PYQ

Regionalism  Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in generation of

demand for a separate state. Discuss. (2013)
 What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of
development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism?
Substantiate your answer. (2016)

Communalism  Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one

example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in
independent India. (2017)
 ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.
Argue by giving suitable illustrations.’ (2018)

Globalization  Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (2019)
 ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due
to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’
Elucidate. (2018)
 To what extent globalisation has influenced the core of cultural diversity in
India? Explain. (2016)
 Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India?
(2015)
 Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India.
(2013)

SALIENT  The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than
FEATURES OF social values. Discuss.
INDIAN  Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their
SOCIETY relative significance in building a national identity.
 In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form
cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your
view point.
 The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian
society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the
present. Elaborate.
 “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence,
caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.
 Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian
Unity?
 Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for
assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.
Secularism  How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the
West? (2014)
 How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of
secularism? Discuss. (2018)
 What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?
(2019)

Role of  “Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss

Women and (2019)
women  What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and
organizations space? (2019)
 ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of
lower social strata. Substantiate your view. (2018)
 How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in
India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled
Castes? (2015)
 How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in
India? (2014)
 Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving
increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (2014)
 Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex
ratio for women? Give your arguments. (2014)
 Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s
organization free from gender bias. Comment. (2013)

Urbanization  Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy
process of urbanization in India. (2013)
 Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart vilages. Discuss this
statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. (2015)
 With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the
objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.” (2016)

Population  Review the population policy of the Govt. of India giving the distinguishing
features. (2001)
 Outline the main targets fixed in the National Population Policy 2000. What
have been the follow up measures to this policy? (2002)
 Define Sex ratio in the population of India. What is its present status? (2002)
 Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR
poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India. (2013)

Migration  A building permitted for three floors, while being extended illegally to 6
floors by a builder, collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent
labourers including women and children died. These labourers are migrants
of different places. The government immediately announced cash relief to
the aggrieved families and arrested the builder. Give reasons for such
incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their
occurrence. (2017)
  Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside
India in the last four decades. (2015).
 In our country, the migration of rural people to towns and cities is increasing
drastically. This is causing serious problems both in the rural as well as in the
urban areas. In fact, things are becoming really unmanageable. Can you
analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic but
also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also,
distinctly bring out why- (a) educated rural youth are trying to shift to urban
areas; (b) landless poor people are migrating to urban slums; (c) even some
farmers are selling off their land and trying to settle in urban areas taking up
petty jobs. What feasible steps can you suggest which will be effective in
controlling this serious problem of our country? (2014)

REGIONALISM

 Definition:
Regionalism can be defined as a phenomenon in which people’s political loyalties become
focused upon a region. In other words, it implies people’s love for a particular region in
preference to the country and in certain cases in preference to the state of which the region is a
part. For Example, in India people identify themselves based on their states like a Tamilian, a
Bengali, a Bihari etc, more than the identity of an ‘Indian’.
 Regionalism is the expression of a common sense of identity and purpose by people within a
specific geographical region, united by its unique language, culture, etc.
 In a positive sense, it encourages people to develop a sense of brotherhood and oneness
which seeks to protect the interests of a particular region and promotes the welfare and
development of the state and its people.
 In the negative sense, it implies excessive attachment to one’s region which is a great threat
to the unity and integrity of the country.

 Examples:
 MNS targeting North Indians in Maharashtra (2008)
 Khalistan Movement (1980s)
 Attacks on Bihar labourers by ULFA in Assam (2003)
 Demand for Bodoland, Marathwada

 Types of Regionalism:
Demand for Demanding secession from Indian Union Mizo National Front(Lushei
State Autonomy: and become independent sovereign Hills of Assam), Nagaland
state. Socialist Conference (Naga
Hills District of Assam)
Supra-state form of expression of group identity of Grouping of North Eastern
Regionalism some states. Some states unite to take a states for greater access to
 common stand on the issues of mutual economic dev. , Dravida Nadu
interest. No permanent merger of demand prior to
identity of states into identity of groups. reorganization of states

Inter-state related to state boundaries and involves River disputes in general.

Regionalism: overlapping of one or more state
identities, which threaten their interests.
Intra-state within a state. Desire for a part of state
Regional politics for identity & self-development. May
or sub- reflect a notion of deprivation or
regionalism exploitation of a part at the expense of
other.
Son of Soil It ties people to their place of birth and
Theory confers some benefits, rights, roles and
responsibilities on them, which may not
apply to others. It is accentuated by
factors such as competition for
resources, jobs, economic disparities, etc.
Maharashtra-karnatka over
Belgaum border dispute
Demand for Vidarbha in Mh ;
Saurashtra in Gujrat etc.
Campaign for safeguard of
interests of Maharahstrians
by Shiv Sena, Classes among
Bodos and Bengali Speaking
Muslims in Assam

Basis of Regionalism

Geographical Usually people relate to their regional identities North eastern states feel
Factors: to certain geographical boundaries. Today, alienated owning to problems
geographical factors are more closely tied to of connectivity with Indian
factors that determine economic growth and mainland
prosperity.

Historical and History : provides ideological bases through Demand for Dravida Nadu was
Social Basis: cultural heritage, folklore, myths and based on theory that Dravidian
symbolism. However alone History is not much a speaking area once had non-
serious factor. It is combined with economic and brahminical polity.
political factors to generate regionalism. Tamil nationalism was based on
idealization of ancient Tamil
history.
Language: Capacity to unite people. It can State Reorganisation in 1956.
strengthen a positive mvmt. as well as impart Demand for Gorkhaland in
divisive tendencies. North-East etc.

Caste: A major region behind providing impetus Tamil regionalism fueled by

to linguistic regionalism. anti-Brahman mvmt.

Religion: Combined with other factors like Secessionist movement in J&K,

economic dominance or linguistic homogeneity Khalistan mvmt. for separate
to push regional tendencies. nation in the 1980s was based
on Sikh religion.
 Economic Limited Resources+Economic policies of Govt. Creation of Jharkhand state out
Basis:  unequal distribution of developmental of Bihar, demand for Bodoland.
benefits  aggravated Regional imbalances and
economic disparities  Demand for new states

Politico- It does not create regionalism. It only DMK(TN) ‘ Akali Dal(Punjab)

Administrative accentuates regionalism or takes advantage of survive on regional sentiments
Basis: already existing regional tendencies. Politicians
convert regional disenchantment into
movements for strengthening their individual
and factional support bases.

Impact of Regionalism

Positive Impact Negative Impact

 Inter-group solidarity in a particular
region.eg: Tripura Autonomous District
Council in 1985 was formed to protect
the endangered tribal identity
democratically
 Induce Competition among regions and
states which leads to faster growth and
development For ex: Competitive
federalism
 Important role in nation building if it
accommodates federal elements.
 Regional recognition in terms of state
hood or state autonomy gives self-
determination to the people of that
particular region which makes them
empowered and happy.
 Threat to unity and diversity of nation
 Breeds contempt among local people
against people from other regions which
can be exploited for political leverage
 can lead to violent law and order
situation
 Violence can lead to internal security
problem and give leeway to external
factor (e.g. terrorist groups, extremist
groups).

Conclusion: Regionalism need not be regarded as an unhealthy or anti-national phenomenon, unless it

takes a militant, aggressive turn to encourage the growth of secessionist tendencies

National Integration and Federalism

Regionalism and National Integration Regionalism and Federalism

 R is not opposed to NI
 They can coexist in favour of
Development
  R stresses on dev. Of a region while NI
stresses on dev. Of a nation
 Both can reconcile provided there is
federal and democratic structure
 Important condition for national
solidarity is that nationalism should be
able to hold the different types of
regional sub-nationalities together.
 R can make federalism a greater success
 R reduces centralizing tendencies in a
nation and there is balance of power btw.
Centre and states
R is unavoidable in a country as diverse as India

Government Steps

 Constitutional Safeguards:
 Provisions of 5th and 6th Schedule to constrain ethnic separatism and tribal alienation in
different regions esp. in North East.
 Preamble, Article 51A talk about fraternity.
 Govt. has become more receptive to the creation of an autonomous regional council or
district council
 Major languages in 8th schedule to accommodate various dialects
 Granting official recognition to culturally significant languages of the state as the
language of education and official transaction
 Formation of NITI Aayog to enhance cooperative federalism using bottom up approach
 Schemes like ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ to celebrate unity in diversity culture and strengthen
National unity

Way Forward

1. The appeals made to electorate by political parties based on regional identity must be
stopped.
2. Development of underdeveloped, backward regions and naxal hit areas must become a
priority to avoid discontent of people.
3. Hockey, our National Game, should be revived too become a symbol of national unity on the
lines of cricket
4. Cultural sensitization programs must be taken up in colleges to avoid hatred based on
regions and promote friendship among students
5. The role of National Integration council must be revamped to solve conflicting regional
aspirations
6. Developing Hindi as a lingua franca among all Indians should be achieved in a peaceful
and non-coercive manner
 Secularism ($)

 Definition:
 Background:
 Indian Secularism vs Western Secularism
 Distinctive Features of Indian Seculaism
 Secularisation vs Secularism
 Uniform Civil Code
 Triple Talaq
 Entry Movement’s to Places of Religious Worship ked by Women’s organizations

Definition

$ is a principle which advocates separation of religion from politics. However, in Indian polity,
concept of ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’ is followed which provides equal protection to all religions.

Ex: Public holidays are declared to mark festivals of all religions

Importance of $ :

$ seeks to realize a society that is devoid of inter religious domination or intrareligious domination.
It promotes freedom within religions and equality between, as well as, within religions.

Soft vs Hard $
Soft $
 Calls for legal separation of religion &
state
 Tolerant of religion and religious
differences, and favors political
accommodation of the religion while
rejecting the state interference that
may undermine religious freedom.
 Seen in USA.
 Eg: No school prayer, No Government
funds to religious bodies, etc.
Hard $
 Calls for complete separation of
religion & state
 may even be seen as hostility
towards organized religion in
general.
 Seen in France.
 Eg: Banning of face covering niqabs
and burqas in France.

Indian $ vs Western $

In west, strict separation of Church and religion is the focus while in India , peaceful co-existence of
all religions is the focus.

Indian $ Western $
Equal Protection by State to all religions Complete separation of State and religion
Both mutually exclusive in their domains
Equal focus on inter religious and intra religious It interprets freedom & equality in an
equality individualist manner
 For ex: Ex: If Women are denied entry in temples.
Intra-religious: State can interfere if entry of State can’t do much
women in temples is not allowed

It not only deals with religious freedom of There is little scope for community based rights
individuals but also minority communities also or minority based rights
It promotes state sponsored reforms on No place for state sponsored reform
religious sphere on equal footing

 Concept of Principled Distance: Indian secularism allows for principled state intervention in all
religions. Such intervention betrays disrespect to some aspects of every religion. For example,
religiously sanctioned caste-hierarchies are not acceptable within Indian secularism. The secular
state does not have to treat every aspect of every religion with equal respect. It allows equal
disrespect for some aspects of organised religions.

Distinct Features of Indian Secularism

 Promotes not only inter religious equality ( i.e., equal rights for all citizens irrespective of their
religious preferences, along with added protection for religious minorities) but also intra
religious equality ( by ensuring that one sect of a religion does not dominate over other).
 State intervention into religious matters to curb social evils and give way to progressive voices.
Ex: Abolition of untouchability, demand for uniform civil code, Hindu Marriage Act etc.
 At the same time, the Indian ideal of secularism clearly cautions against allowing religion to
interfere in state matters, thereby disallowing mobilizing the electorate on religious lines for
winning elections on one hand

Judgements Related to Secularism:

1. Shirur Mutt case, 1954: ‘Doctrine of essentiality’ was coined by the Supreme Court. Here the
court opined that only the religious practices which were essential and integral to the religion
shall be protected. Applied in Ayodhya Case,1994 and Sabrimala Case, 2018
2. Keshvananda Bharati Case: deemed Secularism as Basic Structure of Indian Consti.
3. Stanislaus vs State of Madhya Pradesh(1977): SC held that Right to Propagate religion doesn’t
include right to forcible conversion as it may disturb public order
 Constitutional Provisions Regarding $ in India:

Uniform Civil Code

Art. 44 of Indian Const.: State shall endeavor to secure for all its citizens a uniform civil code throughout
the territory of India. UCC seeks to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each
major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen

Why It’s Needed Challenges in Implementation

1. To provide equal status to all citizens
2. Gender equality: Personal laws of
almost all religions are discriminatory
towards women. UCC will promote
gender equality and welfare of women
Ex: polygamy in Sharia Law of Muslims
3. To support the national integration: by
reducing vote bank politics based on
politicization of religious discrimination
and curbing communalism
4. To bypass the contentious issue of
reform of existing personal laws
5. Simplification of Legal matters governed
by personal laws
1. Diverse Personal laws: makes it
difficult to achieve any sort of uniformity
2. False perception abt UCC :especially
among minorities which makes it
difficult for ration debate over it’s
implementation
3. Fundamental Rights Violation: In
conflict with Art. 25 & art.26
4. Lack of political will
5. Opposition from religious groups
6. Drafting of UCC: No consensus
regarding whether UCC will be blend of
various personal laws or a new law
altogether
7. Difficult to make a uniform code
which is acceptable by all
8. Patriarchal mindset of Indian society
poses a big challenge
Recommendations  Supreme Court hailed the State of Goa as a “shining example” where
“uniform civil code” is applicable to all, regardless of religion except
while protecting certain limited rights.
 In 2018, a report by the 21st Law Commission of India stated that the
Uniform Civil Code is “neither necessary nor desirable at this stage” in
the country
Way Forward  The social transformation from diverse civil code to uniformity shall be
gradual and cannot happen in a day. Therefore, the government must
adopt a “Piecemeal” approach

 Government must emulate Goan practice of a common civil code,

which has been the law since 1867, when the state was under the
Portuguese colonial rule.
 Government has to take steps towards increasing the awareness among
the public, especially minorities, about the importance of having a UCC

Conclusion The UCC must carve a balance between the protection of fundamental rights
and religious dogmas of individuals. It should be a code, which is just and proper
without any bias with regards to religious and political considerations.

Communalism