Question

When was the universal adult franchise granted in India?
A. 1950
B. 1947
C. 1944
D. 1942

Answer 1

Hint: Universal Adult Franchise grants the right to vote to citizens, above 18 in India. It forms a crucial part of political participation in a democratic nation.

Complete Step by Step answer: Universal Adult Franchise is an essential component of the democratic structure and guarantees the ‘right to vote’ of the citizens. In other countries, the idea of Universal Adult Franchise brought in the first wave of feminism as women were excluded from the voting sphere. In India, right after independence; Universal Adult Franchise was granted to citizens despite the backgrounds enjoyed by the people. India follows the pattern of ‘One Vote, One value’. The Universal Adult Franchise was introduced with the enactment of the Indian Constitution. Article 326 of the Indian Constitution states that the elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage. So, let’s examine the options one by one:
a. 1950; the Universal Adult Franchise was introduced on 26^th January, 1950 in India. It was just after the independence, that the law-makers realised the importance of Universal Adult Franchise for the efficient democratic set up in India.
b. 1947; the Universal Adult Franchise was introduced on 26^th January, 1950 in India and not in 1947. It is agreeable that India had just got importance but Universal Adult Franchise came later on, just before the general elections of 1952
c. 1944; is not possible as India had not attained independence yet from the British control. The Universal Adult Franchise was introduced on 26^th January, 1950 in India. It was just after the independence, that the law-makers realised the importance of Universal Adult Franchise for the efficient democratic set up in India.
d. 1942; is not possible as India had not attained independence yet from the British control. The Universal Adult Franchise was introduced on 26^th January, 1950 in India. It was just after the independence, that the law-makers realised the importance of Universal Adult Franchise for the efficient democratic set up in India.

The correct answer is ‘a’.

 Note: It is advised that students should not assume that independence in India (1947) will have brought Universal Adult Franchise with it also. The dates are different. Indian citizens got this on the implementation of the constitution in 1950 .