NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Chapter 1 - On Equality

1. Why is the Universal Adult Franchise Important in A Democracy?

Ans: The universal adult franchise is an important aspect in democratic societies because: 

(a) It promotes equality among its citizens. 

(b) It gives all adults (those who are 18 and above) citizens the right to vote irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, and social and economic backgrounds. Citizens create their government by exercising voting rights. 

(c) It makes the government more accountable to the people of the country. 

2. Re-Read the Box on Article 15 and State two Ways in Which this Article Addresses Inequality? 

Ans: Two ways in which Article 15 addresses inequality is: 

(i) It states that all citizens can access public places like shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment, etc. No one can be denied entry based on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or gender. 

(ii) It explicitly says that all people, regardless of their background, are entitled to utilise wells, tanks, bathing ghats, highways, and public resorts that are maintained, in whole or in part, by State funds or are allocated to the general public's use.

3. 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 in the following manner:

(i) In both circumstances, the person's dignity was not honoured. Both of them have suffered unequal treatment and discrimination at individual levels as they belonged to different castes or religions. 

(ii) Both these incidents show that despite the law of equality, such inequalities exist within our society. 

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? 

Ans: The term ‘all persons are equal before the law’ means that every citizen, irrespective of caste, religion, race, place of birth, or gender, is entitled to all the constitutional rights and freedom without being discriminated against. It is a founding aspect of democracy that ensures that the government will take care of the needs of all the citizens of the country. It will safeguard the interests of people and ensure that all have access to public resources. 

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, 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: No, the Disabilities Act is not being followed in the picture shown. This is a violation of Article 15 because as per the article physically disabled persons should be able to access public places. Buildings must be accessible, have proper ramps, and other required measures. The way the boy is being carried down the stairs is unsafe. Carrying the wheelchair might result in imbalance and cause physical injury to the boy. Moreover, it affects his dignity as he becomes dependent on others for mobility. 

This “charity based” approach will have a negative impact on the boy’s mind and will impact his sense of independence. It is important to address these needs and replace the charity model with a ‘rights-based ’ approach i.e., all persons should have an equal share of use of the public resources. The government should ensure that people with disabilities are also able to access public resources with ease.

CBSE Solutions for Class 7 Social Science - Social and Political Life Chapter 1

Equality in the Indian Democracy

The Constitution of India gives the right to equality to all the citizens of the country. It is through the experiences of Kanta, Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris which introduced the concept of dignity. It has achieved on focusing on social movements as well as highlighting creative ways (writings, songs, poems) to express their demands on equality.

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Equality in Right to Vote

The article 326 in the Indian Constitution states the Universal Adult Franchise as an essential part for the elections. It refers to those people who are 18 years and above have the right to vote, take participation in the election irrespective of their caste or religion.

Recognising Dignity

When the people of the country are treated differently or unequally, their dignity is violated. The dignity of both Omprakash Valmiki and Ansari were violated. He was picked up and made to sweep the school because of his caste. Omprakash Valmiki’s classmates and teachers used to hurt his dignity, and he was made to feel low than other students. It was his father who got angry about seeing such a situation and the treatment his son got. These people do not deserve to be served in this manner. They also deserve the same dignity as any other citizen.

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Solved Examples on NCERT Solutions Class 7 Civics Ch. 1

Q. Why Is the Universal Adult Franchise Important in the Democracy?

Answer: Universal adult franchise is essential in the democratic societies for the following reasons:

• It prompts the idea of equality.

• It makes the government more liable towards the people of the country.

• It means that every adult citizen (who are 18 and above) have the right to cast their vote irrespective of the caste, religion or social and economic background. With the help of voting, citizens of the country can participate in creating the government.

Q. In What Ways Are Omprakash Valmiki’s Experience Similar to That of the Ansaris?

Answer: The experience of Omprakash Valmiki and Ansaris were similar in the following ways:

• Both of them had suffered unequal behaviour and were discriminated at individual level.

• Both of their experiences portray that though our law enforces equality, such inequalities still exist in our society.