Social Studies Book 9_2078 Revised and Updated Edition

KEY TERMS Accountable : responsible to somebody or for something Ambiguous : having more than one possible meaning or interpretation Anarchism : doctrine rejecting government Confiscate : take something away Conviction : a belief or opinion that is held firmly Despotism : rule by a despot or tyrant Legitimate : having official status defined by law Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Discuss the importance of constitution in a country. 2. Discuss in groups on the topic of written and unwritten constitution. Present the conclusion in the class. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What is a constitution? Mention the importance of a constitution. 2. “Constitution is the main law of the land.” Justify. 3. What is popular will? Why should a constitution be written as per the will and aspiration of people? Write three reasons. 4. What is meant by limited government? Why is this concept developed in the democratic countries? Long answer questions: 1. What things are considered while formulating a constitution so that it becomes more democratic and long lasting? Explicate critically. 2. Prepare an editorial highlighting the important characteristics of a good constitution. Community Work There may be some intellectuals, scholars, lawyers, etc in your community. Ask them about the various dimensions of constitution. Collect their opinion and ideas and draw a conclusion. Prepare a based on the conclusion. Civic Awareness 101

2Lesson CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NEPAL Constitution is the basic mechanism of freedom, equality and justice. It determines the right of people and power of the government. The constitution is a political, legal, economic, social and cultural document as a whole. It is the main law of a state. There are many ways of drafting constitution. Generally, the constitution is prepared from the Constitution Drafting Commission, Constituent Assembly, Constitution Drafting Committee or any other appropriate means. The constitution prepared from the Constituent Assembly is considered better as it reflects the will, aspirations and feeling of the people and it is also prepared with the participation of people’s representatives. Some countries have made and reformed their constitution many times. The constitution in Venezuela was changed for 27 times, in Thailand for 19 times and in Haiti for 20 times. Nepal is also one of the fast constitution changing countries. The history of constitutional development in Nepal is not very long. It has only been about 7 decades since the constitution came into existence in the written form. The declaration of Nepal Government Legal Act 2004 by Padma Shamsher in 2004 BS was the beginning of the constitutional development in Nepal. Seven constitutions have been promulgated in Nepal so far. If we look at the constitutional development process of Nepal, we find the constitution being changed too frequently that in average one constitution in 10 years. The salient features of the constitutions promulgated in Nepal till now are discussed below: 1. Nepal Government Legal Act, 2004 This is the first written constitution of Nepal. It was promulgated by Rana Prime Minister, Padma Shamsher on 13th Magh, 2004 BS and supposed to be effective from 1st Baishakh, 2005 BS but remained without implementation. The draft of the constitution was prepared by a team of Indian legal experts Shreeprakash Guha, Raghunath Singh and Dr. Ramugra Singh. There were 6 Parts, 68 Articles and 1 Schedule in that constitution. Major provisions Main source of rights of Rana Prime Ministers, All the powers along with executive power vested in Rana Prime Minister, Provision of Bicameral Legislature namely Rastriya Sabha and Bhardari Sabha (Upper house), Provision of fundamental rights including religious freedom, accessible justice, Provision of Council of Ministers, High Court, Auditor General and Public Service Commission. 102 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Weakness The Council of Ministers to be formed and dissolved by the Rana Prime Minister, The role of King was ignored. The principle of separation of power was not accepted. 2. Interim Government Act of Nepal, 2007 This constitution was promulgated on 17th Chaitra 2007 BS after the overthrow of the autocratic Rana rule and implemented from 29th Chaitra 2007 BS. It was the first constitution promulgated by the King. It had 7 Parts, 73 Articles and 1 Schedule. This constitution was amended for 8 times. Major provisions The executive power, to remain in the King and Council of Ministers, Provisions for directive principles and policies of the state, Council of Ministers, Economic and financial procedure etc, Provision of fundamental rights in the directive principles, Provision of Supreme Court and High Court. Weakness King could form and dissolve the Council of Ministers. The principle of separation of power was not accepted. King used to amend the constitution though there was no provision for amendment. 3. Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2015 This constitution was promulgated on 1st Falgun, 2015 BS through the royal proclamation of King Mahendra. It had 10 Parts and 77 Articles. The Constitution Drafting Commission chaired by Bhagawati Prasad Singh had prepared the draft of this constitution. The commission had taken advises from Sir Ivor Jennings, a British constitutional expert. This constitution was drafted in British Model and considered democratic comparatively. Article: 73 and Article: 75 were implemented immediately and the rest of the Articles were implemented on 16th Asar, 2016 BS. Major provisions For the first time, the constitution was mentioned as the main law of the nation in this constitution, The sovereignty vested in the King, Provision of bicameral parliament including the King, Mahasabha and House of Representatives, Council of Ministers to be formed from the House of Representatives and responsible to it, Provision of adult suffrage, constitutional organs, independent judiciary, etc. Civic Awareness 103

Weakness Fundamental rights could be made spiritless by legislature. Active role of King in the constitution though constitutional monarchy was mentioned in the preamble. Even though the constitution was considered as the main law of the land, the constitution was not able to change the law regarding the successor of the royal throne. 4. Constitution of Nepal, 2019 This constitution was promulgated by King Mahendra on 1st Poush, 2019 BS. After dismissing the democratic government, suspending the existing constitution and banning all the political parties. King Mahendra had introduced Partyless Panchayat System in 2017 BS. This constitution was mainly brought in order to support the Panchayat System. In spite of being dictatorial character, this constitution was implemented for a long time. The draft of this constitution was prepared by the Constitution Drafting Commission chaired by Rishikesh Shah. It had 20 Parts, 97 Articles and 6 Schedules. It was amended for three times on 14th Magh, 2023 BS, on 26th Mangsir, 2032 BS and on 1st Poush, 2037 BS. Major Provisions The sovereignty, vested in King, Constitution was mentioned as the main law of the nation, Provision of Partyless Panchayat System, The Chief Justice, to be appointed as per the discretion of King. Weakness The government, to be responsible to the King rather than to the people, Provision of Partyless system mentioned in the preamble, The Supreme Court was not considered as the final court that the King could order to review the cases. 5. Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2047 This constitution was made after the historical Mass Movement of 2046 BS. It had acknowledged the ethics of constitutionalism. The draft of this constitution was prepared by the Constitution Reform Suggestion Commission chaired by Bishwanath Upadhyaya. It was promulgated by King Birendra on 23rd Kartik, 2047 BS after revising by the Council of Ministers. This constitution was divided into 23 Parts, 133 Articles and 3 Schedules. Major Provisions Constitution, as the main law of the nation, Sovereignty, vested in people, Provision of adult suffrage, rule of law, guarantee of fundamental rights, constitutional monarchy, etc were mentioned in the preamble, 104 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Bicameral legislature including the King, National Assembly and House of Representatives, Provision of multiparty system, parliamentary system and independent judiciary Weakness Though it was called a democratic constitution, it did not have the provision of referendum. It did not have clear provision regarding the norm of social justice. Though there were many norms of constitutional monarchy, because of ambiguousness and unclearness, the King could use his discretion. 6. Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063 This constitution was drafted after the success of People’s Movement 2062/63. This was the first constitution promulgated on behalf of the people. It was divided into 25 Parts, 167 Articles and 4 Schedules. It was brought in implementation for managing the interim period after the political change of 2062/63 BS. It was promulgated on 1st Magh, 2063 BS. It was amended many times within a short period. Major Provisions The sovereignty and state authority vested in people, Provision of secularism, competitive multiparty democratic system, recognition of all national languages, appointment of the Chief of the Nepal Army by the President, Unicameral legislative parliament, Cabinet with all executive powers, constituent assembly election, National Human Rights Commission as a constitutional body 7. Constitution of Nepal The Constitution of Nepal is prepared by the Constituent Assembly. It is promulgated on 3rd Ashwin, 2072 BS. It is considered as the successful document for transforming ten years long armed conflict and the spirit of People’s movement 2062/63 BS into peace process. It is divided into 35 Parts, 308 Articles and 9 Schedules. Major Provisions Provision of constitution amendment as per the need of the country, Guarantee of end of discrimination based on region, class, gender, caste, language, etc. Separation of power, check and balance system adopted, Nepal, accepted as a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual country, Implementation of federalism and democratic republicanism. Civic Awareness 105

KEY TERMS Amend : revise legislation Autocratic : a ruler who holds unlimited power and is answerable to no other person Bicameral : having two separate and distinct lawmaking assemblies Discretion : the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation Overthrow : to remove a person or group of people from a position of power by force Proclamation : a public or formal announcement Recognition : acknowledgement of the existence or validity of something Referendum : vote by whole population on issue Suffrage : the right to vote in public elections Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Present the constitutions of Nepal serially, based on the comparatively more democratic. 2. Why should we accept the democratic constitution? Discuss in the class. 3. Discuss the major provision and weakness of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 2019. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. Why does a country need a good constitution? Write any four reasons. 2. Point out the causes of the frequent change of constitution in Nepal. 3. “Constitution of Nepal is the document of mutual understanding.” Justify this statement. 4. How was the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 2047 more democratic than the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 2015? Write in points. 5. Write the main provisions and the weakness of the Nepal Government Legal Act 2004. Long answer questions: 1. Write short introduction to the Constitution of Nepal, the present constitution of the country and mention its major characteristics. 2. List out serially the constitutions promulgated in Nepal so far with the years of their promulgation and show them in a timeline. Community Work Meet a politician, legal practitioner or intellectual person of your community. Ask him/ her about the features of a good constitution. Write them down in points. 106 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

3Lesson CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY Sima is a student of grade IX. During her visit to Election Education and Information Center, she had a little conversation with Pabitra, an officer of the same office. Sima had also prepared a list of questions to ask to the officer. Let’s read the conversation between Sima and Pabitra. Sima : Could you please tell me what the Constituent Assembly is? Pabitra : Definitely, Constituent Assembly is a process of drafting constitution. It is the assembly Constituent Assembly Building of the people’s representatives formed to draft the constitution according to the people’s will and aspiration. You know, it is the outcome of democratic movement. Sima : Oh, so Constituent Assembly is a democratic practice for drafting a constitution. And how? Pabitra : Because in this process of drafting constitution, there is more people’s participation. The people can write their constitution by themselves in this process. Sima : Why is the necessity of Constituent Assembly felt in Nepal? Pabitra : The constitution prepared by the constituent assembly is more democratic. That’s why; it is considered the best practice to institutionalize the sovereignty inherent in people and to make the citizens more powerful. Also it is easy to ensure the proportional representation in all the organs of state. In short, we can say that the Constituent Assembly was formed in Nepal with the objectives of institutionalizing democratic ruling system and writing the constitution on our own. Sima : But what makes people have faith on the constitution to be prepared from this Constituent Assembly? Pabitra : Inclusive system to be practiced in the formation of Constituent Assembly is the main reason behind the faith of people on the Constituent Assembly. You know there is more people’s participation and inclusiveness in the process Civic Awareness 107

of Constituent Assembly. There is proportional representation based on the gender, language, caste, region and composition of population. There are various processes of approving the draft of constitution and legitimating it in the Constituent Assembly. Sima : Now, could you please tell me how the Constituent Assembly was formed in Nepal? Pabitra : Sure, the Constituent Assembly was formed with 601 members who were elected on the basis of the equality of population, geographical congeniality and specificity, and on the basis of the percentage of the population in Madhes, in accordance with the mixed electoral system, as provided in the law, and nominated as follows: a. The members elected on the basis of first-past-the-post electoral system consisting of one member from each of the 240 election constituencies. b. 335 are elected on the basis of the proportional electoral system where voters vote for parties, while treating the whole country as a single election constituency; and c. 26 members nominated by the Council of Ministers, on the basis of understanding, from amongst the prominent persons who have rendered outstanding contributions to national life, and the indigenous peoples which could not be represented through the elections. Sima : So, what provisions were made to make the Constituent Assembly inclusive? Pabitra : Following provisions were made to make the Constituent Assembly more inclusive: a. While selecting the candidate for the first-past-the-post electoral system, there was a provision of representation based on gender, geography and population according to the principle of inclusiveness. b. In the election of proportional electoral system, there was a provision of at least 50% women representation from each class/region. c. There was a provision to make the number of women at least one-third of the total from the both electoral system. d. There was a constitutional provision that while listing the candidates according to the proportional electoral system, political parties should consider the representation of oppressed group, poor, peasant and physically challenged people. Sima : How long was the term of the Constituent Assembly? Pabitra : The term of the Constituent Assembly was for 4 years from the first meeting. But if the drafting of constitution could not be completed by the reason of the proclamation of state of emergency in the country, the Constituent Assembly might extend its term for an additional period not exceeding six months. 108 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Sima : How did the Constituent Assembly accomplish its task? Pabitra : The election of Constituent Assembly was held on 28th Chaitra, 2064 BS. Its first meeting was held on 15th Jestha, 2065 BS. According to the constitutional provision, the new constitution was to be promulgated by 14th Jestha, 2067 BS. Due to disagreements between political parties on several issues, the house was not able to do the assigned job. This led to amendment of the term of the house again and again. On 11th Jestha, 2068 BS, ultimately, the Supreme Court of Nepal ruled that the repeated extension of the Interim Constitution was not right. It reasoned that an elected House is not supposed to extend its term again and again going beyond the reasonable electoral mandate. On 14th Jestha, 2069 BS, the Constituent Assembly was dissolved, after it failed to finish the constitution drafting process despite repeated extension of its term. As a result, new election was held on 4th Mangsir, 2070 BS to elect the Constituent Assembly II. Finally, The Constitution of Nepal was promulgated on 3rd Aswin, 2072 BS. President Ram Baran Yadav announced the promulgation of Constitution of Nepal, at a special meeting of the Constituent Assembly on 3rd Aswin, 2072 BS. The President announced the commencement of the new constitution endorsed by the Constituent Assembly and as authenticated by Constituent Dr. Ram Baran Yadav making the Assembly Chairperson Subas Chandra constitution public in CA Nembang. You know, the Constitution of Nepal is the seventh constitution of Nepal. But this is the first Constitution made and adopted by the Constituent Assembly which was especially elected for this purpose. A total of 507 votes were casted in favour of the Constitution Bill while 25 votes went against it. Of the total 598 CA members, 532 were present at the meeting. KEY TERMS Constituency : one of the areas into which a country is divided for election purpose, and from which a representative is elected to serve in a legislative body Inclusive : not excluding any group or section of society Institutionalize : establish something as standard Prominent : well-known Proportional representation : an electoral system in which each party’s share of the seats in government is the same as its share of all the votes cast Civic Awareness 109

Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. After the People’s Movement 2062/63, Constituent Assembly was felt necessary for drafting the constitution. Why? Mention the reasons. 2. Discuss about the processes applied for legitimating the constitution prepared by the Constituent Assembly. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What is Constituent Assembly? Why do people have faith on the constitution drafted from Constituent Assembly? 2. Write a letter to your friend living abroad clarifying him/her how the Constituent Assembly was formed in Nepal. 3. State any four provisions that were made to make the Constituent Assembly more inclusive. Long answer questions: 1. How was the formation of Constituent Assembly different than the commissions formed for drafting previous constitutions? Elucidate with examples. 2. How did the Constituent Assembly accomplish its task of drafting a new constitution? Write in detail. Group Work School is an institution in which children are taught. The school should be developed as peace zone and child friendly. Divide your class into different groups. Meet some educationist and ask the measures for making your school a peace zone and child friendly. Prepare a report by each of the groups and present in the class. 110 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

4Lesson FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS Rights mean the legal, social or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement. They are the rules about what is allowed to people or owed to people according to some legal system, social rules or ethical theory. All the democratic countries provide a wide range of rights to people. Such rights enable people to enjoy freedom, protection, respect and chances to develop their personality. Rights are often considered as pillars of society and culture. All the rights enshrined by the constitution are known as fundamental rights. The fundamental rights are the basic rights to be acquired by an individual to live with dignity, respect and as a citizen of the nation. As the fundamental rights are guaranteed by the constitution, they are effective only within the country. The provision of fundamental rights may vary according to the constitutional system. The universal political, economic, social declarations and cultural commitments have been transformed into the fundamental rights. Characteristics of Fundamental Rights Fundamental rights are the rights to be acquired by citizens/individual. There is no hierarchy of fundamental rights. Fundamental rights are guaranteed by the constitution. Provision of punishment by the court is made in case of the violation of fundamental rights. Supreme Court is considered the protector of the fundamental rights. Most of the fundamental rights may be suspended if the state of emergency is declared. The Constitution of Nepal has made the provision of Fundamental Rights in Part-3, Article 16 to 46. Article 16: Right to Live with Dignity 1. Every person shall have the right to live with dignity. 2. No law shall be made providing for the death penalty to any one. Article 17: Right to Freedom 1. No person shall be deprived of his or her personal liberty except in accordance with law. 2. Every citizen shall have the following freedoms: a. Freedom of opinion and expression, b. Freedom to assemble peaceably and without arms, c. Freedom to form political parties, d. Freedom to form unions and associations, e. Freedom to move and reside in any part of Nepal, f. Freedoms to practice any profession, carry on any occupation, and establish and operate any industry, trade and business in any part of Nepal. Civic Awareness 111

Article 18: Right to Equality 1. All citizens shall be equal before law. No person shall be denied the equal protection of law. 2. No discrimination shall be made in the application of general laws on grounds of origin, religion, race, caste, tribe, sex, physical condition, condition of health, marital status, pregnancy, economic condition, language or region, ideology or on similar other grounds. 3. The State shall not discriminate citizens on grounds of origin, religion, race, caste, tribe, sex, economic condition, language, region, ideology or on similar other grounds. 4. No discrimination shall be made on the ground of gender with regard to remuneration and social security for the same work. 5. All offspring shall have the equal right to the ancestral property without discrimination on the ground of gender. Article 19: Right to Communication 1. No publication and broadcasting or dissemination or printing of any news item, editorial, feature article or other reading, audio and audio-visual material through any means whatsoever including electronic publication, broadcasting and printing shall be censored. 2. No radio, television, on-line or other form of digital or electronic equipment, press or other means of communication publishing, broadcasting or printing any news item, feature, editorial, article, information or other material shall be closed or seized nor shall registration thereof be cancelled nor shall such material be seized by the reason of publication, broadcasting or printing of such material through any audio, audio- visual or electronic equipment. 3. No means of communication including the press, electronic broadcasting and telephone shall be interrupted except in accordance with law. Article 20: Right relating to Justice 1. No person shall be detained in custody without informing him or her of the ground for his or her arrest. 2. Any person who is arrested shall have the right to consult a legal practitioner of his or her choice from the time of such arrest and to be defended by such legal practitioner. Any consultation made by such person with, and advice given by, his or her legal practitioner shall be confidential. 3. Any person who is arrested shall be produced before the adjudicating authority within a period of twenty-four hours of such arrest, excluding the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to such authority; and any such person shall not be detained in custody except on the order of such authority. 4. No person shall be liable for punishment for an act which was not punishable by the law in force when the act was committed nor shall any person be subjected to a punishment greater than that prescribed by the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. 112 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

5. Every person charged with an offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty of the offence. 6. No person shall be tried and punished for the same offence in a court more than once. 7. No person charged with an offence shall be compelled to testify against himself or herself. 8. Every person shall have the right to be informed of any proceedings taken against him or her. 9. Every person shall have the right to a fair trial by an independent, impartial and competent court or judicial body. 10. Any indigent party shall have the right to free legal aid in accordance with law. Article 21: Right of Victim of Crime 1. A victim of crime shall have the right to get information about the investigation and proceedings of a case in which he or she is the victim. 2. A victim of crime shall have the right to justice including social rehabilitation and compensation in accordance with law. Article 22: Right against Torture 1. No person who is arrested or detained shall be subjected to physical or mental torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. 2. Any act mentioned in clause (1) shall be punishable by law, and any person who is the victim of such treatment shall have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with law. Article 23: Right against Preventative Detention 1. No person shall be held under preventive detention unless there is a sufficient ground of the existence of an immediate threat to the sovereignty, territorial integrity or public peace and order of Nepal. 2. Information about the situation of a person who is held under preventive detention pursuant to clause (1) must be given immediately to his or her family members or relatives. 3. If the authority making preventive detention holds any person under preventive detention contrary to law or in bad faith, the person held under preventive detention shall have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with law. Article 24: Right against Untouchability and Discrimination 1. No person shall be subjected to any form of untouchability or discrimination in any private and public places on grounds of his or her origin, caste, tribe, community, profession, occupation or physical condition. 2. In producing or distributing any goods, services or facilities, no person belonging to any particular caste or tribe shall be prevented from purchasing or acquiring such goods, services or facilities nor shall such goods, services or facilities be sold, distributed or provided only to the persons belonging to any particular caste or tribe. 3. No act purporting to demonstrate any person or community as superior or inferior on grounds of origin, caste, tribe or physical condition or justifying social discrimination Civic Awareness 113

on grounds of caste, tribe or untouchability or propagating ideology based on untouchability and caste based superiority or hatred or encouraging caste-based discrimination in any manner whatsoever shall be allowed. 4. No discrimination in any form shall be allowed at a workplace with or without making untouchability on the ground of caste. 5. Any act of untouchability and discrimination in any for committed in contravention of this Article shall be punishable by law as a severe social offence, and the victim of such act shall have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with law. Article 25: Right relating to Property 1. Every citizen shall, subject to law, have the right to acquire, own, sell, dispose, acquire business profits from, and otherwise deal with, property. Provided that the State may levy tax on property of a person, and tax on income of a person in accordance with the concept of progressive taxation. 2. The State shall not, except for public interest, requisition, acquire, or otherwise create any encumbrance on, property of a person. Article 26: Right to Freedom of Religion 1. Every person who has faith in religion shall have the freedom to profess, practice and protect his or her religion according to his or her conviction. 2. Every religious denomination shall have the right to operate and protect its religious sites and religious Guthi (trusts). 3. No person shall, in the exercise of the right conferred by this Article, do, or cause to be done, any act which may be contrary to public health, decency and morality or breach public peace, or convert another person from one religion to another or any act or conduct that may jeopardize other's religion and such act shall be punishable by law. Article 27: Right to Information Every citizen shall have the right to demand and receive information on any matter of his or her interest or of public interest. Provided that no one shall be compelled to provide information on any matter of which confidentiality must be maintained in accordance with law. Article 28: Right to Privacy The privacy of any person, his or her residence, property, document, data, correspondence and matters relating to his or her character shall, except in accordance with law, be inviolable. Article 29: Right against Exploitation 1. Every person shall have the right against exploitation. 2. No person shall be exploited in any manner on the grounds of religion, custom, tradition, usage, practice or on any other grounds. 3. No one shall be subjected to trafficking nor shall one be held in slavery or servitude. 4. No one shall be forced to work against his or her will. 114 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

5. Act contrary to clauses (3) and (4) shall be punishable by law and the victim shall have the right to obtain compensation from the perpetrator in accordance with law. Article 30: Right to Clean Environment 1. Every citizen shall have the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. 2. The victim shall have the right to obtain compensation, in accordance with law, for any injury caused from environmental pollution or degradation. 3. This Article shall not be deemed to prevent the making of necessary legal provisions for a proper balance between the environment and development, in development works of the nation. Article 31: Right relating to Education 1. Every citizen shall have the right of access to basic education. 2. Every citizen shall have the right to get compulsory and free education up to the basic level and free education up to the secondary level from the State. 3. The citizens with disabilities and the economically indigent citizens shall have the right to get free higher education in accordance with law. 4. The visually impaired citizens shall have the right to get free education through brail script and the citizens with hearing or speaking impairment, to get free education through sign language, in accordance with law. 5. Every Nepalese community residing in Nepal shall have the right to get education in its mother tongue and, for that purpose, to open and operate schools and educational institutes, in accordance with law. Article 32: Right to Language and Culture 1. Every person and community shall have the right to use their languages. 2. Every person and community shall have the right to participate in the cultural life of their communities. 3. Every Nepalese community residing in Nepal shall have the right to preserve and promote its language, script, culture, cultural civilization and heritage. Article 33: Right to Employment 1. Every citizen shall have the right to employment. The terms and conditions of employment, and unemployment benefit shall be as provided for in the Federal law. 2. Every citizen shall have the right to choose employment. Article 34: Right to Labour 1. Every labourer shall have the right to practice appropriate labour. 2. Every labourer shall have the right to appropriate remuneration, facilities and contributory social security. 3. Every labourer shall have the right to form and join trade unions and to engage in collective bargaining, in accordance with law. Article 35: Right relating to Health 1. Every citizen shall have the right to free basic health services from the State, and no one shall be deprived of emergency health services. Civic Awareness 115

2. Every person shall have the right to get information about his or her medical treatment. 3. Every citizen shall have equal access to health services. 4. Every citizen shall have the right of access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Article 36: Right relating to Food 1. Every citizen shall have the right relating to food. 2. Every citizen shall have the right to be safe from the state of being in danger of life from the scarcity of food. 3. Every citizen shall have the right to food sovereignty in accordance with law. Article 37: Right to Housing 1. Every citizen shall have the right to an appropriate housing. 2. No citizen shall be evicted from the residence owned by him or her nor shall his or her residence be infringed except in accordance with law. Article 38: Right of Women 1. Every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender based discrimination. 2. Every woman shall have the right to safe motherhood and reproductive health. 3. No woman shall be subjected to physical, mental, sexual, psychological or other form of violence or exploitation on grounds of religion, social, cultural tradition, practice or on any other grounds. Such act shall be punishable by law, and the victim shall have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with law. 4. Women shall have the right to participate in all bodies of the State on the basis of the principle of proportional inclusion. 5. Women shall have the right to obtain special opportunity in education, health, employment and social security, on the basis of positive discrimination. 6. The spouse shall have the equal right to property and family affairs. Article 39: Right of the Child 1. Every child shall have the right to name and birth registration along with his or her identity. 2. Every child shall have the right to education, health, maintenance, proper care, sports, entertainment and overall personality development from the families and the State. 3. Every child shall have the right to elementary child development and child participation. 4. No child shall be employed to work in any factory, mine or engaged in similar other hazardous work. 5. No child shall be subjected to child marriage, transported illegally, abducted/ kidnapped or taken in hostage. 6. No child shall be recruited or used in army, police or any armed group, or be subjected, in the name of cultural or religious traditions, to abuse, exclusion or physical, mental, sexual or other form of exploitation or improper use by any means or in any manner. 7. No child shall be subjected to physical, mental or any other form of torture in home, school or other place and situation whatsoever. 8. Every child shall have the right to juvenile friendly justice. 116 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

9. The child who is helpless, orphan, with disabilities, conflict victim, displaced or vulnerable shall have the right to special protection and facilities from the State. 10. Any act contrary to in clauses (4), (5), (6) and (7) shall be punishable by law, and a child who is the victim of such act shall have the right to obtain compensation from the perpetrator, in accordance with law. Article 40: Right of Dalit 1. The Dalit shall have the right to participate in all bodies of the State on the basis of the principle of proportional inclusion. Special provision shall be made by law for the empowerment, representation and participation of the Dalit community in public services as well as other sectors of employment. 2. Provision of free education with scholarship, from primary to higher education, shall be made by law for the Dalit students. Special provision shall be made by law for the Dalit in technical and vocational education. 3. Special provision shall be made by law in order to provide health and social security to the Dalit community. 4. The Dalit community shall have the right to use, protect and develop their traditional occupation, knowledge, skill and technology. The State shall accord priority to the Dalit community in modern business related with their traditional occupation and provide skills and resources required therefore. 5. The State shall once provide land to the landless Dalit in accordance with law. 6. The State shall, in accordance with law, arrange settlement for the Dalit who do not have housing. 7. The facilities conferred by this Article to the Dalit community must be distributed in a just manner so that the Dalit women, men and Dalit in all communities can obtain such facilities proportionately. Article 41: Right of Senior Citizens The senior citizens shall have the right to special protection and social security from the State. Article 42: Right to Social Justice 1. The socially backward women, Dalit, indigenous people, indigenous nationalities, Madhesi, Tharu, minorities, persons with disabilities, marginalized communities, Muslims, backward classes, gender and sexual minorities, youths, farmers, labourers, oppressed or citizens of backward regions and indigent Khas Aryashall have the right to participate in the State bodies on the basis of inclusive principle. 2. The indigent citizens and citizens of the communities on the verge of extinction shall have the right to get special opportunities and benefits in education, health, housing, employment, food and social security for their protection, upliftment, empowerment and development. 3. The citizens with disabilities shall have the right to live with dignity and honour, with the identity of their diversity, and have equal access to public services and facilities. Civic Awareness 117

4. Every farmer shall have the right to have access to lands for agro activities, select and protect local seeds and agro species which have been used and pursued traditionally, in accordance with law. 5. The families of the martyrs who have sacrificed their life, persons who were forced to disappear, and those who became disabled and injured in all people’s movements, armed conflicts and revolutions that have been carried out for progressive democratic changes in Nepal, democracy fighters, conflict victims and displaced ones, persons with disabilities, the injured and victims shall have the right to get a prioritized opportunity, with justice and due respect, in education, health, employment, housing and social security, in accordance with law. Article 43: Right to Social Security The indigent citizens, incapacitated and helpless citizens, helpless single women, citizens with disabilities, children, citizens who cannot take care themselves and citizens belonging to the tribes on the verge of extinction shall have the right to social security, in accordance with law. Article 44: Right of the Consumer 1. Every consumer shall have the right to obtain quality goods and services. 2. A person who has suffered injury from any substandard goods or services shall have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with law. Article 45: Right against Exile No citizen shall be exiled. Article 46: Right to Constitutional Remedies There shall be a right to obtain constitutional remedies in the manner set forth in Article 133 or 144 for the enforcement of the rights conferred by this Part. A citizen has the right to appeal to the Supreme Court (according to Article: 133) or high court (according to Article: 144) and get constitutional protection if his/her fundamental rights are breached or infringed. KEY TERMS Bargain : negotiate with something Censorship : suppression of something objectionable Compensation : money in payment for loss Confidential : private and secret Hazardous : potentially very dangerous to living beings or the environment Hierarchy : formally ranked group Remuneration : pay Starvation : the state of not having enough food 118 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. What rights would you like to add in the Fundamental Rights? Discuss and write with reason. 2. “Fundamental rights guarantee the right to live with dignity.” Discuss in the class. 3. “The fundamental rights get changed according to the time and context.” How? Discuss. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. Define the fundamental rights? Why do the democratic countries provide a wide range of rights to people? 2. Write any four characteristics of fundamental rights. 3. List any eight fundamental rights provided by the present constitution. 4. Highlight the Right to Education as mentioned in the constitution. 5. List the freedoms mentioned under the Right to Freedom. 6. To which fundamental rights are the following statements related? a. No law shall be made providing for the death penalty to any one. b. All offspring shall have the equal right to the ancestral property without discrimination on the ground of gender. c. The victim shall have the right to obtain compensation, in accordance with law, for any injury caused from environmental pollution or degradation. d. Every citizen shall have the right to get compulsory and free education up to the basic level and free education up to the secondary level from the State. e. Every citizen shall have the right of access to clean drinking water and sanitation. f. No child shall be subjected to physical, mental or any other form of torture in home, school or other place and situation whatsoever. g. The citizens with disabilities shall have the right to live with dignity and honour, with the identity of their diversity, and have equal access to public services and facilities. h. Provision of free education with scholarship, from primary to higher education, shall be made by law for the Dalit students. Long answer questions: 1. The Right to Social Justice has addressed the principle of inclusion. How? Explain. 2. Will the Right to the Child help in the development of the children? Elucidate with examples. 3. How has the right to Dalit been guaranteed in the constitution? 4. How has the Right relating to Education addressed to the differently able people? What do you think about the relevance of such provision from the sense of justice? Present your logic. Community Work Which fundamental rights provided by the present constitution are enjoyed by the people of your community and how? Ask the people of your community and write. Civic Awareness 119

5Lesson DUTIES OF CITIZEN The provision of fundamental rights is made in the constitution for the entire development of citizen’s personality. Citizens enjoy their fundamental rights and at the same time they have to fulfill their duties towards their state. Duties are the responsibilities and obligations that somebody has to follow for legal, moral or religious reasons. The duties to be fulfilled by the citizens towards their state are known as duties of citizens. Article: 1 of the Constitution of Nepal states that it shall be the duty of every person to observe this constitution. Moreover, the Article: 48 of this constitution states the following as the duties of citizens: Duties of Citizen: Every citizen shall have the following duties: a. To safeguard the nationality, sovereignty and integrity of Nepal, while being loyal to the nation, b. To abide by the Constitution and law, c. To render compulsory service as and when the state so requires, d. To protect and preserve public property. It is the primary duty and obligation of every citizen to respect and observe the dignity of the constitution and prevailing laws. There are other many additional duties of citizens. They have been mentioned in the following titles: Moral Duties To live an ideal, sacred, impartial and respectful life, To be obedient and respectful to one’s parents, teachers and senior citizens, To have friendly attitude towards others, Not to look down upon others, To love and be kind with children and helpless people. Legal Duties To observe the constitution and prevailing laws, To help the concerned authorities in the implementation of laws, To help in the necessary reforms, To pay tax regularly, Not to get involved in illegal acts. Civic Duties To raise voice for truth and justice, To raise the voice against the border encroachment, breach of fundamental rights, etc. To exercise voting right without any external pressure or influence of temptation, To elect the representatives who have high moral character who can work for the general welfare of the country and people, 120 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

To pay tax and participate in the development activities, To give positive contribution for peace and security of the country, To help all the authorities and interest groups established in the country. Social Duties To help maintain social harmony and religious tolerance, To participate in the preservation, promotion and sanitation of religious places, To discourage social evils, superstition, bad customs, etc and not to betray others, To be aware about social values, norms and traditions, To participate in the social ceremonies and encourage others for the same. KEY TERMS Abide by : obey Encroach : to exceed the proper limits of something Impartial : not biased Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Discuss the difference between legal and moral duties. 2. Make a poster containing separate lists of moral, legal, civic and social duties of citizens. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What do you mean by the duties of citizens? Why is it said that the Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin? Explain. 2. List any four social duties of a citizen. 3. Show the differences between moral and legal duties in a table. 4. What are the duties of citizens according to the present constitution? Mention in point. Long answer questions: 1. Explain any seven civic duties of a citizen in brief. 2. How can you contribute to the development of country as a citizen of Nepal? Elucidate. Community Work 121 Visit your community and find out the duties performed by the members of the community. Prepare a report based on your observation and research. Present the report in the class. Civic Awareness

6Lesson RIGHTS TO INFORMATION In our country, every citizen has been guaranteed with right to information. The Constitution of Nepal has provisioned “Rights to Information” as a fundamental right. Right to Information Act 2064 and Right to Information Regulation 2065 have been enacted to ensure right to information in Nepal. It means we can request and obtain information held in public agencies. For this, we have to pay a small amount of fee along with application to public agencies while requesting for information. The information officer prescribes fee not in manner that discourages applicant but only in a way to receive the actual cost of providing information. “Rights to Information” is a fundamental right granted by present constitution. The Constitution of Nepal has provisioned the “Right to Information” in Article 27 that states as “Every citizen shall have the right to demand and receive information on any matter of his or her interest or of public interest. But no one shall be compelled to provide information on any matter of which confidentiality must be maintained in accordance with law.” Previously, Right to Information Act, 2064 has also been enacted in the country to ensure the Right to Information in Nepal. Similarly, there is also a Right to Information Regulation, 2065 enacted with the purpose of giving enforcement to right to information laws in Nepal. Now, let’s study more about the “Rights to Information”. Information Information refers to any written document, material or ;r\" gf xfd|f] clwsf/ information related to the functions, proceeding thereof ;'zf;g / ljsf;sf] cfwf/ or decisions of public importance made by the public agencies. Here, ‘Public Agency’ means an agency which provides public service and performs the function of public importance. Similarly, Public Importance means a subject related directly or indirectly with the interest of citizens. 122 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Information can be obtained by contacting the information officer. Nepali citizen who seeks to obtain any information should submit an application to the related information officer. The application must contain personal identity, reason and required specific information. Right to Information Right to information denotes the right to request ;\"rgf dfUg' gful/ssf] clwsf/ and obtain information of public importance held ;fj{hlgs lgsfo agf“} x/bd tof/ in public agencies. This term also includes the right to study or observation of any written document, material held in public agency or proceedings of such public agency; to obtain a verified copy of such written document, to visit or observe the place where any construction of public importance is going on and to obtain verified sample of any materials or to obtain information held in any type of machine. There is National Information Commission (NIC), an independent commission established for the protection, promotion and implementation of right to information in Nepal. Importance of Right to Information Right to information is important to every individual. nfs] tGqsf] hu ;r\" gfsf] xs The following points justify its importance: It helps public to have access to information relating to public importance. It promotes the rule of law. It encourages for civil education and improves the democratic governing system. It helps to ensure transparency in the country. It empowers public to participate in governance system. It discourages the false information. It decreases all kinds of corruption. It makes public agencies responsible and accountable. It provides a legal basis to an individual to ask for information from public agencies. It allows public to know and raise questions to public agencies about the status of the work. Civic Awareness 123

Right to information is not an absolute right. All the information are not made public or do not fall under the Right to Information. Some kinds of information are restricted to request, obtain and provide. The Right to Information Act, 2064 has provided the basis for the legitimate restrictions on right to information. The following kinds of information do not fall under the Right to Information or are restricted to provide: Information which seriously jeopardizes the sovereignty, integrity, national security, public peace, stability and international relations of Nepal, Information which directly affects the investigation, inquiry and prosecution of crimes, Information having serious impact on protection of economic, trade, or monetary interest or intellectual property; or banking or trade privacy, Information that jeopardizes the harmonious relationship subsisted among various castes and communities, and Information that interferes on personal privacy and security of body, life, property or health of a person. However, the flow of information cannot be restricted without any appropriate and adequate reasons. KEY TERMS Harmonious : friendly Integrity : the state of being complete or undivided Interfere : intervene in a situation without necessity Jeopardize : put into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure Legitimate : lawful Prescribe : recommend remedy Prosecution : legal action Public Importance : a subject related directly or indirectly with the interest of citizens Restriction : a limiting condition, especially a legal one Transparency : clarity 124 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Explore the efforts made to promote ‘Right to Information’ in Nepal and discuss in the class. 2. For what kind of information, one cannot be compelled to provide? Discuss and write. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What is information? What has the present constitution stated under the “Right to Information”? 2. What does Right to Information denote? Make a list of the rights that fall under the right to information. 3. Clarify the importance of Right to Information. 4. How is right to information guaranteed in Nepal? Long answer questions: 1. Is it necessary to make all the information public? What kinds of information are not made public or do not fall under the Right to Information? 2. Prepare a model of editorial for a daily newspaper about the positive impacts seen in the government authorities and community from the provision of ‘Right to Information’. 3. What measures should be applied to make ‘Right to Information’ more effective? Write a letter to the Chief of National Information Commission including your views. Community Work There might be some individuals in your community working in public bodies. Prepare a list of questions to ask him/her about the efforts made to maintain transparency in his/ her office. Write a report including the information that you obtained from the interview. Civic Awareness 125

7Lesson GOOD GOVERNANCE Introduction Good Governance is a contemporary and wide-spread concept brought in use in 1990’s decade. It is related to the process of governing a state in the best manner. The main objective of good governance is to establish a nation dedicated to public welfare by promoting the capacity and efficiency of the public sectors. Good governance includes the rule of law, protection of human rights, effective public participation, multiparty political system, transparency and responsibility. It also includes the competent and efficient public sector, access to information, political ability, equality, etc. Good governance is not limited only within government or public sectors but also helping to reform in the whole governing system by the cooperation and coordination with private sector and civil society. Good governance is the process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law. The true test of “good” governance is the degree to which it delivers on the promise of human rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. When all the organs of the state provide positive contribution for the general welfare of people, it is the state of good governance. The government, civil society, media and private sectors have been building the foundation of good governance. Honesty Guarantee of human rights Appropriate use of power Good conduct Active civil society Participation Key Elements Transparency of Good Governance Legitimacy Rule of law Accountability Decentralization Right of minority Right to information 126 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Good governance has been clarified by the UN’s publication; “Good Governance Practices for the Protection of Human Rights” in the following form: Anti- Corruption Human Service rights and delivery development GOOD GOVERNANCE Rule of law Democratic institutions Main Features of Good Governance 127 Responsible government to the people, Guarantee of human rights, Freedom of information and expression, Gender equality, Democratic government with civilized society, Independent and impartial judiciary, Competent civil society, Respect of minority rights, Sustainable and eco-friendly development, Accountable bureaucracy, Wide-spread public participation, Rule of law, Decentralized governance, Corruption free society, Transparent decision making process, Multiparty democratic governing system. Civic Awareness

It is not an easy task to maintain good governance in the context of Nepal. There are many challenges and problems in achieving good governance. The following are the challenges and problems of good governance in Nepal: 1. Poverty 2. Weak Civil Society 3. Lack of public pressure 4. Lack of appropriate programs and policies 5. Procedural administration 6. Institutional corruption 7. Lack of political awareness in general public 8. Ineffective implementation of law The government alone cannot fight against these challenges. People are the major source to discourage such barriers. Apart from it, the following are the possible measures to minimize the challenges of good governance: Use of citizen charter for the clients and its implementation accordingly, Management of the activities to be publicized by public bodies, civil society, private sector, court and media, Practical assurance of press freedom and freedom of expression, Effective implementation of Right to Information Act and Sushasan Sewa Prawah Nirdeshika, Practical implementation of International Convention against Corruption and Corruption Prevention Act, and provision of Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority-CIAA as a constitutional organ. KEY TERMS Bureaucracy : the nonelected officials of an organization or department Contemporary : living or occurring of the same time Multiparty : involving more than two political parties Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. “Good governance means to ensure rule of law.” Discuss in the class and write. 2. List out the features of good governance. 3. Discuss about the key elements of good governance. 128 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What is good governance? Why is it important? 2. “Good governance and development are supplementary.” Justify the statement with examples. 3. What can be the measures for the execution of good governance in Nepal? Write any four points. 4. How do the social value, norms and tradition help to construct the foundation of good governance? Write your opinion. 5. What are the challenges of good governance in Nepal? Write. Long answer questions: 1. Explain any seven key features of good governance in short. 2. Write a letter to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority indicating the need for good governance and suggesting ways to control corruption in the country. 3. Prepare a dialogue including the effects in the community in the absence of good governance. 4. Read the following subject matters. Do they come under the good governance? Give a reason for each. a. Public vehicles impose fare irregularly during the festivals. b. Information of all the economic descriptions of local levels can be seen on the notice board of the office. c. The budget allotted for the local bodies found misused. d. A woman of a remote village has been beaten by the locals accusing her of being witch. e. A school girl was found raped and killed in the jungle. f. The cadres of an agitating party have burnt the public vehicles. g. Men fell unconscious after consuming illegally produced alcohol. Community Work There may be a retired government bureaucrat. Meet him/her and ask about his/her experience in providing the speedy and efficient service to the people and challenges endured while in the job and ways to solve. Prepare an article including his/her opinion. Civic Awareness 129

8Lesson RULE OF LAW Introduction Rule of law is the legal principle that a nation should be governed by the law rather than arbitrary decisions of individual government officials. It is also known by Supremacy of Law, Constitutional Supremacy, etc. In the rule of law, no one is discriminated. The law provides equal protection to all. It stands in contrast to the idea that the ruler is above the law. The government officials and the government activities are under the laws. Rule of law implies that every citizen is subjected to the law, including law makers themselves. In this sense, it stands in contrast to an autocracy, dictatorship, or oligarchy where the rulers are held above the law. Government based upon the rule of law is called nomocracy. The rule of law is a system in which the following four universal principles are upheld: 1. The government, its officials, agents as well as individuals and private entities are accountable under the law. 2. The laws are clear, publicized, stable, and just; are applied evenly; and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property. 3. The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair, and efficient. 4. Justice is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals that are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve. The credit for popularizing the concept “The Rule of Law” in modern times is given to A. V. Dicey, a British professor. He focuses the following assumptions to be in the rule of law: Supremacy of law: There should be the supremacy of law in the nation. No dictatorship or arbitrary power should get the place in the rule of law. No one is above the law. No one shall be punished unless s\\he breaches the existing law. Equality by the law: Every person is equal before law. S/he is A. V. Dicey provided with equal protection of law regardless of their post and rank. The single law is enforced to all people. Constitution, as the source of law: The constitution is the supreme law in the countries in which there is written constitution. All the laws are the output of constitution. Basic Elements of Rule of Law To ensure the rule of law, we need the following elements in the nation: Equality and equity 130 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Periodic election Rule of Law is the Democracy and human rights symbol of civilized and Transparency and accountability Independent and competent judiciary prosperous nation. Good governance Limited role of government Separation of power and balance of power Need of Rule of Law The rule of law is needed to maintain the following aspects in the country: Assurance of independent judiciary and media Feeling of belonging of all in the governing process Peace and stability Supremacy of law Promotion of social justice and equality End of impunity Democracy and the government responsible towards the people Obstacles in the promotion of rule of law in Nepal The following are the obstacles that have been preventing progress of rule of law in Nepal: Lack of mechanism that can maintain every institution, law and policy of the nation, The trend of interpreting the laws looking after own desires, Corruption and abuse of authority, To remain the verdicts of Supreme Court unimplemented which is given in favor of rule of law, The tendency of seeking rights without fulfilling one’s duty, Seeking the legal solution of all the problems and neglecting social and cultural scopes, Measures to promote rule of law in Nepal All the citizens should have the positive attitude and culture to abide by the laws. To maintain the rule of law in the country, the citizens should be encouraged to be honest, determined to follow the laws existing in the nation and familiar with the national and international laws. The following measures are useful to maintain rule of law in Nepal: Implementation of the decisions of judicial bodies, Expansion of civic education against corruption, Awareness among the people that one should fulfill the duties before demanding the rights, Formulation of inclusive laws, Interpretation according to the real spirit of the law, Making the future plan of the nation with clear and sustainable roadmap, Exploring the alternative ways also to solve the social problems in addition to legal solution. Civic Awareness 131

KEY TERMS Autocracy : a government in which somebody holds unlimited power Competent : having enough skill or ability to do something well Oligarchy : a small group of people who together govern a nation Supremacy : a position of superiority or authority over all others Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Discuss the condition of rule of law in our country. 2. Examine the universal principles of rule of law. 3. Conduct an oratory program on the topic “Rule of law: Base of nation building”. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What is rule of law? Mention its any six basic elements. 2. It is said that the rule of law means the nation governed by law, not by men. Justify it. 3. What are the obstacles seen in the implementation of rule of law in Nepal? Mention in four points. 4. What roles can you play in the promotion of rule of law in the country? Make a list of the roles. 5. Highlight on the need of rule of law. Long answer questions: 1. Elaborate the major assumptions to be in the rule of law according to A. V. Dicey? Recommend any four measures to promote rule of law in Nepal. 2. “Rule of law is the basic requirement for peace, progress and prosperity of the country.” Justify this statement with your logics. Team Work Divide the class into five groups and prepare a short note for a speech including the following subjects to be presented it in the class: a. Introduction of rule of law b. Elements of rule of law c. Need of rule of law d. Obstacles in the implementation of rule of law in Nepal e. Measures to implement rule of law in Nepal 132 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

9Lesson DEMOCRATIC CONDUCT Introduction Democracy is the free and equal representation of people in the governance system. A nation, with a government elected freely and equally by all of its citizens is called a democratic nation. In the democratic nation, the people are expected to practice the democratic conduct. The government in a democratic nation is responsible toward the people. There is representative system of governance. The elected representatives are active to fulfill the need and aspiration of people. The rights of people are protected by the constitution and laws. Democratic Conducts On the basis of democratic values and norms, the following aspects are considered the democratic conducts. a. Active civil society: Civil society is a voluntary group formed by the citizens with a purpose to accomplish a certain goal. If the civil society is active, the democratic conduct and democracy get institutionalized. Democracy provides full authority to people. The civil society should be active for the right utilization of such authority. Democratic conduct can be developed in the civil society through moral and civic education and awareness. b. Freedom of expression and press: Freedom of expression and opinion helps to maintain democratic norms and values, and democratic conduct. It is the right of citizen to get information about the political, social, economic and cultural activities. If citizens enjoy freedom of expression and press, they can identify the solutions to the problems and develop their conduct accordingly. c. Good governance: Good governance is related to the process of governing a state in the best manner. In the democratic governance system, the people have the right to know the government’s activities. The reaction of the government’s activities is known from the opinions expressed by the people. Thus, it is necessary to make the people informed about the activities of government. Good governance is maintained through transparent working procedures and responsible governance. Good governance is possible only from the democratic conduct. d. Inclusive governance system: A governance system in which there is identity and representation of all caste, religion, language, gender, race, region, physical disability, etc Civic Awareness 133

is known as inclusive governance system. It is the democratic norm that all the people make themselves feel as being in the governance. Positive discrimination, right to social justice and directive principles, policies and responsibilities should accept the inclusive system. It is a democratic conduct. e. Pluralism: The existence of groups with different ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds within one society is known as pluralism. All the people do not have single view and opinion. There can be diversity of opinion in democracy but such diversity should be accepted. Democracy should adopt the diversity in view, culture and opinion. Pluralism covers the diversity of opinion in the governance system. f. Protection of fundamental rights: Democratic conduct means to reflect the aspiration of people and protection of fundamental rights of people. The fundamental rights managed in the constitution should be respected. Everyone should help in the unhindered implementation of such fundamental rights. If the fundamental rights are infringed, legal protection and remedy should be provided. g. Public participation in governance: The participation of people in governance is necessary. Periodic election is held so that the regular representation of people in the governance is ensured. The election should be valid, impartial and fair. The government is formed by the elected representatives of the people. h. Respect to minority: Minority refers to a group with insufficient votes to win. Generally, there is a rule of majority in democracy. The majority gets the authority to form government and rule the nation. Minority plays an important role to prevent the majority from running arbitrary government. Where there is respect to minority, there is a disciplined and responsible majority. Thus, minority is free to criticize the decision of majority in democracy. i. Supremacy of law: A rule of law is expected in the democracy. The government is run by the law, not by the decision of an individual. As there is supremacy of law, everyone should enjoy the right and fulfill the obligation as per the law. It is called democratic conduct. KEY TERMS Accordingly : in a way that is appropriate Periodic : occurring or appearing at regular intervals or in regular cycles Voluntary : done, given, or acting of one’s own free will 134 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Discuss in the class on the democratic conducts. 2. Design a poster showing the democratic conducts to be displayed in your school. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. Give short introduction to democratic conduct. How can the democratic conduct help to institutionalize the democracy? Write your opinion. 2. Describe the meaning and state of pluralism in the context of Nepal. 3. “Democratic conduct and good governance are complementary to each other.” Justify with examples. Long answer questions: 1. List any six democratic conducts and describe any four of them. 2. How is the democratic conduct practised in your community? Include the information and prepare a model of news article to be published in a daily news paper. Community Work There may be some intellectual personalities in your community. Ask them how the constitution, prevailing laws and social norms and values have accepted democratic conduct. Prepare a piece of writing including your findings and your conclusion. Civic Awareness 135

10Lesson CIVIL SOCIETY Introduction Civil society is a voluntary and independent group of people of different sectors formed with the purpose of achieving certain objective. It is the aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens. It is voluntary, self mobilized, self directed and organized social life style. Civil society is a forum where different social communities have discussion and get organized. It is a common platform to express the wants, assumptions, and commitments of citizens. It is a non-government and non-profiting movement. It is active in every aspect of social life. It helps the people in various aspects. Civil society is found to be developed during Lichchhavi period in Nepal. It even had played important role in the unification of Nepal. At present, civil society is active in the development of democratic environment, maintaining good governance, development of self-reliance and empowerment of women and minority community. The contribution of civil society is highly appreciable in the protection and promotion of democracy. However, it is complained that the civil society is weak in Nepal and its roles are not as much expected. Characteristics of Civil Society It aims at manifesting the expression of human sense of the society. It does not aim to make profit from its work. It focuses on social awareness and mobilization remaining away from the politics. It is a movement launched by the individuals who are disciplined and who respect the spirit of laws. It is different than government but concerned with the functions of the government. It is the group which conducts programs for the welfare of neglected and lower level class people with their own participation. Objectives of Civil Society To accept the social happenings in critical form by interpreting the government’s policy and taking fixed decision, 136 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

To build a platform for the social values, assumptions, wishes needs and expression of commitments, To construct a network abided by the collective feeling for the social purpose, To develop and extend the participatory system as an alternative measure for development, To promote the skill and efficiency required to upgrade the lifestyle of people. Roles of Civil Society It helps to develop the various aspects of good governance. It helps to assure the economic security, land reform, gender equality and social rights. It helps to formulate laws suitable for social empowerment and participation. It helps to maintain social unity and solve the challenges of development. It provides the necessary knowledge and skills to the citizens so that they can help the government’s efforts for the development. It helps in the development of transparency, decentralization and pluralism approach. It expresses the interest and benefits of those who have been excluded politically, socially and economically. It makes the politician, industrialist and businessmen and other classes of the state accountable towards the people. Roles and Responsibilities of Civil Society in the context of Nepal To encourage the people for participation in the campaign for transforming from dependence to self-dependence. To be active for making the capital, resource, means and technology of the country public oriented. To raise the voice for solving the existing challenges of political perversion. To adjust the society in the social norms and values. To help in the development of skill and efficiency in the society so that the people can fulfill their needs by their own efforts. KEY TERMS 137 Aggregate : sum total Empowerment : to give power or authority to; authorize, especially by legal or official means Perversion : turning of good into bad Civic Awareness

Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Discuss on the civil society groups active in your community. 2. What do you think should be done to make the role of civil society more effective? Prepare an editorial for a newspaper on this subject. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What is a civil society? Why is civil society needed in the context of Nepal? Write your answer logically. 2. “Civil society is a voluntary and self-mobilized social group.” How? Clarify. 3. Critically analyse the objectives of civil society. 4. List any four characteristics of civil society. Long answer questions: 1. Write a letter to the leader of civil society suggesting the roles to be played by it for empowering the minority community, maintaining gender equality and promoting service oriented works. 2. “The civil society is considered a leading agent of social transformation.” Explain the roles of civil society in the transformation of society. Community Work There may be some groups of civil society in your community. Meet the leader of civil society and ask about the works being carried out by them. Prepare a report about it and present in the class. 138 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

11Lesson PEACE AND ORDER Introduction ‘Peace’ means the absence of violence or other disturbances within the state; and ‘Order’ means a peaceful condition in which laws are obeyed and misbehaviour or crime is not present or is prevented. Thus, peace and order is the situation in which the people live with mutual harmony, respect and cooperation among each other in the society abiding by the laws. Peace and order is the foundation of development. If there is peace and Wishing for peace in the country order in the country, people can do their jobs freely without fear, make their life easy and comfortable and develop their creativity. The state is mainly responsible to maintain peace and order in the country. It should take appropriate initiatives in order to maintain and promote peace and order in the country. Civil society, different organizations and citizens also can contribute to maintain peace and order. One should always be aware that while seeking rights, the rights of others should be respected. This kind of attitude helps to promote peace and order in the society. Peace and order create a favourable environment for the development of basic infrastructures. Economic development and peace and security move side by side. If we study the world history, we find rapid economic development taking place in the countries where there is peace and order. On the contrary, there is only destruction, poverty, backwardness where there is conflict and violence. The following measures should be adopted to maintain peace and order: Unhindered use of fundamental rights should be assured. Teacher and student friendly environment should be maintained in the school. Misuse of social networks should be controlled and prevented from violating the social harmony. Laws should be effectively implemented and civic awareness should be developed. Civic Awareness 139

There should be the end of impunity through the coordination of governmental mechanism, civil society and interest group. The school sector should be maintained a peace zone. Culture of mutual understanding and cooperation should be inculcated. Political stability, practice of table-talk, appropriate distribution of means and resources, social equality, justice and inclusiveness should be ensured. Necessary steps should be taken to eradicate the problems like poverty, illiteracy and unemployment in the country. Roles of civil society to maintain peace and order It should create pressure to the government to maintain peace and order. It should create awareness in people for the proper utilization of fundamental rights. It should sensitize the political parties to conduct their programs in peaceful manner. It should raise the voice for truth and justice. Roles of political parties to maintain peace and order They should give top priority to the national interest rather than their party’s interest. They should not launch unnecessary strike, Banda and other programs which create violence in the country. They should keep their cadres in control and mobilize them in creative and development work. They should discourage corruption and maintain understanding and coordination with each other in the issues of national concern. Since, school is the center of whole education system; it should be maintained as a peace zone. The following measures can be useful to maintain school as a peace zone: Teachers, students, parents and school management committee should play active role to maintain school a peace zone. The students should be encouraged to participate in the creative and social activities. The subject matters related to the theoretical and practical knowledge of peace education should be kept in the school curriculum. All kinds of activities that hurt the students physically and mentally should be avoided. School sector should be kept away from political activities and any kind of discrimination, exploitation, physical and mental torture, etc. 140 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

KEY TERMS Impunity : exemption from punishment, harm, or recrimination Torture : to cause somebody mental or physical suffering Unhindered : not obstructed by any obstacles or difficulties Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. What is meant by “School: Zone of Peace”? Discuss its importance. 2. Collect the activities that are against public security occurring in or around your community. Discuss about such activities and identify the solutions to such problems. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What do you understand by peace and order? Why is it regarded as foundation of development? 2. What roles can you play to maintain peace and order in the society? Write any four roles. 3. “Peace and order is the root of rule of law.” Justify it with examples. Long answer questions: 1. How can the concept of ‘School: Zone of Peace’ help to the children for their better future? Mention your opinion in points. 2. Mention any seven measures to maintain peace and order sustainably in Nepal. 3. Analyze the roles of political parties and civil society to maintain peace and order. 4. What is meant by School: Zone of Peace? Though, several commitments have been made to ensure School: Zone of Peace, schools are suffering from frequent strikes till now. Discuss its reasons. Suggest the ways to maintain School: Zone of Peace. Community Work What are the activities performed in your school to maintain it as a peace zone? Consult your Head Master about it. Include his/her opinion and your experiences and prepare an article to be published in the annual bulletin of your school. Civic Awareness 141

12Lesson UNITY IN DIVERSITY Introduction Unity refers to the state of being one; and diversity refers to the state of being different. We all know that there are many castes, religions, languages, cultures and traditions in Nepal. However, we find good-will existing among them. Social and religious tolerances have been well maintained in Nepal since ancient times. Nepalese people have long tradition of respecting each other’s faiths and convictions. They have the cultural tradition of collectively observing each other’s religious festivals. For example, Rais and Limbus participate in Brahmin’s and Chhetri’s religious festivals. Similarly, Pahadi people participate in Madhesi religious festivals. This is an excellent example of social and religious tolerance existing in Nepal. This is why we can say there is unity in diversity in Nepal. Constitutional Recognition By observing the diversity of our country, Article: 3 of the present Constitution of Nepal has defined the nation in the following way: All the Nepalese people, with multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, multicultural characteristics and in geographical diversities, and having common aspirations and being united by a bond of allegiance to national independence, territorial integrity, national interest and prosperity of Nepal, collectively constitute the nation. 142 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

The constitution has made the provision to make the government responsible in making every organ of the state inclusive with the proportionate participation of Madhesi, suppressed class, indigenous nationalities, women, laborer, peasant, physically challenged, under privileged people and people of other areas. Similarly, the state has the responsibility to terminate discriminatory laws and to ensure equal treatment to all its citizens. For this, it Unity in Diversity is mentioned in Article: 50, Sub-article: Members of Parliament in their traditional costumes 2 of the Constitution of Nepal under the Directive Principles of the State that “The social and cultural objective of the State shall be to build a civilized and egalitarian society by eliminating all forms of discrimination, exploitation and injustice on the grounds of religion, culture, tradition, usage, custom, practice or on any other similar grounds, to develop social, cultural values founded on national pride, democracy, pro-people, respect of labour, entrepreneurship, discipline, dignity and harmony, and to consolidate the national unity by maintaining social cohesion, solidarity and harmony, while recognizing cultural diversity.” Similarly, the Article: 51, a (2) of this Constitution states under the Policies of the State that “To promote the national unity while developing mutual cooperative relations between the Federal Units by maintaining mutual cohesion, harmony and solidarity ;of}+ y'uF f kmn\" sf xfdL Pp6} dfnf g]kfnL between various castes, tribes, religions, ;fj{efd} eO{ kml} nPsf dr] L–dxfsfnL . languages, cultures and communities.” ks| [ltsf sf6] Lsf6] L ;Dkbfsf] cfrF n The State has attempted to ensure the unity jL/x¿sf /utn] :jtGq / c6n in diversity by having the above mentioned 1fge\"ld zflGtel\" d t/fO{ kxf8 lxdfn provisions. The present Constitution aims to bring every sector, community, gender, group, cv08 of] Kof/f] xfdf| ] dft[e\"ld gk] fn etc into the national main stream by providing axn' hflt efiff wd{ ;:+ sl[ t 5g\\ ljzfn equal opportunity and treatment. The National cuu| fdL /fi6« xfdf| ] ho ho g]kfn . Anthem has also recognized this fact nicely. Measures to promote the national unity in Nepal Mutual respect should be developed among the people. Discrimination on the basis of language, race, region, community etc should be avoided. Religious and cultural heritages should be preserved and promoted. Religious tolerance should be developed and practised in practicable way. State should adopt the inclusive policy so that every citizen can be brought into the mainstream of development. Civic Awareness 143

KEY TERMS Constitute : to make up the whole or a particular part of something Discriminatory : unfairly treating Multi-ethnic : relating to or constituting several ethnic groups Privileged : enjoying special advantages Solidarity : mutual agreement and support Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Write an editorial on the topic “Unity in diversity”. 2. There may be some personalities in your community who have studied and researched on another community. Explore and discuss in the class. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. “Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, and multicultural country.” Justify this statement with examples. 2. What is meant by unity in diversity? Why is it important? 3. How has the National Anthem of Nepal made an effort to bring unity in diversity? Write. 4. What do you think should be done to promote national unity along with maintaining cultural diversity? Long answer questions: 1. “We all are Nepali, even though we are diverse in ability, sex, religion, culture and language.” Justify this statement. 2. What are the fundamental rights, directive principles, policies and responsibilities of the State mentioned in the Constitution of Nepal to bring all the citizens in the mainstream of the State? Write in points. 3. How can the national unity contribute in the protection of sovereignty, independence and integrity of the nation? Analyse it. Community Work Conduct a research in your community to find out the castes, languages and religion of people living in the community. Ask the people about their participation in the various festivals and cultural functions and prepare a report. 144 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

13Lesson NATIONALITY AND SUBJECT OF NATIONAL CONCERN Nepali Nationality Nationality is the state of belonging to a particular nation by origin, birth or naturalization. It is also the membership in the community of a particular nation. It is the relationship between a person and the state of his/her origin, culture, association, affiliation or loyalty. Nepal is a country where the people of various caste, language, sex, region, class and language live together. The emotional and mental commitment, dedication and the behavioural presentation of such communities is Nepal’s nationality. There is equal role and contribution of all in Nepal’s nation building. It is the responsibility of every Nepali citizen to coordinate for the protection of Nepali nationality. Thus, all of us should think about the nation and nationality. Subjects of National Concern The subjects of national concern are the matters associated with a state which every citizen of the state need to understand and accept. National integrity, border security, sovereignty, independence, border encroachment, religious tolerance etc are the subjects of national concern. We should have the feeling of coexistence rather than self existence on the subject of national concerns. Here, we are going to discuss the three major subjects of national concern. 1. National Integrity National integrity is the state of being complete or undivided. Nepal is an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialism-oriented, federal democratic republican state. If the country is fragmented, its existence gets over. All the Nepalese people have equal role and contribution in the Nepal’s nation building. It is necessary that all the Nepalese people should make efforts for the promotion and development of nationality and integrity along with maintaining their identity and unity. The national integrity of Nepal is the matter of pride and our identity. The state has to provide equal rights to all by protecting and promoting all the caste, religion, language and culture. If the state makes partiality on the basis of race, religion, class or community, such partiality creates dissatisfaction among the people which can result in the separatist movement and the country may split or be divided. So, the state has to take the following measures to maintain national integrity. State has to promote and uplift all race, sex, class and religion proportionally. The state has to include all citizens in the mainstream of state affairs. Rights and judicial demands of people should be fulfilled by the state according to the means and resources available in the country. Civic Awareness 145

There should be legal provisions for the distribution of resources and means of the country equally. Even after doing all these things, if anyone tries to divide the country, all of us have to work together to solve the problem or take necessary legal action to those who attempt to fragment the nation. It is the duty of all citizens to protect the nation. 2. Border Security and Encroachment A fixed line that officially separates two countries is called border. Such a border line is mentioned in the treaty. The act of controlling criminal activities at the border or to accept the scientific management and security of the border line by the concerned countries is known as border security. If the border line between two countries is not clear or if the treaty or agreement is not upheld or if there is no understanding, it may cause the rise of border disputes. Thus, the concerned countries should seek the appropriate solution to such problems. Measures for the border security For the border security, the following measures are useful to adopt: Creation of international pressure, Dialogue between head of the state or government, Formation of a civil interest group of the both countries, Formation of a joint technical border committee, Negotiation in diplomatic level, Involvement of the United Nations to solve the problem, Solution to the problems through mediator Encroachment is the act of exceeding limit of something. Here, border encroachment means the act of slowly covering more and more area by exceeding the border by other countries. Border security and encroachment between Nepal and India is very serious. Due to the open border, various criminal and illegal activities are taking place day by day. The man made pillars (Junge Pillars) are often reported to have being shifted Junge Pillar or destroyed by which the border of Nepal is shrinking down. If each and every one of us holds the feeling of nationality, we can save our border. Causes of the border encroachment The border encroachment is generally resulted due to the following causes: Constructional works carried out at border, Incomplete historical documents about border line, Negligence of neighboring countries about the international border, Lack of border’s map and statistics, Lack of clear border line on the land 146 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

Consequences of border encroachment Social problems like drug smuggling, illegal trade and human trafficking take place frequently. Criminals easily escape from one country to another after committing crimes. Dispute may occur in the use of natural resources. Aggression may grow between the citizens of both countries. War may break out between the countries. Measures to solve border encroachment Both the countries have to take initiatives to solve the problem on the basis of the principle of Panchasheel. Voice should be raised from all sectors to create pressure on the government to solve this problem. We should be united together to protect our national interest and nationality on time. Government should make diplomatic effort to solve the problem. Joint committee should be formed to solve the problem. Enough security check-post should be established and more security personnels should be deployed to monitor the border. ‘No man land’ (Dashgaja area) should not be encroached by any side. 3. Self-Respect/Self-esteem Self-respect means believing in our own value or dignity; and self-esteem means depending on our own. Self-respect and self-esteem are the identities of Nepalese people. For the protection of Nepal and Nepali nationality and national self-respect, our brave warriors have made significant contributions. They have shown their bravery to imperialists. The Nepalese people have self-respect by nature. They never bow down to anyone. It has become our glorious tradition. Bhimsen Thapa raised the voice against imperialism which is still relevant. The bravery shown by Balbhadra Kunwar in the war of Nalapani, the bravery exhibited by Bhakti Thapa in the fort of Malau and the nationality of Amar Singh Thapa proved that there is the feeling of high self-respect in the Nepalese people. Self-respect and self-esteem are the glories of the Nepalese people. Nepalese people fought bravely against the imperialists. Imperialists had tried to take the Nepalese in their favour by offering various allures but the brave Nepalese rejected all of those offers. We have to take lesson from our history that has high regard for self-respect. We should not fall with greed before anyone. We should always be ready to sacrifice ourselves for the nation. We have to feel pride of our language, culture, tradition, value, norms and our natural and historical heritages. We have to respect the bravery of our ancestors. We have to show our behaviour according to the historical heritages, values, norms and social attitude. If we do so, no any external element can interfere into our internal affairs. It is our duty to protect Nepali nationality. Civic Awareness 147

KEY TERMS Aggression : hostile attitude or behaviour Allure : attract powerfully Fragment : break into small pieces Republic : political system with elected representatives Separatist : supporter of separation of different groups Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. What is Dashgaja? Discuss in the class. 2. What kind of steps would you take to stop border encroachment, if you became the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal? Exercise Short answer questions: 1. What is national integrity? Why is it important? 2. Mention the ways to maintain national integrity. 3. What do you mean by border security? What measures do you suggest to solve the problem of border security? 4. What should be done to increase the Nepali self-respect? Write in points. 5. “Nepalese should have the feeling of coexistence rather than self-existence.” Clarify it with examples. 6. “The Nepalese want to live with self-respect.” Justify the statement with historical facts. 7. What are the ways to solve the border problem between Nepal and India related to Kalapani, Susta and many other places? Present your views. Long answer questions: 1. What are the subjects of national concern? Explain three subjects of National Concern in brief. 2. What is border encroachment? Mention the causes and consequences of border encroachment. 3. “We want to solve the problem of border encroachment and improve the relationship with our neighbouring countries.” Suggest the measures regarding this issue. Community Work Consult seniors, intellectuals, teachers and your guardians about other subjects of national concern. Find the efforts made to aware the people about such matters which they have to understand and accept. Prepare a report including your conclusion. 148 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9

6UNIT OUR EARTH Learning achievements Identify the relationship between longitude and time, Explain the status of Nepal’s topographical structure, climate, lifestyle, vegetation, etc., Mention the status of Nepal’s water resource and utilize it, Gain the knowledge about the map and distance and learn the skills to insert major facts in the map, Acquire the information about the physical and natural environment of Asia, Europe and Australia, and Compare the economic activities and various aspects of social life of Asia, Europe and Australia with that of Nepal. Our Earth 149

1Lesson LONGITUDE AND TIME Imaginary lines drawn from North Pole to South Pole of the earth are called meridians or lines of longitude. The 70°N 80°N 90°N North Pole longitude that passes through Greenwich Observatory near London is known as the Prime Meridian or Greenwich 60°N Greenwich Prime meridian Meridian. There are all together 360 lines of longitudes. 50°N Each line is at an interval of 1°. The Prime Meridian is Parallels considered to be located at 0° longitude. A longitude is 40°N of latitude the angular distance to the East and West of the Prime Meridian. In each of the Eastern and Western hemisphere, 30°N Axis of rotation there are 180 lines of longitude. The longitudes of 20°N Eastern hemisphere are called Eastern longitudes and the 10°N Center of Earth Equator 105°W 90°W 75°W 60°W 45°W 30°W 15°W 0° 15°E 0° 120°W 10°S 20°S West on Earth Meridians 30°S East on Earth of longitude 40°S Earth 50°S 90°S South Pole 60°S 70°S 80°S Longitudes and Latitudes longitudes of Western hemisphere are called Western longitudes. It takes 4 minutes time to cross 1° longitude. Thus, the difference in the longitude causes the difference in time of different places. Longitude and Time Difference As the earth rotates around its axis from West to East, it takes 24 hours to complete one rotation. It means, the earth covers the distance of 40,076 km or angular distance of 360°. It is called rotation of the earth. It means 360° in 24 hours, Greenwich Observatory 15° in 1 hour and 1° in 4 minutes. As the earth rotates from West to East, the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. As for this, every 1° Eastward, the time is 4 minutes ahead because the earth moves West to East. For example, What will be the time of Kathmandu located at 85°E longitude, when it is 2 pm at Karachi at 40°E longitude? 0° 40°E 85°E West East 150 Karachi Kathmandu Time: 2 pm Time: ? SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9