What are the Constitutional provisions for establishing equality in Indian society? Do you think these are enough?
Right from the beginning of the social set-up, India has been a victim of inequality and discrimination. Society was divided into four main castes. All the opportunities were confined to the upper class. Some of the castes were considered so low that people even scared from their shadow. It created great disparity in society. With the spread of education a consciousness against this evil system was aroused. After getting independence the Constitution makers had strong arguments against this system. So, it was declared a crime in our Constitution. It was declared that the Constitution would provide equality and right against discrimination to the citizens of India. Reservation was provided for those discriminated people in every field of life.
But still it is a fact the system persists. Only Constitutional provisions are not enough. It is observed that even after reservation, these people lay behind. They prefer earning their livelihood than going to school. A compulsory educational system should be developed. A mass consciousness is needed otherwise, we can't hope more.
Some people may experience both kinds of discrimination. ' What do you mean by ‘both kinds of discrimination'? . [V. Imp.]
How can the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affects the life of a daughter? Imagine this situation and list at least Jive different effects that this stereotype can have on the way daughters get treated in the house.
State whether these sentences are true (T) or false (F).
(i) We have more than 1600 languages that are people's mothertongue.
(ii) We feel secure with people who are very different from us.
(iii) Dalits are referred to as Scheduled Tribe (ST).
(iv) Dr. .Bhim Rao Ambedkar belonged to the Mahar caste which was considered untouchable.
(v) Government jobs are open to the people who come from upper caste.
What does the Constitution say with regard to equality? Why do you think it is important for all people to be equal?
What are the Constitutional provisions for establishing equality in Indian society? Do you think these are enough?
Sometimes people make prejudiced comments in our presence. We are often not in a position to do anything about this because it is difficult to say something right then and there. Divide the class into groups and each group discuss what they could do in one of the following situations:
(a)A friend begins to tease a classmate because he is poor.
(b)You are watching TV with your family and one of them makes a prejudicial comment about a particular religious community.
(c)Children in your class refuse to share their food with a particular person because they think she is dirty.
(d)Someone tells you a joke that makes fun of a community because of their accent.
(e)Some boys make remarks about girls not being able to play games as well as them.
Discuss in class what the different groups have suggested for the above situations, and also talk about the problems that can come up when raising the issue.
Fill in the blanks with appropriate word to complete each sentence.
(i)……fought for the rights of the Dalits.
(ii) The upper castes did not give the so-called ……………….. the same rights as they enjoyed.
(iii) If you do something to put other people down, you are ………………. against them.
(iv) People usually form certain altitudes and opinions about others who Eire not them.
(v) ……… stop us from looking at each person as a unique individual with his/her own special qualities and skills that are different from others.