- Women face harassment, exploitation and violence, even at home and in public spaces.
- Women’s issues get less attention because of low political representation.
- In 2019, women formed only 14.36% of Lok Sabha members and less than 5% in State Assemblies.
- India’s women's representation in Parliament is below the world average (24%).
- Reservations for women (like 1/3 seats in Panchayats and the 2023 Women’s Reservation Act) aim to improve equality.
Key Points
Key Points: Gender and Politics
- Gender division of labour places most unpaid household work on women.
- Women form about half of the population, but have low political participation.
- Female literacy in India is 54%, compared to 76% for men.
- Women work longer hours daily than men, mostly in unpaid work.
- Despite the Equal Remuneration Act (1976), women are often paid less.
- The child sex ratio (2011) is 919 girls per 1000 boys.
- Feminist movements demand equality, rights, and better political representation.
Key Points: Social and Religious Diversity of India
- The Census of India records religion every 10 years, giving reliable data on social and religious diversity.
- In 2011, Hindus were 79.8%, Muslims 14.2%, Christians 2.3%, Sikhs 1.7%, Buddhists 0.7%, and Jains 0.4% of the population.
- Since 1961, the population share of major religions has changed only slightly, showing long-term stability.
- Muslims are expected to increase by only 3–4% in the next 50 years, so no major demographic shift is likely.
- In 2011, Scheduled Castes formed 16.6% and Scheduled Tribes 8.6% of India’s population, reflecting strong social diversity.
Key Points: Caste Inequality Today
- Caste remains an important source of economic inequality, even though caste-based discrimination is legally abolished.
- Historically, lower castes were denied land and education, and the effects of these disadvantages still continue today.
- Economic status still follows caste hierarchy, with upper castes better off, Dalits and Adivasis worst off, and OBCs in between.
- Poverty levels are highest among Scheduled Tribes (45.8% rural) and Scheduled Castes (35.9% rural), and lowest among upper castes.
- Upper castes are over-represented among the rich, while lower castes are under-represented, showing persistent inequality.
Key Points: Women’s Political Representation
Key Points: Religion, Communalism and Politics
- Religion and politics can be connected through moral values and ethics.
- Problems arise when religion is used as the basis of political power.
- Communalism promotes the idea that one religion is superior to others.
- It creates divisions, conflicts and hatred among religious communities.
- Communal politics can lead to riots, violence and loss of unity.
- India follows secularism, meaning the state has no official religion.
- The Constitution ensures freedom of religion and equality for all citizens.
Key Points: Caste and Politics
- The caste system was based on hereditary occupations and discrimination.
- Untouchability and caste inequality were opposed by social reformers and banned by the Constitution.
- Urbanisation, education and economic growth have weakened caste hierarchies.
- Caste still influences marriage, social life and economic status.
- Political parties consider caste while selecting candidates and seeking votes.
- Elections are not decided by caste alone; leadership and performance also matter.
- Caste politics has empowered Dalits and OBCs, but can also cause conflict.
Important Questions [8]
- Which one of the following countries has the highest representation of women in their National Parliament?
- Answer the Following Question. "Women Still Lag Much Behind Men in India Despite Some Improvements since Independence." Analyse the Statement.
- "Women face discrimination in various ways in our society." Explain any two ways.
- In which of the following regions was women representation the highest in their respective National Parliaments (2018)?
- Read the following statements and choose the correct option: I. There is no official religion in India. II. Communities have freedom to profess and practice their religion.
- Describe Any Five Features of Secularism in India.
- Describe Any Five Features of 'Caste in Politics' in India.
- How Can Caste Take Various Forms in Politics? Explain with Examples.
