Democracy is a way of life. It’s not only about governments and rights. It is also about what we as individuals and as groups do every day that contribute to society and make it a better place to live. In India it is also about Nation building.
The common belief is that the four pillars of democracy are Legislature, Executive, Judiciary and the Press (Media). I would say that the people are the strongest and most important pillar of a democracy. This aspect, more often than not, eludes all discussion.
Here is the major lacuna in our democracy. In India only half the eligible voters register. About a third of those registered exercise their franchise. The legislature thus represent about seventeen percent of the population. The Government is formed by those elected by about nine percent of the population. These percentages may have got mixed up but the fact is the people of India who are the perpetrators of our democracy are conspicuous by their absence from participation. The representation aspect though exists technically is practically non existent. A comparison of Democarcy in India with that of any other country, on a fixed template, to say the least is a non starter.
In such a system vested interests and self seeking politicians rule the roost. Hence governance is the casualty – not by default but by design.
Hey Indian, where are you and what is your contribution to democracy and governance?
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