UPSC
Mains 2024 ( Indian society)
Question
: Critically analyze
the proposition that there is a high correlation between India's cultural
diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (Answer in 250 words)
|
Examines India's cultural diversity and its correlation
with socio-economic marginalities. Highlights challenges faced by marginalized groups and
opportunities for upward mobility.. |
Introduction
India's
cultural diversity, encompassing various languages, religions, and traditions,
intersects with socio-economic factors, resulting in significant
marginalization for certain communities facing persistent disadvantages in
income, education, and social status.
Correlation
Between Cultural Diversity and Socio-Economic Marginality
Historical
Stratification:
The caste
system has left Dalits and Adivasis systematically marginalized, facing
exclusion from education, jobs, and social mobility. The 2011 Census revealed
that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) had significantly higher
poverty rates compared to others. Similarly, the Sachar Committee (2006)
highlighted that Muslims suffer from educational and economic deprivation, with
lower literacy rates and poorer access to government jobs.
Regional
and Ethnic Disparities:
Tribal
communities in central India and ethnic groups in the northeast face
underdevelopment and displacement due to mining, infrastructure, and industrial
projects. For instance, large-scale displacement caused by the Narmada dam
disproportionately impacted Adivasi populations.
Linguistic
Marginalization:
Non-Hindi
speaking states, particularly in the south, often express concerns over the
central government's focus on Hindi, which they argue sidelines regional
languages and leads to resource allocation disparities.
Gender
and Intersectionality:
Women from
marginalized communities, like Dalit women, face compounded disadvantages in
education, healthcare, and employment, experiencing both caste and gender-based
discrimination.
Counter
Arguments
Economic
Structures:
Economic
forces like globalization, neoliberal policies, and agrarian distress also
exacerbate poverty, affecting both marginalized and non-marginalized
communities.
Policy
and Governance Failures:
Poor
implementation of schemes like MNREGA and PDS leakages further marginalize
disadvantaged groups, revealing governance as a major factor beyond cultural
identity.
Conclusion
While there
is a significant correlation between cultural diversity and socio-economic
marginalization, broader economic factors and governance issues also
contribute. Addressing both cultural and structural inequalities is essential
for achieving socio-economic justice in India.
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