Loading PDF...
Chapter Analysis
Intermediate10 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'Confronting Marginalisation' discusses how marginalized groups like Adivasis, Dalits, and others in India have fought against their exclusion and oppression by invoking constitutional rights. It explores the role of laws and government policies in addressing and rectifying historical injustices faced by these groups, highlighting cases like Rathnam's defiance of caste norms and the safeguarding of tribal lands. The text underscores the importance of continued struggle and the translation of rights into real-world equity through legal frameworks.
Key Topics
- •Fundamental Rights and their role in confronting marginalisation
- •The significance of the Constitution for marginalized groups
- •Legal frameworks like the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act
- •Social justice initiatives like reservation and special schemes
- •Cultural rights and the protection of community identities
- •Historical and contemporary struggles against discrimination
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the concept and impact of marginalisation in society.
- ✓Explain how constitutional rights protect marginalized groups.
- ✓Identify key legal measures that address discrimination.
- ✓Analyze the role of education and social policies in empowerment.
- ✓Critically assess historical and contemporary examples of resistance to marginalisation.
Questions in Chapter
List two Fundamental Rights in the Constitution that Dalits can draw upon to insist that they be treated with dignity and as equals.
Page 78
Re-read the story on Rathnam as well as the provisions of the 1989 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Now list one reason why you think he used this law to file a complaint.
Page 80
Why do Adivasi activists, including C.K. Janu, believe that Adivasis can also use this 1989 Act to fight against dispossession? Is there anything specific in the provisions of the Act that allows her to believe this?
Page 81
What do you understand by manual scavenging?
Page 82
Additional Practice Questions
Explain how the Indian Constitution aids in addressing the marginalisation of certain groups.
mediumAnswer: The Indian Constitution provides Fundamental Rights that ensure equality and protection from discrimination. Articles such as Article 15 and Article 17 explicitly prohibit discrimination and untouchability, respectively. These provisions empower marginalized groups to seek redressal and enforcement of their rights through legal means.
Discuss the impact of the 1989 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act on marginalized communities.
mediumAnswer: The 1989 Act was instrumental in recognizing and penalizing acts of violence and discrimination against Dalits and Adivasis. It provided a legal framework against untouchability and other caste-based atrocities, empowering affected individuals to seek justice and prompting governmental accountability.
Describe the significance of education in combating marginalisation as illustrated by Rathnam's story.
mediumAnswer: Education is portrayed as a transformative tool that enables marginalized individuals, like Rathnam, to challenge oppressive traditions and practices. It empowers them with the knowledge and confidence to assert their rights and resist discrimination, thus facilitating social change.
Evaluate the effectiveness of reservation policies in India for promoting social justice.
mediumAnswer: Reservation policies in India aim to correct historical injustices by reserving a percentage of seats in education and government jobs for marginalized communities. While they have improved access and representation, challenges such as stigma and implementation inconsistencies continue to affect their overall impact.
Identify the constitutional articles relevant to the anti-discrimination measures highlighted in the chapter.
easyAnswer: Articles relevant to anti-discrimination include Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and Article 17, which abolishes untouchability. These articles are integral to the legal protection against marginalisation.