NCERT 8th Class (CBSE) Social Science: Marginalization And Social Justice

Question: Mention  provisions laid down in our Constitution for the upliftment of the Scheduled Castes.

Answer: Steps taken for their Upliftment: Our Constitution has some special provision to safeguard the Scheduled Castes against exploitation. Education, Economic and cultural interests. Some such steps are as follows:

1. Untouchability has been abolished and its practice in any form has been made a punishable offence under Article 17.
2. The Scheduled Castes cannot be denied entry to public places like temples, hostels, shops and restaurants. They cannot be discriminated against using public wells and water tanks.
3. No child can be denied admission to any school or institution maintained by the State on the basis of her/his caste.
4. Seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes in educational institutions and in government jobs.

Question: Mention directives laid down for women’s welfare under the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Answer: Under the Directive Principles of State Policy, many directives have been laid down for the welfare of women. Some of them are as follows:

1. Article 39(A): States that both men and women have the right to adequate means of livelihood.
2. Article 39(D): States that both men and women shall get equal pay for equal work.
3. Article 42: States that the State shall make provisions for just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.
4. Article 243D(3): Lays down that in every Panchayat not less than one-third of seats shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This should be filled by direct election.
5. Article 243D(4): Lays down that not less than one-third of the total number of offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at each level shall be reserved for women.

Question: What are the steps taken by the government for the upliftment of children?

Answer: The steps taken by the government for the upliftment of children:

1. Our Constitution prohibits employment of children. Under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2006 employment of children who are less than 14 years of age in prohibited.
2. The government has set up schools to provide free education. In these schools mid-day meals are also provided.
3. Health centres have been set up in rural areas to give free immunization to infants.
4. The rights of children have been recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child. The United Nations agencies like the UNICEF and the UNESCO work for the betterment of children all over the world. Our government has launched the Integrated Child Development Scheme for the ‘future citizens’ of our country.