NCERT class 7 notes on equality. Explore comprehensive notes on Chapter 1: On Equality from Class 7 Social Science (Civics). Understand the concept of equality in Indian democracy, key government initiatives, important questions, and more.
These notes provide a concise overview of the chapter, highlighting the fundamental aspects of equality as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, and the continuous efforts required to achieve true equality in society.
Chapter 1: On Equality – Class 7 Social Science (Civics)
On equality class 7 questions and answers, notes of on equality class 7 ,important questions of chapter equality class 7
NCERT class 7 notes on equality
Equality in Indian Democracy
Key Highlights:
- Equality as a Constitutional Right:
- The Indian Constitution recognizes every person as equal, regardless of:
- Gender (male or female)
- Caste
- Religion
- Tribe
- Educational or economic background
- Equality is a foundational principle of democracy in India.
- The Indian Constitution recognizes every person as equal, regardless of:
- Historical Context:
- Earlier, there were no laws to protect people from discrimination and mistreatment.
- Today, various laws ensure that people are treated with dignity and as equals.
- Provisions of Equality in the Constitution:
- Equality Before the Law:
Every individual, whether the President of India or a domestic worker, is subject to the same laws. - No Discrimination:
Discrimination is prohibited based on:- Religion
- Race
- Caste
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Equal Access to Public Spaces:
All citizens can access:- Playgrounds, hotels, shops, and markets
- Public wells, roads, and bathing ghats
- Abolition of Untouchability:
Untouchability is completely abolished by the Indian Constitution.
- Equality Before the Law:
Key Notes: On Equality
- Equality in Indian Democracy: The Indian Constitution recognizes every individual as equal, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status, are treated equally before the law.
- Universal Adult Franchise: Every adult citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote, promoting political equality among all citizens.
- Forms of Equality:
- Social Equality: Equal status and opportunities in society without discrimination based on caste, creed, color, or race.
- Civil Equality: Equal enjoyment of civil rights by all citizens.
- Political Equality: Equal access to political participation and opportunities.
- Gender Equality: Equal opportunities and rights for all genders.
- Government Initiatives: Schemes like the Midday Meal Scheme aim to promote equality by providing free lunches to children in government schools, improving attendance and reducing caste prejudices.
Short Notes
- What is Equality?
- Equality means being treated equally in all aspects of life—social, economic, and political.
- The Indian Constitution guarantees equality to every individual.
- No citizen can be discriminated against based on caste, religion, gender, or economic background.
- Provisions of Equality in the Indian Constitution:
- Equality Before Law: All citizens are equal in the eyes of the law (Article 14).
- Abolition of Untouchability: Article 17 prohibits untouchability in any form.
- Prohibition of Discrimination: Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Equal Access: Equal access to public spaces, such as parks, schools, hospitals, and shops.
- Equality in Employment: Article 16 ensures equal opportunities for all citizens in matters of public employment.
- Universal Adult Franchise:
- This allows all adult citizens (18 years and above) to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, or gender.
- It ensures political equality and gives everyone a voice in the governance of the country.
- Examples of Inequality:
- Economic Inequality: Many people still live in poverty and do not have access to basic resources like food, education, and healthcare.
- Caste-Based Discrimination: People belonging to lower castes (Dalits) often face prejudice and exclusion.
- Gender Inequality: Women are often denied equal rights in society and the workplace.
- Government Initiatives to Promote Equality:
- Midday Meal Scheme: Provides free lunches in government schools to encourage attendance and reduce caste-based prejudices.
- Right to Education Act (RTE): Ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years.
- Reservation Policy: Reserved seats in education and employment for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to address historical injustices.
- Civil Rights Movements:
- Inspired by global movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the USA, Indian movements like Dalit rights and gender equality strive for justice and equality.
Notes of on equality class 7
Steps to Implement Equality in India:
- Laws:
- Protect every person’s right to be treated equally.
- Ensure non-discrimination.
- Government Programmes and Schemes:
- Aim to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.
- Provide opportunities for those historically treated unequally.
Example – Midday Meal Scheme:
- Introduced in government elementary schools to provide cooked lunch.
- First State: Tamil Nadu.
- Supreme Court Directive (2001):
- All states must implement the scheme within six months.
- Positive Outcomes:
- Increased enrollment of poor children in schools.
- Improved regular school attendance.
Expanded Notes
- Importance of Equality:
A key principle of democracy, equality ensures the dignity of individuals and allows people from diverse backgrounds to coexist and contribute equally to the nation’s development. - Challenges to Equality:
Despite constitutional provisions, inequality persists due to poverty, caste discrimination, and gender bias. Awareness and consistent efforts are required to achieve real equality.
Midday Meal Programme:
- Impact on Attendance:
- Earlier, children would go home for lunch and not return to school.
- With midday meals provided, school attendance improved.
- Benefits for Mothers:
- Mothers no longer interrupt their work to feed their children.
- Social Impact:
- Reduced caste prejudices as children of all castes eat together.
- Dalit women are employed as cooks in many areas.
- Reduction of Hunger:
- Helps poor children who often come to school hungry and unable to concentrate.
Challenges to Equality in Schools:
- Discrimination in Schools:
- Some Dalit children still face unequal treatment.
- Schools for the poor lack resources compared to schools for the rich.
- Slow Change in Attitudes:
- People continue discriminatory practices despite knowing it is against the law.
- Caste, religion, gender, disability, and economic status influence unequal treatment.
Steps Toward Equality:
- Government Efforts:
- Laws and programmes like the midday meal scheme.
- Need for Change in Attitudes:
- People must believe that everyone deserves dignity.
- Equality is a continuous struggle in a democratic society.
Equality in Other Democracies:
- Example: United States of America:
- African Americans:
- Ancestors were slaves.
- Continued struggle for equality despite Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s.
- Rosa Parks’ Contribution:
- Refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in 1955.
- Sparked the Civil Rights Movement, leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- African Americans:
- Civil Rights Act of 1964:
- Prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
- Ensured equal access to schools for African American children.
MCQs
- What was one of the positive effects of the Midday Meal Scheme?
- a) Increased hunger among children
- b) Reduced caste prejudices
- c) Mothers working less
- d) Rich schools providing more meals
Answer: b) Reduced caste prejudices
- Who was Rosa Parks?
- a) A Dalit woman in India
- b) A leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA
- c) A cook in the Midday Meal Scheme
- d) A lawmaker in India
Answer: b) A leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA
- Which act prohibited racial discrimination in the USA?
- a) Civil Rights Act of 1955
- b) Civil Rights Act of 1964
- c) Equality Act of 1964
- d) Abolition Act of 1955
Answer: b) Civil Rights Act of 1964
- What struggle continues in many democracies, including India?
- a) Economic progress
- b) Equality for all
- c) Reduction of taxes
- d) Free education
Answer: b) Equality for all
- Who said, “Self-respect is the most vital factor in life”?
- a) Rosa Parks
- b) B.R. Ambedkar
- c) Mahatma Gandhi
- d) Martin Luther King Jr.
Answer: b) B.R. Ambedkar
Important Questions of chapter equality class 7
Short Answer Questions:
- What is the significance of equality in democracy?
Equality ensures that all citizens, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, or economic status, are treated equally and given the same opportunities in every aspect of life.
2. List the provisions in the Indian Constitution that ensure equality.
- Equality before the law (Article 14)
- Prohibition of discrimination (Article 15)
- Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)
- Equal opportunities in public employment (Article 16)
3. Explain the concept of Universal Adult Franchise.
Universal Adult Franchise gives every citizen above 18 years of age the right to vote without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or economic background.
Long Answer Questions:
- Discuss how government initiatives like the Midday Meal Scheme promote equality in society.
The Midday Meal Scheme ensures children from all backgrounds eat together, reducing caste prejudices and promoting social equality. It also improves school attendance, addressing economic and educational inequality.
2. How does the Indian Constitution address the issue of discrimination?
The Constitution prohibits discrimination through Articles 14, 15, and 17. It ensures equal treatment under the law, abolishes untouchability, and provides reservations for marginalized communities to bridge social and economic gaps.
- Discuss the various forms of equality recognized in Indian democracy.
- How do government initiatives like the Midday Meal Scheme promote equality in society?
- Discuss how government initiatives like the Midday Meal Scheme promote equality in society.
- How does the Indian Constitution address the issue of discrimination
- Value-Based Question: A child from a poor family is denied entry into a school. What does this situation signify about equality? How would you address it?
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What does Universal Adult Franchise mean?
- a) Right to education for all adults
- b) Right to vote for all adults
- c) Right to employment for all adults
- d) Right to property for all adults
- Which scheme was introduced to provide free lunches to children in government schools?
- a) Right to Education Act
- b) Midday Meal Scheme
- c) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
- d) Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
- Which article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
- a) Article 14
- b) Article 15
- c) Article 16
- d) Article 17
- What is the age required to vote in India?
a) 16 years
b) 18 years
c) 21 years
d) 25 years
Answer: b) 18 years - Which government initiative provides free lunch to school children?
a) Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
b) Right to Education Act
c) Midday Meal Scheme
d) Digital India
Answer: c) Midday Meal Scheme - Who leads the Civil Rights Movement in the USA?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Martin Luther King Jr.
c) Abraham Lincoln
d) Nelson Mandela
Answer: b) Martin Luther King Jr. - Which of these is an example of social equality?
- a) Equal pay for men and women
- b) Voting rights for all adults
- c) Reservation in jobs
- d) None of the above
Answer: a) Equal pay for men and women
- What is the main objective of the Midday Meal Scheme?
- a) Improve children’s health
- b) Provide free education
- c) Reduce caste prejudices
- d) Both a and c
Answer: d) Both a and c
- Who among the following fought against untouchability in India?
- a) Subhas Chandra Bose
- b) Mahatma Gandhi
- c) Jawaharlal Nehru
- d) B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: b) Mahatma Gandhi
- The right to vote for all adults in India is called:
- a) Reserved franchise
- b) Adult Franchise
- c) Universal Adult Franchise
- d) Limited Adult Franchise
Answer: c) Universal Adult Franchise
- Which group benefits from reservation policies in India?
- a) Privileged classes
- b) Marginalized communities
- c) Foreigners
- d) Industrialists
Answer: b) Marginalized communities
- The Civil Rights Movement in the USA aimed to:
- a) Promote economic policies
- b) End racial discrimination
- c) Achieve independence from colonial rule
- d) Promote industrial development
Answer: b) End racial discrimination
- In which year was untouchability abolished in India? a) 1949 b) 1950 c) 1947 d) 1952
Answer: b) 1950 - Which of the following is a provision of equality under the Indian Constitution?
a) People of different religions cannot access the same public places.
b) Only men can access public wells.
c) Every individual is equal before the law.
d) Untouchability is permitted.
Answer: c) Every individual is equal before the law
15. - Which law ensures that no person is discriminated against based on their religion, caste, or gender?
a) Article 370
b) Article 15
c) Article 14
d) Article 17
Answer: b) Article 15 - What does “equality before the law” mean?
a) Laws are applied only to certain groups.
b) Laws do not apply to the President.
c) All people, irrespective of their status, must follow the same laws.
d) Laws differ based on economic status.
Answer: c) All people, irrespective of their status, must follow the same laws - What does the Constitution say about untouchability?
a) It is allowed in some areas.
b) It is abolished completely.
c) It is practiced with restrictions.
d) It is supported by law.
Answer: b) It is abolished completely
One-Word Answer Questions
- Which article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
Answer: Article 17 - What is the age to vote in India?
Answer: 18 years - Which scheme provides free lunches in schools?
Answer: Midday Meal Scheme - Who led the Civil Rights Movement in the USA?
Answer: Martin Luther King Jr. - What is the term for equality of opportunity in jobs?
Answer: Reservation - What does the Constitution ensure through Article 14?
Answer: Equality - Which right allows all adults to vote?
Answer: Universal Adult Franchise - Who is known as the leader against untouchability in India?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi - Who is considered equal under the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Everyone - What is abolished by the Constitution regarding caste discrimination?
Answer: Untouchability
NCERT class 7 notes on equality
Short Questions and Answers
- What are the two ways the government promotes equality?
Answer: Through laws and government schemes. - Name one scheme introduced to promote equality in schools.
Answer: Midday Meal Scheme. - Which state first introduced the Midday Meal Scheme?
Answer: Tamil Nadu. - What directive did the Supreme Court issue in 2001?
Answer: It asked all state governments to implement the Midday Meal Scheme within six months. - What are the positive outcomes of the Midday Meal Scheme?
Answer: Increased enrollment and regular attendance of poor children in schools.
Short Questions and Answers
- What role do midday meals play in reducing inequality?
Answer: They improve school attendance, reduce caste prejudices, and address hunger among poor children. - What challenges to equality exist in Indian schools?
Answer: Discrimination against Dalit children and resource disparities between rich and poor schools. - Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do?
Answer: Rosa Parks was an African American woman who refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, sparking the Civil Rights Movement in the USA. - What does the Civil Rights Act of 1964 state?
Answer: It prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin and ensures equal access to schools. - What does B.R. Ambedkar emphasize about self-respect?
Answer: He stresses that self-respect is essential for a dignified life and must be upheld through continuous struggle.
Summary in Simple Words:
Equality is the foundation of Indian democracy. The Constitution ensures that all citizens, irrespective of their background, are treated equally. Discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or economic status is not allowed. Everyone, from the President to an ordinary citizen, must follow the same laws. Additionally, public places and resources are open to all, and practices like untouchability are abolished.
Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement:
- Rosa Parks’ Contribution:
- African American woman born in 1913.
- Refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on December 1, 1955.
- Sparked the Civil Rights Movement against racial inequality.
- Civil Rights Act of 1964:
- Prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
- Ensured African American children could attend the same schools as white children.
Challenges Despite Legal Reforms:
- Economic Disparity:
- Majority of African Americans remain among the poorest in the USA.
- Education Inequality:
- African American children mostly attend government schools with fewer facilities and less-qualified teachers.
- White children often attend private schools or live in areas with better public schools.
important questions of chapter equality class 7
MCQs Equality in Indian Democracy
- What year did Rosa Parks refuse to give up her bus seat?
- a) 1964
- b) 1955
- c) 1947
- d) 1935
Answer: b) 1955
- What movement did Rosa Parks’ action lead to?
- a) The American Revolution
- b) The Civil Rights Movement
- c) The Women’s Suffrage Movement
- d) The Anti-Slavery Movement
Answer: b) The Civil Rights Movement
- What does the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit?
- a) Private education
- b) Discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin
- c) Taxation of schools
- d) School segregation
Answer: b) Discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin
- Why do African American children often attend government schools?
- a) Government schools are closer to their homes.
- b) Private schools are not open to them.
- c) They cannot afford private schools and live in poorer areas.
- d) Government schools are better equipped.
Answer: c) They cannot afford private schools and live in poorer areas.
- What is one continuing challenge for African Americans in education?
- a) Lack of schools
- b) Government policies
- c) Poor facilities and underqualified teachers in many government schools
- d) Overcrowding in private schools
Answer: c) Poor facilities and underqualified teachers in many government schools
Short Questions and Answers
- What action by Rosa Parks led to the Civil Rights Movement?
Answer: Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in 1955. - What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 achieve?
Answer: It prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin and allowed African American children to attend the same schools as white children. - What educational challenges do African American children face today?
Answer: They often attend underfunded government schools with fewer facilities and less-qualified teachers. - Why do many African American children attend government schools?
Answer: They cannot afford private schools and live in economically disadvantaged areas. - What does the Civil Rights Movement signify?
Answer: It was a struggle for equal rights for African Americans, addressing discrimination and inequality.
What is the Civil Rights Movement?
The Civil Rights Movement was a social and political movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. It aimed to end racial segregation, discrimination, and inequality faced by African Americans and to secure equal rights under the law for all citizens.
Key Features of the Civil Rights Movement:
- Purpose:
- To eliminate racial discrimination and segregation.
- To achieve equality in education, voting rights, and employment.
- Key Events:
- Rosa Parks’ Protest (1955): Refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man sparked a nationwide movement.
- March on Washington (1963): A major rally where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
- Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or national origin.
- Voting Rights Act of 1965: Ensured African Americans could exercise their right to vote.
- Methods Used:
- Non-violent protests like marches, sit-ins, and boycotts.
- Legal battles to challenge discriminatory laws.
- Key Leaders:
- Martin Luther King Jr.: Advocated non-violence and equality.
- Rosa Parks: Her act of defiance symbolized resistance to racial injustice.
- Malcolm X: Promoted empowerment and justice for African Americans.
Impact of the Civil Rights Movement:
- Ended legal racial segregation in schools, workplaces, and public places.
- Established greater social awareness about racial equality and justice.
- Inspired civil rights movements in other countries fighting for equality and justice.
notes of on equality class 7
Short Notes: Challenge of Democracy
- Democracy is Not Absolute:
- No country is entirely democratic; there are always challenges and areas needing improvement.
- Struggle for Equality:
- Individuals and communities continuously strive to expand democracy and demand greater recognition of equality.
- Focus on Equality and Dignity:
- A democratic society should recognize all individuals as equals and ensure their dignity is upheld.
- Ongoing Efforts:
- Democracy evolves as people raise new issues and demand rights.
- Equality affects various aspects of daily life in democratic societies, including India.
- Critical Thinking:
- Citizens should evaluate if equality and dignity are truly upheld in their democracy.
MCQs
- What is central to the challenge of democracy?
- a) Economic development
- b) Struggle for equality and dignity
- c) Political campaigns
- d) Industrial growth
Answer: b) Struggle for equality and dignity
- What does the challenge of democracy involve?
- a) Creating more laws
- b) Expanding the recognition of equality and rights
- c) Decreasing the number of elections
- d) Encouraging globalization
Answer: b) Expanding the recognition of equality and rights
- Why is no country completely democratic?
- a) Lack of resources
- b) Continuous need to improve equality and address new issues
- c) High population
- d) Government policies
Answer: b) Continuous need to improve equality and address new issues
- What should democratic societies strive to maintain?
- a) Economic power
- b) Dignity and equality of individuals
- c) Military strength
- d) Political dominance
Answer: b) Dignity and equality of individuals
- What should citizens reflect on regarding their democracy?
- a) Economic growth
- b) Social media influence
- c) Equality and dignity being upheld
- d) Role of political leaders
Answer: c) Equality and dignity being upheld
One-Word Answers
- What is at the core of democracy’s challenges?
Answer: Equality - What should democracy uphold for every individual?
Answer: Dignity - What is required to improve democracy?
Answer: Struggle - What aspect of life does equality affect?
Answer: Daily - Who plays a role in expanding democracy?
Answer: Communities
on equality class 7 questions and answers
Glossary: Equality in Indian Democracy
- Equality: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.
- Universal Adult Franchise: The right of all adult citizens to vote in elections.
- Dignity: The state or quality of being worthy of honor and respect.
- Civil Rights Movement: A movement in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination.
- Untouchability: A discriminatory practice based on caste, now abolished by law.
- Universal Adult Franchise: The right of all adults to vote, irrespective of differences.
- Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly based on factors like caste, religion, or gender.
- Reservation: A policy of affirmative action to uplift marginalized communities.
Textbook questions with answers
- Why is universal adult franchise important in a democracy? Universal adult franchise ensures that every adult citizen has the right to vote, regardless of their gender, caste, religion, or economic status. It is important in a democracy because it upholds the principle of political equality, allowing citizens to have a voice in the government and elect representatives who reflect their interests and needs. This helps prevent discrimination and fosters a more inclusive and representative democracy.
- Two ways Article 15 addresses inequality:
- Prohibition of discrimination: Article 15 ensures that no citizen is discriminated against on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. This addresses social inequalities and promotes equality.
- Access to public spaces: It mandates that all citizens have equal access to public spaces like shops, restaurants, hotels, and public utilities, thereby reducing segregation and ensuring inclusivity in public life.
- What do you understand by the term ‘all persons are equal before the law’? Why is it important in a democracy? The term means that every individual, regardless of their background or status, is entitled to equal treatment and protection under the law. No one is above the law, and everyone is subject to the same legal standards. This is important in a democracy because it ensures fairness, prevents abuse of power, and safeguards citizens’ rights by guaranteeing that they all have access to the same legal protections and justice.
- Is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act being implemented in the case of the boy being carried down the stairs? Based on the photograph of the boy being carried, it seems that the building is not fully accessible as required by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The law mandates that public buildings should be accessible to all, including those with disabilities, with features like ramps and elevators. In this case, the lack of such facilities means that the boy’s access to the building is limited, and he is being carried, which could negatively affect his dignity and safety. To make the building more accessible, ramps or lifts should be installed to allow easy access for people with disabilities. This would ensure that the boy can enter and exit independently, without needing to be carried, thus preserving his dignity and ensuring his safety. Carrying him down the stairs exposes him to the risk of injury and could be humiliating, diminishing his sense of autonomy and self-respect.
This excerpt is from Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, which is part of the Fundamental Rights section. It ensures the protection of individuals from discrimination by the state.
NCERT class 7 notes on equality
Key points:
- Clause 1: States that the government cannot discriminate against any citizen based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Clause 2: Specifies that citizens should not face any disability, restriction, or condition in terms of:
- (a) Access to public places like shops, restaurants, hotels, or entertainment areas.
- (b) Use of public utilities or services such as wells, tanks, roads, and bathing ghats funded by the state.
This provision is designed to promote equality and prevent any form of discrimination that could arise due to personal or social characteristics.
That’s all for ncert class 7 notes on equality, equality in Indian democracy, on equality class 7 questions and answers, notes of on equality class 7 , important questions of chapter equality class 7.
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