Chapter 1 – On Equality

Chapter 1 – On Equality

 

1. What is Equality? (What is Equality?)

• Equality means that all people should be given equal importance and respect,  irrespective of their caste,  religion, gender, economic status or education.
• Equality is a very important concept in a democracy.

 

2. Universal Adult Franchise

• In a democracy, all adults have the right to vote, irrespective of their economic level or race. This is  called universal adult suffrage.
• It is based on the principle of equality, as it emphasizes the idea that every adult person’s vote is equal.
• In India, all citizens of the age of 18 years and above have the right to vote.

 

3. Other Kinds of Inequality

• Although India is a democratic country and treats everyone as equal before the law, there are still many inequalities present in our society.
• Caste Inequality :
  • This is a very common form of inequality in India, especially in rural areas.
  • Some communities are considered  ‘Dalits’ (i.e. ‘broken’ or ‘downtrodden’) and discriminated against.
  • Example: The story of Omprakash Valmiki (from his autobiography ‘Joothan’), where he was asked to sweep the floor in school and had to sit separately from other children.
• Religious Inequality :
  • Discrimination on the basis of religion.
• Gender Inequality :
  • Discrimination between men and women.
• Economic Inequality :
  • Discrimination on the basis of income and wealth. Poor people often do not get equal respect in public places.
• Violation of Personal Dignity:
  • When people are discriminated against or humiliated, their dignity is violated.
  • Every person deserves respect.

 

4. Equality in the Constitution

• The Indian Constitution treats all persons  as  equal.
• It means that no one in the country is above the law.
• Provisions in the Constitution to Ensure Equality:

1. Equality before the Law: All persons are equal before the law.
2. Prohibition of Discrimination:  Any person being treated with his/her religion, caste, sex, place of birth

You can’t be discriminated against on the basis of race and/or race.

 Access  to Public Places: All persons are allowed to access public places  (shops, hotels, wells, etc.).

They   have equal access to bathing ghats, roads.

1. Abolition of Untouchability: ‘Untouchability’ (untouchability) has been abolished and

It is a punishable offence.

 

5. Government’s Efforts to Establish Equality

The government has adopted two main methods to implement the right to equality in the Constitution:

1. Through Laws:

• The government has enacted several laws that enforce the right to equality and prohibit discrimination.
• Example: The Civil Rights Act, 1955 (although it is an old law, it was made against untouchability).

1. Through Government Schemes and Programmes:

• The government has launched several schemes and programs to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities and bring them into the mainstream.
• Example: Mid-day Meal Scheme:

• • • • The scheme was first launched in Tamil Nadu.
      • Under this, mid-day meals are provided to all children in government schools.
      • Advantages:
        • Encourages poor children to go to school and get food.
        • Reduces appetite.
        • Helps reduce caste biases (all children eat together).
        • Children’s attendance in school improves.

 

6. Challenge of Equality in a Democracy

• Although laws treat everyone as equal, inequality persists in real life.
• The challenge is to  bring about a change in people’s attitudes and behaviour.
• We have to understand that every person deserves respect and dignity.
• Justice : When people are treated equally, it ensures justice.