
in the northern parts of the Chure region, Terai region
which is known as inner Terai. The inner Terai
lies between the Mahabharat range and the Chure range. The Local Government
Mobilisation Act, 2074 declared the seven districts of Nepal namely Udayapur,
Sindhuli, Makawanpur, Chitwan, Nawalpur, Dang, and Surkhet as the districts
that lie in the inner Terai.
This region is formed by the alluvial soil brought and deposited by the rivers. So,
the land of this region is fertile and ideal for the production of various cash and
food crops. This region is called ‘the granary of Nepal’ as many crops are grown
here.
This region is rich in biodiversity. There are various protected areas and watershed
areas to give shelters for the animal and plants. Koshi-Tappu Wildlife Reserve,
Parsa, Chitwan, Banke, Bardiya and Suklaphant National Parks are the major
protected areas. Lake Ghodaghodi, Lake Nanda-Bhauju, Lake Bishajari and Lake
Gangasagar the major lakes of the Terai region.
This region has a dense population because of the development of various pre-
requisites of the development. Development of irrigation system, transportation,
industries, trade and other physical facilities are the major attractions of this
region. Therefore, more than 50 % of the people of our country resides in this region.
2. The Hilly Region
The hilly region lies between the Himalayan and the Terai region. It occupies 68
% of the total land. Though various infrastructures are developed in this region, it
is not so advanced as the Terai region and not so backwards in comparison to the
Mountainous region. This region comprises the hills, valleys, basins and low table-
lands (Tar) of various altitude. The widths of this region is varied from 80 to 130
km. The western parts are wider than the east. Its altitude is varying from 610 to
3300 meter from sea level.
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This region is mainly consisting of a sloppy and
zigzag land structure. This region is made up of
the Mahabharat range, valleys, foothills, river
basins and Tars. The Mahabharat range of this
region is another important source of rivers in
our country. Mechi, Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati,
Tinau, Rapti and Babai rivers of our country
are originated from the Mahabharat range.
Many lakes, such as Maipokhari, Nagdaha,
Indrasarowar, Rupa, Fewa, Begnas, Satyawati,
Bulbule, Khaptad, are the major lakes of this
region.
This region is also rich in biodiversity. Various Hilly region
temperate deciduous, coniferous and mixed
vegetation are found in this region. Shivapuri-
Nagarjun National Park, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Khaptad National Park
are the major protected areas of this region. These protected areas are providing
shelters for the various species of animals and plants.
This region has a moderate population, which occupies 43 percent of the total
population of the country. Pokhara and Kathmandu Valleys have a dense population
in comparison to the other parts of this region. But this region has a moderate
population in comparison to the Himalayan and Terai region.
3. The Himalayan Region
The Himalayan region of our country lies in the
northernmost parts of the nation. It occupies
15 per cent of the total land of the nation. The
altitude of this region is varied from 3300 to
8848.86 meter above sea level. The land above
5000 meters is always covered with snow. So
the 5000 m altitude is also known as the snow
line.
This region is comprising of higher Himalayas, Himalayan region
lower Himalayas, valleys, Kharka (Patan)
and Outer Himalayas (Tibetan Himalayas).
The climate of this region is very cold. Outer
Himalayas have high Himalayan valleys, which
are called Bhot. The majority parts of Manang,
Mustang, and Dolpa lie in the outer Himalayas.
This region has a very cold climate. Here coniferous, alpine and tundra vegetation
are found due to its extremely cold climate. There are grasslands in the lower parts
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of the Himalayas. These grasslands are called Kharka or Patan in various parts of
this region. They are used for grazing domesticated animals such as yak, mountain
goats, sheep, and so on.
The population of this region is very low in comparison to other regions. Nearly
6 per cent of people in our country live in this region. Districts having the lowest
population of our country, Manang and Mustang, lie in this region.
Process of Land Formation in Nepal
Geologists claim that there was a huge sea at the place of Nepal about 70 million
years ago. It was named Tethys Sea. There were two huge lands called Angara
and Gondwana in the Tertiary period. The Angara lies in central Siberia, and
Gondwana lies in southern India. The base of the sea was filled with the sediments
brought by the rivers from these two lands. It was filled by the sands, stones, mud
and vegetation brought by the rivers of Angara and Gondwana.
The Himalayan mountain was formed by the tectonic movements in the middle of
the tertiary period. The Angara land was huge and larger, so it remains constant.
But the southern Gondwana moves towards the north, and the rocks at the bottom
of the sea raised and huge Himalayan mountains were formed. Similarly, another
tectonic movement occurred, and another Mahabharat range was emerged by
the same process. Another small Chure range was formed at the southern parts
of the Mahabharat range by another force at the end of tertiary periods. It was
formed at the northern parts of Tethys sea. It is formed by the accumulation of
stones, soil, and gravels. Hence, this is not as compressed as the Himalayan and
Mahabharat ranges. There is a variation in the physical features of Nepal because
of the formation of a huge range. There are distinct characteristics of the various
land features because of their formation process.
The geologists have collected some proves to justify their arguments. There are
some mines of salt at the top mountainous areas like Mustang of Nepal. The rocks
of the Himalayan mountains are similar to rocks of the bottom of the sea. Some
fossils of the sea animals are found inside the cave of the Himalayas. These prove
to justify the arguments of the geologists.
Many zigzag lands, including some valleys, were formed. Later on, such lands were
converted into valleys and basins due to the erosional and depositional works of the
rivers that originated from the snow-capped mountains. There was a small part of
Tethys sea, which was filled by the sediments brought by the rivers that originated
from the snow-capped mountains at the end of the Pleistocene period. In this way,
the Terai region of Nepal and the northern plains of India were formed.
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Importance of the Land Features of Nepal
Nepal has a distinct characteristic of its land features. They are very
beneficial to us and our country.
(a) They cause rainfall:
The Himalayan mountains block the summer Monsoon wind bearing moistures
derived from the Bay of Bengal of the Indian Ocean. As a result, there is regular
rainfall in our country during the summer season. If there is no mountain, there
would be no rainfall in Nepal, and it might be converted into a desert.
(b) They block the cold wind from the Polar region:
The Himalayan mountains block the icy cold wind blowing from Central Asia
during the winter season. So, there is not very cold climate in Nepal as like in Tibet
during the winter season.
(c) Variation in climate and vegetation:
Nepal experiences all types of climate because of its land features. The Terai region
is hot, the hilly region is moderate, and the Himalayan region is cold. Variation in
climate brings a variation in animals and plants. So, Nepal is rich in biodiversity.
It is rich in water, forests and mineral resources. The mountain topography of
Nepal is rich in natural beauty that attracts tourists to our country and support to
flourish tourism industry.
(d) Origin of rivers:
Nepal is rich in water resources which are originated from the snow-capped
mountains. They are very useful for drinking, hydroelectricity, irrigation and
industrial purpose.
(e) Work as a natural boundary:
The Mountain range and rivers also work as a natural boundary of Nepal. The
Himalayan mountain range also works as the natural boundary of Nepal with
China. Likewise, Mechi and Mahakali Rivers are other boundaries of Nepal with
India.
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ACTIVITIES
(1) Prepare a physical map of Nepal and divide it into various ecological
regions of Nepal i.e. Mountainous, Hilly and Terai and paste the map on
the display board of your classroom.
(2) Divide your class into four groups, three groups can collect various
information of each region and the fourth group can incorporate the
information and prepare a chart of various geographical facts and figures
to display it in the classroom.
EXERCISE
(1) Give very short answers to the following questions.
(a) Name the three ecological regions of Nepal.
(b) What is Tethys sea?
(c) Write another name of the outer Himalayas.
(d) What do you mean by Chure range?
(e) Who are called Geologists?
(2) Give short answers to the following questions.
(a) Differentiate the Terai region and Himalayan region based on physical
structures.
(b) Draw a map of Nepal by using graphic method and indicate the region you
live in, after dividing it into three physical regions.
(c) Describe all the physical regions of Nepal, including topography, climate
vegetation and rivers.
(d) Explain the land formation process of Nepal in short.
(e) Write about the importance of the physical features of Nepal.
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Lesson
6.3 Climate of Nepal
There is variation in the climate of Nepal. There are various factors to bring
differences in the climate of Nepal. Nepal experiences all most all kinds of the
climate of the globe. There is a hot tropical climate in the Terai Region. The Hilly
Region experiences moderate type of climate and The Himalayan Region has a
cold polar type of climate. There is no more latitudinal difference in Nepal. It is
located between 26° 22' North to 30° 27' North latitudes. There is just 4° latitudinal
difference in the country. It does not bring significant differences in the climate if
there is a similar physical structure. It is so due to its altitude differences. Nepalgunj
and Namche Bazaar lie at the same latitudinal extension, but Nepalgunj lies at the
low altitude, and Namche Bazaar lies at the high altitude.
The average summer temperature of Nepalgunj is 30°C, whereas it is 12°C in
Namche Bazaar. But the temperature of Nepalgunj exceeds up to 45°C during the
Summer season, and the maximum temperature of Namche Bazaar is 16°C at the
same season. It is so due to its altitude variation. The altitude of Namche Bazaar
is 3,440 meters above sea level. Whereas, Nepalgunj lies on just 150 m above sea
level.
Nepal lies in the Tropical Monsoon Climate Zone like other South-East Asian
countries. Though Nepal experiences sub-tropical monsoon type of climate. The
monsoon wind derived from the Bay of Bengal caused heavy rainfall in this region.
But then again, winter remains cold and dry. There is a vast difference between
the winter and summer climatic conditions of Nepal.
1. Summer Monsoon
Nepal lies in the northern hemisphere . It receives straight sun’s lights during the
summer season. So, the land of central Asia heats together with the Bay of Bengal.
The land could heat faster than water. As a result, the air pressure of central Asia
is lower than the Bay of Bengal. So, the wind originated from the Bay of Bengal
will start to move towards central Asia. The humid wind originated from the Bay
of Bengal moves towards the Himalayan Mountains lying on the north of Nepal.
The humid wind derived from the Bay of Bengal obstructs with The Himalayan
mountain that caused heavy rainfall in Nepal. This wind is known as the summer
monsoon wind. The rainfall occurred in Nepal is also known as orographic or relief
rainfall. Similarly, south-east Asia also received rainfall from the moisture derived
from the Pacific Ocean. The summer monsoon starts from the month of Chaitra,
and it lasts till Bhadra.
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