Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Challenges of India and Their Remedies from Class 10 Social_Science. In this chapter, we will explore Communalism, Economic inequality, Regionalism, Population Explosion, Illiteracy, Poverty, Corruption, Profiteering, Gender discrimination, Smuggling, and Gender Minorities. Since 1947 we have been facing a number of internal problems. These problems have to be solved through proper planning and good governance. In our democratic system people have to co-operate the Government-at center, state and local levels in order to find solutions to these problems. It is our ardent duty to know the problems of our Country and find out suitable remedies also. Most of these problems are man made issues. Hence, we have to seek proper humanitarian solutions. Proper legislative and social reforms, able administration, fast and impartial judicial system and co-operation of people are essential to find out remedies for these challenges. Let us learn about these problems.
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First, Communalism. Communalism is one of the biggest evils of Indian society. It refers to the split of the whole national community on the basis of religion and the strong feeling that their group identities and interests are opposed to each other. Communalism creates many ill effects. They are division of society, mutual distrust and threat. It manifests itself in social groupism, economic antagonism and even political rivalry. Communalism in India is a menace which is capable to disrupt the very unity and integrity of our nation. Communalism propagates hate-philosophy among religious groups. It leads to social unrest and even the loss of life and property. Communalism spreads with unwarranted mutual accusation and physical combat among the religious groups. The Divide and Rule policy of the British Government has considered the interests of religious groups above national interests. Communal forces in the country make effort to promote their respective ideological interests. There are situations where people promote their own religious interest and look the other religions with suspicion. This hampers the unity and the very strength of the nation. Communal harmony is vitiated due to this philosophy as it spreads hostile atmosphere. The nation should make efforts to overcome these problems.
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Measures to be taken to control communalism are as follows: Strengthening the secular principles in all fields. Developing a secular nationalism that inspires interfaith equality. Treating all citizens equally. Implementing uniform civil code. Adopting Secular principles in Education. Enforcing orderly legal system. Developing a strong nationalism spirit. Creating awareness among people about communal harmony. Stress on thoughts of Nationalism. By above measures communalism can be controlled and a harmonious environment can be created in the society.
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Next, Regionalism. Regionalism means the strong feeling of people in favour of the local area in which they live. A vast country like India naturally is having different regional identities. To certain reasonable limit, this regionalism is considered tolerable. It motivates the people to take initiative for the all-round progress of their local areas. But, many a times, the extreme regionalism harms national unity and integrity of the nation. It may cause for the inter-state border disputes and inter-state river water sharing disputes. It is essential that the people of each region respect other region along with their own regional spirit and think about the progress of the country as a whole.
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Measures to be taken to control regionalism: Realising the problems caused by extreme Regionalism, the Government of India has undertaken many measures to control it. The Preamble of our Constitution declares We the people of India and thereby stresses Indian nationalism. Our constitution upholds the unity and integrity of the nation by providing Single Citizenship in India. It has provided more opportunity for regional development by implementing the elements of federal system. Makers of our constitution have designed a quasi-federal system for India which give out autonomy to the states. The central government coordinates the activities of the state with a view to uphold the integrity of the nation. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has been set up for the development of North Eastern region of India.
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Sub Regionalism: Regionalism in different areas within a state can be called Sub Regionalism. Regional imbalance is the main reason for Sub regionalism. The problem of regional imbalance can be seen in Karnataka also. To eliminate the sub regional imbalance in Karnataka special priority has been given to some areas. For this Dr. D.M. Nanjundappa Committee, Malenadu Development Board, Kalyana Karnataka Development Board, Bayaluseeme Development Board, Coastal Development Authority and Karnataka Border Area Development Authority are constituted. Special recognition is given to 7 districts of Kalyana Karnataka under the Article 371(J) to address the issue of regional imbalance.
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Moving on to Illiteracy. In India, illiteracy is a major problem. We are yet to achieve complete literacy in our country. Poverty, migration, child labour, child marriage, assignment of responsibility of baby care to elderly children, lack of interests to give education to children are the reasons for illiteracy. Education is important for the progress of the nation. In democracy every one should understand their duties and responsibilities. So it is essential to solve the problem of illiteracy. There were 12% literates in India at the time of Independence. It has been increased to 66% in 2001. By 2011 it has increased to 74.04%. Still about 25.96% people are illiterates. Hence, Government has taken up many steps to eradicate this problem.
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Measures Taken to Eradicate Illiteracy: In 1988, National Literacy Mission was launched. Sarva Siksha Abhiyan has been launched in 2001. Under this the importance was given to the education of girls and Divyangas and for the women awareness. Through Article 21A of our Constitution, education is made a Fundamental Right. Free and Compulsory Education should be given to the children between 6 and 14 years. Right to Education 2009 has been guaranteed. Sakshara Bharath programme has been launched in 2009. In 2018 Samagra Shiksha scheme has been implemented. Nav Bharath Saksharata Karyakram from 2022-23 to 2026-27 Programme has been implemented. All these programmes are complementary in increasing the literacy rate. Do you know this: Democracy is only giving the opportunity to development of skills in equal. Dr. S. Radhakrishna. The 4th sustainable development goal of the 17 sustainable developments of the United Nations in 2015 talks about quality education. Activity: Discuss and Prepare your plan for eradicating illiteracy in the Grama Panchayat area assuming you are the Grama Panchayat President.
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Now we will discuss Corruption. Corruption is one of the major problems of public life of India. Corruption means an inducement to do wrong by bribery or other unlawful means. It is going away from what is right and legally correct. It refers to improper and selfish exercise of power and influence for ones profit. It is abuse of power for personal gains setting aside all rules and regulations. It is spreading like an epidemic in public life. Causes for Corruption: The causes for corruption, which is affecting public life are casteism, nepotism, lack of accountability, lack of strict law, selfish nature of man, calculation of avoiding risk, lack of strict supervision, inefficient Anti-Corruption Agencies. Things involved in the Web of Corruption: Corruption includes crimes like tax-evasion, hoarding, creating artificial scarcity, smuggling, misappropriation of power, financial fraud, cheating, violation of rules of foreign exchanges, professional misconduct.
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Consequences of Corruption: Corruption leads to various negative consequences. They are: corruption is one of the illegal act, it is antisocial and immoral act. It is staunch enemy of good administration, it disrupts transparency and accountability in administration. Political corruption also leads to organized crimes. It allows for bureaucratic loopholes and fraud in public service sectors. It weakens the social, economic and political system of the country. Measures taken to control corruption: Mere criticizing corruption and compromise with it cannot control corruption. Therefore, the Government of India has undertaken measures to control the widespread corruption in administration. The institution Lokpal has been established at National level and Lokayukta Institution has been established in the states. Central Vigilance Commission has also been set up. Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 has been Implemented. Right to Information Act 2005 has been implemented. CC Cameras are installed in government offices. E-Office system has been Implemented for the Quick disposal of files. Schemes like Sakala, Janaspandana, Janasevaka have been implemented. Complaint Boxes are kept in government offices.
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What else can be done to eradicate corruption? Through the strong personal and social moral base, wide spread corruption can be eradicated. In order to eradicate corruption, strong political will as well as public support is essential. In other words, good political leadership, accountable bureaucracy and legally matured citizens with civic sense have to struggle jointly to control the menace of corruption. All the measures taken to control corruption should be implemented effectively. Lokpal and Lokayukta institutions should be strengthened. A very strict penal system is essential to root out corruption at all levels. Do you know this: Lokayukta Institution: In 1986 The state of Karnataka enacted Karnataka Lokayukta Act and accordingly Lokayuktha organisation was brought into existence. Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta are the heads of this body. You can submit a complaint to Lokayukta if there is corruption in Government work, unnecessary delay or harassment to the public. Justice A.D. Kushal was the first Lokayukta of Karnataka. Mere know this: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said the system of that country can be understood by checking the status of women. Activity: Discuss with the teacher your suggestions to eradicate the scourge of corruption as a citizen of India.
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Let us study Gender Discrimination and the Status of Women. As said in the popular saying in Kannada, The hand that rocks the cradle can rule the world, women can be seen to have excelled in all fields. In India achievements of women had been recognised even before independence. We can remember Jhansi Rani Laxmi Bai, Rani Chennamma, Anne Besent, Kasturba Gandhi, Savithri Bai Phule, Fatima Sheikh. Today, women work in the field of social, education, cultural, economic, tourism, medical, engineering, research, aviation, space, political, public administration, defense system, foreign affairs. Women has achieved unparalleled achievements in all fields like business and in all spheres of national and international life. Still the status of women has to be improved and gender discrimination has to be removed. Social system, poverty, illiteracy are the reasons for this backwardness. This backwardness is a problem to the national progress.
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In India, Indira Gandhi became the first women Prime Minister, Prathibha Devisingh Patil became the first women President, Sarojini Naidu became the first Women Governor, Suchetha Krupalani became the first women Chief Minister, Meirakumar became the first women Lokasabha Speaker. Fathima Beevi became the first women judge of Supreme Court, Smt. V.S. Ramadevi became the first Chief Election Commissioner of India. A good number of women became Governors, Chief Ministers, Ambassadors, and occupy many such high positions and performed their responsibilities effectively. Measures undertaken to eradicate gender discrimination: In India many measures have been taken to improve the status of Women. The Ministry of Women and child welfare has been started at the Centre and States to improve the status of women and their education. Reservation has been given to women in recruitment in Central and State Government jobs. National and State Women’s Commissions have been established. Women Development Corporations have been set up at state level. Sakhi One Stop Centers have been started. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 was enacted. Prohibition of sexual harassment of women in working place Act 2013 has been implemented. In Karnataka 50% of seats are reserved for women in local self governments. The Facility of Women Helpline number 1091 has been provided. The Parliament has passed Nari Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam for giving 33% reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, which is the 106th Amendment Act of Indian constitution. Activity: Interview women members of a local organisation near you about the status of women.
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Next, we will learn about Gender Minorities. The people of the community who have feelings and attitudes against their genitalia, physically and mentally are called Gender Minorities. Gender discrimination also includes discrimination against gender minorities. Gender minorities are those who have a physical and social behaviour different from the gender they were born with. It is a community of individuals with both male and female physical characters. Being in the midst of a society formed by the social norms of a patriarchal system they are unable to live with a certain uniqueness like ordinary men or women. They are confused whether to live like a woman or man. They are addressed by various special names like Ardhanareeshwara and Transgender. In the opinion of their activist, Akkai Padmashali, it is appropriate to address them as Gender Minorities, in order to uphold their personal and community dignity. The social ostracism and discrimination faced by the gender minorities are severe and different from the discrimination faced by the oppressed communities. From family, education, neighborhood, health, employment to the general public, the lack of attitude to accept them as human beings is evident.
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Measures taken for the empowerment of gender minorities: A number of measures have been taken in India to eliminate discrimination against the gender minorities. In 2014, the Supreme Court gave a landmark judgment regarding the gender minority. Based on this judgement the central and state governments have taken several initiatives. They are as follows: The Government of India has enacted the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Act 2019. According to this act it is a punishable offence that if any one separates trans-gender persons from their families and force them to leave their homes, communities and villages. Government of India under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented a sub-project called Integrated Rehabilitation for the Welfare of Gender Minority Persons under SMILE scheme, which stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. National Council for Transgender Persons has been formed. National Portal for Transgender Persons has been created. Shelter Houses named Garima Gireh are being constructed. The establishment of the Transgender Welfare Board by the government of Tamil Nadu in 2008 has been appreciated. The Government of Karnataka has implemented Karnataka state policy on Transgenders 2017. According to this, 1% reservation has been given in the appointment of government jobs along with giving opportunity to get education, to join government jobs and to contest in the elections. Manjamma Jogati is the first transgender minority person to serve as the president of the Karnataka Janpada Academy. Shabnam Moussi became the first person from the transgender minority community to be elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
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Now let us examine Economic Inequality. Rapid increase in economic inequality is a serious problem in India. It refers to the widening of the gap between the poor and the rich sections in the society. This gap exists everywhere, regardless of urban and rural areas. The benefits of the economic progress of the nation have been utilizing by the people who have knowledge and might. It is unfortunate that the poor and weak are being deprived of such benefits. The high scale salary of the private sector, the working environment of multinational corporations, white collar jobs, profiteering, corruption, because of these the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. It is the prime duty of the Governments to take steps for reducing the gaps between the rich and the poor people. The developmental plans should be favourable for the all-round development by reducing the gap between the rich and the poor. The government should include the poor and weak in the developmental process rather than making them as labours, destitutes and homeless. Some times poor farmers, labours and tribals lost their land and dwellings due to the establishment of industries, construction of dams. In that situation the government has to provide proper compensation, suitable rehabilitation and earning opportunities. The following measures are necessary for the elimination of economic inequality: Economic inequality can be reduced through Sound Economic Reforms, Planned Financial Management, Progressive Taxation System, Development of Small and Rural Cottage Industries, proper regulation of Large Scale Industry and Monopoly Sectors, Land Reforms, Pro-labour attitudes, Social security.
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Moving to Over-Population. India is one of the most populous country in the world. India occupies about 2.4% of the total land area of the world and 17.5% of the world’s population. During the decade of 1991-2001, population grew from 84 crores to 102.7 crores. As per 2011 Census the total population of India had reached to 121 crores. The growth rate was about 17.70% during the past decade. Increasing birth rate, decreasing death rate, increased Life expectancy, decrease of infant mortality rate, poverty, illiteracy, child marriage are the causes for over population in India. Problems created by over population: Rapid population growth has created problems such as unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, beggary, housing problem, health problem, water scarcity. Methods to solve problems caused by population explosion: Spread of literacy, technical education, agriculture development, industrial progress, increasing exports, development of small scale and cottage industries, creation of additional employment opportunities in urban and rural areas are the methods or ways to solve the problems caused by over population.
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Demographic Dividend: India, currently has demographic dividend. Demographic dividend means, it is a condition where the working population is more in the total population. In the total population of India, working population is 62%. If we want to make use of this demographic dividend, we should never consider the population as the burden instead by providing the people the quality health, education, skills and training, we should convert the population into human resource with knowledge, skills and ability. Therefore, we can make the population as the supplement asset to the development of the nation. Activity: Discuss population is both a complement and a bane for the development of the country.
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Next is Poverty. Poverty is one of the serious challenges of India. Poverty is the condition where the people unable to get sufficient food, clothing, housing and other basic necessities of life. In India poverty still exists both in rural and urban areas. Measures Taken to Eradicate Poverty: Since Independence many programmes have been launched both by the Central and State Governments to eradicate poverty. Five year plans are implemented. Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005, Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission, National Urban Livelihood Mission, National Food Security ACT, Pradhana Mantari Greeb Kalyan Anna Yojana have been Implemented. Our country has vast Natural as well as Human Resources. Proper utilization of these resources on productive lines could reduce poverty in our country. Through increasing production and proper distribution of wealth, the equal distribution of national wealth can be achieved. Activity: List the Schemes under taken by the Government of Karnataka to eradicate poverty.
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Now we will study Profiteering. Profiteering refers to the excess profit earning trend by gaining huge money from the general public or consumers. Making more profit in unethical methods in business is harmful to society. Causes of Profiteering: Monopoly of business, expansion of Multi national Corporation, unhealthy market practices, Illegal hoarding, black marketing, lack of proper price monitoring are some of the factors which lead to profiteering. Ill-effects of Profiteering: Profiteering increases economic inequality. It increases crimes in the society. It leads to creation of more black money. It encourages unethical business practices. It leads to the rise in prices. This further leads to increase in inflation. It increases poverty. Most of the income of people goes into the hands of few wealthy merchant class. Measures adopted to control Profiteering: Proper governmental regulations, control of price, periodic review of Price Index, expansion of Cooperative Market, proper tax policy, to ensure the adequacy of goods in the domestic market. Activity: Discuss why is onion price in some places Rs. 80 and some time available for 20?
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Finally, let us learn about Smuggling. Smuggling is the act of secretly bringing goods from foreign countries and sending to other countries without paying any import and export duties. The smuggling is dangerous to national interests. It leads to undesirable economic activities. The native industries and markets suffer grossly. Checking smuggling has become very essential. Methods to Control Smuggling: Smuggling can be checked effectively by encouraging import substitutions. Controlling domestic market prices, proper export-import policy, healthy foreign trade policy, strict coastal vigilance service, punitive measures to economic crimes, international and inter-state trade agreements are the main remedies to check smuggling. Proper awareness should be created among the people that smuggling is an economic crime and anti-national activity. Social boycott of smuggled goods have a great effect on checking smuggling. As the citizens of India, we have to understand that solving these problems is not the only responsibility of the government but ours also. We all will get a benefit if we join hands with government in fighting against these problems.
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Now let us move to the Exercises section to prepare for your exams. I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words: 1. Developing deep attachment with the place of living is called Regionalism. 2. The Right to information act was implemented in the year 2005. 3. According to 2011 census the literacy rate was 74.04%. 4. The first woman judge of Supreme Court of India was Fathima Beevi.
II. Discuss in groups and answer. 5. What are the measures that can be undertaken to control communalism? Strengthening the secular principles in all fields, developing a secular nationalism that inspires interfaith equality, treating all citizens equally, implementing uniform civil code, adopting Secular principles in Education, enforcing orderly legal system, developing a strong nationalism spirit, creating awareness among people about communal harmony, and stressing on thoughts of Nationalism. 6. Mention the measures taken to eradicate illiteracy. Launching National Literacy Mission in 1988, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan in 2001, making education a Fundamental Right through Article 21A for children between 6 and 14 years, Right to Education 2009, Sakshara Bharath programme in 2009, Samagra Shiksha scheme in 2018, and Nav Bharath Saksharata Karyakram from 2022-23 to 2026-27. 7. What are the measures undertaken by the government of India to eliminate Gender discrimination? Starting the Ministry of Women and child welfare, reservation in Central and State Government jobs, establishing National and State Women’s Commissions, setting up Women Development Corporations, starting Sakhi One Stop Centers, enacting Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, implementing Prohibition of sexual harassment of women in working place Act 2013, reserving 50% of seats for women in Karnataka local self governments, providing Women Helpline number 1091, and passing Nari Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam for 33% reservation. 8. Which are the methods to be undertaken to solve problems due to the rise of population explosion? Spread of literacy, technical education, agriculture development, industrial progress, increasing exports, development of small scale and cottage industries, and creation of additional employment opportunities in urban and rural areas. 9. Who are Gender Minorities? What initiatives have been taken to eliminate discrimination of Gender Minorities? The people of the community who have feelings and attitudes against their genitalia, physically and mentally are called Gender Minorities. Initiatives include the 2014 Supreme Court landmark judgment, enacting the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Act 2019, implementing the SMILE scheme, forming the National Council for Transgender Persons, creating the National Portal for Transgender Persons, constructing Garima Gireh shelter houses, appreciating Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board in 2008, implementing Karnataka state policy on Transgenders 2017 with 1% reservation, and recognizing leaders like Manjamma Jogati and Shabnam Moussi. 10. Make a list of programmes implemented to eradicate poverty. Five year plans, Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005, Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana, National Rural Livelihood Mission, National Urban Livelihood Mission, National Food Security ACT, and Pradhana Mantari Greeb Kalyan Anna Yojana. 11. Profiteering results in various negative consequences. Justify the statement. Profiteering increases economic inequality, increases crimes in the society, leads to creation of more black money, encourages unethical business practices, leads to the rise in prices, leads to increase in inflation, increases poverty, and causes most of the income of people to go into the hands of few wealthy merchant class. 12. What is smuggling. Give your suggestions to control it. Smuggling is the act of secretly bringing goods from foreign countries and sending to other countries without paying any import and export duties. Suggestions to control it include encouraging import substitutions, controlling domestic market prices, proper export-import policy, healthy foreign trade policy, strict coastal vigilance service, punitive measures to economic crimes, international and inter-state trade agreements, creating awareness that smuggling is an economic crime, and social boycott of smuggled goods.
III. Activities: 1. Visit a nearby trader and understand why prices of the commodities fluctuate in the shops. 2. Conduct a debate on challenges facing by India which hindering and affecting its development.
Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]