Chapter 1 On Equality Solutions

NCERT Solutions: On Equality

Exercises

Q1. In a democracy why is universal adult franchise important?
Ans: 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, regardless of caste, creed, religion, region, sex, or socioeconomic status, is allowed to vote. This is known as the universal adult franchise.
• The concept of the universal adult franchise is based on equality.
• In a democracy, every citizen is equal.
  

Q2. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality?
Ans: Article 15 in democracy of the constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Two ways in which this Article addresses inequality:
(i) It suggests States not to discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
(ii) No citizen shall be subject to any disability, liability and restriction on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
Also, this Article addresses inequality by ensuring:

• Equal access to shops, public restaurants, hotels, and places of public entertainment.
• Equal access to wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads, and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of state funds or dedicated to public use.

Q3. What do you understand by the term “all persons are equal before the law”? Why do you think it is important in a democracy?
Ans: 

• The term “all persons are equal before the law” signifies equality.
• Equality is crucial in a democracy because democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
• Equality is the essence of democracy.
• Discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, sex, or wealth undermines democracy.

Q4. 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.
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 more accessible for him? How would his being carried down the stairs affect his dignity as well as his safety?

Ans:  The boy in the photograph is disabled, and the building should be accessible to him according to the law.

• The law is not being implemented in this case as he is being carried down the stairs by security personnel.
• The building lacks ramps, which are necessary for accessibility.
• Carrying him down the stairs compromises his dignity and could be dangerous.
• The law should be enforced, and the case should be taken to court for ensuring accessibility and safety.