Discrimination happens when people act on their stereotypes or prejudices. Discrimination refers to actual behaviour towards another individual or group. Refusing a job to a person due to the person’s religion or gender is discrimination. This article share insights into the meaning of discrimination.
Discrimination Meaning – With Examples
The meaning of discrimination in our society can be better understood with a few examples that people are able to see in their daily lives.
- Trying to put down other people.
- Stopping people from taking up certain jobs.
- Preventing people from taking part in certain activities.
- Stopping people from living in certain neighbourhoods.
- Not allowing people to drink tea in the same glass or cups as others.
- Preventing people from taking water from the same well or hand pump.
- In the past, people in India faced lots of caste-based discrimination.
Discrimination – Causes
There are various causes of discrimination. They could be due to differences in religion, language, culture, the region where a person lives, caste, the wealth of a person, customs and practices, etc.
Measures to Prevent Discrimination in India
The Indian Government and framers of the Indian Constitution have taken many measures to prevent discrimination against people in a diverse country like India. One of the most vulnerable sections in India is the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. To prevent their discrimination and give them equality, various laws have been framed.
The recently passed laws and the list of articles mentioned in the Constitution of India to prevent discrimination are given below:
- The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Act, 2015, was passed by the Parliament of India. As per this act, special courts will be established to conduct trials of offences committed against the members of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes.
- Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 was created by the Government of India to prevent and stop manual scavenging in India. Manual scavenging is one of the worst forms of social discrimination.
- As per the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, equal wages need to be paid for equal work. In many areas, women are paid less than men. However, things are changing in a positive direction, with equal access to education and opportunities for both men and women.
- Due to the lower representation of women in government and decision-making bodies, the government has reserved one-third of the seats in municipalities and panchayats.
- Article 17 – This article abolishes Untouchability in India.
- Article 16 (4A) – In services coming under the states, they have to provide reservations to scheduled castes or scheduled tribes in matters of promotion.
- Articles 330 and 332 – Provides reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the Parliament, legislative assemblies of states, municipalities, and panchayats.
- Article 338 – Gives provision for the establishment of a National Commission to safeguard the interests of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes.
- Article 46 – As per this law, states will have to promote and protect the economic interests and educational interests of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes.
- The Constitution guarantees freedom to everyone to choose and follow the religion of their choice.
- To prevent any sort of discrimination based on religion, no religion is conferred special status by the Constitution of India. This is not the same case in nations like Pakistan, England or Sri Lanka.
Related Links
- CBSE Notes Class 6 Civics Chapter 2-Diversity and Discrimination
- Social Issues in India – Gender Issues, Caste Related Issues, Migration, Health
- Gender Inequality, Status of Women – From Ancient India to Present Time Period
- Indian Society – Syllabus, Strategy Overview [UPSC Exam]
- NCERT Solutions For Class 6 Civics Social Science Chapter 2 Diversity and Discrimination
- Write down some measures to prevent discrimination
- Racism: Overview, Facts and Relevant Questions
