Pratap just purchased a car. But before he could drive it, he needed to register the vehicle, obtain insurance, and obtain a licence for four-wheel drive. He goes to the RTO in the area for the same. When the Officer requested for a bribe, he was taken aback. When he chooses to file a FIR and report the incident, he discovers that the RTO officer and the police are working together closely. He is furious and believes that bringing a lawsuit is his only recourse. Regretfully, he discovers in the court that a 1993 case is still unresolved. Pratap goes back home, sad and ashamed.
The story of Pratap is not a new one. Everyday a new “Pratap” has to go through the same experience. One might wonder, What is the reason behind such a dismal state? The answer stares right back, lack of healthy functioning in institutions.
While going through this essay, one might come across the following-:
From where the origin of democracy evolved? What is a democracy and how can it be successful? What does it mean to have healthy institutions? What are the roadblocks to having healthy institutions? and how can things be changed?
The Origins of Democracy
Democracy has its roots in ancient civilizations, with various forms of democratic governance emerging over time.
Ancient Mesopotamia (around 2500 BCE)
The Sumerians established the Eduba, a council of elders and citizens who made decisions for the community. This early form of democracy laid the groundwork for future innovations.
Ancient Athens (around 500 BCE)
Athens is often credited with the birth of direct democracy. Citizens gathered in the agora to discuss and vote on laws, creating a system where power rested with the people.
Ancient Rome (around 500 BCE)
Rome developed a representative democracy, with elected representatives making decisions on behalf of the people. This system allowed for more efficient governance and paved the way for modern democracies.
Magna Carta (1215 CE)
The Magna Carta, signed by King John of England, limited the power of the monarch and established the principle of rule of law. This document protected individual rights and influenced constitutional development.
The Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries CE)
Thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu laid the philosophical groundwork for modern democracy. Their ideas on liberty, equality, and representation shaped the course of democratic thought.
American Revolution (1775-1783 CE)
The United States declared independence and established a representative democracy. The Constitution and Bill of Rights enshrined democratic principles, inspiring similar movements worldwide.
French Revolution (1789-1799 CE)
France adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, influencing modern democratic principles. The Revolution’s emphasis on liberty, equality, and fraternity resonated across the globe.
These milestones have shaped the evolution of democracy, with various forms and adaptations emerging over time.
“Democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people”. This is the most well-known definition of a democracy by America’s 16th President “Abraham Lincoln”. But democracy is much beyond that. Democracy is a system which Respects diversity and difference, believes in a consensual approach and acts for the betterment of all.
Not to be mistaken, Democracy is not a ‘Perfect’ system. It has its own shortcomings. Nevertheless, What makes it stand apart from other systems such as “Monarchy, Theocracy or dictatorship” is the fact that “Power” rests in the hands of People.
Simply having a democratic set-up in place does not make it a success. There are certain essential aspects that need to be taken care of. Some of these include (But not limited to)- Participatory governance, respecting differences, building a consensus (Sabka Saath), making sure that every voice is heard and having healthy institutions in place.
The term ‘Healthy’ Shall be addressed shortly. Before that, it is imperative to know and understand the various institutions in a democracy. These include, inter alia, the legislature (Law making), the executive (Law implementing- Police, bureaucrats), Judiciary (Law enforcing and upholding), Media (The watchdog) and Finally the biggest stakeholder- The community itself.
The institutions are often termed as “The Pillars of Democracy”. This very title signifies the importance of these Bulwarks of democracy. They are the very foundation of democracy, playing a role in understanding the needs of the nation, listening to people’s problems and making sure that their grievances are redressed as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Coming back to the term “Healthy” Perhaps, now it is a bit easier to comprehend as to why healthy functioning is so crucial. It is as the fictional character of Ben Parker (In the movie Spiderman) Says- “With Great power comes great responsibility.” These institutions are what sustains the trust in the democratic system. If these get married by illness, the trust in the system erodes (biggest threat). Additionally, In a representative democracy such as India, These institutions are citizens, Last hopes. Be it framing appropriate policies, or delivering justice, these institutions carry the weight of a billion hopes.
Sadly, as of today, not everything is as rosy as it appears. These are some serious challenges and issues plaguing the system.
Firstly, These are social and moral challenges. Some of them are- Lackadaisical response of the community (Which should actually be playing an active role), Unwillingness on the part of the state to have participatory governance and the bitter problem of corruption.
Next, looking at the economic aspect. For one, there is a dearth of financial resources to augment infrastructure capabilities to these institutes. The grass-root democracy- Panchayats and Municipalities neither have substantial taxation powers (to raise revenue) Nor are they supplied with adequate funds. These lead to a disconnect between the system and its systems.
Perhaps, the biggest challenges lie in the Political and implementation Side. As per a report by PRS Legislative, the average number of working days in the Parliament have gone down from “120 in 1950s to almost 70-75 in recent times”. Criminalization of Politics is another hurdle. A report of Association for Democratic reforms points out that nearly 44% of our Parliamentarians have a case registered against them. Further, the problems of appeasement politics and “Caste-based/Religion-based” Politics only widens the harmony in the society.
Even after all these problems, one still believes that there is someone (Judiciary) that shall take care of things. However, there are almost 3 Crore cases which are pending in the Courts of India. This points to a really grim picture.
Although everything seems dark, there is always scope for a “Ray of Hope”. No doubt, Challenges are many, But that does not mean that they cannot be solved. Just like the age old saying, ‘There is always a way, one just needs to look for it’.
The foremost thing that could be and should be done is “Sensitizing” the officials and all those in positions of responsibility. Empathy, Compassion and Tolerance along with honesty need to be the driving forces of all those playing a part in running the country.
The Constitution of India, Itself highlights all the values necessary for India to succeed. As promised, people should be secured with Equality, Liberty and Justice.
Currently, the role of the media has become extremely important. The media industry needs to truly realise the functions and duties that it needs to pursue. A powerful and ethical media not just gives voice to the people, but also makes sure that mistakes and errors are highlighted and corrected.
Next, There needs to be an active attempt to connect with the masses. Citizen’s Charter, Public forums and Bottom up approach are few elements that can bring about a drastic change. Politicians should rise above appeasement politics to reach a level of Secular Approach . These will surely benefit democracy in innumerable ways.
Conclusion
“In conclusion, the success of democracy relies on the robustness and effectiveness of its institutions. Strong institutions provide a foundation for democratic governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the protection of individual rights. When institutions function well, they foster trust, stability, and civic engagement, allowing democracy to thrive. Conversely, weak or compromised institutions can lead to democratic erosion, polarisation, and social unrest. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise institutional strength, resilience, and adaptability to safeguard democracy’s future and promote the well-being of citizens.” Lastly, It is important to understand what Ex- Chief Justice of India- N.V. Ramana had said in a speech in 2021. “It is time that India “Indigenized” Its institutions. The time has come for India to do away with unwanted colonial legacy. Only a system ‘Made for India & India’ can guarantee a success for democracy”.
Thank You
Pratibha
