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In this chapter, we will explore how various groups and individuals challenge existing inequalities in society. Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, women, and other marginalized communities assert that as citizens of a democratic country, they have equal rights that must be upheld. Many of these groups turn to the Constitution of India to seek justice and address their concerns. 

Confronting Marginalisation Chapter Notes | Indian Polity for UPSC CSEConfronting Marginalisation 
We will examine why the Constitution plays a crucial role in the struggles of marginalized groups. Additionally, we will discuss how rights are transformed into laws that protect these groups from ongoing exploitation, and how the government creates policies to enhance their access to development opportunities.

Invoking Fundamental Rights

Fundamental rights are available to all Indians equally. As far as the marginalised are concerned, they have drawn on these rights in two ways 

  • They assert their Fundamental Rights, pushing the government to recognize injustices.
  • They demand the enforcement of these laws, sometimes influencing the creation of new laws aligned with Fundamental Rights.

The problems faced by people who have fewer opportunities have made the government create new rules that match the main ideas of Fundamental Rights. 

Important articles

Article 17 of the Constitution state that in a democratic government, untouchability is banned, giving Dalits the right to go to school, visit temples, and use public places. The Constitution also punishes anyone who practices untouchability.  Confronting Marginalisation Chapter Notes | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, empowering Dalits to seek equality where denied.

  • Dalits and other small groups use their basic rights when they are treated badly by people, groups, or the government 
  • They ask the Indian government to follow the rules in the Constitution to be fair.
  • Minority groups also use their rights for religion and culture.
  • Different cultural and religious groups like Muslims and Parsis can protect and decide how to keep their traditions.
  • The Constitution makes sure everyone has cultural rights, stopping the majority from controlling or wiping out the cultures of smaller groups.

Hence, Dalits can use a Fundamental Right when they believe they've been treated unfairly by someone, a group, or even the government. They've asked the Indian government to follow the Constitution and treat them fairly. 

Question for Chapter Notes: Confronting Marginalisation
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Which article of the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth?
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Laws for the Marginalised 

The government makes laws for everyone and also for groups that need extra help. Sometimes, these rules come from things like making a group or asking people questions. Then, the government tries to make these rules known to help these groups. The government works hard to support these policies to give chances to certain groups. 

Promoting Social Justice

  • Governments make special plans in areas with many tribal or Dalit people, following the rules in the Constitution.
  • For example, they give free or cheaper hostels to Dalit and Adivasi students so they can go to schools that aren't in their areas.
  • Also, the government makes laws like the reservation policy, saving places in schools and government jobs for these groups. This helps fix unfairness from the past.

Question for Chapter Notes: Confronting Marginalisation
Try yourself:
What is one way the government promotes social justice for marginalized groups?
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Reservation Policy

  • Governments keep lists of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward/most backward castes. People need proof of their caste or tribe for school and government job applications.
  • People from these listed castes or tribes can get help from reservation policies.
  • For college admissions, especially in professional institutes, they use 'cut-off' marks. This helps Dalit and tribal candidates who are eligible to qualify. Governments also give scholarships to these students.

Confronting Marginalisation Chapter Notes | Indian Polity for UPSC CSEConfronting Marginalisation Chapter Notes | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

Protecting the Rights of Dalits and Adivasis

In Jakmalgur Rathnam's refusal to perform a discriminatory ritual upset both the powerful castes in his village and some within his own community. Despite threats and even having his home set on fire, Rathnam stood firm and reported the injustice to the police under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. His bravery caught the attention of the media, and the ritual was canceled. However, his family was still shunned by the village, forcing them to leave. This story shows the courage it takes to stand up against unfair traditions and fight for equal rights

The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

  • Rathnam used this law to fight against the power and violence of strong groups in his village.
  • Started in 1989 because Dalit and tribal people wanted it, the law deals with ongoing bad treatment, especially the violent events in the late 1970s and 1980s.
  • Dalit groups asked for strong laws that show violence against them, because they wanted fair treatment after taking strong actions.
  • Adivasi people also asked for rights and land back. They faced violence from strong groups while they were organizing.
  • The law lists many terrible crimes to deal with the very bad things done to Dalits and Adivasis. It tries to change how society thinks and acts about these issues.

Question for Chapter Notes: Confronting Marginalisation
Try yourself:
What law was used by Rathnam to fight against the discrimination in his village?
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Levels of Crimes

1. The Act categorizes different levels of offenses to protect members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from severe forms of abuse and exploitation. Firstly, it targets actions that are both physically brutal and morally degrading, punishing those who, for example, (i) force a member of a Scheduled Caste or Tribe to consume inedible or harmful substances, or (iii) forcibly strip them of their clothing, parade them naked, or subject them to any act that insults their dignity. Confronting Marginalisation Chapter Notes | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

2. Secondly, the Act addresses offenses that deprive Dalits and Adivasis of their limited resources or compel them into forced labor. It penalizes anyone who, for instance, (iv) unlawfully occupies or cultivates land that belongs to or is allotted to a member of a Scheduled Caste or Tribe, or coerces them into transferring their land.

3. Furthermore, the Act acknowledges the particular vulnerability of Dalit and tribal women to specific forms of violence. It therefore imposes penalties on anyone who (xi) assaults or uses force against a woman from a Scheduled Caste or Tribe with the intent to disgrace or dishonor her.

Adivasi Demands and the 1989 Act 

  • The 1989 law is important for Adivasi activists. They use it to protect their right to take back their old lands.
  • Adivasis don't want to be moved from their homes and ask for punishment for people who take their lands using this law.
  • They say the law is like the Constitution and helps stop non-tribal people from buying or selling tribal lands.
  • C.K. Janu, an Adivasi activist, says the government lets non-tribal people use tribal lands, and she wants payment and help for Adivasis who had to move.
  • She asks why governments don't spend money to help Adivasis who moved, when they spend lots on projects in tribal lands.

Conclusion

  • Just having rights, laws, or rules written down doesn't mean they're followed in real life. We need to work on making them the guiding principles for how people, even leaders, act.
  • People have always tried to achieve equality, dignity, and respect. This has happened in different ways throughout history, as we see in this chapter.
  • Even in a democratic society, there's always a need for ongoing efforts like fighting, speaking up, discussing, and organizing to make things fair.
The document Confronting Marginalisation Chapter Notes | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Indian Polity for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Confronting Marginalisation Chapter Notes - Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

1. What are the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to marginalized communities in India?
Ans. The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution provide essential protections to marginalized communities, including the right to equality (Article 14), the prohibition of discrimination (Article 15), the right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19), and the right against exploitation (Article 23). These rights aim to empower Dalits and Adivasis by ensuring they have equal access to opportunities and protection against injustices.
2. What is the significance of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989?
Ans. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a crucial legislation aimed at preventing atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis. It provides for specific punishments for crimes committed against these marginalized groups, ensuring their protection and promoting social justice. The Act also empowers victims to seek legal redress and aims to deter potential offenders through strict penalties.
3. How do Adivasi demands influence policy-making in India?
Ans. Adivasi demands play a vital role in influencing policy-making as they highlight issues related to land rights, forest rights, and socio-economic development. Through movements and advocacy, Adivasis seek recognition of their rights and representation in governance. Their demands have led to significant legislative measures, such as the Forest Rights Act, which aims to secure land and resource rights for indigenous communities.
4. What challenges do Dalits and Adivasis face in invoking their Fundamental Rights?
Ans. Dalits and Adivasis often face numerous challenges in invoking their Fundamental Rights, including social stigma, lack of awareness about their rights, and systemic discrimination. Additionally, there may be barriers in accessing legal assistance, as well as fear of retaliation from perpetrators of atrocities. These challenges can hinder their ability to seek justice and enjoy their rights fully.
5. How can awareness about the rights of marginalized communities be improved?
Ans. Awareness about the rights of marginalized communities can be improved through comprehensive education and outreach programs, community workshops, and collaborations with NGOs. Legal literacy campaigns can empower individuals by informing them of their rights under the Constitution and relevant laws. Additionally, the involvement of local leaders and the media can help amplify these messages and reach broader audiences.
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