1. Challenges to Democracy
Democracy has no Challenger
But
Has Challenges

2. A difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress.
What is a Challenge?
A difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress.

3. Foundational Challenge Challenge of Expansion Challenge of Deepening
The Challenges
Foundational Challenge
Challenge of Expansion
Challenge of Deepening

4. The Foundational Challenge
It’s found in those countries where Democracy is not there
How to overcome this Challenge?
Bring down non Democratic Form of Govt.
Keep the Military away
Establish a sovereign and functional state

5. The Challenge of Expansion
Most Democracies face this Challenge
How to overcome this Challenge?
Democratic Principles
Regions
Institutions
Social Groups
Women

6. The Challenge of Expansion
How to overcome this Challenge?
Less and less decision should remain outside the areas of democratic control.
In essence, this challenge can be overcome if Democracy becomes more inclusive.

7. The Challenge of Expansion
Visible steps taken in India
Division of Power between the Central Government and the State Govts.
Reserved seats for SCs/STs and OBCs
Poverty Alleviation Programmes

8. The Challenge of Deepening
All Democracies face this Challenge
How to Overcome this Challenge?
Strengthening the Institutions and practice of Democracy
People should be able to realise their expectations
Bring down the control of the Rich and the Powerful in Decision making Process

9. The Challenge of Deepening
Why is it difficult to overcome?
People have different expectations
Expectations vary from country to country
Also varies from time to time
The best way is to strengthen those institutions of Democracy that help People’s participation and Control

10. The Challenge of Deepening
Visible steps taken in India
AAP consulted people in Delhi before forming the Government
RTI and RTE
Lokpal

11. Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms
There cannot be a ready made solution
Challenges vary with Space and Time
What is a relevant solution can become obsolete tomorrow
Solution for one Democracy may not apply to another

12. Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms
Some Broad Suggestions
Legal Constitutional Changes
Quality of Political Practice
Role of Pressure Groups, Movements, Media and Citizens

13. Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms
Legal Constitutional Changes
It’s tempting to think about these changes.
Should be carefully designed to encourage Good practice and discourage Bad practice

14. Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms
Legal Constitutional Changes
3. If not carefully thought of, it can become counter productive
Examples:
LBW has improved the quality of Cricket playing because the law was accepted by all stake holders –Players, Coaches and Administrators.

15. Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms
Legal Constitutional Changes
Examples:
b) RTI is one such carefully thought of Legal change.
c) Some states banned persons having more than 2 children from contesting elections. This was carefully thought. It snatched away the basic Right to Represent

16. Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms
Quality of Political Practice
The principle way to reform Politics is to strengthen Democratic Practice.
There is a need to increase and improve the quality of political practice by ordinary citizens

17. Political Reforms/Democracy Reforms
Role of Pressure Groups, Movements, Media and Citizens
Political parties don’t pass laws that go against their interest.
So, its necessary to think not only of good solution but also who implements them.
Hence, citizens organisations, political movements and media are likely to succeed.

18. That’s it. The rest in the Class