NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 1 on equality notes

Chapter 1: On Equality

These NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 1 notes explain the idea of equality, which is the foundation of democracy in India. The chapter helps students understand how the Indian Constitution ensures equal treatment of all citizens and why equality is essential for a democratic society.

On Equality discusses important concepts such as equality before law, dignity of individuals, and different forms of inequality that still exist in Indian society. It also explains how the government and people’s movements play a role in achieving real equality.

This chapter helps students connect constitutional values with everyday life and social realities in India.

1. Introduction: Why equality matters

  • Equality is the core idea of democracy.
  • In India, democracy means everyone is treated the same by law.
  • The Indian Constitution promises equality to all citizens.
  • In daily life, many people still face discrimination and injustice.
  • This chapter explains equality using real situations from Indian society.
  • Democracy works only when all citizens feel respected and valued.

2. Meaning of equality

  • Equality means fair treatment of all people.
  • There should be no discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, or wealth.
  • Every adult citizen in India has one vote, whether rich or poor.

3. Equality before law

  • Equality before law means the law treats everyone in the same way.
  • No one is above the law.
  • Ministers, officials, and common people are equal before courts.
  • Punishment is based on crime, not on status.
  • A rich businessman and a poor worker get the same punishment for the same offence.

4. What is dignity

  • Dignity means self-respect and honour.
  • Equality helps people live with dignity.
  • Treating someone as inferior damages dignity.
  • Forcing a person to do dirty work because of caste is against dignity.

5. Forms of inequality in India

  • Even after constitutional equality, inequality exists in society.

A. Social inequality

  • Social inequality is based on caste and religion.
  • Some communities face discrimination.
  • Dalits faced untouchability in the past.

B. Economic inequality

  • There is a wide gap between the rich and the poor.
  • Poor people lack basic needs like education and healthcare.
  • Some children are unable to afford school books or uniforms.

C. Gender inequality

  • Women often get fewer opportunities than men.
  • Women receive unequal wages for the same work.
  • Women are paid less than men for similar jobs.

6. Role of government in ensuring equality

  • The government works to reduce inequality through laws, schemes, and policies.
  • Untouchability is banned by law.
  • Discrimination is punishable by law.
  • The government runs welfare schemes like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
  • Scholarships are provided to SC, ST, and OBC students.
  • The reservation policy provides special opportunities in education and government jobs.
  • Extra support is given to weaker sections to bring everyone to the same level.

7. Struggle for equality

  • Equality is not achieved automatically.
  • People have fought for equality through different movements.
  • Dalit movements fought against discrimination.
  • Women’s movements demanded equal rights.
  • The Civil Rights Movement is an important reference.
  • Equality is a continuous process, not a one-time achievement.

8. Indian examples from daily life

  • The Right to Education Act ensures schooling for all children.
  • The Mid-Day Meal Scheme reduces inequality in schools.
  • Reservation helps backward classes access opportunities.

9. Important keywords

  • Equality – fair treatment of all people.
  • Dignity – self-respect and honour.
  • Democracy – rule by the people.
  • Universal Adult Franchise – right to vote for all adults.
  • Discrimination – unfair treatment.
  • Reservation – special support for disadvantaged groups.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 1 – On Equality is important to learn how equality functions in a democracy like India. The chapter clearly explains that constitutional laws alone are not enough and that social awareness and collective efforts are also needed to ensure equality.

The ideas discussed in On Equality help students understand dignity, justice, and democratic values and are highly useful for school examinations and foundation-level preparation.

Students should next read Chapter 2: Role of the Government in Health to understand how the government works to ensure basic needs, public welfare, and healthcare for citizens.

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FAQs

Q1. What is meant by equality in NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 1?
Equality means fair treatment of all people without discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, or wealth.

Q2. What does equality before law mean?
Equality before law means that the law treats everyone equally and no person is above the law.

Q3. What is dignity according to this chapter?
Dignity means self-respect and being treated with respect and honour by others.

Q4. Why does inequality still exist in India despite the Constitution?
Inequality exists due to social, economic, and gender-based discrimination that continues in society.

Q5. Why is NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 1 important for exams?
The chapter explains core democratic values like equality and dignity, making it important for school exams and foundation-level preparation.

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