UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 40 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Constitutional Provisions Education
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.
Show answer
Answer: D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Analysis
The word “bearing” has a broad meaning here. It includes any constitutional provision that directly or indirectly affects education through rights, policy directions, administration or legislative powers.
Statement by statement
1. Directive Principles of State Policy — Correct
DPSPs have a clear bearing on education.
Article 41 refers to education and public assistance, Article 45 deals with early childhood care and education, and Article 46 promotes the educational interests of weaker sections, especially SCs and STs.
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies — Correct
Panchayats and Municipalities also have a role in education.
The 11th Schedule includes education, including primary and secondary schools, while the 12th Schedule includes promotion of educational and cultural aspects.
3. Fifth Schedule — Correct
The Fifth Schedule deals with administration of Scheduled Areas.
It gives special powers to the Governor, which may be used for the welfare and advancement of Scheduled Tribes, including education.
4. Sixth Schedule — Correct
The Sixth Schedule applies to tribal areas in certain North-Eastern states.
Autonomous District Councils can establish, construct or manage primary schools and promote education in their areas.
5. Seventh Schedule — Correct
The Seventh Schedule has a direct bearing on education.
Education is placed in the Concurrent List under Entry 25, allowing both Parliament and State Legislatures to make laws on it.
Extra UPSC info
* Article 21A makes free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14 years.
* Article 45 now deals with early childhood care and education for children below 6 years.
* Article 46 promotes educational and economic interests of SCs, STs and other weaker sections.
* Article 51A(k) makes it a Fundamental Duty of parents or guardians to provide education to children aged 6 to 14 years.
* Article 350A provides for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage for linguistic minorities.
* Education was shifted from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
How to crack it
All five provisions have a direct or indirect bearing on education, so the correct answer is 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.