Extra 20 important long-answer questions and answers from Chapter 6: Confronting Marginalisation of Class 8 Civics (CBSE):-
1. What does 'confronting marginalisation' mean?
Answer:
Definition
– It refers to efforts by marginalised communities to fight against discrimination and demand their rights.
Legal Actions
– Using the Constitution and laws to seek justice.
Social Movements
– Organising protests, rallies, and campaigns for equality.
Government Interventions
– Policies like reservations and welfare schemes to uplift marginalised groups.
Role of NGOs
– Providing education, healthcare, and legal support.
Example
– Dalit movements fighting against untouchability.
2. How does the Indian Constitution help in confronting marginalisation?
Answer:
Fundamental Rights
– Guarantees equality, freedom, and protection against discrimination.
Abolition of Untouchability
– Article 17 prohibits caste-based discrimination.
Reservations
– Provides SCs, STs, and OBCs with educational and job opportunities.
Special Laws
– The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act punishes caste-based crimes.
Right to Education
– Ensures free schooling for all children, including marginalised groups.
Example
– Supreme Court rulings upholding reservation policies.
3. What is the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act? Why is it important?
Answer:
Definition
– A law to protect Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) from violence and discrimination.
Punishes Offenders
– Imposes strict penalties for caste-based crimes.
Prevents Social Boycott
– Protects SCs/STs from being excluded from public spaces.
Protects Land Rights
– Prevents illegal land grabs from Adivasis and Dalits.
Ensures Dignity
– Provides a legal framework to fight caste oppression.
Example
– Cases where Dalits have used the law to seek justice.
4. What is the role of reservations in confronting marginalisation?
Answer:
Ensures Equal Opportunities
– Helps SCs, STs, and OBCs access education and jobs.
Political Representation
– Reserved seats in legislatures ensure their voices are heard.
Reduces Historical Injustice
– Helps balance centuries of oppression.
Economic Upliftment
– Provides government aid and employment.
Social Empowerment
– Increases confidence and self-respect in marginalised communities.
Example
– Reservation in government jobs and IITs for SCs and STs.
5. What role do social movements play in fighting marginalisation?
Answer:
Raise Awareness
– Educates people about social injustices.
Mobilise Communities
– Organises protests and campaigns for rights.
Challenge Discrimination
– Fights against caste, gender, and religious biases.
Pressurise Government
– Forces authorities to introduce policies for equality.
Use of Media
– Promotes issues through newspapers, TV, and social media.
Example
– The Dalit Panthers Movement fighting against caste oppression.
6. How do Adivasis fight for their rights?
Answer:
Land Rights Movements
– Demand legal ownership of ancestral lands.
Protests Against Displacement
– Oppose dam projects and deforestation.
Use of Forest Rights Act
– Ensures their traditional rights over forests.
Legal Actions
– Filing petitions in courts against illegal land grabs.
NGO Support
– Organisations help them secure education and healthcare.
Example
– Chipko Movement, where Adivasis protested against deforestation.
7. What are some government policies to protect Dalits?
Answer:
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
– Punishes caste-based crimes.
Reservation System
– Ensures jobs and education for Dalits.
Midday Meal Scheme
– Helps Dalit children stay in school.
Land Reforms
– Distributes land to landless Dalits.
Legal Aid Services
– Provides free legal help for Dalit victims.
Example
– Special courts set up for speedy justice in caste-related crimes.
8. What challenges do marginalised groups face in accessing justice?
Answer:
Lack of Awareness
– Many don’t know their legal rights.
Economic Barriers
– Cannot afford lawyers and legal fees.
Social Pressure
– Fear of retaliation from dominant groups.
Slow Court Processes
– Delayed justice discourages complaints.
Bias in Law Enforcement
– Authorities sometimes ignore their complaints.
Example
– Cases of manual scavengers struggling to get justice.
9. How do religious minorities fight discrimination?
Answer:
Legal Petitions
– File cases for equal rights in courts.
Educational Institutions
– Set up their own schools and colleges.
Political Representation
– Participate in elections to voice their issues.
NGO Support
– Groups work to protect their rights.
Social Campaigns
– Awareness programs to fight stereotypes.
Example
– Christian and Muslim organisations running educational institutions.
10. How can individuals help in reducing marginalisation?
Answer:
Promote Equality
– Treat all people with respect.
Raise Awareness
– Educate others about discrimination.
Support Marginalised Businesses
– Buy from Dalit and Adivasi entrepreneurs.
Report Discrimination
– Speak up against caste and gender bias.
Encourage Political Participation
– Help marginalised groups vote and engage in governance.
Example
– Social media campaigns for equal rights.
11. What is the role of the media in confronting marginalisation?
Answer:
Raises Awareness
– Highlights injustices against marginalised communities.
Exposes Discrimination
– Investigative journalism reveals social biases.
Promotes Social Change
– Educates people on equality and justice.
Influences Government Policies
– Public pressure forces authorities to act.
Gives a Voice to the Oppressed
– Platforms for Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities.
Example
– News reports on manual scavenging led to stricter laws.
12. How does education help in fighting marginalisation?
Answer:
Empowers Individuals
– Knowledge helps people demand their rights.
Creates Awareness
– Teaches equality and social justice.
Breaks the Cycle of Poverty
– Education leads to better jobs.
Encourages Social Integration
– Reduces caste and religious biases.
Supports Political Participation
– Educated individuals participate in governance.
Example
– Government scholarships for SCs/STs to complete higher education.
13. What is the impact of manual scavenging on Dalits?
Answer:
Extreme Health Hazards
– Workers suffer from infections and diseases.
Caste-Based Discrimination
– Considered a "low-caste" job.
Economic Exploitation
– Paid very low wages.
Violation of Human Rights
– Denied dignity and basic facilities.
Legal Prohibition
– The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013 bans the practice.
Example
– Dalit movements fighting for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers.
14. How do women from marginalised communities face double discrimination?
Answer:
Gender Discrimination
– Limited access to education and jobs.
Economic Inequality
– Lower wages compared to men.
Social Exclusion
– Face caste, religious, and gender biases.
Higher Risk of Violence
– More vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Limited Political Representation
– Fewer women from SC/ST backgrounds in leadership.
Example
– Dalit and Adivasi women facing challenges in accessing justice.
15. What is the significance of the Right to Information (RTI) in ensuring justice for the marginalised?
Answer:
Promotes Transparency
– People can question government actions.
Exposes Corruption
– Helps reveal misuse of funds meant for SC/ST welfare.
Ensures Accountability
– Officials must answer public queries.
Empowers Marginalised Groups
– Helps them demand their rights.
Improves Policy Implementation
– Ensures fair distribution of resources.
Example
– RTI used to check the proper use of funds for tribal welfare schemes.
16. What are the economic challenges faced by marginalised communities?
Answer:
Unemployment
– Fewer job opportunities due to discrimination.
Low Wages
– Paid less for the same work compared to dominant groups.
Limited Access to Land
– Many Dalits and Adivasis are landless laborers.
Lack of Financial Support
– Banks hesitate to give them loans.
Exploitation in Informal Sectors
– Many work in hazardous conditions with no job security.
Example
– Many Dalit families are trapped in bonded labor.
17. How do festivals and cultural events help in reducing marginalisation?
Answer:
Encourage Social Interaction
– People from different communities come together.
Promote Cultural Identity
– Adivasi and Dalit festivals highlight their rich heritage.
Challenge Stereotypes
– Showcases the positive contributions of marginalised groups.
Increase Awareness
– Educates society about different traditions.
Boosts Economic Opportunities
– Handicrafts and cultural performances generate income.
Example
– Tribal art exhibitions helping Adivasi artists gain recognition.
18. What are some landmark Supreme Court cases that helped marginalised groups?
Answer:
Indra Sawhney Case (1992)
– Upheld reservations for OBCs.
Safai Karamchari Andolan Case (2014)
– Banned manual scavenging.
NALSA Judgment (2014)
– Recognized transgender rights.
SC/ST Atrocities Act Case (2018)
– Strengthened protections for Dalits.
Puttaswamy Case (2017)
– Declared privacy as a fundamental right, benefiting all citizens, including marginalised groups.
Example
– Supreme Court rulings ensuring fair treatment for Dalits and Adivasis.
19. How do welfare schemes like MGNREGA help in confronting marginalisation?
Answer:
Provides Employment
– Guarantees 100 days of work per year.
Improves Rural Income
– Increases financial stability for marginalised groups.
Reduces Migration
– Jobs in villages prevent forced migration to cities.
Empowers Women
– Many women from SC/ST backgrounds get jobs.
Develops Infrastructure
– Roads, wells, and schools are built in rural areas.
Example
– Dalit and tribal communities benefiting from MGNREGA wages.
20. Why is it important to preserve the languages and traditions of marginalised groups?
Answer:
Maintains Cultural Identity
– Language and traditions define a community’s heritage.
Promotes Diversity
– Encourages respect for different cultures.
Prevents Extinction
– Many indigenous languages are disappearing.
Supports Education
– Learning in native languages improves understanding.
Boosts Tourism
– Traditional art, music, and crafts attract visitors.
Example
– Efforts to protect endangered tribal languages in India.
