On Equality - Class 7 Civics - Extra Questions

Discuss in detail various provisions related to frameworks for food distribution and public distribution system, under national food security act.

The provisions of the Act are as follows:
1. To provide food grains to the needy and poor families in the urban and the rural areas at a concessional rate.
2. These families will be provided food grains and subsidized price as under:
Rice 3 rupees per kg.
Wheat 2 rupees per kg
Coarse grains 1 rupee per kg.
3. They will be also supplied sugar, iodized salt, kerosene and edible oil at a subsidized rate.
4. These food grains will be supplied in fixed quantity of 5 kg per person per month.
5. The government would pay an allowance of 6000 to pregnant women.
6. Food security allowance will be paid to beneficiary in case they decide not to purchase food grains.
7. 35 kg food grains per month will be supplied free to the Antoyodaya and the BPL families.
8. The state government will prepare the list of those families which will receive the benefits on priority. The same will be updated and displayed in public places and website.
9. Biometric identity cards will be issued to the beneficiaries along with ration card.
10. A mechanism to deal with the complaints will be set up by the state government, Nodal Officers will deal with the complaints.


What are the main features of 'Right to Equality'?

The main features of 'Right to Equality' are given below: 

(i) The Constitution says that the government shall not deny to any person in India equality before law or the equal protection of the laws. It means that the laws apply in the same manner to all, regardless of a person's status. Every citizen from the Prime Minister to a small farmer in a remote village, is subjected to the same laws. 

(ii) The government shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, caste, ethnicity, sex or place of birth. Every citizen shall have access to public places like shops, restaurants, hotels and cinema halls. 

(iii) All citizens have equality of opportunity in matters relating to employment or appointment to any position in the government. No citizen shall be discriminated against or made ineligible for employment on the grounds mentioned above.


In what ways was Omprakash Valmiki's experience similar to that of the Ansaris?

 Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris were being treated unequally on the basis of caste and religion.  The self-respect and dignity of Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris were attacked. 
Om Prakash was from the dalit community who was not allowed to sit together with his other classmates in the classroom. He was also asked to sweep the school floors and playground, unlike his other classmates. 
On the other hand, the Ansaris were not given a place on rent because of their religion. 
Both of them were victims of unequal treatment. 


What is role of International Covenants in expansions of rights?

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes many rights that are not directly a part of the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution. These include: 
(a) Right to work: opportunity to everyone to earn livelihood by working. 
(b) Right to safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages that can provide decent standard of living for the workers and their families. 
(c) Right to adequate standard of living including adequate food, clothing and housing. 
(d) Right to social security and insurance. 
(e) Right to health: medical care during illness, special care for women during childbirth and prevention of epidemics. 
(f) Right to education: free and compulsory primary education, equal access to higher education. Thus, International Covenants play a significant role in expanding the scope of rights.


Who have been employed to cook the meal under midday meal scheme?

Dalit women have been employed for this purpose.


What is Joothan about?

It is about the bitter experiences of growing up of a dailt boy.


What are the provision made in the constitution for the recognition of equality?

The provisions made in the constitution for the recognition of equality are as follow:
(a) Every person is equal before the law. What this means is that every person, from the President of India to a domestic worker like Kanta, has to obey the same laws.
(b) No person can be discriminated against on the basis of their religion, caste, race, place of birth or whether they are male or female.
(c) Every person has access to all public places including playgrounds, hotels, shops, and markets. All persons can use publicly available wells, roads and bathing ghats.
(d) Untouchability has been abolished.


What does the Constitution say with regard to equality? Why do you think it is important for all people to be equal?

Our Constitution provides that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or region.
It is important for all people to be equal because only then our society would develop in true sense of the term. It is our right to be treated equally. It is our right to be given due respect. It is our right to be given equal opportunities. In absence of all these, our life would be hell. Our personality would be suppressed. Hence, we need equality so that we may go ahead without any hindrances. We may prove ourselves helpful in the development of the society and country. 


What do you understand by the term "all persons are equal before the law"? Why do you think it is important in a democracy?

It means that every person, from the President of the country to a normal person has to obey the same laws. No person can be discriminated against on the basis of their religion, race, caste, etc. Every person has access to all public places including playgrounds, hotels, shops, and markets. All persons can use publicly available wells, roads and bathing ghats. 
Equality is the soul of democracy. We know that democracy is a form of government which gives equal importance and recognition to all. If inequalities on the basis of race, religion, caste, etc. continue to exist, democracy would never flourish. Instead, it would perish very soon.


Class 7 Civics Extra Questions