Keywords To Remember
- Marginalisation
Definition: The social process of pushing individuals or groups to the outer edges of society, making them feel inferior or excluded from mainstream social, economic, and political life.
- Protective Discrimination
Definition: Special provisions and measures taken by the government to uplift socially and economically backward groups, ensuring them equality in opportunities and access.
- Untouchability
Definition: A social evil and discriminatory practice from the caste system where certain castes, especially Dalits, are isolated and denied access to common resources and rights.
- Beggar
Definition: Forced labour or work done without any payment, often imposed on the weaker sections of society.
- Directive Principles of State Policy
Definition: Guidelines in the Indian Constitution that aim to establish social and economic democracy, though not legally enforceable, they direct state policy-making.
- Fundamental Rights
Definition: Basic human rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution to all citizens irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or gender, ensuring equality, freedom, and justice.
- Reservation
Definition: A policy of allocating a certain percentage of seats in education, jobs, and legislatures to SCs, STs, OBCs, and other weaker sections to ensure their participation and upliftment.
- Manual Scavenging
Definition: The practice of manually cleaning, carrying, or disposing of human excreta from dry latrines, often assigned to Dalit communities and posing serious health risks.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Definition: Legal action initiated in a court of law for the protection of public interest, especially by individuals or groups who are not directly involved.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Definition: A national campaign launched in 2014 to clean streets, roads, and infrastructure of India, eliminate open defecation, and end manual scavenging.
- Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)
Definition: A government initiative to provide alternative employment and skill training to rehabilitate manual scavengers.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs)
Definition: Communities that were historically oppressed and considered “untouchables,” now recognized by the Constitution for affirmative action.
- Scheduled Tribes (STs)
Definition: Indigenous tribal communities identified by the Constitution for special protection and development measures due to their social and economic backwardness.
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
Definition: Socially and educationally backward classes of citizens identified by the government to receive benefits under reservation policies.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Definition: A housing scheme to provide affordable homes to the urban and rural poor, with special focus on SCs/STs and women.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Definition: A financial inclusion scheme to provide banking facilities to every household, especially targeting the economically weaker sections.
- Stand-Up India Scheme
Definition: A scheme that supports entrepreneurship among SCs, STs, and women by offering loans to start new businesses.
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Definition: A savings scheme for the girl child to support her education and marriage expenses, offering high interest rates.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Definition: A government insurance scheme providing accidental death and disability coverage at a minimal premium.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)
Definition: An income declaration scheme to utilize undeclared wealth for the welfare of the poor.
- Atrocities Act (SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989)
Definition: A special law to prevent and punish acts of violence, discrimination, or atrocities against SCs and STs.
- Cultural and Educational Rights
Definition: Fundamental Rights that allow minorities to preserve their distinct culture and language, and establish educational institutions.
- Right to Equality (Article 14–18)
Definition: A constitutional right that ensures equal treatment before the law and equal protection of the laws.
- Right against Exploitation (Article 23–24)
Definition: A fundamental right prohibiting human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour under hazardous conditions.
- Social Justice
Definition: A concept aimed at fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities in society, particularly for disadvantaged groups.
Something to Know
Tick (✔️) the correct option.
- Manual Scavenging has been declared illegal as its violates—
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Right to Freedom of Movement
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Right to Freedom of Speech
Answer – (c) Right against Exploitation
- When was ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ launched?
(a) November 26, 2014
(b) August 15, 2014
(c) November 14, 2014
(d) October 2, 2014
Answer – (d) October 2, 2014
- Which out of the following is true about the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(a) They are not enforceable by law.
(b) They can be enforced by the Supreme Court.
(c) High Court is the protector of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
(d) The President has the power to enforce the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Answer – (a) They are not enforceable by law.
- Which one of the following Fundamental Rights has special provisions for the minorities?
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Cultural and Educational Rights
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Right to Freedom
Answer – (b) Cultural and Educational Rights
- Identify the scheme under which a person can open a bank account without depositing any money.
(a) PMAY
(b) PMJDY
(c) SSY
(d) PMSBY
Answer – (b) PMJDY
B. Fill in the blanks.
- __________ is an inhuman product of the caste system.
Answer – Manual scavenging
- __________is a welfare housing scheme launched by the Central Government.
Answer – Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
- The important challenges we face today are the __________of our growth processes and the __________ that remain in our social institutions.
Answer – inequality, discrimination
- __________ is an initiative to provide insurance benefits to rural population.
Answer – Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
- Manual scavenging violates the Fundamental Right __________ __________ __________ __________.
Answer – against Exploitation under Article 23
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- The State cannot make special provisions for the backward classes.
Answer – False
- The practice of untouchability has been abolished under the Right to Equality.
Answer – True
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana provides financial empowerment to the girl child.
Answer – True
- Minorities in India are not protected by the Constitution.
Answer – False
- The Directive Principles of State Policy promote welfare of the people.
Answer – True
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What is meant by marginalisation? Who are the marginalised groups in India?
Answer – Marginalisation refers to the social process through which certain groups are pushed to the edge of society and denied access to resources, rights, and opportunities. In India, marginalised groups include Scheduled Castes (Dalits), Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
- Explain the meaning of Protective Discrimination? How does it ensure socio-economic justice to the deprived section of society?
Answer – Protective Discrimination means providing special privileges and safeguards to historically disadvantaged groups to ensure equality. It ensures socio-economic justice by offering reservations in education, employment, and political representation to uplift deprived communities and bridge social gaps.
- Explain the main provisions of the Cultural and Educational Rights.
Answer – Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30) protect the rights of minorities to preserve their culture, language, and script. They also grant them the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions without discrimination.
- Which three Constitutional Provisions of the Indian Constitution safeguard the marginalised in India?
Answer – Article 15(4) – Allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes.
Article 17 – Abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice.
Article 46 – Directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections.
- How do Directive Principles of State Policy promote the welfare of all sections of society? Give any three examples.
Answer – Directive Principles guide the government in framing policies to ensure social and economic justice.
Examples:
Promoting equal pay for equal work (Article 39).
Providing free and compulsory education to children (Article 45).
Ensuring the right to work, education, and public assistance (Article 41).
E. Answer the following questions.
- Describe any five welfare schemes launched by Government of India for the upliftment of the needy and the downtrodden.
Answer – Five major welfare schemes launched by the Government of India include:
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Enables poor people to open zero-balance bank accounts for financial inclusion.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Provides affordable housing for the economically weaker sections and low-income groups.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): A savings scheme for the girl child that promotes financial security for her future education and marriage.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Provides free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Ensures 100 days of wage employment in rural areas.
- What does the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aim at? How far has it been successful so far? List any five tasks related to cleanliness which the students must undertake.
Answer – Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims at achieving a clean and open defecation-free India by promoting sanitation and hygiene practices. It has been significantly successful in increasing toilet construction, reducing open defecation, and spreading awareness.
Five tasks students must undertake:
Keep classrooms and school premises clean.
Avoid littering and use dustbins.
Organize cleanliness drives in nearby areas.
Spread awareness about hygiene and sanitation.
Encourage others to use toilets and maintain personal cleanliness.
- Highlight any five special measures taken by the Government of India for the upliftment of Backward Classes.
Answer – Reservation in Education and Jobs: Reserved seats in educational institutions and government jobs for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Scholarship Schemes: Financial support for students from backward communities to pursue higher education.
National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC): A constitutional body to safeguard their rights.
Skill Development Programmes: Vocational training and employment opportunities for backward class youth.
Special Hostels and Schools: Establishment of hostels, Ashram schools, and coaching centers for their academic support.
- Explain the main provisions of Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989 for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. List any six offences which are punishable under this Act.
Answer – The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 was enacted to prevent atrocities and discrimination against SCs and STs and to provide justice and compensation.
Main Provisions:
Fast-track courts for speedy trials.
Special public prosecutors and exclusive investigation teams.
Compensation, rehabilitation, and protection for victims.
Six Punishable Offences under this Act:
Forcing a member of SC/ST to eat or drink an offensive substance.
Parading naked or with painted face/body.
Wrongfully occupying land owned by SC/STs.
Denial of access to public places or services.
Assault or sexual harassment of SC/ST women.
Social boycott or threats against SC/ST individuals.
- How can we ensure that the marginalised and weaker sections of society get equal benefits from the Government programmes? Suggest any five measures.
Answer – Spreading Awareness: Informing people about their rights and available schemes through campaigns and media.
Simplifying Procedures: Reducing paperwork and ensuring easy access to application processes.
Ensuring Transparency: Using technology and monitoring mechanisms to prevent corruption and misuse.
Community Participation: Involving local leaders and community-based organizations in implementation.
Strengthening Legal Aid: Providing free legal help to ensure justice and proper redressal of grievances.
Value Based Question
The lady shown in the picture has to remove human excreta from 20 homes every day. The government declaration of 100% Individual Household latrine Coverage in the State differs from the ground reality. The fact remains that employing scavengers and constructing dry latrines continue in many parts of India inspite of the fact that this offence invites imprisonment up to one year and a fine of Rupees 2000.
Study carefully the picture and the given paragraph on the previous page and answer the following questions:
- What stringent measures can be taken to implement the law?
Answer – To strictly implement the law against manual scavenging, the following stringent measures can be taken:
- Strict Enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 by penalizing employers and contractors.
- Regular Monitoring and Inspections of areas suspected of employing manual scavengers, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions.
- Public Awareness Campaigns to educate people about the illegality and inhumanity of manual scavenging.
- Rehabilitation and Employment Opportunities for affected individuals through training and alternative job schemes.
- Fast-track Judicial Action to ensure swift punishment for violators and justice for the victims.
- In your opinion, should the manual scavengers be allowed to continue to earn their livelihood or banned? Justify your answer with three suitable arguments.
Answer – Manual scavenging should be banned, and individuals involved should be rehabilitated with dignity and provided alternative livelihoods.
Justifications:
- Violation of Human Dignity: Manual scavenging is inhuman, degrading, and violates the fundamental Right to Equality and Right against Exploitation.
- Health Hazards: It exposes individuals to life-threatening diseases and unsafe working conditions.
- Technological Alternatives Exist: With modern sewage and sanitation technologies, the need for manual scavenging is obsolete, and dignified employment alternatives are feasible.
(Map Skill)
Following is the list of Indian cities that have fared well on cleanliness parameters under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Show these cities on an outline political map of India.
Rank Top 5 Cities/States
- Indore (MP)
- Bhopal (MP)
III. Vishakhapatnam (AP)
- Surat (Gujarat)
- Mysuru (Karnataka)
Answer – To complete this map activity, follow these instructions:
On an outline political map of India, mark and label the following top 5 cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission rankings:
- Indore – In Madhya Pradesh (MP), centrally located.
- Bhopal – Also in Madhya Pradesh, slightly northeast of Indore.
- Visakhapatnam – In Andhra Pradesh (AP), located on the eastern coast by the Bay of Bengal.
- Surat – In Gujarat, western India, close to the Arabian Sea.
- Mysuru – In Karnataka, southern part of the state, southwest of Bengaluru.
Something To Do
- Prepare a brochure on the inhuman practice of scavenging by highlighting the prevalence of the practice, the health problems that it poses and what can be done to eradicate it. Your brochure should refer to Swachh Bharat Sarvekshan done recently to survey the success of the cleanliness mission.
Answer – Title: Say No to Scavenging: Dignity for All
Introduction:
Manual scavenging is an inhuman and degrading practice rooted in the caste system. It involves manually cleaning human excreta from dry latrines and open drains, mostly done by individuals from the most marginalised sections of society.
Prevalence:
Despite being banned under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, this practice still exists in various states due to lack of proper sanitation infrastructure and social discrimination.
Health Hazards:
- Exposure to toxic gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide.
- Skin and respiratory diseases.
- Risk of infections and even early death due to unsafe working conditions.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):
The government launched SBM in 2014 to eradicate open defecation and promote cleanliness. According to Swachh Survekshan, while many cities have achieved remarkable progress, the existence of manual scavenging shows that cleanliness must include dignity and safety for all sanitation workers.
What Can Be Done?
- Strict enforcement of anti-scavenging laws.
- Mechanisation of sewage and waste management.
- Rehabilitation and skill training of manual scavengers.
- Public awareness campaigns to end caste-based practices.
- Out Of 434 cities surveyed recently on their performance on five components of Swachh Bharat Mission—waste collection, solid waste management, construction of toilets, sanitation strategies and behaviour change communication, few cities of India performed the worst like-Katihar in (Bihar), Hardoi (UP), Bagaha (Bihar), Bhusawal (Maharashtra) and Gonda (UP). Why did the above mentioned cities not fare well on cleanliness parameters? What could be the reasons behind that?
Answer – Cities Mentioned: Katihar (Bihar), Hardoi (UP), Bagaha (Bihar), Bhusawal (Maharashtra), Gonda (UP)
Reasons for Poor Performance:
Lack of Proper Waste Collection Systems – Inefficient door-to-door garbage collection and improper disposal.
Inadequate Sanitation Infrastructure – Poor access to public and household toilets.
Lack of Awareness and Civic Responsibility – Public not actively participating in maintaining cleanliness.
Administrative Negligence – Weak planning, execution, and monitoring of Swachh Bharat components.
Financial Constraints – Limited funding for sanitation projects and delays in fund utilization.
3.-Suggest three steps that can make Swachh Bharat Mission successful.
Answer – Strict Implementation and Monitoring – Regular auditing and timely assessment through tools like Swachh Survekshan.
Community Involvement and Education – Awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives in schools, and rewarding clean localities.
Technological and Infrastructure Upgrade – Mechanised cleaning, modern waste processing plants, and universal toilet access.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
More Fill in the Blanks
- The practice of __________________ is banned under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.
Answer: manual scavenging
- The Constitution of India provides __________________ and __________________ Rights to preserve the culture of minorities.
Answer: Cultural, Educational
- The __________________ Commission works towards the welfare of Scheduled Castes.
Answer: National
- The Constitution guarantees __________________ to ensure equality and eliminate discrimination.
Answer: Fundamental Rights
- __________________ Bharat Abhiyan was launched to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management.
Answer: Swachh
More Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who among the following are considered as marginalised in India?
(a) Rich industrialists
(b) Urban professionals
(c) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(d) NRIs
Answer: (c) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- The PMAY scheme is related to:
(a) Employment
(b) Housing for all
(c) Free medical aid
(d) Electricity in rural areas
Answer: (b) Housing for all
- The Constitution abolished untouchability under:
(a) Article 12
(b) Article 15
(c) Article 17
(d) Article 21
Answer: (c) Article 17
- Which of these is a Directive Principle of State Policy?
(a) Right to Education
(b) Equal pay for equal work
(c) Right to freedom of speech
(d) Right to life
Answer: (b) Equal pay for equal work
More True/False
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched by the government in 2019.
Answer: False
- Manual scavenging is still legally practiced in some states of India.
Answer: False
- PMJDY enables the poor to open zero-balance bank accounts.
Answer: True
- The Constitution gives special rights to minorities to preserve their language and culture.
Answer: True
- Cultural and Educational Rights are part of Directive Principles.
Answer: False
More Competency-Based Questions
- Case Study: Rani is a girl from a Dalit family in a rural village who cannot attend the nearby school due to discrimination. Which fundamental rights are being violated in her case, and what measures can the government take to rectify this?
Answer: Right to Equality and Right to Education are being violated. The government can enforce anti-discrimination laws, ensure inclusive education, and provide scholarship schemes.
- Scenario: A sanitation worker in a city dies due to exposure to toxic gases while cleaning sewers manually. Discuss the failure of the implementation of protective laws and suggest legal actions.
Answer: It reflects the failure of implementing the Prohibition of Manual Scavenging Act and shows negligence of safety standards. The employer should be penalised, and compensation should be provided.
More Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions
- Why is it essential to replace manual scavenging with modern sanitation systems in India?
Answer: Because manual scavenging is inhuman, violates basic human rights, poses serious health risks, and reinforces caste-based discrimination.
- How do welfare schemes contribute to reducing social inequality in India? Explain with examples.
Answer: Welfare schemes like PMAY, PMJDY, and SSY provide housing, financial inclusion, and education to deprived sections, empowering them and reducing social disparities.
More Short Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of PMJDY?
Answer: To provide universal access to banking facilities with zero-balance accounts and financial inclusion for the poor.
- Name any two schemes that support girl child development.
Answer: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
- What is Article 17 of the Constitution?
Answer: It abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form.
- What is meant by social discrimination?
Answer: It refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on caste, religion, gender, or economic status.
More Long Questions and Answers
- Explain the significance of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and list its major achievements.
Answer: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aimed to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation. Achievements include construction of over 10 crore toilets, better waste management systems, and improved public awareness. It transformed public hygiene habits and led to healthier rural and urban environments.
- Discuss the constitutional safeguards available to protect the rights of marginalised communities.
Answer: Safeguards include:
Article 15 and 17: Prohibit discrimination and abolish untouchability.
Article 46: Promotes educational and economic interests of SCs, STs and weaker sections.
Reservation Policies: In education and government jobs.
National Commissions: For SCs, STs, and Minorities.
These ensure legal protection and promote equality.
Additional Questions and Answer – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The Right to Equality prohibits discrimination based on caste, colour, creed, sex, religion, or language.
- Protective Discrimination allows the State to make special provisions for backward classes.
- The practice of untouchability is abolished under the Indian Constitution.
- The Right against Exploitation bans forced labour and child employment in hazardous jobs.
- The Directive Principles of State Policy aim to promote the welfare of the people and reduce inequalities.
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was enacted in 1989.
- Manual scavenging involves removing human waste from dry latrines, often by Dalit women.
- The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched to eradicate open defecation and improve sanitation.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana provides affordable housing for economically weaker sections.
- The Stand-Up India Scheme promotes entrepreneurship among SCs, STs, and women.
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana focuses on the financial empowerment of the girl child.
- The Fundamental Duties encourage citizens to promote harmony and preserve cultural heritage.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana enables people to open bank accounts without a minimum deposit.
- The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act was passed in 1993.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to make India clean by October 2, 2019, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- Which constitutional provision abolishes untouchability?
(a) Right to Freedom
(b) Right to Equality
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Cultural and Educational Rights
Answer: (b) Right to Equality - What is the primary objective of the Swachh Bharat Mission?
(a) Promote education
(b) Eradicate open defecation
(c) Provide employment
(d) Improve agriculture
Answer: (b) Eradicate open defecation - Which scheme promotes entrepreneurship among SCs, STs, and women?
(a) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
(b) Stand-Up India Scheme
(c) Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
(d) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
Answer: (b) Stand-Up India Scheme - Which act prohibits the employment of manual scavengers?
(a) Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989
(b) Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993
(c) Forest Rights Act, 2006
(d) Right to Education Act, 2009
Answer: (b) Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 - What does Protective Discrimination aim to achieve?
(a) Economic growth
(b) Social and economic upliftment of backward classes
(c) Political stability
(d) Cultural preservation
Answer: (b) Social and economic upliftment of backward classes - Which Fundamental Right protects the cultural identity of minorities?
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Right to Freedom of Religion
(c) Right against Exploitation
(d) Right to Constitutional Remedies
Answer: (b) Right to Freedom of Religion - Which scheme provides affordable housing for weaker sections?
(a) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
(b) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
(c) Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
(d) Stand-Up India Scheme
Answer: (b) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - What is the main goal of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
(a) Enforce legal rights
(b) Promote welfare and reduce inequalities
(c) Protect national security
(d) Regulate trade
Answer: (b) Promote welfare and reduce inequalities - Which group is primarily affected by manual scavenging?
(a) OBCs
(b) Dalit women
(c) Anglo-Indians
(d) Tribal communities
Answer: (b) Dalit women
- Which Fundamental Duty promotes harmony among citizens?
(a) To protect the environment
(b) To promote common brotherhood
(c) To develop scientific temper
(d) To safeguard public property
Answer: (b) To promote common brotherhood
True/False Questions and Answers
- The Right to Equality ensures no discrimination based on caste or religion.
True - Manual scavenging has been completely eradicated in India due to the Swachh Bharat Mission.
False (It still persists in some areas despite efforts.) - The Directive Principles of State Policy are legally enforceable.
False (They are guidelines, not enforceable by law.) - The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provides for special courts.
True - Protective Discrimination excludes the creamy layer of OBCs from reservation benefits.
True - The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana requires a minimum deposit to open a bank account.
False (No minimum deposit is required.) - The Fundamental Duties include preserving the composite culture of India.
True - The Stand-Up India Scheme is only for women entrepreneurs.
False (It includes SCs, STs, and women.) - The Swachh Bharat Mission aims to convert insanitary toilets to flush toilets.
True
- Untouchability is a form of social isolation practiced against Dalits.
True
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
- Scenario: A Dalit woman in a rural area is forced to perform manual scavenging. How can the government intervene to support her?
Answer:- Enforce the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013, and penalize employers.
- Rehabilitate her through the Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers with skill training and financial aid.
- Provide access to modern sanitation facilities under the Swachh Bharat Mission to eliminate the need for scavenging.
- Case Study: A Scheduled Tribe community faces discrimination in accessing government jobs. Propose a strategy to ensure their inclusion.
Answer: Implement targeted reservation policies for STs in public employment, conduct outreach programs to inform them of job opportunities, and offer free coaching for competitive exams to enhance their employability. - Scenario: A minority community lacks access to quality education due to poverty. Design an initiative to address this issue.
Answer: Launch a “Minority Education Empowerment Program” providing scholarships, free textbooks, and community-based tutoring centers, with special focus on girls and rural areas, funded by the government and NGOs. - Case Study: A village with high open defecation rates reports child health issues. Suggest a community-driven solution.
Answer: Organize a “Swachh Gram Campaign” where villagers build toilets with government subsidies, attend hygiene workshops, and form a local committee to monitor sanitation practices, supported by the Swachh Bharat Mission. - Scenario: An SC family is wrongfully dispossessed of their land. How can they seek justice under the law?
Answer: They can file a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in a special court, seeking restoration of their land and compensation for losses, with legal aid provided by the government.
Short Questions and Answers
- What is Protective Discrimination?
Special provisions by the State to uplift socially and economically backward classes. - Name one offence under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Forcing an SC/ST member to eat inedible substances. - What is the goal of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana?
To provide bank accounts to people without minimum deposit requirements. - What does the Right against Exploitation prohibit?
Forced labour and child employment in hazardous jobs. - What is the purpose of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
Financial empowerment of the girl child through savings accounts. - Why was the Swachh Bharat Mission launched?
To eradicate open defecation and improve sanitation. - What is manual scavenging?
Removing human waste from dry latrines, often by Dalits. - What is the role of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
Guide the State in promoting welfare and reducing inequalities. - Name one Fundamental Duty related to minorities.
Promote harmony and common brotherhood. - What is the Stand-Up India Scheme?
A scheme to promote entrepreneurship among SCs, STs, and women.
Long Questions and Answers
- Discuss the constitutional provisions that safeguard the rights of marginalised communities in India and their impact on social justice.
Answer: The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights like the Right to Equality (abolishing untouchability, ensuring non-discrimination), Right against Exploitation (banning forced labour), and special provisions for minorities (protecting cultural identity). The Directive Principles guide the State to reduce inequalities and promote welfare. These provisions have increased access to education, jobs, and political representation for SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities, fostering social justice. However, persistent discrimination and uneven implementation require stronger enforcement and awareness. - Evaluate the role of government schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in uplifting marginalised communities.
Answer: The Swachh Bharat Mission has improved sanitation, reducing health risks for marginalised groups, particularly Dalits involved in manual scavenging. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana provides affordable housing, prioritizing SCs, STs, and women, enhancing their socio-economic status. While these schemes have made progress, challenges like incomplete coverage and lack of awareness limit their impact. Sustained funding and community participation are crucial for success. - Analyze the challenges faced by manual scavengers in India and the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures.
Answer: Manual scavengers, mostly Dalit women, face health hazards, social stigma, and economic exploitation. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013, and the Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation aim to eradicate the practice and provide alternative livelihoods. However, incomplete enforcement, lack of skill training, and societal attitudes hinder progress. Comprehensive rehabilitation, including education and job opportunities, is essential to ensure dignity and economic stability. - Explain the significance of reservation policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs, and discuss the debates surrounding their implementation.
Answer: Reservation policies provide quotas in education, jobs, and legislatures to address historical disadvantages faced by SCs, STs, and OBCs, promoting social and economic equality. They have empowered marginalised groups, increasing representation. However, debates arise over creamy layer inclusion, reduced seats for the majority, and perpetuation of caste identities. A balanced approach with periodic reviews and economic criteria could address these concerns while maintaining equity. - Propose a comprehensive plan to eliminate discrimination against marginalised communities in India, focusing on education and employment.
Answer: A plan could include:- Expanding reservations and scholarships for SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities in education.
- Launching skill development programs tailored to rural and marginalised youth.
- Enforcing anti-discrimination laws in workplaces with regular audits.
- Promoting inclusive curricula that highlight contributions of marginalised groups.
- Creating awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes toward caste and minority discrimination.
This requires coordination between government, private sector, and civil society to ensure long-term impact.