GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 20

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

Read easy notes and solved exercise answers for GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 20, Social Problems of India and Challenges. Learn about communalism, casteism, minorities, SCs, STs and terrorism.

GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 20 EXERCISE ANSWERS

1. Answer the following questions in detail

1(a). Give an introduction to the constitutional provisions for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The Indian Constitution provides special safeguards for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). These provisions aim to remove social injustice and exploitation and help these communities progress socially, economically, politically and educationally.

  • Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds such as religion, caste and place of birth.
  • Article 29 protects the right to preserve one’s language, script and culture and protects admission rights as described in the chapter.
  • Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially SCs and STs, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
  • Article 16(4) allows reservation in government jobs when backward classes are not adequately represented, as stated in the chapter.
  • Articles 330, 332 and 334 provide for reserved seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, according to the chapter.
  • Seats are also reserved for SCs and STs in Gram Panchayats and Municipalities.
  • The chapter also mentions scholarships, hostels, residential schools, counselling and training programmes, and relaxed requirements for some government jobs.
  • Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice punishable by law.

1(b). State the social effects of terrorism.

  • Terrorism weakens national unity and can divide society.
  • It creates fear and suspicion among people.
  • Education is affected in areas troubled by terrorism.
  • Mutual trust, brotherhood and social harmony decrease.
  • Communal conflicts may increase and social relationships may break down.
  • Public gatherings and social functions may be disrupted, creating chaos and unrest.

2. Answer the following questions pointwise

2(a). State the steps that should be taken to eradicate communalism.

  • The government should take action against people who promote communal hatred.
  • Education should teach respect for all religions and encourage secular values.
  • Political parties based on communal ideas should not be encouraged; election rules should be followed.
  • Radio, television and cinema should spread messages of secularism, tolerance and national unity.
  • Religious and political leaders should work together to reduce communalism.
  • Young people should develop a secular and scientific attitude.
  • Government and society should work together to remove communalism.
  • National interest and national pride should be placed above religion, caste, state or language.

2(b). Give an introduction to constitutional provisions for the welfare and development of minorities.

  • Minorities have equal rights along with the majority community.
  • The Constitution protects the rights and interests of religious and linguistic minorities.
  • A National Commission for Minorities has been set up to protect their rights, welfare and progress.
  • People have freedom of religion and can spread their religion lawfully; forced religious conversion is not permitted.
  • Minorities can preserve their language, script and culture.
  • Educational institutions have protection against discrimination on grounds such as religion, race, caste or language, as described in the chapter.
  • Minority children may receive primary education in their mother tongue through facilities provided by the State.
  • The main aim is to provide equal opportunity, justice and status to all citizens.

2(c). State the economic effects of terrorism.

  • Fear and insecurity discourage business and industrial development.
  • Trade and business relations are affected.
  • People may move to other places, affecting local economic activity.
  • Some terrorist groups extort money from business owners and workers.
  • Illegal activities can create further social and economic problems.
  • Railways, roads, bridges, radio stations and government offices may be damaged, causing heavy repair costs.
  • The government must spend large amounts on security.
  • Tourism and transport industries can suffer major losses.

3. Answer the following questions in brief

3(a). Explain the difference between rebellion and terrorism.

Rebellion Terrorism
The chapter describes rebellion as a national problem. The chapter describes terrorism as a global problem.
It is spread at a regional level against one’s own government. It may be directed against one’s own country or other countries and can spread internationally.
It is carried out with the support of local people, according to the chapter. Terrorist groups may or may not receive local support.
It hinders the development of the affected state. It hinders the development of countries.

3(b). Write a note on Naxalism.

According to the chapter, the Naxalite movement began in India in 1967 in Naxalbari village in West Bengal. It was inspired by the Chinese Revolution led by Mao Tse-tung. The chapter says that the movement later spread to parts of Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. It names the People’s War Group and the Maoist Communist Centre as two major organisations associated with the movement.

4. Choose the correct alternative

(1) On what is India’s social structure based? B. Casteism

(2) On which basis is the Scheduled Caste decided? D. None of these

(3) Under which Article has untouchability been eradicated? C. Article 17

(4) Which of the following is a global problem? D. Terrorism

(5) Match the state with the rebellion organisation. A. 1-C, 2-D, 3-B, 4-A

Gseb Class 10 Social Science Chapter 20 Important Chapter Notes

1. Communalism

  • Communalism occurs when a religious group opposes another group or gives its own religious interests greater importance than the interests of society.
  • It creates division, hatred, tension, riots and conflict. It harms democracy, national unity and development.

2. Steps to reduce communalism

  • Take action against those who spread communal hatred.
  • Teach respect for every religion and promote secularism.
  • Use media to spread tolerance and national unity.
  • Encourage young people to develop a scientific and secular outlook.
  • Place national interest above religion, caste, state and language.

3. Casteism

  • Caste has been part of Indian society for a long time.
  • The chapter explains that the old division of work and social position became linked with caste. Some communities remained socially and economically backward.
  • Constitutional safeguards and welfare schemes aim to reduce discrimination and inequality.

4. Minorities

  • A minority is a group that is smaller in number than other groups in a region, often based on religion or language.
  • Minorities have equal rights and constitutional protection for religion, language, script, culture and education.
  • The National Commission for Minorities works to protect their rights and welfare.

5. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

  • Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are identified through constitutional schedules and official processes described in the chapter.
  • Special provisions aim to protect these communities from injustice and exploitation and support their social, economic, political and educational progress.
  • Support includes reservation provisions, scholarships, hostels, residential schools and training programmes.

6. Important constitutional provisions mentioned in the chapter

  • Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on specified grounds.
  • Article 17: Abolishes untouchability.
  • Article 29: Protects cultural and educational interests described in the chapter.
  • Article 46: Directs the State to promote educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially SCs and STs.
  • Article 16(4): Provides for reservation in government jobs in the circumstances described in the chapter.
  • Articles 330, 332 and 334: Mentioned in connection with reserved seats for SCs and STs in legislatures.

7. Terrorism

  • Terrorism is organised violence intended to create fear and harm people or public life. The chapter describes it as a global problem.
  • The chapter notes that terrorism violates peace and human rights and obstructs national development.

8. Rebellion and terrorism

  • The chapter distinguishes rebellion as mainly a national or regional problem and terrorism as a global problem.
  • Both can cause violence, instability and damage to development.

9. Naxalist movement and North-East insurgency

  • The chapter traces the beginning of the Naxalite movement in India to Naxalbari, West Bengal, in 1967.
  • It also discusses insurgency in North-East India and lists organisations associated with Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Assam.

10. Social effects of terrorism

  • Fear and suspicion increase.
  • National unity, trust and brotherhood weaken.
  • Education and social functions are disturbed.
  • Communal conflicts and unrest may increase.

11. Economic effects of terrorism

  • Business, trade, industry, tourism and transport suffer.
  • Public infrastructure may be damaged and needs costly repairs.
  • The government spends more on security.
  • Extortion and illegal activities can worsen economic problems.

 

GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 21 Social Change

 

Updated: October 28, 2026 — 10:09 am

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