CONCEPT OF EQUALITY REEMA a ie} ae ion of slavery in the Equality is one of the basic pillars of democracy. Due to the traditi i sae ancient times, equality had no importance. But in 18th century, specially after _ ‘note a it came of American Independence and French Revolution, the concept of ey *t ae popular, Through the American Declaration of Independence issued on July 4, 76, the Americans had said, “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal. After this; the French Revolutionaries had raised the slogan of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and these principles were made the basis of the French Revolution and the French National Assembly had said it quite clearly by issuing Declaration of Rights of Men in 1789 that, “Men are bom free and always continue to be free and equal'in respect of their rights.” After this, in 19th and 20th centuries with the development of the democratic principles the concept of equality became more and more popular and it is the basic principle of the present age. MEANING OF EQUALITY Different scholars hold different opinion about the meaning of equality. In common terminology, equality means equal income, equal distribution of wealth and equal treatment with every individual. But this is not the correct meaning of equality because all men are not equal. Some are more intelligent and some are less intelligent, some are hard working whereas some are lazy and shirker. Therefore equal treatment with all is not possible because honest and dishonest men cannot be given equal treatment. Similarly wealth cannot be distributed equally among all. In fact by equality, we mean to give equal opportunities to all living in the state. Besides this equality also means to decrease wide disparities being found in the society, absence of special rights, fulfilment of the basic needs of the individual and Provide equal opportunities to all on the basis of their ability, TWO ASPECTS OF EQUALITY WITH REGARDS TO ITS MEANING Negative and Positive are the two aspects of Equality :— |. Negative Aspect—By negative as; i pect of equal has created everybody equal, therefore, Ponto eheny (net sine the, nature cre , equal treatment ne discrimination should be made on the basis of one's iataligee a aoe with al no asis_ of one’s intelligence, : ability, education and led equal rights and equal facilities, But according int that all men are equal is erroneous as that the of equality, Pect of equality does not give the correct meaning 130 | Scanned with CamScConcept of Equality et siti’ ca len ne ne ve Aspect—By positive aspect of equality, we mean to provide equal opportunities to everybody to grow and to do equal treatment with all. But this does rot mean that a bricklayer, a doctor or an engineer be given equal salaries. Equality means that every individual should be given equal opportunities according to his ability and qualification. Everybody should be given equal wages for the same job and the basic needs of every individual should be fulfilled. Scanned with CamScVARIOUS DIMENSIONS OF EQUALITY There are various dimensions of equality. Laski has emphasised on the political and economic aspect of equality. Barker favoured the legal and social aspect of equality. 1, Legal Dinresion oP Equality Co ae L DRM beat wow u = ZBgeclal » 6 U. Ecowomic , Now we will discuss the different aspects of equality in detail : 1. The concept of legal equality cor ms that all the citizens in the state are equal in the eyes of the law. Law and judiciary will not discriminate on the basis of wealth, colour, caste, religion and creed. Laws are equal for every citizen. There should be Rule of Law in the state. According to Earnest Barker, ‘it (Legal Equality) vests us with legal personalities of mask: for the far deeper reason that we all matter equally, before the law whatever difference may be.” Scanned with CamScit of Equality . concept of. mw hile expressing hi: While expressing his views about Legal Equality J.R. Lucas has said, “Equally before Ss not gui F ee atte ae aide treatment by the law but equal access to law... Nobody is 001 pane enon a a to the courts, nobody is so mighty as not to have responsibility tothe : evoke the courts in aid, everybody must render them obedience.” adit i i ae aa ee written above, we can say that by legal aspect of equality we mean thal fi ry’ ; ly has equal Access to law and is equal before law and can approach the courts for the protection of his rights and liberty and law makes no discrimination on the tasis of caste, colour, creed, religion etc. . CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LEGAL : DIMENSION OF EQUALITY Following are the characteristics of the Legal Dimension of Equality— 1. Equality before Law—This means that in spite of one’s rank or status in society, all are equal before law. Law does not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, colour, creed or sex. Regarding this Prof. Diecy has aptly said, “With us every official from the Prime Minister down to a constable or collector of taxes is under the same responsibility for every act done without any legal justification as any other citizen.” It is stated clearly in the Article-14 of the Indian Constitution, “The State shall not deny to any person equality before law or equal protection of the laws within. the territory of India.” 2. Equal Protection of Law—This means that every person should be provided equal protection by law. Every citizen should be given Right to Constitutional Remedies. While expressing his views about it Prof. Dicey has said, “With us every official rom Prime Minister toa constable or a collector of taxes is under the same responsibility for every act done without legal jurisdiction as any other citizen.” In brief, law provides equal Protection to all and makes no discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, religion, race or social status etc. 3. Provision of Equal Laws—Legal equality also means provision of equal laws for all the citizens. According to Ivor Jennings, “Equality before the law means that amongst equals the law should be equally administered and the like should be treated alike.” i: |—Equal rights should be provided to all the citizens. No eee on the basis of caste, religion, colour, creed etc. Constitution iS the supreme law of the country and every citizen of the state enjoys equal rights included ee Appointments—According to law, bl Public Appoint —) » every suitable and [ au aa = iven equal chances and opportunities in public services. ee fix qualfications for different jobs. Ut remember that the state can 6. Special Provision for the weaker sections of Society—Laws of the state give . Special Pro’ ions of the society. Provisions are made i Spe ‘lities for the weaker sect! in aera rl Hights for the weaker sections of the society. This helps them to itution for velop like other sections of the society, :134 Modern Political Theory (Semester-II) (G.N.D.U.) 7. Prohibition of Discriminations—The legal dimension of equality also demands that no discrimination should be made on the basis of caste, race, religion, colour, creed etc. So that such discriminations do not become any hindrance in the way of equality. The constitution of India prohibits such discriminations. : 8. Absence of special Privileges—The legal aspect of equality demands that there should be no class with special. privileges, as special privileges create inequality. 9. Rational basis of Discrimination—Though the absence of discrimination is a characteristic of equality, yet the state is empowered to make special provisions for the protection of the interests of weaker and backward sections of society, women and children etc. But the basis of such provisions should be rational. A In short, we can say that the legal equality means equality before law, one law for every citizen, equal punishment an breach of law etc. } 2quality where aality is e legal ests of quality, right to ditions, densive 1 fee of "of the auld be ‘ I. - Political equality means that all the citizens of the state are provided equal political it in the affairs of the state. Political Rights ights. Citizens should be given rights to participate ba pe only in democratic states. In dictatorlal states, common people cannot participate Scanned with CamScConcept of Equatiqy 135 in the administration of the state. According to Kushman, “In practice the ideal of political : equality has centred on universal suffrage and representative government........modermn democracy in short.” Indemocracy, every citizen is shareholder in political power and he becomes shareholder in political power with the use of his right to vote. The people are the centre of political power and the government Is responsible before them. If need arises, they can change the government with the use of their right to vote. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POLITICAL DIMENSION OF EQUALITY Following are the chief characteristics of the Political Dimension of Equality : 4, Right to Vote—For the establishment of political equality, every citizen should be given right to vote without any discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, creed, colour atc, In almost every democratic state, right to vote has been recognized. In India, England, U.S.A. and other democratic countries of the world, the provisions of Adult Franchise is made in the constitutions. 2. Right to Contest Election—For the establishment of political equality, every citizen should be given right to get elected without any discrimination. In India, every citizen who is 25 years of age and is not declared ineligible to contest election by the court, can contest election to become the member of State Legislature and the Lok Sabha. 3. Right to hold Public Office—To establish political equality, every citizen needs to be given the right to hold public office, No office should be the monopoly of any particular class. In India, every citizen is given the right to hold any public office, provided he fulfils the basic qualifications. 4, Right to Petition—In de! government officials for the redi mocracy, the people have the right to petition before the ressal of their grievances. Such petitions can be made individually as well as collectively also and people can ask for the protection of their interests. 5. Right to criticize the Government—in the list of Political Rights, the right to criticize the goverment has its own importance. This helps in making the government responsible to its duties. It also helps in protecting the rights of the citizens. But constitutional and legal methods should be used to criticize the government. No violent methods should be used to criticize the government and public property should not be harmed. 6. Right to form Political Parties—in democracy, every person has the right to form Political parties and to become the member of the political parties. To protect the interests of become the member of any association. human beings, man can Political Equality means making provision of giving equal In short, we can say that ; Political rights to all the citizens irrespective of any discrimination. Scanned with CamSc% Ill. SOCIAL DIMENSION OF EQUALITY The concept of social equality came as a revolt against social inequalities. Countries where caste system was rigid, discriminations were done on the basis of religion, colour, creed etc. The people of these countries revolted against these discriminations. Many social reformers also started many social reform movements to remove the inequalities prevailing in the society. With the spread of education and democracy, the concept of equality gained momentum and the discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed etc was abolished. In different constitutions of the world, special provisions are made to eradicate social inequalities. Scanned with CamScConcept of Equality : 137 But in spite of this, social inequalities are still prevailing in few countries. Apartheid is still there in many countries and slogans like ‘Keep Britain White’ and ‘Keep Africa Black’ are raised. In South Africa, blacks are not given equal tights which are given to the whites, Before independence, untouchabillty was prevalent in our country, but after Independence, untouchability was declared crime against humanity. According to constitution, itis declared crime. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF EQUALITY Following are the characteristics of the Social Dimension of Equality : 1, Absence of special Privileges—The principle of social equality considers every individual equal and essential part of society and prohibits all type of discriminations. Therefore, if any provision is made of special privileges for a particular section of society, this is the violation of the social dimension of equality. No discrimination is made with anybody on the basis of his caste, religion, colour, creed etc. 2. Prohibition of Discriminations—The main characteristic of the social equality is not to make any discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, colour, race ete. In many of the under-developed states, even today such discriminations are made which is against the principle of social equality. 3, Free access to Public Places—Public places like Bus Stands, Railway Stations, Hotels, Roads, ete should be the property of all the citizens and everybody should have free access to these. In case people belonging to a particular class or race are not allowed access to particular places, then it is negation of the principle of social equality. 4, No discrimination on the basis of Gender—Discrimination on the basis of gender should be prohibited. Men and women should be provided equal status in every sphere of life; it may be work place or home or any other public place. 5. Equality of opportunity ‘in Public Employment—Every citizen should be given equal opportunities in public employment. No discrimination should be made on the basis of | caste, religion, class, colour etc. : e 6. Provision of Equal Rights—The principle of social equality demands that there should be equal rights for all and no discrimination should be made on the basis of caste, colour, creed, religion etc. For centuries discrimination was made with untouchables in India and with blacks in South Africa and It was against soclal equality. After independence all such provisions have been ended through constitution and every citizen of India Is provided the right to equality. The policy of apartheld has also been ended in South Africa. 7. Provision of Protective Discriminations—Though discriminations are against the Principle of social equality, yet In special circumstances, discriminations become essential 4s in India, special provisions have been mado for the protection of the interest of scheduled Scanned with CamSc138 Modern Political Theory (Semester-I]) (G.N.D.U.) castes and scheduled tribes. The purpose of these special provisions is to stop inhuman treatment being done with these people and to provide them equal opportunities for development. Such discriminations are known as ‘Protective Discriminations.’ But this should be kept in mind that the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward classes which are given special rights will not come under the headings of special rights. Indian constitution makes provisions to give special rights to the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward classes of the society. Scanned with CamScIV. Economic equality is considered as tho basis of all equalitios becauso whoro there aro poor and rich, social, political and legal quality Is not possiblo thoro, Rousseau has written in his famous book ‘Social Contract’, “The policy of the government should be such which allows neither rich men nor beggars to increase.” According to Rousseau, poor and rich are simultaneously dangerous for equality and the wholo socloty, Meaning of Economic Equality—Economie equality does not mean equal distribution of money. Economic equality means every person should have equal chances to earn his livelihood, Man's fundamental needs should bo fulfilled and distribution of money should be fait. According to Prof. Laski, “There must be sufficiency for all before there can be superflulty fora few.” Further Prof, Laski has sald, “! have no right to eat cake if my neighbour because of my this right is compelied to go without bread.” Effect of Economic Inequality—Economic inequality affects the total political and ‘economic framework of the state. Political power gets concentrated in the hands of the rich people and they use this power for their own ends. Robert A. Dahl accepts a close relationship between political stability and economic equality. He thinks that the countries where economic inequalities are prevailing are more prone to revolution. If we want to establish political stability, economic equality is very necessary. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ECONOMIC DIMENSION OF EQUALITY Following are the characteristics of the Economic Dimension of Equality : 1. Equal opportunities to earn Livelihood—Every citizen of the state should have equal and sufficient opportunities to earn his livelihood. The state in which there is wide spread of unemployment, in such a state, we cannot even think of economic equality. An unemployed person becomes the victim of inferlority complex and his thinking becomes Negative. ‘ 2. Equal wages for the same Job—Without making any discrimination, whether he is man or woman should be given equal wages for the samo job. Bosidos this, no discrimination Should be made among the people on the basis of tholr casto, colour, creed, religion or sex lc. It will create the feeling of solf respect among tho pooplo. 3. Fulfilment of basic Needs—Food, cloth and sholter aro the basic needs of every individual and for the establishment of oconomie oquallty, fulfllmont of theso basic necessities \snecessary. In a soclely where somo poople may havo to sloop on omply stomach and under pen sky without any roof on tholr hoad, wo cannot think of economic equality in such a S0ciety, Therefore, It Is tho responsibility of ovory stato to fulfil those basic needs of Individuals. Scanned with CamSc140, Modern Political Theory (Semester-I) (GANDU,) 4. To reduce economle Inequalltles—Economic Inoqualltlos In the society should be reduced, According to Laskl, “Where there are poor and rich, educated and uneducated, wa advays find masters and slaves." The socloty In which thero Is a wide gap botwoen tho rich and the poor, Wo cannot think of economic equally In such a socloty. 5, Provision of Economle Securlty—Economle security should be provided In tho caso of unemployment, sickness, old age ete. To meet this purpose provision should be made of tree medical aid, old ago pension and old ago homes ote for the poor and old poople, 6. Just distribution of Wealth—Tho unequal and unjust distribution of wealth in the society gives birth to classes, Thorefore, there should be just distribution of wealth in the society so that tich do not exploit the poor.Tho unequal distribution of wealth creates wide economic inequalities and the society gets divided Into two hostile classes and according to Marxists, it creates war liko situation among these two hostile classes which disturbs social harmony, 7. Just ownership .of the means of Production—The means of production should not be under the monopoly of a few persons, rather there should be just ownership of these, ‘so that the wealth does not get concentrated into a few hands. Generally it is seen that the people having control over the means of production, they exploit the labourers and do not give them reasonable wages and other facilities etc, 8. Fixed hours to Work—Thore should be fixed hours to work so that the labourers are not made to do over work and they also get time to rest and leisure. To meet this purpose the provision like fixed working hours, holidays, extra wages for extra work, bonus etc should be made by law as ‘it will save, the labourers of their exploitation by the factory owners. 9. Absence of Human Exploitation—There should be absence of human exploitation in the society. In fact while living In the society individual has to face many difficulties. Many of the people do not get sufficient food to eat. They fall to arrange medicine in case of sickness and they fail to buy clothes and books ete for their children. Such people get exploited by the rich and they are forced to indulge In Immoral aetivitlos against their wishes. So, to ensure economic justice, human oxploltation should by eradicated. Scanned with CamSc\n brief, we can say that special provisions are needed to be made to establish economic equality. Basic needs of every individual should be fulfilled and sufficient opportunities should be given to every individual to eam his livelihood, Besides this, gap between the rich and the poor should be minimized ete. = — Scanned with CamSc_ . . ———— Relotionsip betwee HIBERTY y AND EQUALITY) iberty and equality. We cannot even think of one There is a close relationship between Ii ; tween the two, we must know the correct meaning without the other. To know the relationship bet of both these terms. i Meaning of Liberty—Liberty does not mean absence of restraints. Liberty is a congenial atmosphere which is necessary for the development of man’s personality. But a man living in the society cannot be given liberty to do anything which is against social or state interests. Note—To know the meaning of liberty in detail, see the previous chapter. Meaning of Equality—Equality means absence of special rights and equal chances to everyone for his development. Prof. Laski has aptly said that equality means there should be no class with special rights and everybody should get equal opportunities to develop. Note : To know the meaning of equality in detail, see the earlier part of this chapter. RELATIONS BETWEEN LIBERTY AND EQUALITY Different writers have given different views about the relationship between liberty and equality. According to some thinkers, liberty and equality are opposite to each other and Hogg, Hayek, Friedman, Acton, Tocqueville, Begehot, May etc are of this view. Other philosophers like Harringtion, Maitland, Hume, Godwin, Rousseau, Arnold, Tawney; Polland, Barker etc. are of the opinion that liberty and equality are not opposite, rather complementary to each other. fs Below we discuss both these views in detail : LIBERTY AND EQUALITY ARE OPPOSITE TO EACH OTHER Some intellectuals are of the opinion that liberty and equali osed' quality are oy i h other. When we try to establish liberty, equality gets lost. We try to bring an capil person on the same level which results in withdrawing liberty of an able i erson, to the views of(Lord Acton) “The passion for equality has made vain the i pire the writers who are in favour of this view give the followlng points to Support thelr arent ; 1. Nature has not created all men Equal—Somo Intellectuals think that ine alities in society are the gift of nature because nature has not created all men equal Sana eople are intelligent others dull, some are beautiful others are ugly. These inequalities are il 7 creafion of men but are natural. Against tho natural principle, w Tee al force, In this way, we . we try to brin 5 rasane oF force, In this Way, we work against tho law of natura, ee eee Scanned with CamScConcept of Equality 143 2. Economic Freedom and Equality are Opposite—Individualists are of the opinion that there should be free competition and free trade in economic sphere. This will help every citizen to progress in all spheres. But whenever we try to establish economic equality, it becomes hindrance in the way of economic liberty. This results in limiting economic liberty of human beings. 3. Competent individuals fail to show their Competency—When we give equal rights and opportunities to all then competent individuals fail to show their competency. For example, in democracy, all persons, good or bad are_given equal political rights and it is difficult to differentiate between good and bad person, 4. Principle of equal Freedom is Wrong—To keep all men on the same level and treat them equally is not only wrong but immoral also because all men are not equal. To give equal status to intelligent, dull, educated, uneducated is basically wrong. To treat a doctor, an engineer, professor, labourer and unemployed equally is injustice. We can conclude from above points that there is no relationship between equality and liberty but they are opposed to each other. LIBERTY AND EQUALITY ARE NOT OPPOSITE TO EACH OTHER Some intellectuals are of the opinion that equality and liberty are not opposite to each other rather, they are complementary and critics who think that liberty and equality are opposite, they do not know the real meaning of these terms. According to Prof. Pollard, “There is only one solution of liberty, jt és in equality.” Similarly in the words of Prof. R.H. Tawny, “A large measure of equality so far from Being inimical to liberty is essential to it.” If we take the correct meanings of these terms, then there is no opposition between fiberty and equality. Prof. Laski thinks, “De Tocqueville and Lord Acton misunderstood the meanings of the term equality when they said that liberty and equality cannot exist together.” If we keep the following points in our mind, we cannot see the opposition between equality and liberty. 4. Purpose of both is Same—The main aim of liberty and equality is to create an atmosphere in which man can develop his over all personality. When the purpose is same, then how there can be opposition ? According to Dr. Asirvatham, “The French Revolutionaries were neither mad nor stupid when they made liberty, equality and fratemity their war cry.” 2. For the enjoyment of freedom, equality is Needed—in the absence of equality, liberty cannot be enjoyed. We cannot think that a poor and a rich man can enjoy liberty equally. This is next to impossible. The only way to enjoy liberty is to create equality first. Pollard has rightly said, “There Is only oft@ solution of liberty, it lles in equality.” 3. For civil liberty, equallty before law Is a Must—Civil liberty is one which one enjoys by being the membe! 19 state and this liberty one can enjoy only when there are Provisions of equality before law. If this Is not there, the civil liberty becomes meaningless. om — : scanned with Camsc144 Modern Political Theory (Semester-Il) (G.N.D.U.) 4, For Political Freedom, equal opportunities are Needed—Political liberty means man should be given equal chances to participate in the affairs of the state. If it is not like this then political liberty becomes meaningless. Today a poor man cannot enjoy that much liberty as a rich man enjoys. Therefore, equality is necessary in every sphere. 5. Liberty and Equality are pillars of Democracy—Liberty and equality, both are pillars of democracy. If there is only liberty and not equality, or vice-versa, then democracy . Will be meaningless. This shows that there is close relationship between equality and liberty. 6. Both have developed Side by Side—After reading the history of equality and liberty, we come to know that man struggled for both, equality and liberty simultaneously. The Revolutionaries of France, demanded equality and liberty simultaneously because they were conscious that one is meaningless without the other. Conclusion—Atter reading two diverse opinions regarding the relationship between liberty and equality, we come to the conclusion that equality and liberty are not opposed to each other rather, they are complementary of each other. Those who treat them opposite do not know the real meaning of both. If we read the positive meaning then equality and liberty | = closely related to each other. . RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC EQUALITY AND POLITICAL LIBERTY OR POLITICAL LIBERTY IS A MYTH IN THE ABSENCE OF ECONOMIC EQUALITY 4 Laski has said “Political liberty is a myth in the absence of economic equality.” This ~~ statementis true to a great extent because economic equality is the basis of all other equalities. Where there will be poor and rich, the distribution of wealth is not fair and many persons would not.be getting even to eat, there giving them political rights will be just fraud. A poor man cannot enjoy these rights. To study the relationship between economic equality and political liberty, we should first know the correct meanings of both. Meaning of Political Liberty—The liberty is provided to the citizens of democratic 4e__ States. This means, taking part in affairs of the state. According to this every citizen has #373 (i) Right to Vote (ii) Right to contest election Right to hold public offices (iv) Right to criticize the government (v) Right to Appeal (vi) Right to form Political Parties (vil) Independent Press etc. There will be no discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed, religion, region in providing these liberties. de Meaning of Economic Equality—Economic equality means eyery citizen should be given equal opportunities to eam his livelihood, preventing unequal distribution of wealth, 42 and to fulfil the basic needs of the people. Economic equality includes (i) Equal chances to ~% eam: livelihood, (i) Equal wages for equal work, (ji) Fulfilment of fundamental economic Scanned with CamSc_ Concept of Equality 145 needs, (iv) Reducing of economic inequalities, Hobson has rightly sald, “What good Is freedom to a starving man ? He cannot eat eo US freedom nor drink it.” This clearly shows that fulfilment of economic needs is very essential, only then one can enjoy political liberty, Economic problems result in becoming a man into thief, dacoit, robber, beggar and slave etc. Laski has rightly sai Fad cists ae cee ee aioe an nedcated we always find masters and slaves.” Se eee Following are the points to emphasis on the closeness of relationship between political liberty and economic equality :— 1. Poor man cannot make proper use of his right to Vote—Political problems are very complicated and to understand these problems, a lot of time and intelligence is needed. Apart from this, citizens should be educated and politically conscious. This can be possible only when an effort is made to understand these problems and a lot of time is devoted to it. A poor man cannot devote his valuable time for these problems, so, he fails to form h opinion about complicated political matters. These common people are swayed by clever politicians and they cast their votes in favour of those politicians. In this way, a poor man casts his vote to a wrong man because he is swayed by their wrong promises. They do not cast their votes according to their choice. 2. A poor man comes under the Influence of Greediness—We usually read in newspapers that such and such person sold his vote but if we see the problem of selling voles intensely, we see that the person selling vote need not to be criticized. The fault is of his poverty. Man needs food to feed his stomach, not votes. Any person who solves his food problem for a few days, he casts his vote to that person. In this way poor man comes under the influence of greediness and sacrifices his politcal liberty. @ of vote by a poor Man—The problem of earning money to feed the family So, he works despite rain, holidays or storm. If he does not he will not be able to earn his livelihood. He, therefore, thinks people do not cast their votes. 3. Non-us' is always there for a poor man. 90 to work on the day of voting, it better not to use his right to vote. Therefore, many cannot contest Elections—in democratic states, all the poor and rich it fe and right to get elected. But this right is only a fraud ‘tens are gen eau ons actos anda poor man cao Ive hat mich money if we see the list of the members of parliament and the aa legislatures, we Will find a very few members who come from the poor sections of the society, 5. an cannot be & good Leader—A poor man cannot become a i ne Ina because politlos demands a fot of ime and 7 poor man comet ot his 1 a eae oats. A poor man nother devotes ful attenuon toware 3 able time for poll Ho always thinks of his economic problem. he can leave his occupation. He UT" — ae“, “Lhe can leave his oeeTP 4. A poor man Scanned with CamScWe re | 146 : Modern Political Theory (Semester-II) (G.N.D.U.) 6. Political Parties are under the control of rich People—Present day politics largely revolves around political parties. Political parties form government and also criticize the policies of the government. To run their affairs, political parties need money for which they have to depend on rich people. This way, political parties also come under the influence of the rich people. The poor people only shout slogans. The rich people get the policies made of their choice. 7. Press is an Instrument of the Rich—in these days, press is an important means through which the people can convey their problems to the government and can also criticize the wrong policies of the government. But this is a very expensive means and only the rich people can make use of it. The press Is under the control of the rich and they make use of it to promote their own interests, They never bother about the interests of the poor. 8. No attention is paid to the petition of a poor Person—in democracy, the people have the right to send petition to the government. Under this provision, every individual or a group of individuals can send petition to the concemed officials for the redressal of their grievances. But in this connection, the condition of the poor is quite pitiable. Firstly, the poor . 40 Not take the courage to send their petition. In case he does so, his petitions are thrown in the waste paper basket. One needs right type of contacts to get his or her grievances tedressed, 9. Political Power Is slave of the Rich—Generally it is seen that political power is the Slave of the rich and it dances according to their wishes. The rich people give money to the Persons in power to fight elections and to remain in power and in retum they get their interests Protected by them. While making policies the ruling class looks after the interests of the rich and wave the loans taken by them from the banks. During elections the rich people open their chests for the political parties and after coming into power the leaders look after the interests of their donors. Because of this, itis said that democracy is government of the rich, for the righ and by the rich. 10. History Supports This—it we make a thorough analysis of the history of the world, we_come to know that there is no relationship between Political liberty and economic inequalities and both are opposite to each other. The rich have always exploited the poor and the poor have always remained at the mercy of the rich. And the same thing is applicable even today. Even today, whatever may be the form of government, the political power is in the hands of the rich peopl, Though the rich people do not contest elections by themselves, yet they help the poliical parties by giving donation and in return to it, the political parties look after their interests, ~ Conclusion—We can conclude from above written polnts that there is a close relationship between political liberty and economic equality. Political liberty Is just a fraud in the absence of economic equality and history supports It, Man takes interests In political affair only when he Is free from his basic needs, In Indla, only 60 % to 70% of the voters make use of thelr right to vote and the rest remain Indifferent to elections. Economic Problems: —— eee —— . OLaNeU WILT Lal I3CConcept of Equality 147 always hover on their minds. A person who is free from economic problems can enjoy political freedom. In this connection while expressing his views, Stalin has said, “What can be 8 ont personal freedom of an unemployed person who goes hungry and finds no use for his toil? Only where exploitation is annihilated, where there is no oppression of some by others, no unemployment, no beggary and no trembling for fear that a man may lose his work, his habitation, his bread-only there is true freedom found.” Scanned with CamSc