vulnerable sections of the population

Provisions for scheduled castes, Tribes and Minorities

CONSITITONAL PROVISIONS FOR SC & ST

Constitutional History

In the original Constitution, ARTICLE 338 provided for a special officer (the Commissioner for SCs and STs) responsible for monitoring the implementation of constitutional and legislative safeguards for SCs and STs and reporting to the president.
Seventeen regional offices of the Commissioner were established throughout the country.
There was an initiative to replace the Commissioner with a committee in the 48th Amendment to the Constitution, changing Article 338. While the amendment was being debated, the Ministry of Welfare established the first committee for SCs and STs (with the functions of the Commissioner) in August 1978.
These functions were modified in September 1987 to include advising the government on broad policy issues and the development levels of SCs and STs. Now it is included in Article 342.
In 1990, Article 338 was amended for the National Commission for SCs and STs with the Constitution (Sixty fifth Amendments) Bill, 1990. The first commission under the 65th Amendment was constituted in March 1992, replacing the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the commission established by the Ministry of Welfare’s Resolution of 1989.
In 2003, the Constitution was again amended to divide the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes into two commissions: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Due to the spread of Christianity and Islam among schedule caste/Tribe community converted are not protected as castes under Indian Reservation policy. Hence, these societies usually forge their community certificate as Hindus and practice Christianity or Islam afraid for their loss of reservation

The following are the measures prescribed in the Constitution for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

15(4):
Clause 4 of article 15 is the fountain head of all provisions regarding compensatory discrimination for SCs/STs. This clause was added in the first amendment to the constitution in 1951 after the SC judgment in the case of Champakam Dorairajan vs State of Madras .
It says thus, “Nothing in this article or in article 29(2) shall prevent the state from making any provisions for the advancement of any socially and economically backward classes of citizens or for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.” This clause started the era of reservations in India.
In the case of Balaji vs State of Mysore , the SC held that reservation cannot be more than 50%.
Further, that art. 15(4) talks about backward classes and not backward castes thus caste is not the only criterion for backwardness and other criteria must also be considered.
Finally, in the case of Indra Sawhney vs Union of India AIR 1993, SC upheld the decision given under Balaji vs State of Mysore that reservation should not exceed 50% except only in special circumstances.
It further held that it is valid to sub-categorize the reservation between backward and more backward classes. However, total should still not exceed 50%. It also held that the carry forward rule is valid as long as reservation does not exceed 50%.
15 (5): This clause was added in 93rd amendment in 2005 and allows the state to make special provisions for backward classes or SCs or STs for admissions in private educational institutions, aided or unaided.
16(4): This clause allows the state to reserve vacancies in Public Service for any backward classes of the state that are not adequately represented in the public Services.
16 (4A): This allows the state to implement reservation in the matter of promotion for SCs and STs.
16(4B): This allows the state to consider unfilled vacancies reserved for backward classes as a separate class of vacancies not subject to a limit of 50% reservation
17:
This abolishes untouchability and its practice in any form. Although the term untouchability has not been defined in the constitution or in any act but its meaning is to be understood not in a literal sense but in the context of Society/”>Indian Society.
Due to the Varna System, some people were relegated to do menial jobs such as cleaning toilets. Such people were not to be touched and it was considered a sin to even touch their shadow. They were not even allowed to enter public places such as temples and shops.
The constitution strives to remove this abhorring practice by not only making the provision a fundamental right but also allows punishment to whoever practices or abets it in any form.
Towards this end, Protection of Civil Rights was enacted. It has implemented several measures to eradicate this evil from the society. It stipulates up to 6 months imprisonment or 500 Rs fine or both. It impresses upon the public servant to investigate fully any complaint in this matter and failing to do so will amount to abetting this crime.
In the case of State of Karala. vs Appa Balu Ingle, SC upheld the conviction for preventing a lower caste person from filling water from a bore well. In Asiad Projects Workers Case 1982, SC has held that right under Art 17 is available against private individuals as well and it is the duty of the state to ensure that this right is not violated.
19(5): It allows the state to impose restriction on Freedom of Movement or of residence in the benefit of Scheduled Tribes.
40: Provides reservation in 1/3 seats in Panchayats to SC/ST.
46: Enjoins the states to promote with care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, specially SC and STs.
164: Appoint special minister for tribal welfare in the states of MP, Bihar, and Orrisa.
275: Allows special grant in aids to states for tribal welfare.
330 & 332: Allows reservation of seats for SC/ST in the parliament as well as in state legislatures.
335: Allows relaxation in qualifying marks for admission in educational institutes or promotions for SCs/STs. In the case of State of MP vs Nivedita Jain 8 , SC held that complete relaxation of qualifying marks for SCs/STs in Pre-Medical Examinations for admission to medical colleges is valid.
338,338A & 339: Establishes a National Commission of SCs and STs. Art. 339 allow the central govt. to direct states to implement and execute plans for the betterment of SC/STs.
340: Allows the president to appoint a commission to investigate the condition of socially and economically classes and table the report in the parliament

Duties and Functions of the NCSC Commission:

Constitution of India under Article 338 has assigned the following duties and functions to the Commission.

To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards;

to inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes;

Provisions for scheduled Minorities

The Constitution of India provides three sets of rights to the minorities:

Right to preserve their culture and language
Administer and manage minority institutions and
Provide religious Education in an institution which is managed and aided by the minority communities.

However, the ‘common domain’ of the constitutional rights comes under both-the Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Indian Constitution) and the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) (Part IV of the Indian Constitution).
The DPSP, is a set of non-justifiable rights which are connected with the social and economic rights of the people.
These rights are legally not binding upon the State, but are ‘fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws’ (Article 37 of the Indian Constitution).
The DPSP includes the following provisions which have significant implications for the minorities of our country:

Obligation of the State ‘to endeavor to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities’ amongst individuals and groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations’ [Article 38 (2)];
Obligation of State ‘to promote with special care’ the educational and economic interests of ‘the weaker sections of the people’ (besides Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes [Article 46];

Part IV A of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the Fundamental Duties applies to all citizens, including those belonging to Minorities. Article 51A, which is of special relevance for the Minorities, has the following provisions for them:

Citizens’ duty to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India ‘transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; and
Citizens’ duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

Part III of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the Fundamental Rights, is divided into two parts:

Rights which come under the common domain and
Rights which fall under the ‘separate domain’.

In the ‘common domain’, the following fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed for the minorities in India:

People’s right to ‘Equality before the law’ and ‘equal protection of the laws’ (Article 14);
Prohibition of discrimination against citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth [Article 15 (1) & (2)];
Authority of State to make ‘any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens’ (besides the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) [Article 15(4)];
Citizens’ right to ‘equality of opportunity’ in matters relating to EMPLOYMENT or appointment to any office under the State –and prohibition in this regard of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth [Article 16(1) & (2)];
Authority of State to make ‘any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in the services under the State [Article 16(4)];
People’s freedom of conscience and right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion-subject to public order, morality and other Fundamental Rights [Article 25 (1)];
Right of every religious denomination or any section thereof-subject to public order, morality and Health-to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, ‘manage its own affairs in matters of religion’, and own and acquire movable and immovable property and administer it ‘in accordance with law’ [Article 26];
Prohibition against compelling any person to pay taxes for promotion of any particular religion [Article 27];
People’s ‘freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in educational institutions’ wholly maintained, recognized, or aided by the State [Article 28].

The Constitution guarantees the following minority rights which fall under the ‘separate domain’:

Right of ‘any section of the citizens’ to ‘conserve’ its ‘distinct language, script or culture’ [Article 29(1)];
Restriction on denial of admission to any citizen, to any educational institution maintained or aided by the State, ‘on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them’ [Article 29(2)];
Right of all religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice [Article 30(1)];
Freedom of minority-managed educational institutions from discrimination in the matter of receiving aid from the State [Article 30(2)];
Special provision relating to the language spoken by a section of the Population of any State [Article 347];
Provision for facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage [Article 350 A];
Provision for a Special officer for Linguistic Minorities and his duties [Article 350 B]; and
Sikh community’s right of ‘wearing and carrying kirpans [Article 25].

Minority Commission:

The “Minorities Commission”, aimed to safeguard and protect the interests of the minorities, was set up by the Government of India in January, 1978.
This Commission became a statutory body and was renamed as the “National Commission for Minorities” with the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
Under Section 2(C) of this Act, the Government of India, vide notification dated 23rd October, 1993, notified five religious communities, namely, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zorastrians (Parsis) as minority communities in India.
Similarly, in the Sixth Plan (1980-85) it was acknowledged that the minorities were a separate socioeconomic group and hence special provisions were made for them through the Minimum Needs Programme

Provisions of SC/ST Atricities act,

The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to prevent atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The Act is popularly known as POA, the SC/ST Act, the Prevention of Atrocities Act, or simply the Atrocities Act.

Article 17 of Indian Constitution seeks to abolish ‘untouchability’ and to forbid all such practices. It is basically a “statement of principle” that needs to be made operational with the ostensible objective to remove humiliation and multifaceted harassments meted to the Dalits and to ensure their fundamental and socio-economic, political, and cultural rights.

Objectives of the act

The basic objective and purpose of this more comprehensive and more punitive piece of legislation was sharply enunciated when the Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha:

“Despite various measures to improve the socio-economic conditions of the SCs and STs, they remain vulnerable… They have, in several brutal incidents, been deprived of their life and property… Because of the awareness created… through spread of education, etc., when they assert their rights and resist practices of untouchability against them or demand statutory minimum wages or refuse to do any bonded and forced labour, the vested interests try to cow them down and terrorise them. When the SCs and STs try to preserve their self-respect or honour of their Women, they become irritants for the dominant and the mighty… Under the circumstances, the existing laws like The Protection Of Civil Rights Act 1955 and the normal provisions of the Indian Penal Code have been found to be inadequate to check and deter crimes against them committed by non-SCs and non-STs… It is considered necessary that not only the term ‘atrocity’ should be defined, but also stringent measures should be introduced to provide for higher punishment for committing such atrocities. It is also proposed to enjoin on the States and Union Territories to take specific preventive and punitive measures to protect SCs and STs from being victimized and, where atrocities are committed, to provide adequate relief and assistance to rehabilitate them”.

The objectives of the Act, therefore, very clearly emphasise the intention of the Indian state to deliver Justice to SC/ST communities through affirmative action in order to enable them to live in society with dignity and self-esteem and without fear, violence or suppression from the dominant castes.

The salient features of the Act are:

Creation of new types of offences not in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or in the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955 (PCRA).
Commission of offences only by specified persons (atrocities can be committed only by non-SCs and non-STs on members of the SC or ST communities. Crimes among SCs and STs or between STs and SCs do not come under the purview of this Act).
Defines various types of atrocities against SCs/STs.
Prescribes stringent punishment for such atrocities.
Enhanced punishment for some offences.
Enhanced minimum punishment for public servants.
Punishment for neglect of duties by a public servant.
Attachment and forfeiture of property.
Externment of potential offenders.
Creation of Special Courts.
Appointment of Special Public Prosecutors.
Empowers the government to impose collective fines
Cancellation of arms licences in the areas identified where an atrocity may take place or has taken place (Rule 3iii) and seize all illegal fire arms (Rule 3iv).
Grant arms licences to SCs and STs.

Defining ‘atrocity’

Atrocity is “an expression commonly used to refer to crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India”.
It “denotes the quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane, whereas the term ‘crime’ relates to an act punishable by law”.
It implies “any offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) committed against SCs by non-SC persons, or against STs by non-ST persons. Caste consideration as a motive is not necessary to make such an offence in case of atrocity”.
It signifies “crimes which have ingredients of infliction of suffering in one form or the other that should be included for reporting”. This is based on the assumption that “where the victims of crime are members of Scheduled Castes and the offenders do not belong to Scheduled Castes caste considerations are really the root cause of the crime, even though caste considerations may not be the vivid and minimum motive for the crime”.

The Act lists 22 offences relating to various patterns of behaviours inflicting criminal offences for shattering the self-respect and esteem of SCs and STs, denial of economic, democratic and social rights, discrimination, exploitation and abuse of the legal process, etc.

Section 3 of the Act lists the criminal offences and the punishments. It contains:

19 offences in their own right (Section 3(1) contains 15 subsections with an equal number of offences. Section 3(2) contains four subsections with offences).
two derived offences (sections 3(2)(vi) and 3(2)(vii)). The derived offences are based on the offences given in the SC/ST Act. They only come in the picture provided that another offence under the SC/ST Act has been committed.
one subsection that increases the punishment for certain offences under the IPC (Section 3(2)(v)).

These protections can be broadly divided into protection from:

social disabilities (denial of access to certain places and to use customary passage and to get water from any spring, reservoir or any other source).
personal atrocities (forceful drinking or eating of inedible or obnoxious substance, against stripping, outrage of modesty, sexual exploitation, injury or annoyance). atrocities affecting properties (land, residential premises, existing properties).
malicious prosecution.
political disabilities. economic exploitation

Empowerment-of-the-depressed-class-through-religion-and-education/”>Empowerment of the Depressed class through religion and education

Empowerment of the Depressed class through education

View of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar about Education

“It is the education which is the right weapon to cut the social slavery and it is the education which will enlighten the downtrodden masses to come up and gain social status, economic betterment and political freedom”
“Education is something which ought to be brought within the reach of every one.”
“The object of primary education is to see that every child that enters the portals of a primary school does leave it only at a stage when it becomes literate and continues to be literate throughout the rest of his life.”

Ambedkar’s Vision of Education

Bhim Rao Ambedkar was an educational Pragmatist. His educational philosophy stresses the development of person and his Environment.
He was highly influenced by the John Dewey’s philosophy of education. He emphasized education as one of the basic need for human.
According to him education is not only a ladder for social mobility but also opens the doors for their modernization. Ambedkar was largely concerned about the empowerment and political struggle of the depressed classes.
He believed that education was the only mean of get rid of their mental sluggishness and satisfaction with their prevalent pathetic conditions.
Babasaheb envisaged that education was a powerful instrument for the change of the lives of untouchables and women.
According to him any social transformation is incomplete till we wipe out gender discrimination in the society. And this is only possible only through appropriate education and Gender Sensitization.
He believed that education would enlighten the downtrodden and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
He acclaimed that the lack of education was the foremost cause for the backwardness of underprivileged people.
He recognized the importance of education in shaping the future. He put all his efforts to guarantee the educational without any discrimination to all the citizens of independent India.
Ambedkar gave the slogan of Educate, Agitate and Organize. The slogan has a deep rooted meaning that can be understood as under:

Educate

As education directly influence the human civilization, it is essential to educate each and every citizen of the country.
Therefore the education is indispensable for the state to realize the goal of Growth and Sustainable Development.

Agitate

Agitate is mental uprising not physical agitation.
According to Ambedkar an educated man, by understanding his thoughts and strategy can initiate agitating mentally.
The agitated mind would drive educated people to form associations/organizations and eventually they would take action to fix the problems.

Organize

Educated and agitated minds will certainly organize for a common mission.
All of us must get ourselves educated resulting in agitating thoughts so as to collectively organize.
The agitated minds for a universal mission would help the people to unite, strive & struggle for the common goal.

Empowerment of the Depressed class through religion

The potential of religion as a resource for well-being is examined, with special focus on prevention, healing, and empowerment pathways of influence pathways operative both inside congregations and in outreach to the community beyond the congregation.
Concerning the prevention pathway, religion offers potentially important access to families and children, and the Resources of support, lifestyle values, community access, and volunteers.
For the healing pathway, religion offers unique and powerful means and vantage points for influencing cognitions, emotions, and behaviors.
Concerning group empowerment, religion has the potential to facilitate groups’ critical awareness of oppressive forces, to offer compelling alternative visions and cultural values, and to mobilize human and institutional resources.
Psychologists are encouraged to focus more effort on Learning from and working with religion and religious organizations to enhance their potential for prevention, healing, and empowerment in the community

Empowerment through religion: religion’s survival strategies in democratic politics

In contemporary Western world religion has long lost its status of a default legitimating formula and has been relegated, in liberal political philosophy, to the private sphere. Institutionally, religious organizations have been largely separated from government institutions.
Despite these adverse circumstances, religion – both as a system of ideas, values and norms and in its institutional expression – has adopted effective survival strategies guarding it from social and political marginalization.
Religion has been accorded special status among other ideologies. In science, it results in a sort of methodological agnosticism, which treats religious and scientific statements as belonging to two incommensurable spheres.
In politics, religious organizations are often granted special legal status among other political actors and religious freedom has been constitutionalized as a special case of general freedom of expression.
As judicature and political practice show, religious arguments can often trump non-religious claims when fundamental value conflicts arise.
In their political activity, religious organizations have used strategies characteristic for other political actors (lobbying, mass mobilization etc.), thereby gaining democratic legitimacy, as well as unique, religionspecific strategies.
Armed with these and other empowering tools, religion can continue to influence democratic political systems in significant ways.

Bodies Constituted, Policies, Programmes and Schemes for welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Ministry to oversee the interests of the Scheduled Castes. Though the primary responsibility for promotion of interests of the Scheduled Castes rests with all the Central Ministries in the area of their operations and the State Governments, the Ministry complements their efforts by way of interventions in critical sectors through specifically tailored schemes. The Scheduled Castes Development (SCD) Bureau of the Ministry aims to promote the welfare of Scheduled Castes through their educational, economic and Social Empowerment. Efforts made by State Governments and Central Ministries for protecting and promoting the interests of Scheduled Castes are also monitored.

National Commission for Scheduled Castes

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is an Indian constitutional body established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests, special provisions were made in the Constitution.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is an Indian constitutional body was established through Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.

On the 89th Amendment of the Constitution coming into force on 19 February 2004, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been set up under Article 338A on bifurcation of erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution.

Policies and programmes

For scheduled casts

Educational Empowerment

Various scholarships are provided to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) to ensure that education is not denied due to the poor financial condition of their families. These Scholarships are provided at both pre-matric and post-matric levels. Scholarships are also provided to SC students for obtaining higher education in India and abroad, including premier educational institutions. The Scholarships can broadly be classified into the following three types:

Pre-Matric Scholarships

The objective of the pre-matric Scheme is to support the parents of SC children for educating their wards, so that the incidence of drop outs at this stage is minimized.

Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students (PMS-SC)

The Scheme is the single largest intervention by Government of India for educational empowerment of scheduled caste students. This is a centrally sponsored scheme. 100% central assistance is released to State Governments/UTs for expenditure incurred by them under the scheme over and above their respective committed liability.

Economic Empowerment

National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): Set up under the Ministry, to finance income generating activities of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries living below double the POVERTY line limits (presently Rs 98,000/- per annum for rural areas and Rs 1,20,000/- per annum for urban areas). NSFDC assists the target group by way of refinancing loans, skill training, Entrepreneurship Development Programmes and providing Marketing support through State Channelizing Agencies, RRBs, Public Sector Bank and Other Institutions

National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): It is another corporation under the Ministry which provides credit facilities to beneficiaries amongst Safai Karamcharis, manual scavengers and their dependants for income generating activities for socio-Economic Development through State Channelizing Agencies.

Social Empowerment

The Protection of civil Rights Act, 1955

In pursuance of Article 17 of the Constitution of India, the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955 was enacted and notified on 08.05.1955. Subsequently, it was amended and renamed in the year 1976 as the “Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955”. Rules under this Act, viz “The Protection of Civil Rights Rules, 1977” were notified in 1977. The Act extends to the whole of India and provides punishment for the practice of untouchability. It is implemented by the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Assistance is provided to States/ UTs for implementation of Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Assistance is provided to States/ UTs for implementation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Financial assistance is provided to the States/ UTs for implementation of these Acts, by way of relief to atrocity victims, incentive for inter-caste marriages, awareness generation, setting up of exclusive Special courts, etc. Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 (No. 1 of 2016) was notified in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on 01.01.2016. The Amended Act came into force w.e.f 26.01.2016.

For scheduled tribes

Educational empowerment

Top Class Education for ST Students

This is a Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for ST students introduced from the academic year 2007-08 with the objective of encouraging meritorious ST students for pursing studies at Degree and Post Graduate level in any of the Institutes identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the purpose.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools

In the context of the trend of establishing quality residential schools for the promotion of education in all areas and habitations in the country, the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for ST students take their place among the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and the Kendriya Vidyalayas. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are set up in States/UTs with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.

Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

The Government of India, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (VKY) for welfare of Tribals. VKY aims at creating enabling environment for need based and outcome oriented holistic development of the tribal people. This process envisages to ensure that all the intended benefits of goods and services under various programmes/schemes of Central as well as State Governments actually reach the target groups by convergence of resources through appropriate institutional mechanism.

Economic empowerment

Model Blocks

There are about 350 Blocks in the Schedule V areas where population to STs compared to total population of the Block is 50% or above. Despite several interventions in the past, these Blocks are still reeling under various facets of deprivation in so far as Human Development Indices are concerned. Through VKY, it is envisaged to develop these Blocks as model Blocks over the period of next five years with qualitative and visible infrastructural facilities.

Scheme of Marketing Development of Tribal Products or Produce

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) was established in August 1987 by the then Ministry of Welfare, Government ofIndia , under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act 1984 (which has now been replaced by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002) . TRIFED was established with the basic mandate of bringing about the socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus agriculture Produce (SAP) collected/cultivated by them – because tribals are heavily dependent on these natural products for their livelihood. But in many cases they did not use to get remunerative prices due to middle-men and unscrupulous traders exploiting the naiveté of Tribals.

Vulnerable sections of the population are those who are at risk of being harmed or disadvantaged, either physically or emotionally. This can be due to a number of factors, such as age, disability, mental health condition, chronic health condition, addiction, homelessness, poverty, violence, discrimination, refugee status, migrant status, indigenous status, minority group status, LGBTQIA+ status, sex worker status, incarceration, military service, first responder status, essential worker status, volunteer status, caregiver status, or survivor status.

It is important to be aware of the needs of vulnerable sections of the population and to take steps to protect them from harm. This can include providing them with access to resources, such as housing, food, healthcare, and education; advocating for their rights; and raising awareness of the issues they face.

Here are some specific examples of how we can help vulnerable sections of the population:

Children: We can provide them with access to quality education, healthcare, and safe environments. We can also advocate for their rights and protect them from abuse and neglect.
Older people: We can provide them with access to affordable housing, healthcare, and transportation. We can also support them in staying active and engaged in their communities.
People with disabilities: We can provide them with access to assistive technology, accessible housing, and transportation. We can also advocate for their rights and promote their inclusion in society.
People with mental health conditions: We can provide them with access to mental health care, support groups, and housing. We can also reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and promote understanding and compassion.
People with chronic health conditions: We can provide them with access to affordable healthcare, medication, and transportation. We can also support them in managing their conditions and living healthy lives.
People with addictions: We can provide them with access to addiction treatment, support groups, and housing. We can also reduce the stigma associated with addiction and promote understanding and compassion.
People who are homeless: We can provide them with access to safe and affordable housing, food, healthcare, and job training. We can also help them to connect with social services and support networks.
People who are in poverty: We can provide them with access to affordable housing, food, healthcare, and job training. We can also help them to connect with social services and support networks.
People who are victims of violence: We can provide them with access to safe housing, counseling, and legal assistance. We can also help them to connect with support groups and other resources.
People who are discriminated against: We can stand up against discrimination and promote equality and justice for all. We can also educate others about the harmful effects of discrimination.
Refugees: We can provide them with access to safe housing, food, healthcare, and education. We can also help them to integrate into their new communities.
Migrants: We can provide them with access to safe housing, food, healthcare, and education. We can also help them to integrate into their new communities.
Indigenous peoples: We can respect their cultures and traditions. We can also support their efforts to protect their land and resources.
People who are members of minority groups: We can stand up against discrimination and promote equality and justice for all. We can also educate others about the harmful effects of discrimination.
People who are LGBTQIA+: We can stand up against discrimination and promote equality and justice for all. We can also educate others about the harmful effects of discrimination.
People who are sex workers: We can decriminalize sex work and protect sex workers from violence and exploitation. We can also provide them with access to healthcare, housing, and other resources.
People who are incarcerated: We can reform the criminal justice system and reduce the number of people who are incarcerated. We can also provide incarcerated people with access to education, job training, and other resources.
People who are in the military: We can support them and their families. We can also advocate for their rights and benefits.
People who are first responders: We can support them and their families. We can also advocate for their rights and benefits.
People who are essential workers: We can thank them for their hard work and dedication. We can also advocate for their rights and benefits.
People who are volunteers: We can thank them for their time and effort. We can also support them and their organizations.
People who are caregivers: We can thank them for their hard work and dedication. We can also provide them with support and resources.
People who are survivors: We can believe them and support them. We can also advocate for their rights and safety.

By taking these steps, we can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.

What is the definition of vulnerable sections of the population?

The term “vulnerable sections of the population” refers to groups of people who are at risk of being discriminated against or exploited. These groups may include people with disabilities, older people, children, women, and ethnic minorities.

What are the rights of vulnerable sections of the population?

All people, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the same rights. These rights are enshrined in international law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The rights of vulnerable sections of the population are particularly important to protect, as they are often at risk of being denied these rights.

What are some examples of discrimination against vulnerable sections of the population?

Discrimination against vulnerable sections of the population can take many forms, including:

Direct discrimination: This is when someone is treated less favourably than someone else because of their race, religion, gender, disability, or other personal characteristic.
Indirect discrimination: This is when a rule or policy has a negative impact on a particular group of people, even though it does not appear to discriminate against them on the face of it.
Harassment: This is when someone is subjected to unwanted or offensive behaviour because of their race, religion, gender, disability, or other personal characteristic.
Violence: This is when someone is physically or emotionally harmed because of their race, religion, gender, disability, or other personal characteristic.

What can be done to prevent discrimination against vulnerable sections of the population?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent discrimination against vulnerable sections of the population, including:

Raising awareness: It is important to raise awareness of the issue of discrimination and the rights of vulnerable sections of the population. This can be done through education, training, and public awareness campaigns.
Enforcing laws: It is important to enforce laws that prohibit discrimination. This can be done through the courts and other legal mechanisms.
Promoting equality: It is important to promote equality and inclusion for all people. This can be done through policies, programs, and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion.
Challenging stereotypes: It is important to challenge stereotypes and prejudices about vulnerable sections of the population. This can be done through education, training, and public awareness campaigns.

What are some examples of successful initiatives to protect the rights of vulnerable sections of the population?

There are a number of successful initiatives to protect the rights of vulnerable sections of the population, including:

The Convention on the Rights of the Child: This international treaty sets out the rights of children, including the right to education, health care, and protection from abuse.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: This international treaty sets out the rights of people with disabilities, including the right to education, employment, and access to public services.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: This international agreement sets out a number of measures to promote Gender Equality and the empowerment of women.
The Millennium Development Goals: These international goals include a number of targets to improve the lives of vulnerable people, such as reducing poverty and hunger.

What are some challenges to protecting the rights of vulnerable sections of the population?

There are a number of challenges to protecting the rights of vulnerable sections of the population, including:

Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of the rights of vulnerable sections of the population or how to protect them.
Lack of resources: There are often not enough resources available to protect the rights of vulnerable sections of the population.
Discrimination: Vulnerable sections of the population are often discriminated against, which can make it difficult for them to access their rights.
Violence: Vulnerable sections of the population are often at risk of violence, which can make it difficult for them to live in safety and security.

What can be done to overcome these challenges?

There are a number of things that can be done to overcome the challenges to protecting the rights of vulnerable sections of the population, including:

Raising awareness: It is important to raise awareness of the rights of vulnerable sections of the population and how to protect them. This can be done through education, training, and public awareness campaigns.
Providing resources: It is important to provide resources to protect the rights of vulnerable sections of the population. This can include funding, training, and technical assistance.
Combating discrimination: It is important to combat discrimination against vulnerable sections of the population. This can be done through laws, policies, and programs that promote equality and inclusion.
Protecting from violence: It is important to protect vulnerable sections of the population from violence. This can be done through laws, policies, and programs that promote safety and

Which of the following is not a vulnerable section of the population?
(A) Children
(B) Women
(C) The elderly
(D) The rich
Which of the following is a common challenge faced by vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Poverty
(B) Discrimination
(C) Lack of access to education and healthcare
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of a government program that supports vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
(B) The Earned Income tax Credit (EITC)
(C) The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a non-profit organization that works to support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) The United Way
(B) The Salvation Army
(C) The Red Cross
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a personal action that you can take to support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Volunteer your time
(B) Donate Money
(C) Advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a false statement about vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Vulnerable sections of the population are more likely to experience poverty.
(B) Vulnerable sections of the population are more likely to experience discrimination.
(C) Vulnerable sections of the population are more likely to lack access to education and healthcare.
(D) Vulnerable sections of the population are more likely to be victims of crime.
Which of the following is a true statement about vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Vulnerable sections of the population are more likely to experience poverty.
(B) Vulnerable sections of the population are more likely to experience discrimination.
(C) Vulnerable sections of the population are more likely to lack access to education and healthcare.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a false statement about government programs that support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Government programs can help to reduce poverty.
(B) Government programs can help to reduce discrimination.
(C) Government programs can help to increase access to education and healthcare.
(D) Government programs can help to reduce crime.
Which of the following is a true statement about government programs that support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Government programs can help to reduce poverty.
(B) Government programs can help to reduce discrimination.
(C) Government programs can help to increase access to education and healthcare.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a false statement about non-profit organizations that work to support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Non-profit organizations can help to provide food and shelter to the homeless.
(B) Non-profit organizations can help to provide job training and placement services to the unemployed.
(C) Non-profit organizations can help to provide counseling and support services to victims of abuse and neglect.
(D) Non-profit organizations can help to provide education and healthcare services to those who cannot afford them.
Which of the following is a true statement about non-profit organizations that work to support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) Non-profit organizations can help to provide food and shelter to the homeless.
(B) Non-profit organizations can help to provide job training and placement services to the unemployed.
(C) Non-profit organizations can help to provide counseling and support services to victims of abuse and neglect.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a false statement about personal actions that you can take to support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) You can volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.
(B) You can donate money to a non-profit organization that works to support vulnerable populations.
(C) You can advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations.
(D) You can vote for candidates who support policies that support vulnerable populations.
Which of the following is a true statement about personal actions that you can take to support vulnerable sections of the population?
(A) You can volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.
(B) You can donate money to a non-profit organization that works to support vulnerable populations.
(C) You can advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations.
(D) All of the above.