Which of the following Articles allows the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes?

The correct answer is Article 15 (5).

Key Points

• Article 15 (5) of the Indian Constitution empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• This provision was added through the 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2005.
• It specifically enables the State to make reservations in educational institutions, including private educational institutions, but excludes minority educational institutions.
• The main objective of Article 15 (5) is to promote social justice and equality by providing affirmative action to uplift disadvantaged groups.
• This Article complements other provisions like Article 15 (4) and Article 16, which also focus on the welfare of backward classes.

Additional Information

• 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act:
  • This amendment inserted Clause (5) in Article 15.
  • It was enacted to provide reservations for backward classes in private educational institutions (except minority institutions).
  • The amendment aims to address educational inequalities in the country.
• Article 15 (4):
  • Introduced by the First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951.
  • Empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, SC, and ST.
• Article 16:
  • Provides for equality of opportunity in public employment.
  • Allows reservations for backward classes in services under the State.
• Reservation in Education:
  • Article 15 (5) was pivotal in enabling the implementation of reservations in higher educational institutions like IITs, IIMs, and other government-funded institutions.
  • Private unaided institutions (except minority institutions) also fall under this provision.