SPL (VIII)-LESSON -8 CONFRONTING MARGINALISATION (LESSON NOTES)

 

SPL (VIII)-LESSON -8

CONFRONTING MARGINALISATION

(LESSON NOTES)

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v INTRODUCTION

Ø As we have seen some communities in the society are marginalised. They are lack behind in social, economic and political development. So, the constitution of our country provides the safeguard.

Ø But constitutional provisions are not enough. So, the government also take many steps and policies and programmes for the equality.

Ø This lesson focus on these policies and programmes.

v  CONFRONTING MARGINALISATION

Ø Confronting refers to the way in which groups and individuals challenge the existing inequalities.

 

Ø They have attempted to overcome their situation by adopting a range of strategies as Religious solace, armed struggle, self-improvement and education, economic uplift etc.

Ø After freedom they confronted these inequalities by the constitutional provision, rights and acts.

v DALITS

Ø The term Dalit, which means ‘broken’ is used deliberately and

actively by groups to highlight the centuries of discrimination they have experienced within the caste system. They are also referred as marginalised communities.

v FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE

Ø The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights which are available to all Indians equally, including the marginalised group. But as the marginalised groups fail to enjoy equal rights, they insist the government to enforce laws. Some of the fundamental rights which promote equality and justice are these:-

§  Article 14 provides right to equality before law.

§  Article 15 prohibits the state from discrimination against any citizens on grounds of Religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

§  Article 17 abolishes “untouchability” and makes its practice in any form a punishable offence. This means that no one can henceforth prevent Dalits from educating themselves, entering temples, using public facilities, etc

§  Article 29 to 30 deal with cultural and educational rights of the citizens specially for minority. They have the right preserve their culture.

v LAWS AND POLICIES FOR THE MARGINALISED GROUPS

Ø There are specific laws and policies for the marginalised groups in our country.

§  The government sets up a committee or undertakes a survey and then makes an effort to promote such policies in order to give opportunities to specific groups.

§  The government tries to promote social justice by providing for free or subsidized hostels for students of Dalit and Adivasi communities.

§  The Government’s reservation policy is a very significant effort to end inequity in the system.

v HOW THE RESERVATION POLICY WORK

Ø Reservation Policy in India is a process of reserving certain percentage of seats (maximum 50%) for a certain class such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward classes, etc. in Government educational institutions, government jobs, etc.

§  Governments across the country have their own list of SCs or Dalits, STs, and backward and most backward castes. The central government too has its list.

§  Students applying to educational institutions and those applying for posts in government are expected to furnish proof of their caste or tribe status in the form of caste and tribe certificates.

§  If a particular Dalit caste or a certain tribe is on the government list, then a candidate from that caste or tribe can avail of the benefit of reservation.

§  Governments define a set of ‘cut-off’ marks for admission or jobs. This means that not all Dalits and tribal candidates can qualify for admission or jobs but only those who have done reasonably well and secured marks above the cut-off point.

§  Besides policies, there are also specific laws to protect the rights of marginalised communities.

v THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT-1989 

Ø NEED OF ACT

§  It came into being in 1989 to protect Dalits and Adivasis from the domination of the powerful communities.

§  This Act was framed to save from the ill treatment and humiliation of Dalits and triable groups.

 

§  To indicate to the government that untouchability was still being practiced and in the most hideous manner.

§  Dalit groups demanded new laws that would list the various sorts of violence against Dalits and prescribe stringent punishment for those who indulge in them.

Ø PROVISION OF THE ACT

§  The Act distinguishes several levels of crimes. Firstly, it lists modes of humiliation that are both physically horric and morally reprehensible.

§  This Act seeks to penalise anyone who assaults or uses force on any women belonging to a SC or a ST with intent to dishonour her.

§  This act defends their right to occupy land that was traditionally their.

§  The land belonging to tribal people cannot be sold to or bought by non-tribal people.

§  C K Janu an Adivasi activist has also pointed out that, in case where tribals have already been evicted and cannot go back to their lands, they must be compensated.

v MANUAL SCAVENGING:

Ø It refers to the manual practice of removing human and animal waste or excreta with the help of brooms, tin plates and baskets from dry latrines and carrying it on the head to disposal grounds.

Ø They worked in subhuman conditions and face serious health hazards that affect their eyes, skin, respiratory and gastro-intestinal systems.

 

Ø They get very low wages for the work they perform. Those working in urban municipalities earn Rs 30-40 per day and those working privately are paid much less.

Ø In 1993, the government passed the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act. It prohibits the employment of manual scavengers as well as the construction of dry latrines.

Ø Even the manual scavenging still existed and it continued in government undertakings like the railways.

v IMPORTANT TERMS

Ø Policy: A well-planned course of action that provides direction for the future, sets goals to be achieved or lays out guidelines to be followed and acted upon.

Ø Ostracise: To socially boycott an individual and his family.

Ø Dispasses: To give up ownership or authority.

Ø Morally reprehensible: An act that violates all norms of decency and dignity that society believes in.

Ø Assertive: An individual or a group that expresses themselves and their views strongly.