Social Justice Policies Practice Questions
40 free Social Justice Policies practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which part of the Indian Constitution lays the foundation for social justice policies?
- A Fundamental Duties of citizens
- B Directive Principles of State Policy
- C Seventh Schedule and federal provisions
- D Emergency Provisions in the Constitution
Correct answer: Directive Principles of State Policy
The Directive Principles of State Policy guide the State in promoting social and economic justice. They form the constitutional basis for many social justice policies aimed at reducing inequality.
Reservation in public employment for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is provided under which Article?
- A Article 14
- B Article 16(4)
- C Article 19(1)(g)
- D Article 21
Correct answer: Article 16(4)
Article 16(4) allows the State to provide reservation in public employment for backward classes not adequately represented. It is a key constitutional tool for social justice.
The concept of 'protective discrimination' in India refers to:
- A Discrimination against minority groups
- B Special provisions for disadvantaged groups
- C Complete abolition of caste distinctions
- D Uniform treatment without any exceptions
Correct answer: Special provisions for disadvantaged groups
Protective discrimination involves granting special benefits or reservations to historically disadvantaged groups. It aims to achieve substantive equality rather than mere formal equality.
Which constitutional amendment inserted Article 15(5) enabling reservation in educational institutions?
- A 42nd Amendment
- B 44th Amendment
- C 93rd Amendment
- D 86th Amendment
Correct answer: 93rd Amendment
The 93rd Constitutional Amendment inserted Article 15(5), enabling the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes in educational institutions, including private institutions.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes derives its constitutional status from:
- A Article 280
- B Article 338
- C Article 324
- D Article 370
Correct answer: Article 338
Article 338 provides for the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. It monitors safeguards and investigates complaints regarding the rights of SCs.
Which policy instrument is commonly used to promote gender justice in India?
- A Uniform taxation
- B Reservation in local governing bodies
- C Reduction in judicial powers
- D Privatization of welfare schemes
Correct answer: Reservation in local governing bodies
Reservation of seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions promotes gender justice and political empowerment by enhancing women's participation in local governance.
The term 'creamy layer' is associated with:
- A SC reservations
- B ST reservations
- C OBC reservations
- D Minority reservations
Correct answer: OBC reservations
The concept of creamy layer applies to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It excludes the more affluent members of OBCs from availing reservation benefits.
Which Article abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice?
- A Article 15
- B Article 17
- C Article 19
- D Article 23
Correct answer: Article 17
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form. It is a crucial provision for advancing social justice.
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act aims to:
- A Promote industrial development
- B Prevent crimes against SCs and STs
- C Regulate education and curriculum
- D Encourage foreign investment
Correct answer: Prevent crimes against SCs and STs
The Act provides special legal safeguards to prevent atrocities against SCs and STs. It ensures protection and justice for vulnerable communities.
Which constitutional provision allows the State to make special provisions for women and children?
- A Article 15(3)
- B Article 19(2)
- C Article 21A
- D Article 50
Correct answer: Article 15(3)
Article 15(3) permits the State to make special provisions for women and children. This enables affirmative policies aimed at gender and child welfare.
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment introduced reservation for:
- A Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- B Women in Parliament and State Legislatures
- C EWS (10% reservation in education/employment)
- D Religious and linguistic minorities
Correct answer: EWS (10% reservation in education/employment)
The 103rd Amendment introduced 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in education and public employment, marking a shift toward economic criteria in affirmative action policy.
Which institution evaluates and recommends measures for backward classes at the national level?
- A Election Commission of India (ECI)
- B NCBC (National Commission for Backward Classes)
- C National Planning Committee (NITI Aayog)
- D Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Correct answer: NCBC (National Commission for Backward Classes)
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) examines matters related to socially and educationally backward classes and advises the government on safeguards and inclusion measures.
Social justice policies primarily aim to achieve which type of equality?
- A Formal equality
- B Substantive equality
- C Procedural equality
- D Absolute uniformity
Correct answer: Substantive equality
Social justice policies pursue substantive (real) equality, not just formal equality. They actively address historical disadvantages to create meaningful opportunities for all citizens.
Which of the following best reflects the principle of inclusive governance?
- A Centralized authority
- B Equal distribution without regard to need
- C Targeted benefits for marginalized groups
- D Minimal state intervention
Correct answer: Targeted benefits for marginalized groups
Inclusive governance involves designing policies that target marginalized and disadvantaged groups. It seeks to integrate them into mainstream development processes.
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act promotes social justice by:
- A Privatizing schools and educational institutions
- B Ensuring free primary education access
- C Restricting access to higher education
- D Reducing teacher training standards
Correct answer: Ensuring free primary education access
The RTE Act guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14. It reduces inequality by ensuring access to basic education.
Which Article empowers the State to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs and STs?
- A Article 46
- B Article 48
- C Article 21
- D Article 39A
Correct answer: Article 46
Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections. It also mandates protection from social injustice.
Reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions for SCs and STs is provided under:
- A 73rd Constitutional Amendment
- B 44th Constitutional Amendment
- C 52nd Constitutional Amendment
- D 86th Constitutional Amendment
Correct answer: 73rd Constitutional Amendment
The 73rd Amendment provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for SCs and STs. It strengthens grassroots representation and social inclusion.
Which of the following is a key challenge in implementing social justice policies?
- A Over-centralization of courts
- B Lack of judicial review
- C Leakages and poor targeting
- D Absence of constitutional backing
Correct answer: Leakages and poor targeting
Leakages and poor targeting can undermine the effectiveness of social justice policies. Ensuring transparency and accountability is crucial for successful implementation.
The concept of 'social justice' in the Preamble primarily refers to:
- A Basic Structure Doctrine limits
- B Constitutional judicial review principle
- C Balancing equality and social justice
- D Separation of powers constraint
Correct answer: Basic Structure Doctrine limits
Affirmative action policies must conform to the Basic Structure Doctrine, a constitutional principle that sets limits even on amendment power. They are subject to judicial review to ensure proper balance.
Affirmative action policies in India are subject to which constitutional principle?
- A Basic Structure Doctrine
- B Parliamentary sovereignty without limits
- C Judicial dictatorship
- D Absolute equality without classification
Correct answer: Basic Structure Doctrine
Affirmative action policies must conform to the Basic Structure Doctrine and constitutional principles. They are subject to judicial review to ensure balance between equality and social justice.
Which specific Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) mandates the State to promote the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, particularly the SCs and STs?
- A Article 39
- B Article 41
- C Article 44
- D Article 46
Correct answer: Article 46
Article 46 of the Constitution directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was granted constitutional status through which Amendment Act?
- A 101st Amendment Act
- B 103rd Amendment Act
- C 104th Amendment Act
- D 102nd Amendment Act
Correct answer: 102nd Amendment Act
The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2018 inserted Article 338B, which provided constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha?
- A Article 330
- B Article 332
- C Article 335
- D Article 338
Correct answer: Article 330
Article 330 provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) based on their population ratio.
The 'Stand-Up India' scheme, aimed at promoting social justice through entrepreneurship, specifically targets which demographic groups?
- A Only rural youth
- B Economically Weaker Sections regardless of caste
- C Minorities and Transgender individuals
- D Only Women and SC/ST entrepreneurs
Correct answer: Only Women and SC/ST entrepreneurs
The Stand-Up India scheme facilitates bank loans between 10 lakh and 1 crore to at least one SC or ST borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise.
Which constitutional provision mandates that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services?
- A Article 16(4)
- B Article 332
- C Article 335
- D Article 340
Correct answer: Article 335
Article 335 states that the claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.
The PM-JANMAN mission, recently launched, focuses on the holistic development of which specific group to ensure social justice?
- A Manual Scavengers
- B BPL families in urban areas
- C Senior Citizens in the unorganized sector
- D Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Correct answer: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
The PM-JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) focuses on 11 critical interventions to improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Which Article empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes?
- A Article 338
- B Article 338A
- C Article 340
- D Article 342
Correct answer: Article 340
Article 340 of the Constitution provides for the appointment of a Commission by the President to investigate the conditions of backward classes and make recommendations.
The 'Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016' increased the reservation in public employment for persons with benchmark disabilities from 3% to:
- A 4%
- B 5%
- C 7%
- D 10%
Correct answer: 4%
The 2016 Act replaced the 1995 Act and increased the reservation in government jobs for persons with benchmark disabilities from 3% to 4%.
Which landmark judgment of the Supreme Court validated the 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in central government services?
- A Kesavananda Bharati Case
- B Minerva Mills Case
- C Maneka Gandhi Case
- D Indra Sawhney Case
Correct answer: Indra Sawhney Case
In the Indra Sawhney vs Union of India case (1992), the Supreme Court upheld the 27% reservation for OBCs while introducing the 'creamy layer' exclusion and the 50% cap on total reservations.
The 'Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers' (SRMS) is a policy intervention for social justice under which Ministry?
- A Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- B Ministry of Rural Development
- C Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- D Ministry of Labour and Employment
Correct answer: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements schemes for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers to provide them with alternative livelihoods.
Under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions is mandated to be at least:
- A One-fourth of the total seats
- B One-half of the total seats
- C Proportional to their population
- D One-third of the total seats
Correct answer: One-third of the total seats
Article 243D of the Constitution mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women.
The concept of 'Sub-categorization of OBCs' was recently examined by which commission to ensure equitable distribution of social justice benefits?
- A Mandal Commission
- B Sarkaria Commission
- C Rohini Commission
- D Kaka Kalelkar Commission
Correct answer: Rohini Commission
The Justice Rohini Commission was constituted under Article 340 to examine the issue of sub-categorization within the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to ensure more equitable benefit distribution.
Which Article of the Constitution provides for the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Legislative Assemblies of the States?
- A Article 330
- B Article 331
- C Article 332
- D Article 334
Correct answer: Article 332
Article 332 provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of every State.
The 'NAMASTE' scheme, a social justice initiative, is designed to ensure the safety and dignity of which workforce?
- A Anganwadi workers
- B Construction labourers
- C Migrant farmers
- D Sanitation workers
Correct answer: Sanitation workers
The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme aims to achieve zero fatalities in sanitation work and ensure that all sanitation work is performed by skilled workers.
Which specific provision was added to the Constitution by the 103rd Amendment to allow for EWS reservation in admissions?
- A Article 15(4)
- B Article 16(4)
- C Article 16(5)
- D Article 15(6)
Correct answer: Article 15(6)
The 103rd Amendment Act, 2019, inserted Article 15(6) and Article 16(6) to provide for reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
In the context of STs, the 'PESA Act, 1996' extends which constitutional provisions to the Scheduled Areas?
- A Fundamental Rights
- B Emergency Provisions
- C Panchayati Raj (Part IX)
- D Municipal provisions (Part IXA)
Correct answer: Panchayati Raj (Part IX)
The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, extends the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to the Scheduled Areas with certain modifications to protect tribal interests.
The 'SMILE' scheme (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) primarily focuses on which two marginalized groups?
- A Refugees and Stateless persons
- B Widows and Orphaned children
- C Small and marginal farmers and landless agricultural labourers
- D Transgender persons and persons engaged in begging
Correct answer: Transgender persons and persons engaged in begging
The SMILE scheme is a comprehensive scheme for the welfare of Transgender persons and persons engaged in the act of begging.
The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' (128th Constitution Amendment Bill) seeks to reserve 33% seats for women in:
- A Panchayats only
- B Local bodies and Government jobs
- C Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
- D The Union Cabinet
Correct answer: Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
The 128th Amendment Bill (enacted as the 106th Amendment Act) provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Which schedule of the Indian Constitution contains provisions regarding the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes?
- A Third Schedule
- B Seventh Schedule
- C Ninth Schedule
- D Fifth Schedule
Correct answer: Fifth Schedule
The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
The 'National Commission for Scheduled Tribes' (NCST) was created as a separate body by which Constitutional Amendment?
- A 65th Amendment Act
- B 86th Amendment Act
- C 89th Amendment Act
- D 92nd Amendment Act
Correct answer: 89th Amendment Act
The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 bifurcated the erstwhile National Commission for SCs and STs into two separate bodies: the NCSC (Art 338) and the NCST (Art 338A).