Social Empowerment — Practice Questions
UPSC-pattern practice questions on social empowerment: PESA, transgender rights, disability law, constitutional provisions and Mains answer frameworks.
Questions
These are original UPSC-pattern practice questions. Attempt each one before revealing the answer.
With reference to the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, consider the following statements:
- It extends the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to Fifth Schedule areas, with modifications.
- It endows the Gram Sabha or Panchayats with ownership of minor forest produce.
- It requires the Gram Sabha or Panchayats at the appropriate level to be consulted before land is acquired in Scheduled Areas for development projects.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution
All three are correct. Note what PESA does not do: it does not apply to Sixth Schedule areas, which have Autonomous District Councils.
Answer: D
In which one of the following judgments did the Supreme Court recognise transgender persons as a third gender and uphold their right to self-identify their gender?
Solution
NALSA v. Union of India (2014). Navtej Singh Johar (2018) decriminalised consensual same-sex relations; Puttaswamy (2017) recognised privacy as a Fundamental Right; Shafin Jahan (2018) upheld an adult’s right to choose a marriage partner.
Answer: A
Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the minimum reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities in vacancies in government establishments is
Solution
4% — raised from 3% under the 1995 Act (the trap in option A). The 5% figure is for seats in government and government-aided higher education institutions.
Answer: B
Consider the following pairs:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 1. Article 340 | Appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes |
| 2. Article 46 | Promotion of educational and economic interests of weaker sections |
| 3. Article 341 | Notification of Scheduled Tribes |
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Solution
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. Pair 3 is incorrect — Article 341 is for Scheduled Castes; Scheduled Tribes are notified under Article 342.
Answer: C
Mains
What do you understand by social empowerment? Why is economic advancement alone insufficient to empower historically marginalised groups?
Solution
Introduction: Social empowerment is the process by which excluded groups gain dignity, voice, capabilities and control over resources — the substantive equality promised by the Preamble and Articles 15–17 and 46.
Body:
- Dimensions: social (dignity, freedom from discrimination), educational, economic, political, legal and psychological.
- Why income is not enough: caste discrimination persists across income levels (in housing, marriage, workplaces); atrocities target assertive and upwardly mobile Dalits too; women’s income does not guarantee control over decisions; persons with disabilities face physical and attitudinal barriers regardless of income.
- What else is needed: enforcement of protective laws (PoA Act), representation, accessible public spaces, social reform campaigns, inclusive education.
Conclusion: Empowerment is multidimensional. Economic gains must be matched by dignity, voice and legal protection — what Ambedkar called social democracy.
Despite strong constitutional safeguards, the empowerment of Scheduled Tribes remains incomplete. Examine with reference to PESA and the Forest Rights Act.
Solution
Introduction: The Constitution protects STs through the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, Article 46, Article 275(1) and the NCST (Article 338A). PESA (1996) and the Forest Rights Act (2006) were meant to give tribal communities control over local governance and forests.
Body:
- Achievements: Gram Sabha powers in Scheduled Areas; recognition of individual and community forest rights; Samatha (1997) restricting land transfer; Eklavya schools; PM JANMAN (2023) for PVTGs.
- Gaps in PESA: several States framed rules late or diluted Gram Sabha powers; consultation before land acquisition often treated as a formality.
- Gaps in FRA: high rejection of claims in some areas; slow recognition of community forest resource rights; conflicts with conservation and mining.
- Other gaps: displacement and inadequate rehabilitation; health, nutrition and education deficits; alienation in conflict-affected regions.
- Way forward: time-bound PESA rules, strengthened Gram Sabhas, community forest rights as a priority, free, prior and informed consultation, culturally sensitive education and health services.
Conclusion: Tribal empowerment depends less on new laws than on implementing PESA and the FRA in their letter and spirit — letting tribal communities govern their own resources.