Question

There has been an increased emphasis on social equality post Indian independence. Substantiate the statement giving suitable examples.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Write about the changes brought about in the Indian railways.
• Write about the establishment of the Ministry of Social Welfare and the laws formulated for the Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Solution: The Indian society was riddled with large-scale social, educational, and cultural inequalities. Following the objectives of the Indian Constitution, the Indian government worked towards employment, healthcare, education, and development. The outreach of these opportunities to different segments of the society was one of the major challenges for the government.

Social equality in railways:

• The British era railway compartments comprised the first, second, inter, and third classes, and people had a negative attitude towards the passengers travelling in the third class.
• Madhu Dandawate removed the third class. Singhad Express and Gitanjali Express trains were started, which did not have any class divisions.

Establishment of the Ministry of Social Welfare:

• The Government of India established the Ministry of Social Welfare on 14th June 1964.
• Under this ministry, programmes related to nutrition and child development, social security and protection, and women’s welfare and development are implemented.

Laws formulated for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

• As per the1971 Census, 22% people in India belonged to Scheduled Castes and tribes.
• Thus, new laws were formulated to provide these classes with educational scholarships, representation in the Parliament and State Assemblies, and reservation of seats in the government services.