Ch 1 On Equality

Page No: 15

Exercises

1. In a democracy why is universal adult franchise important?

Answer

Universal Adult Franchise is important in democracy as:

(i) It is based on the principle of equality.
(ii) It means that all adult (those who are 18 and above) citizens have the equal right to vote.
(iii) It do not discriminate on the basis of social or economic backgrounds. (iv) It is an
important aspects of democratic societies

2. Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality?

Answer

Article 15 in democracy of the constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race,

caste, sex or place of birth.
Two ways in which this Article addresses inequality:
(i) It suggests States not to discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race,
caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
(ii) No citizen shall be subject to any disability, liability and restriction on grounds only of
religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.

3. In what ways was Omprakash Valmiki’s experience similar to that of the Ansaris?

Answer

In following ways Omprakash Valmiki’s experience was similar to that of the Ansaris: (i)
Both of them discriminated by the society on the basis of their caste or religion.
(ii) Dignity and self respect of both of them get violated.
(iii) Both suffered from unequal treatment.

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

Answer
The term "all persons are equal before the law" means that everyone will be given justice before
law by treating them equal. From the President of the country to the common people, all are
equal in front of law.

It is important in a democracy because:

(i) Democracy suggests that no one should be treated on unequal basis because of their wealth,
caste, colour, religion, gender etc.
(ii)It also ensures that no one will be given more preference for the same crime.
(iii) It provide the people equal opportunity to defend themselves in public court irrespective of
their socioeconomic position.
(iv) It also reflects the true nature of democracy.

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 in society. The government has to provide free education and integrate children
with disabilities into mainstream schools. This law also states that all public places including
buildings, schools, etc., should be accessible and provided with ramps.

Look at the photograph and think about the boy who is being carried down the stairs. Do you
think the above law is being implemented in his case? What needs to be done to make the
building more accessible for him? How would his being carried down the stairs affect his dignity
as well as his safety?

Answer

No, I don't think the above law is being implemented in his case.
According to the Disabilities Act, all public places including buildings, schools, etc., should be
accessible and provided with ramps which is not done in this case. Therefore, the buildings
should be provided with ramps to make it accessible for the persons with disabilities.
Also, persons with disabilities have equal rights, and that the government should make possible
their full participation in society but here the dignity and self respect of that person is hurt as
someone is showing sympathy and extending their helping hands. The boy may feel pity or
inferior in this case of being helped by other only due to disabilities.
It also affect the safety of that person as he may slip due to imbalance or carelessness.
Ch 2 Role of the Government in Health
Page No: 29

Exercises

1. In this chapter you have read that health is a wider concept than illness. Look at this quote
from the Constitution and explain the terms ‘living standard’ and 'public health' in your own
words.
An important part of the Constitution says it is the “duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition
and the standard of living and to improve public health.”

Answer

Living Standard:
(i) It means the condition in which people are living.
(ii) The facilities provided by the government in order to raise the standard living of people
are measured in terms of comforts, wealth, goods or services.
(iii) Higher the standard of living of people higher the economy and vice versa. Thus it also
reflects the economic condition for a country.
Public Health:
(i) It means the general level of public health.
(ii) The Government provides free basic health facilities and low cost hospitals and medicines to
their people.
(iii) It ensures that every every people has right to get health facilities.

2. What are the different ways through which the government can take steps to provide
healthcare for all? Discuss.

Answer

Different ways through which the government can take steps to provide healthcare for all:
(i) Establishing public healthcare at zonal level.
(ii) Setting up low cost government hospitals.
(iii) Health insurance for basic treatment.
(iv) Provision of clean drinking water and steps to check pollution.
(v) Generic medicines at low prices should be provided.
(vi) Healthcare programme and creating awareness.
(vii) Mobile clinic should be encouraged more in rural areas.

3. What differences do you find between private and public health services in your area? Use the
following table to compare and contrast these.
Facility Cost of Services Availability of service
Private
Public

Answer

Facility Cost of Services Availability of service

Private High Good and easily available service.
Public Low Poor and take long time in providing services.

4. ‘Improvement in water and sanitation can control many diseases.’ Explain with the help of
examples.

Answer

It is true that 'improvement in water and sanitation can control many diseases.’
(i) Contaminated water is the main reason for many diseases like cholera, jaundice etc.
(ii) By provision of clean drinking water, protection from water related diseases can be assured.
(iii) Poor sanitation is responsible for many communicable diseases.
(iv) Lack of proper sanitation also give rise to the birth of mosquitoes, several insects which
affect the health of people.
(v) Proper sanitation will leads to hygienic condition which will surely control many diseases.