Test: Confronting Marginalisation - Class 8 MCQ

Article 17. Abolition of Untouchability. -"Untouchability" is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of "Untouchability" shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

Article 15 of the Constitution of India states that no citizen of India shall be discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. This article promotes equality and prohibits any form of discrimination.
Here is a detailed explanation of Article 15:
1. Prohibition of discrimination:
- Article 15(1) states that the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them.
- This means that no citizen can be denied access to public places, educational institutions, or employment opportunities based on these factors.
- It ensures equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background.
2. Exceptions:
- Article 15(2) allows the State to make special provisions for women and children.
- This provision allows the government to implement affirmative action policies to uplift marginalized sections of society.
- It enables the State to provide reservations in educational institutions and public employment to promote social justice.
3. Socially and educationally backward classes:
- Article 15(4) empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes.
- These provisions may include reservations in educational institutions and public employment.
- The goal is to address historical inequalities and promote inclusivity.
4. Protection for minorities:
- Article 15(5) allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward class of citizens, including minorities.
- This provision ensures that minorities are not further marginalized and can access opportunities for development.
In conclusion, Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It promotes equality and provides for special provisions to uplift marginalized sections of society.

Definition: A stated course of action that provides direction for the future, sets goals to be achieved, or lays out principles or guidelines to be followed and acted upon.
Explanation:
- A policy is a stated course of action that provides direction for the future.
- It sets goals to be achieved or lays out principles or guidelines to be followed and acted upon.
- Policies can be implemented by organizations, governments, or individuals to guide their actions and decision-making processes.
- Policies are usually established to address specific issues or concerns and ensure consistency and fairness in decision-making.
- They provide a framework for decision-making, help in resource allocation, and promote accountability.
- Policies can cover a wide range of areas, such as education, healthcare, environment, finance, and more.
- They are typically developed through a systematic process involving research, analysis, consultation, and review.
- Policies can be influenced by various factors, including legal requirements, societal needs, political considerations, and organizational objectives.
- Once a policy is established, it needs to be communicated effectively to ensure understanding and compliance.
- Policies can be reviewed and revised periodically to adapt to changing circumstances or to improve their effectiveness.
Example:
- An organization may develop a policy to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- The policy may include goals to increase the representation of underrepresented groups, guidelines for recruitment and hiring practices, and principles for creating an inclusive and respectful work environment.
- The policy would provide direction for the organization to take specific actions, such as implementing diversity training programs, establishing diversity committees, and monitoring progress towards the goals.
- By having a policy in place, the organization can ensure that its actions align with its values and commitments to diversity and inclusion.

The well-known Bhakti poet Chokhamela lived in the fourteenth century.
Reasoning:
To determine the period in which Chokhamela lived, we need to analyze the given information and compare it with historical facts.
- Chokhamela was a Bhakti poet. Bhakti movement, a devotional movement in Hinduism, emerged in the 12th century and continued to gain prominence in subsequent centuries.
- Chokhamela is a well-known poet in the Bhakti tradition. He is often regarded as one of the saints of the Vitthala temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.
- The Bhakti movement reached its peak during the 13th to 17th centuries in various regions of India.
Comparing these facts, we can conclude that Chokhamela lived in the fourteenth century.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: fourteenth century.

The poetry that is sung and appreciated by Dalits, marginalised groups, and those critical of social hierarchies in U.P., Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Bihar, and Gujarat is Kabir's poetry.
Reasoning:
Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, is known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious poetry. His verses challenge social norms, caste-based discrimination, and religious dogmas, making them resonate with the marginalized and oppressed communities. Kabir's poetry emphasizes the unity of humanity and promotes a message of love, equality, and social justice. His works have been widely sung and appreciated by various communities across different states in India, especially by Dalits and those critical of social hierarchies.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: Kabir's.

The government passed the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act in the year 1993.
Explanation:
The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act was enacted by the Indian government to prohibit manual scavenging and the construction of dry latrines. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Year of enactment: 1993
- The act aimed to eliminate the practice of manual scavenging, which involves the manual cleaning of human excreta from dry latrines and sewers.
- It also focused on the eradication of dry latrines, which are non-flush toilets that require manual cleaning and disposal of waste.
- The act made the employment of manual scavengers and the construction of dry latrines illegal.
- It recognized manual scavenging as a degrading practice and a violation of human rights.
- The act provided for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers and the conversion of dry latrines into sanitary latrines.
- It also mandated the provision of protective gear and safety measures for workers involved in sanitation work.
- The act intended to promote dignity, equality, and social justice by eliminating manual scavenging and ensuring proper sanitation facilities for all.
Overall, the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act was a significant step towards eradicating manual scavenging and promoting sanitation and human rights in India.

Dalits, Women & Adivasis all are facing inequalities due to marginalization. So, Option D is correct.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, was enacted to protect the marginalised socio-economic class of citizens and balance the right to environment with their right to life and livelihood.

 Poetess Soyrabai wrote the Poem on Untouchability.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act is the Act that states that it is meant to undo the historical injustices meted out to forest dwelling populations in not recognizing their rights to land and resources.
Explanation:
- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, also known as the Forest Rights Act, was enacted in 2006 in India.
- The Act recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in forest land to the forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations.
- It aims to restore the rights of forest dwellers over the land and resources they have been traditionally dependent on.
- The Act recognizes the rights of forest dwellers to live in and cultivate forest land, access and use minor forest produce, and protect and conserve forests and wildlife.
- It also provides for the process of recognition and vesting of forest rights, including the settlement of forest rights claims by the authorities.
- The Act seeks to address historical injustices by recognizing and protecting the rights of forest dwelling populations who have been traditionally marginalized and excluded from the benefits of forest resources.
- By recognizing their rights to land and resources, the Act aims to ensure their livelihood security and social justice.
In conclusion, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act is specifically designed to undo the historical injustices faced by forest dwelling populations by recognizing their rights to land and resources.

Government ensure to end the inequity in the country through Laws and Reservations.

Ostracise means to exclude or banish an individual or a group.

A person or a group that can express themselves and their views strongly are assertive.

Kabir was a Weaver by Caste.

Manual scavenging

• Manual scavenging refers to the practice of removing human and animal waste/excreta using brooms, tin plates, and baskets from dry latrines.


• This practice is usually carried out by individuals from marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, who are forced into this occupation due to social and economic discrimination.


• Manual scavenging is considered a highly degrading and inhumane practice, violating the basic human rights and dignity of individuals involved.


• It is a hazardous occupation, as manual scavengers are exposed to various health risks, including diseases caused by contact with human waste and toxic gases in septic tanks.


• The practice of manual scavenging is illegal in many countries, including India, where it is banned under the Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.


• Efforts are being made by governments and non-governmental organizations to eradicate manual scavenging and provide alternative livelihood options for those engaged in this occupation.

Kabir wrote poems on Bhakti Tradition.

Manual Scavenging is the work of scavenging by hand.

Supreme Court banned the practice of manual scavenging in 1993.

 Act, 1989 is important for Adivasis

The term which means broken is "Dalit."
Explanation:
- The term "Dalit" refers to a group of people in India who have historically been considered "untouchable" and have faced social and economic discrimination.
- The word "Dalit" comes from the Sanskrit word "dal," which means broken or oppressed.
- The term is used to describe individuals who are marginalized and oppressed due to the caste system in India.
- Dalits are often denied access to opportunities and resources, face discrimination, and are subjected to various forms of violence and exploitation.
- The term "Dalit" is now widely used by the community itself as a way of reclaiming their identity and asserting their rights.
- The term "Dalit" is recognized and used in official documents and legislation in India, highlighting the social and political significance of the term.
- The use of the term "Dalit" aims to challenge and dismantle the caste-based discrimination and oppression that this community has faced for centuries.
In conclusion, the term "Dalit" means broken or oppressed, and it is used to describe a marginalized and oppressed community in India.