Non-alignment movement (NAM)

 

 

Origin of NAM

NAM was originated by 25 nations(newly independent) at Belgrade conference. India was among the founding member of NAM. The root of NAM went back to the friendship between three leaders-Yugoslavia's Joship Broz Tito. India's Jawaharlal Nehru and Egypt's leader gamel Abdel Nasser came together to held a meeting in 1956. Indonesia's Sukarno and Ghana's Kawame Nkrumah came to strongly supported this policy. Hence these five leaders known as the founding father of NAM. The first non-alignment summit was held in Belgrade in 1961. The first summit was attended by 25 members states. With the passage of time NAM membership expanded including countries of different political system and interest. At present NAM have 120 member countries and 17 observer countries. There are various causes that can be said as emerging factor for promoting the existence of NAM. The various causes of NAM can be divided into positive and negative aspects.

Major causes for formation of NAM

NAM existence can be called the contribution of many positive and negative aspect arising at that time in the international politics. The various major causes that led to formation of NAM are as follows-

1. Nationalist feeling-The newly decolonized nation was deeply enriched with the feeling of the nationalism and at that point of time was not willing to compromise at any stage with its freedom and henceforth this nationalist feeling and love for one's nation paved a path for the formation of policy that secure integrity and sovereignty of these small countries. In this context NAM fulfilled the desired requirement and came into existence.
2. Economic development-After the country been decolonized its foremost object is to attain economic development so same with these countries at that time, they tries and focus on economic development. And if they join any of the power block the economic condition of those countries would further get weaker. So NAM as non-alignment policy was most desirable to secure the economic development.
3. Cultural and racial aspects-The newly independent countries shares the common cultural and racial aspects. So to preserve and promote their cultural and racial aspects they came together and unite in form of NAM. They found that they have common problems regarding polity, economic and social system which could be discuss for all member nation country to bring development in those newly underdeveloped countries.
4. End of second world war-With the end of cold war the political environment of the world turning more hostile and unfriendly and cold war came into existence. The world was divided into two power blocks both seeking and attaining its own goal and tried to increase its alliance and support from small and less powerful countries. So to avoid this system of alliance newly freedom attained countries opted for NAM as policy of non-alignment.
5. Military alliance-When NAM came into existence it was the time when cold war was at its apex. And military alliance was the key feature of the two power block. They tried to add more and small countries to them, so to avoid this military alliance new decolonized nation opted for policy of NAM as with military alliance their economic and political stability cannot be attained.
6. Fear of colonialism and imperialism-There was deep seated fear in all the newly decolonized nation that in future they might not get under any powerful nation as colonies for them. So this fear make them unite together and ask for their protection of integrity and sovereignty of nation, freedom to follow its own foreign policy and they looked upon NAM as best policy for their need and NAM came into existence.

Qualification required to become member of NAM

When NAM was formed certain qualification was laid down by founding members for the new nation who wanted to join NAM The various qualification of NAM are as follows-

• Having independent foreign policy.
• Having sovereign state.
• Peace loving country.
• Not aligned with any power blocks.
• Mutual respect for every nation's sovereignty and territory.
• Non-interference in domestic affairs.
• Avoidance of aggression.
• Promote equality, co-operation and benefit for all nation.

Relevance of NAM

NAM founded during the height of Soviet-Us confrontation in the mid 1950's. Its political bearing has diminished in the post-cold war environment with the disintegration of USSR but NAM is still relevant in today's international environment.

Now the present world scenario is in a slow but steady pace. Uni-polar is slowly shifting to multi-polar world. And eager to look into matter of global economic issues. Even G8 realized that they cannot withstand without developing nations in this phase of acute crisis. So NAM an non-aligned system can play a big role in controlling and changing the present international environment. With the passage of time NAM emerged as a political personality of its own. It survived the cold war and out-living it. The relevance of NAM can be traced from the following points-

1. Preservation of the world peace-NAM after so many years of foundation it still abide by its founding principles, idea and purpose i.e. to establish peaceful and prosperous world. It promoted disarmament and even prohibited invasion of any country, henceforth creation a sovereign world order.
2. Preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty-Nam proved its repeated relevance with the ideal of preserving independence of every nation. This policy will survive long lasting till the time sovereign nation state exists irrespective of any periodical, marginal changes, in the existing system all over the world. It has repeated relevance in every stage till the concept of international relation exists. So weather world is uni-polar, multi-polar or bi-polar NAM as policy will grow stronger.
3. Platform of Third World nations-Third world countries fighting against sociological- economical problems since they have been exploited for long time by other developed nation, after end of colonization their new motives is to look forward for development. In this situation NAM acted as a protector for these new formed small countries against the western hegemony. Not only this it empowers the member states to take its own decisions without any external influence.
4. Support of UN-NAM total strength compromises of 118 developing countries and most of them being member of UN general assembly. IT represents 2/3 members of general assembly hence NAM members act as important vote blocking group in UN.
5. Promoting equitable world order-NAM promotes equitable world order. It specifies same ideal foreign policy for all nation. It act as bridge between political difference existing in the international environment. It arose as consensual policy on burning topic of current world politics to which the vast majority of nation could subscribe.
6. Check on big power ambitions-NAM constitute of 120 developing nation and this overwhelming strength of this third world nation act as a check on big power ambitions. It stood as a unifying force against the traditional foreign policy of great powers and strictly restricts imperialism, nationalism and universal-ism.
7. Base of South-South co-operation-NAM act as catalyst to foster the co-operation between south -south nation. It raises issues that is of major concern for the south countries. It initiate economic, political and social development corners to achieve the desired result of moving from developing to developed nations.
8. Integral part of foreign policy-NAM as foreign policy is very much relevant till today even after the disintegration of USSR. Many developing nation including India still follows NAM policy as its major international and foreign policy tool. The policy to avoid colonization and imperialism continues to remain valid for all small and developing countries.
9. Peaceful settlement of International disputes-NAM since its foundation act as platform that protects the interest of developing countries. It protect it from the huge and influential power in the international sphere, so if disputes arises between developed and developing nation at any point of concerned topic then NAM act as platform which negotiate and conclude disputes peacefully securing the favorable decisions for each member nation.
10. Alternative world power-NAM with passage of time emerged as the alternative world power. With its strength and its motive to democratize the international system proved its qualification as alternative world order which would promote equality and peace all over the world and even provide new dynamics to the existing world's politics.
11. Voice of developing nations-NAM is emerging as majority day by day, each year its strength increases which act as a force and give its members to put their point on international issues. For example-NAM recently challenges the Ban-ki-moon decisions on srilanka panel plausible.
12. Integral component of north-south co-operation-NAM act as a unifying force representing developing countries interest. Hence it plays an important role in north-south dialogue on different issues and accomplishment of different goals for betterment of the world.
13. Criticism of US policy-NAM played active role in criticizing the US policy on various events. US action such as invasion of Iraq and the war on terrorism, Iran and North Korea's nuclear plant have been attempted to stifle by US have been brought to notice by NAM as violation of human right and committing roughshod means to denounce the sovereignty of smaller nations.
14. Self determination of Puerto Rico-Puerto Rico self determination case have been supported By NAM since 1961 by discussing it before United Nation.
15. Self determination for Western Sahara-NAM like with the case of Puerto Rico supported for self determination of Western Sahara before United Nation since 1973. It in 2009 reminded United Nation once again on the case of self determination of Western Sahara.
16. Cultural diversity and human rights-NAM is said to be the protector of human rights and propagated the existence of cultural diversity. They even promoted societal-cultural concept and the tolerance of religion. NAM always remain active to secure the human right of every nation and if found it being violated it stand for its protection.
17. Sustainable development-NAM supported the concept of sustainable development. They even determine what are the factors which hinders the development and discuss it at large where ever get the platform including United Nations.

Conclusion

Hence relevance of NAM is well justified from all the above mentioned points. NAM since its formation always abide to its principle and purpose to attain peace and to keep itself non-aligned to any power blocks. The success of NAM can be well traced from its ever growing membership each year. Even after the end of cold war the membership drastically increased and it’s still increasing at a rapid speed justifying its perpetual relevance in the present international environment. Further NAM as policy of weak and small state will continue to remain valid as long as there is concept of sovereign nation states and perpetual war for power. NAM propagated the concept of sovereign states based on independence and equality will continue forever irrespective of existence of bipolar, uni-polar or multi-polar world system. NAM nature and scope changed but its relevance thrives to the height of success in the contemporary world. In-fact its relevance is being more prominent than ever before, in present scenario NAM nature is more inclined towards economic relevance than political relevance. Hence NAM in the present time is well embedded in in the international politics, its role has vital impact and it emerged as powerful creed which is more powerful than the two power block put together at that time.

Class 12 Political Science              CHAPTER-9 
      
      Recent Developments in Indian Politics




FACTS THAT MATTER
1. During the decade of eighties, five developments took place in country with long lasting impact i.e. End of Congress system in 1980, Mandal Issues in 1990, New Economic Reforms in 1991, Ayodhya dispute in 1992 and Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
2. Elections in 1989 led an era of coalitions with the defeat of Congress Party and it emerged several parties when no single party secured a clear majority of seats in any Lok Sabha election held since 1989 and in this era, regional parties played a crucial role in forming ruling alliances.
3. The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties and movements to represent the Dalits and backward castes as well as regional assertions. Now, there have been nine governments at the centre which have either been coalition government or minority governments supported by other parties or regional parties only.
4. The Mandal Issue started with the national front government’s decision to implement the recommendation of Mandal Commission that jobs in central government should be reserved for other backward classes leading to violent anti-mandal protest in country between supporters and opponents of OBC reservations.
5. The constituents of Janata Party like Bharatiya Kranti Dal and the ‘Samyukt Socialist Party’ had a powerful rural base among some sections of the OBCs as well as BAMCEF, i.e. Backward and Minority Classes Employees Federation was formed in 1978 taking strong position in favour of political power to Bahujan—the SC, ST, OBCs and minorities. It resulted the rise of the (BSP) Bahujan Samaj Party under the leadership of Kanshi Ram.
6. Hindutva literally means Hinduism defined by its originator V.D. Savarkar as basis of Indian nationhood to be members of Indian nation everyone must not only accept India as their fatherland ‘Pitrubhu’ but also as their hold land ‘Punyabhu’.
7. Ayodhya Issue was started with the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in December 1992 to symbolise various changes in politics and debates about Indian nationalism and secularism. These developments are associated with the rise of BJP and Politics of‘Hindutva’.
8. The Political processes after the 1990s showed the emergence of broadly four groups of parties i.e. parties in coalition with Congress, parties in alliance with BJP, left front parties, others who are not part of the rest to make political competition multi-concerned.
9. The Anti-Muslim Riots took place in the form of violence against Muslims through an incident at a station called Godhra 2002 when a bogey, full of Karsevaks was set on fire and suspected the hand of Muslims in it. Human Rights Commission criticised Gujarat government’s role in failing to control violence and showed that government machinery also becomes susceptible to passion and alert us to dangers involved in using religious sentiments for political purposes.
10. In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of main four elements, i.e. Agreement or new economic policies, acceptance of political and social claims of backward classes, acceptance of role of state level Parties in governance of country and emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement.
11. In coalition government, several political parties cooperate reducing the dominance of any one party within that coalition. In it, government is formed on the basis of common minimum programme. The main reason behind this arrangement is that no party gets majority on its own in the Parliament. Coalition government is also created in the time of national crisis such as wartime or economic crisis. If a coalition collapses, confidence vote is held or a motion of no-confidence is taken.
Coalition government in context of India from 2004-2009 and 2009-2014 respectively: After the parliamentary elections in May 2014, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came into power with Mr. Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister. Although the BJP had got full majority on its own. At the national level, the first coalition government of India was formed under the Prime Ministership of Morarji Desai that existed from 24 March, 1977 to 15 July 1979 headed by the Janta party. This government could not complete its tenure. The first coalition government in India which successfully completed its 5 year term was the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance with Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee as Prime Minister from 1999-2004. The other coalition, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) consisted of thirteen separate parties from all over the country ruled for two terms successfully.
WORDS THAT MATTER
1. OBC: It signifies other Backward classes other than SC, ST to be suffered from educational, social and economic backwardness.
2. BAMCEF: It refers to Backward and Minority Classes’ Employees Federation to be formed in 1978 to mark the rise of political organisation of Dalits.
3. Karseva: Voluntary service by devotees for building Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
4. Mandal Commission: It was set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various section of society and recommend various ways to identify these ‘backward classes’.

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1. Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni… and arrange the file chronologically.
(a) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir.
(b) Formation of Janata Dal.
(c) The demolition of Babri Masjid.
(d) Assassination of India Gandhi.
(e) The formation of NDA government.
(f) Godhra incident and its fallout.
(g) Formation of UPA government.
Answer: (a) Assassination of India Gandhi(1984).
(b) Formation of Janata Dal (1989)
(c) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir (1990)
(d) The demolition of Babri Masjid (1992)
(e) The formation of NDA government (1997)
(g) Formation of UPA government (2004)
2. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii).
3. State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different configurations of political parties these differences lead to?
Answer: In the decade of eighties, the country witnessed five main developments which had a long lasting impact on politics:
1. End of Congress system.
2. Mandal issues
3. New Economic Reforms
4. Babri Masjid Issues
5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 1989 elections led to defeat of Congress and emerged the era of ‘Multi Party- System’ when no single party secured majority in Lok Sabha elections since 1989. It led the era of coalition government also when regional parties played an crucial role in forming a ruling alliance.
Since 1989, there have been nine governments at the centre either coalition government or minority government supported by other parties. In this phase, government could be formed only with the participation of many regional parties.
The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties to represent Dalits and backward classes and regional assertions as well.
4. “In the new era of coalition politics, political parties are not aligning or realigning on the basis of ideology.” What arguments would you put forward to support or oppose this statement?
Answer: The statement is justified because in the new era of coalition politics the emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political alliance without ideological agreement:
1. Coalition politics has shifted the focus from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements.
2. Most parties of NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of B JP still they came together to form government and remained in power also for full term.
5. Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics.
Answer: The major trends in the electoral performance of BJP since 1989 can be traced as follows:
1. In the elections of 1989, the National front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. Due to Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support and finally withdrew it. Thus, in November 1990, the rule of National Front came to an end.
2. In 1996 BJP minority government was formed for a short period. In June 1996 BJP failed to get majority support in the vote of confidence and thus collapsed.
3. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional Parties demanded more share in the government to extend their support.
4. The political competition during nineties and divided between the coalition led by BJP and coalition led by Congress.
6. In spite of the decline of Congress dominance the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Answer:  The defeat of Congress Party in 1989 marked an end of Congress dominance over Indian Party System. But Congress continued to influence politics in country:
1. Congress improved performance and came back to power after mid term elections in 1991.
2. It also supported United Front government.
3. In 1996, the left continued to support the non-Congress government but this time Congress supported it as both Congress and Left wanted to keep BJP out of power.
4. Thus, Congress remained an important party and ruled country more than any other party even during the period since 1989. But it lost the kind of centrality it earlier enjoyed in the party system.
7. Many people think that a two-party system is required for successful democracy. Drawing from India’s experience of last twenty years, write an essay on what advantages the present party system in India has.
Answer: In the first decade of electoral politics India did not have a recognised opposition party. But some of vibrant and diverse opposition parties had come into being even before the first General Election of 1952 as the non-Congress parties. Hence, the roots of almost all the non-Congress parties of today can be traced to one or the other of the opposition parties of 1950s.
All these opposition parties gained only a representation, still their presence played a crucial role in maintaining democratic character of system. Hence due to following reasons two party system is required for successful democracy:
1. Within two party systems, the opposition party offers a sustained and principled criticism of policies and practices of ruling party keeping it under a strict check.
2. By keeping democratic political alternative alive, these parties prevented the resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic.
On the basis of above mentioned features it is justifiable to have a two party system which have following advantages:
1. India has arrived at more competitive politics.
2. Political parties act within the spheres of consensus.
3. -New forms, vision, pathways of development have been identified.
4. Issues like poverty, displacement, minimum wages, livelihood and social security are being put on political agenda.
5. Issues of justice and democracy are being voiced by various classes, castes and regions to remind states its responsibility.
8. Read the passage and answer the
questions below:
Party politics in India has confronted numerous challenges. Not only has the Congress system destroyed itself, but the fragmentation of the Congress coalition has triggered a new emphasis on self-representation which raises questions about the party system and its capacity to accommodate diverse interest,…. An important test facing the polity is to evolve a party system or political parties that can effectively articulate and aggregate a variety of interests.
—Zoya Hasan
(a) Write a short note on what the author calls challenges of the party system in the light of what you have read in this chapter.
(b) Given an example from this chapter of the lack of accommodation and aggregation mentioned in this passage.
(c) Why is it necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests?
Answer: (a) The author calls challenges to coalition government as well as coalition in Congress party itself to trigger a new emphasis on self-representation.
(b) To unsolve a party system to accommodate diverse interests but the political parties formed under the leadership of Kanshi Ram for Dalits only.
(c) It is necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests to maintain the culture of India ‘Unity in Diversity’ so that there should be no space for separatist movements in India.

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]
1. Name two alliances/fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996 respectively.
Answer: National front-1989,United front-1996.
2. Mention any two incidents of violence against minority community which are a threat to democracy.
Answer: 1. Violent anti-Mandal protest
2. Godhra incident
3. What is the difference between a coalition party and coalition in Congress system?
Answer:  Coalition party government refers government of more than two regional and political parties whereas coalition in Congress system refers to encouragement of various factions inside the party with different ideologies.
4. Which organisation took up the cause of Bahujans?
Answer: The Backward and Minority Classes Employees Federation (BAMCEF) took various steps and strong position in favour of political power to Bahujans including SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities.
5. What was the status of BSP?
Answer: The Bahujan Samaj Party emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram supported by Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and U.P. But in 1989 and 1991 elections, it achieved a breakthrough success in U.P.
6. When did the phase of coalition politics begin?
Answer: With elections of 1989, coalition politics began in India i.e. National front in 1989, United Front in 1996 and 1997 and UPA in 2004.
7. When were new economic reforms announced?
Answer: In 1991.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. AWho was the chairperson of Mandal Commission? State any one recommen¬dation made by him/her.
Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal Commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommend ways to identify these classes.
The Mandal Commission gave its recommendations in 1980:
1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy
2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups.
3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs.
4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures.
2. State any two major political happenings of 1984 in India.
Answer: 1. Assassination of Indira Gandhi
2. Lok Sabha elections were held.
3. What was change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from 1984¬2004?
Answer: 1. In the elections of 1989, Congress secured 197 seats but did not get majority. Therefore, it decided to sit in opposition.
2. The National Front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside.
3. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to emergence of Congress as the single largest party and formed the government supported by AIADMK.
4. In 1996, BJP minority government was formed for short period. Later in June 1996 United Front with the support of Congress formed the
Government and H.D. Deve Gowda became Prime Minister and after 11 months I.K. Gujral came to power to rule till March 1998.
5. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and other parties formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee and regional parties demanded more share in government to extend its support.
6. In the elections of May 2004, Congress and its allies formed UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and came to power and Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister.
4. When was India’s New Economic Policy launched? Who was its chief architect?
Answer: It was launched in 1991 as the structure adjustment programme and it was started by the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao:
1. India’s New Economic Policy was launched by the then Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
2. The economic changes first became visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction that Indian Economy had pursued since independence towards liberalised and open economy.
5. What happened to the state government after demolition of Babri Masjid?
Answer: 1. The BJP state government was dismissed.
2. Alongwith that, other states where the BJP was in power, were also put under President’s rule.
3. A case against Chief Minister of U.P. was registered in Supreme Court.
6. What led to the serious debate over secularism?
Answer: The demolition of disputed mosque at Ayodhya on December 6,1992, by Karseva, led to a serious debate over secularism:
1. Most political parties condemned the demolition and declared it to be against secularism.
2. A debate took place about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes.
7. List the four groups to be emerged in 1990s.
Answer: 1. Parties in coalition with Congress— UPA (United Progressive Alliance).
2. Parties in alliance with BJP—NDA (National Democratic Alliance).
3. Left front parties (Left Parties).
4. Other parties not to be part of the rest (Others).
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Describe any four major developments in the Indian politics since 1989.
Answer: In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties. This consensus consists of four elements:
(i) Agreement on new economic policies: While many groups are opposed to the new economic policies, most political parties are in support of the new economic policies. Most parties believe that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.
(ii) Acceptance of political and social claims of the backward castes:
Political parties have recognised the social and political claims of the backward castes need to be accepted. As a result, all political parties now support reservation of seats for the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment. Political parties are also willing to ensure that the OBCs get adequate share of power.
(iii) Acceptance of the role of state level parties in governance of the country: The distinction between state level and national level parties is fast becoming less important. State level parties are showing power at the national level and have played a central role in the country’s politics of last twenty years or so.
(iv) Emphasis on pragmatic consid-erations rather than ideological positions and political alliances without ideological agreement:
Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideo-logical differences to power sharing arrangements. Thus, most parties of the NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP. Yet, they came together to form a govern¬ment and remained in power for a full term.
2. When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India?
Answer: The era of coalitions could be seen after 1989 elections onwards. The Congress was the largest party but did not achieve a single majority, hence it decided to act as opposition party. This led to National Front (Alliance of Janata Dal and other regional parties). It received major support from BJP and left front. BJP and left front did not join the government but gave support from outside. The coalition era had many PMs and some of them held office for short duration.
3. “Coal ition government helps in consensus building”. Do you agree with the statement? Give arguments in support of your answer.
Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements:
1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.
2. All political parties supported , reservation of seats for backward
classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCs to get adequate share of power.
3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country.
4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they came together to form a government and remained in power for full term.
4. Write a note on Hindu-Muslim Riots in Gujarat.
Answer: 1. The Anti-Muslim Riots took place at a station called Godhara in 2002.
2. A fire took place on a bogey full of leorsevakos returning from Ayodhya.
3. The hand of Muslims was suspected behind this fire.
4. Widespread violence took place against muslims in which nearly 1100, mostly muslims were killed.
5. Human Right commission criticised Gujarat government’s role in failing to control violence and provided relief to victims.
6. Gujarat riots show that the government machinery also becomes susceptible to passion and alert us the danger involved in using religious sentiments for political purposes.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer thequestions:
Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then, there have been nine governments at the Centre, all of which have either been coalition governments or minority governments supported by other parties, which did not join the government. In this new phase, any government could be formed only with the participation or support of many regional parties. This applied to the National Front in 1989, the United Front in 1996 and 1997, the NDA in 1997, BJP-led coalition in 1998, NDA in 1999 and the UPA in 2004.
Questions
1. What is meant by coalition politics?
2. Name any two regional political parties which were a part of coalition government.
3. Write the full form of NDA.
4. What does a minority government mean?
Answer:
1. Coalition politics does not have maj ority even to a single party but parties may enter into an alliance or get support of other parties to form government.
2. NDA and United front.
3. National Democratic Alliance.
4. Minority governments are supported by other parties which did not join the government.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Infact the BSP, under Kanshi Ram’s leadership was envisaged as an organisation based on pragmatic politics. It derived confidence from the fact that the Bahujans (SC, ST, OBC and religious minorities) constituted the majority of the population, and were a formidable political force on the strength of their numbers.
Questions
1. Which organisation was formed by Kanshi Ram?
2. Name any two religious minorities.
3. Why are Bahujans considered a formidable political forces?
Answer:
1. BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party)
2. Muslims and Christians
3. Because Bahujans constituted the majority of population, hence they
were formidable political force on strength of their numbers.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. In 2014 elections, people have voted for a stable government at the Centre. Do you think that the era of coalition has ended? Support your answer with suitable arguments.
Answer: After Independence, Congress party came in power. It ruled over the country as a democratic government till 1977. One after the other the government was represented by the Congress Prime Ministers like Nehru, Shastri and then Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It was due to some political upheaval; a state Emergency was declared in 1975. During Emergency all the opposition leaders were jailed and their constitutional powers were seized. It made all the opposition leaders unite and form first united party in the name of Janata Party which came in power in 1977. The general election held soon after the Emergency. Though it couldn’t last long, but it started a new concept of rule in India. One after the other, India saw many governments ruled by alliance group, except a few single-party-led government. But with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India. Since then there have been nine governments at the centre all of which have either been coalition government or minority government supported by other parties which did not join the government. The National Front government in 1989, the United Front government in 1996 and 1997, the NDA government in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and then UPA government in 2004 and 2009 and again BJP-led NDA government in 2014 have been the coalition governments in India. In none
of these governments any one single party had the number enough to form the government at its own. But in 2014, there was a change in the pattern. BJP could gain 284 seats in the Lok Sabha election which was sufficient to form the government at its own -which required to only 272. But as the election was fought with a pre-poll alliance by NDA led by BJP. So the present government was formed with Narendra Modi, the leader of BJP.
This election shows that people are again turning to the single party government at the centre which may be stable. People have experienced the lack of stability, lack of policy decision and lack of proper development in the government ruled by the coalition group.
2. In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts in 1989, a consensus appeared to have emerged among most parties. Explain any three points.(or)
Examine growing consensus over the crucial issues.
Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements:
1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.
2. All political parties supported reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCS to get adequate share of power.
3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country.
4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree with the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still they come together to form a government and remained in power for full term.
3. What was Mandal Commission? Did it try to solve the problems of other Backward classes? State any two arguments in support of your answer?
Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal commission set up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among various sections of society and recommended way to identify these classes.
The Mandal commission gave its recommendations in 1980:
1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in caste hierarchy.
2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups.
3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs.
4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational structures.
The government of India accepted recommendations in 1990:
1. 27% jobs reservation has been made in central and state government.
2. Many Welfare Schemes have also been launched as Swarnima National Backward classes Finance and Development Corporation.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Describe the role of such government in Indian Democratic set up.
3. What does this statement “Support the government from outside” mean?
Answer:
1. A puppet government showing example of coalition government.
2. It plays negative and positive role both. In a negative way, it provides unstable form of government.
In a positive way, it provides opportuni¬ties to regional parties also in forming ruling alliances.
3. No direct participation and position in government but support in the formation of government.
2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the picture indicate?
2. Which party is being referred to as one party dominance?
3. Identify female character in the cartoon.
Answer:
1. It depicts change from one party dominance to a multi-party alliance system.
2. Congress.
3. Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

Class 12 Political Science              CHAPTER-8 

                        Regional Aspirations




FACTS THAT MATTER
1. 1980s may be seen as a period of rising regional aspirations creating various regional movements which conclude in a negotiated settlement or accords between the government’s groups. Indian approach maintained a balance in the principles of unity and diversity even by redrawing the internal boundaries of country in response to preserve the culture of different regions and linguistic groups.
2. Immediately after independence, India had to cope up with the issues of partition, displacement, integration of princely states and reorganisation of states i.e. Jammu and Kashmir issues political aspiration, North-East had no consensus to be a part of India and Dravidian movement briefly toyed with the idea of separate country.
3. Jammu and Kashmir comprised of three social and political regions namely Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh region. On the issue of regional autonomy, Accession was promised on reference of people. Special federal status guaranteed by Article 370, to protect regional autonomy.
4. During most of the period between 1953 to 1974, Congress exercised a lot of influence on the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Finally, in 1974, Sheikh became Chief Minister of the state. Except it, from 1989, separatist politics was also surfaced in Kashmir with the stronger demand for intrastate autonomy rather than state autonomy. In present scenario, most of separatist in dialogue are trying to re-negotiate a relationship of the state with India.
5. In Punjab, Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed at the conference of Akali Dal at Anandpur Sahib in 1973 to ascertain regional autonomy and to redefine centre-state relationship. It had a limited appeal and Akali government was dismissed in 1980. Afterwards, the movement launched by Akali Dal took the form of armed insurgency and resolution became controversial.
6. In 1985, Punjab accord was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, President of Akali Dal to transfer Chandigarh, appointment of a commission to resolve border dispute and agreement for compensation to better treatment. But peace did not come easily, violence led many excesses and fragmentation of Akali Dal. Hence, it led to president’s rule in the state. In 1997, first normal elections in Punjab were held in post militancy era and alliance of Akali Dal and BJP scored a major victory.
7. The North-East region consisted of seven states referred to as ‘Seven Sisters’. The reorganisation of North-East was complete by 1972 but did not end the autonomy demands i.e. Bodos, Karbis, Dimasas demanded separate state in Assam and issues were resolved with the grant of some autonomy to these issues. Even ‘Assam Accord’ was signed over the issue of‘Outsiders’ in Assam in 1985.
8. The Assam movement was combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness as it was against outsiders to maintain cultural integration and poverty, unemployment also existed despite natural resources like oil, tea and coal.
9. Regional aspirations range from demands of statehood and economic development to autonomy and separation were coming up which taught many lessons to us i.e. expression of regional issues is not abnormal phenomenon, to respond through democratic negotiations, power sharing among groups and parties, economic development of region and flexible federal system.
10. Goa was under the Portuguese along with Daman and Diu, which expected freedom in 1947 but Portuguese refused. Goa wanted to be merged with motherland and suppressed from religious conversions and civil rights known as ‘Goa Problem’. In 1961, Government of India sent army under ‘Operation Vijay’ and liberated Goa from Portugal rule and in 1987, Goa attained the status of ‘State’ position.
WORDS THAT MATTER
1. Instrument of Accession: An accord signed between Maharaja of Kashmir and government of India on the accession of state.
2. Insurgency: An affair to be directed against one’s own constitutional government within national boundary with the support of local people.
3. Khalistan: A separate state of Sikh community to maintain the autonomous Sikh identity.
4. Operation Blue Star: A code name for army action in Golden Temple in June 1984 by Government of India when Sikh militants made their headquarters inside Golden Temple.
5. Seven Sisters: It is referred to seven states of North East region to be referred as Seven Sisters.
6. Mizo National Front (MNF): It was formed in 1959 by the groups of Mizo under the leadership of Laldenga for autonomous States of Mizos.

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i).
2. Regional aspirations of the people of North-East get expressed in different ways. These include movements against outsiders, movement for greater autonomy and movement for separate . national existence. On the map of the North-East, using different shades for these three, show the States where these expressions are prominently found.
Answer: Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh (See the Map at the end of the Chapter).
3. What were the main provisions of the Punjab accord? In what way can they be the basis for further tensions between the Punjab and its neighbouring States?
Answer: Punjab Accord was an agreement signed between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal in 1985 to be known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi Longowal Accord’ also to create normalcy in Punjab:
1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
2. To appoint a separate commission to resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
3. To set up a tribunal to settle down the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
4. To provide agreement for compen-sation to better treatment to those affected by militancy in Punjab.
5. To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act ip Punjab.
But, peace could not be established easily in Punjab and resulted as follows:
(a) It led to many excesses by police and violation of human rights.
(b) It fragmented the Akali Dal.
(c) President’s rule was imposed and normal political process was suspended.
(id) Hence, Political process could not be restored in this atmosphere. Even during elections in 1992, only 24% electors turned out to vote. Consequently above mentioned added to tension between Punjab and its neighbouring states.
4. Why did the Anandpur Sahib Resolution become controversial?
Answer: Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed at the conference of Akali Dal at Anandpur Sahib in 1973:
(а) To ascertain regional autonomy and to redefine centre-state relations.
(b) Sikhs aspirations aimed at ‘bolbala’ (dominance) of Sikhs.
(c) It could also be interpreted as a plea for separate sikh nation despite of federal spirit.
But, it became controversial due to following reasons:
1. Due to lack of popularity of Akali Dal resolution had a United appeal.
2. Akali government was dismissed in 1980s it lost its importance.
3. Akali Dal launched a movement on the distribution of water between Punjab and its neighbouring states.
4. Movement went into the hands of extremist elements from moderate Akalis and converted into armed insurgency for which Anandpur Sahib Resolution considered responsible.
5. Explain the internal divisions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and describe how these lead to multiple regional aspirations in that State.
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir comprised of three regions:
1. Kashmir region is Kashmir valley consisting Kashmiri speaking and mostly Muslim with a Kashmiri speaking Hindu minority.
2. Jammu region consists of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and speakers of various languages, in the areas of foothills and plains.
3. Ladakh region is equally divided between Buddhists and Muslims and maintains an little population area.
These internal divisions led to multiple regional aspirations:
1. One strand of separatist to demand a separate Kashmiri nation independent of India and Pakistan.
2. Some other groups want Kashmir to be merged with Pakistan.
3. Third strand wants a greater autonomy for people of state within Indian Union.
4. The demand for intra-state autonomy
is as strong as the demand for the state autonomy.
In present scenario, most of the separatist in dialogue are trying to re-negotiate a relationship of state with India.
6. What are the various positions on the issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir? Which of these do you think are justifiable? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: On the issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir, the following positions are states as:
1. Kashmiris were promised to make accession on reference of people after situation created by tribal invasion, becomes normal. But it has not been fulfilled, hence, it generated the demand for “Plebiscite”.
2. Sometimes, it was felt that special federal status guaranteed by Article 370 has been eroded practically which led the demand for restoration of autonomy or “Greater State Autonomy”.
3. It is felt that democracy, which is practised in rest of India has not been similarly institutionalised in Jammu and Kashmir.
We prefer the first position because ‘Plebiscite’ provides better opportunity to people of J & K to protect and sustain their regional autonomy in a very democratic manner.
7. The Assam movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Explain.
Answer: Because:
1. It was against outsiders to maintain cultural integration of Assam.
2. There was widespread poverty and unemployment in Assam, despite existence of natural resources like tea, coal and oil.
3. It was felt that these were drained out of state without any commensurate benefit to the people.
8. All regional movements need not lead to separatist demands. Explain by giving examples from this chapter.
Answer: Because:
1. Regional aspirations are part of democratic politics.
2. Expression of regional issues is not an abnormal phenomenon.
3. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have regional aspirations in United Kingdom.
4. Regional movements are responded
through democratic negotiations rather than suppression. –
5. Its examples are in eighties, military erupted in Punjab, problems persisted in the North-East, students agitated in Assam and Kashmir valley was on the boil.
6. The government of India settled down some negotiations with these regional aspirations to reduce tensions in many regions.
7. Mizoram is an example of political settlement to resolve the problem of separation effectively.
9. Regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the principle of unity with diversity. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, we agree with the statement because India adopted a democratic approach on these regional aspirations in place of considering them as anti-national:
1. India’s democratic politics allows people and groups to address the people on the basis of their regional identity, aspiration, and specific regional problems.
2. India’s democratic politics focus on regional issues and problems to receive adequate attention and accommodation in the policy making process, i.e. regional aspirations of Assam, Punjab and North-East, Kashmir etc.
3. Its examples are in eighties, military erupted in Punjab, problems persisted in the North-East, students agitated in Assam and Kashmir valley was on the boil.
4. The government of India settled down some negotiations with these regional aspirations to reduce tensions in many regions.
5. Mizoram is an example of political settlement to resolve the problem of separation effectively.
It can be concluded that regional aspirations do not encourage separation but these respect diversity to retain unity in the nation.
10. Read the passage and answer the questions below:
One of Hazarika’s songs dwells
on the unity theme; the seven states of north-eastern India become seven sisters born of the same
mother ‘Meghalaya went own
way …., Arunachal too separated and Mizoram appeared in Assam’s gateway as a groom to marry another
daughter.’ The song ends with
a determination to keep the unity of the Assamese with other smaller nationalities that are left in the present-day Assam- ‘the Karbis and the Mising brothers and sisters are our dear ones.’
—Sanjib Baruah
(a) Which unity is the poet talking about?
(b) Why were some States of North¬East created separately out of the erstwhile State of Assam?
(c) Do you think that the same theme of unity could apply to all the regions of India? Why?
Answer: (a) The poet is talking about the Unity of Assamese.
(b) Because these states face that Assamese government was imposing Assamese language on them. Hence, regional aspirations began.
(c) Yes, same theme of unity could apply to all regions of India because Indian government deals with all these regional aspirations with respect to accommodate regional diversities.

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]
1. Name the three social and political regions of the Northern most state of India.
Answer: Names of the three social and political regions of the Northern most state of India—
(i) Jammu (ii) Kashmir (iii) Ladakh
2. Why were the seven small states created in North-East India?
Answer: Seven small states were created in North-East India because of demands for (i) autonomy (ii) movements for secession and
(iii) opposition to outsiders.
3. Which students group led the anti foreigner movement in Assam?
Answer: All Assam Students’ Union in 1979 (AASU).
4. Who were the signatories of Punjab Accord of 1985?
Answer: The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal.
5. Jammu and Kashmir state comprised of which three social and political regions?
Answer: Kashmir, Jammu and Laddakh regions.
6. How did India meet with the challenge of diversity?
Answer: By redrawing the internal boundaries of the country, i.e. created Chhattisgarh Jharkhand and Uttarakhand etc.
7. What is the significance of Article 370? Ans. Article 370 signifies special status of Kashmir:
Answer: 1. To give greater autonomy to J & K.
2. To specify that state has its own constitution.
3. All provisions of constitution are not applicable to state.
8. Which Prime Minister expressed regret over violence against Sikhs after Indira Gandhi’s death?
Answer: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005 after twenty years in Parliament to regret over the killings of Sikhs.
9. When was first normal election held in Punjab after violence?
Answer: In 1997 in the post militancy era and alliance of Akali Dal and BJP scored victory.
10. What do you mean by Seven Sisters?
Answer. The ‘North-East region’ consisting of seven states is referred to as seven sisters.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Mar ks]
1. What does the special status given to J & K under Article 370 mean?
Answer: Article 370 signifies special status of Kashmir:
1. To give greater autonomy to J & K.
2. To specify that state has its own constitution.
3. All provisions of constitution are not applicable to state.
2. Highlight any two characteristics of Dravidian movement.
Answer: Dravidian movement was one of the first regional movements in Indian Politics
with the ambition to create a Dravid nation:
1. This movement used democratic means like public debates and the electoral platform to achieve its ends.
2. Due to this strategy, movements acquired political power in the state and became influential at national level.
3. Dravidian movement led to formation of‘Dravid Kazhagam’ (DK) under the leadership of Tamil Social reformer ‘E.V. Ramaswami Periyar’.
3. Mention the outcomes of Assam Accord of 1985.
Answer: ‘Assam Accord’ was signed between Rajiv Gandhi-led government and AASU leaders over the issue of ‘outsiders’ in 1985:
1. The foreigners who migrated into Assam during and after Bangladesh war and since were to be identified and deported.
2. The Asom G. ;,a Parishad came to power in 1985 with the promise of resolving the foreign national problems as well as to build a ‘Golden Assam’.
4. Which accord proved to be a turning point in the history of Mizoram? 
Answer: The accord between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga of 1986 granted full fledged statehood with special powers to Mizoram. Even MNF (Mizo National Front) agreed to give up secessionists struggle.
5. What was the role of Congress in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir?
Answer: Congress dominated the politics of J & K between 1953 to 1974 in the following manner:
1. National Conference remained iconic power with the active support of Congress for sometime but later merged with the Congress.
2. The Congress gained direct control over the government in state.
3. The Congress party also made attempts to have an agreement between Sheikh Abdullah and Government of India.
4. In 1974, Indira Gandhi reached an agreement with Sheikh Abdullah and he became the Chief Minister of State.
6. Which communities wanted separate states in the North East region?
Answer: Despite reorganisation of North-East in 1972, autonomy demand arose:
1. Assam communities like Bodos, Karbis and Dimosas demanded separate states.
2. They mobilised public opinion and popular movement and same area was claimed by more than one community.
3. Federal set up satisfied their autonomy i.e. Karbis and Dimosas were granted autonomy under district councils while Bodos were granted autonomous council.
7. In what ways the issue of outsiders continues to be a live issue in Assam?
Answer: Assam Accord could not solve the problem of immigration:
1. The issue of‘outsiders’ continues to be alive issue.
2. In Tripura, the original inhabitants have been reduced to being a minority in North-East.
3. The same feelings formed the hostility of local population to Chakma refugees in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. What was the main outcome of Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal accord in July 1985?
Answer: 1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
2. A separate commission to be appointed to resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
3. A tribunal to be set up to settle down the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
4. To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act in Punjab.
2. What was Goa problem? How was Goa liberated and how did it become part of Indian Union?
Answer. 1. Goa was under Portuguese alongwith Daman and Diu since 16th century.
2. We expected freedom in 1947 but Portugal refused to withdraw but the people of Goa wanted to merge with motherland.
3. People of Goa^suppressed from religious conversions and civil rights known as ‘Goa Problem’.
4. In 1961, with in two days Goa, Daman and Diu were liberated from Portugal rule under ‘Operation Vijay’ by Government of India.
5. Goa became part of India and in 1987, it attained the status of ‘State Position’.
3. Describe the outcome of Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973.
Answer: Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed at the conference of Akali Dal at Anandpur Sahib in 1973:
(a) To ascertain regional autonomy and to redefine centre-state relations.
(b) Sikhs aspirations aimed at ‘bolbala’ of Sikhs.
(c) It could also be interpreted as a plea for separate sikh nation despite federal spirit.
But, it became controversial due to following reasons:
1. Due to lack of popularity of Akali Dal resolution had a United appeal.
2. Akali government was dismissed in 1980 and it lost its importance.
3. Akali Dal launched a movement on the distribution of water between Punjab, and its neighbouring states.
4. Movement went into the hands of extremist elements from moderate
Akalis and converted into armed insurgency for which Anandpur Sahib Resolution considered responsible.
4. State one similarity and one difference between the crisis in Punjab and Assam during 1980s.
Answer: Similarity- It was regional aspirations given to prior importance and solving the crisis through democratic negotiations. Differences- In Punjab, Akali Dal started the movement for formation of ‘Punjabi Sabha’ wdiereas in Assam, the crisis was against the people who were seen as outsiders or migrants who were considered to be competitors to employment opportunities.
5. How was DMK entered in Indian Politics? 
Answer: DMK i.e. Dravid Munetra Kazhagam entered in Indian politics with three demands in 1953-54:
1. To restore original name of Kallkudi railway station.
2. The addition of Tamil Cultural History in &hool curriculum.
3. To eliminate craft education scheme.
6. When did Independent India first use referendum procedure?
Answer: In 1967 in the case of Goa’s liberation:
1. In January 1967, the central government held a special ‘Opinion Poll’ in Goa asking people to decide it they wanted to be a part of Maharashtra or remain separate.
2. The majority was in favour of remaining outside of Maharashtra, thus Goa became a Union-territory.
3. Goa was granted statehood in 1987.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer thequestions:
The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of such movements against ‘outsiders’. The Assamese suspected that there were huge number of illegal Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh. They felt that unless these foreign nationals are detected and deported they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into a minority. There were other economic issues too. There was widespread poverty and unemployment in Assam despite the existence of natural resources like oil, tea and coal. It was felt that these were drained out of the State without any commensurate benefit to the people.
Questions
1. Name the group that led movement against outsiders in 1979.
2. Why did Assamese seek the detection and deportation of outsiders?
3. What were the economic issues taken up as a part of movement?
Answer:
1. All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).
2. Because they feared that they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into a minority.
3. (i) There was widespread poverty and
unemployment in Assam despite existence of natural resources like oil, tea and coal.
(ii) It was also felt these were drained out of state without any commensurate benefit to people.
2. Read the passage  given below carefully and answer thequestions:
The best way to respond to regional aspirations is through democratic negotiations rather than through suppression. Look at the situation in the eighties-militancy had erupted in Punjab: problems were persisting in the North-East: students in Assam were agitating; Kashmir valley was on the boil. Instead of treating these as simple law and order problems, the Government of India reached negotiated settlement with regional movements. This produced a reconciliation which reduced the tensions existing in many regions. The example of Mizoram shows how political settlement can resolve the problem of separatism effectively.
Questions
1. How are regional aspirations dangerous for the unity of country?
2. What is meant by democratic negotiations?
3. Who was leading agitation in Assam?
4. What steps were taken by government of India to respond regional aspirations?
Answer:
1. It creates the problem of separatism in the country.
2. Democratic negotiations respect the demand of regional aspirations in place of suppression.
3. The students.
4. (i) Reached negotiated settlement with
regional movements.
(ii) Produced a reconciliation to reduce the tensions existing in many regions.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. Describe the secessionist movement of Mizos. How as per the provisions of constitution, was it resolved on accommodation of diversities?
Answer: 1. After independence, the Mizo hills was made an autonomous district within Assam.
2. Some Mizos believed that they were never a part of British India and not to belong to Indian Union.
3. The movement of secession gained popular support after Assam government failed to respond
adequately to great famine of 1959 in Mizo hills.
4. It led to formation of Mizo National Front (MNF) under leadership of Laldenga.
5. In 1966, the MNF started an armed campaign for independence.
6. The MNF fought gurilla war, got support from Pakistan government and secured shelter in then East Pakistan.
7. At the end oftwo decades ofinsurgency, Mizoram under leadership of Laldenga started negotiations with Indian government.
8. 1986, a peace-agreement was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga which granted statehood to Mizoram with special powers and MNF agreed to give up secessionist struggle.
9. Today, Mizoram is one of the most peaceful places in the region alongwith big strides in literacy and development.
2. “Regional aspirations, regional inbalances and regionalism are a hindrance in the way of national unity of India”. Do you agree with the statement?
Answer: Because:
1. Regional aspirations are part of democratic politics.
2. Expression of regional issues is not an abnormal phenomenon.
3. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have regional aspirations in United Kingdom.
4. Regional movements are responded through democratic negotiations rather than suppression.
5. Its examples are in eighties, militancy erupted in Punjab, problems persisted in the North-East, students agitated in Assam and Kashmir Valley was on the boil.
6. The government of India settled down some negotiations with these
regional aspirations to reduce tensions in many regions.
7. Mizoram is an example of political settlement to resolve the problem of separation effectively.
3. What were the main provisions of Punjab Accord of 1985? How has peace been restored on seewar lines in Punjab?
Answer: Punjab Accord was an agreement signed between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal in 1985 to be known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi Longowal Accord’ also to create normalcy in Punjab:
1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
2. To appoint a separate commission to resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
3. A tribunal to be set up to settle down sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
4. To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act in Punjab.
5. To provide agreement for compensation to better treatment to those affected by militancy in Punjab.
But, peace could not be established easily in Punjab and resulted:
(a) It led to many excesses by police and violation of human rights.
(b) If fragmented the Akali Dal.
(c) President’s rule was imposed and normal Political process was suspended.
(d) Hence, Political process could not be restored in this atmosphere. Even during elections in 1992, only 24% electors turned out to vote.
Consequently above mentioned added to tension between Punjab and its neighbouring states.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
1.On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated:

Questions
1. The 22nd State of India due to its merger.
2. The state out of which the states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh were created.
3. Article 370 has a special significance for this state of India.
4. The state whose leader signed an agreement with Rajiv Gandhi.
5. An important state whose leader was Lai Denga.
6. Two states which were not part of state of Assam at the time of India’s Independence.
7. The state associated with Golden Temple and ‘Operation Blue Star’.
Answer:
1. Sikkim 2. Assam
3. Jammu and Kashmir
4. Punjab
5. Mizoram
6. (a) Manipur (b) Tripura
7. Punjab

Class 12 Political Science              CHAPTER-7 
            
               Rise of Popular Movements




FACTS THAT MATTER
1. A protest against commercial logging to be permitted by the government, began a world famous environmental movement i.e. Chipko Movement by both men and women on refusal of permission to villagers to fell ash trees for agricultural tools and allotted the same land to sports manufacturer. It included a novel aspect in the form of active participation of women with the agenda of social issues.
2. On dissatisfaction with the attitude of the government, people come together and raise voice to fulfil their demands. These movements are either party based and non-party based movements. Party based movements are supported by political parties (Trade Union Movement in Kolkata, Kanpur, Bombay etc.) and non-party based movements are based on the loss of faith in existing democratic institutions or electoral politics (Students and Youth from different sections merge themselves).
3. Non-party movements emerged due to disillusions among many sections of society, failure of Janata experiment, a Gulf between Urban industrial sector, political instability, existence of social inequality and sense of injustice.
4. Dalit Panthers was a militant organisation of Dalit Youth to be formed in 1972 in Maharashtra. Dalit Panthers addressed the issues to fight against caste-based inequalities, demanded effective implementation of reservations and social justice by restoring a mass action in various states.
5. Bharatiya Kisan Union was one of leading farmers movement in the form of agrarian struggle of farmers against process of liberalisation of Indian Economy. The BKU demanded higher government floor prices, abolition of restrictions, guaranteed supply of electricity and the provision of a government pension to farmers.
6. The Anti-Arrack Movement was started by rural women in the state of Andhra Pradesh against alcoholism, mafias by a mobilisation of women to ban on the sale of alcohol. This movement openly discussed the issues of domestic violence like dowry, sexual violence etc.
7. Narmada Bachao Andolan was a loose collective local organisation’s movement to save river Narmada. It opposed the construction of multipurpose dam known as Narmada Sagar project questioned ongoing developmental projects also. NBA was shifted from its initial demand for rehabilitation to total opposition to the Dam. It achieved comprehensive National Rehabilitation Policy 2003 by government.
8. The movements are not only about rallies or protests but these involve a gradual process of coming together by making people aware of their rights and expectations to contribute in the expansion of democracy rather than causing disruptions.
9. The movement for right to information started in 1990 on demand of records of famine relief work and accounts of labourers by Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghthan (MKSS). Finally, it was legislated and became a law in 2005.
WORDS THAT MATTER
1. Party-based Movements: These movements are supported by political parties but activists do not participate in elections formally.
2. Non-party Based Movements: These movements involve a mass-mobilisation which remain outside party politics.
3. MKSS: It was Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan which demanded records of famine, relief work and accounts of labourers.
4. Dalit Panthers: A militant organisation of Dalit Youth formed in 1972 in Maharashtra against caste based inequalities and social injustice.

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1. Which of these statements are incorrect: The Chipko Movement
(а) was an environmental movement to prevent cutting down of trees.
(b) raised questions of ecological and economic exploitation.
(c) was a movement against alcoholism started by the women.
(d) demanded that local communities should have control over their natural resources.
Answer: (c) was a movement against alcoholism started by the women.
2. Some of the statements below are incorrect. Identify the incorrect statements and rewrite those with necessary correction.
(а) Social movements are hampering the functioning of India’s democracy.
(b) The main strength of social movements lies in their mass base across social sections.
(c) Social movements in India emerged because there were many issues that political parties did not address.
Answer:(a) Rewritten-Social movements involve a gradual process of coming together of people with similar problems.
(c) Rewritten-Social movements in India emerged to reduce the possibility of deep social conflict and disaffection of groups from democracy.
3. Identify the reasons which led to the Chipko Movement in U.P. in early 1970s. What was the impact of this movement?
Answer: 1. The Chipko movement began in two or three villages of Uttarakhand on refusal of permission to villages to fell ash trees for making agricultural tools and allotted the same land to
sports manufacturers for commercial uses.
2. The villagers protested against the practices of logging to be permitted by government.
3. Villagers used a novel tactic to hug the trees to protect them from being cut down.
Impact of movement:
1. It soon spread across many parts of Uttarakhand and larger issues of ecological and economic exploitation were also raised.
2. Government issued a ban on felling of tress in Himalayan region for fifteen years until green cover was fully restored.
3. Active participation of women was also a very novel aspect of the movement.
4. This movement was started with a single issue but became symbol of many such popular movements emerging in different parts of country during 1970s.
4. The Bharatiya Kisan Union is a leading organisation highlighting the plight of farmers. What were the issues addressed by it in the nineties and to what extent were they successful?
Answer: Bharatiya Kisan Union was one of the leading farmers’ movement to protest against the policies of process of liberalisation of Indian economy:
Issues addressed by BKU:
1. Higher government floor prices for sugarcane and wheat,
2. Guaranteed supply of electricity at reasonable rates.
3. To wave off repayments due on loan to farmers.
4. To provide government pension to farmers.
5. Abolition of restrictions on the inter¬state movement of farm produce. Highlighted the plight of farmers:
1. BKUconductedrallies, demonstrations, and Jail Bharo agilations.
2. These protests involved thousands 20 over lakhs farmers from western UPs adjoining regions.
3. BKU operated as a pressure group in politics with its strength of sheer members.
Extent of Success:
1. BKU became the most successful social movements.
2. It sustained for a longtime due to clannetworks among its members.
3. These networks mobilised funds, resources and activities of BKU.
4. An outcome of political bargaining powers by its members.
5. BKU farmers dominated regional electoral politics also.
5. The anti-arrack movement in Andhra Pradesh drew the attention of the country to some serious issues. What were these issues?
Answer: 1. Anti-arrack movement was the movement of rural women in Andhra Pradesh to protest against alcoholism, mafias and government.
2. This movement had its roots in “adult literacy drive” where women complained of increased consumption of locally brewed alcohol arrack by men in their families to effect on rural economy also.
3. Women in Nellore came together in spontaneous local initiatives to protest against arrack and forced the closure of wine shop.
And this movement spread slowly all over the state
Issues relating to movements:
1. The Anti-arrack movement aimed at prohibition on the sale of arrack.
2. Its demand touched upon larger section of social, economic and political issues which had established a close nexus between crime and politics.
3. Women openly discussed the issues of domestic violence like dowry, sexual violence etc.
4. Anti-arrack movement provided a platform to discuss private issues of domestic violence.
6. Would you consider the anti-arrack movement as a women’s movement? Why?
Answer: Yes, we would consider the Anti¬arrack movement as a part of women’s movement to provide a platform for women to discuss private issues of domestic violence:
1. This movement focused on issues of sexual violence against women either within family or outside.
2. Women joined the campaign against dowry and demanded personal and property laws based on gender equality.
3. These campaigns contributed a great deal in increasing social awareness as well as shifted from legal reforms to open social confrontations.
4. Consequently, movement demanded equal representation to women in politics during the nineties. Hence 73rd and 74th amendments granted reservations to women in local level political offices.
5. Thus, it can be concluded to be a part of women’s movement.
7. Why did the Narmada Bachao Aandolan oppose the dam projects in the Narmada Valley?
Answer: Narmada Bachao Aandolan was a collective local organisation’s movement to save river Narmada which opposed the construction of multi-purpose dam „ “The Narmada Sagar Project” and questioned the ongoing developmental projects in country:
1. Narmada Bachao Aandolan linked its opposition to Sardar Sarovar Project with larger issues concerning the nature of ongoing developmental projects, efficiency of model of development that the country followed and about what constituted public interest in a democracy.
2. It demanded that there should be a cost benefit analysis of the major developmental projects due to construction of dam submerged around 245 villages to require two and a half lakh population to be relocated.
3. The movement demanded proper rehabilitation of all those to be effected from the construction of these projects.
4. This movement also questioned the nature of decision making process to be in framing of mega scale development projects.
5. Movement also insisted that local communities must have a say in such decision making alongwith an effective control over natural resources.
6. Hence, NBA achieved a comprehensive National Rehabilitation Policy formed by government in 2003.
8. Do movements and protests in a country strengthen democracy? Justify your answer with examples.
Answer: Yes, to some extent movements and protests in country strengthen democracy to have mixed reactions both for and against:
Arguments for:
1. Anti-arrack movement, Chipko movement, NBA etc., rectified some problems to be seen as integral part of democratic politics.
2. These movements ensured participation and representation from diverse groups to reduce possibility of deep social conflicts in democracy.
3. These movements broadened the idea of participation in Indian democrac i. e., Anti-arrack movement and Dalit Panthers. Arguments against:
1. Collective actions, rallies, strikes, disrupt the functioning of a democracy and create a delay in decision making.
2. Routine functioning of democracy did not have enough space for the voices of these social groups.
3. It is possible to ignore demand of these movements with the presentation to be represented by one section of society only.
4. Political parties do not seem to be taking up issues of marginal social groups.
5. The relationship between popular movements and political parties has grown weaker over the years creating a vacuum in politics.
Hence, we may conclude that movements are not only about collective assertions or rallies or protest, but they also involve a gradual process of coming together of people with similar problems, demand and expectations.
9. What issues did the Dalit Panthers address?
Answer: Dalit Panthers was a militant organisation of Dalit Youth to be formed in 1972 in Maharashtra:
1. These groups mainly fought against the perpetual caste based inequalities and material injustices that Dalits faced in spite of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice.
2. Dalits faced collective atrocities over minor symbolic issues of caste pride. Hence, they demanded effective implementation of reservations and other such policies of social justice.
10. Read the passage and answer questions below:
…., nearly all ‘new social movements’ have emerged as corrective to new maladies – environmental degradation, violation of the status of women, destruction of tribal cultures and the undermining of human rights – none of which are in and by themselves transformative of the social order.
They are in that way quite different from revolutionar}1- ideologies of the past. But their weakness lies in their
being so heavily fragmented
…a large part of the space occupied by the new social movements seem to be suffering from … various characteristics which have prevented them from being relevant to the truly oppressed and the poor in the form of a solid unified movement of the people. They are too fragmented, reactive, ad hocish, providing no comprehensive framework of basic social change. Their being anti-this or that (anti-West, anti-capitalist, anti-development, etc.) does not make them any more coherent, any more relevant to oppressed and peripheralized communities.
-Rajni Kothari
(a) What is the difference between new social movements and revolutionary ideologies?
(b) What according to the author are the limitations of social movements?
(c) If social movements address specific issues, would you say that they are ‘fragmented’ or that they are more focused? Give reasons for you answer by giving examples.
Answer: (a) The difference is that like revolutionary ideologies none of new social movements are in and by themselves transformative of the social order but they emerged as corrective of new malodies.
(b) According to author these movements are not any more coherent, relevant to oppressed and peripheralised communities. To some extent these are effected by party politics.
(c) If social movements address specific issues, we would say that these are fragmented which provide no comprehensive framework of social change i.e., Anti-arrack movement, Dalit Panthers etc.

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]
1. Mention the two main demands of Bharatiya Kisan Union in 1980s.
Answer: 1. Higher government floor price for sugarcane and wheat.
2. Guaranteed supply of electricity at reasonable rates.
2. What was the most novel aspect of Chipko movement?
Answer: Women’s active participation in Chipko agitation was the novel aspect of Chipko movement.
3. What was Anti-arrack movement?
Answer: Anti-arrack movement was the movement of rural women from Andhra Pradesh to fight against alcoholism, mafias and government during this periods.
4. What was main objective of ‘Dalit Panthers’?
Answer:  Dalit Panthers aimed at the destroy of caste system and to build on organisation of all oppressed sections like landless poor peasants and urban industrial workers alongwith Dalits.
5. What is meant by non-party movement?
Answer: Non-party movements are started by voluntary organisations or group of people (Students/Workers) who did not get support of political parties and not contest elections also.
6. What are popular movements?
Answer: Popular movements are the movements organised by dalits and farmers under the banner of various social organisations to voice their demands.
7. What does the term ‘Dalit Panthers’ mean?
Answer: Dalit Panthers denotes to a militant organisation of Dalit Youth to be formed in 1972 in Maharashtra.
8. In the poem what does the term “Pilgrims of darkness” signify? To whom the poet has referred as the liberator?
Answer: It signifies Dalit Communities who had experienced brutal caste injustices. The poet refers to Dr. Ambedkar as their liberator as well as ‘Sun flower giving Fakir’.
9. Who wrote the poem on Dalit? What does the poem signify?
Answer: The Marathi poet Namdeo Dhsal wrote poem on Dalit during the decade of seventies which expresses the anguish that the Dalit masses continued to face even after twenty years of Independence.
10. WTiy did the cash crop market face on crisis?
Answer: Due to beginning of the process of “Liberalisation of Indian Economy” when agricultural sector came under threat and a debate between industry and agriculture has become one of the prominent issues in India’s model of development.
11. What strategies were used by Narmada Bachao Aandolan to put forward its demands?
Answer: 1. Mobilisation of support at international level.
2. Appeals to judiciary.
3. ‘Public rallies.
4. Forms of Satyagraha to convince people.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. What was the main demand of Chipko movement?
Answer: 1. The villagers demanded that no forest exploiting contracts should be given to outsiders.
2. Local communities should have effective control over natural resources like water, land and forests.
3. They also demanded the government to provide low cost materials to small industries and ensure development of region without disturbing ecological
– balance.
4. This movement took up economic issues of landless forest workers and asked for guarantees of minimum wages.
2. Highlight any two main demands of Anti¬arrack movement.
Answer: 1. Prohibition on the sale of arrack.
2. Provided a platform to discuss private issues of domestic violence.
3. Mention any two demands of Bharatiya Kisan Union.
Answer: 1. Higher government floor price for sugarcane and wheat.
2. Guaranteed supply of electricity at reasonable rates.
4. How does party based movement differ from non-party movement?
Answer: Party based movements are those movements supported by political parties i.e. Trade Union Movement in Mumbai, Kolkata and Kanpur etc., whereas non-party movements have lost faith in existing democratic institutions and electoral politics to be merged of students and young political activists in mass-mobilisation.
5. Which two issues were addressed by Dalit Panthers? 
Answer: Dalit Panthers was a militant organisation of Dalit Youth formed in 1972 in Maharashtra:
1. These groups mainly fought against the perpetual caste based inequalities and material injustices that Dalits faced inspite of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice.
2. Dalits faced collective atrocities over minor symbolic issues of caste pride. Hence, they demanded effective implementation of reservations and other such policies of social just.
Ans. 1. The villagers demanded that no forest exploiting contracts should be given to outsiders.
2. Local communities should have effective control over natural resources like water, land and forests.
7. Mention any two party based movement.
Answer: 1. Naxalite movements.
2. Trade Union movement of Mumbai, Kolkata and Kanpur.
8. List any four activities conducted by Bharatiya Kisan Union to pressurize the state for accepting its demands.
Answer: 1. BKU conducted rallies, demonstrations and Jail Bharo agitations.
2. These protests involved thousands so over lakhs farmers from western UP’s adjoining regions.
3. BKU operated as a pressure group in politics with its strength of sheer members.
9. Which action of the government of India threatened the fish workers’ lives in a major way? Which organisation did they form at national level?
Answer: The government policies of economic liberalisation opened up India’s waters to large commercial vessels including multinational fishing companies which threatened the local fishworkers who came together on a national level platform in the form of organisation ‘National Fishworkers Forum’ needed by fishworkers from Kerala.
10. In what ways social movement raised various issues about the model of economic development of India at the time of independence?
Answer: 1. Chipko movement brought about the issues of ecological depletion.
2. The BKU farmers organisation complained a neglect of agricultural sector.
3. Dalits led mass struggle against social and material conditions.
4. Anti-arrack movement focused on negative fallouts of what was considered development.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Assess any two positive aspects of the Chipko Movement.
Answer: (i) The Chipko Movement started in early 1973 in the state that is now Uttarakhand. The movement was unique in the sense that it presented a very unusual form of collective action in which men and women from a village of this state were engaged. These villagers protested against the practices of commercial logging that the government had permitted. They used a novel tactic for their protest— that of hugging the trees to prevent them from being cut down. The struggle soon spread across many parts of the Uttarakhand region.
(ii) Women’s active participation in the Chipko agitation was a very novel aspect of the movement. The forest contractors of the region usually doubled up as suppliers of alcohol to men. Women held sustained agitations against the habit of alcoholism and broadened the agenda of the movement to cover other social issues. The movement achieved a victory when the government issued a ban on felling of trees in the Himalayan region for fifteen years, until the green cover was fully restored.
2. Where and when was the organisation ‘Dalit Panthers’ formed? Describe any three of its activities.
Answer: Dalit Panthers denotes to a militant organisation of Dalit Youth to be formed in 1972 in Maharasthra.
Its activities can be summed up as follows:
1. These groups mainly fought against the perpetual caste based inequalities and material injustices that Dalits faced in spite of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice.
2. Dalits faced collective atrocities over minor symbolic issues of caste pride.
3. They demanded effective implementation of reservations and other such policies of social justice.
3. What are popular movements? Explain any three issues related to women which brought social awareness amongst them.
Answer: Popular movements are the movements organised by dalits and farmers under the banner of various social organisations to voice their demands.
Women in Nellore came together in spontaneous local initiatives to protest against arrack and forced the closure of wine shops.
And this movement spread slowly all over the state.
Issues relating to movements:
1. The Anti-Arrack movement aimed at prohibition on the sale of arrack.
2. Its demand touched upon larger section of social, economic and political issues which had established a close nexus between crime and politics.
3. Women openly discussed the issue of domestic violence like dowry, sexual violence etc.
4. Anti-Arrack movement provided a platform to discuss private issues of domestic violence.
4. What is the Right to Information Act? When was it passed in India?
Answer: The ‘Right to Information Act’ is a law to empower the people to find out happenings in government and act as a watchdog of democracy:
1. It was passed in October 2005 by Government of India.
2. This Act ensures its citizens all information about functioning of government machinery.
3. This right has been expanded to cover various services provided by government i.e., if any purchased product is defective it can be -asked for replacement.
4. This right gives political actors incentives to good things to help to control corruption.
5. What was Narmada Bachao Aandolan? What was criticism against it?
Answer: Narmada Bachao Aandolan linked its opposition to Sardar Sarovar Project with larger issues concerning the nature of ongoing development projects with the . dreams of cost benefit analysis due to construction of dams submerged around 245 villages to require two and a half lakh population to be relocated.
Its criticism:
1. The obstruction to the process of development.
2. Denial to the access to water to many people.
3. Hurdle to economic development.
6. “Movement are not only about collective assertions or only about rallies and protests but something else as well”. Justify.
Answer: Though movements are the result of collective assertions, still these are associated with a “Gradual process of coming together of people” with common intentions, common problem, demands and common expectations. These movements make people aware also by performing educative role towards expansions of democracy.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Sardar Sarovar Project is a multipurpose mega-scale dam. Its advocates say that it would benefit huge areas of Gujarat and the three adjoining states in terms of availability of drinking water and water for irrigation, generation of electricity and increase in agricultural production. Many more subsidiary benefits like effective flood and drought control in the region were linked to the success of this dam. In the process of construction of the dam 245 villages from these States were expected to get submerged. It required relocation of around two and a half lakh people from these villages. Issues of relocation and proper rehabilitation of the project- affected people were first raised by local activist groups. It wrns around 1988-89 that the issues crystallised under the banner of the NBA – a loose collective of local voluntary organisations.
Questions
1. Why is Sardar Sarovar Project mentioned as multipurpose mega scale dam?
2. Why was it opposed by villagers?
3. Name the organisation which led the movement against this project.
4. What was the main demand of Local Activist Groups?
Answer:
1. Because it fulfilled the various purposes together as to benefit huge areas of Gujarat and three adjoining states:
1. Availability of drinking water
2. Water for irrigation
3. Generation of electricity
4. Effective floods and drought control in the region.
2. Because in the process of construction of dam about 245 villages from these states were expected to be submerged alongwith the population of two and a half lakh people.
3. Local Activist Group under the banner of Narmada Bachao Andolan.
4. To relocate and proper rehabilitation of project affected people.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Movements are not only about collective assertions or only about rallies and protests. They involve a gradual process of coming together of people with similar problems, similar demands and similar expectations. But then movements are also about making people aware of their rights and the expectations that they can have from democratic institutions. Social movements in India have been involved in these educative tasks for a long time and have thus contributed to expansion of democracy rather than causing disruptions.
Questions
1. What is the importance of popular movements in democracy?
2. How do popular movements help the
government?
3. What factors make the people come together in a particular movement?
Answer:
1. Popular movements make people aware of their rights and expectations which can be drawn from democratic institutions.
2. Popular movements let the government be aware of the similar demands, similar problems and expectations of
people through an educative task for expansion of democracy rather than disrupting it.
3. Similar problems, similar demands, and similar expectations of the same group/people.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. Suppose you are an important leader of the Farmers’ agitation. The government authorities ask you to present any three demands on behalf of the farmers. On priority basis, which three demands will you make? Support your demands with appropriate arguments.
Answer: Farmers’ agitation is not new in our country. It has been in existence time to time for particular goals. We know that the Indian farmers have been the worst sufferers in the country. They are the backbone of the country in development, yet they are not given much attention. Governments come and go, but the tragedy of our farmers remain the same. Being the leader of the farmers’ agitation I have several demands in my mind for the benefit of the poor farmers but here I would mention only three demands on their behalf:
(i) Proper banking facilities so that farmers should not depend on the village moneylenders who give them money at a very high rate. Most of the time the poor farmers fall into debt trap which make their life a hell.
(ii) Proper irrigation facilities in case there is poor/weak monsoon.
(ii) Insurance of crops will save farmers from committing suicide. The unexpected rain in the months of March and April this year devastated the standing crops in the field. The nature’s fury aggravated the miseries of the farmers some of whom could not bear and committed suicide.
2. What was Narmada Bachao Aandolan? What were its main issues? What democratic strategies did it use to put forward its demands?
Answer: 1. Narmada Bachao Aandolan linked its opposition to Sardar Sarovar project with larger issues concerning the nature of ongoing developmental projects, efficacy of model of development that the country followed and what constituted public interest in a democracy.
2. It demanded that there should be a cost benefit analysis of the major developmental projects due to construction of dam submerged around 245 villages to require two a half lakh population to be relocated.
3. The movement demanded proper rehabilitation of all those to be affected from the construction of these projects.
4. This movement also questioned the nature of decision making process to be in forming of mega scale development projects.
5. Movement also insisted that local communities must have a say in such decision making alongwith an effective control over natural resources.
6. Hence, NBA achieved a compreh ensive National Rehabilitation Policy formed by government in 2003.
Democratic strategies used by it:
1. Mobilisation of support at inter-national level.
2. Appeals to judiciary.
3. Public rallies
4. Forms of Satyagraha
3. What is meant by Chipko movement? When did it start and where? What is the significance of this movement?
Answer: 1. The Chipko movement began in two or three villages of Uttarakhand on refusal of permission to villagers to fell ash trees for making agricultural tools, and allotted the same land to sports manufacturers for commercial uses.
2. The villagers protested against the practices of logging to be permitted by the government.
3. Villagers used a novel tactic to hug the trees to protect them from being cut down.
Impact of movement:
1. It soon spread across many parts of Uttarakhand and larger issues of ecological and economic exploitation were also raised.
2. Government issued a ban on felling of trees in Himalayan region for fifteen years until green cover was fully restored.
3. Active participation of women was also a very novel aspect of the movement.
4. This movement was started with a single issue but became symbol of many such popular movements emerging in different parts of country during 1970s.
4. Mention any three social movements of India. Explain their main objectives.
Answer: 1. The Chipko Movement:
(a) It raised the issues of ecological and economic exploitation.
(b) Active participation of women was a novel aspect of the movement.
(c) The villagers protested against the practices of logging to be permitted by the government.
2. Anti-Arrack movement:
(a) This movement focused on issues of sexual violence against women either within family or outside.
(b) Women joined the campaign against dowry and demanded personal and property laws based on gender equality.
(c) These campaigns contributed a great deal in increasing social awareness as well as shifted from legal reforms to open social confrontations.
3. Narmada Bachao Aandolan:
(a) Narmada Bachao Aandolan linked its opposition to Sardar Sarovar Project with larger issues concerning the nature of ongoing developmental projects.
(b) It demanded cost benefit analysis of major developmental projects to relocate the people suffered from construction of dams.
(c) This movement also questioned the nature of decision making process to be in framing of mega scale development projects.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated.

Questions
1 .The state where Anti-Arrack movement started in October 1992.
2. The state where Dalit Panthers Organisation was active.
3. The state related with Chipko movement.
4. The states associated with Narmada Bachao Aandolan.
Answer:
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Maharashtra
3. Uttarakhand
4. (a) Gujarat (b) Madhya Pradesh