MSBSHSE Class 10 Social Science Political Science Chapter 4 Social and Political Movements

Q1. Choose the correct option from the given options and complete the sentences.

(1) …………is the main demand of farmers movement.

(a) Right to cultivate on the forest land

(b) To get the right price for agricultural product

(c) Protection of consumers

(d) Building of dams

(2) To increase agricultural production and become self-sufficient with regard to food grains …………was initiated.

(a) Water revolution

(b) Green revolution

(c) Industrial revolution

(d) White revolution

Answer 1: To get the right price for agricultural product is the main demand of farmers movement.

Answer 2: To increase agricultural production and become self-sufficient with regard to food grains, the Green revolution was initiated.

Q2. Write notes on:

(1) Tribal movement

(2) Workers movement

Answer 1: Tribal Movement –In the pre-independence period, the British government deprived tribal people of their right to livelihood on forest resources. There was a Tribal uprising in Kolam from Chota Nagpur, Gond from Orissa, Koli, Bhilla and Ramoshi from Maharashtra, Santhal and Munda from Bihar. The tribal struggle has continued since those years. Tribals in India face several problems. One major problem is that they are denied right over forests. The main demand of the tribal movement is to accept their right over forests. They should be allowed to collect products of forests and also should have a right to cultivate on forest land.

Answer 2: Workers movement –Textile industry, railway companies were established in India in the latter half of the nineteenth century. In 1899 railway workers went on strike for their demands. However, the first organisation for resolving the issues of workers was established in 1920. This organisation is known as All India Trade Union Congress. In India, workers are facing different problems. Unstable employment conditions, contract labour, financial insecurity, absence of legal protection for workers, unlimited working hours, insecurity at the workplace, health hazards are some of the problems.

Q3. Answer the following questions in brief.

(1) Explain the activities/role/functions of the environmental movement.

(2) Explain the nature of farmers movement in India.

(3) For which reforms were the women’s movement in the pre-independence period fighting?

Answer 1: We are aware that environmental degradation is a serious problem at the national and international level. At the international level several movements are working to stop the deterioration of the environment. In India many movements are working on different aspects of the environment. The environment movements are taking up issues like protection of biodiversity, protecting different sources of water, protection of forests, green belt, pollution of rivers, use of chemicals and their ill effects, etc.

Answer 2: Farmers movement in India is an important movement. During the British period, farmers started getting organised due to anti-agriculture policies of the British colonial government. We are aware of farmers movements in Bardoli, Champaranya and movements against revenue collection. The farmers movements were inspired by the thoughts of Mahatma Phule, Justice Ranade and Mahatma Gandhi. After the Green Revolution, the farmers movement became more active and effective. Though Green Revolution aimed at increasing agricultural production and achieving self-sufficiency in food grains, it did not benefit the poor farmers. The farmers were now divided into rich farmers and poor farmers. Dissatisfaction among the poor farmers led to the beginning of the farmer ’s movement.

Answer 3: In the pre independence period, progressive men in India initiated the women’s movement. The women’s movement aimed at eliminating injustice against women and ending their exploitation, help them to lead a respectful life and participate actively in social life. Many scholars took initiative in ending the practice of Sati and child marriages. Reforms such as widow remarriage, women education and right to vote to women were possible due to the work of these reformists.

Q4. Explain the following statements by giving reasons.

(1) Movements are important in a democracy.

(2) Movements do not need a strong leadership.

(3) Consumer movement came into existence.

Answer 1: Movements are very important in a democracy. Different social problems come under discussion through these movements. The government then has to pay attention to such problems. Leaders and activists of the movement provide necessary information about those issues to the government. This information is very useful for the government while making policies. Some movements aim at opposing a particular decision or policy of the government. The right to protest is considered an important right in democracy. However, this right needs to be used patiently and responsibly.

Answer 2: A Movement is a collective action. People’s active participation is expected in the movement. Movements have a leadership. Leadership keeps the movement active. Objectives of the movement, programme of action, strategy of agitation are decided by its leaders. A strong leadership makes movement effective. Any movement requires public support. People should feel connected to the issue that is undertaken by the movement. Movements have a programme of action which help them to shape public opinion.

Answer 3: Consumer movement emerged in India after the Consumer Protection Act came into existence in 1986. This movement has a broad objective. The movement believes that each member of the society is a consumer. Due to the changing nature of the social and economic system, consumers face different problems. Adulteration, increased cost of items, frauds in weight and measures are some of the problems. The consumer movement works to protect consumers from such types of frauds.