MCQA: Protecting the Rights of Dalits and Adivasis


1. Why has the Indian government implemented laws to protect Dalits and Adivasis?

a) To give them special privileges over other groups
b) To prevent discrimination and ensure social justice
c) To create economic divisions in society
d) To encourage them to live separately

Answer: b) To prevent discrimination and ensure social justice
Explanation: The government has introduced constitutional safeguards, laws, and policies to protect Dalits and Adivasis from historical oppression and discrimination.


2. What is the purpose of the reservation policy for Dalits and Adivasis?

a) To exclude them from general education and employment
b) To provide them special religious rights
c) To ensure access to education and government jobs
d) To limit their participation in politics

Answer: c) To ensure access to education and government jobs
Explanation: Reservation policies provide reserved seats in educational institutions and government jobs for Dalits and Adivasis to address historical inequalities.


3. Which constitutional article abolishes untouchability in India?

a) Article 14
b) Article 15
c) Article 17
d) Article 21

Answer: c) Article 17
Explanation: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability, making its practice a punishable offense.


4. What is the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 designed to do?

a) Provide separate villages for Dalits and Adivasis
b) Protect Dalits and Adivasis from violence and discrimination
c) Grant economic subsidies to all tribal communities
d) Restrict their entry into urban areas

Answer: b) Protect Dalits and Adivasis from violence and discrimination
Explanation: The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 protects Dalits and Adivasis from caste-based violence, discrimination, and social exclusion.


5. What is the purpose of special scholarships for Dalit and Adivasi students?

a) To restrict them from pursuing higher education
b) To financially support their education and professional growth
c) To make them dependent on government aid
d) To encourage them to avoid government schools

Answer: b) To financially support their education and professional growth
Explanation: Scholarship programs for Dalit and Adivasi students ensure they can pursue higher education despite economic challenges.


6. What action did Rathnam, a Dalit student, take to challenge caste discrimination in his village?

a) He accepted the caste-based practice to maintain peace
b) He refused to perform a caste-based ritual and filed a case under the SC/ST Act
c) He moved to another village to avoid conflict
d) He sought permission from upper-caste members to change his status

Answer: b) He refused to perform a caste-based ritual and filed a case under the SC/ST Act
Explanation: Rathnam’s education empowered him to reject caste-based discrimination, and he used legal rights to seek justice.


7. How do Dalit and Adivasi activists use the Indian Constitution to protect their rights?

a) By insisting on their Fundamental Rights and demanding government action
b) By avoiding legal battles and protests
c) By accepting traditional caste hierarchies
d) By forming separate political organizations

Answer: a) By insisting on their Fundamental Rights and demanding government action
Explanation: Dalits and Adivasis invoke constitutional rights to fight discrimination, demand justice, and influence government policies.


8. Which law was passed in 2006 to protect Adivasi land rights?

a) The Right to Education Act
b) The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
c) The Land Acquisition Act
d) The Environmental Protection Act

Answer: b) The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
Explanation: This Act recognizes the land rights of Adivasis, aiming to undo historical injustices and protect their connection to forests.


9. What is one major challenge in implementing laws that protect Dalits and Adivasis?

a) Lack of legal awareness and strong enforcement
b) Excessive political representation of Dalits and Adivasis
c) The widespread acceptance of caste discrimination
d) Limited cases of caste-based violence

Answer: a) Lack of legal awareness and strong enforcement
Explanation: Many Dalits and Adivasis are unaware of their legal rights, and weak enforcement leads to continued discrimination.


10. Why is education considered a powerful tool for protecting Dalit and Adivasi rights?

a) It helps them learn about historical oppression
b) It enables them to challenge discrimination and demand justice
c) It restricts their dependence on traditional occupations
d) It only provides economic benefits

Answer: b) It enables them to challenge discrimination and demand justice
Explanation: Education empowers Dalits and Adivasis to challenge oppressive practices, demand equal rights, and secure better opportunities.


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