Law and Social Justice | Civics VIII | Social Science | Class 8th | Questions and Answers |

 

JANDKNCERT | Class 8th | Social and Political Life (Civics)|

Law and Social Justice | Civics VIII | Social Science | Class 8th | Questions and Answers |

 

 

Chapter 10: Law and Social Justice

 

 

Exercises

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Question 1: Talk to two workers (For example, construction workers, farm workers, factory workers, workers at any shop) to find out if they are receiving the minimum wages laid down by law.
Answer:
(This is a project-based activity. Example answer:)
(i) A construction worker I spoke to said he earns ₹250 per day, which is below the minimum wage fixed in many states.
(ii) A shop helper earns ₹7,000 per month and works 10 hours daily without overtime pay. Both are not receiving wages as per legal standards.

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Question 2: What are the advantages to foreign companies in setting up production in India?
Answer:
(i) Foreign companies benefit from lower wages for workers in India.
(ii) They also face fewer labor and environmental regulations, which reduces their overall cost of production.

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Question 3: Do you think the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy got justice? Discuss.
Answer:
No, the victims did not get full justice. They received very low compensation, the company escaped strong legal punishment, and survivors still suffer from health and environmental issues. The legal process was delayed and unequal.

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Question 4: What do we mean when we speak of law enforcement? Who is responsible for enforcement? Why is enforcement so important?
Answer:
Law enforcement means ensuring that laws are followed and implemented properly. Government agencies like the police, courts, and regulatory bodies are responsible. Enforcement is important to protect rights, ensure safety, and maintain fairness in society.

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Question 5: How can laws ensure that markets work in a manner that is fair? Give two examples to support your answer.
Answer:
(i) The government sets minimum wages so that workers are not underpaid.
(ii) It also sets safety standards for factories to protect workers from health hazards. These laws prevent exploitation and ensure fairness.

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Question 6: Imagine yourself to be a worker working in a chemical factory, which has received orders from the government to move to a different site 100 kms away from the present location. Write about how your life would change? Read out your responses in the classroom.
Answer:
If the factory moves, I will lose my job unless I move too. But relocating is hard — I may have to leave my family behind, find new housing, and adjust to a new place. Transport cost will rise, and I may earn less. It will disturb my life entirely.

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Question 7: Write a paragraph on the various roles of the government that you have read about in this unit.
Answer:
The government makes laws to protect workers' rights, ensure environmental safety, and regulate industries. It monitors working conditions, sets minimum wages, enforces pollution control, and ensures companies follow labor laws. It also provides public services and supports justice for affected people like those in the Bhopal gas tragedy.

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Question 8: What are the sources of environmental pollution in your area? Discuss with respect to (a) air; (b) water and (c) soil. What are the steps being taken to reduce the pollution? Can you suggest some other measures?
Answer:
(a) Air pollution – caused by vehicles and factory emissions.
(b) Water pollution – caused by sewage and industrial waste dumped into rivers.
(c) Soil pollution – caused by plastic waste and chemical fertilizers.

Steps taken: Waste segregation, tree planting, pollution checks on industries.
Suggestions: Promote public transport, ban single-use plastics, treat industrial waste before disposal.

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Question 9: How was environment treated earlier? What has been the change in perception? Discuss.
Answer:
Earlier, the environment was not given much attention; industrial growth was prioritized. Now, people recognize the importance of protecting nature for health and survival. Environmental laws have been made to regulate pollution and protect natural resources.

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Question 10: What do you think the famous cartoonist R.K. Laxman is trying to convey in this cartoon? How does it relate to the 2016 law that you read about on page 123?
Answer:
(Explanation based on typical R.K. Laxman style cartoons)
The cartoon likely shows the gap between powerful industrialists and ordinary citizens suffering from pollution. It relates to the 2016 law that made companies responsible for environmental damage, showing the need for strong laws to protect people and the environment.

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Question 11: You have read about the Bhopal gas tragedy and the on-going struggle. Students from countries across the world have come together to support this struggle for justice. From protest marches to awareness campaigns, you can read about their activities on the website www.studentsforbhopal.com. The website also has resources such as photos, posters, documentaries, victims’ statements, etc. Use this and other sources to make a wallpaper/exhibition on the Bhopal gas tragedy for your classroom. Invite the whole school to see and talk about it.
Answer:
(Activity-based task) – Students can collect posters, photos, and statements from survivors and design a wall display showing the tragedy, its causes, the aftermath, and the global support movement. It should highlight the need for justice, corporate responsibility, and strong environmental laws.