Here Class 9 English NCERT book words and expressions Unit 8 solutions is presented so to increase knowledge and provide solution to the NCERT book.
Reading Comprehension
Read the following text and answer the questions that follow.
Interview with a Detective
His appearance was clean, cool and deliberately ambiguous. Under the sanctuary of his aviators, his eyes silently scanned the room. He is a Manhattan-based, third-generation private detective who’s been in the business for more than three decades — specialising in surveillance and being an overall mystery-tinged badass. We asked him everything we’ve ever wanted to know about the profession.
Interviewer : So, what exactly do you do?
Detective : I do a lot of surveillance. Basically, someone who wonders, “What is this other person up to?” If it’s insurance company (surveying someone on workers’ compensation), they’ll ask, “Is he back working?” Things like that. Another very common request is locating people, and it could be for a lot of reasons. I had a case recently, a man hadn’t been in touch with his mother for 20 years and I helped him find her.
Interviewer: What kind of skills make for a good PI (Private Investigator)?
Detective :Patience— Number one. You have to pay attention. You have to be the kind of person, if you sit in front of a door watching it for six hours, and you haven’t seen your guy. You have to plan accordingly, and be willing to make sacrifices in order to stay out there. It’s not a job for people who want to slack off.
Interviewer : If you need to locate someone, what’s the ideal information you need to start?
Detective: Usually, this is what I tell people, “If you want to find someone, I need the name with the exact spelling, the DOB if you know it, the social security number, and a last known, official address where
they’ve lived within the past 15 years.” Because that means they’ll be in our database.
Interviewer: DO most private investigators a relationship with local police?
Detective: : I would say that’s kind of a myth. Most cops wouldn’t even do it in the first place, because they know how serious a violation it is.
Interviewer: Do most private eyes carry guns?
Detective : I don’t think so. We don’t kill people but help them.
Interviewer: What do films and television shows get wrong about being a PI?
Detective : The big difference is, the things you see in films do happen to private detectives, but they’re shrinking down maybe 20 years of adventure into an episode. After 30 years, I probably have one movie worth of experiences.
(Adapted from https://www.thrillist.com/…/private-detective-interviewquestions-you-ve-always-want)
1. What is the profession of the person being interviewed?
2. Complete the following sentence.
As soon as the detective entered the room, he
(a) examined the place carefully.
(b) was vague and uncertain.
(c) knew what he was doing.
(d) got ready for the interview.
3. Which of the following was not a part of the job of the detective?
(a) to wander about
(b) to find lost people
(c) to carry guns
(d) to keep a watch
4. According to the detective, there are some qualities that ae essential in his profession. What are these and why are they essential?
5. What information should the PI have in order to locate someone?
6. In the sentence given below the word ‘aviators’ means sunglasses. Now choose the appropriate meaning for the underline word from the option given.
Under the sanctuary of his aviators, his eyes scanned the room.
(A) shelter
(b) shade
(c) hideout
(d) refuge
Answers:
- What is the profession of the person being interviewed?
The person being interviewed is a private detective. - Complete the following sentence:
As soon as the detective entered the room, he
(a) examined the place carefully. - Which of the following was not a part of the job of the detective?
(c) to carry guns - According to the detective, there are some qualities that are essential in his profession. What are these and why are they essential?
The essential qualities in the detective’s profession are patience and attention to detail. These qualities are crucial because surveillance work often involves long hours of waiting and observation. The detective must be able to stay focused and alert even when nothing seems to be happening, ensuring they don’t miss anything important. - What information should the PI have in order to locate someone?
The PI should have the following information to locate someone:
- Name with the exact spelling
- Date of Birth (DOB)
- Social Security Number (if available)
- Last known official address where the person lived within the past 15 years.
- In the sentence given below, the word ‘aviators’ means sunglasses. Now choose the appropriate meaning for the underlined word from the options given.
Under the sanctuary of his aviators, his eyes scanned the room.
(d) refuge
Text II
Read the passage and answer the question that follow.
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay
Do you know who is Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay? He was a Bengali writer. He is remembered for his most famous creation of a fictional detective, Byomkesh Bakshi.
He was actively involved with Bengali cinema as well as Bollywood. He wrote different forms of prose: novels, short stories, plays and screenplays. Besides, he wrote many songs and poems. However, his forte was short stories and novels. He also wrote historical fiction and supernatural stories.
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay started writing Byomkesh stories in 1932 at the age of 33. He has written 32 Byomkesh stories. He continued to write till his death in 1970. He portrayed himself as a narrator of his stories named Ajit Bandhopadhyay who is also a companion of Byomkesh Bakshi. In some stories Ajit also investigates in the absence of Byomkesh. These stories are written in traditional Bengali language and have now been translated into other languages.
His stories are very engrossing and consist of a series of events. Byomkesh solves cases from international drug racket to household mysteries and crimes. Byomkesh identifies himself as Satyanweshi meaning ‘truth seeker’ rather than a detective. Where he stands out from other legendary detectives like Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes is that he is more concerned with truth than with the law.
(Source: An excerpt from ‘A well-known literary figure of Bengal’/The Asian
Age online: http://dailyasianage.com/news/109713/a-we-known-literaryfigure-of-bengal)
1. Who among the following is not a detective?
(a) Byomkesh Bakshi
(b) Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay
(c) Hercule Poirot
(d) Sherlock Holmes
2. Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay is known for his
(a) Short stories and novels
(b) Poems and songs
(c) Historical fiction
(d) All of the above
3. State whether true or false
(a) Byomkesh is a ‘truth seeker’.
(b) Byomkesh is a detective like Hercule Poirot and
Sherlock Holmes.
(c) Byomkesh is concerned with truth rather than with
the law.
(d) Byomkesh follows law to solve his cases.
5. What is the role of Ajit in Byomkesh stories?
6. Find the antonyms of the words given below. All of them are given in the text.
(a) natural___________________________________________
(b) fact______________________________________________
(c) passively________________________________________
(d) discontinued_____________________________________
(e) presence_________________________________________
(f) modern___________________________________________
(g) unconcerned____________________________________
Answers:
- Who among the following is not a detective? (b) Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay
- Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay is known for his (a) Short stories and novels
- State whether true or false (a) Byomkesh is a ‘truth seeker’.
True (b) Byomkesh is a detective like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes.
False (He identifies himself as a ‘truth seeker’ rather than a detective.) (c) Byomkesh is concerned with truth rather than with the law.
True (d) Byomkesh follows law to solve his cases.
False - What is the role of Ajit in Byomkesh stories?
Ajit Bandhopadhyay plays the role of a narrator in Byomkesh stories. He is also a companion of Byomkesh Bakshi and, in some stories, investigates in the absence of Byomkesh. - Find the antonyms of the words given below. All of them are given in the text. (a) Natural – Supernatural
(b) Fact – Fiction
(c) Passively – Actively
(d) Discontinued – Continued
(e) Presence – Absence
(f) Modern – Traditional
(g) Unconcerned – Concerned
Vocabulary
1. The following words and phrases and occur in the Passages. Try to guess the meaning. Match the words with their meaning. You may refer a dictionary later.
| Database | The act of going against or refusing to obey a law, an agreement, etc. |
| Violation | Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning. |
| surveillance | A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways. |
| insurance | Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal. |
| ambiguous | an agreement made with a company or the Government provides a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in return for payment of a specified premium |
| forge | an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage. |
| sinister looking | to make an illegal copy of something in order to deceive. |
| scandal | suggesting evil or harm |
2. The contextual meaning of ‘sanctuary’ in the comprehension passage I is ‘shade’. The same word ‘sanctuary’ is used in a variety of sentences given below. They have different meanings in different contexts. Refer to a dictionary and write the meanings.
(a) Banita’s home was a sanctuary for runaway kids.
(b) The refugees found sanctuary when they reached India.
(c) The sanctuary contains the altar of sacrifice.
(d) I found sanctuary in the cave to save myself from the storm.
(e) Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area for tigers.
3. Use the following Pair of opposites in sentences. One has been doe for you.
lose/gain
You’ve nothing to lose, but what have you to gain?
(a) hot/cold
(b) beautiful/ugly
(c) smart/foolish
(d) lonely/busy
(e) great/little
(f) live/die
Answers:
1. Match the words with their meanings:
- Database: A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways.
- Violation: The act of going against or refusing to obey a law, an agreement, etc.
- Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.
- Surveillance: Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
- Insurance: An agreement made with a company or the Government to provide a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in return for payment of a specified premium.
- Forge: To make an illegal copy of something in order to deceive.
- Sinister looking: Suggesting evil or harm.
- Scandal: An action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage.
2. The contextual meaning of ‘sanctuary’ in different sentences:
(a) Banita’s home was a sanctuary for runaway kids.
Meaning: A safe or protective place.
(b) The refugees found sanctuary when they reached India.
Meaning: Protection or a place of safety.
(c) The sanctuary contains the altar of sacrifice.
Meaning: A sacred or holy place.
(d) I found sanctuary in the cave to save myself from the storm.
Meaning: A place of shelter or refuge.
(e) Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area for tigers.
Meaning: A nature reserve or wildlife protection area.
3. Use the following pairs of opposites in sentences:
(a) Hot/Cold
The weather was extremely hot in the afternoon but became cold by evening.
(b) Beautiful/Ugly
The rose is beautiful, but the thorns on its stem can be ugly.
(c) Smart/Foolish
It’s smart to plan ahead, but it’s foolish to ignore important details.
(d) Lonely/Busy
He felt lonely in the big city, but he kept himself busy with work.
(e) Great/Little
A great effort is often needed to achieve even a little success.
(f) Live/Die
Everyone hopes to live a fulfilling life before they die.
Grammar
An affirmative sentence can be changed into a negative sentence without changing the meaning of the original sentence. Look at the examples given below.
You may be comfortable, but I am not. /You may not be uncomfortable, but I am.
Few people take the trouble to visit me. /People generally do not take the trouble to visit me.
Better be quick. /Better not be late.
1. Change affirmative sentence into negative sentences without changing the meaning. One has been done for you.
I know all the answers. /There are no answers that I don’t know.
(a) All the member liked the programme.
(b) I am free to go places and do nothing.
(c) I am free to go places and do nothing.
(d) The farmer was too weak to walk.
(e) She is always on time.
(f) The intruder was foolish to let Gerrard go.
2. Let us look at the sentence given below.
I am glad you are pleased to see me.
Here, ‘to see’ is an example of the infinite form of a verb. The infinite form of a verb is usually preceded by ‘to’.
Choose the words from the box and complete the sentences given below.
phone up, pay, assist, change, clear, off; help team, up, stay
(a) Before we begin I would like you ________________ my place.
(b) I’II be glad ___________________________ you.
(c) You mean ____________________ with me?
(d) But are you sure it’s going _____________ you?
(e) Those are just the things I want ______________________.
(f) Be willing to make sacrifices in order ____________________ out there.
(g) Anju asked Hemant ________________ Rs. 100 to avoid a scene.
(h) Well, tell him ___________________________________ directly.
Answers:
1. Change affirmative sentences into negative sentences without changing the meaning:
(a) All the members liked the programme.
None of the members disliked the programme.
(b) I am free to go places and do nothing.
I am not bound to stay in one place or do something.
(c) The farmer was too weak to walk.
The farmer was not strong enough to walk.
(d) She is always on time.
She is never late.
(e) The intruder was foolish to let Gerrard go.
The intruder was not wise to let Gerrard go.
2. Complete the sentences using the words from the box:
(a) Before we begin I would like you to clear up my place.
(b) I’ll be glad to assist you.
(c) You mean to stay with me?
(d) But are you sure it’s going to help you?
(e) Those are just the things I want to change.
(f) Be willing to make sacrifices in order to stay out there.
(g) Anju asked Hemant to pay Rs. 100 to avoid a scene.
(h) Well, tell him to phone up directly.
Editing
Some words are missing in the passage given below, indicated by ‘/’. Rewrite the passage by providing the
missing words, and using appropriate punctuation marks in the space given below.
Sherlock Holmes is/ fictional private detective, the first scientific detective, created/ British author Sir arthur conan doyle. He is a ‘consulting detective’ in the stories written by Sir Doyle. Holmes is known for his skills of observation, knowledge of forensic science, / logical reasoning. He employs all these while investigating cases for/ wide variety of clients. Sir Doyle’s four novels and 56 short stories, excluding one, are set in the victorian or edwardian eras, between about 1880 and 1914 Most are narrated by Dr Watson, Holmes’s friend. he is also his biographer/ usually accompanies Holmes during his investigations/ often shares quarters with him at the address of 221B Baker Street, london, where many of the stories begin.
Sherlock Holmes is arguably/best known fictional detective, with guinness World Records listing him as the ‘most portrayed movie character’ in history The stories have been adapted into stage/ radio plays, television films video games, and other media for over one hundred years. Many have believed Holmes to be not a fictional character/ a real individual because of his popularity/ fame. widely considered a British cultural icon, the Character and Stories have had a profound/ lasting effect on mystery Writing and
popular culture/a Whole.
Answers:
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional private detective, the first scientific detective, created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He is a ‘consulting detective’ in the stories written by Sir Doyle. Holmes is known for his skills of observation, knowledge of forensic science, and logical reasoning. He employs all these while investigating cases for a wide variety of clients. Sir Doyle’s four novels and 56 short stories, excluding one, are set in the Victorian or Edwardian eras, between about 1880 and 1914. Most are narrated by Dr. Watson, Holmes’s friend. He is also his biographer, who usually accompanies Holmes during his investigations and often shares quarters with him at the address of 221B Baker Street, London, where many of the stories begin.
Sherlock Holmes is arguably the best-known fictional detective, with Guinness World Records listing him as the ‘most portrayed movie character’ in history. The stories have been adapted into stage and radio plays, television films, video games, and other media for over one hundred years. Many have believed Holmes to be not a fictional character but a real individual because of his popularity and fame. Widely considered a British cultural icon, the character and stories have had a profound and lasting effect on mystery writing and popular culture as a whole.
Listening
Listen to the story of Shibi Rana nd answer the questions that follow.
There are many stories in our mythology when gods have disguised themselves in the forms of human beings, birds, etc. This is done either to test the efficiency and ability of the kings or to see if people are happy and contented on earth. This is another aspect of changing the identity. Let us listen to story of King Shibi.
There was a great king, Shibi Rana who had immense power then, even gods in heavens were amazed. They feared that Shibi might take away their kingdoms. They devised a plan to test his sense of justice. So they decided to reach Shibi’s kingdom in disguise.
One day, Shibi Rana was sitting on his throne. His courtroom was surrounded by majestic gardens. There
came a scared dove flying to him and it was followed by a fierce looking eagle. The king gave shelter to the dove and saved her. The eagle argued that the king has taken away his food — the dove. It would starve. The king assured the eagle that he would give equal quantity of any other food. The eagle asked for King Shibi’s flesh. The magnanimous king agreed with a smile. A balance was brought in the court. It was soon found that with each addition of the king’s flesh the dove grew heavier. The equal balance was not arrived at. But the king remained calm and unperturbed.
The Gods in the guise of dove and eagle were assured of Shibi’s righteousness. The forms of the eagle and the dove soon disappeared. In their place stood Indra, the king of the Gods and Agni, the God of fire smiling and blessing the king for his benevolence and greatness.
1. Why were the Gods heaven afraid of king Shibi?
2. What made the eagle angry?
3. What did the eagle demand?
4. Was the eagle satisfied?
5. Who were in the disguise of the eagle and the dove?
6. King Shibi was blessed for his:
Answers:
- Why were the Gods in heaven afraid of King Shibi? The Gods in heaven were afraid of King Shibi because of his immense power. They feared that Shibi might take away their kingdoms.
- What made the eagle angry? The eagle was angry because King Shibi gave shelter to the dove and saved her, which took away the eagle’s food.
- What did the eagle demand? The eagle demanded that the king give him an equal quantity of food to replace the dove, and specifically asked for King Shibi’s flesh.
- Was the eagle satisfied? No, the eagle was not satisfied at first, as even with the king’s flesh, the balance with the dove was not equal. However, this was part of the test of Shibi’s righteousness.
- Who were in the disguise of the eagle and the dove? Indra, the king of the Gods, was in the disguise of the eagle, and Agni, the God of fire, was in the disguise of the dove.
- King Shibi was blessed for his: King Shibi was blessed for his benevolence, righteousness, and sense of justice.
Speaking
1. In a group of four, discuss and take down notes based on the discussion.
Theft in the digital age. Theft that occurs when someone uses another’s unique personal details like
his/her name, credit card numbers, without his/her permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
2. You may talk to the manager of a Bank, Cyber crime cell, etc., about ‘online identity theft’ cases and measures to avoid them.
Discuss this in groups of four in the class.
Prepare posters on creating awareness about online identify theft.
Answers:
Discussion: Theft in the Digital Age
Definition: Theft in the digital age involves using someone’s personal details like name, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or other sensitive information without their permission to commit fraud, financial theft, or other crimes.
Key Points for Discussion:
- Types of Online Identity Theft:
- Phishing: Fraudsters pose as legitimate entities (banks, companies) to steal information.
- Credit Card Fraud: Stealing card information to make unauthorized purchases.
- Hacking: Breaking into personal accounts to misuse data.
- Social Media Scams: Extracting personal information shared on platforms for identity theft.
- Consequences:
- Financial loss to the victim.
- Damage to the person’s credit score or financial standing.
- Legal issues and personal reputation damage.
- Common Methods Used by Cybercriminals:
- Fake websites and email scams.
- Weak passwords and data breaches.
- Unauthorized access to public Wi-Fi networks.
- Malware and spyware attacks.
- Prevention Measures:
- Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Regularly monitor bank statements and credit reports.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information on social media.
- Stay updated on the latest cyber threats and scams.
Talking to Experts (Bank Manager/Cyber Crime Officer)
Questions to Ask:
- What are the most common cases of online identity theft seen in your institution?
- How do you guide customers to protect their online identity?
- What are the legal steps taken when identity theft occurs?
- What role does the cybercrime cell play in preventing online fraud?
- What preventive measures should individuals take to avoid becoming victims of identity theft?
Poster Ideas: Creating Awareness About Online Identity Theft
- Poster 1: “Stay Safe Online”
- Headline: “Protect Your Online Identity!”
- Content:
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Don’t share personal information online carelessly.
- Beware of phishing scams.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Visuals: An illustration of a locked computer with security shields around it.
- Poster 2: “Watch Out for Phishing!”
- Headline: “Don’t Fall for Fake Emails!”
- Content:
- Always check the email address of senders.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Never share personal or financial information through emails.
- Visuals: A fake email with a red warning sign.
- Poster 3: “Online Security Tips”
- Headline: “Simple Steps to Protect Your Identity”
- Content:
- Monitor your accounts regularly.
- Use a password manager for secure passwords.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
- Visuals: An illustration of a shield protecting personal data.
- Poster 4: “Cybercrime is Real”
- Headline: “Report Any Suspicious Activity”
- Content:
- Contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraud.
- Report phishing emails to the cybercrime cell.
- Stay alert and informed about the latest scams.
- Visuals: A person reporting an online fraud with a hotline number for assistance.
Writing
1. Sometimes we think about what we are like and how each of us is differences and attitudes to life. Write in about 300-400 words what you are like, your identity and what you enjoy doing and how do you envision yourself in future.
2. Complete the following story. It has to be a scary story that terrifies people. Give a suitable title to your story.
I stopped my scooter in front of an old and dilapidated building. A haggered, skinny old man with drooping shoulders came towards me. “Don’t go in, Sir”, he whispered. “It is dangerous…”
Answers:
1. My Identity and Future Vision
Everyone has a unique identity shaped by experiences, values, and dreams. I see myself as a person who values kindness, creativity, and curiosity. I enjoy discovering new things, whether it’s learning a new skill, reading books, or simply observing the world around me. This curiosity keeps me open to new experiences and fuels my desire to grow as a person.
I believe in living life with a positive attitude, no matter what challenges come my way. I approach every situation with optimism, believing that there is always a way forward. I cherish the moments of peace and happiness in my everyday life—spending time with family, enjoying music, and writing down my thoughts. I often find joy in little things, like a cup of tea, a good movie, or an evening walk.
One of my key strengths is my adaptability. I am comfortable with change and view it as an opportunity to evolve. Whether it’s tackling new responsibilities or learning something out of my comfort zone, I am always willing to adapt and persevere. My ambition is to continually improve myself, both professionally and personally.
Looking ahead, I envision myself as someone who makes a positive impact on others, possibly by teaching or mentoring. I want to be a person who inspires others to dream big, work hard, and stay resilient in the face of adversity. In terms of my career, I aspire to establish myself in a field that not only challenges me intellectually but also allows me to help others grow and succeed.
In the future, I see myself leading a balanced life—where I pursue my professional goals but also find time for my personal passions, like music, travel, and connecting with people from different walks of life. Ultimately, I hope to look back with pride on the journey I’ve taken, having made meaningful contributions to the world while remaining true to who I am.
2. Title: The Haunting at Grey Manor
I stopped my scooter in front of an old and dilapidated building. A haggard, skinny old man with drooping shoulders came towards me. “Don’t go in, Sir,” he whispered. “It is dangerous…”
Curiosity gripped me, and despite his warning, I felt drawn to the building. “Why is it dangerous?” I asked, but the man only shook his head and muttered, “Some things are better left unknown.”
Ignoring his ominous words, I pushed open the creaking gate and made my way inside. The wind howled through the broken windows, and the once grand house now stood in eerie silence, its walls covered in dust and decay. As I stepped inside, I felt a chill in the air. The house was colder than it should have been, almost as if it had its own climate.
A long corridor stretched out before me, lined with old portraits. The faces in the paintings seemed to follow me with their eyes, their expressions frozen in time but unnervingly alive. Each step I took echoed in the stillness, heightening my unease.
I reached the end of the hallway, where a heavy wooden door stood slightly ajar. A flicker of movement caught my eye from within. With a pounding heart, I pushed the door open to reveal a room filled with antique furniture and a large mirror mounted on the wall. But there was something wrong with the reflection. The room in the mirror looked the same—except for one detail. In the reflection, a shadowy figure stood in the corner, watching me.
I spun around, but there was no one in the room with me. Trembling, I looked back at the mirror. The figure was still there, moving closer. My pulse raced as the temperature in the room plummeted. I tried to move, but my feet felt rooted to the floor.
Suddenly, the figure in the mirror stepped out. It was no longer just a reflection—it was real, and it was coming for me. Its hollow eyes locked onto mine as it whispered, “You shouldn’t have come here.”
Panic surged through me, and I bolted from the room, my footsteps pounding as I raced back down the corridor. The door slammed shut behind me with a deafening bang, as if the house itself was sealing my fate.
I made it outside, gasping for breath, the cold air of the night stinging my face. The old man was still there, watching me with sad eyes. “I told you,” he said quietly, “the house doesn’t let go of those who enter. It always calls them back.”
I never returned to that place, but every night since then, I hear the whispers in my dreams. The shadows of Grey Manor still follow me, waiting for the day I can no longer resist their call.
Project
1. Going digital means more transparency, saving of papers, accountability and ease of transaction. The Government has initiated the programme ‘Digital India’. Collect more information about this programme. You can interview people, collect photographs, anecdotes, data, etc. Prepare a report based on your findings.
2. Prepare a street play (nukkad natak) on how someone was duped by an unknown person when he/she was trying to withdraw money from the ATM. And how the bank manager helped him/her in getting back the money. What precautions did the bank manager suggest to avoid such incidents in future?
Enact the nukkad natak in your school assembly/ community hall/park, etc.
Answers:
1. Project Report on ‘Digital India’ Programme
Title: Digital India: Towards a Transparent and Digitally Empowered Nation
Introduction: The Digital India programme was launched by the Government of India on July 1, 2015, with the aim of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The initiative seeks to provide internet access to all citizens, enhance digital infrastructure, promote e-governance, and boost digital literacy. The project intends to ensure that government services are made available to citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and increasing internet connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Objectives of Digital India:
- Digital Infrastructure as a Core Utility: Every citizen should have access to high-speed internet as a core utility.
- Governance and Services on Demand: Digital platforms provide services in real time through online and mobile platforms.
- Digital Empowerment of Citizens: Digital literacy is to be promoted, ensuring that citizens can access digital resources and services.
Key Initiatives under Digital India:
- BharatNet: Providing broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats in India.
- DigiLocker: A secure cloud-based platform to store and access documents and certificates.
- UMANG App: A unified mobile application that provides access to over 1,200 government services across various departments.
- Aadhaar: The biometric identity system which is integrated with many services to enhance transparency and accountability.
- BHIM App: A digital payment app based on Unified Payment Interface (UPI), promoting cashless transactions.
- Common Service Centres (CSCs): Facilitate the delivery of e-services in rural areas and act as a link between the government and citizens.
Findings from Interviews:
- Government Officer’s View: The officer explained how the Digital India programme is helping reduce corruption by promoting transparency in governance. He highlighted the ease of access to government services, such as applying for birth certificates, land records, and pensions, online.
- Shop Owner’s Experience: A small grocery store owner shared how digital payments, like UPI and mobile wallets, have simplified transactions, reducing dependency on cash. However, he also expressed concerns about cybersecurity and online fraud.
- A Villager’s Perspective: A villager explained how CSCs have empowered them by providing digital services such as Aadhaar registration, bank account opening, and PAN card applications in remote areas.
Data and Statistics:
- More than 500 million internet users have been connected under the BharatNet project.
- DigiLocker has more than 10 million users who store their documents online.
- The number of digital transactions through BHIM and UPI crossed 2 billion per month by 2024.
Conclusion: The Digital India programme is transforming India by making services more accessible, transparent, and efficient. It has brought convenience, but there is still a need to focus on issues such as data privacy, digital literacy, and cybersecurity to ensure the programme’s success. Going digital not only promotes transparency and accountability but also contributes to the country’s sustainable development by reducing the use of paper and enhancing ease of transaction.
2. Street Play (Nukkad Natak) on ATM Fraud and Prevention
Title: Beware of ATM Frauds – Be Smart, Be Safe!
Characters:
- Ravi: The person who got duped at the ATM.
- Unknown Fraudster: The criminal who tricks Ravi.
- Bank Manager: A helpful manager who helps Ravi recover his money.
- Crowd/Passersby: They watch and react during the play.
Scene 1: Outside the ATM
(Ravi approaches the ATM with his ATM card in hand.)
Ravi: (To himself) “I need to withdraw some money. I’ll just use the ATM quickly.”
(As he begins his transaction, a stranger (the fraudster) approaches him, looking over his shoulder.)
Fraudster: “Excuse me, brother. Is the ATM not working properly? Sometimes it hangs. Can I help you?”
Ravi: (Unsuspecting) “It seems to be working fine. I’m just entering my PIN now.”
(The fraudster tries to look at the PIN as Ravi enters it.)
Fraudster: “Oh! Looks like there’s a network issue. Why don’t you try again? Meanwhile, let me check if I can help.”
(The fraudster subtly swaps Ravi’s card with a fake one.)
Ravi: “Wait, why did the screen just go blank? Oh no! My card isn’t working anymore.”
Fraudster: “Don’t worry, I think the machine has kept your card. Let’s leave. You can call the bank later.”
(The fraudster leaves with Ravi’s original card and quickly withdraws money using it at another ATM.)
Scene 2: At the Bank
(Ravi rushes to the bank, looking worried. He meets the bank manager.)
Ravi: “Sir, something terrible has happened. I tried to withdraw money at the ATM, but a stranger was there and now my card isn’t working. I just checked my balance, and money has been withdrawn from my account!”
Bank Manager: “Calm down, let me help you. First, let’s block your card immediately.”
(The manager calls the bank’s customer service and blocks Ravi’s card.)
Bank Manager: “Now, tell me everything that happened. Did the person ask for your PIN or take your card?”
Ravi: “Yes, he was near me while I was entering my PIN. I didn’t realize it at first, but he might have swapped my card.”
Bank Manager: “This is a common ATM fraud. These fraudsters pretend to help you and then steal your card and PIN. Let me file a complaint, and I will alert the cybercrime cell as well.”
Scene 3: Advice from the Bank Manager
Bank Manager: “Ravi, I’ll do my best to help you recover your money, but in the future, be very careful at ATMs. Here are some important precautions to avoid such incidents:”
- Do not share your PIN or let anyone stand close to you while you’re using the ATM.
- Always cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.
- Check for any suspicious devices around the ATM card slot or keypad.
- Never accept help from strangers at the ATM.
- If the ATM seems faulty, contact your bank immediately and do not leave your card with anyone.
Ravi: “Thank you so much, Sir. I’ll be more careful next time.”
Scene 4: Public Awareness
(Ravi and the bank manager address the crowd watching the play.)
Ravi: “Friends, I was careless, and it cost me. But you can protect yourself by following the precautions the manager just shared.”
Bank Manager: “Remember, it’s better to be cautious than to lose your hard-earned money. Let’s stay vigilant and prevent such frauds together.”
(The crowd applauds, and the play ends with a message on the importance of online safety and ATM precautions.)
This nukkad natak can be performed in school assemblies, community halls, or parks to raise awareness about ATM frauds and precautions to avoid them.
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