Published Paper Details:

The concept of "Equality", has always been a topic of greater discussion and argument. Almost all the countries in the world have had a group of people or community that has faced unequal treatment or discrimination, so this concept is related worldwide. In Western society, unequal treatment was usually based on class, and here, in Indian society, it was based on caste almost every country whether Western, European, Asian, etc, has seen inequality based on gender. To understand the term "Equality", one needs to understand its meaning, Equality is the fairness, sameness, identity, and uniformity in the treatment provided to people. Equality, as Laski says is "coherence of ideas". Equality doesn't mean that there must be economic equality, it means that even though one is poor and the other one is rich justice must be served equally not based on the status or how strong the person financially is. In India Equality is a very important and crucial concept, as after centuries of unequal treatment based on caste, religion, gender, race, and place of birth the need for equal treatment to all after independence was felt. The makers of the constitution added the Right to Equality in Fundamental Rights, which extends from Article 14 to Article 18. Here, equality is defined in two ways, the first being equality before the law and the other one being equal protection of the law. The other concept that prevails is "Equity", it may sound similar to equality and it is somewhat the same, but there exists a very crucial difference. "Equality", basically means the same treatment for everyone, without seeing the economic status, gender, caste, or class, whereas, "Equity", is treating people somewhat differently but based on the needs or abilities to provide equal opportunity. However, none of the above concepts guarantee equality of outcomes. The principle of "Equity" is based on the thought that equality cannot be achieved if everyone is treated in the same manner, it can thus, be achieved if people are treated equitably. The concept is basically to uplift the weaker section and provide the opportunity. As said "Equals should be treated equally, one cannot treat unequal like equals". It is a kind of positive discrimination, reasonable classification, and reasonable discrimination. The best example of equity in India is the reservation system. The Study will focus on the basic concept of equity and Equality, with special focus on reservations and gender differences. It will also highlight the key areas of differences of equity and equality.