Identify the limitations in the realisation of the constitutional vision of social transformation.
The Indian Constitution envisions a society that is just, equal, and free and lays out a number of provisions aimed at bringing about social transformation. However, there are several limitations that have hindered the realization of this constitutional vision.
One limitation is the lack of effective implementation of many of the Constitution’s provisions. For example, despite the constitutional guarantee of equality, caste-based discrimination and untouchability continue to be pervasive in many parts of India. Similarly, provisions aimed at protecting the rights of marginalized communities, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, have not been effectively implemented. This can be attributed to a lack of political will and bureaucratic inertia.
Another limitation is the lack of resources and infrastructure to support social transformation. For example, the constitutional guarantee of free and compulsory education for children has not been fully realized due to a lack of adequate funding and infrastructure. Similarly, the constitutional provision for the right to work has not been fully realized due to a lack of job opportunities and vocational training programs.
A third limitation is the persistence of deeply ingrained social attitudes and practices that are at odds with the constitutional vision of social transformation. For example, despite the constitutional guarantee of equality, gender discrimination and violence against women continue to be pervasive in many parts of India. Similarly, despite the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, communal violence and religious intolerance continue to be a problem in many parts of India.
Another limitation is the lack of effective and independent institutions, such as the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature to ensure the implementation and protection of constitutional rights and provisions. In India, there have been instances of slow justice delivery, political interference, and corruption in the judiciary, executive, and legislature, which have hindered the effective implementation of the constitutional vision of social transformation.
A fifth limitation is the lack of political representation of marginalized communities and the under-representation of women in the decision-making process. This has resulted in the lack of policies and laws that are inclusive and address the specific needs of marginalized communities and women.
Lastly, the constitutional vision of social transformation has also been hindered by the lack of a strong civil society and a vibrant public sphere. A strong civil society and a vibrant public sphere are essential for holding the state accountable for its actions and for creating public pressure for the implementation of progressive policies and laws.
In summary, the Indian Constitution envisions a society that is just, equal, and free, however, there are several limitations that have hindered the realization of this constitutional vision. The lack of effective implementation of many of the Constitution’s provisions, the lack of resources and infrastructure to support social transformation, the persistence of deeply ingrained social attitudes and practices, the lack of effective and independent institutions, the lack of political representation of marginalized communities and under-representation of women in the decision-making process, and the lack of a strong civil society and a vibrant public sphere are some of the limitations that have hindered the constitutional vision of social transformation in India.