Tag: understanding marginalisation

Muslims prefer to send their kids to Madarsa when primary education in India is free for all because Madrasas are also a kind of school and education is free there. However, there is class distinction among people following the same religion. A middle class educated Muslim will most probably send their kids to a secular school. However, if the quality of education in Madrasa is improved, they would become popular like convent or missionary schools where people from all religions send their children to study.

Marginalization results in having a low social status and not having equal access to education and other resources. The Adivasis have been marginalized as their forest-lands were taken over for development and they have been side-lined. The Muslims have been marginalized as they have different customs and traditions as compared to the majority of the citizens. Different communities have been marginalized for different reasons, yet all the communities that have been marginalized experience disadvantage, prejudice and powerlessness.

Hierarchy is a graded system or arrangement of persons or things. Usually persons at the bottom of the hierarchy are those who have the least power. The caste system is a hierarchical system and Dalits are considered to be at the lowest end.

Muslims are considered to be a marginalised community in India today because in comparison to other communities, they have over the years deprived of the benefits of socio-economic development. Muslim women are the important part of the women movement in India. Muslims in India were lagging behind in terms of various development indicators. Economic and social marginalisation experienced by Muslims has other dimensions as well. Muslims women started the women's movement against the discrimination and unfair treatment to them in schools, colleges, hospitals and every part of the nation.

25 percent of Muslim children in the 6-14 year age group have either never been enrolled in school or have dropped out. This percentage is much higher than that of any other socio-religious community. 

Article 17 of the Indian constitution says that the untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbiddable. The main goal of this article is to remove caste discrimination which is prevalent still in the country. Discrimination on grounds of caste is punishable by the court of law. It includes following provisions: No one should prevent Dalits from educating themselves, Dalits could enter temples and public facilities like wells, they could fight against any discrimination and seek equality.

Reservation policy ensures that the marginalized groups have equal opportunity in education and employment. Reservations are provided to disadvantaged indigenous people in India who underwent a huge number of atrocities and remained backward for ages. The main aim of this policy is the upliftment of scheduled castes and tribes.

Marginalization is the treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral. In Muslim population there is link between economic & social marginalization. That is people are valued socially according to the economic status.

Article 17 of the Indian constitution abolishes the practice of untouchability. According to this article, untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 or the SC/ST Act protects the marginalised communities against discrimination and atrocities. The Act lists 22 offences relating to various patterns or behaviours inflicting criminal offences and breaking the self-esteem of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes community. This includes denial of economic, democratic and social rights, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse of the legal process. The prime object of the SC/ST Act is to deliver justice to marginalised through proactive efforts, giving them a life of dignity, self-esteem and a life without fear, violence or suppression from the dominant Castes.