Constitutional Provisions for Marginalised Groups

Constitutional Provisions for Empowerment of Marginalised Groups

• The Indian Constitution addresses the historical divisions and discrimination in society by incorporating provisions to ensure equal protection and rights to all sections, with special emphasis on weaker sections.
• The Constitution provides for "equality before the law" and "equal protection of the laws" to ensure citizens' rights.
• It prohibits discrimination against citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• The State has the authority to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes of citizens.
• The Constitution also guarantees citizens' right to "equality of opportunity" in employment and appointment to offices under the State.
• The State can make provisions for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of backward classes of citizens who are not adequately represented in the services under the State.

Categories of Constitutional Safeguards

• Social safeguards
• Economic safeguards
• Political safeguards
• Service safeguards
• Educational and cultural safeguards

Preamble of the Constitution

• Emphasizes equality, liberty, and justice for all sections of society without discrimination.

National Commissions

• National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: ensures prohibition of discrimination and injustice to marginalized sections.
• National Commission for Women, National Commission for Human Rights, Minority Commission: special measures and safeguards for the protection of weaker and vulnerable sections of society.

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution)

• Article 38(2): State's obligation to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities amongst individuals and groups.
• Article 46: State's responsibility to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.

Fundamental Duties (Part IVA of the Constitution)

• Citizens' duty to promote harmony and common brotherhood amongst all people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional diversities.
• Citizens' duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of India's composite culture.

Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution)

• Article 14: People's right to "equality before the law" and "equal protection of the laws".
• Article 15(1) & (2): Prohibition of discrimination against citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 15(4): Authority of State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes.

This quiz covers the constitutional provisions in India that aim to empower marginalised groups, addressing historical divisions and discrimination.