On Equality

Q1. Fill in the blanks.

                        i.        India is a democratic country.

                       ii.        Equality is a key feature of democracy.

                      iii.        The idea of universal adult franchise is based on the idea of equality.

                      iv.        Every person is equal before the law.

Q2. True/False

                         i.        One of the more common forms of inequality in India is the caste system. True

                        ii.        Every person should not be treated with dignity. False

                       iii.        Establishing equality in a democratic society is a continuous struggle. True

Q3. Which was the first state in India to introduce midday meal scheme?

Ans. Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to introduce this scheme.

Q4. What is Joothan?

Ans. Joothan is autobiography of a famous Dalit writer Omprakash Valmiki.

Q5. Why do you think the Ansaris were being treated unequally?

Ans. Ansaris is being treated unequally on the basis of differences of religion.

Q6. What do you understand by ‘dignity’?

Ans. This refers to thinking of oneself and other persons as worthy of respect.

Q7. What are common forms of inequality that exist in India?

Ans. Common forms of inequality in India are the inequality based on caste system and religion.

Q8. What is the midday meal programme?

Ans. This refers to the programme introduced in all government elementary schools to provide children with cooked lunch.

Q9. What property dealer suggested to Mr. Ansari?

Ans. The property dealer suggested them to change their names and call themselves Mr and Mrs Kumar.

Q10. What are the factors on the basis of which inequality is being practiced in India?

Ans. Inequality is being practiced in India on the basis of caste, religion, disability, sex (male or female) and economic status.

Q11. Why do you think Omprakash Valmiki was being treated unequally by his teacher and his classmates?

Ans. Omprakash Valmiki is being treated unequally on the basis of differences of caste.

Q12. What is constitution?

Ans. This is a document that lays down the basic rules and regulations for people and the government in the country to follow.

Q13. Why people do not consider Dalit as equal, even though law says it?

Ans. This is because of attitudes change very slowly. It is only when people begin to believe that no one is inferior, and that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, that present attitudes can change.

Q14. Why universal adult franchise is important in a democracy?

Ans. Universal adult franchise is a very important aspect of democratic societies because it gives all adult (those who are 18 and above) citizens the right to vote irrespective of their social or economic backgrounds.

Q15. List the two ways in which the government has tried to implement the equality that is guaranteed in the Constitution.

Ans. The two ways in which the government has tried to implement the equality that is guaranteed in the Constitution is first through laws and second through government programmes or schemes to help disadvantaged communities.

Q16. Write a short note on equality in Indian democracy?

Ans. 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.