Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Social and Political Life - III

Q1: How did marginal groups protect themselves from ongoing exploitation?
Ans: Marginal groups relied on the Constitution of India and the Judiciary System to safeguard themselves from continued exploitation by other societal groups.

Q2: What was the complaint raised by Safai Karamchari in their petition?
Ans: In their petition, Safai Karamchari complained about the persistence of manual scavenging, particularly within government entities like railways.

Q3: What did the Safai Karamchari Andolan file a PIL for in 2003?
Ans: The Safai Karamchari Andolan filed a PIL in 2003 regarding their cause.

Q4: Explain the significance of reservations in providing social justice to Dalits and Adivasis.
Ans: Reservations play a crucial role in providing social justice to Dalits and Adivasis by offering them specific opportunities, such as in education and employment, to help integrate them into mainstream society.

Q5: Define 'untouchability' and identify who were referred to as 'untouchables'?
Ans: 'Untouchability' refers to the practice of discriminating against specific classes of individuals. The term 'untouchables' was used to describe Dalits, who were marginalized and considered to be of low caste for many centuries.

Q6: How was Rathnam supported by the Act?
Ans: The Act supported Rathnam by abolishing a traditional ritual that involved a Dalit member washing priests' feet and using the water for a ceremony held every five years.

Q7: Define manual scavenging.
Ans: Manual scavenging refers to the practice of manually removing human and animal waste from dry latrines using tools like brooms, plates, and baskets, and carrying it on the head to disposal sites.

Q8: What action did the Supreme Court take upon hearing their case in 2005?
Ans: In 2005, the Supreme Court directed both union and state government departments/ministries to verify the facts within six months after hearing their case.