CHAPTER - 20
SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF
INDIA AND CHALLENGES
AGENDA FOR THE SESSION
• India as a Democracy
• Challenges in the India
• Dealing with Communalism
• Constitutional Provisions
• Special provisions for Minorities
Largest Democracy
CHALLENGES IN INDIAN SOCIETY
CHALLENGES IN THE INDIAN SOCIETY
COMMUNALISM CASTEISM
People or Group of particular
People or Group of particular
caste (varna system)
religion/sect oppose/show
oppose/show superiority over
superiority over other religious
other castes giving rise to Social
interest giving rise to Communal
and Economic Backwardness of
Tension Riots and Quarrels
the oppressed caste
STEPS TO ERADICATE COMMUNALISM
1. Government should impose strict punishment (punitive action) against
communal elements
2. Educational syllabus must include learnings of all religions and develop
respect for all religions.
3. Political parties based on communal ideas must not be given
recognition.
4. Mass Media must spread the idea message of secularism, tolerance and
national spirit. [TV + Radio + Cinema].
5. Religious & Political Leaders should work together to combat
communalism.
6. Public participation to promote national interest, national pride and
integrity
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
To safeguard Minorities, Weak and Backward Classes GENERAL
POINTS
1. Constitution grants equal justice to all (Social + Economic + Political).
2. Equal opportunity and status is fundamental right regardless of your
caste, religion, language, gender, etc.
3. Right to Religion gives freedom to follow any religion.
4. State are empowered to impose restrictions on certain fundamental
rights to protect backward and weaker sections.
5. Objective of constitutional help = equal opportunity, justice and status
6. Including the backward classes in five year plans as beneficiaries
SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR MINORITIES
• MINORITY
Group of people forming less than half of the
total population in a region or a country.
Regional Minorities and National Minorities
may be different.
SPECIAL CONSTITUTIONAL
PROVISIONS FOR MINORITIES
1. National Minority Commission - protect interest and welfare of
Minorities.
2. Right to Religion - Spread their religion but not forceful
conversion.
3. Religious Communities have a right to acquire and maintain
property for religious activities.
4. Right to preserve script and culture through educational
institutions for protection and growth of their culture.
5. If any educational institution receives government grant it cannot
teach religious teachings and cannot refuse admission on basis of
caste, color, religion or language.