ON EQUALITY (CIVICS) Flashcards
What is equality?
Equality means treating everyone the same and giving them the same rights, ensuring that all people are equal before the law.
What does equality ensure regarding the law?
It ensures that everyone, from the President to a domestic worker, must obey the same law.
What are the key aspects of equality?
No one should be treated differently based on race, religion, caste, birthplace, or gender.
What does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights say about equality?
It states that ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’
How does inequality threaten human rights?
It leads to gender discrimination, disability discrimination, and poverty.
What is the economic impact of discrimination?
Discrimination affects society negatively, while equality reduces violence and improves education.
How does equality help in providing services?
It ensures that services are fair and accessible to everyone.
What does the Indian Constitution say about equality?
It declares that all people, regardless of gender, caste, religion, or background, are equal.
How has India’s approach to equality changed over time?
Earlier, there were no laws against discrimination, but now laws exist to ensure fair treatment.
What are the two main ways the Indian government promotes equality?
- Through laws – Example: Untouchability is banned. 2. Through government programs – Example: Midday Meal Scheme.
Which state was the first to start the Midday Meal Scheme?
Tamil Nadu.
When did the Supreme Court make it mandatory for all states?
In 2001.
How does the Midday Meal Scheme help students?
It encourages poor children to stay in school by providing lunch.
How does the scheme help working mothers?
Mothers don’t have to stop working to feed their children.
How does the scheme promote social equality?
Children of all castes eat together, and sometimes Dalit women cook the meals.
How does the scheme impact hunger and education?
It reduces hunger among poor students and helps them concentrate in class.
What is one major challenge in achieving equality?
Attitudes towards discrimination change very slowly.
What is a common issue in schools regarding equality?
Rich and poor students attend very different schools in terms of quality.
How are Dalit children still discriminated against?
Many schools treat Dalit children unfairly and do not respect their dignity.
Why do some people still discriminate despite laws?
Deep-rooted social attitudes cause people to treat others unequally based on caste, religion, gender, disability, or economic status.
What belief should everyone adopt for equality?
That no one is less important and everyone deserves respect.
What is universal adult franchise?
It means all adults (18 and above) have the right to vote, regardless of social or economic background.
What does Article 15 prohibit?
Discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Where does Article 15 ensure equal access?
Shops, restaurants, hotels, public entertainment places, wells, tanks, roads, and public places funded by the State.
Is India the only country facing equality issues?
No, many democratic countries, including the USA, struggle with equality.
What was the status of African-Americans before the 1950s?
They faced severe discrimination, including being forced to sit at the back of buses.
What was the Civil Rights Movement?
A movement in the 1950s where African-Americans demanded equal rights and an end to racial discrimination.
Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do?
An African-American woman who refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on December 1, 1955, sparking the Civil Rights Movement.
What was the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
A law that made discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin illegal.
How did the Civil Rights Act impact schools?
It allowed African-American children to attend the same schools as white children.
What issue still persists for African-Americans?
Many African-Americans remain poor and attend underfunded government schools.
What does the word ‘Democracy’ mean?
‘Demos’ means ‘The People,’ and ‘Kratos’ means ‘To Rule’ – democracy means ‘Rule by the People.’
What is the definition of democracy?
A system of government elected by the people, for the people, and of the people.
How are decisions made in a democracy?
Laws, policies, and leadership are decided directly or indirectly by the people.
Is any country fully democratic?
No, people are always working to improve democracy and ensure equality.
What does government recognises ?
The government recognises all people as equal.
What is abolished by the Indian government in order to end discrimination and inequality ?
Untouchability
