(iv) Environmental Issues. (v) Problems of Weaker Sections – SC; ST; OBI; Minorities Children; Gender Justice and Women Related Issue

📘 Notes

(iv) Environmental Issues in India

Major Problems:

1. Air Pollution – caused by vehicles, industries, stubble burning.

2. Water Pollution – rivers like Ganga, Yamuna polluted by sewage, industrial waste.

3. Deforestation – cutting of forests for agriculture, industries, and urbanization.

4. Land Degradation & Soil Erosion – overgrazing, mining, improper irrigation.

5. Climate Change & Global Warming – rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts.

6. Loss of Biodiversity – extinction of flora and fauna due to human interference.

7. Waste Management – solid waste, plastic pollution, e-waste.

Remedies:

• Afforestation and forest conservation.

• Promotion of renewable energy (solar, wind).

• Waste recycling, plastic ban.

• Environmental education and awareness.

• Strict enforcement of environmental laws (Environment Protection Act, 1986).

• Sustainable development and green technology.

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(v) Problems of Weaker Sections

1. Scheduled Castes (SCs)

• Problems: Untouchability (though legally banned), caste discrimination, poverty, low literacy, inadequate representation.

• Safeguards: Abolition of untouchability (Art. 17), reservation in education, jobs, politics.

2. Scheduled Tribes (STs)

• Problems: Isolation, displacement due to dams/mining, low literacy, poverty, exploitation.

• Safeguards: Tribal Sub-Plan, reservation, cultural protection laws.

3. Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

• Problems: Educational and economic backwardness, lack of opportunities.

• Safeguards: Mandal Commission, 27% reservation in jobs/education.

4. Minorities (Religious/Ethnic)

• Problems: Social marginalization, economic inequality, communal violence.

• Safeguards: Constitutional rights (Articles 25–30), National Minority Commission.

5. Children

• Problems: Child labour, malnutrition, school dropout, child abuse, trafficking.

• Safeguards: Right to Education (RTE) Act, Child Labour Act, POSCO Act, Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

6. Gender Justice & Women-related Issues

• Problems: Gender discrimination, dowry, domestic violence, female foeticide, wage inequality.

• Safeguards:

  • Legal: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013.

  • Policies: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mahila Shakti Kendra, Reservation in Panchayats.

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❓ Questions and Answers

Environmental Issues

Q1. Mention two causes of air pollution in India.
Ans: Vehicular emissions and industrial smoke.

Q2. Define sustainable development.
Ans: Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Q3. Name two laws related to environmental protection in India.
Ans: Environment Protection Act (1986), Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1981).

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Problems of Weaker Sections

Q4. Mention two problems of Scheduled Castes in India.
Ans: Untouchability and low literacy levels.

Q5. What is the Mandal Commission known for?
Ans: Recommending 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and education.

Q6. Name two constitutional safeguards for minorities in India.
Ans: Right to establish and administer educational institutions (Art. 30), freedom of religion (Art. 25).

Q7. What are the major problems faced by children in India?
Ans: Child labour, malnutrition, trafficking, and school dropouts.

Q8. Define Gender Justice.
Ans: Gender Justice means equality of rights, opportunities, and dignity for both men and women in every sphere of life.

Q9. Name two government schemes for women empowerment.
Ans: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mahila Shakti Kendra.