INDIA: DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT (MPS-003)
Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section.
Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks.
SECTION-I
1. Critically examine the working of the federal system in India.
2. Discuss the main challenges of ethnicity for the nation-state in India.
3. Discuss the importance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in
Indian democracy.
4. What are the non-party institutions of participation? How do they complement the democratic process?
5. Write short notes on the following in about 250 words each:
a) Caste in Indian Democracy
b) Identity Politics in India
1. Critically examine the working of the federal system in India.
India is a country that follows a federal system of government, which means that power is divided between the central government and the state governments. This system of governance was adopted after India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The Constitution of India provides for a federal system of government with a clear distribution of powers between the central and state governments. In this article, we will critically examine the working of the federal system in India.
One of the most important features of the Indian federal system is the distribution of powers between the central and state governments. The Constitution of India divides powers into three lists – Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. The Union List contains subjects that are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the central government, while the State List contains subjects that are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the state governments. The Concurrent List contains subjects that are within the jurisdiction of both the central and state governments.
The division of powers between the central and state governments has been a contentious issue in India. While some argue that the distribution of powers has been effective in ensuring that both the central and state governments have their respective domains, others argue that the division of powers has led to conflicts between the central and state governments.
One of the main challenges of the Indian federal system is the issue of fiscal federalism. Fiscal federalism refers to the distribution of financial resources between the central and state governments. In India, the central government has greater financial resources than the state governments, which has led to an unequal distribution of resources between the central and state governments. This has often led to conflicts between the central and state governments.
Another challenge of the Indian federal system is the issue of regional imbalances. India is a diverse country with different regions having different levels of development. The federal system in India has not been able to address the issue of regional imbalances effectively. This has led to the marginalization of certain regions and has hindered the overall development of the country.
Despite these challenges, the Indian federal system has also been effective in ensuring that both the central and state governments have their respective roles to play. The Constitution of India provides for a system of checks and balances between the central and state governments. This has ensured that neither the central nor the state governments become too powerful.
In conclusion, the federal system in India has been effective in ensuring that power is divided between the central and state governments. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the issue of fiscal federalism and regional imbalances. The federal system in India has also been effective in ensuring that there is a system of checks and balances between the central and state governments. Overall, the federal system in India has been a crucial aspect of the country's democracy and has contributed significantly to its development.
2. Discuss the main challenges of ethnicity for the nation-state in India.
India is a diverse country with a large population of different ethnic groups, religions, and languages. While this diversity has been one of India's strengths, it has also posed significant challenges for the Indian nation-state. Here are some of the main challenges of ethnicity for the nation-state in India:
Communalism:
Communalism refers to the belief that a person's religious or ethnic identity should be the primary focus of their social and political life. In India, communalism has been a significant challenge for the nation-state. The country has witnessed communal tensions and violence between different religious and ethnic groups, particularly between Hindus and Muslims. Communalism has often been exploited by political parties to gain power, which has further exacerbated tensions.
Caste System:
The caste system is a social hierarchy based on birth that divides people into different groups with varying levels of privileges and disadvantages. The caste system has been a significant challenge for the Indian nation-state. While the Indian Constitution has outlawed discrimination based on caste, the system still exists in many parts of the country. Caste-based discrimination and violence continue to be major issues in India.
Regionalism:
India is a vast country with different regions having their own distinct cultural, linguistic, and political identities. Regionalism, or the belief that a region's interests should take precedence over the nation's interests, has been a significant challenge for the Indian nation-state. Regionalism has often led to demands for separate states or greater autonomy for regions, which has created tensions with the central government.
Language:
Language has also been a significant challenge for the Indian nation-state. India has a large number of languages, with Hindi and English being the official languages of the country. Language has often been a contentious issue in India, with demands for recognition of regional languages and tensions between speakers of different languages.
Immigration:
Immigration has also posed challenges for the Indian nation-state. The country has witnessed large-scale immigration from neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh. The issue of illegal immigration has become a significant political issue, with some political parties calling for the deportation of illegal immigrants.
In conclusion, the challenges of ethnicity for the nation-state in India are complex and multi-dimensional. Communalism, the caste system, regionalism, language, and immigration are some of the main challenges that India has faced. While the Indian Constitution provides for equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, these challenges continue to pose significant obstacles to the country's unity and development.
3. Discuss the importance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in Indian democracy.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments are significant milestones in Indian democracy. These amendments were passed in 1992, and they aimed to strengthen local self-government and promote decentralization of power. Here are some of the key importance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in Indian democracy:
Empowering Local Governments:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments provided for the establishment of local self-government institutions in rural and urban areas, respectively. These institutions are known as Panchayats and Municipalities and are responsible for delivering various services and functions at the grassroots level. By empowering local governments, these amendments have provided citizens with greater control over their local affairs and enabled them to participate more actively in the decision-making process.
Strengthening Democracy:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have strengthened India's democratic system by providing for greater participation of citizens in the decision-making process. Through Panchayats and Municipalities, citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns and contribute to the development of their local areas. The amendments have also increased transparency and accountability in local governance, ensuring that elected representatives are held accountable to their constituents.
Promoting Decentralization:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments promote decentralization of power by devolving powers and functions to local governments. This has led to more effective and efficient delivery of services such as health, education, and sanitation. By bringing decision-making closer to the people, these amendments have ensured that resources are utilized in a more effective and equitable manner.
Empowering Women:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have also empowered women by providing for a reservation of seats in Panchayats and Municipalities. This has led to greater representation of women in local governance and decision-making. As a result, women's issues and concerns are being given greater priority in the development process.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have also helped to bridge the rural-urban divide by providing for the establishment of local self-government institutions in both rural and urban areas. This has ensured that citizens in both areas have equal opportunities to participate in the decision-making process and benefit from local governance initiatives.
In conclusion, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have played a significant role in strengthening Indian democracy and promoting decentralization of power. They have empowered citizens, particularly women, by providing for greater participation in local governance and decision-making. The amendments have also helped to bridge the rural-urban divide and ensure that resources are utilized in a more effective and equitable manner. Overall, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments are a testament to India's commitment to democracy, decentralization, and the empowerment of its citizens.
SECTION-II
6. Critically analyse the role of media in shaping public policies and public opinion.
7. Comment on the following in about 250 words each:
a) Sustainable Development
b) Gender and Development
8. Discuss the factors for the growth of regionalism in India.
9. Discuss the changing notions of civil society and its importance in contemporary era.
10. Write short notes on the following in about 250 words each:
a) Language and politics in India
b) Economic Consequences of Migration
6. Critically analyse the role of media in shaping public policies and public opinion.
Media plays a crucial role in shaping public policies and public opinion. It serves as a conduit for the exchange of information and ideas between citizens, policymakers, and interest groups. The following is a critical analysis of the role of media in shaping public policies and public opinion.
Agenda Setting:
Media has the power to shape the public agenda by highlighting certain issues and ignoring others. This process of agenda-setting influences policymakers to prioritize certain issues over others. This can be seen in the way media coverage of climate change has led to increased public awareness and policy action in recent years.
Framing:
Media also has the power to frame public debates by presenting issues in a particular way. The way media frames an issue can influence how people perceive and respond to it. For example, media coverage of immigration can either frame it as a humanitarian issue or as a threat to national security, influencing public opinion and policy decisions.
Information Dissemination:
Media plays a crucial role in disseminating information about public policies, including their benefits and drawbacks. This information can influence public opinion and policymaking. Media coverage of healthcare reform in the United States, for example, played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the outcome of the policy debate.
Accountability:
Media serves as a watchdog on policymakers, holding them accountable for their actions and decisions. By reporting on corruption, scandals, and other issues, media can help to expose wrongdoing and bring about policy changes. Media coverage of the Watergate scandal, for example, played a significant role in bringing down the Nixon administration.
Public Opinion Formation:
Media also plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, particularly through opinion pieces and editorials. These pieces can influence public attitudes and perceptions on issues such as climate change, gun control, and foreign policy. Media coverage of the Iraq War, for example, played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the decision to go to war.
While media can play a positive role in shaping public policies and public opinion, there are also concerns about its influence. Media ownership and bias can influence the way issues are covered, and the commercialization of media can lead to sensationalism and the prioritization of profit over public interest. Furthermore, the rise of social media has led to concerns about the spread of misinformation and the influence of fake news on public opinion.
In conclusion, media plays a significant role in shaping public policies and public opinion. Its influence is reflected in the way it sets the public agenda, frames public debates, disseminates information, holds policymakers accountable, and shapes public opinion. However, there are also concerns about media bias, commercialization, and the spread of misinformation. As such, media must balance its role as a watchdog on policymakers with its responsibility to provide accurate and unbiased information to the public.
8. Discuss the factors for the growth of regionalism in India.
Regionalism is the feeling of loyalty and attachment to one's region or state rather than the nation as a whole. It is a significant challenge to India's unity and integrity. The following are some of the factors that have contributed to the growth of regionalism in India.
Linguistic Diversity:
India is a linguistically diverse country, with over 19,500 languages and dialects spoken across the country. This linguistic diversity has contributed to the growth of regionalism as people identify more with their mother tongue and cultural heritage than with the nation as a whole.
Economic Disparities:
India's economic development has been uneven, with some regions growing rapidly while others have lagged behind. This has led to a sense of deprivation and marginalization among people in less developed regions, which has contributed to the growth of regionalism.
Historical Factors:
Historical events such as the Partition of India, the creation of linguistic states, and the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis have contributed to the growth of regionalism. These events have given rise to demands for separate statehood, autonomy, and recognition of regional identities.
Political Factors:
Politics plays a significant role in the growth of regionalism in India. Regional political parties have emerged that champion the cause of their respective regions and work towards fulfilling their demands. These parties have gained significant support among the people, leading to the growth of regionalism.
Identity Politics:
Identity politics based on caste, religion, and ethnicity has also contributed to the growth of regionalism in India. Political parties often use identity-based politics to mobilize support for their cause, leading to the growth of regionalism.
Globalization:
Globalization has brought about rapid economic growth and development in some regions, while others have been left behind. This has led to a sense of marginalization and alienation among people in less developed regions, contributing to the growth of regionalism.
Social Media:
Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for mobilizing support for regional causes. It allows people to connect with others who share their regional identity and amplify their voices, leading to the growth of regionalism.
In conclusion, regionalism is a significant challenge to India's unity and integrity. Factors such as linguistic diversity, economic disparities, historical factors, political factors, identity politics, globalization, and social media have contributed to its growth. Addressing these factors and promoting a sense of national identity and unity is essential to counter the growth of regionalism in India.
