Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, wasn’t merely a legal document; it was a social engineering project aimed at transforming a deeply unequal society. Pre-independence India was characterized by pervasive social inequalities rooted in the caste system, gender discrimination, economic exploitation, and regional disparities. The framers of the Constitution, acutely aware of these challenges, sought to create a framework that would dismantle these structures and establish a just and equitable society. Their concerns stemmed from centuries of social stratification and the urgent need to build a unified and inclusive nation post-independence. This necessitated a constitution that not only guaranteed political rights but also actively promoted social and economic justice.
Historical Context of Social Inequality
Prior to independence, Indian society was rigidly stratified along caste lines, with marginalized communities facing systemic discrimination and denial of basic rights. Economic inequalities were rampant, with a vast majority of the population living in poverty and landlessness. Gender inequality was deeply entrenched, limiting women’s access to education, employment, and political participation. Regional disparities further exacerbated these inequalities, with some regions lagging behind in terms of development and infrastructure.
Constituent Assembly’s Concerns and Responses
Addressing Caste-Based Discrimination
- Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
- Article 16: Guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, again prohibiting discrimination based on caste.
- Article 17: Abolished the practice of untouchability, declaring it a crime.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) Provisions: Articles 330 & 332 provided for reservation of seats for SCs and STs in legislatures. Article 335 made provisions for their representation in services.
- Safeguard Against Exploitation: Article 23 prohibits forced labour and human trafficking.
Addressing Gender Inequality
- Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law, irrespective of gender.
- Article 15(3): Empowers the state to make special provisions for women and children.
- Article 16: Ensures equal opportunity for women in employment.
- Article 42: Directs the state to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
- Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: Ensures equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
Addressing Economic Inequality
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Articles 38, 39, and 41 aim to promote social and economic justice, reduce inequalities in income, and provide adequate means of livelihood.
- Article 39(b): Directs the state to ensure that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
- Land Reforms: Though implementation varied across states, the Constitution facilitated land reforms aimed at redistributing land ownership and reducing agrarian inequalities.
Addressing Regional Imbalances
- Article 371: Provides for special provisions with respect to certain states (like Nagaland, Mizoram) to protect their cultural and economic interests.
- Finance Commission: Established under Article 280, the Finance Commission recommends principles governing the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States, aiming to address regional imbalances.
Committees and Commissions
Several committees were instrumental in shaping the constitutional provisions related to social inequality. The Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, played a crucial role in formulating these provisions. The Backward Classes Commission (1953), headed by Kaka Kalelkar, examined the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes. The Mandal Commission (1979), headed by B.P. Mandal, identified Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and recommended reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.
| Commission/Committee | Year | Key Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Kaka Kalelkar Commission | 1953 | Identification of socially and educationally backward classes. |
| Mandal Commission | 1979 | Reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions. |
| National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) | 1993 | To examine requests for inclusion or exclusion of any class of citizens as a Backward Class in the lists. |
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution makers demonstrated remarkable foresight in recognizing and addressing the pervasive social inequalities that plagued Indian society. While the constitutional provisions provided a strong foundation for social justice, their effective implementation has been a continuous challenge. Despite significant progress, inequalities persist, necessitating ongoing efforts to strengthen affirmative action policies, promote inclusive growth, and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens. The pursuit of a truly equitable society remains an unfinished agenda, requiring sustained commitment from both the state and civil society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.