Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The adoption of Universal Adult Franchise was a foundational feature of the Indian Constitution (Article 326). It marked a significant departure from the colonial legacy and the historical trajectory of established Western democracies, reflecting the framers' faith in the democratic capacity of the Indian masses.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Constitution of India granted the right to vote to every adult citizen (originally 21 years and above, later reduced to 18 years by the 61st Amendment Act, 1989) regardless of caste, creed, religion, or gender. This was implemented immediately upon the commencement of the Constitution.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Granting universal adult franchise in a country with high poverty and illiteracy was not a common practice at that time. Most established democracies had introduced voting rights only after achieving higher levels of literacy and economic prosperity. India's decision was considered a "bold experiment" and was viewed with skepticism by many Western observers.
- Statement 3 is Correct: In established democracies like the United States and the United Kingdom, the right to vote was granted in stages.
- In the UK, voting rights were initially restricted to property owners, then extended to educated men, working-class men, and finally to women (fully in 1928).
- In the USA, despite early democratic ideals, voting rights were restricted by race and gender for a long time (e.g., women gained the vote in 1920, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was required to remove barriers for African Americans).
Key Takeaway
Universal Adult Franchise was adopted in India in a single step at the inception of the Republic, unlike Western democracies where suffrage evolved gradually over centuries based on property, education, and gender.