Elaborate on state and non-state initiatives addressing caste and tribal discrimination.

Question 23:Elaborate on state and non-state initiatives addressing caste and tribal discrimination.

The correct answer is – Caste and tribal discrimination are deep-rooted issues in Indian society, and both state and non-state initiatives have been taken to address these problems. Some of the initiatives are as follows:

State Initiatives: Reservation: One of the significant initiatives taken by the Indian government to address caste discrimination is reservation in education and employment. The reservation policy ensures that a certain percentage of seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in educational institutions and government jobs.

1. Special provisions for tribal areas: The government has also made special provisions for tribal areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The provisions aim to protect the rights and interests of tribal communities, including their land and resources.

2. Legislative measures: The Indian government has passed several legislative measures, such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018, to protect the rights of Dalits and tribal people and prevent discrimination against them.

Non-State Initiatives:

1. Social and cultural movements: Several social and cultural movements have emerged over the years to challenge caste and tribal discrimination. The Dalit Panthers, started in Maharashtra in the 1970s, is an example of such a movement. The movement aimed to fight against the discrimination and oppression faced by Dalits in India.

2. NGOs: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also played a crucial role in addressing caste and tribal discrimination. Many NGOs work in the areas of education, health, and livelihood to empower marginalized communities and ensure their rights are protected.

3. Advocacy groups: There are various advocacy groups, such as the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), that work towards raising awareness about the issues of caste and tribal discrimination and advocate for their rights.

In conclusion, both state and non-state initiatives have been taken to address caste and tribal discrimination in India. These initiatives aim to empower marginalized communities, protect their rights and interests, and create an inclusive and equitable society.