Absolutely!

Here’s a **beautiful and well-organized assignment** on “Social Issues” for

Grade 10, following your school's instructions and the structure from your attached PDF. This
assignment is designed for you to print or handwrite on A4 colored paper, with suggestions for
illustrations and newspaper cuttings.

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# **[COVER PAGE]**

**Title:** **"Breaking Chains: Understanding and Overcoming Social Issues in India"**

**School Name:** [Your School Name & Logo Here]

**Name:** [Your Name]

**Class:** 10

**Section:** [Your Section]

**Roll No.:** [Your Roll Number]

**Academic Session:** 2024-2025

*(Decorate with relevant drawings or printed images of people holding hands, the Indian flag, or
symbols of unity and change.)*

---

# **Index**

| S. No. | Content | Page No. |

|--------|----------------------------------------------|----------|

|1 | Objective of the Project | 1 |

|2 | Introduction | 2 |

|3 | Major Social Issues in India | 3 |

|4 | Social Issue Chosen: Gender Inequality | 4 |

|5 | Causes of Gender Inequality | 5 |

|6 | Present Status of Gender Inequality | 6 |

|7 | Effects on Indian Society | 7 |

|8 | Consequences in Indian Society | 8 |

|9 | Government Steps & Factual Data | 9 |

| 10 | My Role as a Responsible Citizen | 10 |

| 11 | Learning from the Project | 11 |

| 12 | Conclusion | 12 |

| 13 | Bibliography | 13 |

---

# **Objective of the Project**

The objective of this project is to:

 Develop a deep understanding of major social issues in India by researching their

causes, current status, and impact on society.
 Enhance awareness about the challenges faced by different sections of society and
the urgent need to address these issues for national progress.
 Analyse the steps taken by the Government of India to eradicate or reduce these
social issues, supported by factual data.
 Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring practical ways
in which students and citizens can contribute to overcoming social problems.
 Promote life skills such as empathy, responsibility, and active citizenship among
students.

---

# **Introduction**

A social issue is a problem that impacts a large segment of society and is generally
considered undesirable by the community. These issues often arise from factors beyond an
individual’s control, such as economic disparities, cultural traditions, or historical
circumstances. In India, common social issues include poverty, gender inequality, caste
discrimination, child labour, unemployment, and environmental pollution. These problems
affect people across different regions and backgrounds, making them challenges that require
collective attention and action.
Addressing social issues is essential for the overall progress and well-being of society. While
there may be different opinions on which issues should be prioritized, there is broad
agreement on the need to resolve them. The purpose of this project is to help students
understand the major social problems in India, analyse their causes and effects, explore
government efforts to address them, and consider how responsible citizens, especially
students, can contribute to overcoming these challenges.

---

# **Major Social Issues in India**

India faces several pressing social issues that affect its development and the well-being of its
people. The most significant among these are:

1. Poverty: A large section of the population still struggles to meet basic needs like
food, shelter, and healthcare.
2. Gender Inequality: Women and girls face discrimination in education, employment,
and social status.
3. Caste Discrimination: Despite legal reforms, caste-based prejudice and exclusion
persist in many areas.
4. Child Labour: Many children are forced to work instead of attending school, often in
unsafe conditions.
5. Illiteracy: Lack of access to quality education, especially in rural and marginalized
communities, leads to high illiteracy rates.
6. Corruption: Corruption in public services and institutions undermines trust and
slows progress.

These issues are interconnected and require collective efforts from the government and
citizens to resolve. Understanding and addressing these problems is essential for building a
just, equal, and progressive society.

*(Add illustrations or newspaper cuttings for each issue, if possible)*

---

# **Social Issue Chosen: Gender Inequality**

For this project, I have chosen Gender Inequality as the social issue to study. Gender
inequality refers to the unequal treatment or perception of individuals based on their gender,
most commonly affecting women and girls. In India, this issue is deeply rooted in historical,
social, and cultural traditions and is seen in various forms such as discrimination in
education, employment, wages, political participation, and access to healthcare.

Addressing gender inequality is crucial for India’s development, as it affects

not only individual lives but also the overall progress and well-being of society.

---

# **Causes of Gender Inequality**

Gender inequality in India is rooted in a combination of cultural, social, and economic

factors. The main causes include:

Patriarchal Mindset: Deeply ingrained patriarchal norms place men in dominant roles and
expect women to be subordinate, limiting their opportunities and decision-making power.

 Limited Access to Education: Girls often have less access to quality education due to
social norms, poverty, and early marriage, which restricts their future opportunities

 Economic Dependence: Women frequently have fewer job opportunities, lower wages,
and limited access to property or financial resources, making them financially dependent on
male family members

 Child Marriage and Dowry: Early marriage and dowry practices disrupt girls’ education
and expose them to health risks and domestic violence

 Gender-Based Violence: High rates of violence and harassment against women restrict
their freedom and participation in society

 Traditional Social Beliefs: Long-standing customs and stereotypes reinforce

discrimination and limit women’s roles in leadership, politics, and public life

*(Include a pie chart or bar graph showing literacy rates or workforce participation by gender)*

---

# **Present Status of Gender Inequality in India**

Gender inequality remains a significant social issue in India, affecting women’s access to
education, employment, health, and safety. Despite progress in some areas, disparities persist
across various sectors.

 Education:
The female literacy rate in India is 70.3% (Census 2011), compared to 84.7% for
males. While enrolment of girls in primary schools has improved, dropout rates
remain higher for girls, especially in rural areas and among marginalized
communities.
 Workforce Participation:
As of 2024, only about 25% of Indian women above 15 years are part of the labor
force, compared to over 70% for men (World Bank, 2024). Women are often
concentrated in low-paying, informal jobs and face barriers to advancement.
 Political Representation:
Women hold about 15% of seats in the Lok Sabha (2024), and the recently passed
Women’s Reservation Bill aims to increase this to 33% in the future.
 Health and Safety:
India’s gender ratio is 943 females per 1000 males (Census 2011). Maternal
mortality has declined, but access to quality healthcare for women, especially in rural
areas, remains a concern.

*(Insert recent newspaper headlines or statistics)*

---

Effects of Gender Inequality on Indian Society

Gender inequality has significant negative effects on Indian society. It limits women’s access
to education, employment, and healthcare, resulting in lower literacy rates and fewer
economic opportunities for half the population. This leads to a loss of talent and potential,
slowing down the country’s social and economic development. Gender discrimination also
contributes to higher rates of violence against women, poor health outcomes, and social
injustice.

Moreover, gender inequality reinforces stereotypes and restricts the roles of both women and
men, affecting family well-being and decision-making. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and
exclusion, and prevents India from achieving true equality and progress. Addressing gender
inequality is essential for building a fair, prosperous, and inclusive society.

---

# **Consequences in Indian Society**

Gender inequality in India leads to several negative consequences for society. It restricts
women’s access to education, healthcare, and employment, resulting in a loss of human
potential and economic productivity. This discrimination contributes to higher rates of
poverty among women, increased maternal and child mortality, and limits the country’s
progress toward social justice.

Moreover, gender inequality perpetuates harmful practices such as child marriage, dowry,
and domestic violence. It also leads to underrepresentation of women in decision-making
roles, both in politics and the workplace. These consequences not only harm women and girls
but also slow down the nation’s overall development and create an unequal, less harmonious
society.

# **Steps Taken by the Government of India**

The Government of India has implemented a wide range of policies, schemes, and budgetary
measures to address gender inequality and empower women. Key initiatives include:

 Mission Shakti: An umbrella program integrating schemes for women’s safety,

security, and empowerment, including support for survivors of violence, legal aid, and
skill development

 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Focuses on preventing gender-biased selection,

ensuring survival, protection, and education of the girl child

 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Stand-Up India, and MUDRA Yojana: Promote
financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among women, with a majority of accounts and
loans benefiting women

 Gender Budgeting: The 2025-26 Union Budget allocated the highest-ever share (over
8.8%) for gender-focused programs, with increased funding across 49 ministries for women’s
welfare, education, health, and economic empowerment

 Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and Janani Suraksha Yojana
(JSY): Provide financial and healthcare support to pregnant and lactating women, aiming to
reduce maternal and infant mortality.

 Skill India Mission and Mahila Shakti Kendra: Offer training, skill development, and
employment opportunities to enhance women’s economic participation

These sustained efforts, along with increased budget allocations and targeted schemes, aim to
remove barriers, promote equal opportunities, and build a more gender-equal society in India.

*(Attach government posters or newspaper clippings about these schemes)*

---
# **How Can I Help as a Responsible Citizen?**

As a responsible citizen, I can help end gender inequality by:

 Raising awareness about gender biases and challenging stereotypes in my family,

school, and community

 Promoting and supporting equal opportunities for girls and women in education,
sports, and leadership roles

 Speaking out against discrimination and harmful practices such as child marriage,
dowry, and gender-based violence

 Encouraging and supporting girls’ education, helping peers understand its importance
for breaking the cycle of inequality

 Participating in campaigns and activities that promote gender equality and women’s
rights

 Treating everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of gender, and being a positive
role model for others

 Supporting government and NGO initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls

By taking these steps, I can contribute to creating a more equal and just society for all.

# **Student’s Learning from this Project**

Through this project, I have learned that gender is not just a biological fact but also a social construct
that shapes people’s opportunities, rights, and experiences in society. I now understand how gender
inequality leads to unequal access to education, jobs, and decision-making, and how it affects not
only women and girls but the entire community

I have also realized the importance of government policies, social awareness, and individual
actions in promoting gender equality. This project has helped me develop empathy, critical
thinking, and a sense of responsibility to support equal rights for all, and inspired me to
challenge stereotypes and contribute to building a fairer society

# **Conclusion**
In conclusion, social issues like gender inequality, poverty, and discrimination continue to
challenge India’s progress as a nation. Through this project, I have understood that these
problems are deeply rooted but not impossible to overcome. The combined efforts of the
government, society, and responsible citizens are essential to bring about positive change.

By raising awareness, supporting equal opportunities, and standing against injustice, each of
us can contribute to building a more just, inclusive, and progressive society. It is only through
collective action and empathy that we can hope to eliminate social issues and ensure equal
rights and dignity for all.

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# **Bibliography**

1. NCERT Social Science Textbook, Class 10

2. Government of India, Ministry of Women and Child Development

3. The Hindu Newspaper (2024)

4. Times of India (2024)

5. UNDP Human Development Report (2023)

6. [Relevant websites, e.g., www.india.gov.in, www.un.org]

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## **Tips for Presentation**

- Use colored A4 sheets for each section.

- Add hand-drawn illustrations (e.g., scales of justice, girls in school, protest signs).

- Paste relevant newspaper cuttings wherever possible.

- Use eco-friendly materials (avoid plastic covers).

- Make the cover page creative with drawings, stickers, or printed images.