The correct answer is: C) Article 46
The Directive Principle promoting the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is found in Article 46 of the Indian Constitution. This Article states that the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
Article 46 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are fundamental principles of governance in India. The Directive Principles are not enforceable in a court of law, but the State is required to apply them in making laws and policies.
The Directive Principles of State Policy were included in the Constitution to ensure that the State would take positive steps to promote the welfare of all sections of the people, especially the weaker sections. Article 46 is one of the most important Directive Principles, as it deals with the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, who are among the most marginalized groups in India.
The State has taken a number of steps to promote the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, including providing them with reservation in education and employment, and affirmative action in other areas. However, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that they enjoy equal opportunities and are free from social injustice and exploitation.
The following are some of the steps that the State has taken to promote the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes:
- Reservation in education and employment: The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are entitled to reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. This reservation is intended to ensure that they have equal opportunities and are not discriminated against.
- Affirmative action: The State has also taken steps to provide affirmative action to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in other areas, such as housing, loans, and subsidies. This affirmative action is intended to help them overcome the disadvantages they face due to their social and economic status.
- Special laws: The State has also enacted special laws to protect the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes from social injustice and exploitation. These laws include the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
Despite these efforts, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes continue to face discrimination and exploitation. There are a number of reasons for this, including the following:
- Social stigma: The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes continue to face social stigma and discrimination. This is due to the caste system, which is a deeply entrenched social institution in India.
- Economic backwardness: The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are also economically backward. This is due to a number of factors, including historical discrimination, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and low levels of literacy.
- Lack of awareness: The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are often unaware of their rights and the laws that protect them. This is due to a number of factors, including illiteracy, lack of access to information, and social isolation.
The State needs to take further steps to ensure that the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes enjoy equal opportunities and are free from social injustice and exploitation. Some of the steps that the State can take include the following:
- Strengthening the laws that protect the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes: The State needs to strengthen the laws that protect the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes from social injustice and exploitation. This includes ensuring that these laws are properly implemented and that the perpetrators of atrocities are brought to justice.
- Increasing awareness of the rights of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes: The State needs to increase awareness of the rights of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. This can be done through education, awareness campaigns, and other initiatives.
- Providing more opportunities for education and employment: The State needs to provide more opportunities for education and employment to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. This can be done by increasing the number of scholarships and other financial assistance schemes, and by providing training and skills development programs.
- Addressing the issue of economic backwardness: The State needs to address the issue of economic backwardness among the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. This can be done by providing financial assistance, land reforms, and other initiatives.
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are an important part of Indian society. The State needs to take all necessary steps to ensure that they enjoy equal opportunities and are free from social injustice and exploitation.