Which Article of the Indian Constitution stipulates that the State shall work to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Article 46.
This article of the Indian Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of society, specifically the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). It also mandates that the State shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
Explanation of other options:
- Article 49: This article deals with the protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance. It is a Directive Principle of State Policy that obligates the State to protect every monument or place of artistic or historic interest declared to be of national importance, from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal, or export.
- Article 45: Originally, this article aimed for free and compulsory education for all children until they completed the age of 14. However, it was later amended by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002. The right to education for children aged 6 to 14 was made a Fundamental Right under Article 21A. The amended Article 45 now directs the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
- Article 48: This article mandates the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. It also includes the duty to take steps for preserving and improving the breeds of cattle and prohibiting the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle.