Liberty and equality are two of democracy’s most fundamental cornerstones. As for India, they are mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution. Equality is one of the four primary keywords of the Indian polity, along with Justice, Liberty, and Fraternity, as defined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Here is all you need to know about equality.

History of Equality

The caste system in India gave birth to the marginalisation of certain groups of the society since time immemorial. They long remained backwards and undeveloped until the Constitution was enacted. On the grounds of social stigmatisation and subordination they endured as a result of their assigned caste identity, such social groupings are made up of numerous endogamous units that make up the three categories of OBCs, SCs, and STs. The degree of social marginalisation or oppression based on caste identification varies among these three groups. 

Features of Equality

1. The term “equality” does not imply “complete equality.” It admits that some inequities in nature exist.
2. Equality in society means that there are no unnatural man-made inequities or favoured classes.
3. Equality presupposes that all persons have the same rights and freedoms.
4. Equality refers to a system in which everyone in society has equal and appropriate possibilities.
5. Equality implies that people’s fundamental requirements are fulfilled before their special needs are addressed and that some people’s luxuries are supplied.
6. Equality advocates for a fair and equal allocation of income and resources, with the smallest feasible difference between the affluent and the poor.
7. Equality recognises the notion of protective discrimination as a means of assisting society’s most vulnerable members.
8. Even while everyone in the Indian democratic system has the right to equality, there are measures in place to provide particular protection and reservations to people from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, women, and children.

Types of Equality

Social Equality

Social equality indicates that no citizen of the nation should be denied rights, privileges, or opportunities because of their birth, class, caste, religion, colour, race, gender, or social standing. Each person should be given an equal chance to develop his or her personality. Social equality entails a few key elements. They are the: 

• elimination of discrimination based on socioeconomic position
• elimination of special advantages for a select few
• ensuring equitable access to education

Civil Equality

The term “civil” comes from a Latin word that means “citizen.” Civil equality refers to each citizen having the same civil rights and privileges. It means that all citizens have the same civil liberty and civil rights. According to this, all individuals should be treated equally under civil laws.

Economic Equality

Economic equality does not imply that everyone receives the same treatment, compensation, or income. It advocates for all people to have equal access to employment and chances to make a living. It also implies that everyone’s basic needs must be covered before the wants of a select few can be met. The disparity between affluent and poor people should be as little as possible. Economic equality also signifies that in a society, wealth and resources should be distributed fairly.

Natural Equality

Natural equality indicates that all men are born free and equal, with equal abilities and gifts. So, the government should work to create social and economic opportunities that provide everyone with a fair opportunity. Natural equality is more of an ideal than a current reality. As far as feasible, this goal should be realised in society.

Political Equality

Political equality refers to the belief that everyone should be able to participate in the political process in a country and have an equal chance of running for office. This is self-evident and often at play in many democratic countries. Nevertheless, while it is more practical than other forms of equality, many nations have minimum age limits for specific political positions, implying that the process is not entirely equal.

Legal Equality

Legal equality means that everyone is treated equally before the law, that everyone is subjected to the same legal code, and that everyone has the same chance to have their rights and freedoms legally protected. There should be a rule of law, and all laws should be equally binding. 

Conclusion

The proponents of democracy believe that equality is vital, but they only see it as an ideal. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares that equality of position and opportunity is an ideal that humanity is getting closer to day by day. The barriers that stand in the way of equality are being eliminated. Equality as a concept is more well recognised today than it was previously.