STRENGTH OF INDIAN DEMOCRACY

The word democracy is originated from Greek words "demos"  meaning common people and kratos  meaning power.Democracy has been described as a system of government in which laws ,policies, leadership and major undertakings of a state or other polity are directly or indirectly decided by the "people ". The group historically consttituted by only a minority of the population.In ancient society democracy in rude form was practiced by tribal communities especially among hunter gatheres in prehistoric period. During the evolution of present democracy initially only the rich propertied adult males in ancient Athens and similar propertied adult males in the 19 th century Britain were allowed to vote.However by mid 20th century nearly all adult citizens were invariably permitted to take part in the democratic process. Under democracy the rulers are elected by the people to form the Government and  hence the  final decision making is done by the people.India termed as the largest practising democracy in the world has been witnessing regular elections  in the country impacting different layers of the Government namely, at Union ,State and local bodies and the elected representatives of people form the union federal and local governments. Our constitution is responsible for the existing federal structure of  the country including,formation of Panchayats and other local self Governments. 

Democratic governments prevent rule by autocrats,guarantees fundamental individual rights,provides relatively higher level of political equality largely avoiding conflicts. They also generally nurture and foster human development through better health, education and higher standard of living.In a democracy people expect the government to work for their welfare. It gives room to correct the mistakes of the past.In a democracy people expect the government to work for the welfare of the people by correcting the earlier mistakes. It protects the interest of citizens, promote equality and prevents monopoly of authority. It makes a responsible and stable administration by imparting political education to the people  and  promoting change .In practice the disadvantages of democracy is largely in corruption, favouritism and wrong choice of priorities and public servants.During the elections,process their can be both malpractices and immoral activities. 

Resilience of both Indian constitution and democratic institutions deserves well articulated approach.Importance of autonomy and role of civil society are indispensable for the success of democracy. Unfortunately corruption in public life is rampant in many parts of the country. Corruption is also rampant acoss dealings in land or property,health or education, commerce or industry, agriculture, transport, police or even religious institutions. Corruption continues to exist intertwined with political, Bureaucratic and business or corporate sectors. Corruption in electoral processes and bribing of voters who participate in elections are frequently done openly with scant regard for the rule of law or its consequences. Another issue faced by Indian democracy has been termed as crimnalisation of politics which is largely debatable. People with no faith in democratic values and procedures indulge in violence and electoral malpractices. With regard to gender development evidence suggest that patriarchal policies adversely affect women's participation and development. Despite the success of women's reservation at the local bodies extension of it to parliament still remains a distant dream.Experts observed that the success of democracy depends on political freedom, political consciousness, political education, economic and social security, sound party system, independence of press media and judiciary, decentralization of power and overall free and independent elections. Leaders in general and top national leaders in particular should have moral values and integrity. With regard to free and fair elections the discrepancy reported between the votes recorded in the booth and later showed in the EVMs must be addressed seriously. Either EVMs should be technically upgraded to make it  both tamper proof and transparent or  return back to the traditional ballot system. With regard to the suggestion for state funding of elections to make elections free and fair though ideal,  bigger parties may not subscribe to that.In any case high inequality of  income and wealth along with crony capitalism is impacting both democratic process and economic policy making in the country. Democracy will be more effective when poverty and unemployment are removed and better health and education facilities are available to all.