On Equality (Video)
ON EQUALITY (Notes)
Equal Right to Vote
In a democratic country, like India, all adults irrespective of what religion they belong to, how much education they have had, what caste they are, or whether they are rich or poor are allowed to vote. This is called universal adult franchise and is an essential aspect of all democracies. The idea of universal adult franchise is based on the idea of equality.
Other kinds of equality
Apart from being poor, people in India experience inequality which is based on the caste system.
Recognising dignity
When persons are treated unequally, their dignity is violated. Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their own sake and to be treated ethically.
Equality in Indian democracy
The Indian Constitution recognises every person as equal. This means that every individual in the country, including male and female persons from all castes, religions, tribes, educational and economic backgrounds are recognised as equal.
The recognition of equality includes the following provisions in the Constitution:
- Every person is equal before the law.
- No person can be discriminated against on the basis of their religion, race, caste, place of birth or whether they are female or male.
- Every person has access to all public places.
- Untouchability has been abolished.
The two ways in which the government has tried to implement the equality that is guaranteed in the Constitution is:
- First through laws
- Second through government programmes or schemes
Issues of equality in other democracies
In many democratic countries around the world, the issue of equality continues to be the key issue around which communities struggle.
For example, in the United States of America, the African–Americans whose ancestors were slaves who were brought over from Africa, continue to describe their lives today as largely unequal. They were treated extremely unequally in the US and denied equality through the law.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, religion or national origin. It also stated that all schools would be open to African–American children and that they would no longer have to attend separate schools specially set up for them.
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EXERCISE
Q1: In a democracy why is universal adult franchise important?
Ans:
- The universal adult franchise is a very important aspect of all the democracies of the world.
- It means that all adults, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, and social and economic backgrounds are allowed to cast their vote.
- By voting Right, the citizens participate in creating their government.
- It is based on the idea of equality.
- It makes the government more accountable, responsible and legitimate towards people.
Q2: Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality?
Ans:
- Article 15, states that all citizens of India can go to public places like shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment, etc. All citizens of India cannot be stopped to enter in these public places based on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, (In simple words this article states that no person shall be discriminated on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth)
- Article 15, also specifically mentions that any citizen irrespective of his or her background can use 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. (In simple words this article states that all the citizens have equal access to public places like public parks, museums, wells, bathing ghats and temples etc. However, the State may make any special provision for women and children)
Q3: In what ways was Omprakash Valmiki’s experience similar to that of the Ansaris?
Ans: The experiences of Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris were similar.
- The dignity of both Omprakash Valmiki and Ansari was violated because of the way in which they were treated.
- Both Omprakash Valmiki and Ansaris treated unequally by their fellow citizens.
- Both of them suffered unequal treatment and were discriminated at the individual level because they belonged to different castes or religions.
- Both these incidents also show that though the law enforces equality, such inequalities exist within our society.
- The self-respect of both Omprakash Valmiki and Ansari was also hurt badly.
Q4: 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' means every person, from the president of the country to the ordinary citizen of the country, has to obey the laws mentioned in the constitution of India. This term is entitled that no person can be discriminated against on the basis of caste, religion, race, place of birth, or gender.
It is important in democracy due to the following reasons:
- It is the spirit of democracy.
- It provides the people equal opportunity to defend themselves in public court.
- It is the most important aspect of democracy.
- It ensures that the government will take care of the needs of all the citizens and fulfill them.
- It safeguards the interests of people and ensures that all persons have access to all public resources.
- It also ensures that no one will be given more preference for the same crime.
- It also reflects the true nature of democracy.
Q5: 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, 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 be carried down the stairs affect his dignity as well as his safety?
Ans: No, the Disabilities Act is not being followed here. This is also a violation of Article 15 because physically disabled persons should be able to access public places. All buildings must have proper ramps, guidelines, and other accessibility measures. The way the boy is being carried down the stairs affects his dignity. Besides, this method is not safe. It affects the dignity of the boy because every time he has to depend on others for mobility.
Carrying the wheelchair as shown in the figure is dangerous. An imbalance can cause physical injury to the boy. This "charity based" approach has a negative impact on the boy's mind and reduces his sense of independence.
It is important such needs be addressed through 'rights-based' approach i.e. all persons believe that they have an equal share of the public resources. The government should ensure that disabled people are able to access public resources with ease.