Extra 20 important long-answer questions with answers from Chapter 8: Law and Social Justice of Class 8 Civics (CBSE):-
1. What is the need for laws in society?
Answer:
Maintains Order
– Prevents chaos and ensures smooth functioning.
Protects Rights
– Laws safeguard fundamental rights of citizens.
Ensures Fairness
– Prevents exploitation and discrimination.
Regulates Economy
– Controls unfair trade practices.
Prevents Crimes
– Punishes wrongdoers and deters illegal activities.
Example
– Laws against child labor protect children from exploitation.
2. How does the government enforce laws for social justice?
Answer:
Making Laws
– Creates policies to protect the weaker sections.
Monitoring Violations
– Checks if companies and individuals follow rules.
Punishing Offenders
– Imposes fines and penalties on lawbreakers.
Creating Awareness
– Educates citizens about their rights and responsibilities.
Providing Support
– Assists victims of injustice through welfare schemes.
Example
– The government implements the
Minimum Wages Act
to protect workers.
3. Why are laws important for protecting the environment?
Answer:
Prevents Pollution
– Controls air, water, and land pollution.
Regulates Industries
– Ensures companies do not harm the environment.
Encourages Conservation
– Protects forests, wildlife, and natural resources.
Promotes Sustainable Development
– Ensures balance between growth and nature.
Penalizes Violators
– Fines and strict actions against polluters.
Example
– The
Environment Protection Act (1986)
regulates industrial waste disposal.
4. What are the major environmental laws in India?
Answer:
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
– Controls water pollution.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
– Controls air pollution.
The Environment Protection Act, 1986
– Prevents environmental damage.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
– Protects endangered species.
The Forest Conservation Act, 1980
– Prevents deforestation.
Example
– The
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
monitors pollution control.
5. How does law help in achieving social justice?
Answer:
Protects Vulnerable Groups
– Supports poor, women, and minorities.
Ensures Equal Rights
– Stops discrimination in education, jobs, and public places.
Regulates Economy
– Prevents worker exploitation.
Encourages Welfare Programs
– Provides healthcare and financial aid.
Promotes Fair Treatment
– Laws like
SC/ST Act
ensure justice for Dalits.
Example
– The
Right to Education Act (2009)
provides free schooling.
6. What are the challenges in implementing labor laws in India?
Answer:
Lack of Awareness
– Workers are unaware of their rights.
Weak Enforcement
– Corruption and loopholes in the system.
Exploitation by Employers
– Many companies violate labor laws.
Informal Sector Issues
– Daily wage workers lack proper contracts.
Fear of Job Loss
– Workers do not report violations due to fear.
Example
– Many construction workers do not get minimum wages.
7. What are the key features of the Minimum Wages Act?
Answer:
Fair Payment
– Ensures workers get at least a basic salary.
Prevents Exploitation
– Stops employers from underpaying workers.
Covers All Sectors
– Applies to factories, shops, and agriculture.
Revised Periodically
– Wages are updated based on inflation.
Legal Action Against Violators
– Fines and punishment for non-compliance.
Example
– A factory owner paying below the minimum wage can be fined.
8. Why do we need laws to protect workers in factories?
Answer:
Ensures Safety
– Prevents accidents and hazards.
Regulates Working Hours
– Stops excessive work without breaks.
Prevents Child Labor
– Stops the employment of children in factories.
Ensures Fair Wages
– Protects workers from exploitation.
Guarantees Benefits
– Provides medical and retirement benefits.
Example
– The
Factories Act, 1948
mandates safety measures.
9. What is child labor? How does law prevent it?
Answer:
Definition
– Employing children below 14 years in hazardous work.
Causes
– Poverty, lack of education, and weak enforcement of laws.
The Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
– Bans child labor.
Penalties for Violators
– Fines and imprisonment for employers.
Government Programs
– Midday meal schemes encourage schooling.
Example
– Children working in firecracker factories is illegal.
10. How does globalization affect labor laws?
Answer:
Encourages Competition
– Companies try to reduce costs by cutting wages.
Increases Exploitation
– Many workers are underpaid.
Weakens Job Security
– Companies prefer short-term contracts.
Increases Demand for Skilled Workers
– Low-skilled workers suffer.
Promotes Economic Growth
– But workers’ rights must be protected.
Example
– Many MNCs outsource jobs to countries with cheap labor.
11. What is the role of the government in protecting workers' rights?
Answer:
Making Labor Laws
– Ensures fair wages, safety, and working hours.
Monitoring Industries
– Conducts inspections to check compliance.
Providing Social Security
– Implements schemes like
EPF and ESI
for workers.
Preventing Exploitation
– Penalizes companies violating labor laws.
Encouraging Workers’ Unions
– Supports collective bargaining for fair treatment.
Example
– The
Factories Act, 1948
regulates working conditions in factories.
12. How does industrial pollution impact the environment and human health?
Answer:
Air Pollution
– Factories release toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
Water Contamination
– Industrial waste pollutes rivers and lakes.
Soil Degradation
– Chemical waste harms soil fertility.
Health Problems
– Causes respiratory diseases, skin infections, and cancer.
Loss of Biodiversity
– Polluted ecosystems endanger wildlife.
Example
– The
Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
was caused by industrial pollution.
13. What are some major labor laws in India?
Answer:
The Factories Act, 1948
– Ensures safe working conditions.
The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
– Sets a basic wage for workers.
The Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
– Bans child labor.
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
– Provides leave and benefits to pregnant women.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Act, 1952
– Ensures retirement savings for workers.
Example
– Workers in hazardous industries get special protections under these laws.
14. Why is equal pay for equal work important?
Answer:
Prevents Gender Discrimination
– Ensures women and men get equal wages.
Encourages Fairness
– Rewards workers based on skills, not gender or caste.
Reduces Exploitation
– Stops employers from underpaying workers.
Promotes Economic Growth
– Motivates workers to perform better.
Supports Social Justice
– Ensures that all workers are treated fairly.
Example
– The
Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
enforces equal pay for equal work.
15. How does the government control the use of harmful chemicals in industries?
Answer:
Strict Regulations
– Laws limit the use of hazardous chemicals.
Safety Inspections
– Factories are checked for compliance.
Punishments for Violators
– Heavy fines and shutdowns for unsafe practices.
Promoting Safer Alternatives
– Encourages the use of eco-friendly substances.
Raising Awareness
– Educates workers on handling toxic chemicals safely.
Example
– The
Environment Protection Act, 1986
controls industrial pollution.
16. What are the rights of workers under the Factories Act, 1948?
Answer:
Right to Safe Working Conditions
– Protection from accidents and hazards.
Fixed Working Hours
– Limits daily and weekly working hours.
Mandatory Breaks
– Ensures rest periods and meal breaks.
Provision of Clean Drinking Water
– Requires factories to provide hygienic water.
Right to Compensation
– Provides medical benefits in case of injury.
Example
– Workers injured in a factory accident receive compensation under this law.
17. What are the benefits of social security schemes for workers?
Answer:
Health Insurance
– Provides medical treatment for workers and families.
Retirement Benefits
– Ensures financial security after retirement.
Maternity and Disability Benefits
– Support for women and injured workers.
Unemployment Assistance
– Provides help during job loss.
Educational Support for Children
– Some schemes cover school fees.
Example
– The
Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act
offers health benefits.
18. How does the Consumer Protection Act ensure fair trade practices?
Answer:
Protects Consumers' Rights
– Ensures safety and quality of products.
Prevents False Advertising
– Punishes companies for misleading claims.
Allows Complaint Filing
– Consumers can report unfair practices.
Ensures Product Refunds and Replacements
– Defective items must be replaced.
Creates Consumer Forums
– Helps settle disputes between buyers and sellers.
Example
– A person can file a case if they receive a defective product.
19. What are the responsibilities of multinational companies (MNCs) towards workers?
Answer:
Ensuring Fair Wages
– Should not exploit workers with low pay.
Providing Safe Work Conditions
– Must follow labor and safety laws.
Following Environmental Laws
– Should reduce pollution and waste.
Respecting Workers’ Rights
– Should not mistreat or fire workers unfairly.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
– Should contribute to community welfare.
Example
– Some MNCs provide free healthcare to their employees.
20. How can citizens help in implementing laws for social justice?
Answer:
Reporting Violations
– Complaining about child labor or unsafe workplaces.
Raising Awareness
– Educating others about workers’ rights.
Supporting NGOs
– Helping organizations that fight for social justice.
Boycotting Unethical Companies
– Avoiding products made by exploiting workers.
Participating in Protests
– Demonstrating against unfair labor practices.
Example
– People protesting for higher wages help bring about legal reforms.
