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

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  1. Article 14 (5)
  2. Article 15 (5)
  3. Article 16 (5)
  4. Article 17

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Article 15 (5)
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Detailed Solution

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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.
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