Day 36 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: While globalization has contributed to economic growth in India, its impact on social empowerment has been uneven across different sections of society. Critically analyse this statement, highlighting both the positive and negative effects of globalization on social empowerment in India. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies. In India, it has driven economic growth but has had uneven effects on social empowerment across different sections of society, leading to both opportunities and challenges.

Body

• While globalization has boosted India’s GDP and created job opportunities, it has also exacerbated income inequality. Urban centers have thrived, but rural areas often remain neglected. Eg: The IT boom in cities like Bengaluru vs. agrarian distress in states like Maharashtra.
• Globalization has promoted cultural integration and awareness but has also led to the loss of indigenous cultures and traditions. Eg: The spread of Western fast-food chains impacting traditional Indian food culture.
• While globalization has opened up new opportunities for women, it has also led to the marginalization of women in traditional sectors who lack access to new opportunities. Eg: Women in urban areas gaining corporate jobs vs. rural women facing exploitation in low-wage labor.

Positive Effects of Globalization on Social Empowerment –

1. Increased Access to Education: Globalization has led to improved educational opportunities through international collaborations and online platforms. Eg: Establishment of foreign universities and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) like Coursera.
2. Employment Opportunities: Expansion of global businesses in India has created jobs and improved living standards. Eg: Growth in IT and BPO sectors in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, creating a new middle class.
3. Technological Advancement: Adoption of global technologies has empowered people with information and communication tools. Eg: Proliferation of smartphones and internet access in rural areas, enhancing connectivity and information access.
4. Women Empowerment: Exposure to global norms has promoted gender equality and increased women’s participation in the workforce. Eg: Increased number of women in corporate roles and entrepreneurship.
5. Cultural Exchange: Globalization has facilitated cultural exchange and diversity, leading to a more inclusive society. Eg: International film festivals and cuisine, fostering greater cultural understanding and tolerance.

Negative Effects of Globalization on Social Empowerment:

1. Economic Inequality: Benefits of globalization have been unevenly distributed, leading to widening economic disparities. Eg: The wealth gap between urban and rural areas, with urban areas benefiting more from global investments.
2. Cultural Homogenization: Global influences can overshadow local cultures and traditions, leading to cultural erosion. Eg: Westernization of youth culture and decline in traditional arts and crafts.
3. Job Displacement: Global competition has led to the decline of traditional industries and job losses. Eg: Handloom weavers and local artisans losing livelihoods due to mass-produced global goods.
4. Exploitation and Labor Issues: Global supply chains sometimes exploit labor in developing countries, leading to poor working conditions. Eg: Sweatshops and low-wage labor in textile industries.
5. Social Fragmentation: Rapid urbanization and migration driven by globalization can lead to social fragmentation and weakening of community bonds. Eg: Slum development in metropolitan areas, leading to inadequate living conditions and social instability.

Conclusion

Ensuring that the benefits of globalization reach all layers of society is crucial for sustainable development.

Question 2: What do you understand by the term social empowerment? Highlight measures taken by Indian government for social empowerment of marginalized sections in past decade. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Social empowerment refers to the process of enhancing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes. In the context of marginalized sections, it involves improving their social status, economic opportunities, and political participation. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

Body

Understanding Social Empowerment –

1. Inclusivity and Equality: Social empowerment aims to create an inclusive society by reducing social inequalities. Eg: Initiatives to include marginalized communities in mainstream development.
2. Access to Resources: Ensuring equitable access to resources like education, healthcare, and employment. Eg: Scholarships for SC/ST students.
3. Political Participation: Encouraging political participation and representation of marginalized groups. Eg: Reservation of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies.
4. Legal Protections: Implementing laws that protect the rights and dignity of marginalized groups. Eg: SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
5. Economic Opportunities: Enhancing economic opportunities through skill development and entrepreneurship programs. Eg: Stand-Up India scheme for SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Measures Taken by Indian Government for Social Empowerment –

1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Aimed at improving the status of girl children through education and protection. Eg: Nationwide awareness campaigns and financial incentives.
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Financial inclusion initiative to provide banking access to the unbanked population. Eg: Opening of zero-balance bank accounts for marginalized sections.
3. Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): Targeted development plans for the socio-economic development of SC and ST communities. Eg: Allocation of funds specifically for SC/ST welfare projects.
4. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Provides financial assistance to elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities. Eg: Old Age Pension Scheme.
5. Stand-Up India Scheme: Promotes entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women by facilitating bank loans. Eg: Financial support for small businesses run by SC/ST individuals.

Conclusion

Social empowerment is crucial for achieving an inclusive and equitable society. The Indian government has implemented several measures in the past decade to uplift marginalized sections, but continuous efforts and monitoring are required to ensure sustainable development. Social empowerment not only improves individual lives but also strengthens the socio-economic fabric of the nation.

Question 3: Secularism in India is markedly different in comparison to western societies. Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

Secularism, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution under Articles 25-28, implies equal treatment of all religions by the state. Indian secularism is unique compared to Western secularism, which often emphasizes the separation of church and state.

Body

Indian Secularism –

1. Equal Respect for All Religions: Indian secularism entails equal respect and recognition for all religions rather than a strict separation. Eg: Government funding for religious pilgrimages like the Hajj subsidy (discontinued in 2018) and the Kumbh Mela.
2. State Intervention in Religious Matters: The Indian state can intervene in religious affairs to ensure social reform and justice. Eg: Abolition of untouchability and temple entry reforms.
3. Accommodation of Religious Practices: Indian secularism allows for the accommodation of diverse religious practices in public life. Eg: Public holidays on religious festivals of different communities like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas.
4. Personal Laws: Different religious communities are governed by their own personal laws in matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Eg: Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act.
5. Cultural Pluralism: Emphasis on maintaining cultural pluralism and diversity within the framework of national unity. Eg: State support for cultural and religious diversity, including language preservation.

Western Secularism –

1. Strict Separation of Church and State: Western secularism, particularly in countries like France and the USA, emphasizes a strict separation between religion and state affairs. Eg: The First Amendment in the USA prohibits the establishment of religion by the government.
2. Non-Intervention in Religious Affairs: The state generally does not intervene in religious matters unless there is a violation of law. Eg: The French policy of Laïcité, which restricts religious symbols in public institutions.
3. Uniform Civil Code: Western secular states often have a uniform set of laws that apply to all citizens irrespective of their religion. Eg: Uniform civil laws in countries like France and Germany.
4. Religion as a Private Affair: Religion is often seen as a personal matter, separate from public and political life. Eg: The secularism in the UK where the state has no official religion, despite having an established church.
5. No State Support for Religion: Western secular states typically do not provide financial support to religious institutions or activities. Eg: In the USA, religious institutions are exempt from taxes but do not receive government funding.

Conclusion

Indian secularism, with its emphasis on equal respect for all religions and state intervention for social reform, is markedly different from the Western model of strict separation of religion and state. This unique approach aims to maintain social harmony and cultural pluralism in a diverse society. The broader relevance lies in balancing religious diversity with national unity.