5. Citizenship: Rights and Duties

In the ‘equality’ picture, everyone gets the same support, but some still cannot benefit because they are different. In the ‘equity’ picture, each person gets the support they need, so all can benefit equally.

Other examples:

• Scholarships for students from poor families.
• Free bicycles for girls to reach school.
• Ramps, braille books and scribes for children with disabilities.
• Reservation in education and jobs for disadvantaged groups.
• Mid-day meals in schools.

• Yes, the student was exercising freedom of speech by expressing an opinion peacefully.
• The student could also have raised it politely with the class teacher or principal, or through the student council, giving reasons like safety and comfort.
• Schools should listen to students respectfully, explain the reasons behind rules and change rules if the suggestion is reasonable.

Rivers and forests support all life but cannot speak for themselves. If they have legal rights, harming them becomes a legal wrong. Guardians can go to court on their behalf. This would make it easier to stop pollution, illegal sand mining and the cutting of forests.

I would inform my teacher or principal. I could also call Childline 1098 so that the child can be rescued and sent to school.

Rights are of no use if they cannot be enforced. The right to constitutional remedies allows a citizen to go directly to the Supreme Court or High Court when a fundamental right is violated, even by the government. It makes sure rights are not just promises on paper but are actually protected.

The duty to attend school regularly, study sincerely and respect teachers. Parents have the duty to send children aged 6–14 to school (the 11th Fundamental Duty). We should also strive for excellence in all activities.

1. Ravi not joining a protest — his right to freedom of speech and expression includes the right not to join. Others have the duty to respect his view.
2. Rukmini’s traditional dress — her cultural rights and right to freedom; others have the duty to respect diversity and promote harmony.
3. Wrappers on the playground — the duty to protect the environment and keep surroundings clean.
4. Online mock youth parliament — the right to equality and participation; technology helps include students from remote areas.

No. Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. If we want our rights respected, we must do our duties and respect the rights of others.

• Rohan faces discrimination based on physical appearance (body shaming). It is visible discrimination.
• Mina faces discrimination based on economic background. It is invisible (indirect) discrimination through exclusion and whispering.

If I were part of the groups, I would stop the teasing, invite Rohan to play, include Mina in our activities and tell the teacher if it continued.

In equality, everyone gets the same support. In equity, each person gets extra support according to need. In inclusion, the barrier itself is removed, so everyone can take part fully without needing special help.

• Be patient and wait for the student to finish.
• Explain things clearly and kindly.
• Make sure the student gets a turn to speak and a role in the group.
• Never laugh or pass remarks.
• Suggest that the teacher gives extra time or uses pictures and audio for such students.

India is a diverse country where people follow many religions. The Constitution gives every person the freedom to follow their religion. Respecting others’ religions keeps peace and harmony, prevents conflict and keeps our country united. It is also our duty to promote harmony among all people.

I would feel sad, hurt, lonely and unwanted. I might lose confidence. This helps me understand that I should never leave others out.

• Old prejudices and attitudes take time to change.
• Many people do not know their rights.
• Some discrimination is invisible and hard to prove.
• Poor people may not be able to go to court.
• Laws are not always enforced strictly.

Yes, sometimes. For example, a person has the right to freedom of speech, but also the duty to promote harmony. If someone uses free speech to insult another religion, it goes against the duty of harmony. That is why rights have reasonable limits.

• Everyone feels included and that their voice matters.
• People of different religions, languages and cultures participate in decision-making.
• It reduces conflict and builds unity.
• Different ideas lead to better decisions for all.

Easier: People can get information quickly, give opinions on government policies, file complaints online and join discussions from remote areas.

Harder: Fake news, online bullying and hate speech can spread fast and divide people.

So technology helps citizenship only when we use it responsibly.

Life would be chaotic and unsafe. Roads and parks would be dirty, public property would be damaged, people would not obey laws or pay taxes and there would be no respect for others. Ultimately, nobody would be able to enjoy their rights either.

• Invite new or shy students to join games and groups.
• Help classmates who learn differently.
• Do not tease anyone about appearance, accent, language or money.
• Include books and activities in all languages.
• Support friends with disabilities and make sure facilities are accessible.

This violates the right to equality. Students and parents can talk to the principal and the school management. If not solved, they can complain to the education department. The school must allow girls to join.

This is child labour and violates the right against exploitation and the right to education. We can inform the teacher or principal, or call Childline 1098. The child should be rescued and brought back to school.