CBSE Class 10 | Political Science Chapter: Popular Struggles and Movements

Popular Struggles and Movements

Introduction

Democracy is not just about elections and parliaments. It is also about how ordinary people participate in decision-making and demand their rights. Popular struggles and movements are essential elements of democratic politics. They often emerge when people feel excluded, unheard, or oppressed. Through peaceful protests, campaigns, and collective action, people express their concerns and influence public policy.Popular Struggles and Movements Class 10

This chapter explores the dynamics of popular struggles through two significant case studies—the democratic movement in Nepal and the Right to Information (RTI) movement in India. It also explains how various organisations, interest groups, and movements function in a democracy. Understanding these struggles helps us appreciate the deeper roots of democratic functioning beyond just voting.

🇳🇵 I. Case Study: Democracy in Nepal

✨ Background

Nepal was a monarchy for a long time. Though there were some democratic reforms in the 1990s, the king continued to wield immense power. The situation worsened in 2005 when King Gyanendra dismissed the elected parliament, declared emergency, and assumed full control of the government, citing threats from Maoist rebels.

This move was seen as an attack on democracy and triggered massive opposition from various sections of society. Political parties, civil society organisations, professional groups, and ordinary citizens came together to launch a unified resistance movement.

The Second People’s Movement (2006)

Known as the Loktantra Andolan, the movement was aimed at restoring democracy. A Seven Party Alliance (SPA) of major political parties, supported by Maoist insurgents and civil society groups, launched a country-wide protest. The movement had clear objectives:

Restoration of the House of Representatives
Establishment of a new constitution
End of absolute monarchy and establishment of a democratic republic

Methods and Mobilisation

Peaceful protests, rallies, and strikes were organised in major cities.
Media coverage, public meetings, and mass mobilisation strengthened the movement.
Schools, colleges, transport, and public services were shut down as part of civil disobedience.

Outcome and Impact

After 19 days of mass protest, King Gyanendra was forced to concede. He reinstated the parliament, and later agreed to a new democratic constitution. In 2008, the monarchy was abolished and Nepal was declared a republic.

This movement showed how sustained public pressure and unity across social and political groups could challenge authoritarianism and restore democracy.

🇮🇳 II. Case Study: The Right to Information (RTI) Movement in India

The Need for Transparency

For decades, Indian citizens struggled with lack of transparency in governance. Information about government schemes, spending, or policies was hidden behind bureaucratic walls. Corruption, delays in welfare distribution, and misuse of funds were rampant.

Birth of the Movement

The RTI movement began in rural Rajasthan in the early 1990s. It was led by an NGO called Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), founded by activists like Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey. Villagers demanded access to records about government spending on public works like roads and wells.

They realised that without the right to information, there could be no accountability. The movement gained momentum through:

Public hearings (jan sunwais) where officials were asked to explain discrepancies
Local mobilisation and support from trade unions, farmers, and students
Persistent pressure on state and national governments

National-Level Success

The demand for transparency resonated across India. Civil society groups, the media, and political reformers joined hands to advocate for a central law.

The RTI Act, 2005

After years of struggle, the Indian Parliament passed the Right to Information Act in 2005. It gave every citizen the right to:

Access government records
Seek information within 30 days
Question the use of public funds

It also established Information Commissions at state and central levels.

Impact of RTI

Uncovered corruption in welfare schemes like MNREGA and PDS
Helped citizens claim rightful benefits
Empowered whistle-blowers and journalists

The RTI Act became a cornerstone of participatory democracy and remains a model for other developing nations.

III. Role of Organisations in Popular Struggles

Democratic struggles are not just spontaneous uprisings. They are often organised by groups that plan, coordinate, and sustain the movement.

Political Parties

Political parties play a crucial role in democratic struggles, especially when they are in the opposition:

They provide leadership and organisational support
Mobilise workers and voters
Use legislative and legal means to push reforms

In Nepal, the Seven Party Alliance was instrumental in challenging the king.

Pressure Groups

Pressure groups are organisations that influence policymaking without directly contesting elections:

Represent specific interests like business (e.g., FICCI, ASSOCHAM)
Use lobbying, petitions, media campaigns
May align with political parties but retain autonomy

Interest Groups

Interest groups focus on the welfare of specific communities or occupations:

Examples: Trade unions, bar associations, teacher unions
Often engage in strikes or demonstrations
Help articulate sectional interests in a democracy

Movement Groups

Movement groups go beyond electoral politics. They are issue-based and involve wider participation:

Narmada Bachao Andolan: Protesting displacement due to dams
Anti-corruption Movement (2011): Led by Anna Hazare, demanded Lokpal
Farmers’ Movement (2020–21): Opposed new agricultural laws

IV. Classification: Types of Movements

Popular struggles and movements are diverse. They differ in scale, purpose, and duration.

Issue-Specific Movements

These movements are centred around one demand or issue:

RTI Movement: Focused solely on citizens’ right to access information
Anti-liquor Movements in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
Environmental Movements against deforestation and pollution

They may be short-term but often leave a long-lasting impact on law and policy.

Generic Movements

These are broader in scope and address systemic issues:

Dalit Movements: Fighting caste discrimination and inequality
Women’s Movements: Focus on gender rights, safety, representation
Tribal Rights Movements: Demand land, forest, and cultural rights

Such movements are long-term, sometimes running for decades. They aim for structural reform and social justice.

V. Strategies and Tools of Movements

Movements in democracies use a variety of non-violent strategies:

Peaceful Protests

Marches, sit-ins (dharnas), hunger strikes
Help gather public and media attention

🗣️ Public Hearings and Social Audits

Allow citizens to question government officials directly
Used effectively in the RTI and MNREGA contexts

Media and Technology

Movements use print, TV, and social media for awareness
Hashtags, viral videos, and online petitions amplify causes

Alliances and Coalitions

Movements often collaborate with NGOs, students, religious groups, and unions
Broader alliances increase legitimacy and reach

VI. Achievements and Challenges of Popular Movements

Achievements

Created new laws like RTI and Forest Rights Act
Forced the state to address public concerns
Strengthened the culture of accountability
Empowered the poor, rural citizens, and marginalised communities

Challenges

Sometimes hijacked by political agendas
Risk of violence and disruption if not peaceful
Limited impact if movements fail to sustain momentum or lose public trust

Despite these challenges, movements remain vital for democratic functioning.

Conclusion

Popular struggles and movements enrich democracy by making it more participatory, inclusive, and responsive. They provide a platform for the voices of the marginalised, challenge injustice, and ensure that elected leaders do not become unaccountable.

From Nepal’s fight against monarchy to India’s battle for information rights, these examples highlight the transformative power of collective action. Movements remind us that democracy is not just a form of government—it is a way of life that must be protected and nurtured through constant public engagement.

In the end, democratic transformation is not only about who governs, but how governance is shaped by the will, awareness, and actions of the people.