UPSC Prelims 2012 Q40: Indian Polity – Social Justice & Vulnerable Sections
Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education?
1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3, 4 and 5 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 5 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Explanation
Constitutional provisions with a bearing on education
| Provision | Bearing on education? | How |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Directive Principles of State Policy | Yes | Articles 41, 45 and 46: right to education, early childhood care, educational interests of weaker sections |
| 2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies | Yes | Eleventh Schedule lists primary and secondary education; Twelfth Schedule lists educational aspects |
| 3. Fifth Schedule | Yes | Administration and welfare of Scheduled Areas and tribes |
| 4. Sixth Schedule | Yes | District Councils can set up and manage primary schools |
| 5. Seventh Schedule | Yes | Education is in the Concurrent List since the 42nd Amendment (1976) |
Other provisions on education:
| Provision | Content |
|---|---|
| Article 21A | Free and compulsory education for ages 6 to 14 |
| Articles 29 and 30 | Rights of minorities to run institutions |
| Article 51A(k) | Duty of parents to provide education |
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Schedules also bear on education.
- (b) Incorrect. Directive Principles and local bodies also bear on education.
- (c) Incorrect. The Fifth and Sixth Schedules also bear on education.
- (d) CORRECT. All five provisions have a bearing on education.
Key point
Education in the Constitution: Articles 21A, 41, 45, 46; Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules; Fifth and Sixth Schedules; Concurrent List (42nd Amendment).
Remember
Education touches the Directive Principles, local bodies and three Schedules.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, thinking they deal only with land.
- Forgetting that education moved from the State List to the Concurrent List in 1976.
- Missing the Eleventh Schedule, which gives panchayats a role in schools.
Exam tip
'Have a bearing on' is a wide phrase. Any link, even indirect, counts.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 21A, 41, 45, 46 and the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, Chs on Directive Principles and on Scheduled and Tribal Areas