Question Answers Class 12 Chapter 12 History Maharashtra Board

India Transformed – Part II

Exercise

Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and rewrite the statement.

1. In 1995 the health department of the Indian government launched the campaign, dubbed as Pulse Polio.
2. The first district in Kerala to become completely literate was Ernakulum.

(B) Find the incorrect pair from group ‘B’, and write the corrected one.

Answer:
Incorrect Pair: SEESCAP – Institute for conservation of turtles
Corrected Pair: SEESCAP – Institute for conservation of vultures

Q.2 Write names of historical places/persons/events.

1. Commission established vide Human Right Protection Act: National Human Rights Commission
2. The player who was awarded the highest title, ‘Bharat Ratna’: Sachin Tendulkar

Q.3 Complete the concept map.

Answer:

Q.4 Write short notes.

1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), launched in 2001 with the motto “Let’s all learn, Let’s all progress,” aims to universalize elementary education in India. It was introduced following the 86th Constitutional Amendment, which grants free education to children aged 6-14. The program focuses on eliminating disparities in access to primary education, particularly for girls and children with special needs (Divyang). SSA integrates earlier initiatives like the Mid-Day Meal scheme and Khadu-Phala Yojana to enhance its effectiveness. Its objectives include 100% school enrollment, improving educational standards, eliminating gender discrimination, and ensuring full attendance by 2010.

2. Air Pollution
Air pollution is a significant issue in India, primarily due to the increasing number of automobiles, especially those with poor maintenance, emitting toxic gases and carbon particles. In Delhi, the Centre for Science and Environment highlighted this problem, noting its impact on heritage monuments. To address this, the Supreme Court mandated the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for public transport vehicles in 1998. Additionally, the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate became mandatory for vehicles, with non-compliant vehicles ineligible for insurance. PUC certificate centers were established, and efforts continue to curb air pollution through stricter regulations and public awareness.

3. Eradication of Polio
The Pulse Polio campaign, launched in 1995 by the Indian government in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and others, aimed to eradicate polio. Targeting children under five, the campaign ensured no child was left unvaccinated through extensive awareness camps, home visits, and media campaigns like “Do Boond Zindagi ke.” The initiative’s success was driven by its comprehensive approach, significantly reducing polio cases and contributing to India’s transformation in the health sector.

Q.5 Answer the following questions in detail.

1. Explain the sports policy of the Government of India.
The Government of India announced its National Sports Policy in 2001 to promote sports across the country and enhance the performance of Indian sportspersons globally. The policy’s key objectives include:

• Expanding Sports Access: Promoting sports in all regions of India to ensure inclusivity.
• Skill Development: Supporting athletes to develop specialized skills through training and infrastructure.
• Infrastructure Development: Building foundational sports facilities to nurture talent.
• Talent Identification: Collaborating with the National Sports Federation of India and other institutions to identify and groom sports talent.
• Private Sector Involvement: Encouraging industries, corporates, and private institutions to invest in sports.
• Public Awareness: Creating awareness about the importance of sports and fostering public interest.

To support these goals, initiatives like the ‘Come and Play’ scheme (2011) provided access to five sports complexes in Delhi under the Sports Authority of India (SAI), offering training by SAI coaches. The establishment of the National Sports University in Manipur in 2018 furthered sports education through Bachelor’s, Master’s, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs in sports management, psychology, and coaching. The ‘Khelo India’ scheme integrates old and new objectives to create a broader platform for sports, emphasizing early sports engagement in schools and increasing girls’ participation. Financial incentives include the National Sports Development Fund, tax exemptions for donations, and awards like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjun Award, and pensions for retired athletes (e.g., Rs.20,000/month for Olympic winners since 2018).

2. Which programmes and facilities are created by the Ministry of Tourism of the Indian government to attract tourists?

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with other ministries, has implemented several programs and facilities to attract tourists and boost India’s tourism industry, which significantly contributes to foreign exchange earnings. Key initiatives include:

• E-Visa Facility: The Ministries of Home Affairs, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs introduced e-visas, including e-business, e-medical, and general e-visas, to simplify entry for international tourists.
• Multilingual Information Service: A 24/7 helpline (dial 1363) provides tourist information in Hindi, English, and ten foreign languages (Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Spanish), covering topics like cruise tours, adventure sports, health tourism, and eco-friendly tourism.
• Training Institutes: Institutes have been established to train professionals in soft skills, such as communication and hospitality, to enhance the tourist experience.
• Premium Accommodations: High-quality hotels and hospitality training institutes in cities ensure comfortable stays for tourists.
• Advertisement Campaigns: The ‘Atulya Bharat’ campaign and the ‘GONORTHEAST’ travel show on Discovery promote India’s unique cultural and natural attractions, particularly in northeastern states.
• Swadesh Darshan and Prasad Schemes: These programs promote 13 types of pilgrimage tours, including Himalayan, coastal, and Buddhist circuits, covering 95 spiritual and pilgrim centers like Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra.
• Indian Tourism Mart (2018): Organized with the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), this event modeled on international tourism marts promotes India globally.
• Global Media Outreach: Channels like BBC, Discovery, and History showcase India’s cultural and historical heritage, attracting tourists from countries like the USA, France, and Japan.

Q.6 State your opinion.

1. Joint military practice sessions are beneficial for both participant countries.
While the provided document does not directly address joint military practice sessions, I believe they are highly beneficial for participant countries. These sessions foster mutual trust, enhance interoperability between armed forces, and improve coordination in addressing shared security challenges. They allow countries to share expertise, adopt best practices, and strengthen diplomatic ties, contributing to regional and global stability. For example, joint exercises like those between India and other nations (e.g., Malabar Exercise) enhance maritime security and deter common threats. However, such collaborations must respect national sovereignty and align with mutual strategic interests to avoid dependency or conflicts of interest.

2. All of us have the responsibility of taking care of our heritage places.
I strongly agree that preserving heritage places is a collective responsibility. Heritage sites, such as Jaipur’s Pink City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), reflect India’s rich cultural and historical legacy. As citizens, we must protect these sites from pollution, vandalism, and neglect by raising awareness, supporting conservation efforts like those of INTACH, and adopting sustainable tourism practices. For instance, reducing plastic use and respecting site regulations can prevent degradation. Schools, communities, and governments should collaborate to educate people about the value of heritage, ensuring these treasures are preserved for future generations.