Untitled Document 2024 08 29T112254.776
Untitled Document 2024 08 29T112254.776
CBSE Civics. The chapter highlights how these groups, despite their limited power, have
engaged in a range of actions - from seeking religious solace and armed struggle to pursuing
self-improvement, education, and economic upliftment.
It shows that there is no single approach to combating marginalisation; rather, the methods used
reflect the unique circumstances of each group. For effective exam preparation students should
refer to the CBSE Notes for Class 8 Civics Chapter 8 which provide a detailed understanding of
how these groups confront their struggles and work towards achieving equality and justice.
It covers various approaches, including seeking religious solace, engaging in armed struggle,
pursuing self-improvement, and striving for economic upliftment. For a detailed understanding
and effective exam preparation students should refer to these expert-prepared notes.
Confronting Marginalisation
The Constitution provides several protections and guarantees to ensure equality and safeguard
the rights of marginalized communities.
To address the issues faced by these groups, the government formulates policies aimed at
enhancing their access to development and resources. These policies are designed to correct
historical injustices and provide opportunities for economic, social, and educational
advancement.
By translating constitutional rights into actionable laws and policies, the state aims to promote
inclusivity and reduce the disparities experienced by marginalized populations. This process
involves continuous efforts to ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of
society, thereby fostering a more equitable and just environment.
The Indian Constitution enshrines Fundamental Rights that are crucial for ensuring justice,
equality, and democracy. These rights are universally applicable to all Indian citizens, including
marginalized groups who often rely on them to combat injustice.
Marginalized communities have utilized these rights in two significant ways: first, by compelling
the government to recognize and address injustices through their persistent advocacy, and
second, by insisting on the enforcement of laws that align with the spirit of these Fundamental
Rights.
Marginalized groups, such as Dalits and other minorities, have actively invoked these rights to
challenge unfair treatment and to demand justice from individuals, communities, or government
institutions. They draw attention to the Constitution to seek redress and ensure that their rights
are upheld.
The Constitution guarantees cultural and educational rights, allowing distinct cultural and
religious groups to preserve and promote their heritage. By protecting these cultural rights, the
Constitution aims to ensure cultural justice and maintain the diversity and equality of all societal
groups.
One prominent example is the reservation policy, which aims to provide equitable access to
education and employment opportunities. This policy reserves seats in educational institutions
and government jobs for Dalits, Adivasis, and other backward classes. The underlying principle
is that, due to centuries of exclusion and deprivation, these communities require affirmative
action to level the playing field and achieve social and economic advancement.
The reservation policy operates by creating lists of Scheduled Castes (Dalits), Scheduled Tribes
(Adivasis), and other backward classes. Candidates applying for educational programs or
government positions must present proof of their caste or tribe status. If their caste or tribe is
listed, they are eligible for reservation benefits.
Through these measures, the government seeks to counteract long-standing disparities and
promote social inclusion and equality.
To safeguard the rights of Dalits and Adivasis, India has enacted specific laws to combat
discrimination and exploitation. One significant piece of legislation is the Scheduled Castes and
the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
This Act was established in response to widespread demands from Dalit and tribal groups for
protection against severe mistreatment and humiliation, particularly during the violent clashes of
the late 1970s and 1980s.
The Act categorizes various forms of violence and discrimination against Dalits and Adivasis,
setting out strict penalties for offenders. It addresses modes of humiliation, including forcing
individuals to consume harmful substances or stripping them of their clothing in a degrading
manner.
It also targets actions that dispossess marginalized communities of their resources or exploit
them through forced labor. The Act acknowledges the specific violence faced by Dalit and tribal
women, providing for harsher penalties for crimes committed against them.
For Adivasis, the 1989 Act plays a crucial role in protecting their traditional land rights. The Act
helps Adivasis defend their ancestral lands from illegal encroachment and supports the
restitution of land to those wrongfully displaced. It reinforces constitutional guarantees that
prohibit the sale or transfer of tribal land to non-tribals and mandates compensation and
alternative living arrangements for those unable to return to their original lands.
Through these measures, the Act aims to ensure justice and safeguard the dignity and rights of
Dalits and Adivasis, reflecting a broader commitment to equality and social justice.