CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES TO INDIAN DEMOCRACY

IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION

GIRIJA K. S
1
& BASAVARAJA G
2

1
Assistant Professor & Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, University College of Arts,
Tumkur University, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
2
Associate Professor, Department of Studies and Research in Political Science,
Tumkur University, Tumkur, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT
The ideological conflicts that prevailed in the ancient society led to the development of many forms of political
institutions and democracy is one such, which can be traced back to antiquity. Since ancient times, democracy has meant
rule by the people. However, in modern times, democracy is a mixture of this ancient idea with individual liberty and
human rights alongside it. The twentieth century witnessed a great change in the entire world scenario and many challenges
were posed to it in the form of fascism, nazism. However, democracy has sustained these challenges and is continuing to
rule the world especially the 20
th
and 21
st
centuries have seen nations practicing this form of system. However with the
implementation of Globalization and free market economy many changes have occurred in the production relations and the
life of the people have been taken for granted and human rights have been violated and the basic rights of common man is
being neglected. Globalization has not only been able to adopt free market economy but at the same time the rights of
millions to live a dignified life denied. To assess the challenges posed by Globalization, it would be pertinent to know
about the concept of nation-state which is being challenged as also the serious impact on the political economy and the
political systems that have been at stake.
This paper aims to make an attempt to highlight the plight of functioning of democracy and the challenges faced
by it in the background of globalization.
KEYWORDS: Ancient, Conflicts, Democracy, Fascism, Nazism
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
To understand the basic fabric of Indian Democracy
To identify the major problems & challenges faced by Indian Democracy
To recognize the measures for effective implementation of democracy in the era of globalization.
INTRODUCTION
Though Politics plays a very vital and important role in the modern era, even in the ancient period we can witness
this ever since man started to cultivate and invented agriculture, and was able to settle at one place, politics existed in one
or the other form. Todays civilized society is engulfed by politics. In other words it is politics which is deciding the way
of life, the way of functioning of the government, the education system etc., and it can be said that politics can be either
minimized or restricted but cannot be eliminated.

BEST: International Journal of Humanities, Arts,
Medicine and Sciences (BEST: IJHAMS)
ISSN 2348-0521
Vol. 2, Issue 9, Sep 2014, 1-8
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2 Girija K. S & Basavaraja G
The ideas of democracy and Liberty like communism are ancient concepts and have their origin in the beginning
of civilization. Hamurabi, the ruler of Babylon, establishes the earliest known legal code, a code on which the modern
democracy is based.
1
The roots can also be seen in the Greek Political System, which had the democratic functioning.
Aristotle the great Greek political philosopher, for this reason considers man as a political animal. However while
classifying the governments, has given a different picture about democracy and believes that it is one of the worst form of
government where the people rule at the expense of wisdom and wealth. Contrary to this idea of Aristotle, today the
modern era has witnessed a tremendous change and democracy in its infancy could bring about a basic change which led to
the overall development of not only the nations, but also the individual rights of the citizens were also protected and it is
being implemented in all most all nations round the world. The Birth of Democracy in the modern era can be traced back to
the French Revolution in 1789, after which many nations followed path and adopted it in its functioning. What is
significant of French Revolution is that it could totally bring about a change not only at political sphere but also on
individual freedom, rights, gender equality etc.,
What is Democracy?
Picture 1

Figure 1
Bryce believes that Democracy really means nothing more or less than the rule of the whole people, expressing
their Sovereign will by their votes. MacIver observes Democracy is not a way of governing, whether by majority or
otherwise, but primarily a way of determining, who shall govern, and broadly to what ends.
2

Unlike in the systems like monarchy, dictatorship or oligarchy, democracy means rule by the people. It is a system
of government in which everyone, who belongs to the political organization that makes decisions, is actually or politically
involved and have equal powers and are equal under the law.
The basic principle of one person one vote the most important of all revolutionary changes affirms the
individual rights. Initially, the franchise was restricted to the educated and propertied men. However, the democratization
of society has made it possible for the extension of this right to all individuals. (certain exceptions are that in some of the
nations like Sudan, illiterates are not permitted to vote, and in other countries, certain sections of the people especially
women are denied of exercising their franchise).
Contemporary Issues and Challenges to Indian Democracy in the Era of Globalization 3
Birth of Indian Democracy
India established the democratic society after fighting British Imperialism and has sustained over 65 years. At a
time when India opted for Democratic form of system, world over Capitalism and Imperialism dominated the entire world
political order and unlike in the west Indian Democracy was unable to route out the various genuine problems in the social,
economic and political spheres and establish a new political order. The two power blocs that was influencing the countries
was another important issue which lay before the Indian politicians. Therefore it was clear enough to gain benefits from
both the power blocs and was able to milk both cows at the same time
3
and at the same time distanced itself from these
two super powers. Gradually Indian capitalism grew and in the functioning in these years, India has faced many challenges
in socio-politico-cultural atmosphere and the era of Globalization has witnessed far reaching consequences which has
questioned its very functioning.
Immediately after attaining Independence, India had to face certain problems and had to establish herself as a
potential nation. In the first few years of Independent India, many such socio-economic and political issues were to be
addressed which required a potential leader and a strong political party. Some of them included the crisis of national
integration, poverty, illiteracy, caste system, linguistic system which a newly decolonized nation was to address. One of the
essential conditions for the successful functioning of Democracy is social equity and economic equality. The Democratic
systems should ensure that the social development should be conducive to the overall development of the society and
everybody should be given an opportunity to live with dignity. Citizens must be given an opportunity to avail educational
and employability facilities and without any discrimination all the welfare schemes must be provided to all. The fruits of
economic development must reach all sections especially the poor and down trodden sections. However, the parties that
came to power ended up in corrupt means of functioning and the people were totally disillusioned by its functioning.
Alternatively the parties that came to power also did not cater to the needs of the common man. The middle class
intellengesia were confused and have today developed an apathy towards politics and refrain themselves from exercising
their franchise a political right which has been given to them by the Constitution. Thus the basic fabric of the Democratic
functioning has been at cross roads.
What is Globalization?
Picture 2

Figure 2

4 Girija K. S & Basavaraja G
Globalization is the inevitable outcome of capitalism and in order to sustain the market economy it found new
ways to influence the third world countries by its expansionist policies. In other words Globalization is an economic
system which is based on free market economy and trade and free movement of capital.
The adoption of the GATT Agreement and the implementation of the LPG policies was considered as a boon for
the country and was boasted with the big bang. It was made to believe that India in the coming days ahead would become a
Super Power bereft of all the problems it faced and would flourish in all spheres. Twenty years after its practical
implementation, India is facing the negative effects of the policies and the then Finance Minister who is the present Prime
Minister, recently lamented that the phase with which the liberal policies are implemented in the nation, would effect it
in the long run.
Indian Capitalism has today grown to the extent of Imperialist stage and the Indian capitalists are gradually trying
to expand their world market. On one hand the indigenous market is facing severe crisis and on the other we are unable to
face the challenges of globalization. Democracy is engulfed with a series of problems which need to be addressed in the
right direction. Some of the questions that arise in this context are:
What are problems/challenges that the nation is facing today?
How can they be interpreted/solved & to what extent?

Figure 3
The Challenges before democracy are diverse with social and economic problems threatening the basic fabric of
the nation-state and the ideological foundations on which it is based. The democratic practices of a nation were confined to
the territorial boundaries of a nation and the citizens rights were protected. However with the globalised principles of
economy, globalization has increased the limitations on the actual sovereignty of nations (Held.)
4

Today the country is facing an unprecedented and unheard of crisis in the social structure. Throughout the nook
and corner of the vast country, we find corruption which has not only destroyed the social fabric of the society but also has
become a part of life which is being justified by the people in power. The recent crisis at the national and state levels shows
the amount of political corruption.
In the economic sphere vast majority of the masses are kept in dark without any proper basic facilities and as per a
recent statistics available, around 80% of the people live under below poverty line and live on Rs.20/- per day to meet their
Contemporary Issues and Challenges to Indian Democracy in the Era of Globalization 5
daily necessities.
5
Some of them even without a mouth full of meal. Mal-nutrition, increasing maternal mortality rates,
unemployment, increasing violence against women and children are haunting the country today.
Apart from the above, some other challenges faced by contemporary India in the era of Globalization are:
POLITICAL PROBLEMS
Political Criminalization nexus between politics and organized crime
Election Malpractices
Lack of Political Commitment by various parties
Problems of Defection
Communalism
Lack of Integrity in administration
Corruption
Vast Ideological difference between Theory & Practice
Role of Judiciary in Governance
Successionist tendencies
Terrorism
Naxalism
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS
Negative consequences of economic liberalization
Inflation problems of price hike
Globalization of poverty
Increasing unemployment
CULTURAL PROBLEMS
Cultural Invasion of Globalization
Declining Ethical Values in Society
SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Increasing Crimes on women
Illiteracy
Malnutrition


6 Girija K. S & Basavaraja G
Largest Democracy of World at Stake
Scientifically and Technologically India might have advanced ahead of all other nations but the hard reality
remains that in the social, economical and cultural field we are far behind all other small nations.. As Bentham, a great
Philosopher had mentioned it is Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number that the states will have to take into
consideration in its governance, has become a myth. The facts mentioned below are examples to this.
About one-third of the world's extremely poor people live in India and about 90 million people of India earn less
than Rs.20/- per day. (Outlook magazine August 2010 issue). More than 450 million Indians exist on less than $1.25 a day,
according to the World Bank. It also has a higher proportion of its population living on less than $2 per day than even sub-
Saharan Africa. India has about 42% of the population living below the new international poverty line of $1.25 per day.
The number of Indian poor also constitute 33% of the global poor, which is pegged at 1.4 billion people, according to a
Times of India news report. More than 6 million of those desperately poor Indians live in Mumbai alone, representing
about half the residents of the nation's financial capital. They live in super-sized slums and improvised housing juxtaposed
with the shining new skyscrapers that symbolize India's resurgence. According to the World Bank and the UN
Development Program (UNDP), 22% of Pakistan's population is classified as poor.
6
There is widespread hunger and malnutrition in all parts of India. India ranks 66th on the 2008 Global Hunger
Index of 88 countries while Pakistan is slightly better at 61 and Bangladesh slightly worse at 70. The first India State
Hunger Index (Ishi) report in 2008 found that Madhya Pradesh had the most severe level of hunger in India, comparable to
Chad and Ethiopia. Four states Punjab, Kerala, Haryana and Assam fell in the 'serious' category. "Affluent" Gujarat,
13th on the Indian list is below Haiti, ranked 69. The authors said India's poor performance was primarily due to its
relatively high levels of child malnutrition and under-nourishment resulting from calorie deficient diets.
7
India might be an emerging economic power, but it is way behind Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Afghanistan in
providing basic sanitation facilities, a key reason behind the death of 2.1 million children under five in the country.
8
Lizette
Burgers, chief of water and environment sanitation of the Unicef, recently said India is making progress in providing
sanitation but it lags behind most of the other countries in South Asia. A former Indian minister Mr Raghuvansh Prasad
Singh told the BBC that more than 65% of India's rural population defecated in the open, along roadsides, railway tracks
and fields, generating huge amounts of excrement every day. (Haqs musings Challenges of Democracy, Wednesday
May 20, 2009)
9

In the Political field again we see that Indian Political functioning has reached its peak with money power and
muscle power ruling the system.
Criminalization of politics has deteriorated the value system because of which the democratic functioning has
been deterred.
Corruption has rampantly in-roaded the system and today in the world arena India is one among those countries
where corruption is at its highest.
Citizens democratic rights and interests are again neglected.
Communalism and terrorism are the other dangers that the nation is facing today.


Contemporary Issues and Challenges to Indian Democracy in the Era of Globalization 7
Reforms Suggested
Indian Democracy to sustain and function efficiently requires the following measures to be adopted:
Strengthening of the Political Institutions and the Practices to be followed in its functioning
Enhance and ensure effective peoples participation in parliamentary politics
Supporting the local government functioning and giving them more powers
To control criminalization of politics
To take necessary measures for efficient functioning of administration
To give more powers to the Lokayuktha
To set up an Ombudsmun Institution
Control the influence of rich and powerful in decision-making process
Ensure free and fair elections
To opt out of Globalization and strengthen indigenous functioning.
To strengthen the federal fabric of functioning
Take measures to empower women for their political participation.
To ensure gender sensitive environment to curtail violence against women
Elevate poverty and provide necessary basic needs to the people
Ensure education and employment to all
To set up a recall system (as in Switzerland)
Pro-active role of citizens in the political system (recently the formation of Delhi Government by AAP)
To contain communalism through non interference of state in religious matters of citizens
Removal of regional imbalances
To ensure administrative and judicial reforms
CONCLUSIONS
World Capitalism which is at a stake today is witnessing huge crisis from within and Indian Capitalism is no
exception to this. For its own sustainment it has become inevitable for it grab the market and wage wars. However, in so
doing, it has created more problems. The economy of America is already at stake and we can see further deepening of the
crisis. It is only a tip of the iceberg and in future days many more problems are expected.
Democracy should become a way of life and not just for political functioning. This to become true, theory and
practice should be culminated and it should involve people in not only decision making but also make them conscious of
their rights and involve them in political participation. Then and then only, can India play a vital role in world politics.

8 Girija K. S & Basavaraja G
REFERENCES
1. Democracy in Theory & Practice by Subrata Mukherjee & Sushila Ramaswamy, MacMillan India Ltd., (pp
3,237,)
2. Balancing Democracy edited by Roland Axtmann, published by Continuum, London,
3. Challenges to Democracy in the age of Globalisation by Benjamin Barbara
4. Challenges to Democracy by Jyothi Malhotra
5. Challenges to Indian Democracy by Rajesh M.Basrur
6. Challenges of Indian Democracy by Haqs musings
7. Indias Democracy :New Challenges by Prabhat Datta
8. State Hunger Index Report, 2009
9. World Bank & UNDP Report, 2013
10. Haqs musings Challenges of Democracy, Wednesday May 20, 2009)