Equality in Indian Democracy

Exercise

Question and Answers:

Question 1. In a democracy why is Universal Adult Franchise important?

Answer: In a democracy, the Universal Adult Franchise is important because of the following reasons:

Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Every adult irrespective of caste, creed, religion, region, sex, the rich or poor background is allowed to vote. This is called a universal adult franchise.

The concept of the universal adult franchise is based on equality. In a democracy every citizen is equal.

Question 2. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality?

Answer: This Article addresses inequality in terms of access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment, or [b] the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of state funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.

Question 3. In what ways was Omprakash Valmikis experience similar to that of the Ansaris?

Answer: Omprakash Valmiki’s experience was similar to that of Ansaris in the following ways:

Omprakash Valmiki was not allowed to sit with other students on the desks or mats.

Ansaris were not given apartments on rent in the locality of the people belonging to the Hindu religion.

Omprakash Valmiki was discriminated against on the basis of caste while Ansaris were discriminated against on the basis of religion.

Question 4. 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:By the term, “all persons are equal before the law”, we understand equality.

Equality is important in a democracy because democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Equality is the essence of democracy.

If people are discriminated against on the basis of caste, creed, religion, sex, prosperity etc. the democracy will not survive.

Question 5. The Government of India passed the Disabilities Act in 1995. This law states that 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, school etc., should be accessible and provided with ramps.

Look at the photograph and think about the boy who is being carried down the stairs. Do you think the above law is being implemented in his case? What needs to be done to make the building and accessible for him?

How would he is being carried down the stairs affect his dignity as well as his safety?

Answer: The boy in the photograph is disabled. As per the law this building should have been accessible for him. But we see the law is not being implemented in his case. He is being carried down by security personnels through stairs. This building does not provide ramps. The boy’s dignity is overlooked here. He may morally feel inferior. The way he is carried down the stars may prove dangerous. Law should take this case to the court.