Answer

India’s Constitution aspires to create a society based on equality, justice, and dignity for all its citizens. However, challenges like growing income gaps and social inequalities continue to hinder this vision. As India evolves socially and economically, the state must actively intervene to balance individual rights with social welfare, ensuring that the Constitution remains relevant in addressing modern challenges.

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India’s Constitutional Vision of an Egalitarian Society

• Legal and Social Equality: The Constitution establishes equality as a basic right, ensuring that no citizen is unfairly treated due to their caste, gender, or religion.
  For example: Articles 14 and 15 provide for equal rights and prohibit discrimination while enabling affirmative actions for historically disadvantaged groups.
• Economic Justice: The state is directed to reduce income gaps and ensure fair access to resources, so that wealth does not remain concentrated in a few hands.
  For example: Article 39(b) emphasizes equitable distribution of resources for the common good.
• Inclusion of Marginalized Communities: Special provisions help disadvantaged communities participate in education, jobs, and governance, promoting social mobility.
  For example: Articles 15(4) and 16(4) provide reservations in public institutions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Eradication of Social Practices: Laws and policies aim to eliminate practices like untouchability and bonded labor that promote exploitation.
  For example: Article 17 abolishes untouchability and criminalizes its practice in any form.
• Unity Through Fraternity: The Constitution fosters fraternity to promote solidarity among citizens, ensuring that diversity becomes a strength rather than a barrier.
  For example: Cooperative federalism helps bridge regional inequalities while respecting local identities.

Challenges Due to Intersection of Economic Inequalities and Social Disparities

• Increasing Wealth Disparities: The benefits of economic growth are not evenly distributed, leaving marginalized groups with limited opportunities.
  For example: The Oxfam India Report (2023) showed that the top 1% of Indians own 40.5% of the wealth, while the bottom 50% hold just 3%.
• Caste-Based Discrimination: Social hierarchies often deny equal opportunities to Dalits and Adivasis, affecting their access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
  For example: A 2013 Indian Institute of Dalit Studies survey found 41% of Scheduled Caste farm workers were denied jobs, especially in grain harvesting, due to caste prejudice.
• Gender Inequalities: Women face significant barriers in education, employment, and income, which limits their ability to achieve financial independence.
  For example: Women’s Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased to 41.7% in 2023-24, yet their share in Worker Population Ratio (WPR) remains just 40.3%.
• Rural-Urban Divide: Rural areas lag in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, creating unequal development opportunities compared to urban centers.
  For instance: In rural India, primary health centres often lack doctors and equipment, while urban areas benefit from multi-specialty hospitals, highlighting unequal access to healthcare.
• Precarious Working Conditions: The informal sector dominates India’s workforce, leaving many without job security or social protections.
  For example: During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, thousands of Delhi’s migrant workers walked to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to job losses and no safety nets.

Role of State Intervention in Balancing Liberal Principles with Social Justice

• Redistributive Policies: The state uses taxation and welfare programs to reduce income gaps, ensuring basic needs like food, education, and healthcare are met.
  For example: The PM-KISAN scheme provides financial support to over 12 crore farmers, addressing rural income disparities.
• Affirmative Action Programs: Quotas in education and employment ensure that marginalized communities have equal opportunities to improve their socio-economic status.
  For example: The 103rd Constitutional Amendment introduced a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• Strengthening Local Governance: Decentralized systems empower local communities to design solutions tailored to their specific challenges, promoting grassroots-level equity.
  For example: The 73rd and 74th Amendments enable marginalized communities and women to participate in local decision-making.
• Universal Social Security: Expanding programs for healthcare, education, and housing ensures that even the poorest sections of society have access to essential services.
  For example: The Ayushman Bharat Scheme has provided free health insurance to over 50 crore beneficiaries, reducing healthcare inequalities.
• Digital Empowerment: Bridging the digital divide allows rural and marginalized communities to access modern resources, improving their quality of life.
  For example: The Digital India initiative has connected over 6 lakh villages with broadband internet.

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India’s constitutional vision of an egalitarian society faces serious challenges due to growing income gaps and persistent social inequalities. However, through policies like affirmative action, redistributive taxation, and grassroots empowerment, the state can effectively address these challenges. Balancing liberal principles with inclusive policies will ensure that India progresses as a nation where every citizen has equal opportunities, fulfilling the Constitution’s timeless promise of justice and equality for all.

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