Class 8 CBSE – Social Science  Chapter 6: Confronting Marginalisation

Introduction to Confronting Marginalisation

These notes of Chapter 6: Confronting Marginalisation, cover the entire chapter in a concise yet detailed manner suitable for Class 8 CBSE examination preparation. Revise with textbook diagrams (Constitution pages, photos of protests, etc.) for better marks.

Marginalisation means pushing certain groups of people to the edge (margin) of society so that they are excluded from equal opportunities, rights, and resources. Marginalised communities in India mainly include:

• Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes – ST)
• Dalits (Scheduled Castes – SC)
• Other Backward Classes (OBC)
• Religious and linguistic minorities
• Women and persons with disabilities (in some contexts)

These communities face social and economic discrimination, poverty, lack of education, and denial of dignity.

1. How do marginalised communities face discrimination?

• Social exclusion: Not allowed to enter temples, use common wells, or mix freely.
• Economic exclusion: Denied good jobs, forced into low-paying or manual work.
• Political exclusion: Little or no representation in decision-making bodies.
• Cultural exclusion: Their language, customs, and traditions are looked down upon.

2. The Constitution of India and Marginalised Communities

The Indian Constitution provides several safeguards to protect marginalised groups and bring them into the mainstream.

A. Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution)

• Article 14: Equality before law
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth
• Article 17: Abolishes untouchability and makes its practice a punishable offence
• Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty with dignity
• Article 23 & 24: Prohibit forced labour and child labour in hazardous jobs

B. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28) Minorities have the right to practise, profess, and propagate their religion and manage their religious institutions.

C. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30)

• Protection of language, script, and culture of minorities
• Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions

D. Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 46) The State shall promote educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.

3. Special Provisions for Scheduled Castes (SCs and Scheduled Tribes (STs)

• Reservation in education (seats in schools, colleges, universities)
• Reservation in government jobs
• Reservation in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies (Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas)
• Separate ministries: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (for SCs & OBCs) and Ministry of Tribal Affairs (for STs)

4. Laws to Protect Marginalised Communities

1955 → Protection of Civil Rights Act (earlier Untouchability Offences Act) Punishes crimes against SCs and STs such as forcing them to do bonded labour or denying entry to public places.

1989 → Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act This is the strongest law to prevent atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis. Important provisions:

• Prevents humiliation and harassment
• Punishes crimes like forcing someone to eat or drink obnoxious substances, parading naked, tonsuring, etc.
• Special courts for speedy trials
• Rehabilitation and relief for victims

1995 → Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) Gives special powers to Gram Sabhas in Scheduled (tribal) areas over natural resources, land acquisition, minor minerals, etc.

2006 → Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (Forest Rights Act – FRA)

• Recognises the rights of Adivasis and other forest-dwelling communities over forest land they have been cultivating
• Rights to minor forest produce (tendu leaves, honey, herbs, etc.)
• Community rights over grazing, fishing, and sacred places

5. Adivasi Demands and 1989 Act

Adivasis demanded:

• Control over land, forests, and water resources
• Autonomy and self-rule in tribal areas
• Protection of their culture and traditions

The 1989 Act (SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act) was passed partly because of strong movements by Dalit and Adivasi organisations.

6. Dalit Movement and Dr B.R. Ambedkar

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, fought lifelong against caste discrimination. Important events:

• Mahad Satyagraha (1927): Dalits asserted their right to take water from public tank
• Poona Pact (1932): Agreement with Gandhiji for reserved seats for Dalits
• Conversion to Buddhism (1956): Ambedkar and lakhs of followers converted to escape caste oppression

7. Movements and Struggles of Marginalised Groups

• C.K. Janu and Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha (Kerala): Fought for land rights of Adivasis; organised big protests and hunger strikes
• Dalit Panthers (Maharashtra, 1970s): Militant organisation against caste oppression
• Women’s movements: Demanded equal rights and representation

8. Assertion of Identity and Dignity

Marginalised groups confront marginalisation by:

• Using art, poetry, and literature (e.g., Omprakash Valmiki’s autobiography Joothan)
• Celebrating their culture (Adivasi dances, Dalit literature festivals)
• Forming organisations and political parties (BSP, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha)
• Using reservation policies to enter education and jobs

9. Role of Government Policies and Schemes

• Scholarships and hostels for SC/ST/OBC students
• Mid-day Meal scheme to encourage education
• Stand-Up India, Start-Up India, MUDRA loans for SC/ST entrepreneurs
• National Scheduled Tribes Commission and National Commission for Scheduled Castes

10. Conclusion

Marginalisation is a violation of human dignity and fundamental rights. The Constitution and laws provide powerful tools to fight it. However, laws alone are not enough – society must change its attitude. Every citizen has the responsibility to treat all people with respect and equality.

Key Terms to Remember

• Marginalisation – Social & economic exclusion
• Untouchability – Practice abolished by Article 17
• Reservation – Seats/jobs reserved for SC/ST/OBC
• Atrocities – Violent crimes against SCs/STs
• Forest Rights Act 2006 – Recognises traditional rights of forest dwellers
• PESA 1996 – Special powers to tribal Gram Sabhas
• Scheduled Areas – Regions with high tribal population

Important Questions (Expected in Exams)

1. Explain the term ‘marginalisation’. Give examples.
2. How does the Constitution of India protect marginalised communities?
3. Write a short note on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
4. Why was the Forest Rights Act, 2006 passed?
5. Describe any two ways in which Adivasis and Dalits assert their identity.
6. “Reservation is an important tool to confront marginalisation.” Explain.

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