(a) Explain the role of democracy in reducing economic inequalities in India.

(i) Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.

(ii) Democracy discourages discrimination on the basis of economic status, language, religion etc.

(iii) Democratic government puts forward schemes to eradicate poverty.

(iv) Democracy strengthens the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated groups for equal status and equal opportunity.

(v) Democratic governments make special provisions like reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for socially and economically weaker sections.

(vi) Democratic governments initiate employment generation programmes.

(vii) Democratic government tries to distribute wealth equally among different strata of society.

(viii) Democratic governments launch different programmes for the deprived sections of society to bring them at par with the better off section.

(b) Explain the role of democracy in establishing the dignity of citizens.

(i) Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.

(ii) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings.

(iii) Often conflicts arise among individuals because some feel that they are not treated with due respect.

(iv) Democracies throughout the world have recognised this and provide mechanism to resolve it.

(v) This has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.

(vi) Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated caste/gender for equal status and equal opportunities.