SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 13

Correct Answer: Article 29

Explanation

Article 29 of the Indian Constitution ensures the protection of the cultural and educational rights of minorities. It is part of Part III of the Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Rights.

Specifically, Article 29(1) mandates that any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India having a distinct language, script, or culture of its own has the right to conserve it. Article 29(2) guarantees that no citizen can be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language, or any of them. Together with Article 30 (which grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions), Article 29 forms the bedrock of Cultural and Educational Rights in India to preserve the country's rich diversity.

Key Points

Article 32 provides the Right to Constitutional Remedies, allowing individuals to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it the heart and soul of the Constitution.

Article 15 prohibits discrimination by the State against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them.

Article 25 guarantees the Freedom of Conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion to all persons.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which constitutional article gives minorities the explicit right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice?

Answer: Article 30 of the Indian Constitution grants this right to both religious and linguistic minorities.

Question: Can the protection under Article 29(1) be claimed only by religious minorities?

Answer: No, the Supreme Court has ruled that the use of the words 'section of the citizens' means the scope of this article includes both minorities and majorities based on distinct language, script, or culture.