Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Sociology with Solutions and marking scheme Set 8 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Sociology Set 8 with Solutions
Time Allowed:- 3 hours
Maximum Marks:- 80
General Instructions:
- The question paper is divided into four sections.
- There are 35 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
- Section A includes question no. 1-16. These are MCQ-type questions. As per the question, there can be one answer.
- Section B includes question no. 17-25. These are Very Short Answer-type questions carrying 2 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 30 words.
- Section C includes question no. 26-32. They are Short Answer type questions carrying 4 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 80 words.
- Section D includes question no. 33-35. They are Long Answer type questions carrying 6 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 200 words each.
- Question no. 33 is to be answered with the help of the given graphics. Question no. 34 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.
Section-A (16×1=16 Marks)
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Assertion (A): The idea of female education was debated. [1]
Reason (R): Reformers argued that women’s education is important for the society to progress leading to the justifications of the thoughts based on the modem and traditional ideas.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The idea of female education was debated – social reformer Jyotiba Phule opened the first school for women in Pune. Reformers argued that women’s education is important for the society to progress leading to the justifications of the thoughts based on the modern and traditional ideas.
Question 2.
Which of the following is not a reason for agrarian distress? [1]
(A) Changed cropping pattern
(B) Changing patterns of landholdings
(C) Heavy migration to cities
(D) Shift to cash crops
Answer:
(C) Heavy migration to cities
Explanation:
- Farmers’ Suicides and Agrarian Distress: The spate of farmers’ suicides since 1997–98 can be attributed to agrarian distress caused by various factors.
- Structural Changes in Agriculture: Structural changes in agriculture have had a significant impact on the farming community.
- Changed Pattern of Landholdings: The pattern of landholdings has undergone transformations, affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
- Shifting Cropping Patterns: Changes in cropping patterns, particularly the shift towards cash crops, have influenced the economic conditions of farmers.
- Impact of Liberalisation Policies: Liberalisation policies have exposed Indian agriculture to the forces of globalisation, posing challenges to farmers.
- Heavy Dependence on High-Cost Inputs: Farmers face the burden of relying on expensive inputs, which adds financial pressure.
- State Withdrawal from Agricultural Extension: The withdrawal of the state from agricultural extension activities, often replaced by multinational companies, has affected farmers’ access to necessary resources.
- Decline in State Support: State support for agriculture has witnessed a decline, impacting farmers’ ability to cope with challenges.
- Individualisation of Agricultural Operations: The trend towards individualisation in agricultural operations has placed additional burdens on farmers.
Question 3.
Assertion (A): Modernization goes hand in hand with education, mass communication, urbanization and political participation.
Reason (R): Dominance of the cultural influences from the West changes’ traditions elsewhere. [1]
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: It is true that modernization goes hand in hand with education, mass communication, urbanization and political participation and dominance of the cultural influences from the West changes traditions elsewhere. But the influence of dominance of the culture does not define the applicability of modernization in today’s world.
Question 4.
The challenge is in reinvigorating India ‘s commitment to practices. [1]
(A) Pluralism
(B) Institutional accommodation
(C) Conflict resolution through democratic means
(D) All of these
Answer:
(D) All of these
Explanation:
- Reinvigorating India’s Commitment: The challenge lies in revitalizing India’s commitment to practices of pluralism, institutional accommodation, and conflict resolution through democratic means.
- Multicultural Democracy: Building a multicultural democracy requires recognising the shortcomings of historical nation-building exercises and acknowledging the benefits of multiple and complementary identities.
- Pluralism: Embracing pluralism as a core value promotes inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities.
- Institutional Accommodation: Creating institutions that accommodate and represent the diverse needs and aspirations of different communities is essential for a functioning multicultural democracy.
- Conflict Resolution: Developing effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts peacefully and promoting dialogue is crucial in a diverse society.
Question 5.
The family structure where property is passed from mother to daughter is known as: [1]
(A) Matriarchy
(B) Matriliny
(C) Female-headed family
(D) Matrilocal
Answer:
(B) Matriliny
Explanation: According to the rule of inheritance matrilineal societies pass on property from mother to daughter.
Question 6.
Which of the following are not the changes brought by colonialism to the caste system? [1]
(A) Numbering and recording of castes through Census
(B) Land revenue settlements serving the upper castes’ customary rights
(C) Linking castes to traditional occupations
(D) Marking of schedules of castes for special treatment by the state
Answer:
(C) Linking castes to traditional occupations
Explanation: It has been a defining feature of caste. Castes were traditionally linked to occupations
Question 7.
Which of the following best describes the concept of labour exploitation in the context of industrial production? [1]
(A) Providing fair wages and safe working conditions to employees
(B) Ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement
(C) Treating workers as mere commodities and extracting surplus value from their labour
(D) Encouraging employee empowerment and participation in decision-making processes
Answer:
(C) Treating workers as mere commodities and extracting surplus value from their labour
Explanation: Labour exploitation refers to the practice of treating workers as commodities and extracting surplus value from their labour. It involves paying workers wages that are disproportionately low compared to the value they generate for the employer. This concept is often associated with issues such as long working hours, unsafe working conditions, lack of job security, and limited worker rights.
Question 8.
Which of the following family structures is characterized by multiple generations living together under the same roof and sharing resources? [1]
(A) Nuclear family
(B) Extended family
(C) Single-parent family
(D) Communal family
Answer:
(D) Communal family
Explanation: An extended family refers to a family structure where multiple generations, such as grandparents, parents, and children, live together in the same household. In this arrangement, family members share resources, responsibilities, and often maintain close-knit relationships. It is common in many cultures and provides a strong support system within the family.
Question 9.
Stereotypes and prejudices are often based on _____________. [1]
(A) Accurate and unbiased information
(B) Objective observations and analysis
(C) Personal experiences and interactions
(D) Over-generalizations and preconceived notions
Answer:
(D) Over-generalizations and preconceived notions
Explanation: Stereotypes and prejudices are formed when individuals make over generalizations and hold preconceived notions about a particular group or individual without considering accurate and unbiased information, objective observations, or personal experiences and interactions. Stereotypes and prejudices can be based on biased beliefs, assumptions, or stereotypes that are not necessarily reflective of reality.
Question 10.
Assertion (A): Matriarchy, unlike patriarchy, has been a theoretical rather than an empirical concept. [1]
Reason (R): There is no historical or anthropological evidence of matriarchy- i.e., societies where women exercise dominance.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: There do exist matrilineal societies, i.e., societies where women inherit property from their mothers but do not exercise control over it, nor are they the decision-makers in public affairs. But matriarchy only exists as conceptual opposition to patriarchy.
Question 11.
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of secularism in relation to the state? [1]
(A) Secularism promotes atheism and opposes all forms of religious expression in the state.
(B) Secularism requires the state to actively promote and support all religious beliefs and practices equally.
(C) Secularism advocates for the separation of religion and state, ensuring equal treatment and protection of individuals regardless of their religious beliefs.
(D) Secularism necessitates the establishment of a state religion, with all laws and policies based on religious principles.
Answer:
(C) Secularism advocates for the separation of religion and state, ensuring equal treatment and protection of individuals regardless of their religious beliefs.
Explanation: Secularism, in the context of the state, promotes the idea of separation between religion and government. It ensures that the state remains neutral in matters of religion and treats all individuals equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. Secularism aims to protect religious freedom and prevent any particular religion from dominating or influencing state policies and laws. It allows individuals to freely practice their religion or choose not to follow any religious beliefs without discrimination or coercion.
Question 12.
With the growth of ____________ movement in the 20th century, there was an attempt in several Indian languages to drop Sanskriti words and phrases. [1]
(A) Brahmanical
(B) Anti-Brahmanical
(C) Women’s
(D) Tribal
Answer:
(B) Anti-Brahmanical
Explanation: With the growth of the anti-Brahmanical movement and the development of regional self-consciousness in the twentieth century there was an attempt in several Indian languages to drop Sanskrit words and phrases.
Question 13.
Assertion (A): Social exclusion is voluntary. [1]
Reason (R): Exclusion is practiced regardless of the wishes of those who are excluded.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(D) A is false and R is true.
Explanation: Since it is practiced regardless of the wishes of those who are excluded, social exclusion is involuntary.
Question 14.
Which of the following is defined as the estimated number of years that an average person is expected to survive?
(A) Birth rate
(B) Life expectancy
(C) Death rate
(D) Fertility rate
Answer:
(B) Life expectancy
Explanation: Life expectancy is defined as the estimated number of years that an average person is expected to survive.
Question 15.
Which of the following is NOT true about cultural diversity? [1]
(A) It can arouse intense passions in people.
(B) It is sometimes accompanied by social and economic inequality.
(C) It becomes a problem when resources are scarce.
(D) Cultural diversity is only found in India.
Answer:
(D) Cultural diversity is only found in India.
Explanation: Cultural diversity is found in other parts of the world as well.
Question 16.
The concept of “urban metabolism” refers to ______________. [1]
(A) The rate at which cities consume natural resources
(B) The process of converting rural areas into urban areas
(C) The migration of people from rural to urban areas
(D) The transformation of urban areas into industrial centers
Answer:
(A) The rate at which cities consume natural resources
Explanation: The concept of “urban metabolism” refers to the analogy between cities and living organisms, where cities are seen as complex systems that consume resources, metabolize them, and produce waste. It quantifies the flow of energy, water, materials, and waste through urban areas, providing insights into the environmental impact of urbanization. It helps understand how cities consume natural resources, generate waste, and contribute to issues such as pollution and climate change.
Section – B (9×2=18 Marks)
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 17.
In the age of globalization, cultural diversity has become a significant topic of discussion. The exchange of ideas,
beliefs, and practices among different cultures has led to a rich tapestry of diversity in various aspects of life, including language, art, cuisine, and traditions. This intermingling of cultures has fostered a sense of inclusivity and respect for different perspectives. However, it has also raised questions about the preservation of cultural heritage and the potential risks of cultural homogenization.
Based on the passage, answer the following question.
How has globalization impacted cultural diversity and what are some of the challenges associated with it? [2]
OR
Globalization has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, including culture, economy, and technology. It has facilitated the exchange of ideas, goods, and services across borders, leading to increased interconnectedness and interdependence among nations. Globalization has brought both opportunities and challenges, transforming industries, creating new job markets, and fostering cultural exchange. However, it has also raised concerns about economic inequality, loss of cultural identity, and environmental degradation.
Based on the passage, answer the following question.
Discuss the impact of globalization on culture, economy, and the environment.
Answer:
Globalization has significantly influenced culture, economy, and the environment. It has facilitated cultural exchange, allowing the spread of ideas, languages, and customs across borders. Economically, globalization has opened up new markets, created global supply chains, and stimulated economic growth. However, it has also led to economic inequality and the concentration of wealth in certain regions. In terms of the environment, globalization has contributed to environmental degradation through increased resource consumption, pollution, and climate change. Overall, the impact of globalization on society is complex, with both positive and negative consequences in various domains.
Question 18.
What were reasons for the Tribal Movement in Jharkhand? [2]
Answer:
(i) Acquisition of land for large irrigation projects and firing ranges.
(ii) Survey and settlement operations, which were held up.
(iii) Collection of loans, rent and cooperative dues, which were resisted.
(iv) Nationalisation of forest produce which they boycotted.
Question 19.
What is the difference between assimilationist and integrationist policies? [2]
Answer:
Assimilationist policies require non-dominant or subordinated groups in society to give up their own cultural values and adopt the prescribed ones whereas Policies of integration insist that the public culture be restricted to a common national pattern, while all ‘non-national’ cultures are to be relegated to the private sphere.
Question 20.
Provide an example for a strike in an industry led by a union. [2]
Answer:
Dr. Datta Samant, the trade union leader, led the Bombay Textile strike of 1982. It affected more than 2 lakh workers and their families. The strike lasted nearly two years. Their demand was better wages and the right to form their own union. However, the workers went back to work after 2 years or lost their jobs and went to smaller towns to take up casual labour.
Question 21.
What was unique about the social reform movements of the 19th century? [2]
Answer:
- New ideas of liberalism and freedom, new ideas of homemaking and marriage, new roles for mothers and daughters, new ideas of self-conscious pride in culture and tradition emerged.
- The value of education became very important.
- It was seen as very crucial for a nation to become modern but also retain its ancient heritage.
Question 22.
Provide few examples of regional inequalities resulting from the Green Revolution. [2]
Answer:
- Green Revolution involved the deployment of technological advancement in the cultivation.
- Only few states like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh were able to adopt the technologies in agriculture.
- As a result, they had enormous socio-economic development.
- On the other hand, dry regions such as Telangana, Bihar and Eastern U. P. were relatively underdeveloped.
Question 23.
What are the challenges or issues associated with categorising a group of people as “lazy” or “cunning”? [2]
Answer:
These general statements are given by stereotypes that fix whole groups into single, homogenous categories: they refuse to recognize the variation across individuals and across contexts or across time, also known as prejudice.
Question 24.
Briefly mention Gandhiji’s take on machinery. [2]
Answer:
- Gandhiji acknowledged the value of machinery in saving time and labor.
- However, he was critical of the excessive reliance on machinery and the associated craze for it.
- Gandhiji believed that unchecked mechanisation could lead to job losses and ultimately result in widespread poverty and starvation.
- He advocated for machinery that benefits everyone by reducing labor and saving time, rather than concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few.
- Gandhiji proposed the use of the spinning wheel as an alternative to mechanisation, as it provided employment opportunities and prevented exploitation and unemployment.
- Similarly, Karl Marx also recognised the potential negative impact of mechanisation on employment.
- Both Marx and Mahatma Gandhi saw the need for addressing the challenges posed by mechanisation and ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are shared by all members of society.
Question 25.
“Every human being needs a sense of stable identity to operate in this world. Questions like — Who am I? How am I different from others? How do others understand and comprehend me? What goals and aspirations should I have?- constantly crop up in our life right from childhood.”
Read the above passage and answer how these questions are answered? [2]
OR
State is indeed a very crucial institution when it comes to the management of cultural diversity in a nation. How?
Answer:
We are able to answer many of these questions because of the way in which we are socialised. It should be based on birth and ‘belonging’ rather than on some form of acquired qualifications or ‘accomplishment’. It is what we ‘are’ rather than what we have ‘become’.
OR
State is crucial to the management of cultural diversity in a nation. For example, India is socially and culturally one of the most diverse countries in the world. States are also often suspicious of cultural diversity because sometimes cultural diversities are accompanied by economic and social inequalities which lead to rivalries.
Section – C (7×4=28 Marks)
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 26.
“Colonialism led to the growth of an English-educated Indian middle class. They read the thinkers of western enlightenment, philosophers of liberal democracy and dreamt of ushering in a liberal and progressive India.” What are the results of westernisation? [4]
OR
Sanskritisation, a term introduced by M.N. Srinivas, refers to a cultural and social process prevalent in Indian society. Could you provide some information on the key aspects, process of Sanskritisation including its significance?
Answer:
Change in Institutions: Many changes took place in the institutions of our society due to westernization. The strictness of marriage, family, caste system, and religion no longer prevail in our modern society. Change in Values: Values of society are also changing due to this. Everyone came to know about the right to equality after receiving education. Individualism and formal relations are increasing day by day.
OR
According to M.N. Srinivas, “Sanskritisation means not only the adoption of new customs and habits but also the exposure to new ideas and values which have been frequently expressed in the vast body of Sanskrit literature, sacred as well as secular, karma, dharma, Paap, Maya, Sansar and moksha are examples of some of the most common Sanskrit theological ideas and when people become Sanskritised these words are used frequently.
Question 27.
Explain the theories on Social Movement. [4]
Answer:
There are three theories on social movement.
(i) According to the Theory of Relative Deprivation, social movement results from social conflict. Groups of people feel resentment and rage as they
feel deprived of access to resources. However, it is criticised that a sense of deprivation alone cannot lead to social movement.
(ii) In the Theory of Collective Action, MancurOlson opines that a social movement is an aggregation of rational individual actors pursuing their self-interest. His theory is based on the notion of the rational, utility-maximising individuals. That is, a person participates in a social movement only if one gains something and if the risks are less than the gains.
(iii) Resource Mobilisation Theory was proposed by McCarthy and Zald, who said that social movement’s success depends on its ability to mobilise resources or means of different sorts. Resources such as leadership, organisational capacity and communication facilities, when used within the available political opportunity structure, it is more likely to be effective.
Question 28.
Elaborate on the discussion on the women education during the 19th and 20th century. [4]
Answer:
- The idea of female education was debated Social reformer Jyotiba Phule opened the first school for women in Pune.
- Reformers argued that women’s education is important for the society to progress leading to the justifications of the thoughts based on the modern and traditional ideas.
- Jyotiba Phule recalled the glory of pre-Aryan age while Bal Gangadhar Tilak emphasised the glory of the Aryan period.
- 19th century reform was a period of questioning, reinterpretations and intellectual and social growth.
Question 29.
How did early sociologists perceive industrialisation? [4]
Answer:
- Thinkers like Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim associated certain social features with industrialisation.
- Industrialisation brings about urbanization, leading to a shift from rural to urban areas.
- In rural areas, people had face-to-face relationships and worked on their own farms or for familiar landlords.
- Industrialisation replaces these personal relationships with anonymous professional relationships in modern factories and workplaces.
- Industrialisation introduces a detailed division of labor, where individuals perform specialised tasks.
- Workers often lack a holistic view of the end result of their work, as they focus on producing a small part of a larger product.
- The nature of work in industrial settings is often repetitive and physically exhausting.
- Marx referred to this situation as alienation, where people see work as a means of survival rather than a source of enjoyment or fulfillment.
- The level of human labor required for survival in industrialized societies depends on technological advancements.
- The concept of alienation highlights the disconnect between workers and the value of their labor in industrialised societies.
Question 30.
Explain Agrarian society in terms of class and caste. [4]
Answer:
- Agrarian society refers to a social structure and economy centered around agricultural production.
- Class divisions in agrarian societies are often based on ownership and control of land and other productive resources.
- Landowning classes, such as landlords or aristocracy, typically hold significant power and wealth.
- Peasants or tenant farmers constitute a lower class in agrarian societies, often facing economic hardships and dependence on landowners.
- Caste system plays a crucial role in agrarian societies, with individuals belonging to specific castes assigned particular tasks and occupations related to agriculture.
- Caste determines social status, access to resources, and opportunities within agrarian communities.
- Landowners or dominant castes often enjoy privileges and higher social standing, while lower castes may face discrimination and limited upward mobility.
- The intersection of class and caste reinforces social hierarchies and inequality within agrarian societies.
- Agricultural laborers, often from lower castes, may experience exploitation and marginalization, leading to socio-economic disparities.
- Class and caste dynamics influence power relations, land distribution, and access to resources in agrarian societies.
- Transformations in agrarian societies can impact class and caste dynamics, including land reforms, modernization, and urbanization.
Question 31.
In what ways are capitalism and colonialism interconnected? [4]
Answer:
- Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit within a market system.
- It is a dynamic and global system that emphasises growth, expansion, innovation, and the utilisation of technology and labor to maximise profits.
- Western colonialism and the growth of western capitalism are deeply interconnected.
- The dominance of capitalism led to the rise of nation-states as the prevailing political form.
- Western colonialism played a significant role in the expansion of western capitalism.
- The impact of western colonialism on capitalism’s development in colonised countries, such as India, was long-lasting.
- The colonial powers imposed their economic and political systems on colonised nations, shaping the trajectory of capitalism in those regions.
- Colonialism allowed Western capitalists to exploit the resources, labor, and markets of the colonised countries for their own benefit.
- The effects of colonialism on capitalism in India included the extraction of wealth, the restructuring of local economies, and the imposition of unequal trade relationships.
- The legacy of colonialism continues to influence the development of capitalism in post-colonial countries, shaping economic policies and social structures.
Question 32.
What are the key sources of conflict between national development and tribal development? [4]
Answer:
Tribes have paid disproportionate price for the development of the rest of the Indian society.
(i) National developments started in Nehruvian era involving the building of large dams, factories and mines were undertaken at the cost of dispossessing tribes of their land.
(ii) The loss of forests, community based collective ownership on which tribal communities depended has been a major blow.
(iii) Heavy immigration of non-tribals threatened to disrupt their culture and further marginalise and exploit the tribes.
Section – D (3 ×6=18 Marks)
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 33.
Based on the given pie chart about how the value of finished bidi is distributed, answer the following questions. [6]
(A) How does the production and consumption of bidis support the statement that “the manufacturers get the maximum amount”? Provide a justification by discussing the bidi industry’s supply chain and the role of consumers.
(B) What are the characteristics and processes involved in home-based work?
(C) Explain through an example, how children and women contribute in the bidi industry.
Answer:
(i) The process of making bidis begins in forested villages. In forested villages, villagers pluck tendu leaves and sell it to the forest department or a private contractor. Contractor then sells it to the forest department. On average, a person can collect 100 bundles (of 50 leaves each) a day. The government then auctions the leaves to bidi factory owners who transfer it to the contractors. In return, the contractor supplies tobacco and leaves to home-based workers.
These workers, mostly women, roll the bidis. Initially, they dampen the leaves, then cut them, fill in tobacco evenly and then tie them with thread. The contractor takes up these bidis and sells them to the manufacturer who roasts them, and puts on his own brand label. The manufacturer then sells them to a distributor. The distributor, then distributes the packed bidis to wholesalers who in turn sell to your neighbourhood pan shops.
(ii) Home-based work is known to be an important part of the economy. This includes the manufacture of lace, zari or brocade, carpets, bidis, agarbattis and many such products. Mostly women and children carry out this work. An agent provides raw materials and also takes up the finished product. Home workers are paid on a piece-rate basis, depending on the number of pieces they make.
(iii) Madhu is a 15-year-old school dropout. She stopped going to school after failing in Class VIII. Her father, a tailor, expired last year. He was suffering from tuberculosis. This made it necessary for the children and mothers to work. Her elder brother aged 17 works in a grocery shop and the younger one aged 14 is engaged in chocolate packaging.
Madhu and her mother roll bidis. Madhu started rolling bidis at an early age and she enjoys it as it provides her the opportunity to sit close to her mother and other women and listen to them chat. She fills tobacco into the rolled tendu leaves. She spends most of her time in this activity apart from the time spent doing household chores.
Question 34.
Read the passage given and anwer the questions: [6]
The following observations were made by G.B. Pant during a speech that moved the constitution of the Advisory Committee on fundamental rights, minorities, etc.
“We have to take particular care of the Depressed Classes, the Scheduled Castes, and the Backward Classes…. we must do all we can to bring them up to the general level…. the strength of the chain is measured by the weakest link of it and so until every link is fully revitalised, we will not have a healthy body politic. Recent years have seen renewed debate about the States’ decisions on reservation to this section.”
Based on the given passage, answer the following questions.
(A) Who are referred to as the weakest link of society?
(B) Why should and how can this weakest link be fully revitalised?
(C) Define ‘Secularisation of Caste’.
Answer:
(i) According to the text, the welfare of a society’s weakest and most marginalised people, such as the Depressed Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Backward Classes, serves as a barometer of that society’s strength. Therefore, it may be concluded that these groups, from a socioeconomic standpoint, are the weakest connections in society.
(ii) It’s critical to address the underlying causes of the weakest link’s vulnerability and disadvantage to fully revitalise that group. For these populations, this can entail putting in place laws and initiatives that support their access to economic opportunity, healthcare, and education.
(iii) The process of eradicating caste from the public realm and institutions of government is known as the “secularisation of caste.”
Question 35.
Did the Kalinganagar incident, like many other horrors before and after, briefly capture the headlines and then fade away from public attention? Provide suitable reasons for your response. [6]
Answer:
- The Kalinganagar incident, like many other similar occurrences, gained temporary media attention but gradually faded from the public eye.
- Despite disappearing from public view, the struggle of the poor adivasis affected by the incident continues.
- Revisiting the Kalinganagar incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing injustice that needs to be addressed.
- The conflict in Kalinganagar encapsulates key issues in the realm of environment and development in present-day India.
- Kalinganagar, located in Jaipur district of central Orissa, is marked by the paradox of abundant natural resources and the poverty of its inhabitants.
- The state acquires Adivasi lands at minimal compensation in the name of developing the rich iron ore deposits in the area, leading to further impoverishment of small farmers and laborers.
- While some local residents may secure low-level jobs in the industrial sector, the majority face worsening poverty and struggle to survive as wage-laborers.
- Land acquisition policies in India since independence have resulted in the displacement of an estimated 30 million people, with a significant portion still awaiting rehabilitation.
- The state justifies the process of land acquisition as being in the public interest, aimed at promoting economic growth through industrial production and infrastructure expansion.