DAMODARAM SANJIVAYYA NATIONAL LAW

UNIVERSITY

VISAKHAPATNAM, A. P., INDIA.

PROJECT TITLE:

DEMOCRATISATION AND THE CHANGE IN THE INDIAN SOCIETY

SUBJECT:

POLITICAL SCIENCE

NAME OF THE FACULTY:

Ms. T. NIRMALA DEVI

NAME OF THE STUDENT:

P. AMRUTHA GAYATHRI

ROLL NO:

2017070

SEMESTER – I
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am highly indebted to my Hon’ble Political Science Professor, Ms. T.Y.NIRMALA DEVI, for
giving me a wonderful opportunity to work on the topic: “DEMOCRATISATION AND THE
CHANGE IN THE INDIAN SOCIETY”, and it is because of her excellent knowledge,
experience and guidance, this project is made with great interest and effort. I would also like to
thank my seniors who have guided my novice knowledge of doing research on such significant
topic. I would also take this as an opportunity to thank my parents for their support at all times. I
have no words, to express my gratitude to each and every person who have guided and suggested
me while conducting my research work.
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PROJECT SYNOPSIS

Type of review: In the present context the method followed is secondary review is all sorts of
information have been collected from secondary sources.

Literature Review: The Primary Literature that has been reviewed while going through this
research topic is Books and Web sources.

Scope of the project: The scope of this paper is limited to an analysis on Democratisation
and the change happened on the Indian society.

Research Methodology: The method of doctrinal research has been followed.

Hypothesis: The change before and after Democratization and the impact of Democratization
on the Indian society is explained here.
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ABSTRACT
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………
2.
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INTRODUCTION

Democratization is the transition to a more democratic political regime. It also refers to

substantive political changes moving in a democratic direction. It may be the transition from
an authoritarian regime to a full democracy, a transition from an authoritarian political system to
a semi-democracy or transition from a semi-authoritarian political system to a democratic
political system. The outcome may be consolidated (as it was in the United Kingdom) or
democratization may face frequent reversals (as it was in Argentina). Different patterns of
democratization are often used to explain other political phenomena, such as whether a country
goes to a war or whether its economy grows. Democratization itself is influenced by various
factors, including economic development, history, and civil society. The ideal result from
democratization is to ensure that the people have the right to vote and have a voice in their
political system.

In this form, change ceases to be viewed as a normal social process; it is transformed into an
ideology that change is in itself desirable and must be sought for. This introduces non-scientific
elements in the evaluation of social change in India, elements of which are found in many
studies. Authors of these studies evaluate change or non-change in India from their own moral or
ideological view-points.

The Indian rural society has undergone considerable change in the recent past, particularly since
the Independence as a result of a series of the land reform legislations that have accelerated the
pace of this change. India has a rich cultural heritage and is a land of diversities. The diversity in
social life is reflected in multi-social, multi-lingual, multi- religious and multi-caste nature of the
society. The important features of the Indian social structure are- predominant rural habitation in
small villages; multi-religious and multi-caste social identities and important role of family in the
social life.
MEANING
The process of democratisation involves a smooth, often peaceful and non-violent changeover
from authoritarianism or Semi-authoritarianism and totalitarianism to a democratic political
system, having certain well-recognised in-built features, such as. Rule by the People, universal
Adult suffrage (UAS), regular elections held at periodic intervals to elect representatives to the
National and State Legislatives as well as Urban and Rural Bodies, Rule of Law, A civil Society,
Guaranteed Liberty, Equality and Justice, constitutionally recognized and protected
Fundamental Rights and Duties, a constitutional government, accountability to the people and
above all, an impartial and independent Judiciary.

An Authoritarian or Autocratic State has a proximity to Totalitarianism, An

Authoritarian Regime is well known for its restricted liberty for the people, absence of a

recognized opposition and other Parliamentary institutions, a controlled constitution

and a squeezed freedom of press. Justice in authoritarianism is a misnomer, it is never

impartial and independent.

In authoritarian regime power to rule stays with a small group of people who are either a small

group of military top brass or regimented party-high-command. Besides the military top brass,

Bureaucrats, religious chieftains, god-heads. One-party Boss tend to and authoritarianism. Even
instances are found in history that military men like Ataturk may carry out deep cultural
revolutions in an authoritarian regime.

A few noted examples of authoritarian regime are —Argentina under Juan Parson, Pakistan

under General Zia, Spain under general Franco, Portugal under Salazar, Mao’s one-party rule in
Peoples Republic of China (RPC). India under Mrs. Indira Gandhi (between 1975-77)1

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FEATURES

Following features of an Authoritarian State have been identified by Allan R Ball in his book
“Modern Politics and Government”

1. Restrictions are imposed on Political Parties and their participation in elections and political
process.

2. Universal Adult Suffrage is clamped.

3. Physical force and coercion are often used to obtain political uniformity and ensure
unqualified obedience to the Ruler.

4. Mass media and mass communication (Print and Electronic Media) are ruthlessly suppressed
and there liberty of expression is curtailed.

5. Citizen’s Liberty is arbitrarily throttled never to raise a voice of protest against Ruler’s
arbitrariness and tyranny.

6. The Ruling Party and its top leaders exercise political power, uncontrolled by law and
constitution.

7. In authoritarian regime, the basis to rule is found either in a traditional political elite or a small

body of selected elites or the chief of the Army, sky-rocketed to the seat of power through a
military cowp.2

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Authoritarianism of this variety includes States with traditional ruling-elites, like the emperors

and the Princes, found in Saudi- Arabia, Ethiopia and Nepal, Military Rule in Nigeria or
authoritarian Civilian Governments in Algeria and Egypt are two other examples.

NATURE OF DEMOCRACY

Democracy acclaimed in the recent years as the most popular form of Govt. owes its origin to

Greak City States. Democracy is not merely a form of government it is also a form of state a
form of society and above all a way of life.

People in a Democracy, enjoy the sovereign or supreme authority to rule, preferably with the

frame work of a written constitution. (England) is the sole exception). Total find pride in their
enjoyment of constitutionally recognized Liberty, Equality and justice.

Liberty is fully ensured and protected by an impartial and independent judiciary. Will of the

people is the basis of the Democratic Government and the elected government is answerable to

the people (Electorate) at large. People enjoy the democratic right to unseat an elected unpopular
Government and replace it by a newly elected Government.3

This Charge of Guard takes place smoothly and peacefully at periodic intervals preferably,

though direct elections on the basis of ‘Universal Adult Suffrage and ‘one-man-one-vote’ basis.

Democracy is also a way of life. Every democratic society stands on seven well-built rock-like

pillars such as Liberty, Equality, Justice, Fraternity, Freedom of Press, Self esteem. Individual’s
dignity and worth and finally national unity and Integrity.

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People in Democracy discourage violence, terrorization and extremism in all forms and they

fight for the sanctity of Individuals’ Rights and Duties, and settlement of disputes though
peaceful means and constitutional strategies.

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Thus, every Democratic society comprises democratisation of individuals way of life vis-a-vis

the state. Each individual duty bound must pay respect for is neighbours status and dignity, must

generate “fraternal love and affection” and a friendly approach regardless of others social status
and wealth.

People in England, the US, Canada have promoted among themselves the democratic way of life
to live together peacefully within the framework of a democratic government.

Democratic Society and Democratic way of life are as much inalienable as the Democratic way

of life and the Democratic polity. No compartmentalization can separate one from the rest. They

have a necessity to coexist because one is indispensable for the other. People’s democratic life
style and way of life ultimately make the polity and society democratic.

Democracy as a form of Government is a derivative of two Greek words. ‘Demos’ (People) and
Kratos (Rule) which imply the Rule by the people or Rule of the People.

The term ‘Democracy’ has been variously defined Aristotle calls its the perverted form of polity

or the government by many or ‘Rule of the Many’ The former U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln

has given a very easy to understand meaning by Democracy that it is a Government of the
people, by the people and for the people. This definition has become popular among the masses.
SEELY defined it as a “government in which everyone has a share.” It is a kind of ‘Peoples

government’ based on the doctrine of ‘Do it yourself or ‘Choosing for yourself or ‘Self
direction’.4

In a rigid sense, Democracy or a Government by all people, broadly means and proposes to mean
‘Unanimous decision by all’ which is rather a political impossibility.

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Types of Democracy:
On the basis how do people exercise their political power or power to rule in a Democracy, it

(Democracy) may be Direct or Pure and Indirect or Representative. It requires a short

description.

In PURE or Direct Democracy, all citizens of the locality or City State assemble at a stipulated

place (preferably in open-Air assembly and time to adopt governmental decision. This Pure type
of democracy prevalent earlier in the ancient Greek city States of Athens.

All decisions were being taken as a whole or body in the Open-Air Assembly attended by all

adult male citizens of the City State. Women, slaves and aliens had no access to the Open-

Assembly. But, pure Democracy was found impracticable except in a small polity and soon it
disappeared.5

Pure Democracy is now found in only five small Swiss cantons, where all adult citizens (voters)

assemble, in an Open-Air Parliament (called Landsygemeinde) for the purpose of “Voting taxes,
adopting legislative and administrative regulations.”

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Thus, Pure or Direct Democracy envisages formulation of the will of the State through the
people in the “Mass-Meeting’ or the “Primary Assembly.”

DEMOCRATIC IDEALS OR SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIZATION

PROCESS

Democracy believes in the maximisation or citizen’s liberty within reasonable restriction. In a

Democracy liberty and equality go together and liberty without equality is meaningless. No
democracy can survive without Liberty and Equality.

Fraternity happens to be the other closest companion of Democracy. Fraternity or brotherhood of

Mankind believes in One’s responsibility towards his neighbours or responsibility of one for
another in the community.”

Justice as the fourth democratic ideals mean fairness or fairness in treatment of all citizens at
socio-economic and political levels.

Devices or Mechanisms Associated with Democratisation

Process:
Government through Discussion Debates and discussions on major issues and constructive

criticism of the Government’s policies on the floor of the House by the opposition groups

strengthen democratic structure and policy. In Britain, where Parliamentary Democracy is said to

have been born first on this earth, all major decisions are taken and all major problem are sorted
out through debates in the British Parliament.

Her Majesty’s Govt. (HMG) and Her Magisity’s Opposition (HMO) lay down their view points

before a policy of the govt. gets the Parliaments seal of approval. Neither Majority’s view is
imposed nor minority’s view is ignored in a democratic polity.6

2. In a democracy, revolts within the party structure is welcome Rebels and their dissenting

voices have to be pacified and accommodated through negotiation and mutual understanding.

But the cabinet has always the final and best option to carry with it the unqualified support of its

own party’s ‘Back Benchers both inside and outside the House to defuse any unwanted intra-
party revolt.

3. The Opposition through its constructive criticism arbitraniess disarms the tyrany of the

majority and arbtrariness of the ruling party. But, not always the opposition’s claims are genuine.

Often, they oppose just for the sake of opposition. Walkout, Dharanas, heated discussions
physical assault on the floor of the house very often paralyses the functioning of the House.

It is true that use violence is never a rational strategy of opposition to ventilate their grievances.

The opposition through constructive criticisms and intelligent strategies can force the

government to rectify its wrong decisions and anti-people policies so as to make the Government
more public service-oriented than being the people masters.

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Another device of the democratic government is the “Separation of Powers.” It implies the

compartmentalization of the legislation, executive and judicial functions of the Government. The

U.S. has successfully implemented the principle of Separation of Powers and checks and Balance
Mechanism for more than two and half centuries.

Protection and recognition of Minority’s socio-cultural and educational rights make

democratization Process successful.

A constitutional government based on ‘Rule of law’ is the most essential device for

democratization process. Freedom of Press and judicial independence are also two other genuine
devices for effective democratization Process.

Democratisation and Local Governance:

The success of Democratisation process largely depends upon the smooth and efficient working

of local self governing bodies, both at rural and urban level. It is true that there is no better
substitute for self-government.

Harold Laski has rightly said, Local self-governments help to cultivate civic responsibility

among citizens and coordinate harmonious collaboration in common administration of common

interest. Grass root level democracy acts as a training ground for future political leadership and
efficient democratisation.7

In Indian Context:
Art 40 of our constitution provides for establishment of Gram Panchayats at the village level.

Later, in 1957 on the recommendation of the Balwantray Meheta Committee three-tier Panchayat

Bodies have been installed all over India. The Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) started
functioning in Orissa since October 1961.

Presently the three-tier pyramidal structures of PRIs in India include. Gram Panchayats at village
level. Blocks and Zilla Parishads at Block and district level respectively.

The PRI’s got a massive constitutional recognition with the enactment of 73rd constitution

Amendment Act 1993 which brought about sea-changes in their structure, composition and

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autonomy in working. Now SCs, STs & Women have got adequate representation in PRIs at all
levels, leading to under-democratisation at the rural level.

The Gram Panchayats have imparted the first lesson of citizenship and democracy to the rural

folk. The 74th Constitution Amendment Act, 1993 has also adequately modernized and

revamped the structure and style of function of the Urban Local Bodies, such as Corporation,
Municipalities and the NAC’s.

DEMOCRATISATION AND THE CHANGE IN INDIAN SOCIETY

The study of social change, in view of the nebulous nature of its theory is a difficult task, and it
is more difficult in the case of a society like India which has not only a fathomless historical
depth and plurality of traditions but is also engulfed in a movement of nationalistic aspirations
under which concepts of change and modernization are loaded with ideological meanings.

In this form, change ceases to be viewed as a normal social process; it is transformed into an
ideology that change is in itself desirable and must be sought for. This introduces non-scientific
elements in the evaluation of social change in India, elements of which are found in many
studies. Authors of these studies evaluate change or non-change in India from their own moral or
ideological view-points. With varying emphasis, these writers accept the desirability of change
for the sake of change.

Concepts and Approaches about Social Change in India:

Some major concepts and approaches about social change in India can be grouped as:
(i) Sanskritization and Westernization;

(ii) Little and Great traditions consisting of (a) processes of parochialization and
universalization, and (b) cultural performances and organization of tradition;

(iii) Multiple traditions;

(iv) Structural approach, based on (a) functional model, and (b) dialectical model; and

(v) Cognitive historical or Indological approach.8

Sanskritizalion and Westernization:

The term Sanskritization was used first by M.N. Srinivas to describe the process of cultural
mobility in the traditional social structure of India. In his study of the Coorgs in Mysore he found
that lower castes, in order to raise their position in the caste hierarchy, adopted some customs of
the Brahmins and gave up some of their own, considered to be impure by the higher castes.

Westernization:

http://apcss.org/Publications/Edited%20Volumes/GrowthGovernance_files/Pub_Growth%20Governance/Pub_Gro
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Compared with Sanskritization, Westernization is a simpler concept. It is defined by Srinivas as
“the changes brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British
rule, the term subsuming changes occurring at different levels ….technology, institutions,
ideology and values.” Emphasis on humanitarianism and rationalism is a part of Westernization
which led to a series of institutional and social reforms in India.

Cognitive Historical Approach:

Analysis of social change from a cognitive historical view-point has been postulated by Louis
Dumont. He conceives of Indian society not in terms of systems of relationship but as systems of
ideational or value patterns or cognitive structures. Sociology itself is considered a vocation,
attempting to place each simple fact of social life in the complex texture of society s collective
representations. 9

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CONCLUSION

Civil society has an important role to play in consolidating democracy. It needs to be

autonomous and able to resist manipulation by the state and business interests. A strong and
reliable civil society can represent the interests of the people and the community and serve as a
check on the use of power by the state. There are signs of an increasing strength and
assertiveness in civil society in the democracies in Asia. It will be stronger, more autonomous
and play a meaningful role for democratic consolidation in the future. Civil-society organizations
will be more active in stimulating the political awareness of the mass public and encouraging
their political participation to protect their own interests. Through these efforts, governments can
become more accountable and responsive to the people’s needs, and the elites and the mass
public will be more committed to democracy.

Hence, democratic consolidation will be achieved. The governments in Asian democracies can
accelerate the development of civil society. Instead of using a corporatist model to co-opt civil
society and restrict its autonomy, states can provide assistance to civil-society organizations to
perform their functions more effectively. This assistance should be in form of financial support
and training of personnel. In addition, civil society’s autonomy should not be violated. The
governments should not be afraid of free civil society since it encourages governments to be
more honest, accountable, transparent and responsive to the public demands, which will win the
support of the people and strengthen their legitimacy.
BIBLOGRAPHY

 www.yourarticlelibrary.com/india-2/democratisation-in...

 www.democracy-asia.org/qa/india/Surinder Jhodka.pdf

 sahoo.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/review-civil...

 apcss.org/Publications/Edited Volumes/GrowthGovernance

 www.studymode.com/subjects/social-change-in-indian...

 www.universityofcalicut.info/SDE/BA_sociology_indian...

 http://apcss.org/Publications/Edited%20Volumes/GrowthGovernance_files/Pub_Growth
%20Governance/Pub_GrowthGovernancech10.pdf

 http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/research-paper/social-change-in-indian-society/39378/