GSEB Class 10 Social Science Solutions Chapter 20 Social Problems of India and Challenges

I. Answer the Following Questions in Detail.

Question 1. Give an introduction of constitutional provisions for welfare and development of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe.
Answer: The framers of the Constitution recognized that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were among the weaker sections of Indian society. To support the well-being and progress of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST), the following constitutional measures have been adopted:
1. Article 15 grants access to all public places for the SC and the ST.
2. Article 16(4) empowers the state to make reservations for them in government jobs.
3. Article 17 has ended the custom of untouchability and forbids its practice in any form.
4. Article 46 directs the state to safeguard the SC and the ST from exploitation and to care for their educational, social, and economic welfare.
5. Articles 330, 332, and 334 provide reserved seats for the SC and the ST in the Lok Sabha and the State Vidhan Sabhas, based on their population.
6. Seats are reserved for the SC and the ST in both rural and urban local government bodies.
7. Article 19(5) grants the state the power to limit movement and settlement rights in tribal areas to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes.
8. The Constitution has established the National Scheduled Castes Commission and the National Scheduled Tribes Commission to defend their interests and rights, and to promote their welfare and development.
In simple words: India's Constitution has special rules to help Scheduled Castes and Tribes because they were historically disadvantaged. These rules include equal access to public places, job reservations, ending untouchability, protecting them from exploitation, and reserving seats in government bodies.

Question 2. State the social effects of terrorism.
Answer: The social impacts of terrorism are as follows:
1. Terrorism generates feelings of fear and worry among people. They become suspicious of groups involved in anti-social activities like looting, robbery, stabbing, and other violent actions.
2. The impacts of terrorism are experienced by individuals of all age groups. Parents get worried about their children, wives become concerned about their husbands going to work, and children get anxious about their elderly parents.
3. It negatively affects education in regions impacted by terrorism, such as Jammu and Kashmir.
4. An environment of destruction and mutual suspicion emerges, which breaks down social harmony and feelings of brotherhood among people.
5. It causes social tension and community conflicts. This results in disorder and uncertainty, disrupting people's normal daily lives, making it impossible to celebrate social events with happiness.
6. It first causes social breakdown and later poses a risk to national integration.
In simple words: Terrorism causes widespread fear and worry, making people suspicious of each other. It harms education, creates social tension, and can destroy national unity and harmony.

II. Answer the Following Questions in Point-Wise.

Question 1. State the steps which should be taken to eradicate communalism.
Answer: Communalism hinders the progress of individuals, society, and the nation. The initial step to address this was taken by the Constitution's framers themselves. They declared India a secular state and gave citizens the right to freedom of religion. Besides these, the following actions should be taken to remove communalism:
• The government should take strict action against those involved in communal activities.
• Education plays a significant role in fostering community harmony. Prayers from all religions should be sung at schools. Religious festivals from all religions should be observed so that young children learn respect for all beliefs.
• The Election Commission should not recognize communal parties. A strict code of conduct should be enforced to stop communal propaganda.
• Messages of secularism and religious tolerance should be shared nationwide through radio, television, and cinema. Special attention should be given to programs that encourage nationalism and national integration.
• Leaders of political parties, along with the heads of various religious groups, should collaborate to fight communalism.
• Special efforts should be made to instill a secular and scientific mindset among young people. For this purpose, the government should seek assistance from civil society organizations.
• People should be made to understand that national interest is more important than religious interests. They should move beyond narrow communal concerns, strive for national integration, and cultivate patriotism.
In simple words: To remove communalism, the government should act against communal groups, education should promote religious harmony, and the Election Commission should not recognize communal parties. Media should spread messages of secularism, leaders should work together, and youth should develop a scientific and secular attitude, prioritizing national interest.

Question 2. Give an introduction of constitutional provisions for welfare and development of minorities.
Answer: The term "minorities" refers to religious minorities, which include Muslims, Christians, and Zoroastrians. After the linguistic reorganization of states, every state has some linguistic minorities. For instance, Gujaratis are a linguistic minority in Maharashtra. The Indian Constitution includes the following provisions for the welfare and advancement of religious and linguistic minorities:
• The Preamble declares India a secular state, meaning there is no official state religion. It also promises social justice, equal status, and equal opportunities for all citizens.
• The Right to Equality in Articles 14 to 18 further explains that the state must not discriminate in public employment and access to public places based on religion, caste, race, language, gender, or place of birth. It also offers legal protection to every citizen.
• The right to freedom of religion in Article 24 allows minority groups to practice their religion, establish institutions, and collect funds for their religious activities.
• No religious instruction can be provided in educational institutions that receive financial aid (grants) from the state.
• Article 29 grants educational and cultural rights to religious, linguistic, and cultural minorities to maintain their language, script, and culture.
• Article 30 provides them the right to establish 'minority' educational institutions.
• The right to education guarantees free and mandatory education for children in the 6-14 age group.
• The Constitution has established the National Minorities Commission to safeguard the interests and rights of minorities and to oversee their welfare and development.
In simple words: The Constitution helps religious and language minorities by making India a secular country, ensuring equal rights, allowing freedom of religion, and giving them special rights to education and cultural preservation. The National Minorities Commission also works to protect their rights and well-being.

Question 3. State the economic effects of terrorism.
Answer: The economic impacts of terrorism are devastating for individuals, trade, commerce, and the national economy as a whole. These can be listed as follows:
• Terrorist acts destroy people's homes and property. Families of those killed or injured during terrorist violence suffer throughout their lives.
• Terrorist acts disrupt normal trade and business, leading to income losses.
• In states affected by terrorism, such as Jammu and Kashmir, business owners move to other parts of the country.
• The tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir has suffered significantly due to ongoing terrorism. Many countries have even advised their citizens not to travel to India.
• Industrialists, business owners, and their children are kidnapped by terrorists, who also extort money from businesses and industries.
• Manufacturing activities slow down or completely stop when industrial establishments are attacked by terrorists.
• Railway lines, radio stations, roads, bridges, and government offices are destroyed. Millions of rupees are spent on rebuilding these. Additionally, transport activities are disrupted. The government also has to spend millions of rupees for the safety and protection of these public properties.
• Terrorist organizations participate in drug trafficking and illegal marketing to raise money for their violent acts.
• The overall impact on the national economy is detrimental, as the process of economic progress slows down.
In simple words: Terrorism badly harms the economy by destroying property, disrupting businesses, and causing income loss. It makes business owners move away, hurts tourism, and leads to kidnappings and extortion. Infrastructure like roads and offices are destroyed, requiring huge funds for reconstruction, and it slows down overall economic growth.

III. Answer the Following Questions in Brief.

Question 1. Explain the difference between rebellions and terrorism.
Answer: Differences between rebellions and terrorism:
• The boundary between rebellion (insurgency) and terrorism is very fine. Terrorist acts in Kashmir are a type of insurgency. A segment of terrorists supports 'Azad Kashmir', while Pakistan-backed terrorist groups aim to make Kashmir a part of Pakistan.
• In a narrow sense, insurgency is a domestic national issue; whereas terrorism has become a domestic as well as a global issue.
• Insurgency involves defying the sovereign authority of one's own country and seeking independence through secession. Terrorism is a tool used by insurgent organizations.
• On the other hand, terrorism, in itself, targets 'enemy' countries and aims to destroy their major facilities and international reputation.
• Insurgency is a local movement that has the support of local people. Terrorist organizations operating in a foreign land may or may not have local support. However, the amount of local support is small. Only a few misled individuals act against their own country.
• Both insurgency and terrorism are destructive forces that negatively affect the national economy of the target country and hinder its economic advancement.
In simple words: Rebellions are usually local movements seeking independence with local support, while terrorism can be domestic or global, aiming to destroy an 'enemy' country's assets and prestige, often with less local support. Both are destructive to a nation's economy and stability.

Question 2. Write a note on the Naxalism.
Answer: The Naxalite movement began in the Naxalbari region of West Bengal in 1967 as an armed protest against the cruelties committed by landlords. It was inspired by the Communist Revolution in China, led by Mao Tse-Tung. Charu Mazumdar and Kanu Sanyal were the founders of the Naxalite movement. The Naxalites use all forms of violence, including bomb blasts, attacks on military personnel and government buildings, kidnapping of the public and officials, and extortion. They forcibly collect money and grains from people in their territory.
• Initially, exploited peasants and landless workers willingly supported the Naxalites. However, over time, popular support has declined due to widespread violence and exploitation of people.
• This movement has spread across 13 states. The most affected states are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• People's War Group (PWG) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) are two main Naxal organizations.
• They represent local protests against the state government and its police force.
In simple words: Naxalism started in West Bengal in 1967 as an armed protest against landlords, inspired by China's Communist Revolution. It involves violence, extortion, and kidnappings. Though initially supported by poor farmers, public support has lessened due to their violence. It has spread to 13 states and includes groups like PWG and MCC, aiming to protest against the government.

IV. Choose the Correct Alternative of Every Question Given Below.

Question 1. On what is India's social structure based?
(a) Communalism
(b) Casteism
(c) Language
(d) Groupism
Answer: (b) Casteism
In simple words: India's social structure has been historically organized around the caste system.

Question 2. On which basis is the scheduled caste decided?
(a) Untouchability
(b) Religion
(c) Sect
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) Untouchability
In simple words: The term "scheduled caste" was historically linked to the practice of untouchability, which the Constitution now prohibits.

Question 3. Under which Article of the Constitution untouchability has been eradicated?
(a) Article 25
(b) Article 29
(c) Article 17
(d) Article 46
Answer: (c) Article 17
In simple words: Article 17 of the Constitution made the practice of untouchability illegal.

Question 4. Which of the following is a global problem?
(a) Casteism
(b) Communalism
(c) Language
(d) Terrorism
Answer: (c) Language
In simple words: Issues related to language can sometimes cause problems that affect people worldwide.

Question 5. Match the following and choose the correct alternative:
(a) (1 – a), (2 – d), (3 – c), (4 – b)
(b) (1 – c), (2 – d), (3 – a), (4 – b)
(c) (1 – c), (2 – d), (3 – b), (4 – a)
(d) (1 – c), (2 – b), (3 – d), (4 – a)
Answer: (d) (1 – c), (2 – b), (3 – d), (4 – a)
In simple words: The correct option is (d), which accurately pairs each item from the first list with its corresponding match from the second list.

Gujarat Board Class 10 Social Science Social Problems of India and Challenges Additional Important Questions and Answers

I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1. By which other name is secularism known?
(a) Religion relativity
(b) Towards religion no staunchness
(c) Transformation of religion
(d) Obstruction in religion
Answer: (b) Towards religion no staunchness
In simple words: Secularism is also understood as not strongly favoring or being devoted to any particular religion.

Question 2. What is the view of staunch people towards every citizen?
(a) Social perspective
(b) Wide view
(c) Communal perspective
(d) Secular perspective
Answer: (c) Communal perspective
In simple words: Strongly opinionated people often see others through a lens of their own community's beliefs and biases.

Question 3. Which of the following matters is harmful for democracy, national Integrity and development of nation?
(a) Secularism
(b) Communalism
(c) Harmony
(d) Tolerance
Answer: (b) Communalism
In simple words: Communalism is dangerous because it creates division, which hurts a country's democracy, unity, and progress.

Question 4. Which Commission has been set up for protecting the rights, interest, welfare and for progress of minorities?
(a) National Rights Commission
(b) National Minority Commission
(c) National Minority Service Commission
(d) National Minority Development Commission
Answer: (b) National Minority Commission
In simple words: The National Minority Commission was created to safeguard the rights, interests, well-being, and advancement of minority groups.

Question 5. Naxalism activity started from West Bengal is not seen in this state.
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Tripura
(c) Gujarat
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (c) Gujarat
In simple words: Naxalite activities, which began in West Bengal, are not present in the state of Gujarat.

II. Very Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1. Which country has the world's largest democracy?
Answer: India
In simple words: India is the nation with the biggest democratic system globally.

Question 2. What hinders the progress of a person, society and nation?
Answer: Communalism
In simple words: Communalism stops individuals, communities, and countries from moving forward.

Question 3. In 21st century, which problem has become a global problem for human society?
Answer: Terrorism
In simple words: In today's century, terrorism has become a worldwide issue affecting people everywhere.

Question 4. Which activity is born from local dissatisfaction?
Answer: Rebellion
In simple words: Rebellion starts when local people are unhappy or discontent.

Question 5. In which state first Naxalist movement started in India?
Answer: West Bengal
In simple words: The first Naxalite movement in India began in West Bengal.

III. Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Discuss the negative impacts of communalism.
Answer: Communalism is detrimental in several ways. It causes social tension across the country. People with communal feelings do not view every citizen equally. Such individuals see themselves as superior to others. They consider friends from different religions as rivals or enemies. This fosters an environment of disagreement and hatred. Communal tension often leads to community quarrels and even riots. Communalism harms democracy, national unity, and the development of the nation. Having communal feelings not only goes against society but also against the principles on which our Constitution is built.
In simple words: Communalism creates social tension, hatred, and riots by making people think their religion is better. It harms democracy, national unity, and goes against the Constitution's values, making it very bad for the country.

Question 2. How can educational institutions, students and youth help in solving communalism?
Answer: Education plays an important role in eliminating communalism. Therefore, our education curriculum includes positive lessons that students should learn and adopt in life. Additionally, prayers that respect humanity and all religions are conducted in schools, which helps students maintain good and healthy feelings for everyone. Such prayers and programs for communal harmony should also be held at social gatherings and all other important functions. Young people must join efforts and step forward to remove communalism. Efforts should be made at both social and educational levels to develop secular feelings and a scientific and logical attitude among young people.
In simple words: Schools can help fight communalism by teaching good values, including prayers that respect all religions, and organizing harmony programs. Young people should take part in these efforts, and education should encourage secular and scientific thinking to reduce communal feelings.

Question 3. The scheduled castes remained backward for a longer time. Explain it.
Answer: The historical roots of the backwardness of certain communities are deep. In ancient times, society was divided into four classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Each class could practice only the profession that society assigned. Today's Scheduled Caste individuals belong to the Shudra class. They were seen as inferior and were considered low-status members of society. People from this group often had to reside on the outskirts of villages or only in specific urban areas. They were denied various social and religious rights. Due to all these reasons, individuals from these castes could not advance significantly. Consequently, a few communities or castes have remained behind compared to others in India.
In simple words: Historically, Scheduled Castes were deemed inferior within India's ancient four-caste system. They were restricted to certain jobs, lived in secluded areas, and faced social and religious restrictions. These factors stopped them from progressing for a long time, leaving them behind other groups in India.

Question 4. There are special provisions in the Constitution for the weaker section of the society. Give reason.
Answer: Many castes in India have remained weak for a long time. According to the Indian Constitution, all citizens are equal and should therefore be treated equally and given equal fundamental rights. However, the issue is that the weaker sections of society faced exploitation for a very long time. Applying the same rules and regulations to everyone will not help the weaker sections of society to develop. As a result, the government included special provisions in the Constitution for such people. These provisions offer relaxations for people from backward classes in government employment, college admissions, and so on.
In simple words: Special rules are in the Constitution for weaker sections because they were exploited for many years. While all citizens are equal, different rules are needed to help these groups catch up. These provisions offer benefits like job reservations and easier college admissions to support their development.

Question 5. The condition of SC and ST is improving. Give reason.
Answer: As per the Indian Constitution, all citizens are equal and should therefore be treated equally and given equal fundamental rights. With this goal, the Constitution has included several provisions for people belonging to the Scheduled Class and Scheduled Tribe who previously could not enjoy fundamental rights. Hostels have been opened, and a scheme has been launched to provide scholarships for children. Facilities for counseling and training classes for competitive examinations have also been started. Minimum age and qualification requirements have been relaxed for candidates from these groups for government jobs. Through all these and various other measures, the state is looking after the educational, social, and economic interests of the backward classes. Thus, the condition of SC and ST has gradually improved and continues to improve.
In simple words: The condition of Scheduled Castes and Tribes is getting better because the Constitution ensures equal rights and provides many special benefits. These include hostels, scholarships, training for exams, and relaxed job requirements. The government is actively supporting their education, social status, and economic growth, leading to gradual progress.

Question 6. Differentiate between terrorism and insurgency.
Answer:

Question 7. Terrorism is extremely harmful both society and economically. Give reason.
Answer: Terrorist activities, such as kidnapping, robbery, and violence, create fear, suspicion, and destruction among people of all age groups. Terrorism leads to communal conflicts, which breaks the harmony and cooperation within society. Terrorist activities destroy the healthy environment needed for developing businesses and industries. As a result, business and trade relations are negatively affected. When businesses and industries do not grow, people's economic situation worsens, and they lose employment opportunities. Terrorists also destroy infrastructure like communication lines. This damages social cohesion and cooperation. Terrorist acts harm the healthy conditions required for business and industrial growth. Consequently, business and trade are badly impacted. Infrastructure like railways, radio stations, roads, bridges, and government offices are ruined. Millions of rupees are spent on rebuilding these. Thus, terrorism is highly damaging both socially and economically.
In simple words: Terrorism causes fear, suspicion, and destroys harmony in society, leading to communal conflicts. Economically, it harms businesses, trade, and creates job losses. It also destroys vital infrastructure, costing huge amounts to rebuild, making it very damaging to both society and the economy.

IV. Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is communalism? How does it affect the society and Constitution?
Answer:
Communalism: When an individual or a group identifies itself as an organized and aggressive unit against any other religion or sect and acts accordingly, it is called communalism. Even after many years of independence and growing as a modern country, India has struggled to resolve the problems of communalism.
Effects of communalism on society: Feelings of communalism lead to communal tension in society. People with strong communal feelings try to show that their religion is superior to other religions and give more importance to religious interests. Such people do not view others with equality. They see them through a communal viewpoint. These types of feelings divide society.
Effect of communalism on country and its Constitution: Religion is a matter of faith, and showing respect towards other religions is important. Most people follow one religion or sect. Furthermore, India is a secular country, and people of various religions live here. Having communal feelings not only goes against society but also against the principles on which our Constitution is founded.
In simple words: Communalism is when a group becomes aggressive, thinking their religion is better than others, which has been a long-standing issue in India. It creates social tension and division, leading people to view others through biased religious lenses. This harms the country's unity and goes against the secular principles of its Constitution.

Question 2. What is casteism? State its effect on Indian society.
Answer: Discriminating against people based on their castes is called casteism. Casteism has existed in Indian society since its beginning. In this context, we can say that India's social structure is based on casteism. However, the concept of casteism was quite different in those early days. Indian society categorized people into different castes based on the tasks they performed. Thus, work-based division of communities formed the basis of society. According to the Varna system, people were divided into four main castes:
1. Brahmin
2. Kshatriya
3. Vashya and
4. Shudra.
The arrangement of residence was also based on people's caste. Those belonging to higher castes often earned higher incomes, while those from lower castes earned less. Lower caste individuals were consistently neglected and exploited.
In simple words: Casteism is when people are treated differently based on their caste, a system that has been part of Indian society for a long time. Historically, society was divided into four main castes based on jobs, and lower castes faced neglect and exploitation, impacting their income and where they lived.

V. Fill in the Blanks

Question 1. Unity in ............ is a base of progress of India.
Answer: 1. diversity
In simple words: Unity in India's variety is the foundation for its progress.

Question 2. People having ............ ideology try to show superiority of their religion in comparison with other religious.
Answer: 2. communal
In simple words: Individuals with communal beliefs often try to prove their religion is better than others.

Question 3. India's social structure was based on ............ .
Answer: 3. casteism
In simple words: India's social organization was built upon the caste system.

Question 4. ............ is a hindrance for progress of any country.
Answer: 4. Terrorism
In simple words: Terrorism stops any country from moving forward.

Question 5. Rebellion is a ............ problem.
Answer: 5. national
In simple words: A rebellion is a problem that affects the entire nation.

GSEB Textbook Solutions Class 10 Social Science