India is the world's largest democracy. We are among those few newly independent nations where democracy survived all odds. People cherish this. But there are people who say, democracy is leading us to nowhere. So, what are the reasons for this?
Lets see, why democracy failed India.
Should we blame democracy for everything?
Democracy, as a system, is working well in many other countries especially the developed ones (USA, UK etc.,). So the system is not flawed, the people are!
What fails democracy in India?
Systems don't change overnight. So, all we can do is to wait and watch.
Democracy is virtuous because it is self-correcting. Democracy gives voice to everybody. We are a society of diverse interests and needs within religions, within castes, within regions, and within states.
A dictatorship can at most address some interests eventually promoting its own interests (interest of majority / some minority). Dictatorship stifles dissent. Who knows someday, our opponent becomes the dictator and tries some fancy idea of eliminating every one belonging to our race/caste/ community/religion!
Local self government was a distant dream in 1947, however, by 1992 its a constitutional institution. Lokpal and Lokayuktha are on their way. Election reforms are helping democracy to get on track. A proactive Supreme Court is supporting and furthering democratic ideals.
Democracy offers hope. Hope to the minorities- tribals, linguistic and cultural minorities, to the poor and downtrodden, to the thinkers, to the activists.
" Democracy is good. I say this because other systems are worse."- Jawaharlal Nehru
Lets see, why democracy failed India.
- Immature electorate: People are poor and illiterate. They vote for leaders who give them money, liquor, and in some cases TV sets! So there is a fundamental flaw in electing the leader itself. We can't expect such leaders to be genuinely concerned about the well being of people.
- Corrupted politicians: Most of the politicians have a powerful background. They use wealth and muzzle power to come to power. Further, promote their interest by holding power. Common man is helpless in this situation. Then democracy is nothing better than an oligarchy/dictatorship.
- Poor state of development: India is a poor state in many aspects.
- Poverty: India's poverty rate is 21.9% according to 2011 census. It is a huger number, given India's population size.
- Illiteracy: With 34% illiterate population, India is home to one in every 3 illiterate persons of the world.
- Health: One doctor serves a population of 11,082, which is 10 times more that WHO recommended doctor-population ratio of 1:1000. Government expenditure for health care is among the lowest in the world.
- Economic inequalities: In 2017 alone top 1% of population cornered 73% of the addition to the wealth occurred. A year ago the top 1% owned 58% of wealth generated. Clearly, the change is phenomenal and increasing - Oxfam Report, WEF. So the super-awesome growth rate of India has a little meaning to the masses.
Should we blame democracy for everything?
Democracy, as a system, is working well in many other countries especially the developed ones (USA, UK etc.,). So the system is not flawed, the people are!
What fails democracy in India?
- Petty politics have always slowed down developmental initiatives.
- Poverty and illiteracy perpetuate themselves by choosing wrong leaders.
- Caste and religious sentiments distort the democratic and welfare spirit.
Systems don't change overnight. So, all we can do is to wait and watch.
Democracy is virtuous because it is self-correcting. Democracy gives voice to everybody. We are a society of diverse interests and needs within religions, within castes, within regions, and within states.
A dictatorship can at most address some interests eventually promoting its own interests (interest of majority / some minority). Dictatorship stifles dissent. Who knows someday, our opponent becomes the dictator and tries some fancy idea of eliminating every one belonging to our race/caste/ community/religion!Local self government was a distant dream in 1947, however, by 1992 its a constitutional institution. Lokpal and Lokayuktha are on their way. Election reforms are helping democracy to get on track. A proactive Supreme Court is supporting and furthering democratic ideals.
Democracy offers hope. Hope to the minorities- tribals, linguistic and cultural minorities, to the poor and downtrodden, to the thinkers, to the activists.
" Democracy is good. I say this because other systems are worse."- Jawaharlal Nehru
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