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Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 Notes - On Equality

What is Equality and Equal Voting Rights?

Equality is a fundamental condition where everyone is given equal opportunities, regardless of their background. It's a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that every individual's dignity is recognized and respected.

Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 Notes - On Equality

  • Universal Adult Franchise: In India, this principle is closely tied to the Universal Adult Franchise, which grants all adults the right to vote, irrespective of religion, caste, education, or wealth. 
  • Kanta's Experience (in the chapter) highlights the essence of equality. Kanta, a domestic worker, feels a sense of equality when she votes because everyone, rich or poor, has only one vote. However, her daily struggles, such as poor living conditions and the inability to afford medical care, reveal the gaps between theoretical equality and real-life inequalities.

Forms of Inequality in India

Despite constitutional safeguards, various forms of inequality, such as caste and religious discrimination, continue to impact people's lives and dignity. Here are the different forms of Inequality in India.

Inequality in IndiaInequality in India

  • Caste-Based Inequality: The caste system still influences people's lives in both rural and urban areas. For example, Dalit writer Omprakash Valmiki faced severe discrimination in school, where he was forced to sit separately and clean the school grounds, violating his dignity.
  • Religious Inequality: The Ansaris' Story exemplifies religious discrimination. Despite having the means to rent an apartment, Mr. and Mrs. Ansari were repeatedly turned away due to their Muslim faith, showing how deeply ingrained prejudices can be.
  • Recognizing Dignity and Equality: When individuals are treated unequally based on their caste, religion, or economic status, their dignity is violated. Omprakash's father insisted on his son's right to education, and the Ansaris refused to hide their religion to avoid discrimination, both standing up for their rights and dignity.

Question for Chapter Notes - On Equality
Try yourself:What is the key feature of democracy that influences all aspects of its functioning?
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Equality in Indian Democracy

Indian democracy upholds the principle of equality, recognizing all individuals as equals regardless of gender, caste, religion, tribe, education, or economic background. The Constitution of India has special rules to make sure everyone is equal:

UntouchabilityUntouchability

  • Equality Before the Law: Every person, from the President to an ordinary citizen, must follow the same laws.
  • Non-Discrimination: No one can be discriminated against based on religion, race, caste, gender, or place of birth.
  • Access to Public Places: All individuals have the right to access public spaces like parks, hotels, and shops.
  • Abolition of Untouchability: The Constitution abolishes untouchability, ensuring equal treatment for everyone.

Government Efforts to Promote Equality

The Indian government enforces equality through laws and schemes designed to protect citizens' rights and uplift disadvantaged communities.

  • The government promotes equality through laws and programmes aimed at helping disadvantaged communities.
  • There are various laws in India that safeguard everyone's right to be treated equally.
  • In addition to these laws, the government has implemented numerous schemes designed to uplift communities and individuals who have faced inequality for centuries.
  • These schemes aim to provide greater opportunities for people who have been historically marginalized and denied such opportunities.

Mid-Day Meal SchemesMid-Day Meal Schemes

Midday Meal Scheme: The midday meal scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing cooked lunches to children in all government elementary schools. This program was first introduced in Tamil Nadu, and in 2001, the Supreme Court directed all state governments to implement it within six months.

Impact:

  • Increased Enrollment and Attendance: The scheme has led to more poor children enrolling in and regularly attending school. Previously, many children would go home for lunch and not return, but the provision of midday meals has improved attendance.
  • Reduced Burden on Parents: Mothers no longer need to interrupt their work to feed their children at home during the day, as the meals are provided at school.
  • Promoting Social Inclusion: The program has helped reduce caste prejudices by having children of all castes eat the same meal together. In some areas, Dalit women are employed to cook the meals, promoting social inclusion.
  • Alleviating Hunger: The midday meal helps alleviate hunger for poor students who often come to school with empty stomachs, allowing them to concentrate better on their studies.

Government programs have made progress in promoting equality of opportunity, but significant challenges remain. For instance:

  • The midday meal program has successfully increased enrollment and attendance of underprivileged children in schools.
  • However, there are still stark disparities between schools attended by the wealthy and those attended by the poor.
  • Discrimination against Dalit children persists in some schools, where they are treated unequally and their dignity is not respected.
  • This ongoing discrimination is partly due to the slow change in attitudes. Despite awareness that discrimination is illegal, many people continue to treat individuals unequally based on caste,religion,disability,economic status, and gender.
  • Real change will occur only when society collectively believes that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated with dignity.
  • Establishing equality in a democratic society is an ongoing struggle, with contributions from individuals and various communities in India.

Need for Ongoing Efforts: Continuous action is required to address these challenges and fully realize the principle of equality in society.

Issues of Equality in other Democracies

The struggle for equality is not just an issue in India. Other democracies also face similar challenges:

Rosa Parks, an African–American woman, changed the course of American history with one defiant act. Rosa Parks, an African–American woman, changed the course of American history with one defiant act. 

  • Many democratic countries face challenges related to equality, similar to India.
  • United States Example: In the U.S., African Americans, whose ancestors were slaves, still experience significant inequality despite efforts for equal rights.
  • Historically, African Americans faced severe discrimination, such as being forced to give up their bus seats for white passengers.
  • Rosa Parks: In 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, sparking the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Civil Rights Act of 1964: This law aimed to eliminate discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin, ensuring African American children could attend the same schools as white children.
  • Ongoing Struggles: Despite these legal advancements, many African Americans still face poverty and attend underfunded government schools with fewer resources compared to white students, who often have access to better-funded private schools or high-quality public schools.

Question for Chapter Notes - On Equality
Try yourself:
What is one government initiative in India aimed at promoting equality among children?
View Solution

Challenge of Democracy

Democracy is an ongoing process that constantly needs improvement.

  • No country is perfectly democratic. 
  • People and communities continue to work towards making democratic principles stronger. 
  • One of the biggest challenges is ensuring everyone is treated equally and with respect.

Excerpt from Article 15 of the Indian Constitution 

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

  • The government cannot discriminate against any citizen based on religion, race, caste, gender, or birthplace.
  • No one can be denied entry to public places like shops, hotels, or places of entertainment based on these factors.
  • Everyone has the right to use public facilities like wells, tanks, roads, and parks without discrimination.

Question for Chapter Notes - On Equality
Try yourself:
Which of the following is prohibited by Article 15 of the Indian Constitution?
View Solution

The document Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 Notes - On Equality is a part of the Class 7 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 7.
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FAQs on Class 7 Civics Chapter 1 Notes - On Equality

1. What is the concept of equality in the Indian Constitution?
Ans. Equality in the Indian Constitution refers to equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. It ensures that all citizens have equal rights and are protected from discrimination.
2. What are some forms of inequality prevalent in India?
Ans. Some forms of inequality in India include caste-based discrimination, gender inequality, economic disparities, and unequal access to education and healthcare. These inequalities often result in social injustice and hinder the overall development of the country.
3. How does the Indian government promote equality in the country?
Ans. The Indian government promotes equality through various measures such as affirmative action programs like reservations for marginalized communities, implementing anti-discrimination laws, and promoting inclusive policies in education and employment. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between different sections of society and ensure equal opportunities for all.
4. What are some challenges faced by democracies in ensuring equality?
Ans. Democracies often face challenges in ensuring equality due to deep-rooted social prejudices, political corruption, lack of awareness about fundamental rights, and resistance to change from privileged groups. These challenges can hinder the effective implementation of equality laws and policies.
5. How does Article 15 of the Indian Constitution address the issue of equality?
Ans. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It ensures that all individuals are treated equally under the law and have equal access to public resources and opportunities. This article plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and inclusivity in Indian society.
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