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19 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Maharashtra Village Aims to Eradicate Caste Discrimination Through Resolution

Maharashtra village resolves to become caste-free, promoting social harmony and equality.

A village in Maharashtra has passed a resolution to become caste-free, aiming to eliminate caste-based discrimination and promote social harmony. The resolution reflects a growing awareness of the need to address historical injustices and create a more equitable society. By declaring itself caste-free, the village seeks to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity among its residents.

This initiative could serve as a model for other villages and communities in India striving to overcome caste-based divisions. The move highlights the importance of grassroots efforts in challenging deeply entrenched social norms and promoting a more just and egalitarian society.

Key Facts

1.

A village in Maharashtra passed a resolution to become caste-free.

2.

The resolution aims to eliminate caste-based discrimination.

3.

The initiative seeks to promote social harmony and equality.

4.

The village wants to foster unity and inclusivity among its residents.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice - Issues related to caste discrimination

2.

Connects to constitutional provisions on equality and social justice

3.

Potential for questions on affirmative action and social reform movements

In Simple Words

A village in Maharashtra decided to get rid of caste differences. They passed a rule saying everyone should be treated the same, no matter their caste. It's like saying everyone in the village is now one big family.

India Angle

In India, caste has been a big problem for centuries. Some people are treated unfairly because of their caste. This village is trying to change that by making sure everyone has equal respect and opportunities.

For Instance

Imagine a school where kids from all castes can sit together, play together, and study together without any discrimination. This village wants to be like that school, where everyone is equal.

This matters because it shows that change is possible. If one village can do it, maybe others can too, leading to a fairer society for everyone.

Eradicating caste discrimination: One village's resolution, a step towards equality.

Visual Insights

Maharashtra Village Aims to Eradicate Caste Discrimination

This map highlights Maharashtra, where a village has taken the initiative to become caste-free, promoting social harmony.

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📍Maharashtra
More Information

Background

The caste system in India is a hierarchical social stratification historically rooted in the country. It divides society into distinct groups with inherited status and occupation. The system has been outlawed by the Indian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on caste under Article 15. However, deeply entrenched social norms and practices continue to perpetuate caste-based discrimination in many parts of India, particularly in rural areas. Efforts to eradicate caste discrimination have been ongoing since India's independence. Various laws and policies have been implemented to promote social justice and equality, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which aims to prevent atrocities and discrimination against marginalized communities. The Constitution also provides for reservations in education and employment for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to address historical disadvantages. Despite legal and policy interventions, changing deeply ingrained social attitudes and practices remains a significant challenge. Initiatives like the one taken by the Maharashtra village highlight the importance of grassroots efforts in challenging caste-based discrimination and promoting social harmony. Such actions complement broader national-level policies aimed at creating a more equitable and just society.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased focus on addressing caste discrimination through various measures. The debate around a nationwide caste census has gained momentum, with proponents arguing that it is essential for effective policy-making and targeted interventions to address inequalities. Some states have already conducted or are planning to conduct caste surveys to gather data on the socio-economic conditions of different caste groups. Furthermore, there have been legal challenges to existing reservation policies, with some arguing for a re-evaluation of the criteria for determining backwardness. The Supreme Court has also been hearing cases related to the implementation of reservation policies and the extent to which they can be applied. The government has been emphasizing the need for inclusive growth and development, with a focus on empowering marginalized communities and ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities. Looking ahead, it is expected that efforts to address caste discrimination will continue to be a priority for both the government and civil society organizations. There is a growing recognition of the need for a multi-pronged approach that combines legal and policy interventions with social awareness campaigns and grassroots initiatives to change attitudes and behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main goal of the resolution passed by the Maharashtra village?

The resolution aims to eradicate caste-based discrimination and promote social harmony and equality within the village.

2. How might this village's initiative be relevant for the UPSC exam?

This initiative highlights grassroots efforts to address social issues like caste discrimination, which is relevant to the Social Justice section of the UPSC syllabus. It demonstrates a practical approach to promoting constitutional values at the local level.

3. What constitutional article is most relevant to the issue of caste discrimination in India?

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste.

4. Why is the Maharashtra village's resolution newsworthy?

The resolution is newsworthy because it represents a proactive, grassroots effort to challenge deeply entrenched social norms related to caste. It can serve as a model for other communities seeking to address similar issues.

5. What are the potential challenges in implementing a caste-free resolution in a village?

Challenges may include overcoming deeply ingrained social biases, resistance from those who benefit from the existing caste hierarchy, and ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all residents.

6. What is the historical context of the caste system in India?

The caste system is a hierarchical social stratification historically rooted in India, dividing society into distinct groups with inherited status and occupation. While outlawed by the Indian Constitution, its deeply entrenched norms continue to perpetuate caste-based discrimination.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the caste system in India: 1. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability. 2. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 aims to prevent discrimination and atrocities against marginalized communities. 3. Caste-based discrimination is exclusively a rural phenomenon in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form. This is a fundamental right aimed at ensuring social justice. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, aims to prevent atrocities and discrimination against marginalized communities, providing legal safeguards and remedies. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Caste-based discrimination is not exclusively a rural phenomenon. While it may be more visible in rural areas, it also exists in urban areas, albeit often in more subtle forms, such as housing discrimination or employment bias. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

2. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the village in Maharashtra that passed a resolution to become caste-free?

  • A.To attract more government funding for rural development projects.
  • B.To eliminate caste-based discrimination and promote social harmony.
  • C.To encourage inter-caste marriages within the village.
  • D.To establish a new political party focused on caste issues.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary objective of the village in Maharashtra that passed a resolution to become caste-free is to eliminate caste-based discrimination and promote social harmony. The resolution reflects a growing awareness of the need to address historical injustices and create a more equitable society. By declaring itself caste-free, the village seeks to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity among its residents.

3. Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): A village in Maharashtra passed a resolution to become caste-free. Reason (R): The resolution reflects a growing awareness of the need to address historical injustices and create a more equitable society. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The village's resolution to become caste-free (Assertion A) is directly driven by the growing awareness of the need to address historical injustices and create a more equitable society (Reason R). Therefore, Reason R provides the underlying motivation and context for Assertion A.

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