Tag: political science

The practice of untouchability was in vogue in Ancient which continued to prevail in modern India also. It is a practice of excluding or isolating persons of lower caste from social participation. Article 17 of the constitution abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice. The Untouchability Offences Act enacted in 1955 (presently Protection of Civil Rights, 1976) in the spirit of the constitutional mandate which provides for penalties of such practices so defined in it. The Hindu-Sikh Religion classified people on the caste system in the Vedic era whereby lower castes people are considered as untouchables.

Women in India face a lot of obstacles in their Social, Economic and Political life. This is also due to the feudal traditions and mindset of the people. The government is working towards measures for equality and is adopting various programs for the same.

Patriarchy is the system where men are considered superior to women. Due to this idea, more power and authority is granted to males which eventually leads to exclusion of women from higher positions in a political, social or economic setup. It many a times leads to exploitation, backwardness and oppression of women.

The parliament has enacted various laws in order to work for the welfare of women. The Special Marriage and the Dowry Prohibition act were responsible for the welfare of the martial life of the women. The Equal Remuneration Act is responsible for the workplace equality of women.

Dowry refers to transfer of property, gifts or money at the marriage of a daughter. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 provides for a penalty if any person gives, takes or abets giving or receiving of dowry. The Act provides the penalty for directly or indirectly demanding dowry and provides for a penalty involving a prison term of not less than 6 months and extendable up to two years along with a fine of Rs.10,000.

Right Against Exploitation is a fundamental right and is expressed in Article 23 and 24. Article 23 deals with Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour. Violation of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

Bride trafficking is the practice of selling and buying girl bride against her will for the purpose of marriage. This derogatory practice has resulted in a decreasing number of females over males. In 1956 Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act was passed by the Parliament which was later amended and changed in 1986 to Immoral Traffic Prevention Act. It prohibits trafficking in human beings and provides punishment for persons doing so or engaged in such activities. The Act defines "trafficking", "child", "brothels" and other related terms. 

Swayamsidha Scheme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The objectives of the scheme include empowerment through the creation of confidence and awareness among members of SHGs regarding women's status, health, nutrition, education, sanitation and hygiene, etc. The long-term objective of the scheme is to achieve an all round empowerment of women, both social and economic empowerment. Direct access to and control over resources through income generating activities would be the main purpose of women SHGs under Swayamsidha.

The Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP) Scheme aims to provide skills that give employability to women and to provide competencies and skill that enable women to become self-employed/entrepreneurs. The Scheme is intended to benefit women who are in the age group of 16 years and above across the country. The assistance under STEP Scheme is available in any sector for imparting skills related to employability and entrepreneurship, including but not limited to the Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Handlooms, Tailoring, Stitching, Embroidery, Zari etc.