Maharashtra State Board – Standard IX

Chapter 6 – Empowerment of Women and Other Weaker Sections

1. Choose the correct option and complete the statements.

(1) In 1992, a movement against drinking alcohol was started in

(a) Maharashtra
(b) Gujarat
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand

Ans: (c) Andhra Pradesh

(2) In 1975, the Government of India formed the Committee on the Status of Women under the chairmanship of

(a) Dr. Phulrenu Guha
(b) Uma Bharati
(c) Vasundhara Raje
(d) Pramila Dandavate

Ans: (a) Dr. Phulrenu Guha

2. Identify and write the wrong pair.

  1. Saudamini Rao – Stree Mukti Andolan Samiti
  2. Vidya Bal – Nari Samata Manch
  3. Pramila Dandavate – Mahila Dakshata Samiti
  4. Jyoti Mhapsekar – Women’s Commission

Ans: Wrong Pair – (4) Jyoti Mhapsekar – Women’s Commission
(Jyoti Mhapsekar was associated with the Stree Mukti Sanghatana.)

3. Explain the following statements with reasons.

(1) The women’s liberation movement began.

  1. In 1975, the Government of India formed the Committee on the Status of Women under the chairmanship of Dr. Phulrenu Guha.
  2. The committee studied various issues such as the social status of women, education, employment, wages, and gender discrimination.
  3. The report highlighted inequality between men and women in many fields.
  4. In the same year, a state-level women’s conference was organised by the Stree Mukti Sangharsha Samiti.
  5. In 1978, the Samiti published its manifesto and adopted a policy to fight against gender and caste discrimination.
  6. As a result, the women’s liberation movement gained strength in India.

(2) The Prohibition of Dowry (Amendment) Act was enacted in 1984.

  1. Even after the anti-dowry law was passed, dowry-related deaths continued to occur.
  2. Many suspicious deaths of married women were later found to be related to dowry harassment.
  3. Public awareness increased regarding the role of police and administration in such cases.
  4. To make the law stricter and more effective, the Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act was enacted in 1984.
  5. The increasing number of dowry deaths showed the seriousness of the issue and the need for stronger laws.

(3) The practice of untouchability was banned by law.

  1. After independence, the Indian Constitution adopted the values of equality, justice, and fraternity.
  2. Untouchability was abolished under Article 17 of the Constitution.
  3. It was declared a punishable offence.
  4. Scheduled Castes were given reservations in education and government jobs to support their development.
  5. These steps were taken to remove social discrimination and promote equality.

(4) The Constitution gives cultural and educational rights to minorities.

  1. A minority is a group of people who are fewer in number based on religion, language, or culture.
  2. India has great cultural and linguistic diversity.
  3. To protect this diversity, the Constitution grants cultural and educational rights to minorities.
  4. Minorities have the right to preserve their language, script, and culture.
  5. They can establish and manage their own educational institutions.
  6. The government also implements schemes for their welfare and progress.

4. Write short notes on –

(1) Chipko Movement

  1. The Chipko Movement started in 1973 in the Himalayan region.
  2. Trees were being cut down for commercial purposes.
  3. Leaders like Chandiprasad Bhatt and Sunderlal Bahuguna started the movement.
  4. Women played a major role by hugging the trees to prevent them from being cut.
  5. Gaura Devi, along with Sudesha Devi and Bachani Devi, created awareness among women.
  6. Because people embraced the trees, the movement was called the “Chipko Movement.”
  7. It became a symbol of environmental protection and women’s strength.

(2) Protection of Human Rights Act

  1. The Protection of Human Rights Act was enacted in 1993.
  2. It was introduced to prevent injustice and protect the rights of citizens.
  3. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established under this Act.
  4. State Human Rights Commissions were also formed in many states.
  5. The Act helps address issues like social injustice, discrimination, and violations of human rights.

5. Answer the following question in detail.

Explain with examples how the united strength of women can bring about constructive changes in various fields.

  1. In 1972, women in Mumbai organised the “Laatne Morcha” under the leadership of Mrinal Gore against rising prices and scarcity of essential goods. They carried rolling pins as a symbol of protest. This movement was successful and showed the united strength of women.
  2. In 1973, during the Chipko Movement, women protected trees by hugging them. Their collective action helped in saving forests and promoting environmental awareness.
  3. In 1992, in Dubagunta village of Andhra Pradesh, women protested against alcohol shops after alcohol-related tragedies. The movement spread across the state, and the government introduced strict policies against liquor sale.
  4. In 1987, after the tragic incident of Roop Kanwar, women activists and journalists raised their voices against the practice of sati. As a result, the Sati (Prevention) Act was passed in 1988 with strict provisions.

These examples show that when women unite and raise their voices against injustice, they can bring positive and constructive changes in society.

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