3.The Constitution and Social Change
The chapter highlights the importance of the Indian Constitution in promoting social justice and democratic governance, particularly through the mechanisms of Panchayati Raj. It discusses the roles of grassroots democracy, the empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly women, and the challenges faced in achieving equality. Additionally, it underscores the dynamic interplay between constitutional provisions and social movements in shaping contemporary political discourse and civic engagement in India.
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What we have learnt
- The Constitution serves as a foundational document for social justice and democracy in India.
- The 73rd Amendment significantly enhanced local self-governance through Panchayati Raj institutions, empowering communities and especially women.
- Social movements and judicial interpretations of the Constitution play critical roles in expanding and protecting the rights enshrined within it.
Key Concepts
- -- Panchayati Raj
- A system of local self-governance in rural India structured as a three-tier system enabling democratic participation and resource control at the grassroots level.
- -- Social Justice
- The fair distribution of opportunities, rights, and resources within society, aimed at accommodating the needs of marginalized groups.
- -- Fundamental Rights
- The basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution, which include the right to life, equality, and the right to freedom of speech.
- -- Directive Principles
- Guidelines set out in the Constitution aimed at providing social and economic justice, which are fundamental in the governance of the country.
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