Provide chronological sequence of the constitutional amendments.

A. Right to Education

B. Ten percent reservation to Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

C. Constitutional status to Panchyati Raj Institutions

D. Constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes

E. Bifurcation of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• C. Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (73rd Amendment Act, 1992): This landmark amendment was passed in 1992 and came into effect on April 24, 1993. It gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, establishing a three-tier system of local self-governance at the village, intermediate, and district levels.

• A. Right to Education (86th Amendment Act, 2002): This amendment was enacted in 2002, inserting Article 21A into the Constitution. It made free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 a fundamental right.

• E. Bifurcation of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (89th Amendment Act, 2003): Passed in 2003, this amendment divided the combined National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes into two separate bodies: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (under Article 338) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (under Article 338A). This was done to address the specific issues of each group more effectively.

• D. Constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (102nd Amendment Act, 2018): This amendment, passed in 2018, granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), making it a permanent body with defined powers under Article 338B of the Constitution.

• B. Ten percent reservation to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) (103rd Amendment Act, 2019): The most recent of these amendments, passed in 2019, introduced a 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker sections of society in the unreserved category.

Additional Knowledge:

The sequence of these amendments demonstrates a clear pattern in India's constitutional history: a gradual expansion of fundamental rights and the creation of specialized bodies to protect the interests of specific, marginalized communities. The 73rd Amendment, for instance, marked a significant step towards decentralization and grassroots democracy. The 86th Amendment enshrined education as a basic right, reflecting a shift towards a welfare state. The subsequent amendments related to commissions for different social groups highlight the state's ongoing commitment to social justice and affirmative action. These changes showcase how the Constitution has evolved to become a more inclusive and representative document.