Thursday, June 30, 2011

Progress and Pitfalls of Indian Democracy in the last Fifty (or 64) Years


Rule of Law, enshrined in the basic philosophy of liberty, equality and fraternity and to be achieved by the government of the people, for the people and by the people, constitutes democracy in a society. After a few centuries of alien rule and subjugation, India ultimately achieved its hard-earned freedom in 1947 thanks to self-less efforts and sacrifices on the part of freedom fighters from different corners of the nation. 50 years of self-rule by 1997 (64 years by 2011) is not sufficiently a long period in the history of a gigantic sub-continent like India to feel highly jubilant about its achievements or get awe-struck at its failures, compared to other countries like U.S.A., China, U.S.S.R who were sovereign and independent for ages before the exit of English rule from India. All the same it is a fairly and substantial duration of time which can indicate the direction in which it is moving and the mid-course corrections needed to take this nation forward and to provide economic and social justice to each and every citizen atleast by the end of next 50 years.

Independent India has been immensely successful in checking large-scale famines and starvation deaths experienced in British rule from time to time. It has graduated from the nation of a major importer of food-grains to a self-sufficient economy within two decades and is now in a position to not only feed its ever-multiplying population but also export some surplus to other countries (198 million tons produced in 1994-95 and exported 10 million tons in 1995-96). Five-year plans were largely responsible for the level of industrialization it has achieved to the envy of several leading nations – establishment of large-scale and mega industries in steel, mines, petroleum, coal, power, textiles and medium and small scale industries scattered all over the country providing a strong base for the capital and consumer goods. A strong and enlightened scientific community has emerged over a period of time from the universities, I.C.A.R and C.S.I.R establishments. Umpteen number of technological institutes including I.I.Ts of international repute have sprung all over the places.

Comparatively law and order has been maintained peacefully without any major civil war as has been seen in the neighbourhood like Pakistan and Afghanistan recently. Luckily India is still one piece and in fact Sikkim has been added to its territory. And major uprising in places like J&K, Punjab and Assam has been contained and elected governments have been put on the saddle. External aggressions had been tackled satisfactorily. Elections have been held from time to time and the people had the authority to change governments at its will. A small aberration in the form of emergency in mid seventies had passed off quickly.

Freedom and democracy have been preserved, though of course at a heavy cost and slow progress in economic sphere. Probably due to its diversity and vastness of the area no authoritarian rule from any quarters could emerge so far despite several and vulnerable situations on its long journey during this period. Inspite of a few shortcomings the governments have successfully provided opportunities to the underprivileged sections of the populace with reservation in educational institutions and jobs. Many a family from these groups have come up and occupied respectable positions in politics and governments.

Political leaders and governmental authorities had however failed to appreciate the importance of controlled population growth and total literacy of its citizens. They dreamt of big things but forgot to safeguard the fundamentals of human progress with the result we are fast approaching a stage when we may touch a figure of 1000 millions by 2000 A.D (1200 millions by 2011) and overtake China within a decade or two as the most populace nation in the world. Countries who were in shambles and got freedom after us are now turning to be a model for us to follow.

What a shame! It is now all the more difficult to contain these two monsters for one or two decades. India is unable to provide safe drinking water and basic health care to its citizens even after 50 years (now 64 years). One-third of its population lives below the poverty line. Mega projects got attention whereas micro plans suffered a criminal neglect. Unemployment and underemployment of the work-force in both urban and rural areas has been the admitted defeat of successive governments both in the Centre and the states.

Standard of morality and probity in politics, education, business, bureaucracy and judiciary has touched the rock-bottom over these years and the people manning these institutions are no more able to carry conviction with the people. Every activity of theirs is taken with a pinch of salt and viewed with a bit of suspicion. God help our masters in the days to come and it would be nothing short of a miracle if the future governments really achieve any substantial progress in the short-run. Electorates are unable to decide the best rulers and now the things have come to such a pass that the minority governments are forced to rule in the Centre and in a few states. Hung Parliament and Hung Assemblies or coalition governments are going to be the order of the day hereafter.

Inspite of electoral frauds being committed in several places the majority of the voters are really aware whom to vote and how to sustain a well-meaning and clean government for five years at a stretch. Disparities of income and wealth are on the rise despite solemn objectives of all our plans and budgets year after year. Expectations of the people are aroused by false and ridiculous promises in the form of manifestos on the eve of elections which create chaos and confusion for the newly elected governments and the nexus between the politicians, criminals and bureaucrats has created havoc in the economic and social life of the people.

Society is torn into pieces on account of certain ugly factors like language, religion, castes, sectional and vested interests. Agitation, bandhs, strikes, closures, violence etc. are a daily occurrence in some part or the other. Interstate disputes over river-water are an endemic and eternal issue defying solution at all levels. Insurgency and militancy have become the regular phenomenon in certain pockets of the country. Demand for separate statehood has been on the rise in several places. Urbanisation and heavy migration from the rural areas have made life miserable for those already staying there and the people living in slums are leading a life worse than that of animals. When are we going to end all these ills afflicting our society with the present Constitution, Parliamentary form of government, Judicial system and the Bureaucracy is a big and one million dollar question for every Indian citizen to ponder and act quickly and earnestly.

India is a sleeping giant and if this giant is to be shaken up from its slumber, nothing short of an earthquake in the form of a second freedom struggle or peaceful revolution can ensure a return to safe and self rule for one and all – haves and have-nots. India, ‘a very paradise on earth’ (Max Mueller) is to be preserved for our posterity in full and fertile form at any cost. We should strive for the following as desired by the 14-point historic resolution “Agenda for India” adopted by 6-day Special Session of Parliament as concluded on 1st September:
• Calling for probity and accountability in public life

• Achieving universal primary education by 2005 A.D

• Ridding the polity of criminalization,

• Enforcing radical electoral reforms,

• Prudent management of the economy and

• A vigorous national campaign to check population growth

[ This article was written in the year 1997-98]

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