The question asks about the specific provisions allowed under Article 15(3) of the Indian Constitution. To answer this, one needs to recall the fundamental rights, particularly Article 15, which deals with prohibition of discrimination, and its exceptions.
A) Women and children — Article 15(3) explicitly allows the State to make special provisions for women and children. This is a well-known exception to the general rule of non-discrimination, aimed at their upliftment and protection.
The question asks to identify the specific clause of Article 15 of the Indian Constitution that empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Understanding the different clauses of Article 15 is crucial to answer this.
D) Article 15(4) explicitly provides for the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. This clause was added to overcome the Supreme Court's judgment in the Champakam Dorairajan case, which had struck down reservations in educational institutions.
The question asks about the Constitutional Amendment that inserted Article 15(5), which deals with reservations for SEBCs/SCs/STs in private unaided educational institutions (excluding minority institutions). To answer this, we need to recall the key provisions introduced by various constitutional amendments listed in the options.
D) 93rd Amendment Act, 2005 — This amendment inserted Article 15(5) into the Constitution, empowering the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in relation to their admission to educational institutions, including private unaided institutions, other than minority educational institutions.
The question asks to identify the Constitutional Amendment Act responsible for inserting Article 15(6), which provides for 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). We need to recall the major constitutional amendments and their provisions.
Correct Option: A) 103rd Amendment Act, 2019
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6) into the Constitution. These articles enable the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens, including reservations in educational institutions and appointments in public services, up to a maximum of 10%.
The question asks to identify the Article of the Indian Constitution that guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. This requires knowledge of the Fundamental Rights, specifically those related to equality.
Correct Option: A) Article 16 specifically guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, ensuring no discrimination on certain grounds in government jobs.
The question asks about the specific provision of Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution. To answer this, one needs to recall the fundamental rights related to equality of opportunity in public employment and the exceptions or special provisions made within them.
Correct Option: D) Reservation in public employment for backward classes
Article 16(4) explicitly empowers the State to make provisions for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens who, in the opinion of the State, are not adequately represented in the services under the State. This is a crucial provision for affirmative action in India.