Answer the following:
1. In a democracy why is universal franchise important.
Ans: Universal franchise is important in a democracy because :
i) It is based on the idea of equality.
ii) All those who are above eighteen years have the right to vote irrespective of their socioeconomic background
iii) Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
iv) It makes the government more accountable towards the people.
2. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality .
Ans: Article 15 addresses inequality in terms of discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth etc. It also addresses the fact that the use of public places such as wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads under full or partial government funding are not subject to discrimination based on the criteria’s mentioned above.
3. In what ways was Omprakash Valmiki’s experience similar to that of the Ansaris.
Ans: Omprakash Valmiki was discriminated on account of his caste, while the Ansaris were discriminated on account of their religion. The core similarity is that they both were discriminated because of their birth, which is prohibited under Article 15 .
-Omprakash Valmiki was not allowed to sit with his fellow classmates on account of his birth as a Dalit and was made to sweep the school and its environment, thus hurting his dignity. The Ansari’s were denied a flat to rent as their religion differed to those of others who were majority occupants of the apartment complex.
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 statement means that every citizen , be it from the Prime Minister or the President to a daily labourer, is equal in the eyes of the law. No one can be or will be discriminated on the basis of their birth, such as religion, gender, caste etc.The very essence of democracy is the idea of equality as it gives equal and if not important recognition to all. It would never have existed in the first place if there were inequalities on the basis of race, religion, gender etc.
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( in the textbook) and think about the boy who is being carried down the stairs.Do you think the above 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: It is evident that the boy in the photograph is disabled. As per the Disabilities Act 1995, the building should have been accessible to him. But the law is not being enforced here. In fact, it can be quite dangerous for him to be carried down by the security guards. To remedy this situation, the government can build a ramp along the stairs of every building. The boy’s dignity is overlooked here. He may morally feel inferior. Law should take this case to court.