NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science (Civics)
The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 7 Social Science (Civics – Social and Political Life – II) Chapter – 1 (On Equality) has been provided here to help the students in solving the questions from this exercise.
Chapter – 1 (On Equality)
Exercises
1. In a democracy, why is a universal adult franchise important?
Answer – In a democracy every citizen is equal. The concept of Universal Adult Franchise is based on equality. Therefore, it is important in a democracy. Under Universal Adult Franchise every adult irrespective of caste, creed, religion, sex etc. is allowed to vote.
2. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which the article address inequality?
Answer – 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?
Answer – Omprakash Valmiki’s experience was similar to that of the Ansari’s in the following ways –
- Both were discriminated as Omprakash Valmiki was not permitted to sit with other students and was forced to sweep the school, whereas, the Ansaris were not given a flat in locality because of their religion.
- Omprakash Valmiki faced discrimination because he was a dalit i.e. belonged to a ‘lower caste’ and the Ansaris faced inequality because of their religion.
In both cases, dignity of a person was violated.
4. What do you understand by the term “all personnel 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” states that all citizens, irrespective of their social or economic background, have to obey the same laws. No person shall be discriminated against in the eyes of the law on the grounds of race, religion, caste or gender.
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 and 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. The government has to provide free education and integrate children with disabilities into mainstream schools. This law also states that all public spaces including buildings, school etc. should be accessible and provided with ramps.
Look at the photograph and think about the boy who is being carried with the stair. Do you think that the law stated above is being implemented in this regard? What needs to be done to make the building accessible?
Answer – 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. In this way, those with physical disabilities can have easy accessibility.
