PROJECT

CITIZEN

CLASS X

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 CITIZENSHIP MATRIX

S.no Level Proposed content Chapter name Subject Aspect

Strand
1 Level-10 * Importance of a  The Importance Civics Governance
citizen vote and its of a Citizen Vote
effectiveness. in Global Context
UNDP’s role

 The Importance Civics Investigative,

* Understand the of making Value
limitations of rights and Judicious Choice
responsibilities. during Election
Process

Civics Governance,
*Conducting a free and  Ways and Means Value
fair election. Activity of of Conducting
election for class X Free and Fair
students under the Electoral Process
Interact Club.

Civics Citizen Value

 Goodwill
* Goodwill Ambassadors
ambassadors, Goodwill
Ambassadors from
UNDP ,
Community work,
participation and its
importance

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 Index

Chapter No. Chapter name Page no.

1 The Importance of a 4
Citizen Vote in Global
Context

2 The Importance of 7
making Judicious Choice
during Election Process

3 Ways and Means of 9

Conducting Free and Fair
Electoral Process

4 Goodwill Ambassadors 12

Chapter 1
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 The Importance of a Citizen Vote in Global Context

Democratic governance
UNDP supports national democratic transitions by providing policy advice and technical
support, improving institutional and individual capacity within countries, educating
populations about and advocating for democratic reforms, promoting negotiation and
dialogue, and sharing successful experiences from other countries and locations. UNDP
also supports existing democratic institutions by increasing dialogue, enhancing national
debate, and facilitating consensus on national governance programmes.

In broad usage, the term global citizenship or world citizenship typically defines a person

who places their identity with a "global community" above their identity as a citizen of a
particular nation or place. The idea is that one’s identity transcends geography or political
borders and that the planetary human community is interdependent and whole; humankind
is essentially one. The term has been used in education and political philosophy and has
enjoyed popular use in social movements such as the "World Citizen" movement and
the Mondialisation movement.

Definition

The rights, responsibilities and duties that come with being a member of our global
community/world. The term "citizen" refers to an identity between a person and a city,
state or nation and their right to work, live and participate politically in a particular
geographic area. When combined with the term "global", it typically defines a person who
places their identity with a "global community" above their identity as a citizen of a
particular nation or place. The idea is that one’s identity transcends geography or political
borders and that responsibilities or rights are or can be derived from membership in a
broader class: "humanity". This does not mean that such a person denounces or waives
their nationality or other, more local identities, but such identities are given "second place"
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to their membership in a global community. Extended, the idea leads to questions about
the state of global society in the age of globalization. In general usage, the term may have
much the same meaning as "World Citizen" or Cosmopolitan, but it also has additional,
specialized meanings in differing contexts.

“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be
expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage
and shall be held by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedures."

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 21

One of the most critical ways that individuals can influence governmental decision-
making is through voting. Voting is a formal expression of preference for a candidate for
office or for a proposed resolution of an issue. Voting generally takes place in the context
of a large-scale national or regional election, however, local and small-scale community
elections can be just as critical to individual participation in government.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted unanimously by the United Nations
General Assembly in 1948, recognizes the integral role that transparent and open elections
play in ensuring the fundamental right to participatory government. The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights in Article 21 states:
Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his/her country, directly or
through freely chosen representatives.
Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be
expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage
and shall be held by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Voting determines election outcomes, deciding which elected officials will be making the
important decisions and establishing the policies that directly and indirectly affect many
areas of our lives such as taxes, health care, military operations, legal codes, education and
food standards. Voting gives each person the opportunity to express an opinion on a matter
and directly impact who is elected. Not voting, allows the choices and opinions of others
to hold sway over our lives.
 

The right to have a say in the processes of government is a fundamental aspect of

democracy. People who are unable to vote do not have the ability to influence
governmental policies that affect them. The colonialists' main complaint against Britain in
the period leading up to the Revolutionary War was that the British parliament did not
properly represent their interests when passing certain laws. Without a say in election
processes, citizens are at the mercy of the ruling parties.

The right to vote, also known as suffrage, has been considered a key milestone in rights
movements throughout history. The women's rights movement pushed for suffrage for
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decades before finally receiving it in 1920. While the 15th Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution in 1870 granted freed slaves the right to vote, full suffrage for African-
Americans was not achieved until the 1960s as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. The
23rd and 24th Amendments along with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 removed
discriminatory barriers that had previously kept African-Americans from exercising their
right to vote.

Activity Time
Objective: To sensitize the students about the importance of a citizen vote and its
effectiveness.
Material required: A4 sheets and stationery
Procedure/Methodology:
 The class would be divided into groups of four- five students.
 Each group would create a report on the following heads:
 Define Global Citizenship
 How can an individual affect a democratic set up by means of voting rights?
(100 words) Students will mention how United Nation Development
Programme (UNDP) supports and educate populations about democratic
reforms.
 Give instances where voting rights have influenced the course of a
government set up. You can take international elections for reference. (150-
200 words)

Chapter 2

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 The Importance of making Judicious Choice during Election Process

NOTA- None of the above

“None Of The Above,” or NOTA for short, also known as “against all” or

a “scratch” vote, is a ballot option in some jurisdictions or organizations, designed to
allow the voter to indicate disapproval of all of the candidates in a voting system. It is
based on the principle that consent requires the ability to withhold consent in an election,
just as they can by voting “No” on ballot questions.
Entities that include "None of the Above" on ballots as standard procedure
include India ("None of the above"), Greece (λευκό, white), the U.S.
state of Nevada (None of These Candidates), Ukraine (Проти всіх, "against
all"), Spain (voto en blanco, "white vote"), and Colombia (voto en blanco). Russia had
such an option on its ballots (Против всех, "against all") until it was abolished in
2006. Bangladesh introduced this option (না ভোট) in 2008. Pakistan introduced this option
on ballot papers for the 2013 Pakistan elections, but the Election Commission of
Pakistan later rejected it. Beginning with the 2016 presidential
election, Bulgaria introduced a 'none of the above' option, which received 5.59% of the
vote in the first round and 4.47% in the run-off.
When “None of the Above” is listed on a ballot, there is the possibility of NOTA receiving
a majority or plurality of the vote, and so "winning" the election. In such a case, a variety
of formal procedures may be invoked, including having the office remain vacant, having
the office filled by appointment, re-opening nominations or holding another election (in a
body operating under parliamentary procedure), or it may have no effect whatsoever, as in
India and the US state of Nevada, where the next highest total wins regardless.

NOTA in India

The Election Commission of India told the Supreme Court in 2009 that it wished to offer

the voter a "none of the above" option on ballots, which the government had generally
opposed. The People's Union for Civil Liberties, a non-governmental organisation, filed
a public-interest litigation statement in support of this.
On 27 September 2013, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the right to register a "none
of the above" vote in elections should apply, and ordered the Election Commission to

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provide such a button in the electronic voting machines, noting that it would increase
participation.
The Election Commission also clarified that even though votes cast as NOTA are counted,
they are considered as invalid votes so they will not change the outcome of the election
process. They are not taken into account for calculating the total valid votes and will not
be considered for determining the forfeiture of security deposit.
In the 2014 general election, NOTA polled 1.1% of the votes, counting to over
6,000,000.The specific symbol for NOTA, a ballot paper with a black cross across it, was
introduced on 18 September 2015. The symbol is designed by National Institute of
Design, Ahmedabad.

Activity Time
Objective: To make the students understand the importance of making judicious choices
during voting.
Material required: A4 sheets and stationery
Procedure/Methodology:
 The class would be divided into groups of four- five students.
 Students would research and collect information on NOTA- None of The Above
choice of vote, as specified by the Indian Election Commission.
 They would also find instances, if any, where this priviledge has been utilized.
 They would, then write a report on NOTA under the following heads:
i) When was NOTA initiated?
ii) Why did it come into practice?
iii) Who implemented it?
iv) What has been its impact on Indian Elections?
v) Were there any mis-uses of the same too?
vi) A short note on your views on NOTA (100 words)

Chapter 3

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 Ways and Means of Conducting Free and Fair Electoral Process

Some features of free and fair elections

Free and fair elections allow people living in a representative democracy to determine the
political makeup and future policy direction of their nation's government
 Free and fair elections increase the likelihood of a peaceful transfer of power. They
help to ensure that losing candidates will accept the validity of the election's results
and cede power to the new government.
 Elections alone do not assure democracy since dictators can use the resources of the
state to tamper with the election process.
 Free and fair elections require:
 Universal suffrage for all eligible men and women to vote — democracies do not
restrict this right from minorities, the disabled, or give it only to those who are
literate or who own property.
 Freedom to register as a voter or run for public office.
 Freedom of speech for candidates and political parties — democracies do not
restrict candidates or political parties from criticizing the performance of the
incumbent.
 Numerous opportunities for the electorate to receive objective information from a
free press.
 Freedom to assemble for political rallies and campaigns.
 Rules that require party representatives to maintain a distance from polling places
on election day — election officials, volunteer poll workers, and international
monitors may assist voters with the voting process but not the voting choice.
 An impartial or balanced system of conducting elections and verifying election
results — trained election officials must either be politically independent or those
overseeing elections should be representative of the parties in the election.
 Accessible polling places, private voting space, secure ballot boxes, and transparent
ballot counting.
 Secret ballots — voting by secret ballot ensures that an individual's choice of party
or candidate cannot be used against him or her.
 Legal prohibitions against election fraud — enforceable laws must exist to prevent
vote tampering (e.g. double counting, ghost voting).
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  Recount and contestation procedures — legal mechanisms and processes to review
election processes must be established to ensure that elections were conducted
properly.
 Voting methods — varying by country and even within countries — include:
 Paper ballots — votes are marked on or punched through paper.
 Ballots with pictures of candidates or party symbols so that illiterate citizens may
cast the correct vote.
 Electronic systems — voters use touch-screen or push-button machines.
 Absentee ballots — allowing those who will not be able to vote on election day to
cast their ballots prior to the election.

Activity Time
Objective: To make the students devise plans for a free and fair electoral process in the
school, for Interact Club
Material required: A4 sheets and stationery
Procedure/Methodology:
 As per the Interact Club for class X, students would be required to elect the
Executive Body for the club.
 Each section would nominate one candidate for a post in the body.
 The process would take place in the presence of the Class Teacher.
 All the candidates in a section would canvass in their own section.
 Secret ballot Voting would take place in each section and hence, the winning
candidate would then compete for the final election , across class X for the
following posts:
(1) President
(2) Vice President
(3) Secretary
(4) Treasurer
(5) Executive Members (5 in number)
 The selected candidates would then canvass across class X in the given time. The
candidates can prepare posters and placards for the purpose.
 All class X students would then exercise their right to vote, through secret ballot.

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 Chapter 4

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 Goodwill Ambassadors

Goodwill Ambassadors

Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo at UNDP's Match Against Poverty

They are at the top of their field, whether it's broadcasting, the literary world or the
football stadium, with talents and achievements that have made them household
names in their own, and in some cases, in many other countries. Despite their
diverse claims to fame, however, they all share a deep concern for the world's poor
and a commitment to making the planet a better place for all, ridding it of poverty,
combating HIV/AIDS, ensuring environmental sustainability, protecting human
rights, and empowering women.

UNDP, along with other UN agencies, has long enlisted the voluntary services and
support of prominent individuals as Goodwill Ambassadors to highlight these
causes. Their fame helps amplify the urgent and universal message of human
development and international cooperation, helping to accelerate achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals.

They articulate the UNDP development philosophy and programmes of self-reliant

opportunities and motivate people to act in the interest of improving their own lives
and those of their fellow citizens.

They give their time freely to help UNDP in its challenging mission, and travel often
to developing countries for first-hand observation so that they can bring the human
development message to the industrialized world.

What is Community Service ?

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Community service is work done by a person or group of people that benefits others. It is
often done near the area where you live, so your own community reaps the benefits of
your work. You do not get paid to perform community service, though sometimes food
and small gifts, like a t-shirt, are given to volunteers.

Community service can help any group of people in need: children, senior citizens, people
with disabilities, English language learners, and more. It can also help animals, such as
those at a shelter, and it can be used to improve places, such as a local park, historic
building, or scenic area as well. Community service is often organized through a local
group, such as a place of worship, school, or non-profit organization. You can also start
your own community service projects.

Some students are required to complete community service as part of a class requirement
in order to graduate high school or become a member of certain organizations, such as the
National Honor Society. Adults can also participate in community service as a way to help
others or if they are ordered to do so by a judge.

What Are Examples of Community Service?

There are hundreds of ways to participate in community service, depending on your skills
and interests. Some common community service examples include:

Working with schoolchildren: Tutoring children after school, collecting school supplies

to donate, planting a school garden.

Working with senior citizens: Visiting residents of a retirement center, delivering meals

to senior citizens, driving them to appointments.

Improving the environment: Holding a recycling contest, planting trees, creating a new

trail at a nature center.

Helping low-income people: Distribution of free food, collecting used clothes to be

donated, making first aid kits for homeless shelters.

Community Service Has a Number of Important Benefits

Engaging in community service provides students with the opportunity to become active
members of their community and has a lasting, positive impact on society at large.
Community service or volunteerism enables students to acquire life skills and knowledge,
as well as provide a service to those who need it most. These are some of the
common benefits of participating in a community service program:

1. Psychological benefits: Volunteering increases overall life satisfaction and helps you
feel good about yourself because you are helping others. It can also help to decreases
stress and ease depression.
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2. Social benefits: Volunteering engages students with the community, creates special
bonds with the population being served, and increases social awareness and responsibility.

3. Cognitive benefits: Volunteering helps students enhance their personal knowledge,

grow from new experiences, and develop better interpersonal communication skills.

Participating in community service not only makes a difference to the organization and
people being served, but also makes a difference to every student’s career prospects.
Participating in community service activities helps to enhance student resumes by
allowing students to obtain work-related skills prior to graduation, builds good references
for employers in regards to community involvement, and provides a forum to network
with future potential employers. It also helps students develop civic and social
responsibility skills and become more aware of what their community needs.

Activity Time
Objective: Engage in community Connect Programmes and contribute towards
inclusive equitable global society . Goodwill Ambassadors under the UNDP.
Procedure: All students of class X, under the Interact Club, would be active participants
in the following Community Connect Programmes:
 Teaching the under priviledged students of Poorv Madhyamik Vidyalaya, in Morta
village, Ghaziabad, under the Adopt a Village scheme.
 Teach India initiative :
 Each student would devote at least fifteen hours towards teaching an under
priviledged child around their neighborhood, during their summer break.
 They would also spend quality time with elderly people in and around their family.
 Students would participate in Donation Drives for NGOs like Bal Sahyog, Helpage
India, Asha Mahavidyalaya, children of Dasna Jail inmates etc.
 Creative Activities like poster making, slogan writing, Rallies, Street Plays would be
conducted to spread awareness and sensitize students on topic like AIDS, Road Safety,
Anti Bullying, Anti Cracker Drives etc.
 Plantation Drives would be conducted in and around school premises.
 Digital Literacy for Grade IV workers and Morta students.

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