NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 PDF (Hindi): अधिकार

Chapter 5 of Class 11 Political Science Part 1 (Hindi Medium), titled अधिकार, deals with the idea of rights and why they are essential for a free and dignified life. This chapter explains what rights mean, how they differ from privileges, and why societies create laws to protect them. It also introduces students to different kinds of rights such as civil, political, and social rights, using simple explanations and everyday examples.

I am writing about this chapter because the word “rights” is often used in daily conversations, protests, debates, and even social media arguments, but many students do not clearly understand what counts as a right and what does not. Knowing this difference is important, especially in a democracy like India. This chapter helps students understand that rights are not just demands but legally and morally justified claims. It also explains why rights must be balanced with duties and responsibilities. For students preparing for board exams or competitive exams, this chapter builds a strong foundation for topics related to the Constitution, democracy, and citizenship.

What Are Rights?

Rights are justified claims that individuals can make on society and the state. They allow people to live with freedom, security, and self-respect. The chapter clearly explains that rights are not unlimited freedoms. They exist within a legal and moral framework so that one person’s freedom does not harm another.

Rights are important because they:

Protect individual freedom
Ensure equality before law
Prevent misuse of power
Help people participate in public life

Types of Rights Explained in the Chapter

The chapter talks about different categories of rights that are recognised in democratic societies.

Major Types of Rights

Type of Right	What It Includes
Civil Rights	Right to life, freedom of speech, equality before law
Political Rights	Right to vote, contest elections, form political groups
Social Rights	Right to education, health, and basic welfare
Economic Rights	Right to work, fair wages, and livelihood

These rights together ensure that freedom is not limited to paper but works in real life.

Legal Rights and Moral Rights

The chapter makes an important distinction between legal and moral rights. Legal rights are protected by law and can be enforced in courts. Moral rights are based on ethical values and social expectations, even if they are not written in law.

For example, the right to free speech is a legal right, while treating others with dignity is a moral responsibility. Both are necessary for a healthy society.

Rights and Responsibilities Go Together

One of the strongest messages in this chapter is that rights cannot exist without responsibilities. If citizens enjoy freedom of expression, they must also avoid spreading hatred or false information. If people demand equality, they must also respect others’ rights.

This balance is what keeps a democracy stable and fair.

Why Rights Are Crucial in a Democracy

In a democracy, citizens are not subjects; they are active participants. Rights allow people to question the government, demand accountability, and express opinions without fear. The chapter explains that without rights, democracy would lose its meaning and power would remain concentrated in a few hands.

NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 PDF Download (Hindi Medium)

Students can download the official NCERT PDF by following these steps:

Visit the official NCERT website
Click on E-Books
Select Class 11
Choose Political Science
Open Political Theory – Part 1 (Hindi Medium)
Click on Chapter 5: अधिकार
Download the PDF for regular study and revision

Using the official NCERT PDF ensures accuracy and alignment with the current syllabus.

NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 PDF (Hindi): सामाजिक न्याय

Chapter 4 of Class 11 Political Science Part 1 (Hindi Medium), titled सामाजिक न्याय, focuses on the idea of fairness in society and how justice can be ensured for all sections of people. This chapter explains that social justice is not only about laws but also about correcting long-standing inequalities that exist due to caste, class, gender, and economic background. It highlights how unequal access to resources creates unfair advantages for some and lifelong struggles for others.

From debates on reservation to discussions on minimum wages, education access, and welfare schemes, the idea of social justice shapes public policy in India. Students often hear strong opinions on these issues but may not clearly understand the reasoning behind them. This chapter helps learners see why special policies are sometimes necessary to achieve fairness. It also encourages critical thinking by asking whether treating everyone equally is always just. Understanding this chapter helps students connect classroom theory with real social challenges and develop a more balanced and informed viewpoint.

What Is Social Justice?

Social justice refers to a fair arrangement of social, economic, and political institutions so that every individual can live with dignity. It recognises that people do not start life from the same position, and therefore equal treatment may not always result in equal outcomes.

Social justice aims to:

Reduce social and economic inequalities
Protect the rights of disadvantaged groups
Ensure fair access to opportunities
Promote dignity and self-respect for all

Why Social Justice Matters in a Democracy

A democratic society is based on the idea that every citizen matters. If large sections of society remain poor, uneducated, or marginalised, democracy becomes weak.

This chapter explains that social justice is essential because:

It strengthens equality and freedom
It prevents exploitation and discrimination
It promotes social harmony
It builds trust in democratic institutions

Without social justice, political rights alone cannot ensure real freedom.

Means to Achieve Social Justice

The chapter discusses several tools used by governments to promote social justice.

Key Measures Explained

Measure	Purpose
Reservation Policies	To improve representation of disadvantaged groups
Welfare Schemes	To support health, education, and basic needs
Minimum Wage Laws	To protect workers from exploitation
Free or Subsidised Education	To reduce inequality in learning opportunities

These measures are designed to reduce historical disadvantages rather than create new inequalities.

Social Justice and Equality

Social justice goes beyond legal equality. While laws may treat everyone equally, social justice looks at real-life conditions.

For example:

A child from a poor family may need scholarships to continue education
Marginalised communities may need special protection to access opportunities

The chapter makes it clear that fairness sometimes requires different treatment based on need.

Criticism and Debates Around Social Justice

The chapter also encourages students to think critically. Some people argue that policies like reservation affect merit, while others believe they are necessary to balance social inequalities. Understanding both sides helps students develop informed opinions rather than emotional reactions.