Is India a matured democracy?

Indian model of government today is widely appreciated and recognized

in the world. Even some countries seek to adopt some of the feature of
its system. Indian scholar, academician and other proponents have also
frequently emphasized its practicability in countries with diverse socio-
economic backgrounds. They do not lose any opportunity of showing
India as matured democracy that has passed the test of time. While
there is long journey to pass through to reach culmination of
maturation, there are certain facts favoring Indians claim and some
impediments questioning it.

A matured democracy

Democracy is not only about political system elected by people, it is lot

more. It is about freedom of choice for every individual. Of course,
freedom cannot be absolute and hence freedom with reasonable
restriction is better connotation of freedom. Freedom is ensured by
political system elected by people, recognizing certain natural and
human rights, having independent judiciary for redressal, citiazen-centric
administration and proper checks and balance between the organs of
government. Restriction of freedom is explained by the social contract
that posits individuals have consented to surrender sum of their
freedom and submit to the authority of ruler in exchange of protection of
their remaining rights. Democracy is further strengthened by involving
the people in government decision making, possibly involving them in
political affairs.

A democracy can be said to be matured if, in my opinion, it is has the

following characteristics:

a) Long history of survival

b) Not only has survived but improved, innovatiing new principles of
democratic participation compatible with the changing world
dynamics.
c) Prospects of its survival are favorable

Democracy in India
India is founded on the strong principle of democracy. Even indian
struggle for freedom was more for democracy than independence from
colonial rule. It adopted the parliamentary democracy with universal
adult franchise, Unitary system with federal features, taking in accounts
its diverseness. It has written constitution with fundamental rights as its
core consideration. Thus it has a democratic political system along with
recognition of human rights enforced through by various means such as
granting fundamental rights, civil right, and statutory rights and so on.
All the more, people participation in government is on wide scale these
days through various methods. For example, taking Policy feedback from
public, having conferences with people and media, consensus
conferences, publication, Social audit, 72 nd and 73rd constitutional
amendments and so on. Perhaps Economic liberalization, privatization
and globalization can also be considered a big step in that direction since
it reduced the regulatory power of state in economic affairs of people,
and also giving people a scope for deciding their own course in regard to
economic liberty.

India fulfills most of the characteristics of matured democracy though

with slight variations. It has survived the 6 decades of independence
despite the political crisis in 70s and, thereafter, shaky coalition politics.
When the countries that adopted presidential system- for ex, Pakistan,
Srilanka, Maldives, and other African countries- have been struggling for
stability, India came out wining with stable and progressive nation.
Surely, it has passed the test of time and Indians have been successfully
finding out innovative solution for unfortunate problems considering their
own particularistic needs and aspirations of people. Six decades of
survival and progression are not less to claim for maturation.

India has built up a lot over the foundations creating by founding fathers.
Constitution has witnessed more than 100 amendments for suiting the
changing realities and thus ensuring democracy. Fundamental rights
have been expanded with ensuring the rights of vulnerable and
backwards classes and sections. New modes of governance such as
Public private partnership, Service orientation, right based laws, citizen
charter, social audit, development administration involving panchayti raj
institutions, creation of new state , and so on are the steps in building
up sound democratic credentials.

However, when we consider the prospect of its survival as democracy,

clearly, it has great potential but there are problems that lessen its
assertion. Corruption that has entrenched in socio-politico-administrative
culture questions the governing principle of India. Hopefully, Lokpal Act
will help to reduce it thought is culture that needs to instill zero-
tolerance for corrupt practices. When democracy is increasingly favoring
the Urban India, mass population especially rural India is largely not able
to bear its fruits, and continue to struggle with poverty and illiteracy,
precluding their participation in political activities other than election.
Thus, inclusive democracy cannot be achieved till education and
employment is given to rural masses.

On this account, it can be said that the path to maturation is far away
and can only become achievable once problems of corruption, illiteracy,
and poverty have been resolved.

Written by

Padam Singh