Chapter 1: On Equality
Equality in Indian Democracy
1. Constitutional Recognition of Equality
The Indian Constitution recognises every person as equal, regardless of gender, caste, religion, tribe, education, or economic background.
2. Inequality Still Exists
Though inequality hasn’t completely disappeared, the principle of equality is officially accepted and protected by law in a democratic India.
3. Earlier vs. Now
In the past, no laws protected people from discrimination.
Now, several laws exist to ensure dignity and equal treatment.
4. Provisions in the Constitution Ensuring Equality:
Equality before the law:- Everyone, from the President to a domestic worker, must obey the same laws.
No discrimination:- No person can be discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, caste, place of birth, or gender.
Equal access to public places:- Every person can use public spaces like parks, hotels, shops, markets, roads, wells, and bathing ghats.
Abolition of untouchability:- Untouchability is illegal and has been abolished under the law.
Two Ways the Government Implements Equality
Through Laws:- Several laws exist in India to protect the right of every person to be treated equally, especially for disadvantaged communities.
Through Government Programs or Schemes:- The government has launched various welfare schemes to improve the lives of communities treated unequally for centuries.
These schemes aim to provide better opportunities to those who lacked access in the past.
Example: Midday Meal Scheme:- A program to provide cooked lunch to children in government elementary schools.
- Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to introduce this scheme.
- National Implementation:- In 2001, the Supreme Court directed all states to begin this program in their schools within six months.
- Positive Effects of the Scheme:- Increased enrollment of poor children in schools.
- Better attendance of children in school.
- Teachers observed improvements in children's nutrition and school participation.
Midday Meal Programme – More Positive Effects
1. Improved School Attendance
Earlier, children went home for lunch and often didn’t return.
With midday meals at school, attendance has improved.
2. Support for Mothers
Mothers no longer have to interrupt their work to feed children during the day.
3. Reduction in Caste Prejudices
Children of all castes eat together, helping reduce caste discrimination.
In many areas, Dalit women are employed to cook, promoting social inclusion.
4. Addressing Hunger:- The programme reduces hunger among poor students, helping them focus and learn better in school.
Challenges in Achieving Equality
- Inequality Between Schools
- Rich and poor children still attend very different schools.
- Schools for poor children often have fewer facilities and more discrimination.
- Continued Discrimination
- Dalit children are still treated unequally in many schools.
- Their dignity is not respected, despite legal protections.
- Need for Change in Attitudes
- Laws Alone Are Not Enough
Even though discrimination is illegal, people still treat others unequally based on:
- Caste
- Religion
- Gender
- Disability
- Economic background
Real equality will come only when people stop thinking of others as inferior.
Everyone must believe in equal dignity for all.
Inequality Exists in Other Democracies Too
Not Just India
- Inequality exists in many democratic countries, not just India.
- Communities around the world continue to struggle for equality.
Example: United States of America (USA)
- African-Americans are descendants of slaves brought from Africa.
- Despite laws, many African-Americans still face inequality today.
History of Racial Discrimination in the USA
Before the Civil Rights Movement
- African-Americans were denied equality by law.
- Example: On buses, they had to sit at the back or give up their seat for white passengers.
Rosa Parks (1913–2005)
- On 1 December 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man.
- This act started a major protest and became part of the Civil Rights Movement.
The Civil Rights Movement
- Fought against racial discrimination and demanded equal rights.
- Led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Civil Rights Act, 1964 :- Main Provisions
- Prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
- All schools were to be open to African-American children.
- Separate schools for African-Americans were abolished.
Continuing Challenges
Economic Inequality Still Exists
- Many African-Americans remain among the poorest in the country.
- Their children mostly attend government schools with:
- Fewer facilities
- Less qualified teachers
Comparison with White Americans
- White students often attend:
- Private schools
- Or well-funded government schools in richer areas.
Challenge of Democracy
No Perfect Democracy
- No country can be called completely democratic.
- Every democracy faces challenges and struggles to improve itself.
Ongoing Struggle
- Communities and individuals continuously work to:
- Expand the idea of democracy
- Gain greater recognition of equality
- Raise new and existing issues of discrimination or injustice
Core Democratic Value: Equality and Dignity
- The main challenge is ensuring:
- Equal treatment for all persons
- Respect for everyone’s dignity
Daily Life in Democratic India
- Equality affects many parts of our daily lives—education, work, society, etc.
- The chapters in this book explore how equality is practiced or denied in real life.
NCERT QUESTIONS
1. In a democracy why is universal adult franchise important?
Answer:- Universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen (18 years and above) has the right to vote, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, education, or economic status.
Importance in a Democracy:
Ensures Equality:- It treats everyone as equal, giving each person one vote, and therefore, equal power in choosing leaders.
Gives People a Voice:- It allows citizens to express their views, choose their representatives, and participate in decision-making.
Foundation of Democracy:- It is the basic feature of democracy, where the government is elected by the people.
Reduces Discrimination:- By giving equal voting rights to all, it helps reduce social inequalities like those based on caste, gender, or wealth.
Promotes Responsibility:- Citizens feel more responsible and involved in the working of their country when they know their vote matters.
2. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality?
Answer:- Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Here are two ways in which Article 15 addresses inequality:
It bans discrimination by the State – The government cannot discriminate against any citizen in matters like access to public places, education, or employment based on religion, caste, gender, etc.
It allows special provisions for disadvantaged groups – Article 15 also permits the State to make special laws or policies (like reservations or welfare schemes) to uplift socially and educationally backward classes, women, and children.
3. What do you understand by the term all persons are equal before the law? Why do you think it is important in a democracy?
Answer:- The term "all persons are equal before the law" means that every individual, rich or poor, powerful or ordinary, must follow the same laws and will be treated equally by the legal system. No one is above the law, not even high-ranking officials like the President or Prime Minister. it is important in a democracy?
Promotes fairness and justice – It ensures that everyone gets equal treatment and protection under the law.
Protects against discrimination – It helps prevent unfair treatment based on caste, religion, gender, or wealth.
Builds trust in the system – People have faith in democracy when they know laws apply equally to all.
Strengthens democratic values – Equality before the law is a core principle of democracy and helps maintain freedom and dignity for every citizen.
4. According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, persons with disabilities have equal rights, and that the government should make possible their full participation in society. The government has to provide free education and integrate children with disabilities into mainstream schools. This law also states that all public places including buildings, schools, etc., should be accessible and provided with ramps.
Answer:- According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, persons with disabilities have the right to equality and full participation in society. Main provisions of the Act:
Equal Rights and Dignity – People with disabilities must be treated equally and given the same rights and opportunities as others.
Free and Inclusive Education – The government must provide free education and ensure that children with disabilities are included in regular (mainstream) schools.
Accessible Public Places – All public places, such as buildings and schools, must be accessible for persons with disabilities, with features like ramps.
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