DEMOCRATIC POLITICS - II

CHAPTER-1
POWER SHARING

Speak
Tamil
German, 1
Speaker % Speak French
s
6% Sinhala Speak
Speakers French, Speak Dutch
40%
Tamil Speak
Sinhala Speakers Dutch,5 Speak
Speaker 9% German
s
74%

Dutc Bruss
h els
20% 0%
French
Frenc
h Dutch
80%

Democratic form of government

SRILANKA BELGIUM

(Majoritarianism) (Accommodative)
Independent in 1948
(i) Democratically elected Government (i) Equal No. of Ministers from
(Sinhala community dominated the ministry) Dutch and French speaking
(ii) Adopted a series of Majoritarian in central Government
measures to establish Sinhala supremacy: (ii) No single community can Like
1956 Act, recognized Sinhala as the only make decisions for itself official
language
(iii)Favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions (iii) State Govt.not subordinate to
and Govt. jobs Central Govt.
(iv) Constitution- to protect and foster Buddhism (iv) Brussels: Govt. too had
Equal representation –

Srilankan Sinhalas
Tamils Supremacy
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Result:- Result:-
a) Increased the feeling of distrust Country united respecting the
Among the Srilankan Tamils, CIVIL WAR feelings of different communities
STARTED and regions
b) Constitution and the government ignored their Brussels chosen as headquarters
Interests-denied equal political rights of European Union
c) Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and demand COUNTRY UNITED
Tamil Ealam State, Tamil as an official language,
regional autonomy, equality in securing education
and jobs
Civil war causes
 Fought for recognition of Tamil as
an official language.
 Wanted regional autonomy
 Equal opportunity in securing education and jobs
 1980-demanded an independent Tamil Eelam
in northern and eastern part of Srilanka

BELGIUM
Accommodation –Three kind of Government

Centre State Community

Government

Belgium Brussels (its capital) Elected by people

Brussels has a separate belonging to one
Dutch, French and Government in which both language Community
German speaking-no the communities have
matter where they live equal representation.

Balance of Power with checks and balances

Horizontal Distribution

Legislature Executive Judiciary

49
 organs of Govt.
Power is shared among different
Power is shared among Power is shared among political

different social groups. Forms of Power sharing parties, pressure groups, and
movements in influencing those
inpower

of different levels.
Power is shared among Govt.
Examples: Community Govt. in Belgium →Central
‘Reserved constituencies’ in →State
assemblies and parliaments →Local

Power sharing is desirable

Prudential Moral
V

Bring out better outcome Valuable

 It helps to reduce the possibility of Conflict It is the very spirit of
between Social groups. democracy
 Ensure stability of political order People have a right to be
consulted on how to be governed
People participate in Govt.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING-[3-MARKS]

1. Mention the three causes for the Civil War in Sri Lanka?
The distrust between the two communities, Sinhala and Tamil turned into conflict.
The Srilankan Tamils had launched Parties and struggles -
• Their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the Tamils was denied.
• Struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language, for regional autonomy and
equality of opportunity in securing education and jobs failed.
• In 1980s several political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil
Eelam [state] in northeren and eastern part of Srilanka. It soon turned into a Civil War.

50
 2. List the three merits of Power Sharing?
• Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
• It is the very spirit of democracy.
• It brings in the unity of the nation.

3. How has the democratically elected government in Srilanka established

‘Majoritarian, measures?
• In 1956,an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language,
disregarding Tamil.
• The government followed Preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for
University positions and government jobs.
• Protected and fostered Buddhism.

4. Why has Brussels ,been chosen as the headquarters of the European Union?
• They recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities and the
arrangement [Accommodation] they worked out is different from any other country
and is innovative.
• It has avoided Civic problems and division on linguistic basis, instead brought
stability.
• Though complicated, this arrangement has enabled everyone to live together within
the same country.

5. How is the system of ‘ checks and balances’ maintained among the different organs of
the government?
• Power is shared among the different organs of the government such as the
• legislature, executive and judiciary.
• It allows different organs of the government placed at the same level to exercise
different powers.
• Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each
organ checks the other .This result in balance of power.

LONG ANSWERS QUESTIONS [5marks]

Q.1 How has the Belgian government solved its ethnic Problem?
• The Path of accommodation adopted in Belgium -
• Dutch and French speaking ministers shall be equal in the central govt.
• Many Powers of the central government have been given to state govt. The state Govt
is not subordinate to the Central Govt.
• Brussels has a separate Govt. in which both the communities have equal
representation.
• There is a third kind of Govt. called community Govt. elected by the people belonging
to Dutch, French and German no matter where they live.
• When many countries of Europe came together to form the Europe union, Brussels
was chosen as its headquarters.

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Q.2- Explain the four forms of Power Sharing with examples.
• Horizontal distribution of power.[between the organs of the government-Legislature,
• Executive and Judiciary]- India
• Vertical distribution of power. [among Central level, state level and local level] -
India
• Power sharing among different social groups.[ Community Government, [Belgium]
• reserved seats, Women ]- India
• Power sharing among different political parties, Pressure groups and Movements.- In
India [Coalition government]

VALUE BASED QUESTION

1. Give any four values that can be promoted through Power sharing.
2. Unity and Understanding , Respect for each other, Caring and Sharing, Trust
and Peace and appreciate each others culture, religion, language.

QUESTION BANK
Q.1 Why is power sharing good for democracies? Why is it desirable in the modern
world?
Q.2 Explain how the Civil War can be turned down and peace be restored in Srilanka .
Q.3 Explain different forms of power sharing in modern democracies.
Q.4 Explain the drawbacks of majoritarianism.
Q.5 Give a comparative analysis between Belgium and India.
Q.6 What is a ‘Community Government’- How is this formed in Belgium.
Q.7 How is the balance of power maintained among the three organs of the government?
Q.8 Why do we have ’reserved constituencies’?

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52
 CHAPTER - 2
FEDARALISM

Types of Government

Unitary Federal

Government at one level Government at two levels or

(Central Government) more

Has all the powers

Can pass orders to the State Central Government State Government
Or subordinate Govt. for the entire country works at the state level

Can pass orders to works for the common Looks into the
the state or subordinate National interest administration of the local
Government

cannot give orders to has powers of its own

State Government for it is not
answerable to the centre

(Both these govts. are separately answerable to the people)

eg – U.K, Italy, Portugal Eg. India, Belgium, South Africa, Australia

Features of Federalism:-
• Two or more levels of government
• Each level has its own jurisdiction (power)
• Jurisdictions Specified in the Constitution
• Changes in the provisions of Constitution require the consent of both the govt’s.
• Courts acts as an umpire if any dispute arise between the levels of government.
• Sources of revenue specified (Financial autonomy) – Every state has its own revenue to
look after its welfare.
• Dual objective – promote the unity of the country by accommodating regional diversity

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 Two routes through which federation have been formed

Coming together Holding together

Independent states come together Large Country decide to divide its

to form a bigger unit power between state and the national govt.

Pool their Sovereignty retain their Central Govt. tend to be more

Identity, increasing security powerful

All the states have equal powers ex – India, Belgium, Spain

ex – U.S.A, Switzerland, Australia

Threefold distribution of legislative powers

Three lists

Union List State List Concurrent List

 Subjects of National Importance Subjects of State and local Subjects of common

interest
 Needs a uniform policy throughout importance Both Central and State
can make the country State Govt.alone can laws
 Union Govt. alone can make laws make laws In a conflict, Union Govt. law
will prevail

Railway Police Education

54
 Defence Agriculture Marriage
Residuary Subjects:
 Computers
• Subjects that do not fall in any of the three lists, laws of union Govt. will prevail.

How is federalism practiced?

• Linguistic states- People who spoke the same language lived in the same state.
• Some states were created not on the basis of language, but to recognize differences based
on culture, ethnicity or geography.
• Formation of linguistic states has made the country united, made administration easier.

• Language Policy- Did not give status of National language to any

one language. Flexibility is shown. The use of English along with Hindi for official
purposes is agreed. States too have their own official languages .

3) Centre State relations Sharing and respecting each other

Centre State

Coalition Government.-A Government formed together with two or more political parties.
They adopt a common programme.

National Party A

National Party D Government

National Party B

National Party C

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 Decentralization
Power taken away from centre and State given to local government
Reason for Decentralization in India –
• Large country
• Three - Tier govt., - local govt. formed
• Large no: of problems and issues
• Local people-better knowledge of local problems
• Democratic participation – local self – govt.
• 1992- Amendment – third tier made – more powerful
Steps taken to make third-tier more powerful
• Regular elections
• Reservation of seats for SC, ST, OBC
• Reservation for women
• Creation of state EC to control elections
• State govt. to share power & revenue with local govt.
Formation of Panchayati Raj (Rural local government)-
• Group of each village have a panchayat
• President or Sarpanch
• Directly elected by the people
• Works under the supervision of gramasabha (all voters of the village)
• Meets twice or thrice a year to approve the budget of Grama Panchayat

Panchayati raj – local Self govt.(RURAL)

Village level Block level District level

Gramapanchayat Panchayat samiti Zilla parishad

(Group of village panchayat) (many blocks constitute a zilla)

Formed by Gramasabha elected by panchayat members formed by elected

(All voters of the villege) of that area members and have
members of Lok
HEADS- (President or Sarpanch) (Block Panchayat President orBDO) Sabha and MLA
of the district (Zilla Chair Person)

Local government – URBAN

Municipalities Municipal Corporation

(Towns) (big cities)

Municipal (head) Mayor(head)

Chairperson

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ANSWER THE FOLLOWING- [3-MARKS]
1. What are the two routes through which federation have been formed?
• There are two kinds of routes through which federations can be formed.
• First one is ‘Coming together Federation’ in which independent units comes closely
to each other to form a union in which both centre and states vis-à-vis powerful.
• Second one is ‘Holding together Federation’- here a large country decides to divide its
powers between the constituent states and the national government.

2. What is the importance of Local Self government?

• The matter of local interest like water supply, the cleaning and lighting of streets,
maintenance of drainage system, etc are best settled at the local level.
• It is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making at the local
levels like people can take part in panchayat meetings held in their area.
• The money spend and the to manage things more efficiently are seen here.

3. What is the real reason for the success of federalism in India?

• The constitutional provisions are laid out very clearly
• The nature of democratic politics has ensured its success
• There is respect for diversity
• The creation of Linguistic States , the flexibility shown by the Indian political leaders
in Language policy and the significant changes made in the Centre –State
relationships
4. What was the relationship between the centre and state when different parties ruled
at the centre and state levels till 1990?
• When different parties ruled at the centre and state levels the parties at the centre tried
to undermine the power of states.
• The central government misused the constitution often to dismiss the state
governments that were controlled by other parties. This is against the spirit of
federalism.

5. Write a note on the Local bodies that exist in Urban areas?

• Municipalities are setup in towns. Big cities have Municipal Corporations .
• Both Municipalities and Municipal Corporations are controlled by elected bodies
consisting of the people’s representatives.
• C]Municipal Chairman is the head of the Municipality and Mayor for Municipal
Corporation.

LONG ANSWERS QUESTIONS : [5 MARKS]

1.What are the main features of Federalism ?
• 1.In federalism there are two or more tires of government but both of the tiers
rule over the same citizens.
• Powers of every level are clearly written in the constitution and no one is
authorized to cross its limits.
• The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by
one level of government.
• In federalism, courts are known as the guardians of constitution.

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 • Source of revenue of each level of government are clearly specified.
• The dual objectives of federal system -[a]To safeguard and promote unity of the
country [b] accommodate regional diversity.

2 What are the three-fold distribution of Legislative powers between the Union and the
State governments. What are ‘Residuary Subjects’?
Constitution has clearly demarcated the powers between different levels. Every level
is given certain subjects to make laws related to its jurisdiction.
• Union List: Union List is a list of certain subjects on which Central government
can make laws.
• State List : State list is a list of certain subjects on which state government can
make laws.
• Concurrent List : Concurrent list is a list of subjects which are of common interest
for both central and state government.
• Residuary Subjects : There are certain subjects which are not included in any of
the three lists only central government can make laws on these subjects.

3. What major steps were taken in 1992 towards decentralization?

• A three tier democracies were introduced in 1992.
• A step was taken towards creating rural local self govt.
• Regular elections to be held for panchayats.
• Seats reserved for SC’s and STs OBCs
• One third seats reserved for women
• State govt. to share power and revenue with local bodies.

4. Explain the flexibility shown in the language policy in Indian federation?

• Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language.
• A candidate in an examination conducted for Central government positions may
opt to take the examination in any of the the languages. States too have their own
official language.
• English along with Hindi is used for official purposes.
• Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of Government of
India.Here, promotion does not mean that Central government can impose Hindi
on states where people speak a different language.

QUESTION BANK -
Q.1- Explain the composition of Panchayathi Raj in India?
Q.2- Trace the history of the formation of the Linguistic States in India?
Q.3- Does a country like India need decentralization – Justify?
Q.4- What are Union Territories? Name two Union Territories of India.
Q.5- Define ‘Coalition Government’? How has this led to a new culture of Pwer Sharing?

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58
 CHAPTER - 3
DEMOCRACY AND DIVERSITY

USA SRILANKA NORTHERN

IRELAND

Protestants Catholics
Black White Sinhala Srilankan Tamil

Wanted to Wanted to be remain in united with UK Republic

of Ireland

Unionists
Nationali
Party
sts Party
45% Unionist Nationalists
s Party Party
55%

• Social Division
Division of the society on the basis of language, region, caste, colour, race or sex. It
signifies linguistic and regional diversity.
• Civil Rights Movement in the USA(1954-1968)
A series of events and reform movements with the aim of abolishing legal, racial
discrimination against African-Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. started
themovement in 1954.This movement practiced non-violent methods of
civildisobedience against racially discriminatory laws and practices.
• African-Americans
Afro-American, Black American or Black are the terms used to refer mainly to the
descendents of Africans who were brought into America as slaves between early 17th
and 19th century.
• The Black power.
It was a movement started by black people in 1966(1966-1975) against racism and
the practice of apartheid.It was a militant movement advocating even violence if
necessary to end racism in the US .
• Migrants
Anybody who shifts from one region or country to another region within a country or

59
 to another country for the purpose of work or other economic opportunities.
• Minority
It refers to communities who are less than half of the total population of the
country.The idea of minority at national level is totally different from what it is at
state level.
• Homogenous Society.
Homogenous Society signifies absence of significant ethnic differences. It is a society
that has similar kinds of people or inhabitants.
• Multi- Cultural Community
Social community formed on the basis of different cultures is known as theMulti-
cultural community. This happens mostly due to the practice of migration when
people bring with them their own culture.

Athletes who made an important landmark in the history of Civil Rights

Movement in the United States

They were US athletes-

1. Tommie Smith and John Carlos Taken part in 200 race in 1968 Olympic held
(held guilty) at Mexico city-Won gold and bronze medals

During the National Anthem they stood with clenched fists upraised and heads
bowed, - wore black socks and no shoes, -Symbolize Black power

2. Peter Norman Australian – won silver medal and wore a

human right’s badge to support Tommic and John

(The athletes in the example above were responding to social divisions and
inequalities)

Three determinants (factors) for the outcome of politics of social divisions –

• How people perceive their identities- eg-to be an Indian though belonging to different
state
• How political leaders raise the demands of any community- eg- The demand for ‘only
Sinhala’ in Srilanka brought distrust among Tamils.
• How the govt. react to different groups- eg –Willing to share power and be
accommodative like in Belgium
Advantage of social division in democracy-
• Can express their grievances and the govt. attend to it
• Intensity of social division is reduced by canceling one another out, through their
expressions(being accommodative)

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 • Raise their issues in a peaceful manner for seeking votes
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING -
Q1. Mention three similarities between Tommie Smith and John Carlos.
• Both were African – Americans.
• Both won medals at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968.
• Stood against racial discrimination which was practiced against the Africans in
America.

Q2. Who was Peter Norman? Why did he support Carlos and Smith? What punishment
did he get for this?
• Peter Norman was an Australian Athlete.
• Norman wore a human rights badge on his shirt during the ceremony to show his
support to the dissent of two American athletes.
• Norman was not included in the Australian team for the next Olympic.

Q 3. How do class and religion overlap with each other in Northern Ireland?
• In Northern Ireland the population is divided into two major sects of Christianity – 53%
are Protestants and 44% are Roman Catholics. The Catholics are more likely to be poor
and suffered a history of discrimination. On the other hand, the Protestants are rich.
This resulted in conflicts between the two.

Q4. Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of social divisions in democracy.
Advantages
• Political expressions of social divisions is very normal and can be healthy. This
allows various disadvantaged and marginal social groups to express their grievances
and get the government to attend to these.
• Expression of various kinds of social divisions in politics often results in their
canceling one another out and thus reducing their intensity.
Disadvantages
• In a democracy the different social groups organize themselves to bring equality,
social justice and other vested interests. Sometimes their protest results into violence
or conflicts.
• For the society which has high social divisions, becomes very difficult to ensure
integrity and unity.

Q.5- What do you know about origins of social differences?

• Social differences are mostly based on accident of birth. Some of the differences are
based on our choices.
• By Birth- Normally we do not choose to belong to our community, we belong to it
simply because we are born into it.
• By choices- Some people are atheists-they do not believe in God or any religion,
some choose to follow religion other than in which they were born.

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LONG ANSWERS QUESTIONS : [5 MARKS]
1. ‘Overlapping social differences create deep social divisions and Cross-cutting
differences are easier to accommodate’- Justify the given statement.
• Social divisions take place when some social difference overlaps with other differences.
• The difference between Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in US because the
Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.
• When one kind of social difference become more important than the other, this produces
social divisions. In Northern Ireland, class and religion overlap with each other.
• If social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to pit one group of people
against the other. In Netherlands class and religion tend to cut across each other.

2. Explain the three determinants in deciding the outcome of politics with examples.
• How people perceive their identities.
• How Political leaders raise the demands of any community.
• How the government reacts to demands of different groups. (To explain)

QUESTION BANK-
1. How can social divisions be normal and can be healthy in a democracy?
2. How do Migrants play a role in bringing social divisions in a country?
3. Every social division does not lead to social differences – Explain.
4. How is political expression of social divisions in democracy beneficial?
5. Taking the example of Carlos, Smith and Norman explain how social differences
divide similar people from one another but also unite very different people.

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62
 CHAPTER 4
GENDER , RELIGION AND CASTE
GENDER
• Sexual Division of labour – Woman do all the work inside the home or take the help of
domestic helpers and men do work outside home.
• Feminist Movement- A movement aimed at equality in personal and family life as
well.(believe in equal rights and opportunities).
• Role of Women in the society-
a) Belief that responsibility of woman is house work and brining up children
b) Their work were not valued and recognized
c) Though constitute half the population their role is minimal especially in politics.
d) Gender issue raised in politics – for equal rights, for voting, improve the political and
legal status of women – for education &career (Feminist Movement)
• Changing the Scenario of women’s role in public life
a) Women working as Scientist, doctors, managers and college and university teachers.
b) The participation of women in public life is high in developed Countries like Sweden,
Norway and Finland.
• Ways in which women are discriminated and oppressed –
a) Literacy rate among women 54% and men 76% Reason – Girl students going for higher
studies is less, More drop outs – as parents prefer to spend more for boys education
b) Proportion of women in highly paid jobs are small –
c) The Equal Wages Act provides that equal wage must be paid – but women are paid less
than men
d) Parents prefer to have sons and so decline in six – ratio
e) Women are harassed and exploited in rural & urban areas – domestic violence
f) Family laws of religions show discrimination against women
g) Ours is still a male dominated , patriarchal society.
• Women’s political representation
a) Elected women member in Lok Sabha has not reached 10% and in State Assemblies 5% -
very low
b) A different scenario in Panchayatraj in India
(i) 1 / 3 Seat in the local government is in Panchayat’s and Municipalities – reserved for
women- more than 10lakh women representatives in their bodies.
c) Proposal of bill before the parliament:-
Reservation of at least 1/3 of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women
Communalism –
o The division based on religious differences.
o A major challenge to democracy.

1) Relationship between Religion and politics

• Gandhiji’s view :- Religion can never be separated from politics – it must be guided by
ethics from religion
• Human Right groups view – Victims of Communal riots in our country are religious
minorities –
• Women’s Movement view – Family laws of religions discriminate against women
demanded that such laws should be changed to make them equitable
2) Various forms of communalism in politics :-

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 • Religious prejudices – belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions
• A communal mind leads to political dominance of one’s own religious Community-
• Special appeal in electoral politics involving the use of Sacred symbols, religious leaders,
emotional appeal and plain fear to bring the followers together.
3) Constitutional provisions given in the Constitution base on Secularism, to crub communalism:-
• No official religion for the Indian state – no special status.
• Freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion.
• Prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
• Ensures equality within religious communities.
4) Communal politics-
• based on the idea that religion is the principle basis of social community-
• State power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest.
• One religion and followers are pitted against another.
Caste :-
• Caste division based on – hereditary occupational division – exclusion and discrimination
against ‘our caste’ groups – Causing social inequality.
• Social reformers – who fought against Caste System are Gandhiji, Jotibaphule,
B.R.Ambedkar, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker.
• Reasons for changes undergone in Caste system – Urbanization, -occupational mobility, -
breaking down of caste hierarchy(old notions) – Constitution of India prohibited any caste
based discrimination – Ban on un touchability – access to modern education.
5. Various forms of Caste in politics –
• To win elections parties choose candidates from different castes and tribes
• Make appeals to caste sentiments – favour some caste, and are seen as their
representatives
• One person – one vote, No parliamentary constituency in the country has majority of one
• Single caste – so they need more than one caste, to win election.
• It brought a new consciousness among the people of caste that they were treated low
• The ruling party MP or MLA frequently loose election – will not happen if it was not
Caste bias.

Result –
 Caste group become bigger by incorporating with other caste or sub caste
 Some Caste enter into dialogue and negotiation with other
 Formation of new caste groups –backward, forward caste groups.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING [3 MARKS]

Q1. Explain the factors responsible for low female literacy rate in our country?
• It is only a smaller proportion of girl students go for higher studies.
• Girls dropout because parent’s prefer to spend their resources for their boys education
rather than spending equally on their sons and daughters.

Q2. Give any three provisions that make India a secular state ?
• There is no official religion for Indian state.
• The constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice
and propagate any religion.

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 • The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

Q3.Explain any three factors responsible for breaking down the caste hierarchy in our country?
• With economic development, large scale urbanization, growth of literacy and education.
• Occupational mobility and weakening of the positions of landlords in the villages, the
caste hierarchy is breaking down.
• The Constitution of India prohibited any caste-based discrimination. We don’t see the
practice of untouchability anywhere today.
• Caste system also weakened due to the efforts of our political leaders and social reformers
like Jyothiba Phule, Gandhiji, B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar Ramaswami Naicker.

Q4. Why was the Equal Renumeration Act,1976 passed?

• In almost all areas of work, from sports and cinema, to factories and fields, women are
paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work.
• This Act provides that equal wages should be paid to equal work.

Q-5. Explain any three forms of caste politics in India?

• When parties choose candidates in elections, they keep in mind the caste composition of
the electorate and nominate candidates from different castes so as to muster essential
support to win elections.
• Political Parties and candidates in elections make appeals to cast sentiments of the
electorate in order to muster support.
• When governments are formed, political parties usually take care that representatives of
different caste and tribes find place in it.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS :[5 marks]

Q1. Discuss any five steps taken by the government towards women empowerment and
gender inequality.
• One-third of seats in the local government bodies in Panchayats and Municipalities are
now
• reserved for women.
• The provision of equal wages for women without any discrimination has been made
under the
• Equal Wages Act.
• Female infanticide has been reduced as sex-selective abortions has been taken away, in
many parts of the country.
• Domestic violence against women, their exploitation etc. always have been the part of
daily news. In this regards, the government has brought Domestic Violence Act which
proves and effective steps.
• Girl students are given concessions and free education in many states.

Q.2. What are the various forms that communalism can take in politics in India?
• Communalism in daily beliefs – These routinely involve religious prejudices,
stereotypes of religious communities and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over
other religions. This is so common that we often fail to notice it, even when we believe in
it.
• Formation of Political parties based on religious communities- A communal mind

65
 often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community. For
those belonging to majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance.
For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a
separate political unit.
• Political mobilization on religious lines- It is another frequent form of communalism.
This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain
fear in order to bring the followers of one religion together in political arena. In electoral
politics this often involves special appeal to the interests or emotions of voters of one
religion in preference to others.
• Communal Riots- Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal
violence, riots and massacre. India and Pakistan suffered some of the worst communal
riots at the time of the Partition. The post- Independence period has also seen large scale
communal violence.

Q-3. What are the various ways by which women face discrimination, disadvantage and
oppression in our society today?
• The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued job is still very small.
• Parent’s prefer to spend their resources for their boys education rather than spending
equally on their sons and daughters. Thus the literacy rate among the women is low.
• Women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work.
• In many parts of India parents prefer to have sons and find ways to have the girl child
aborted
• They are not safe even in their home today. Beating, harassment and other forms of
domestic violence continue.
• Women are paid less than men, even when both do the same work.

QUESTION BANK
1. What was Gandhji’s view on religion and politics?
2. Describe the ways in which Communalism poses a great threat to the Indian democracy?
3. List the main aims of the Feminist Movement?
4. Why did our Constitution framers choose the model of a secular state?
5. Suggest steps to improve the status of women in Indian society?
6. What is sexual division of labour?

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