NCERT Solutions For Class 7 Social Science Civics
Chapter 1 "On Equality”
Q.1 In a democracy why is a universal adult franchise important?
Solution: In a democracy, a universal adult franchise is important as it is based on the idea of
equality. It states that every adult in a country, irrespective of their wealth and the communities she/he
belongs to, has one vote.
Q.2 Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which the article address
inequality?
Solution: Article 15 addresses inequality in terms of discrimination based on religion, race,
caste, gender, place of birth etc. It also addresses that 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.
Q.3 In what ways was Omprakash Valmiki's experience similar to that of the Ansaris?
Solution: Omprakash Valmiki was discriminated on the 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 environs, thus hurting his dignity. The Ansari’s were denied
a flat to rent as their religion differed to those of others who were in majority the occupants of
the apartment complex.
Q.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?
Solution: The statement means that every citizen, be it from the Prime Minister or 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 and gender etc.
Q.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.
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NCERT Solutions For Class 7 Social Science Civics
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?
Solution: 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 here is not being
enforced here. In fact, it can be quite dangerous for him to be carried down by security
personnel down the stairs like that. In addition is dignity is being hurt as he is made to feel
inferior here. This should be referred to the court of law
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