Equality in Indian Democracy –
Introduction
- Democracy is based on the idea of equality.
- 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 equa
- Despite legal provisions, inequalities exist in daily life.
Understanding Equality in Democracy
1. Constitutional Provisions for Equality
- The Indian Constitution provides several provisions ensuring equality, such as:
- Article 14 – Guarantees equality before the law.
- Article 15 – Prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Article 16 – Ensures equal opportunities in public employment.
- Article 17 – Abolishes untouchability.
- Article 18 – Prohibits titles that create social distinctions.
2. Reality of Social and Economic Inequalities
- Despite constitutional guarantees, inequalities persist in terms of:
- Caste and Class – Discrimination against lower castes and marginalized communities.
- Gender – Women often face inequality in wages, education, and opportunities.
- Economic Disparity – The gap between the rich and the poor is significant.
Forms of Inequality in India
1. Social Inequality
- Caste-based discrimination, especially in rural areas.
- Gender discrimination in education, employment, and personal freedom.
2. Economic Inequality
- Unequal distribution of wealth and resources.
- Poor access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities for marginalized groups.
3. Political Inequality
- Unequal representation of certain groups in government and decision-making.
- Barriers for marginalized communities in accessing justice.
Government Initiatives to Promote Equality
1. Reservation System
- Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) get reservations in education and jobs.
2. Right to Education (RTE) Act
- Provides free and compulsory education to children up to 14 years of age.
3. Welfare Schemes
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) – Provides employment opportunities.
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – Aims to improve the status of girl children.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme – Helps improve nutrition and school enrollment among poor children.
Role of People's Movements in Equality
1. Social Reform Movements
- Dalit Movements – Advocated for the rights of lower castes.
- Women’s Movements – Worked for gender equality and women's rights.
2. Civil Society and NGOs
- Play a crucial role in ensuring marginalized voices are heard.
- Promote awareness and legal aid for underprivileged groups.
3. Judiciary and Landmark Cases
- Courts have played a vital role in enforcing equality through judgements.
- Example: Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997) – Led to guidelines against workplace harassment.
Excerpt from Article 15 of the Indian Constitution.
Conclusion
- Equality is fundamental for a successful democracy.
- While legal provisions exist, social awareness and action are necessary to remove inequality.
- Citizens must actively work towards an inclusive society.
Glossary
Universal adult franchise: This is a very important aspect of democratic societies. It means that all adult (those who are 18 and above) citizens have the right to vote irrespective of their social or economic backgrounds.
Dignity: This refers to thinking of oneself and other persons as worthy of respect.
Constitution: This is a document that lays down the basic rules and regulations for people and the government in the country to follow.
Civil Rights Movement: A movement that began in USA in 1950s in which African-American people demanded equal rights and an end to racial discrimination.
EXERCISES
1. In a democracy why is universal adult franchise important?
Answer: Democracy is a system of government in which the citizens exercises supreme power. Therefore, it is necessary to have a system which provides equality to the people in electing their representative. Thus, universal adult franchise plays an important role in a democracy because it states that every individual irrespective of their caste, color, religion, gender, or status has one vote.
2. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality?
Answer: The principle of equality is ensured by the Indian Constitution through following ways:
(1) No person can be discriminated against on the basis of their religion, race, caste, place of birth or their gender.
(2) Every person has access to public places including playgrounds, hotels, shops and markets. All persons can use publicly available wells, roads and bathing ghats. Untouchability is also abolished under the law.
3. What do you understand by the term all persons are equal before the law? Why do you think it is important in a democracy?
Answer: The term “all persons are equal before the law” recognizes the principle of equality under indian constitution. This term signifies that all citizens irrespective of their social or economic background has to obey the same laws. No person shall be discriminated in the eyes of law on the grounds of race, religion, caste or whether they are male or female.
This provision promotes equality in the democracy. It gives strength to a democracy. In the sense, all citizens are treated equally and are provided with equal opportunity and dignity.
4. According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, 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?
No, the Disabilities Act (1995) is not being implemented in this case. According to the Disabilities Act, it is mandatory for all the public buildings, primary health centers to provide ramps for the easy access to the people with disabilities. The aim of the Disabilities Act is the “full participation and equality of the people with disabilities”. By not providing ramps, the dignity of this person is violated. He is not being provided with the opportunity to be self-independent. It is also an attack on his self-confidence. It might affect his safety in the sense, if the people who are carrying him lost their balance, it will cause him some serious injury