1999 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 4: Polity and Governance
The Constitution of India recognises
aonly religious minorities
bonly linguistic minorities
creligious and linguistic minorities
dreligious, linguistic and ethnic minorities
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Articles 29 and 30 protect minorities. Article 29 protects any section of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture, and Article 30 gives minorities based on religion or language the right to set up and run educational institutions. The Constitution does not define 'minority', and 'ethnic' is not a category it uses. Remember: the minorities it names are religious and linguistic.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Linguistic minorities are also recognised, in Article 30.
- (b) Wrong. Religious minorities are equally recognised, in Article 30.
- (c) Right. Article 30 names minorities based on religion or language.
- (d) Wrong. 'Ethnic' is not a category in the Constitution; Article 29 speaks of language, script or culture.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.