Gandhiji strongly believed that every adult in India should be given the right to vote. However, a few people don’t share his views. They feel that illiterate people, who are mainly poor, should not be given the right to vote. What do you think? Do you think this would be a form of discrimination? Give five points to support your view and share these with the class.

These points align with principles of inclusivity, equality, and the importance of civic participation:

1. Equal Citizenship Rights:
» Denying the right to vote based on literacy status goes against the principle of equal citizenship rights. In a democracy, every citizen, regardless of educational background, should have an equal say in choosing their representatives and participating in the decision-making process.

2. Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities:
» Illiteracy is often linked to socioeconomic factors, and denying voting rights to illiterate individuals would disproportionately affect the economically disadvantaged. Instead of perpetuating existing disparities, empowering all citizens to participate in the democratic process can contribute to a more inclusive and just society.

3. Promoting Inclusivity:
» A fundamental principle of democracy is inclusivity, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are heard. Excluding illiterate individuals from the electoral process hinders the goal of representing the entire population. Inclusivity strengthens the democratic system by considering the needs and concerns of all citizens.

4. Education as a Right, Not a Prerequisite:
» Education is a fundamental right, and efforts should be directed toward improving literacy rates rather than using literacy as a criterion for voting eligibility. Denying the right to vote based on education status could perpetuate a cycle of disenfranchisement, making it harder for marginalized communities to advocate for their educational rights.

5. Potential for Discrimination:
» Using literacy as a criterion for voting rights has the potential to be discriminatory, as it disproportionately affects certain groups. Such a policy may perpetuate societal inequalities, reinforcing the notion that only those with a certain level of education are deemed worthy of participating in the democratic process.
Encouraging universal suffrage, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, promotes a more inclusive, just, and equitable society. It reflects a commitment to the principles of democracy, where every individual, regardless of their educational background, has the right and responsibility to contribute to the governance of the nation.