GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 21 Social Change: Notes and Exercise Answers

 

Get easy notes and solved exercise answers for GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 21 Social Change, including child rights, RTI, RTE, food security and disability rights.

 

GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 21 Social Change EXERCISE SOLUTIONS

 

1. Answer the following questions in detail

1. Which juvenile rights are included in the Indian Constitution?

Children have the right to live without discrimination based on caste, colour, language or nationality. They have the right to proper upbringing by their parents and should not be separated from them without a valid reason. Children have the right to develop their personality, enjoy a healthy life, play and take part in games and entertainment. They also have the right to preserve their culture, follow their religion, and be protected from physical or mental torture, narcotic drugs, inhuman treatment and exploitation. They should receive security and proper conditions for their physical, mental, moral and social development.

2. Describe the problems of elderly people and provisions for their protection and welfare.

Elderly people may face health problems, loneliness, lack of care, financial difficulties, and neglect by family members. Some may be sent to old-age homes or may face exploitation and abuse. The government has introduced measures for their welfare, including pension schemes, concessions on travel tickets, support through old-age homes and policies for senior citizens. The chapter mentions the National Policy for Senior Citizens, the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme and the Annapurna Scheme. Families and society should respect older people and help protect their dignity and safety.

3. Explain the objectives of the Right to Information Act and the process of obtaining information.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 helps citizens obtain information from public authorities. Its objectives include making government work more transparent, encouraging accountability, reducing corruption and allowing citizens to take part in public affairs. A person can apply to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department, giving details of the information required and paying the prescribed fee. The chapter states that the application may be submitted in writing or electronically, and the applicant should keep the receipt or acknowledgement. If information is not provided within the prescribed time or the request is rejected, the applicant may appeal to the appropriate authority.

4. State the main provisions of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

The Right to Education Act provides free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14 years. Schools must provide suitable classrooms, drinking water, electricity, toilets and other basic facilities. Children should be admitted without discrimination. The Act prohibits capitation fees and admission screening tests. Schools cannot refuse admission only because a child lacks a birth certificate, and children should not be held back or expelled before completing elementary education as described in the Act. The chapter also mentions support for children from disadvantaged groups and weaker sections, including a 25% admission provision in certain private schools.

5. Discuss provisions related to food-grain distribution and the Public Distribution System under the National Food Security Act.

The National Food Security Act, 2013 aims to provide food security by making food grains available at affordable prices. It supports eligible households through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and provides special support to priority and Antyodaya households. The chapter describes subsidised wheat, rice and coarse grains, and support for pregnant women and lactating mothers through maternity benefits. It also mentions nutritional support for children and measures to make the PDS transparent. Ration cards, biometric identity and technology-based records are used to improve distribution and reduce misuse.

6. Describe the facilities provided by the government to differently abled students.

The chapter says educational institutions should provide equal opportunities and a supportive learning environment to differently abled students. Facilities include accessible classrooms, ramps, suitable desks and benches, accessible toilets and bathrooms, and other arrangements for easy movement. Schools should provide suitable learning materials, special support and trained staff where needed. Students should not face discrimination in admission or participation. Schools should encourage their academic, social and personal development and help them take part in school activities.

2. Answer the following questions pointwise

1. Explain the main factors responsible for social change.

• Urbanisation and industrialisation
• Globalisation and contact with other cultures
• Changes in family arrangements, marriage and social relationships
• New technology, education and modern ways of living
• Changes in people’s ideas, values and awareness

2. Why is it necessary to have general knowledge about laws?

• It helps people understand their rights and duties.
• It helps people avoid breaking laws unknowingly.
• It helps citizens protect themselves against injustice.
• It encourages respect for constitutional rights and legal procedures.
• It supports responsible citizenship and the growth of society.

3. Explain: “Child development is a pre-condition for economic development.”

• Children are the future citizens and workers of the country.
• Education and good health help children develop their abilities.
• Protection from child labour allows children to learn and grow.
• Skilled, healthy and educated people contribute to productivity and national development.
• Therefore, child development supports long-term economic progress.

4. Write about government efforts to curb corruption.

• The chapter refers to the Central Anti-Bribery Bureau, established in 1964.
• The Gujarat government introduced the Anti-Corruption Act, 1988, as mentioned in the chapter.
• The Right to Information Act, 2005, helps citizens seek public information.
• The chapter mentions the Lokpal and Lokayukta as bodies connected with complaints against corruption.
• Vigilance and investigation agencies work to investigate corruption and misuse of power.

5. Describe the objectives of the Food Security Bill.

• To ensure that people have access to sufficient and nutritious food.
• To provide food grains to eligible households at affordable prices.
• To reduce malnutrition among children and other vulnerable groups.
• To strengthen and make the Public Distribution System more transparent.
• To provide nutritional and maternity support to eligible women and children.

6. Mention the specific facilities for differently abled students.

• Equal opportunity in admission and school activities.
• Ramps and accessible paths for movement.
• Suitable desks, benches, toilets and bathrooms.
• Learning support and suitable educational facilities.
• A safe, inclusive environment without discrimination.

3. Answer the following questions briefly

1. Why is child labour in more demand?

Child labour is often demanded because children are paid less, are less organised and may be easier to exploit. Some employers use them for long hours or difficult work.

2. Mention the fundamental rights of citizens.

Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.

3. Describe various forms of child labour.

Children may work in hotels, factories, construction sites, farms, garages, shops and domestic work. They may also be made to pull carts, distribute newspapers, collect waste or beg.

4. Why can corruption cause a rise in prices?

Corruption increases costs, encourages unfair practices and wastes public money. These extra costs can increase the prices of goods and services.

5. Mention an important provision of the ‘Maa Annapurna Yojana’.

The chapter states that eligible needy families can receive food grains at subsidised rates under the scheme.

6. Why was the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 introduced?

It was introduced to recognise and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, promote equal opportunities and support their participation in education and society.

4. Choose the correct answer

1. Main factor responsible for social change in India

Answer: (C) Westernisation

2. Who declared the manifesto of human rights?

Answer: (B) United Nations

3. When is World Elderly People’s Day celebrated?

Answer: (B) 1st October

4. Which information may be refused under RTI?

Answer: (D) Matters related to sovereignty

5. What is forbidden under the law related to free education?

Answer: (D) Capitation fee at the time of admission

6. Which new aspect has been implemented to strengthen the Public Distribution System?

Answer: (C) Bio-metric identity

7. Till what age are differently abled students provided free education?

Answer: (B) 16 years

 

GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 21 Social Change IMPORTANT CHAPTER NOTES

 

1. Meaning of Social Change

Social change means changes in the structure of society, social institutions, relationships, lifestyle and people’s values. Urbanisation, globalisation, education and technology can bring social change.

2. Need for knowledge of laws

Knowledge of laws helps citizens understand rights and duties, avoid legal mistakes, protect themselves from injustice and respect the Constitution.

3. Fundamental Rights

The six groups listed in the chapter are: Right to Equality; Right to Freedom; Right against Exploitation; Right to Freedom of Religion; Cultural and Educational Rights; Right to Constitutional Remedies.

4. Rights of children

Children should receive care, education, protection, healthy living conditions and opportunities to develop. They must be protected from discrimination, abuse, exploitation and harmful work.

5. Child labour

Child labour is work done by children that harms their education, health or development. Poverty, unemployment, lack of education and employers’ demand for cheap labour are among the causes. Prevention includes enforcing laws, providing education and supporting families.

6. Protection of elderly people

Older people may need health care, financial support, safety and companionship. Government schemes and community support aim to protect their welfare and dignity.

7. Anti-social activities and corruption

Anti-social activities include acts such as theft, robbery, kidnapping and cybercrime. Corruption means misuse of power or public position for personal benefit. It weakens trust, increases inequality and harms development.

8. Right to Information Act, 2005

RTI allows citizens to ask public authorities for information, making administration more transparent and accountable. If information is not provided within the required time, an appeal can be made.

9. Right to Education Act, 2009

The Act provides free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years. It aims to improve access to schooling and prevent discrimination and certain unfair admission practices.

10. National Food Security Act, 2013

The Act aims to provide eligible people with food grains at affordable prices through the PDS. It also includes nutritional support for women and children and aims to improve the transparency of food distribution.

11. Differently abled students

Students with disabilities should have equal opportunities, accessible school buildings, suitable facilities, learning support and protection from discrimination. Schools should encourage inclusion and participation.

Quick Revision: Important Dates and Laws

• 1964 – Central Anti-Bribery Bureau (as stated in the chapter).
• 1988 – Anti-Corruption Act mentioned in the chapter.
• 2005 – Right to Information Act.
• 2009 – Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act.
• 2013 – National Food Security Act.
• 2016 – Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
• 1 October – World Elderly People’s Day, as given in the chapter.

 

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