Page 1 : 8.Marginalized, E. Short Answer Questions., 1. Right to Equality-Equality is the foundation of democracy. The Constitution guarantees that all, citizens will be equal before law. It means that everyone will be equally protected by the laws of, the country. The State will not discriminate against a citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste,, sex or place of birth., 2. The social inequalities that existed in India also translated into economic inequalities.The, unequal and hierarchical ordering of castes determined the economic rights of the people., The best of the opportunities were reserved for the upper castes while the lower castes were, forced to continue with their hereditary occupations of menial jobs which paid them very little, money. This resulted in high poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and landlessness among the low, castes., 3. The government helps the SCs, STs and OBCs by reserving some jobs for them in, government offices. The government also, reserves some seats for them in certain types of educational institution., 4. In 1993 Eradication of Manual Scavenging and Dry Latrine (Abolition) Act was passed. This, act sought to remove the employment of manual scavengers but fourteen years after the, passing of the act it still continues to be practiced., The continuation of this degrading practice indicates the inequality in social status and dignity, that these dalits suffer every day at the hands of the society., 5. Manual scavenging refers to people lifting human excreta with their hands and carrying loads, on their head, hips or shoulders., This task is meant specifically for the dalits., F. Long Answer Questions., 1. Adivasis are becoming marginalised because(i) They are losing their lands and access to the forests. Due to these things they their main, sources of livelihood and food., (ii) Having gradually lost access to their traditional home lands, many adivasis here migrated to, cities in search of work where they are employed for very low wages in local industries. Thus,, they get caught in a cycle of poverty and deprivation, thus they are becoming increasingly, marginalised., 2. The Constitution has made some provisions to achieve this., Some examples are given below:, * The right to equality gives all citizens the right to get equal opportunities. Article 15 of the, constitution expressly forbids, discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. And, Article 17 states, that untouchability is abolished,, and its practice in any form is punishable by law., * The right to freedom gives all citizens the right to do any work of their choice., * The right against exploitation protects citizens from being forced to do any work or being, forced to work without pay., * The right to freedom of religion and the cultural and educational rights allow minority groups to, follow their own beliefs and promote their own languages and traditions., * Every child aged below 14 has the right to get early childhood care and education up to the, age of 6 and free primary education after that., 3.Marginalisation means the communities which are put at the margins of economic and cultural, development. These communities are devoid of any changes or advancement which other

Page 2 : people enjoy in modem times. Cruel and degrading enemies against SC/ST communities such, as, forcing them to eat cow during, boycotting them socially., Compelling any member of SC & ST to do a form of beggar or bonded labour., Intentionally insulting any member of ST/SC to humiliate him/ her in public., 4. In 1993 Eradication of Manual Scavenging and Dry Latrine (Abolition) Act was passed. This, act sought to remove the employment of manual scavengers but fourteen years after the, passing of the act it still continues to be practiced., The continuation of this degrading practice indicates the inequality in social status and dignity, that these dalits suffer every day at the hands of the society., Manual scavenging refers to people lifting human excreta with their hands and carrying loads on, their head, hips or shoulders., This task is meant specifically for the dalits., 5. The aim of the safai Karemchari Andolan is to the total eradication of manual scavenging and, the rehabilitation of all, scavengers for dignified occupation.