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Sachivalayam General Studies Add-ons (Part B Common) · Chapter 3

Society, Rights Issues and Social Justice

What to remember

  • Social justice means fair treatment and equal opportunity for all, with special help for those who have been kept behind: Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes, women, children, persons with disabilities and minorities.
  • The Constitution guarantees equality (Articles 14-18), freedoms, protection against exploitation and the right to education, and it directs the State to promote the welfare of weaker sections (Directive Principles).
  • Special laws and commissions protect these groups; AP has also made a State law to spend funds for SC and ST development.

1. Indian society and social problems

Indian society is diverse in religion, language, caste and region. Social problems linked to justice include caste discrimination, untouchability, gender inequality, child marriage, dowry, child labour, bonded labour, manual scavenging and poverty. Social change comes through laws, education, awareness, welfare schemes and social movements.

Caste and untouchability: Article 17 abolishes untouchability. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 punishes its practice. The SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 punishes crimes against SC/ST people, such as humiliation, social boycott and violence, and provides special courts and relief.

2. Rights: constitutional framework

GroupArticlesKey idea
Right to Equality14-18Equality before law, no discrimination, equal opportunity, end of untouchability, end of titles
Right to Freedom19-22Speech, assembly, movement, life and liberty, protection in arrest
Right against Exploitation23-24No forced labour, no child labour in hazardous work (below 14 years)
Right to Freedom of Religion25-28Practice and propagate religion
Cultural and Educational Rights29-30Protection of minorities
Right to Constitutional Remedies32Approach the Supreme Court
  • Article 21A (86th Amendment, 2002): free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14.
  • Article 15(4) and 16(4): special provisions and reservation for socially and educationally backward classes, SC and ST.
  • Article 15(6) and 16(6) (103rd Amendment, 2019): reservation for economically weaker sections among those not covered by existing reservations.
  • Article 46 (Directive Principle): promote the educational and economic interests of SC, ST and weaker sections.
  • Articles 330 and 332: reserved seats for SC and ST in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
  • Article 243D and 243T: reserved seats in Panchayats and Municipalities for SC, ST and women.
  • Article 338 (National Commission for Scheduled Castes), Article 338A (National Commission for Scheduled Tribes) and Article 338B (National Commission for Backward Classes, made constitutional by the 102nd Amendment, 2018).

3. Human rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948; Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December. In India, the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 created the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions. They inquire into violations by public servants and recommend action; their recommendations are not binding. Fundamental Rights are enforceable in courts; human rights are wider.

4. Scheduled Tribes, land and forests

  • Fifth Schedule areas (scheduled areas) protect tribal people, with a Tribes Advisory Council.
  • In AP's scheduled areas, the Land Transfer Regulation (known as 1/70) prohibits transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
  • PESA, 1996 extends Panchayat powers to scheduled areas with a strong role for the Gram Sabha.
  • Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognises the rights of forest-dwelling tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land and minor forest produce.
  • AP has several tribal communities, and welfare is delivered by the Tribal Welfare Department, Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) and residential schools.

5. Women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities

GroupMain laws
WomenDowry Prohibition Act 1961; Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005; Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013; Maternity Benefit Act 1961 (amended 2017; now subsumed in the Code on Social Security, 2020, in force from 21 Nov 2025)
ChildrenRight to Education Act 2009; POCSO Act 2012; Juvenile Justice Act 2015; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, renamed the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act by the 2016 amendment; Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006
ElderlyMaintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007
Persons with disabilitiesRights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
Transgender personsTransgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019
  • RTE Act 2009: every child 6 to 14 has the right to free elementary education; private unaided schools set aside 25 per cent seats for children from weaker sections.
  • RPwD Act 2016: recognises 21 disabilities, and provides reservation of 4 per cent in government posts.
  • POCSO Act 2012: protects children from sexual offences with child-friendly procedures.
  • The legal age of marriage is 18 years for women and 21 years for men.
  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013 protect workers from exploitation and degrading work.

6. Reservation and affirmative action

Reservation is a tool of social justice to give a fair share in education, jobs and representation. Key points:

  • SC and ST reservation in jobs and education is provided by the Constitution; seats in legislatures are reserved for them.
  • Other Backward Classes are given reservation based on a list of socially and educationally backward classes. The Supreme Court's decision on this fixed the creamy layer concept and a general limit of 50 per cent for total reservation.
  • The 10 per cent for economically weaker sections was added by the 103rd Amendment in 2019.
  • Article 371-D gives local candidates reservation within AP.
  • AP has used a sub-plan law: the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Sub Plan and Tribal Sub Plan (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Act, 2013 makes it a legal duty to set aside funds for SC and ST in proportion to their population and to use them for their benefit.

7. Welfare delivery in AP (qualitative)

AP has run welfare departments for Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare, BC Welfare, Minorities Welfare and Women and Child Welfare, with scholarships, hostels, residential schools, pensions and housing support. Schemes change often, so use the latest official release for names. Village secretariats have welfare and education assistants who help citizens apply for such benefits and pensions.

7A. Social issues at village level

  • Child marriage and dowry: both are crimes. Awareness, school attendance of girls and action by Child Marriage Prohibition Officers reduce them.
  • Child labour: children below 14 may not be employed, and adolescents (14 to 18) may not do hazardous work, under the 2016 amendment to the child labour law.
  • Alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse: these harm health and family income; counselling and de-addiction support are part of social welfare work.
  • Migration and urbanisation: migrant families need help with ration, school admission and health cards.
  • Digital and legal literacy: legal aid is a right under Article 39A; the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provides free legal services to women, children, SC, ST, persons with disabilities and the poor, and organises Lok Adalats for speedy settlement.

8. Gender, poverty and social inclusion

  • Poverty alleviation includes employment guarantee (MGNREGA, 2005, replaced from 1 July 2026 by the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, which guarantees 125 days of work), the public distribution system, housing and pensions.
  • Social inclusion: removing barriers of caste, gender, disability and income through access to education, health and credit.
  • Minorities: the National Commission for Minorities (1992) looks after the interests of notified minorities; Articles 29 and 30 protect their language, culture and educational institutions.
  • Child rights: a Child Welfare Committee and Childline-type helplines help children in need of care. A functionary who finds child marriage or child labour should report it to the right authority.

Exam traps

  • Article 17 abolishes untouchability; Article 14 is equality before law.
  • RTE covers ages 6 to 14; Article 21A came by the 86th Amendment.
  • The 10 per cent EWS quota is by the 103rd Amendment; NCBC became constitutional by the 102nd.
  • The SC and ST Atrocities Act is of 1989; the Protection of Civil Rights Act is 1955.
  • NHRC recommendations are not binding.
  • RPwD Act 2016 recognises 21 disabilities and 4 per cent reservation in posts.
  • 1/70 regulation protects tribal land in scheduled areas.
  • PESA concerns scheduled areas; the FRA concerns forest rights.

One-liners

  • 1. Article 17 abolishes untouchability.
  • 2. Article 21A gives education to children 6 to 14.
  • 3. The UDHR was adopted on 10 December 1948.
  • 4. NHRC was created under the 1993 Act.
  • 5. The SC/ST Atrocities Act is of 1989.
  • 6. The Forest Rights Act is of 2006.
  • 7. PESA is of 1996.
  • 8. POCSO is of 2012.
  • 9. The legal marriage age is 18 for women and 21 for men.
  • 10. RTE reserves 25 per cent seats in private schools for weaker sections.
  • 11. Article 338B is for the National Commission for Backward Classes.
  • 12. The AP Sub Plan Act for SC and ST is of 2013.

Practice questions

  1. Which Article of the Constitution abolishes untouchability?

    1. Article 32
    2. Article 14
    3. Article 21
    4. Article 17
    Answer

    D. Article 17

    Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice.

  2. Article 21A provides free and compulsory education to children aged

    1. 3 to 6 years
    2. 6 to 14 years
    3. 5 to 10 years
    4. 14 to 18 years
    Answer

    B. 6 to 14 years

    It was inserted by the 86th Amendment, 2002.

  3. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in

    1. 1950
    2. 1919
    3. 1993
    4. 1948
    Answer

    D. 1948

    It was adopted on 10 December 1948.

  4. The SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was passed in

    1. 2013
    2. 2006
    3. 1989
    4. 1955
    Answer

    C. 1989

    The Act is of 1989.

  5. Statements: 1. Article 338 relates to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. 2. Article 338B relates to the National Commission for Backward Classes. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct.

  6. The 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections was added by the

    1. 103rd Amendment
    2. 86th Amendment
    3. 44th Amendment
    4. 42nd Amendment
    Answer

    A. 103rd Amendment

    It added Articles 15(6) and 16(6) in 2019.

  7. The Forest Rights Act was enacted in

    1. 2013
    2. 2006
    3. 1996
    4. 2016
    Answer

    B. 2006

    It recognises forest rights of tribes and traditional dwellers.

  8. PESA extends the powers of Panchayats to

    1. metropolitan cities
    2. Scheduled Areas
    3. Union Territories only
    4. Cantonment boards
    Answer

    B. Scheduled Areas

    PESA 1996 gives the Gram Sabha a strong role in Scheduled Areas.

  9. The legal minimum age of marriage for women in India is

    1. 18 years
    2. 14 years
    3. 16 years
    4. 21 years
    Answer

    A. 18 years

    The minimum is 18 for women and 21 for men.

  10. Statements: 1. NHRC recommendations are binding on the Government. 2. NHRC was created under the 1993 Act. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    B. 2 only

    NHRC recommendations are not binding.

  11. Which Act protects children from sexual offences?

    1. RTE Act, 2009
    2. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
    3. Maintenance of Parents Act, 2007
    4. POCSO Act, 2012
    Answer

    D. POCSO Act, 2012

    POCSO has child-friendly procedures.

  12. The RPwD Act, 2016 recognises how many disabilities?

    1. 21
    2. 10
    3. 14
    4. 7
    Answer

    A. 21

    The Act lists 21 disabilities.

  13. The 1/70 regulation in AP scheduled areas prevents

    1. tribal marriage
    2. sale of forest produce
    3. transfer of tribal land to non-tribals
    4. tribal education
    Answer

    C. transfer of tribal land to non-tribals

    It protects tribal land ownership.

  14. Which Article provides for special provisions for backward classes in education?

    1. Article 19
    2. Article 22
    3. Article 25
    4. Article 15(4)
    Answer

    D. Article 15(4)

    Article 15(4) allows special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, SC and ST.

  15. Statements: 1. Article 21A was inserted by the 86th Amendment. 2. Article 21A covers children aged 14 to 18. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    A. 1 only

    It covers children from 6 to 14.

  16. Private unaided schools must reserve what share of seats for weaker sections under the RTE Act?

    1. 50 per cent
    2. 5 per cent
    3. 10 per cent
    4. 25 per cent
    Answer

    D. 25 per cent

    The RTE Act reserves 25 per cent in entry-level classes.

  17. Which pair is correctly matched?

    1. Article 32 - Child marriage
    2. Article 338A - National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
    3. Article 17 - Right to education
    4. Article 24 - Equality before law
    Answer

    B. Article 338A - National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

    Article 338A is for ST; Article 21A is education.

  18. Reservation of seats in Panchayats for SC and ST is provided under

    1. Article 352
    2. Article 51A
    3. Article 243D
    4. Article 112
    Answer

    C. Article 243D

    Article 243D provides reserved seats in Panchayats.

  19. A group of tribals complain that a non-tribal person has bought their land in a scheduled area. Which law is most relevant?

    1. Land Transfer Regulation (1/70)
    2. Juvenile Justice Act
    3. Dowry Prohibition Act
    4. RTE Act
    Answer

    A. Land Transfer Regulation (1/70)

    The regulation bars such transfers.

  20. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act was passed in

    1. 1950
    2. 2013
    3. 2019
    4. 1976
    Answer

    B. 2013

    It bans manual scavenging and rehabilitates workers.

  21. Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in

    1. agriculture of own family at home
    2. games
    3. school
    4. hazardous work
    Answer

    D. hazardous work

    Article 24 bars child labour in factories, mines and hazardous work.

  22. The Right to Constitutional Remedies is under

    1. Article 14
    2. Article 29
    3. Article 32
    4. Article 17
    Answer

    C. Article 32

    Dr. Ambedkar called it the heart of the Constitution.

  23. Statements: 1. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 punishes untouchability. 2. The Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act is of 1976. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct.

  24. Which of these is a Directive Principle on weaker sections?

    1. Article 46
    2. Article 21A
    3. Article 32
    4. Article 14
    Answer

    A. Article 46

    Article 46 promotes the interests of SC, ST and weaker sections.

  25. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act was passed in

    1. 1961
    2. 2016
    3. 2005
    4. 2007
    Answer

    D. 2007

    It gives senior citizens a legal claim for maintenance.

  26. Which Act deals with domestic violence?

    1. RTI Act, 2005
    2. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
    3. SC/ST Act, 1989
    4. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
    Answer

    B. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

    The 2005 Act gives civil protection to women.

  27. The creamy layer concept was applied to

    1. women
    2. Other Backward Classes
    3. senior citizens
    4. SC and ST
    Answer

    B. Other Backward Classes

    It excludes advanced sections of OBCs from reservation.

  28. Statements: 1. PESA is of 1996. 2. PESA applies to all urban local bodies. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    A. 1 only

    PESA applies to Scheduled Areas, not urban bodies.

  29. Which authority can inquire into human rights violations by a public servant?

    1. Election Commission
    2. CAG
    3. UPSC
    4. NHRC
    Answer

    D. NHRC

    NHRC and State commissions inquire into such violations.

  30. Articles 29 and 30 protect the interests of

    1. SC only
    2. minorities
    3. women only
    4. armed forces
    Answer

    B. minorities

    They are cultural and educational rights.

  31. Transgender persons' rights were legally protected by the Act of

    1. 2012
    2. 1956
    3. 2019
    4. 1989
    Answer

    C. 2019

    The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

  32. Statements: 1. The Maternity Benefit Act was passed in 1961. 2. The Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are 1961 Acts.

  33. Fifth Schedule areas have a

    1. Lokpal
    2. Finance Commission
    3. Planning Board
    4. Tribes Advisory Council
    Answer

    D. Tribes Advisory Council

    Such a council advises the Governor on tribal welfare.

  34. A functionary finds a girl of 16 being married. He should

    1. report it to the authority under the Child Marriage law
    2. fine the parents himself
    3. attend the function
    4. ignore it
    Answer

    A. report it to the authority under the Child Marriage law

    Child marriage must be reported and prevented under the 2006 Act.

  35. Which one is a measure of social inclusion?

    1. Closing schools
    2. Banning pensions
    3. Scholarships and hostels for backward groups
    4. Raising school fees
    Answer

    C. Scholarships and hostels for backward groups

    Support to access education promotes inclusion.

  36. The 102nd Amendment of 2018 gave constitutional status to the

    1. National Commission for Backward Classes
    2. Election Commission
    3. National Human Rights Commission
    4. Finance Commission
    Answer

    A. National Commission for Backward Classes

    It inserted Article 338B.

  37. The general ceiling on total reservation laid down by the Supreme Court is

    1. 25 per cent
    2. 90 per cent
    3. 75 per cent
    4. 50 per cent
    Answer

    D. 50 per cent

    It was stated in the Indra Sawhney case.

  38. Statements: 1. The AP SC Sub Plan and Tribal Sub Plan Act is of 1989. 2. It requires funds for SC and ST in proportion to their population. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    B. 2 only

    The Act is of 2013, not 1989; the second statement is correct.

  39. Right against Exploitation includes

    1. Articles 23 and 24
    2. Articles 25 to 28
    3. Articles 14 to 18
    4. Articles 29 and 30
    Answer

    A. Articles 23 and 24

    They prohibit forced labour and hazardous child labour.

  40. Human Rights Day is observed on

    1. 2 October
    2. 14 November
    3. 10 December
    4. 26 January
    Answer

    C. 10 December

    It marks the adoption of the UDHR.

  41. The National Commission for Minorities was set up in

    1. 2013
    2. 1950
    3. 2005
    4. 1992
    Answer

    D. 1992

    It is a statutory body of 1992.

  42. A statutory right under a 2009 law for children is the

    1. Right to Information Act
    2. Right to Education Act
    3. Forest Rights Act
    4. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act
    Answer

    B. Right to Education Act

    The RTE Act came in 2009.

  43. Which of these is a Fundamental Right of an Indian citizen?

    1. Right to a free house
    2. Right to a government job
    3. Freedom of speech and expression
    4. Right to a pension
    Answer

    C. Freedom of speech and expression

    Article 19 grants freedom of speech.

  44. Statements: 1. The Land Transfer Regulation protects tribal land. 2. The Forest Rights Act takes away all rights of forest dwellers. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    A. 1 only

    The FRA recognises, not removes, forest rights.

  45. The MGNREGA was enacted in

    1. 2019
    2. 2005
    3. 1991
    4. 2014
    Answer

    B. 2005

    It gives a legal guarantee of wage employment.

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