PRESENTED BY S. K. GUPTA T.G.T. (S.St. ) K.V. No. 2,OFDR, PUNE

OBJECTIVES 1. Introduction to the difficult question of evaluating the functioning of democracy, 2. Develop the skills of evaluating Indian democracy on some key dimensions; development, security and dignity for the people. 3. Understand the causes for the continuation of democracy in India.

Why we prefer democracy We felt that democracy is better because it  Promotes equality among citizens;  Enhances the dignity of the individual;  Improves the quality of decision making;  Provides a method to resolve conflicts; and  Allow room to correct mistakes.

EVALUTION OF THE WORKING OF PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IN INDIA 1. Dominance of One Political Party (Congress) for a long time- from 1950 to 1977, , ,2004-contd. ; 2. Social and economic Inequality – Discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, creed and sex 3. Poverty – About 38% people live below the poverty line. 4. Unemployment – Millions of people are either unemployed or under- employed. They loses faith in democracy and starts indulging in bad activities like theft, robbery and even to sell their votes. 5. Casteism –Nomination of candidates by parties, voter cast their votes on caste lines, formation of Govt. caste factor play an important role. 6. Communalism – 6. Communalism –Leads to communal violence and riots which pose a great danger to national unity. Illiteracy 7. Illiteracy- India’s 40% people are illiterate.An illiterate person has no knowledge of his right and duties and so can not exercise them properly. Multiple Party System 8. Multiple Party System – 6 -National parties, 36 – regional parties, 612 non recognised p. 20 political parties – NDA – Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee 24 political parties – UPA - Mrs. Sonia Gandhi

EVALUTION OF THE WORKING OF PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IN INDIA Election are very expensive.9. Election are very expensive - Political Parties are not Organised on Healthy and Sound Principles 10. Political Parties are not Organised on Healthy and Sound Principles - Defective Election System Congress party 11. Defective Election System – in 1980, Lok Sabha-351 out of 525, but 42.6% vote- Congress party, in1984, Congress party bagged 78.4% Seats but 49.3% votes. Poor Quality of Legislators Poor Quality of Legislators - Lack of Free and Honest Press – 13. Lack of Free and Honest Press – Problem of Linguism, Regionalism and Provincialism 14. Problem of Linguism, Regionalism and Provincialism -22 recognised language in our Constitution. Violence -_ 15. Violence -_ The two of our late Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Mr. Rajiv Gandhi became victims of political violence.

FACTORS STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC TRADITIONS  The Preamble  Fundamental Rights and Directive Principle of state policy  Responsible Government  Universal Adult Franchise  Provision for Election Commission  Rule of Law

EXTRA – CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS - Democratic Legacy  Democratic Legacy  Leadership of great leaders  Awakening of the People  Economic Plans  Faith in Constitutional Means  Role of opposition Parties