“On Equality.” In this chapter, we will understand the concept of equality, its significance in society, and its various features. NCERT Class 7 Political Science Chapter 1 introduces students to the fundamental principle of equality and explores its importance. By studying this solution, students develop a deeper understanding of the principles of equality and the challenges faced by marginalized groups in society & learn the answers to the questions given at the back of the chapter.
Ncert Solution
Exercises
1. In a democracy, why is a universal adult franchise important?
Answer: In a democracy, the universal adult franchise is important because-
i) It ensures equal political rights for all adult citizens. Every eligible adult has the right to vote and participate in the electoral process.
ii) It gives power to the people, as each vote holds equal value, without any discrimination.
2. Read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which the article addresses inequality.
Answer: Article 15 of the Indian Constitution addresses inequality in two ways:
i) Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
ii) Article 15 promotes social inclusion through special provisions such as the use of public places like wells, tanks, bathing ghats, and roads for disadvantaged groups.
3. In what ways was Omprakash Valmiki’s experience similar to that of the Ansaris?
Answer: Although Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris come from different backgrounds (caste and religion), their experiences share several similarities.
Both faced social discrimination, marginalization, and prejudice and were denied equal opportunities.
They had to contend with systemic inequalities and intergenerational discrimination.
Example: Omprakash Valmiki was discriminated against in school and was made to sweep the school. The Ansaris were not able to rent an apartment in the city on grounds only of religion.
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” means that all citizens, regardless of their social status, wealth, or influence, have to obey the same laws. Everyone is treated and protected equally under the law, without any form of discrimination.
It is important in a democracy to ensure fairness, protect human rights, and promote accountability. It upholds the principles of justice and equality, which are fundamental for the functioning of a democratic society.
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, schools, 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: No, the law stated above is not being implemented in this regard. The boy in the photograph is disabled. He is being carried down the stairs by two security men.
The building should have been accessible to him by the Disabilities Act 1995. But the law is not being implemented properly here. It is not accessible for a person with disabilities.
The law states that in public places such as buildings & schools, should be accessible and provided with ramps.
In-Text Questions | Class 7 Political Science Chapter 1
Text Book Page 6
1. Do you think Kanta has enough reason to doubt whether she really is equal? List three reasons from the story above that might make her feel like this.
Answer: Yes, I think Kanta has enough reason to doubt whether she really is equal. The three following reasons from the story above that might make her feel like this.
i) Her daughter is sick but she cannot take the day off from work because she needs to borrow money from her employers to treat her daughter.
ii) She lives in a slum that is never cleaned.
iii) After doing her job as a domestic, she has to stand in a long line in front of the government hospital to show her daughter to the doctor.
Text Book Page 7
2. ALLIANCE invited for 32/MMS/5’4″/fair/b’ful girl. Working in IT Co.Mumbai from BE/MBA boy working in Mumbai / Abroad from IT Industry Caste no bar, SC/ST excuse. Send BHP (must)
PROF Qlfd B’ful tall girl 4 Gupta Boy 28/6′ CA Working MNC TXS USA $ 80k.
TAMIL BRAHMIN Iyengar groom, 1981 born, Naithruvakashyapa Gothram, Swathi Star, 180cms, tall, fair.
Circle the reference to caste in the matrimonial advertisement given above.
Answer: i. SC/ST
ii. Gupta
iii. Tamil Brahmin.
Text Book Page 8
3. Why do you think Omprakash Valmiki was being treated unequally by his teacher and his classmates? Imagine yourself as Omprakash Valmiki and write four lines about how you would feel if you were in the same situation as him.
Answer: Omprakash Valmiki was being treated unequally by his teacher and his classmates because he was a Dalit. Dalits belonged to a lower caste and thus, discriminated against them.
If I were in the same situation as Om Prakash was. I would remind them that The constitution has granted the right to equality to of all us. Nobody has the right to discriminate against us.
4. Why do you think the Ansaris were being treated unequally? What would you do if you were in the Ansaris position and could not find a place to live because some people did not want to live next to you because of the religion you practice?
Answer: The Ansaris were being treated unequally on the basis of differences in their religion. They were Muslims.
If I would be in the Ansaris’ place, I would try to make the landlady understand that all human beings are equal. Religions are man-made. No religion teaches anybody to discriminate against others on the basis only of religion. Our Constitution recognizes every person as equal.
Text Book Page 9
5. If you were one of the Ansaris how would you have responded to the suggestion that you change your name?
Answer: If I were one of the Ansaris I would refuse to change my name. A person’s name is his identity. To change name only to rent is against one’s dignity and self-respect. All people deserve equal respect and dignity.
6. Can you think of an incident in your life in which your dignity was violated? How did this make you fell?
Answer: Yes, an incident in my life in which my dignity was violated. We came to a new city. I got admission to a private school. I was a simple boy & did not know the urban ways of life. My classmates used to make fun of me. I felt lonely and humiliated. it violated my dignity.
Text Book Page 11
7. What is the midday meal program? Can you list three benefits of the program? How do you think this program might help promote greater equality?
Answer: Midday Meal is a program launched by the government to provide free cooked meals to school children. It aims to enhance the nutritional intake of children and improve school attendance, and educational outcomes.
Three benefits of the program:
- i) More poor children have begun enrolling and regularly attending school.
- ii) It helps reduce the hunger of poor students who often come to school & cannot concentrate because their stomachs are empty.
- iii) The program ensures that children receive at least one nutritious meal a day, which promotes their overall health and development.
This program helps promote greater equality in the following ways:
i) It addresses the disparity in access to nutritious meals among children from different socio-economic backgrounds.
ii) It Provides free meals to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
iii) it ensures that every child has an equal opportunity to receive adequate nutrition.
8. Find out about one government scheme in your area. What does this scheme do? To whom is this scheme set up to benefit?
Answer: One government scheme in my area is the “Clean and Green City Initiative.” This scheme aims to promote cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and beautification of the city.
It is set up to benefit the residents of the city by creating a clean and healthy living environment such as waste management, tree plantation drives, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development to create a sustainable city for the benefit of its residents.
Conclusion
The Ncert Class 7 political science chapter 1 “On Equality” provides students with a comprehensive understanding of equality & its importance. By studying and practicing this Ncert solution, students can enhance their knowledge, improve their problem-solving skills, and perform better in their exams. You can access them by visiting the website. If you have any other queries about Ncert Class 7 political science chapter 1 “On Equality” feel free to reach us so that we can revert back to us at the earliest possible.
FAQ
1. What is equality in Class 7 Chapter 1?
In Class 7, Chapter 1, equality means that all individuals should be treated fairly and have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or social background.
2. What is equality in Political Science class 7?
In Political Science Class 7, equality means the principle that all people should have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment in the political sphere. All are equal in the eyes of the laws.
3. What is the introduction of equality?
The introduction of equality is the recognition and promotion of the principle that all people should be treated fairly and have the same rights and opportunities.