NCERT-JK-SOLUTIONS: NCERT-10TH-CIVICS

CONTENTS

CHAPTER-1: POWER SHARING

CHAPTER-2: FEDERALISM

CHAPTER-3: GENDER RELIGIOUS AND CASTE

CHAPTER-4: POPULAR STRUGGLE AND MOVEMENT

CHAPTER-5: POLITICAL PARTIES

CHAPTER-6: OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

CHAPTER-7: CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY

CHAPTER-8: THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR ORGANISATION ACT-REORGANISATION ACT 2019

Chapter I

POWER SHARING

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS

Q1. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these?

Ans: There are certain forms of power sharing in modern democracies. Actually there is no single form in all the democracies which can be given about power sharing. All the forms of power sharing are different from each from the point of view of their structures. Objectives results, etc. Some of these forms are given below.

Example: Power in our country are divided among government. Bureaucracy and courts by our constitution.

Example: In India powers are divided among central government and state governments and these are divided by our constitution.

Example: Community government of Belgium is an example of this type of power sharing.

Example: In India there is a multi-party system like-Congress , B.J.P, B.S.P etc. and every party has a fair chance to contest election and win majority in the country.

Q2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example from the Indian Context.

Ans: This is very much necessary that every group should get enough representation in running the affairs of the country and it should not feel neglected.

i. Prudential Reason: Prudential reason of power sharing says that power sharing reduces the chance of conflict between social groups in he country where a number of different linguistic, ethnic and religious groups reside.

Ii Moral Reason: Exercise the power which is vested in their hands and on whom this power is being exercised. In democracy people have the last say because they are responsible in giving and taking of power.

These are the two main reason of power sharing. Power sharing manages to reduce conflict between groups.

Q3. Write a short note on the power sharing in J&K Legislative Council according to the constitution of J&K.

Ans: According to article 50 of the J&K constitution, Legislative Council shall consist of 36 members. Out of these.

1. Eleven are elected by the Legislative Assembly from amongst members who are residents of Kashmir and are not members of the Legislative Assembly, of these eleven members sat least one must be resident of Ladakh Province and one other of Kargil.

2. Eleven members are elected in the same manner from amongst the residents of Jammu province who are not members of the Legislative Assembly. These eleven members must include at least one member from each of the two district of Doda and Poonch.

Q4. They mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels inBelgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Ans: No, the step taken by the mayor of Merchtem is not according to the spirit of power sharing arrangement of Belgium. 59% people of Belgium speak Dutch and40% people of Belgium speak French. His step of banning French in town’s schools will lead to the minglement of both the groups and it will increase the sense of suspicion and distrust among the French speaking people. It is against the spirit of power sharing group of Belgium because that spirit has tried to accommodate every linguistic group of Belgium in the process of power sharing so that all are able to live in peace with each other. This ban on French language can increase civic strife in different groups and it will lead to the division of Belgian society on linguistic basis.

Q5. Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below.

Power Sharing:

A. Reduces conflict among different communities

B. Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness

C. Delays decision making process

D. Accommodates diversities

E. Increases instability and divisiveness

F. Promotes people’s participation in government

G. Undermines the unity of a country

a.	A	B	D	F
b.	A	C	E	F
c.	A	B	D	G
d.	B	C	D	G

Ans: Power Sharing:

i. Reduces conflict among different communities

ii. Decreases the possibility of arbitrariness

iii. Accommodates diversities

iv. Promotes people’s participation in government

Answer is option (a)----ABDF.

Q6. Consider the following statement about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri lanka.

A. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.

B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala –speaking majority.

C. The Tamils in Sri lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and job.

D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.

(a) A, B, C and D (b) A, B and D

Ans: Option (a) is correct

Q7. Match list I (forms of power sharing) with list II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

	List I			List II
	Power shared among different organs of government			A. Community government
	Power shared among governments at different levels			B. Separation of Powers
	Power shared by different social groups			C. Coalition government
	Power shared by two or more political parties			D. Federal government
		1	2		3	4
a.		D	A		B	C
b.		B	C		D	A
c.		B	D		A	C
d.		C	D		A	B

Ans: Option (c) is correct.

Q8. Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:

A. Power sharing is good for democracy

B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups . Which of these statements are true and false?

a. A is true but B is false

b. Both A and B are true

c. Both A and B are false

d. A is false but B is true

Ans: Option (b) is correct

Q9. J&K has a :

a. Bicameral legislature

b. Unicameral legislature

c. Bicameral and Unicameral both

d. None of the above

Ans: Option (a) is correct

Q10. The legislature council of J&K consists of _______ members and forms the

______house of the legislature assembly.

a. 32 and lower

b. 36 and lower

c. 38 and upper

d. 36 and upper

Ans: Option (b) is correct

Q11. Which of the following articles of J&K constitution says that the legislative assembly will consist of two houses:

1. Art 45

2. Art 47

3. Art 36

4. None of the above

Ans:

ON WORD / ONE SENTENCE ANSWER QUESTION

Q1. What is Power?

Ans: Power denotes the ability of persons or groups to fulfill their desires, or to achieve their objectives.

Q2. Where is Belgium located?

Ans: Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, north of France, South of the Netherlands and East of Germany.

Q3. What is the total area of Belgium?

Ans: The total area of Belgium is 32.545 sq.Km

Q4. How many forms of power sharing are there in modern democrats?

Ans: There are four forms of power sharing in modern democracies.

Q5. Which are three organs of government?

Ans: Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are three organs of government

Q6. Which is the major ethnic group of Sri lanka?

Ans: Around 74% population of Sri Lanka speaks Sinhala language and forms as major ethnic group of the country.

Q7. Which is minor ethnic groups of Sri lanka?

Ans: 18% people of Sri Lanka speaks Tamil language which constitute its minor group

Q8. How many Christians live over in Sri Lanka and which languages they speak?

Ans: Around 7% Christians live in Sri Lanka and hey speak both Sinhala and Tamil Language.

Q9. When Sri Lanka become a free Country?

Ans: In February 1948 Sri Lanka become a free country.

Q10. Who holds the key of power of democracy?

Ans: People holds the key of power in democracy.

Q11. Who holds an important place in power sharing?

Ans: Political parties, pressure groups and social movements holds an important place in power sharing.

Chapter: 2

FEDERALISM

Q.1. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium?

Ans. Similar feature: India and Belgium both are democratic countries. They have divided their political powers between the constituent states and the national government. Both are the examples of holding together federalism. In both countries the central governments tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the states.

Different features: In India some units of federation have unequal powers and some units have been granted special powers such as Jammu and Kashmir. But this is not prevailing in Belgium. In Belgium they have government at community level called community government. The community government has the powers regarding cultural, educational and language related issues. In India there is no community government.

Q.2. what is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary government?

Ans.

Federal form of Government

Unitary form of Government

(a) Under the federal system there are two or more than two levels of government. These levels have their own areas of jurisdiction.

(b) In federation, the central government shares its power with the various constituent units of the country.

(c) In federal system the central government cannot order the state government to do something. State government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government.

(d) Example: India, USA, Canada

(a) In unitary form of government either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government.

(b) In unitary system the state government does not have powers of its own.

(d) Example: UK, China, France.

Q.3. State any two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992.

Ans. After the constitutional Amendment of 1992, the concept of decentralisation in the federal power sharing has become more democratic.

Local Government before 1992

Local Government after 1992

(a) Elections were not held regularly.

(b) Local Governments did not have any power or resources of their own.

(a) It is constitutionally mandatory to hold elections to local Government bodies. An independent State Election Commission is responsible to conduct elections regularly.

(b) The state Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with Local Government bodies.

(c) Reservation of seats for Scheduled castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes in the elected bodies and one third (33%) seats to be reserved for women.

Q. 4. Write a note on Panchayati Raj in Jammu and Kashmir?

Ans. The concept of decentralisation of J&K owes its origin in “Naya Kashmir Manifesto” adopted by National Conference in 1944. Article 17 of the Manifesto of Naya Kashmir reads “The political power shall be equally distributed among the regions of state and would be further decentralized at lower levels like Panchayats, Blocks and Districts”.

The Local Self governance was incorporated in the State Constitution that was promulgated in 1957 under Article 16 which reads “The state should take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-Government”. During 1980’s the government took a leap forward and passed the most progressive act called Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act 1989.

According to J&K Panchayati Raj Act 1989, there are a 3 tier Panchayati Raj system in the State.

Halqa Panchayat, Block Development council and District planning and Development Boards.

A. Halqa Panchayat (village level): The Local Government works at the village level in the J&K State was authenticated under Act of 1989. The full involvement of the people was proposed to be secured by the process of direct election of the panchs, sarpanchs etc. This Act gives power to the panchayat Halqas to provide basic amenities to the rural people.

B. Block Development Council (Block Level): This body provides basic facilities at block level. The Act provides for the constitution of Block Development Councils consisting of chairman, all sarpanchs of Halqa panchayat falling within the block and chairperson of marketing societies within the jurisdiction of the block.

C. District Planning and Development Boards (District Level): The 3^rd tier of Local Government which works for the welfare of people in a district. This DPDB comprising chairpersons of the block councils of the district, members of parliament representing the area, members of the state Legislature representing the area, chairperson of the town area committee at the district and president of the municipal council.

In addition, the Act provides for a Panchayat Adalat for every Halqa.

Q.5. what are the functions of Local Urban bodies in J&K?

Ans. The Urban Local bodies like Municipal Council or Municipal Committee in J&K is mandated to perform the following functions and duties as per J&K Municipal Act 2000.:-

I. Preparation of Plans for Economic development and Social Justice.

II. Performance of functions and Implementation of the schemes, which may be entrusted to them including following:

(1) Urban planning including town planning.

(2) Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings.

(3) Public Health, sanitation, conservancy and solid waste management.

(4) Protection of Environment and ecological aspect.

(5) Promotion of Cultural, Educational and aesthetic aspects.

(6) Vital statistics including registration of Births and Deaths.

(7) Planning for Economic and Social development.

(8) Urban poor alleviation.

(9) Regulation of amenities including street lighting, Parking, Bus stops Public conveniences.

(10) Implementation of Food Adulteration Act.

(11) Regulation of Slaughter houses and tanneries

Q.6.Since the United States is a ………………………….type of federation, all the constituent states have equal powers and states are …………………. Vis-à-vis the federal government. But in India is a ……………….. Type of federation and some states have more power than others. In India, the …………………… government has more powers.

Ans. Coming Together, Strong, Holding, Central

Q.7.Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.

(a) Sangeeta:- The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.

(b) Arman:- Language based states have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.

(c) Harish:- This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Ans. I agree with Sangeeta’s reaction. If the policy of accommodation was not followed, and states were not created on linguistic basis, there would have been further partition of India. For example, imposition of Hindi as the national language would have led to the south to break away from the North and Tamil Nadu would have become an independent nation.

Q.8. The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:

(a) National govt. gives some powers to the provincial governments.

(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and Judiciary.

(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Ans. (d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Q.9. A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the Table below:-

(a)Defence

(b) Police

(d) Education

(e) Banking

(f) Forests

(g) Communications

(h) Trade

(I) Marriages

Ans.

*Union List*	*Defence, Banking, Communication*
*State List*	*Police, Agriculture, Trade*
*Concurrent List*	*Education, Forests, Marriages*

Q.10. Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the power of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

a	*State Government*	*State List*
b	*Central Government*	*Union List*
c	*Central and State Government*	*Concurrent List*
d	*Local Governments*	*Residuary Powers*

Ans.

Local Governments

Residuary Powers

Q.11. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

*List I*	*List II*
*1.Union of India*	*A. Prime Minister*
*2. State*	*B. Sarpanch*
*3. Municipal corporation*	*C. Governor*
*4. Gram Panchayat*	*D. Mayor*

	1	2	3	4
a	D	A	B	C
b	B	C	D	A
c	A	C	D	B
d	C	D	A	B

Ans. C

1	2	3	4
A	C	D	B

Q.12. Consider the following statements:

A. In a federation the power of the federal and provincial Governments are clearly demarcated.

B. India is a federation because the power of the Union and State Government’s are specified in the constitution and they have exclusive Jurisdiction on their respective subjects.

C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into province.

D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the state have been devolved to the local government bodies.

Which of the following given above are correct?

(a) A,B and C (b) A,C and D (c) A and B only (d) B and C only

Ans. (c) A and B only

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:-

Q.1. what is Federalism? Write key features of federalism?

Ans. Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. The power is shared among the central government and various states, regional and local governments.

Features of Federalism:

a. There are two or more levels of government.

b. Different levels of Government govern same citizens but each level has its own jurisdiction in specific matters.

c. The jurisdiction of respective levels are specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each level of government is constitutionally guaranteed.

d. Fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be changed by any level of government and require the consent of both levels of government.

e. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the power of governments of different levels. In case of any dispute, the supreme acts as an umpire (final authority)

f. Sources of revenue are specified to ensure the financial authority.

Two aspects are crucial for the institutions and practice of federalism- one mutual trust and other agreement to live together.

Q.2. Discuss how the powers are divided between the central and states? OR

How power is divided according to different lists?

Ans. The constitution of India clearly specifies the powers that are to be placed under central and state government’s authority. The power is divided into various lists.

(A) Union List: It includes subjects of national importance. The central government alone can make decisions on these matters such as defence of the nation, foreign affairs, banking, currency, communication etc. They are included in the Union List because we needed a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country.

(B) State List: It includes subjects of state and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The state government alone can make decisions relating to the subjects mentioned in the state list.

(C) Concurrent List: Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as well as the State Government, such as education, forest, trade union, marriage etc. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in the List. In case of any dispute, the division taken by the Union Government will prevail.

(D) Residuary subjects: Subjects which do not fall in any of these lists. New subjects like computer software that came up after constitution was made. According to the constitution the Union Government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.

Q.3.How is Federalism practiced in India?

Ans. Constitutional provisions and democratic politics are the real pillars of federalism which help to make it a success.

(a) Linguistic States: Since 1947 many changes have been done in the political map of India. Many old states have vanished and many new states of India were changed in order to create new states. This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same state. Some states were created to recognise differences based on culture, geography etc. like Nagaland, Jharkhand and Uttrakhand.

(b) Language Policy: Our constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as an official language but Hindi is the mother Tongue of only 40% of Indians. Therefore there were many safeguards to protest other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled languages by the Constitution. English is also to be used as an official language. The government does not follow a policy of imposing Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states.

(c) Centre-State relations in India: Earlier in India for a long time, the same party ruled both at centre and states. This meant that state government did not exercise their rights as autonomous federal units. But after 1990 significant changes occurred. There was rise of regional political parties in many states of the country. This was also the beginning of the era of the coalition government at the centre. Since no single party got clear majority in the Lok sabha the major national parties had to enter into an alliance with many parties including several regional parties to form government at the centre. Thus, power sharing is more effective today than it was in the early years after the constitution came into effect.

Democracy and Diversity

Chapter 3^rd

1. Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.

Answer: Three factors which determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions:

(1) The people's perception of their identities: It is very important to see how people perceive their identities. If people see their identities in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes difficult to accommodate. It is much easier if people see that their identities are multiple and are complementary with the national identity. This helps them to stay together.

(2) Representation of a community by political leaders: While representing a community, if politicians raise demands that are constitutional and are not at the cost of another community, then it is easier to accommodate those demands. But if the demands are at the cost of other community, then society can move towards conflict.

(3) The government's reaction: If Govt. will try to share power with all groups, then social division will be of no threat. But If the reasonable demands of a community are suppressed by the government, then it leads to social divisions, which in turn threaten the integrity of the country.

2. When does a social difference become a social division?

Answer: A social difference becomes a social division when it overlaps with some other social difference. For example, the Whites were rich and powerful and the Blacks were poor and homeless and discriminated against. When one kind of social difference becomes more important than the other, then it leads to division.

3. How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.

Answer: In politics, there is competition between political parties. If these political parties use this competition in support of some social divisions, it can lead to political divisions. This can lead to conflict, violence or even disintegration of a country.

- One example is of Northern Ireland where religious divisions led to ethno-political conflict. Two major sects of Christianity: 53% Protestants and 44% Catholics dominate the country. The Catholics wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland and the Protestants wanted to remain with UK. This led to years of violence where thousands were killed. Only in 1998, peace returned when the UK government and the Nationalists reached a peace treaty and stopped violence.
- The second example is of Yugoslavia where the political parties refused to accommodate each other. Each ethno-religious group wanted to dominate the other. Result – disintegration of Yugoslavia into seven independent countries.

4. Write a short note on the diversity of J&K?

Answer: J and K is a state of vital diversity. In this state people belonging to various ethnic, linguistic, regional and religious identities. The citizens of this state share many differences as well as similarities .The identities however cross cut each other which provide the basis for harmonious interaction across different cultural groups. The constitution of Jammu and Kashmir has various features that provide for power sharing among different cultural groups in state and attempt to foster a polity based on accommodation of difference.

Some of the Articles which provide such measures are:

Article 16: Organization of Village Panchayats

Article 18: Separation of Judiciary from Executive

Article 49: Reservation of seats for scheduled castes

Article 146: Sixth schedule of State Constitution incorporating following regional languages: Kashmiri, Dogri, Ladakhi, Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, Balti and Dadri

5. ________________ social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions. ________________ social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.

Answer: Overlapping social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions .Cross cutting social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.

6. In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is NOT correct about democracy?

(a) Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.

(b) In a democracy it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a peaceful manner.

(d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

Answer: (d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

7. Consider the following three statements.

A. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.

B. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.

C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) A, B and C

(b) A and B

(d) Only C

Answer: (b) A and B

8. Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by using the code given below.

A. But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.

B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.

C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.

D. Some social differences may result in social divisions.

(a) D, B, C, A

(b) D, B, A, C

(d) A, B, C, D

Answer: (a) D, B, C, A

9. Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the basis of religious and ethnic identities?

(a) Belgium

(b) India

(d) Netherlands

Answer: (c) Yugoslavia

10. Answer: 1(d), 2(c), 3(a), 4(b).

Gender, Religion and Caste

Chapter 4

Q.NO.1: Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India?

Answer: In our country, women still lag behind men despite some improvement since independence. It is because Indian society is male dominated, patriarchal society. In India, women are discriminated and disadvantaged in the following ways:

(1) Less Education:-They are not provided adequate education. Thus, the literacy rate among women is just 54%. This is because boy’s education is still preferred over sending a girl child to school.

(2) Less pay for some work:-Most of the labour done by them is unpaid. Where they are paid for their work, they receive lesser wages than men.

(3) Wish to have male child:- Due to the preference for the boy child, female foeticide is practiced in many parts of the country.

(4) Exploitation of women:-There are various instances of crime against women. Women are exploited and harassed at work place and at the home.

Q.NO.2: State different forms of communal politics with one example each.

Answer: Different forms of communal politics are:

- The expression of communal superiority in everyday beliefs. Militant religious groups are a good example of this.

- The desire to form a majoritarian dominance or a separate state.
Separatist leaders and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and Central India are an example of this.

-The use of religious symbols and leaders in politics to appeal to the voters. This technique is applied by many politicians to influence voters from the two largest religious communities in the country.

-Communalism can be ugliest if it takes the form of communal violence, riots and massacre like the riots in Gujarat in 2002. India and Pakistan suffered some of the worst communal riots at the time of partition.

Q.NO.3: State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Answer: Caste has not disappeared from contemporary India.

- Even now most people marry within their own caste or tribe.

- Untouchability has not ended completely despite constitutional prohibition.

-During the period of dominance of caste system lower caste groups had no access to education and even today they don’t have access to education.

- Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today, e.g., Caste continues to be closely linked to economic status. In India like in pre-independence India, the poor are mostly the low castes while the rich are the high castes, thereby showing that caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Q.NO.4: State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.

Answer: Caste alone cannot determine election results in India because:

- No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of one single caste. So, every candidate and party needs to win the confidence of more than one caste and community to win elections.

- No party wins all the votes of a particular caste.

Q.NO.5: What is the status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies?

Answer: When it comes to representation of women in legislative bodies, India is among the bottom group of nations in the world. Women's representation has always been less than 10% in LokSabha and 5% in the State Assemblies.
On the other hand, the situation is different in the case of local government bodies. As one-third of seats in local government bodies (panchayats and municipalities) is reserved for women, there are more than 10lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies.

Q.NO.6: Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.

Answer : In India, communalism has always been a major threat and challenge to the spirit of democracy. Therefore, the model of secular state was chosen by the makers of our constitution as they were aware of this challenge. Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:

-There is no official religion for the Indian state.

- Freedom to practice, profess and propagate the religion of one’s choice.

- The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

Q.NO.7: Define sex ratio? What is its significance?

Answer: It is the proportional distribution of the sexes in a population aggregate, expressed as the number of females per thousand males. Simply, Sex ratio is the ratio of the number of females to males in a given population.
Significance of sex ratio can be as follows:

-The most notable significance is in the marriage patterns. When the sex ratio is imbalanced, social problems like failure to marry or difficulties in starting families might arise-which in most societies is considered quite shameful-this results in an array of psychological problems linked to it. Hence a ratio might help in quenching such problems.

- A sex ratio might be a key factor in eliminating some of the societal issues that have been psychologically linked to gender imbalance like prostitution and cheating(as a reverse impact of excess in men).

The significance of the gender balance arises from the first point where all other benefits stem from it. Effects such as more economical production might be due to the fact that married population is more productive than a population that has many unmarried persons.

Q.NO.8: Write a short note on the rights of women as mentioned in Naya Kashmir Manifesto 1944?

Answer: The rights of women as mentioned in Naya Kashmir Manifesto, 1944 are as under:

CHARTER OF WOMENS RIGHTS

1. Universal suffrage for women above the age of 18 years

2. The right to be elected as a member in all institutions whose membership is by election

3. The right to have all matters concerning women that are decided by elected organs of the State to be adopted after due consultation with the representatives of the women.

4. The right to employment in all departments of the State.

ECONOMIC RIGHTS OF WOMEN

A. Women would get the same wages as men for similar work. The sole criterion for determining wages would be the type of job, its nature and workmanship.

B. Women would have the right to follow any trade or profession that they are capable of according to their will and interest.

C. Women working in industries would be entitled to the same social insurance schemes to which the men would be entitled.

Apart from having the right to avail ordinary holidays like men they will have the following special privileges:

1. No woman will be employed for night shifts in industries.

2. No woman will be obliged to do unsuitable heavy labour during pregnancy

D. Every woman whether living in a village, or a city, a nomad or a boatwoman would be entitled to help and protection in her role as a mother and this would include:

1. Antenatal care

2. Provision of medical help at home or hospital at the time of delivery and special care for complicated cases.

3. Provision of comprehensive post-natal patient care.

4. Extending the nursing system on a district by district basis.

5. Paid maternity leave for women six months prior to and six months after delivery.

6. Provision of baby care and kindergarten facility in every place where more than seven women are employed.

7. Every nursing woman would have the right to avail half an hours break after every four hours of work.

8. Women who have a greater number of children would be given a childcare allowance

SOCIAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN

A. The status of a woman receive legal protection and any offender who is guilty of excesses towards women be awarded deterrent punishment.

B. The women and children of the State be protected from persons indulging in the trafficking of women and children.

C. The economic and physical causes that result in prostitution be addressed and such women brought back into the mainstream by education and persuasion.

D. Special care be taken to address the problems of women belonging to backward tribes and backward regions of the State.

LEGAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN

A .Every woman would have the right to choose her husband according to her will and discretion.

B. Dowry system and the sale of women would be abolished.

C. Women would have the right to obtain divorce or separation.

D. The responsibilities and rights of women will be at par with those of men with regard to the bringing up of children and if the husband and wife get divorced the woman would have the right to custody of the minor child.

E. Women would have the right to own and inherit property and this right will not be affected by marriage.

F. In every dispute where the outcome would have consequences for women and children the judge would have to be a woman.

G. Women prisoners would be treated justly and humanely paying due regard to their physique and gender.

EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN

A. Compulsory and free education for all women. Mobile schools would be provided for nomad women and boat schools for boatwomen. For women who are unable to attend ordinary schools special schools will be provided at all levels.

B. The educational rights and facilities for both academic and professional education provided to women would be at par with those provided to men. Women would be given special scholarships at every level to encourage them.

C. Special colleges would be opened to train women in academics, industry and home science. Women would also have the right to study in ordinary colleges along with men.

D. Women would be especially involved in making the syllabi for various courses.

E. Implementation of schemes for adult education among women. This would cover not only instruction in the three R's but also elementary principles of hygiene and the bringing up of children.

CULTURAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN

A. Encouragement of all women professionals and academicians

B. Involvement of women in the cultural affairs of the state

C. Encouragement of different languages spoken in the state

D. Making special efforts for cultural development of far flung areas of the State

Q.NO.9: When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:

(a) Biological difference between men and women

(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women

(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies

Answer: (b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women

Q.NO.10: In India seats are reserved for women in

(a) LokSabha

(b) State Legislative Assemblies

(d) Panchayati Raj bodies

Answer: (d) Panchayati Raj bodies

Q.NO.11: Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:

A. One religion is superior to that of others.

B. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.

C. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.

D. State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) A, B, C and D

(b) A, B and D

(d) B and D

Answer: (c) A and C

Q.NO.12: Which among the following statements about India's Constitution is wrong?

(a) It Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion

(b) Gives official status to one religion

(d) Ensures equality of citizens within religious communities

Answer: (b) gives official status to one religion.

Q.NO 13 : Social divisions based on ______________ are peculiar to India.

Answer: caste

14 Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

	List I		List II
1.	A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men	Α.	Communalist
2.	A person who says that religion is the principal basis of community	Β.	Feminist
3.	A person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of community	C.	Secularist
4.	A person who does not discriminate others on the basis of religious beliefs	D.	Castiest

	1	2	3	4
(a)	B	C	A	D
(b)	B	A	D	C
(c)	D	C	A	B
(d)	C	A	B	D

Answer:

	1	2	3	4
(b)	B	A	D	C

Q.NO.15:- Write few sentences about each of the following:

1. Margret Thatcher:- she was the Prime Minister of the united kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and she was leader of the conservative party from 1975 to 1990. Born in 13 Oct. 1925 at Granthan in U.K she was very bold and progressive leader and publically known as Iron lady for her fearless nature. She died on April 8, 2013 in London.

2.Indira Gandhi:- she was the daughter of Pandit J.L.Nehru and Kamla Nehru. Born in Nov.19,1917 at Allahabad. She was married to Feroz Gandhi in 1942. She became the P.M of India from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to 1984 she was awarded with Bharat Ratna, Jawaharlal Nehru award, Lenin peace prize. She died in Oct. 31, 1984 in New Delhi.

3. Benazir Bhutto:- Born in June 21,1953 in Karachi, Pakistan. She was daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nusrat Butto. In 1987, she was married to Asif Ali Zardari. She was 11^th P.M of Pakistan. She became P.M from 1988-96. She was assassinated in dec. 27, 2007 in Rawalpindi Pakistan.

4. Khalida Zia:- she was born in August 15, 1945 in Dinapur. She married to Zia-ur-Rahman. She was P.M of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and 2001 to 2006. Being very active she worked as leader of opposition since 2009.

5. Sheikh Haseena:- she is the daughter of freedom fighter Mujeebur Rehman. Born in sep.28, 1947 in Tungipar, Bangladesh. She got education from Dhaka University. In 1967 she was married to Wazed Miah. She led the Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001 and from 2009 to the current situation.

Chapter: 5

POWER STRUGGLES AND MOVEMENT

Q.NO.1: what is Pressure Group? Give a few examples?

Ans. Pressure groups are organized and unorganized groups which try to influence government policies and try to promote their interest. They have some of their aims and they try to achieve those aims by exerting pressure on the government. They try to control the power with their influence. Pressure groups are formed when people with similar opinions get together for similar objectives.

Examples: Narmada Bachao Andolan, Anti liquor movement, women’s movement etc.

Q.NO.2: Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and Political Parties?

Ans. The forms of relationship between the pressure group and political parties are given below:

(1) Pressure Groups are often formed and led by leaders of political parties or act as extended arms of political parties. Most trade unions and students organizations in India are either established by, of affiliated to one or the other major political party.

(2) Sometimes political parties grow out of movements. For example, the 1931 uprising in J&K gave rise to the Muslim Conference which in 1938 transformed into the secular National Conference.

(3) In most cases the relationship between parties and movement groups is indirect. They often take positions that are opposed to each other. Yet they are in dialogue and negotiations.

(4) They often raise new issues which are taken up by the political parties.

Q.NO.3: Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in their functioning of a democratic government?

Ans. Pressure groups are important in the functioning of a democratic government as they provide an opportunity for marginalized people to voice their opinion. In some cases, the government’s opinion might be biased by a small group of rich and powerful people. It is here that pressure groups step in and force the government to make policies which will benefit certain other sections of society as well.

Q.NO.4: In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?

Ans. Pressure groups and movements exert influence in a variety of ways:

(1) They try to win public and media support for their goals by carrying out information campaigns, organizing meetings, filling petitions etc.

(2) They generally call for a strike; they march the protest and try to disrupt the governmental programmes.

(3) Business groups often employ professional lobbyists or sponsor expensive advertisements. Some persons from pressure groups or movement groups may participate in official bodies and communities that offer advice to the government.

(4) Sometimes political parties grow out of movements. For example, when the Assam movement led by students against the Foreigners came to an end, it led to the formation of the Asom Gana Parishad.

Q.NO.5: What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?

Ans. Difference between a pressure group and a political party:

(A) Pressure Group

(1) Pressure group is an organization formed when people with common occupation, interest, aspirations

Or opinions come together in order to achieve common objective.

(2) Pressure groups are not accountable to the people.

(3) Pressure groups are informal, closed and unorganized part of the political system.

(4) Pressure groups don’t directly control or share political power.

(B) Political Parties

(1) A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.

(2) Political parties have to face the people in elections and therefore they are accountable to the people.

(3) Political parties are formal, open and recognized part of the political system.

(4) Political parties directly control or share political power.

Q.NO.6: Organizations that undertake activities to promote the interests of specific social sections such as workers, employees, teachers, and lawyers are called…………………………………….groups.

Ans. Sectional interest.

Q.NO.7: Which among the following is the special feature that distinguishes a pressure group from a political party?

(a) Parties take political stances, while pressure groups do not bother about political issues.

(b) Pressure groups are confined to a few people, while parties involve larger number of people.

(c) Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.

(d) Pressure groups do not seek to mobilize people, while parties do.

Ans. Pressure groups do not seek to get into power, while political parties do.

Q.NO.8: Write a short note on umbrella Movement?

Ans. Umbrella movement took place in Hong Kong in sep.2014. The movement was initiated by a group called Occupy Central with love and peace, led by Hong Kong university law professor Benny Tai.

In this movement student protestors use umbrella to protect themselves from police pepper spray. The umbrella became a symbol of the movement and gave it its nickname.

Q9. Mention the objectives of J&K Women’s Welfare Association?

Ans. some of the objectives of J&K Women’s Welfare Association are as under:

I) To broke the stereotypical doctrines and traditional approach towards women.

ii) To provide and impart education and recreation to women.

iii) To work for upliftment of women.

iv) To train them for personality development.

v) To provide them health-care and social service.

This association proved an important contributor in strengthening the reforms movement in J&K. Some of the members of this association were people like Mr. G.E.C Wakfield, Dr. Miss Junel Vaughan, Miss Malinson, C.E Tyndale Biscoe, Khan Sahab Mirza Ghulam Mustafa Khan etc.

Q10. Write a note on Dawn of social awakening in J&K?

Answer: The period between 1925 and witnessed the dawn of political awakening in Kashmir. The Kashmiri people had founded an original called, “All India Kashmiri Movement conference”, which started functioning from Lahore, then capital of Punjab. It offered scholarships to poor Muslim students from Kashmir, eager of achieving higher and technical education in India.

Quite a few Kashmiri Muslim young men availed themselves of this facility. They went to universities in British India for higher education. There they happen to interact with their young contemporaries, who influenced them. After completing higher education, they could not find suitable jobs here in the government sector. They founded a ‘Reading Room Party’ in 1930, where lengthy discussions used to take place on how the grievances of the people of valley could be readdressed.

The Reading Room Party gradually emerged as, the major organisation with definite political character giving direction to the political struggle through the organisation of small group meetings. In that atmosphere of toil and suffering, the Reading Room Party guided the people, thereby “Enhancing their interests in the politics.”

Q.NO.11: Match List I (organizations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

List I List II

1.Organizations that seek to promote	A. Move the interest of a particular section or group.
2. Organizations that seek to promote	B. Political parties’ common interest.
3. Struggles launched for the resolution.	C. Sectional interest of a social problem with or without groups an organizational structure
4. Organizations that mobilize people political power groups	D. Public interest with a view to win

	1	2	3	4
(a)	C	D	B	A
(b)	C	D	A	B
(c)	D	C	B	A
(d)	B	C	D	A

Ans.(b) C D A B

Political Parties

Chapter 6^th

Q.1. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Ans. Political parties perform the following functions in a democracy:-

1. Parties contest elections:-Political parties contest elections. They select their candidates in different ways.

2. Parties put forward different policies and programmes:-Parties put forward policies and programmes and the voters choose from them.

3. Parties make laws for the country:-Though laws are passed by the legislature but since most of the members belong to a party, they go by the direction of party leadership, irrespective of their personal opinions.

4. Parties form and run Government:-Political parties recruit leaders, train them and make them ministers to run the government in the way they want.

5. Parties play role of the opposition: -Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of the opposition to the parties in power, by voicing different views and criticizing government for its failure or wrong policies. Opposition parties also mobilize opposition to the government.

6. Parties shape public opinion:- They shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues. Parties sometimes also launch movements for the resolution of problems faced by people.

7. Parties provide people access to Government machinery and welfare schemes.

Q.2. what are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Ans. In a democracy, political parties are very much necessary because they are working for democracy. Political parties are actual faces of democracy .The political parties face number of challenges, some of them are:-

(A) Lack of Internal democracy:-The power within the party is concentrated within the hands of one or two leaders. Ordinary member are unable to get any information of inside matters of the party and member are generally dissatisfied with central leadership.

(B) Dynastic Succession:- Political parties do not have the transparent functioning and that is why the leaders always try to give unfair advantage to their family member.

(C) Money and Muscle power:- Political parties focused only on winning elections, they tend to use short-cuts to win elections. They tend to nominate candidates, who have or can raise money or has sufficient muscle power behind him.

(D) Lack of meaningful Choice:- In the recent years there has been a decline in the ideological differences among parties in most parts of the world. So people have no choices. Sometimes people cannot even elect very different leaders, because the same set of leaders keep shifting from one party to another.

Q.3.Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well

Ans. The reforms which strengthen parties so that they function effectively are:-

(a) A law should be established to regulate the internal affairs of parties, thereby making them more transparent.

(b) It should be made mandatory for the political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one -third, to women candidates.

(c) The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their organizational elections and file their income tax returns.

(d) It should be made compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of its own members, to follow it own constitution, to have an independent authority, to act as a judge in case of disputes, to hold open elections in case of disputes.

(e) The state should fund election campaigns, thereby eliminating lobbying groups and unfair competition. The government should give parties money to support their election expenses.

(f) The constitution was amended to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties.

(g) People can put pressure on political parties and this can be done through petitions, publicity and agitations. If political parties feel that they would lose public support by not taking up reforms they will become more serious about reforms.

Q.NO.4:- What is political party? Write a note on ideologies of each political party in J&K?

Ans. A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the govt. they agree on same policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective goods.

National Conference (NC):- The ideology of National Conference is secular as it believes in the unity in diversity. Its social base is spread in all regions of the state and espouses autonomy. National Conference favours the autonomy of J&K State within Indian Constitution. The flag of NC is red in colour and depicts white plough in its centre, which resembles the flag of J&K State’s official flag. The difference between the flag of NC and that of State is only that state flag has three vertical lines on its one side, which represents the three regions of the state- Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. This party was founded by group of political leaders under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP):- The PDP operates ideology of self rule as distinctly different from the concept of autonomy. It believes self-rule as, a political philosophy, as opposed to autonomy. Three of its members were elected to Lok Sabha in 2014 and two to Rajya Sabha. In March 2015 they formed coalition government in J&K with BJP. It was founded by Mufti Mohammad Syed.

The Congress Party: Ideology:

(a) Faith in Democracy.

(b) Faith in Secularism.

(c) Faith in Socialism.

(d) Unity and integrity of India

(e) Economic liberalism.

Besides these we have People’s Conference which was founded by Late Abdul Gani Lone and National Panther’s Party whose patron is Prof. Bhim Singh.

Q.5:- Trace the origin of Party System in J&K?

Ans. Up to the initial years of the 20^th century, there was no political awakening or political dissent of any kind in Kashmir. But things soon started changing since the early 20^th century with the growth of political awakening. The first political organisation made its debut in Jammu in 1904 under a special permission. The name of this organisation was Dogra Sabha headed by Hans Raj Mahajan. In the Kashmir valley, the political system was based on the personal rule of the Prince who used to be the centre of all the powers: executive, legislature and judiciary. Under this system, the question of freedom and civil liberties of the people did not arise. Till the mid 1920’s, there was apparent calm but occasionally there was a rumbling on the political horizon. However the uprising in state in 1931 led to the formation of All J&K Muslim Conference which was later renamed as, National Conference.

Since its formation in 1938, it has enjoyed continuing support and trust of people of the J&K State. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was the founder of this party. Up to 1970 there was one party dominance in the state and the National Conference was the only party. The National Conference dominated the political scene in the State for many years till parties, like Congress, PDP, Panther’s Party, Peoples Conference and BJP carved their niche in the State Politics.

Q.6:- Enumerate the difference between a national party and a regional party.

Ans.

National party state party/ Regional party

1. A party that secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok sabha elections or Assembly elections in Four states and wins at least Four seats in the Lok sabha is recognized as a national party.

2. National parties will have influence in more than three states.

3. These parties raise issues of national importance.

4. For example: INC, BJP, CPI, CPI-M, BSP

1 .A party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a state and wins at least 2 seats is recognized as a regional party/ state party.

2. Regional party will have influence in less than three states.

3. These parties raise issues of regional importance.

4. For example: Samajwadi Party, Rashtrayia Janta Dal, National Conference, and Peoples Democratic Party.

Q.7:- A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ………………………

Ans.Political Party.

Q.8:- Who among the following is the founder of the Muslim Conference?

(a) Mouli Muhamad Yousuf (b) S M Abdulah

Ans. S M Abdulah

Q.9:- What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janta Party?

(a) Bahujan Samaj (b) Revolutionary democracy

Ans. Modernity

Q.10:- Match List I (organizations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

	List I	List II
1.	Congress Party	A .National Democratic Alliance
2.	Bharatiya Janta Party	B. State Party
3.	Communist Party of India	C. United Progressive (Marxist Alliance)
4.	Telugu Desam Party	D. Left Front
5.	National Conference	E. Self Rule
6.	People’s Democratic Party	F. Autonomy

	1	2	3	4
(a)	C	A	B	D
(b)	C	D	A	B
(c)	C	A	D	B
(d)	D	C	A	B

Ans. (c) C A D B National conference =Autonomy

People’s Democratic Party=Self Rule

Q.11:- Consider the following statements on parties:-

A. Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.

B. Parties are often rocked be scandals involving top party leaders.

C. Parties are not necessary to run governments.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) A, B and C (b) A and B (c) B and C (d) A and C

Ans. (b) A and B

Q.12:- Which Political Party formed govt. in your state in the 2014 assembly elections. Sum up its election and its ideology in a brief paragraph.

Ans. In J&K assembly elections held in 2014 PDP and BJP formed a coalition government. PDP leader Mufti Mohammad Syed became Chief Minister with the support of BJP. PDP secure 28 seats while BJP secured 25 seats in this election.

Ideology: Both the Parties have full faith in Democracy, secularism and Security. The party believes in the dignity, Liberty and Security of the people of J&K. They believe in Nationalism, Holism and Integral humanism.

OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

Chapter 7

Q.NO.1:- How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Ans. Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government by giving the citizen the right to examine the process by which decisions are made. These decisions are made according to norms and procedures which make the decisions more acceptable to the people. Added to this is the basic fact in a democracy, the people having a right to elect their own government, and the candidate which is elected is thought to be capable enough to fulfill the demands of the people.

Accountable Government:- Democracy is an accountable government because it is the government of the people and made by the people and for the people. The representatives elected by the people are responsible to them. If the people are not happy with the government they can change the leader in coming elections.

Responsive Government:-A citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. He has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. This type of transparency is not available in non- democratic government.

Legitimate Government:- There is one aspect in which democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives: democratic government is legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean but a democratic government is people’s own government. So people wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They favour democracy as government.

Q.NO.2:- What are the conditions under which democracies accommodates social diversities?

Ans. (a) In most of the countries, social diversity generally exists. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and we can also evolve mechanism to negotiate the differences. Democracy is best suited to produce this outcome. Non-democratic regimes often turn blind eye to or suppress internal social differences. Ability to handle social differences, division and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes.

(b) Constitution also says that there should be no discrimination with anyone on the basis of gender, colour, religion, culture, age etc. In this way when democracy gives equal rights to all of its citizens, it accommodates social diversity in the country.

(c) It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply a rule by majority opinion. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that government can function to represent the opinion of common people.

(d) The rule of majority should not be ruled by majority on the basis of religion or race or linguistic group etc. Rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election, different persons and groups may form a majority.

Q.NO.3:- Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:

(a) Industrialized countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.

Ans. We are not agreed with this statement because democracy is accountable and responsive but dictatorship is not accountable to anyone. It is hardly responsive and only takes care of one section of society.

In 1947, India was included in the third World nations, but now, it is one of the fast growing economies in the world. On the other hand, Zimbabwe, which was a fairly prosperous nation, has run into huge international debt with the progression of Robert Mugabe’s regime.

(b) Democracy can’t reduce inequality of income between different citizens.

Ans. This statement is incorrect. The Minimum Wages Act enacted by the government and other policies regulate the basic price at which agricultural producers and small industries sell their goods, have helped increase the per capita income of the country, thereby making its citizens more prosperous.

(c) Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.

Ans. We oppose this statement because it is right that industries and infrastructure are necessary elements of economic development but literate and skied people is an asset of any country, which could be used any time. If industries are good but humans illiterate then those industries would also be of no use. So government should spend less on poverty reduction, heath, education is not a wise option as in poor countries, the people cannot afford health and education services.

(d) In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.

Ans. This is a true statement. Democracy stands for political equality and guarantees right to vote to every adult citizen of the country. This reduces the chance of political domination and conflict.

Q.NO.4: Identify the Challenges to democracy in the following description. Also suggest policy/ institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:

(a) Following a High Court directive a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.

Ans. The challenge to democracy in the first statement is to provide equal status to all its citizens in spite of their caste. With the order of allowing entry by same gate of a temple in Orissa, to all dalits and non-dalits, the honorable High Court has assured the life of dignity of dalits, it means they also have right of worship the religion and court has given them it by securing their right of maintain dignity.

(b) A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.

Ans. A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India shows the poverty and economic inequality of the country. So far this, any policy should be framed to look into the grievances of the people by giving insurance on produce, by providing loans at very less interest rates. So the challenge in the second instance is providing farmers with subsidies which will help them to earn profits and have a satisfactory level of livelihood.

(c) Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.

Ans. The challenge to democracy is to preserve the people’s trust in government armed forces like the police.

This incident also shows us that police officers are taken law in their hands and are hardly taking care of human rights. These organizations (forces) should work according to law. So to stop this type of incident a high level judicial enquiry should be ordered so that the guilty official should be punished.

Q.NO.5:- In the context of democracies, which one of the following ideas is correct- democracies have successfully eliminated:

(a) Conflicts among people.

(b) Economic inequalities among people.

(d) The idea of political inequality.

Ans. (d) The idea of political inequality.

Q.NO.6:- In the context of assessing democracy which among the following is odd one out. Democracies need to ensure:

(a) Free and fair election.

(b) Dignity of the individual

(d) Equal treatment before law.

Ans. (c) Majority rule

Q.NO.7:- Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that:

(a) Democracy and development go together.

(b) Inequalities exist in democracies.

(d) Dictatorship is better than democracy.

Ans. (b) Inequalities exist in democracies.

Q:- Short Note on RTI.

Ans. The government of India always lays emphasis on making the lives of its citizens easy, smooth and making India truly democratic and keeping this mind the RTI was passed in 2005.

RTI stands for Right to Information and has been given the status of a fundamental right under Article 19(1) of the Constitution. Article 19(1) under which every citizen has freedom of speech and expression and have the right to know how the government works, what role does it play, what are its functions and so on.

RTI aims at making public institutions transparent and accountable. It was enacted in 2002 in India and is now a fundamental right. The Right to Information Bill, 2005 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 11^th May, 2005 and Rajya Sabha on 12^th May and received the consent of the president of India on June, 15^th, 2005 and came to force on October 12^th, 2005.

It is one of the most important legislations passed after 1947. It empowers an ordinary citizen to access the right to information in public offices and, therefore participate in good governance by minimizing corruption and other evils. The public information offices have been set in all the offices for citizens to obtain government records.

The J&K Govt. enacted RTI law in 2004; however a new RTI law known as RTI Act, 2009 was enacted under pressure from activist groups.

CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY

Chapter 8

Q.NO.1. what is meant by the term challenges to democracy? Discuss few challenges faced by democracy in several parts of the world.

Ans. A challenge is not just a problem. It is a difficulty that carries within an opportunity for progress. Once we overcome a challenge we go up to a higher level than before. The serious challenges that democracy faces in different countries of the world for smooth running of government are called challenges to democracy.

Few challenges faced by democracy in several parts of the world:

Foundational Challenge:- At least one- fourth of the globe is still not under democratic governments. Countries that do not have democratic setup face the foundational challenge of making a transition to the democratic style of government. They need to lay the foundation in terms of laws and policies that would be followed under the democratic setup. This involves- bringing down the existing non- democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling government and establishing a sovereign a functional state.

Challenge of Expansion:- Countries already having the democratic setup face the challenge of expansion. Such countries need to ensure that more and more social groups, regions and institutions follow democracy in their functioning. This involves- ensuring greater power to local governments, extension of federal principle to all the units of the federation, inclusion of woman and minority groups etc. It also means that less and less decision should remain outside the domain of democratic control. Most countries including India and US face this kind of challenge.

Challenge of deepening:- This challenge is faced by every democracy in this form or another. Every democratic country needs to strengthen the institutions that ensure democracy. This should happen in such a way that people can realize their expectations of democracy. This involves- strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy and bringing down the control and influence of rich and powerful people in the making of governmental decision.

Q.NO.2. Discuss some ways and means for political reform in India.

Ans. Some broad guidelines that can be kept in mind while devising ways and means for political reforms in India are:

1. Legal ways of reforming politics: Carefully devised changes in laws can help to discourage wrong political practices and encourage good ones. But, legal constitutional changes by themselves cannot overcome challenges to the democracy. Democratic reforms are to be carried out mainly by the political activists, parties, movements and politically conscious citizens.

2. Careful study of consequences should be done: If there is any legal change, it must carefully look at what results it will have on politics. Sometimes the results may be counter- productive. For example, many states have banned people from contesting Panchayat elections who have more than two children. This has resulted in denial of political opportunity to many poor and women, which was not intended.

3. Ways to strengthen the democratic practice: Democratic reforms are to be brought about principally through political practice. Therefore, the main focus of the reforms should be on ways to strengthen the democratic practice. The most important concern should be to increase and improve the quality of political participation by ordinary citizens.

4. Any proposal of political reform should think not only about what s good solution but also consider about who will implement it and how. It is not wise to think that legislatures will pass legislations that will go against the interest of all political parties and MPs. But, measures that rely on democratic movements, citizens, organizations and the media are likely to succeed.

Q.NO. 3:- What are the reforms needed to decrease doctor’s absenteeism?

Ans.1.The government should make it compulsory for the doctors to live in the village where they are posted; otherwise their service should be terminated.

2. Surprise raids to check the attendance of the doctors by district administration and police should be carried out.

3. Village panchayat should be given the power to write the annual report of the doctor which should be read out in the Gram sabha meeting.

Q.no.4:- Discuss some challenges that Indian democracy is facing.

Ans. Some of the challenges that Indian democracy is facing are:-

1. Regionalism: People residing in different regions have different customs, food and dress haults. People of every region think of their own regional/Provincial interests. This is detrimental to national unity (democracy)

2. Linguism (Many languages):- Different languages are the other obstacle in the way of national unity/democracy. Different languages make personal contact and exchange of ideas among the people quite difficult. These languages and dialects divide the Indian society into so many separate groups, hampering the growth of the sense of common nationalism.

3. Communalism: Communalism means promoting the ideas of a particular religion with a view to divide the society on religious grounds. It believes that people belong to one community. In India there are many religions, castes and sects, with their own distinctive faiths, customs, festivals, ways of worship etc which divide the society into so many separate groups, hampering the growth of the sense of common nationalism.

4. Casteism: Casteism is one of the great evils of our society. It means the promotion of one’s own caste and developing hatred for the other. It divides and separate people which results in the social inequality. Casteism creates barriers and promotes hatredness. It violates the basic principle of democracy- the principle of tolerance.

5. Inequality (Inequality of Women): The basic principle of democracy is equality. Where there is no equality, there is no democracy. Where men and women are not treated equally, there cannot flourish the idea of democracy. Inequality of women means debarring women from participating in public life, which is against the ideas of liberty. Inequality of women is against the idea of equality. It is therefore against the idea of democracy.

6. Economic Inequality: Economic inequality creates masters and slaves, poor and rich, upper and lower class. As such, democracy cannot function properly under it. Economic inequality leads to social inequality. This obviously hampers the functioning of democracy.

7. Political parties: Political parties are important for democracy. But today, these political parties are dividing the people on the basis of various issues, like region, religion, caste language etc.

Some other challenges are Corruption, Illiteracy and Unemployment.

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