UPSC Mains 2017 GS1 Q10 — Social Justice
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs) ? (150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What
- Scope keywords
- two major legal initiativesby the Statesince IndependencediscriminationScheduled Tribes (STs)
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identification of two specific Acts that primarily address 'discrimination' rather than just 'development'.
- The specific socio-legal context or historical injustice each initiative aimed to rectify.
- The key provisions of these laws that act as deterrents against discriminatory practices.
- A brief assessment of how these laws moved beyond general Constitutional protections into enforceable statutes.
- Common pitfalls
- Listing the 'Fifth and Sixth Schedules' or 'Article 17' which are constitutional provisions, not legislative initiatives (Acts).
- Discussing general welfare schemes (like Van Dhan Yojana) instead of legal frameworks targeting 'discrimination'.
- Failing to name the exact Acts, such as the Prevention of Atrocities Act (1989) or the Forest Rights Act (2006).
- Focusing too much on the 'definition' of STs rather than the legal 'protection' against discrimination.
- Wasting words on the colonial history of tribes instead of the post-Independence legal evolution requested.
- Dimensions required
- Legal/StatutorySocial JusticeHuman RightsLand and Resource Alienation
- Marks allocation hint
Dedicate 20 words to a brief introduction on the State's duty toward STs. Spend 60 words each on two specific laws (e.g., PSA 1989 and FRA 2006), detailing how they penalize discrimination or restore rights. Use the final 10 words for a concluding sentence on the shift from 'protection' to 'empowerment'.
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