Discrimination in Indian Society
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Transcript of Discrimination in Indian Society
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8/3/2019 Discrimination in Indian Society
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Discrimination in Indian Society
India is not a true democracy but a discriminating society where a few privileged are
given preferential treatment in all walks of life and the common man is ignored. Give
argumentsFor andAgainst this view.
India is basically a traditional society where most of the population is still rural-based and
values its old heritage, culture and traditions. After independence, the framers of Indian
Constitution wanted to transform the Indian society into a modern and liberal one by
incorporating the best possible provisions, like the Fundamental Rights and the Directive
Principles. Aim was to bestow all the liberties on the Indian citizens to make sure that the
principle of equality was ensured in the society. Further, under the Directive Principles, the
State is required to adopt such policies as may result in setting up an equitable society.
Under the Directive Principles, the State is also required to take such necessary steps as maybe required to uplift the poorer and the under-privileged sections of the society. These
measures are used as supplements to the politico-legal provisions under the Constitution,
with the objective of achieving social and democratic equality among all the citizens of the
country. But the actual practice of democracy in the last over five decades has made many
feel that rather than being a democracy, India is like an Aristocracy where some privileged
categories are given preferential treatment over the common man.
ArgumentsFor the View
(a) Although the Constitution of India provides for equality before law, yet as per actual
practice there are certain categories in the society which have emerged as privileged classes
and are given preferential treatment in all spheres of life. Hence, despite the constitutional
provisions the equality has not yet been achieved in Indian society.
(b) As per the estimates of government of India, about 25 per cent of the population in the
country lives below poverty line. Democracy has no meaning for such poor people who are
mainly concerned about basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. The democratic rights
and privileges are left only for some privileged ones to enjoy.
(c) Political bosses have emerged as a privileged class in Indian society which is using the
democracy to grind their own axe. While the common man votes the politician to power, it is
the latter category which enjoys the power to the utmost. Lack of accountability, rampant
corruption in high places and other social advantages make the politicians a privileged lot in
the society.
(d) In addition to the politicians, highly placed government officials also form a privileged
class in the society which enjoys all the facilities but little responsibility and accountability.
Be it official functions, free passes, rest houses, discretionary quotas or financial benefits
from the government, this class of Indian citizens score much above the common man in allthese matters and many others.
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ArgumentsAgainst the View
(a) India is the largest democracy of the world in terms of the number of electorates and has
performed well in the past. It is also one of the most matured democracies in the developing
world. It would be wrong to call it an Aristocracy.
(b) Democratic set up in the country has been ensured through one of the most
comprehensive and written Constitutions. For the last more than five decades, the
Constitution of India has delivered very well.
(c) Fundamental Rights are the cornerstones of Indian Constitution and provide for equality
before law as well as equal opportunity for employment under the State. The Constitution
does not provide for any privileged classes in Indian society.
(d) India is a welfare State and under the Directive Principles of State Policy, the
government has taken several measures after independence, which are aimed at the welfare of
the underprivileged and socially backward sections of population. Overall public policy,
poverty alleviation programmes, reservation policy, direct taxation policy, cross
subsidisation, etc. are some of the examples of the government policy aimed at benefiting the
poorer and the down-trodden in India.