Test: Untouchability - Class 8 MCQ

Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring that all citizens have equal rights and access to public resources and opportunities.

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution explicitly abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form, ensuring equality and justice for all citizens.

The 2013 Bill includes provisions for immediate trials for offenses related to employing manual scavengers, indicating a stricter approach to enforcement against this practice.

Scheduled Castes are often identified as untouchables, which constitutes around 16% of India's population. This term reflects the historical and ongoing social injustices faced by these groups, despite legal protections granted to them.

The Maila Mukti Yatra aimed to eradicate manual scavenging by raising awareness and mobilizing support against this practice. Over 65 days, it covered 200 districts, helping free thousands of women from manual scavenging.

The primary goal of these committees was to rehabilitate manual scavengers, providing them with alternative employment opportunities and addressing the social stigma associated with their work.

The 2011 Census indicated that 73% of dry latrines in India are situated in rural areas. This statistic highlights the ongoing prevalence of manual scavenging, especially in less urbanized regions.

Under the 1993 Act, the punishment for employing manual scavengers or constructing dry latrines can include up to one year of imprisonment and/or a fine of ₹2,000. This law was established to combat the practice of manual scavenging.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, is recognized for his leadership in the Dalit Liberation Movement. He fought against the injustices faced by untouchables and played a crucial role in advocating for their rights.

The caste system, introduced by the Aryans, established a rigid social hierarchy that categorized people into different groups based on their birth and occupation. This system also laid the groundwork for untouchability, where certain groups faced social ostracism and discrimination.

Manual scavengers face various health risks, including respiratory illnesses due to exposure to toxic waste, skin diseases from unhygienic conditions, and malnutrition due to low wages and poverty. These factors contribute to the overall poor health of individuals in this occupation.

Manual scavenging is the act of manually cleaning human waste from sewers and dry toilets. This practice is often associated with the untouchable caste and poses severe health risks due to unsanitary conditions.

Manual scavenging is often inherited through family tradition, where individuals, predominantly women, continue the work passed down from previous generations due to social and economic constraints.

Mahatma Gandhi referred to untouchables as "Harijans," meaning "children of God." This term was intended to uplift their social status and reduce the stigma associated with untouchability.

Scavenging, along with occupations like leatherwork and carrion removal, has historically been associated with untouchability, leading to social exclusion and discrimination against those involved in these jobs.

Gujarat, along with Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, has been noted for the continued existence of manual scavenging practices, indicating challenges in enforcing legal prohibitions.

Manual scavengers are at high risk of contracting tuberculosis and other health issues due to constant exposure to unhygienic conditions while performing their jobs. This highlights the severe public health implications of the practice.

Access to education is not a restriction faced by manual scavengers specifically; however, their children often face discrimination in schools. The other options reflect significant limitations imposed on their social interactions and opportunities.

The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, aims to punish the preaching or practice of untouchability, reinforcing the constitutional commitment to equality and justice for all citizens.

For subsequent offenses under the 2013 Bill, the punishment can extend to up to two years of imprisonment, emphasizing the law's strict stance against the employment of manual scavengers.