PANCHAYATI RAJ AND THE RURAL
 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

panchayat system is best suited to our rural needs and administration it is
Right step towards devaluation and decentralization of power . it deserve all help and encouragement as it is a truly representation and democratic system. As a fit
And effective instrument of self-governance, it is matchless. Now, panchayati raj
Are there in almost all the Indian states with three tier arrangement at village, block and district levels .There are nearly 2020 lakh gram panchayats, 5.5 thousand
Samitis and 371 Zila parishads . They have helped a lot in removing socio-economic disparities among the rural masses. They have also helped in the empowerment of woman, backward, poor and down-trodden classes of the rural of
Society Still these institution need many reforms and more empowerment to be really effective. Panchayats assume a vital role because about 80 per cent of Indian
Population lives in villages.
 Panchyati Raj institution are democratic and so best suited to rural population in the India to take care of their local problems.

It is a system of local self-government run by a panchayat elected democratically
By the local people. It provides the necessary administrative apparatus for the a
Planning and execution of rural development schemes it is very inexpensive of system to identify and solve local problems of the rural population a platform where people can assemble, identify and suggest their solution. It is a right step in
Right direction and aims decentralisation of power. Decentralisation and powers is the root of panchayati raj.
 Panchayati Raj is nothing new to all history dates back to hoary past. It was
An integral part of self-contained and self-sufficient rural planning, execution and the administration A panchayat consisted of 5 more public representative selection
Or elected by the people A panch or member of the council could be removed it people wanted it.The panchayat worked under a sarpancha or a chief sarpancha who presided over its meeting and deliberation. They were fully responsible for
Administration and development of a village or a group of villages the panchayati
Administration justice, punished the offenders and decided the disputes looked after the welfare of the people. The panchayat also looked after the rest-houses, temples, wells, ponds, irrigation system and schools.
 The re-introduction of panchayat system is in perfect harmony with our sprit of democracy and the aspirations of the rural public. In order to strengthen democracy, it is imperative that panchayat system in the country is given all possible help encouragement . if effectively checks authoritarianism centralization of power and promotes participation, decentralisation ,transparency, accountability
And fairness in the villages the 64th constitution Amendment bill of May 15, 1989
Gave a new lease of lofe to panchayati raj as a truly representative system in India
During the debate on the subject the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi told the lok
Sabha, Too often in past panchayati raj has ad function without finance, responsibilities without authority, duties without the means for carrying them out.
The bill sought to remove these disparities and bottlenecks and to make these rural
Legislatures or councils a effective instrument of self-government. The bill also made it obligatory that election be held regularly every five years, but the various
States have failed to fulfill this obligation and so the centre had to intervene.
 Now, panchayati Raj institutions are almost all states and union territories
Thought with variation in structural pattern It involves a three-tier arrangement
Villages level, block level and district level. The first tier is known as gram panchayat, the second tieras panchayati samiti and the third tier as Zila parishad.
Of panchayati raj institution ranges from 3 to 5 years These institution are generally responsible for promotion of agriculture , rural industries, provision of medical relief , maternity, woman and child welfare maintaining common grazing
Grounds , village roads, tanks, wells, sanitation and execution of the other socio-economic programmes.
In some places , they also provide primary education and collect land revenue. Today gram panchayats are involved in identification of beneficiaries in anti-
Poverty programmes for IRDD [integrated rural development programme] and the
Execution of other rural programmes like JRY [Jawahar Rojgar Yogana ]. There are about 2020 lakh gram panchayats, 5.5 thousands panchayat samitis and 371 zila parishads.
 The 73rd constitution Act, 1992 has further strengthened theses institution of
Democracy at villages levels Because of theses institution awareness about their
Rights and privileges among the poor, the scheduled castes and tribes has been the
Building up and they are coming forward to challenges and remove existing socio-
Economic disparities and injustices .Many of the gram panchayats have their pradhans from scheduled caste, tribes and woman-folk. Theses institutions have been generated a fruitful interaction and cooperation between the people of the upper castes and the people of the backward and lower castes. Panchayat raj institution have definitely helped in the empowerment of woman, the weak, the
Poor and the downtrodden to some extent and in the many cases the poor and socially weak candidates have successfully won against their rich, resourceful and
Influential candidates because of their integrity, character, dedication to service and commitment to genuine social and economic changes .But it never means that
Panchayats are today totally free from the dominance of unholy, unscrupulous and selfish person. But it certainly marks a new beginning, an emergence of new of the
Awareness and leadership .However the residence to theses changes is evident in the election not being held in stipulated time in many states.
 Panchayats must ensure transparency, fairness and accountability. They should aim at quick resolution of disputes and fair distribution of surplus land among the landless villagers. More and more person like woman, scheduled tribes
And castes, marginal farmers and landless labourers should be involved in the process. The panchayats should be properly empowered to raise their funds to meet their development expenses. The 10th finance commission has separately earmarked over Rs.4,000 crores for development programme through the panchayati .The panchas and sar-panchas should be trained and their access to information so that can take firm quick and right decisions as to what good for their villages. In order to reduce central control further, more emphasis should be laid on grassroot initiatives. Both the centre and the states should ensure flow of proper funds to these institutions for their effective working and success. These institutions of democracy at grass root levels cannot be economical, viable and self-sufficient unless adequate resources are at their disposal, and generous grants-in-aid are given.

 The reservation of seats, for woman, scheduled castes and tribes in panchayats
Is a welcome step for it will make really democratic, representative and balanced
The panchayati Raj institution assume a very vital role because 80 per cent of the country’s population lives in villages spread over about 95 per cent of its geographical area. It is cynical to think that panchayats cannot govern and administer. They should be given more powers and resources so that can function more effectively. The panchaytays alone can introduce democracy at grass root levels in an appreciable and effective way. There is no other alternative. Only are
The panchayats can fruitfully tackle the specific problems of the area but for this they need functional autonomy in the true sense of the term. It is wrong to think that panchayat institution posed a threat to the power structure in the states. They would rather strengthen the state-structure and so there should be more and genuine devolvement and decentralisation of powers and resources.
 Panchayati raj institution have been given tremendous role to play through its rural development Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana [SGRY] is to provide additional employment in the rural areas. The programmes is self-targeting
In naturewith special emphasis to provide Wage Employment to woman, SCs, STs
And parents of children withdrawn from hazardous occupations .Swarnajayanti gram swarozgar yojana [SGSY] is to bring the assisted families above the poverly line y providing them income generally assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy. The families of below poverty line [BPL] including the artisans, identified through [BPL] census are eligible for assistance under the scheme. Pradhan mantri gram sadak yojana [PMGSY] is an another landmark towards the development of rural India through panchayati Raj. PMGSY is a 100 per cent centrally sponsored scheme. It provide connectivity to all unconnected
Habitations in the rural areas with a population of more then 500 persons through
Good All-weather roads by the end of the X th plan. Under this programme, far off Hill states AND Desert Areas, with a population of 250 persons and above would be connected.
 Government of India has identified several housing development programmes. Some of them have already been launched any more have been introduced under new schemes .pradhan mantri gramodaya yojana [PMGY] envisages allocation of additional central Assistance to the state/ Uts for providign
And improving the outlay of basic minimum service including ‘Rural Shelter’ in the rural areas .Likewise, Indira Awas Yojana [IAY] and Samagra Awas yojana
With objectives to provide assistance primarily to the BPL rural households belonging primarily to SC s /ST s and freed bonded labour categories. Samagra Awaas Yojana [SAY] is a comprehensive Housing schemewith a view to ensuing
Integrated provision of shelter of , sanitation and drinking water.

The three tire arrangement viz village, block and districts [teh zila parishad ] will be fully involved in the implementation of the scheme initiatives have been taken
Under a called Innovative scheme for Housing and Habitat Development and Rural
Building centres. It is designed for standardizing and popularizing cost-effective
Environment-friendly housing construction technologies, designs and materials it evolves ideal types of sustainable rural human settlement consistent with agro-climate variations and natural disaster proneness.

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SECULARISM

India has never been a commercial and theocratic country. Unity in cultural and religions diversity has been the essence of Indianness. Followers of alien faiths came to India and become an integral part of it. India has been a meeting point and melting pot of various faiths and cultures. India is a one of the largest Muslim countries. Communal tensions and conflicts are relatively of recent
Origin and can be attributed to the British who practiced the policy of ‘divide of Rule’ they caused the partion of the country on communal basis. Jinnah’s over
The ambition and egoism overpowered his better nature and judgement and got him his ‘moth-eaten’ Pakistan. India constitution guarantees religious freedom
And equality to all its citizens. There cannot be any discrimination on the basic
Of religions, caste or creed . India is fundamentally and generally secular which means equal respect for all faiths and religions. There are clashes and religions
There are clashes and conflicts between communities but every clash is not communal. Many of the tensions and conflicts between communities have their
Source in economic and cultural backwardness or they are foreign-sponsored. We
Should always be guided by such leading lights as Mahatma Gandhi, and the
 Pt.Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee whose commitment to secularism
Has been well known, firm and pratical.
 India, as a country and nation has always been secular. It has never been
A theoretic, sectarian and communal state. In spite of the fact that Indian masses
Have ever been deeply religious, religious-intolerance, hatred, fundamentalism
Etc. have never been part of their ethos. Respect for one another’s faith, religious
Practice and peaceful preaching have been the hallmark of Indian culture and a
Civilization unity in cultural and religious diversity is the unique features of the
Indianness. Live and let live , compassion, tolerance, non-violence, and the
 accommodation etc. have always been the essence of Indian religious preaching
and practice. It is inhabited by the followers of many different religious, faiths ,
seats, way of living and thinking. There are the Hindus, the Muslims, the Sikhs
the Parsis , the jains the Buddhists, the Christians the Zorastrians and many other.
The Hindu have always been a majority community but their religious outlook
And practice have been narrow, sectarian, obscurantist and fundamentalist.

They never believed in conversion, coercion, intolerance, jehad or religious
Persecution . Indian is the only country where civilization and culture have
Been like a ceaseless and continuous flow since times immemorial only because
Of its deep- rooted faith in religious tolerance, co-existence and non-interference

In the one another’s personal and religious affairs.
 Followers of different and alien faiths came to India as invaders refugees seeking shelter from religious persecution in their own countries or as preachers
Of their faith and became an integral part of its unique in staggering diversity.
The Christian Church in India is much older than coming of Islam St. Thomas
Was one of the 12 disciples of Christ and contemporary of St. peter in Rome
He was the first preacher of Christianity in India. The parsis came in the 8th century
Seeking refuge from religious persecution in Iran and brought Zorastrianism. The
Jews came quite early about 2000 years ago and settled down chiefly in Bombay
Pune, cochin and Delhi. Islam came to India with Muslim invasions and conquests.
The decadal rate of increase of the Hindus has been 22.78 per cent and that of
Muslims 32.76 per cent and 16.89 per cent that of the Christians. Thus, India
Has been a melting pot of various religious, cultural currents and cross currents .
Beside these major religious, there are about 183 other religious sects and persuasions. In Hinduism itself there are hundreds of sects following different Religious practices , rites, rituals and ways of worship and prayer . All these seats and religious , and atheists as well, represent a command wonderful pattern of unity, integrity and wholeness.
 Communal tensions, conflicts and frictions have been relatively of recent origin and can be traced back to the British rule. The partition of the sub-`continent
Into India and Pakistan was clearly a legacy of the British rule. They had divided the people on communal lines; introduced separate electorates to a large extent
In sowing the seeds of communal disharmony, tension and conflict . This are a
Resulted in the partition and Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination . In spite of all
These tragic events of epic dimensions, india’s commitment to secularism to
Has never been in boubt. Even the father of Pakistan jinnah was originally a
Secular political leader. But gradually he felt sidelined on the pre-independence
Political scene and used religions as a trump-card to satisfy his ego and ambition.
Ultimately the partion was agreed and jinnah had his ‘moth eaten ‘ Pakistan.

Time and again and in no uncertain terms in the parliament and outside it, the a
Indian leader like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur shastri , Atal bihari Vajpayee
And other have declared that India is fundamentally a secular country. All `are first
And last the Indians in the political and national sense their different religions and
Faiths not-withstanding. India is a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic.
The Indian constitution guarantees its citizens full freedom rights and freedom
Granted to all citizens individually and collectively is the ‘rights to freedom to the
Of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religions’. Moreover, each and every section of citizens have ‘right to conserve its culture’ and language or script and right to establish and administer educational institutions
Of their choice.
 This freedom of culture, conscience, faith following and way of living has
Been one of the corner stones of Indian social fabric and democracy. There is no the basic of religion and caste, among other things. There is no favour to any a
Particular religions and its followers. All religions, sects, and their followers are
Equal before the law. There is complete religious freedom unless it does interferer
In the freedom of other religious. Here in India religions and its practice has been
Recognized as a personal and private affairs.It means that there is no mixing up
Of religious with polotics.
 The Indian constitution puts stress on country’s secular identity. Since the
Every election whether assembly or parliamentary arrives with certain issues. One
Of them is ‘Freedom of Speech’. And 2004 parliamentary election is no exception .
In a significant ruling ahead of election the apex court held that no person, and
Irrespective of the positive he / she holds in public life, should be allowed to act in a manner or make speeches that would destroy secularism.
 Secularism is often defined as neutrality and detachment or indifference to Religion without religion being antireligious or discrimination among citizens on
Ground of religion, caste, creed etc. Now, this is a negative and narrow definition
Of secularism and does not suit the Indian context. This gives the detractors of an
Opportunity ton call it anti-religions approach to the policy. They call the whole
Concept as borrowed, alien , atheist an godless. Therefore, secularism needs to be
Redefined to suit Indian psyche. Some thinkers suggest that secularism means the
‘ Sarvadharma sambhav’ , that is , equal respect for all religions. This is certainly
Better and positive interpretation of secularism and should be preached propagated

Really this is the essence of secularism and Gandhi’s secular vision was very much
Close to it. Pt .Nehru and other great leader were also inspired and guided by this
Same vision.
 India is a very big and great country populated by many communities. It is the second largest country in the world after china in population. There are conflicts, tensions and frictions among the people and between different are the
 communities because of various pressures and clash of interests. Therefore, every
 clash cannot be termed as communal. There have been communal clashes, conflicts religious riots, conflagrations and massacres since independence. There are certain vested interested who under the influence of foreign, powers , across ck of our border, want to weaken the country. They are always trying to disturb india’s
social fabric and communal harmony. They often succeed in engineering
 communal conflicts and clashes here and there. We should be vigilant and ourselves against such vicious elements. Then there are certain political leader and
parties who to serve their own narrow interests indulge in communal politics. They
use different communities ,particularly the minorities as their vote banks, and manipulate things on caste and communal lines. The politics of vote banks originates from lack of genuine commitment to the cause of secularism and social
harmony. They now and then practice appeasement of minority community and
thus give opportunity to the detractors of secularism in mudslinging .
 Many of the clashes and conflicts between communities are because of the
Economic and educational backwardness. They are not actually communal nature and origin but are construed as such. The economic and culture backwards of communities should be removed. They should be enlightened and brought into the
National mainstream so as to eliminate their self-inspired isolation, alienation and the educational backwardness it is not unnatural that the economically weak and vulnerable communities should succumb to narrow sectarian and communal pressures and rise in revolt in the name of religion against those who are better off
And belong off to other community and faith. Removal of unemployment, and the
Backwardness, more equal distribution of national wealth and removal of imbalance in economical development of various communities only can ensure real
Lasting secularism In poverty, economic slavery, backwardness and widespread
Unemployment, secularism can never survive , let alone its prosperity. The poor and the week become an easy prey to priests , mullahs, fundamentalists and reactionary forces having their roots overseas.
 The communal and obscurantist forces should not be allowed at all to undermine our secular spirit , religious tolerance, peace , harmony and co-existences. No political leader or party should be allowed to raise the bogey of
Religion or community.
In our public and social life we should be guided be only by our national interests
And such as guided only by our national interests and such giants as Mahatma Gandhi , Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, or Atul Bihari Vajpayee.
 How to religions sentiments influence secularism \ Or does secularism to
Hinder religions practice. It is needless to say that in a free country like where the
Cultural diversity for centuries has been a unique feature and identity ; it is binding
Force which strengthens secularism In reality, secularism is not an irreligious concept , neither is it a religions concept. It simply considers government heads, bureaucrats and ministers not to make the best theologians , an in the neither can
Their function be supplanted by theologians , as in the case in for example, Iran.
 In the Indian context secularism is the battle to rescues India religious and
Traditions and practices from the forces of bigotry and hate. In fact a classical example of secularism on the part of government would be to crack India two worst problems-communalism and chronic poverty the rest is voodooism.

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CONCEPT OF A WELFARE STATES

A state is a political structure, an institution within a given society. Its necessity arises because of the need of better opportunities for individual and social development. In democratic and welfare states, the ultimate power is vested
In the public .The state makes a society more united, meaningful and powerful. It imparts a strong sense of nationality, patriotism and togetherness. Welfare of the citizens is the essence of a state. It is the duty of a welfare state to provide security,
Equality before law opportunities a decent standard of living etc. to all citizens without any discrimination. Freedom from want and fear are the two basic pillars on which a welfare state stands.
 India is a welfare state and its constitution guarantee certain fundamental rights and freedom to all its citizens these are justiciable and cannot be violated by the government. The sovereignty vests in the public and they are real masters. The
Directive principles of state policy further strengthent the concept of welfare state as they are to be borne in mind while carrying on the state administration. These direct the government to strive continuously for the welfare of its citizens. Social
Welfare and well-being can be said to be the essence of the Indian constitution.
 The state is a political institution and structured in a society to achieve the
Specific objective in regard to serve its citizens with more and better material, mental and spiritual gains Its aim to make the life of an individual citizens more
Secure, comfortable , and meaningful .An individual is a social unit essential for a society and government society is an everchanging and evolving complex system and the state the expression of its desire for better, discipline growth and governance.

A state is like a circle within far more wide comprehensive and inclusive. In democratic societies and states , public is the ultimate and sovereign power , through the state is run by a particular political party or group of such parities voted to power . The ultimate sovereignty of the masses is the cornerstone of democratic states. Thus , a state should reflect the collective will , aspirations desire and ambitions of a society and work for the welfare of its citizens. It should ensure conditions that are conductive the proper and repaid development of the individual and the society as a whole.
 Man is a social animal and as such shares his life with other. He enters into social relationship with other human beings to make life worth living. To as the strengthen this bond of relationship and make life more meaningful , cohesive , disciplined and profitable ,the political institution called state, has been created .
A state makes a particular society more organized , united , purposeful and disciplined and thereby ensure better standard of living and growth. There is better sense of belonging , likeness and commonness because of a state. The state imparts a sense of nationality, patriotism, and togethrness to a society. Therefore, it is in the fitness of the scheme that a state should always aim at welfare of the individual
And the society as a whole .The concept of the state as a mere instrument of political power or the police state is now no more acceptable. Maintenance of law and order internal security, discipline etc are the essential duties of a government in a state, within the framework of social welfare. The state has to ensure that there is no repression, high-handedness, exploitation, harassment and police excesses. Equality before law, equality of opportunity etc. form the essence of modern polity. There cannot be any type of discrimination on the basic of cast, creed , birth status, sex etc . in a welfare state. The week and backward have to be protected against the rich, the privileged and the strong .
 A welfare state has to constantly reflect and assert the public will through its
Governance and administration and take such decisions that make distribution of national income and resources more equitable more and fair. It has to steer clear of both capitalistic and totalitarian ways of governance so as not to allow insecurity of the individuals, exploitation of natural resources, regimentation and unnecessary uniformity. The major goals of a welfare state are economic balance, social and political justice , economic growth , better standards of living and safeguard of certain basic rights and freedom. Thus, the concept of a welfare state is very wide and inclusive and envisages an order in which all have an access to basic needs of life and a decent and honourable living. It implies social , economical, physical, mental and spiritual welfare of the people to the maximum possible extent in a given situation and society.

 Freedom from want and fear are the two fundamental pillars on which a welfare state is built upon. Freedom from want means want means proper employment opportunities, removal of poverty, a decent living and literacy, and a
Physical and mental health Freedom from fear involves social and economic security, guarantee of human rights and fundamental freedom.
 In a welfare state, the benevolence is quite widespread and also includes such
Schemes as unemployment, sickness and disabled insurance, old-age pension , maternity and accident benefits, child and woman welfare programmes etc. The provision of free, compulsory and universal elementary education, more opportunities for better and higher education of a welfare state
 India is welfare state, a soverelgn , democratic , secular , socialistic republic.
There are certain basic and salient features in the Indian constitution which make it a truly welfare state. These includes among other; provision for fundamental rights
And their constitution remedies; parliamentary sovereignty with judicial supremacy , remedies; parliamentary sovereignty with judicial supremacy proclamation of the sovereignty of the people, the principles of universal franchise ,directive principles of state policy and establishment of independent judiciary ,
In very clear terms the Indian constitution vests sovereignty in the nation because
It is people who have enacted, adopted and given themselves this constitution .
 The founding fathers of the Indian constitution envisaged a welfare state which is clearly reflected in the preamble of the constitution which seeks to provide all the citizens of the country justice-social, economic and political; liberty of expression, faith and worship; Equality of states and opportunity and promotion –among all citizens, fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.
 Part lll of the Indian constitution guarantees fundamental rights which are justiciable and enforceable through the courts of law. Constitutional remedies are available in the case of any theses rights is violated. Article 32 of the constitution
Specially confers a duty on the supreme court to safeguard the fundamental rights of the people. These rights are protected against all encroachments-both executive and legislative. These rights include rights to equality before law and equal protection before law, the rights to freedom of speech and expression, of assembly
Of association , of movement , of residence and settlement and of occupation and business. The rights against exploitation includes prohibition of traffic, forced labour and prohibition of employment of children The other rights include freedom of religion, faith and conscience; cultural and educational freedom and the rights to
Constitutional remedies The rights to constitutional remedies. The rights to property is to more a fundamental right, however, it is still constitution rights.

 The Directive principles of state policy are also important in the sense that they be borne in mind while carrying on the administration of the state. These principles
Lay down very categorically that ‘The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order permeated by social, economic and political justice to minimize inequality of income, states , facilities and opportunities, amongst individuals and groups. The state shall endeavuor to secure just and human conditions of work, a living wage, a decent standard of living social and
political cultural opportunities for all workers. The state shall endeavuor to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living and to improve public health. The state
shall direct its policies towards securing equitable distribution of the material resources of the community and prevention of concentration of wealth and means of production.’
 The direction principles also seek to provide free and compulsory primary education, to secure a uniform civil code for the citizens, to organize villages and
Panchayats educational and economic interests of weaker sections and to protect them social injustice among other things
 Social welfare and well-being is the essence of the Indian constitution. Welfare is not a matter of charity. Articles 17 of the constitution abolishes and untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. The responsibility for implementation of various welfare schemes is bring shared between centre and the state government. The centre is responding for formulating welfare policies and programmes besides coordinating, guiding and promoting implementation of welfare service by states. Many schemes are being implemented of welfare of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes, minorities , backwards classes and other weaker section of the society of section of the society like woman, children and disabled people.
 Poverty and illiteracy are two major problems before the country. There cannot be any real welfare state if there prevails widespread poverty and illiteracy .
In India there are millions of Indians who are living below poverty line without essentials of life. The literacy rate is also very low specially among woman, tribal, scheduled castes and the rural poor. Recently the centre has taken a decision to make the rights to primary education fundamental right. It is a step in right direction. Education helps in economic emancipation as well. Freedom is useless
Unless there is freedom from hunger, ignorance, fear and superstition It is the a
Fundamental duty of welfare state to alleviate poverty, spread literacy and eradicate economic and social inequality. Theses areas should be given the highest priority in our planned development.

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INDIAN DEMOCRACY

Democracy is a political set-up in which public is the ultimate power.
India is a democratic country based on the system of adult franchise and participation by the people in the government. All people are equal before the law in India. It is a democratic ideal based on equality of opportunity India is a democratic and welfare state which implies reasonably good quality of life to all
Its citizens But in this respect India has failed. The economic and social contests have not been realized yet and there is a lot of poverty illiteracy, hunger and deprivation. Elections in the India are not as free, fair and fearless as they ought to be. There is an urgent need of electoral reforms. Defections, unholy alliances, criminialistion of politics and nexus between political leaders and mafia dons and gangsters are some other dangers being faced by Indian democracy.
 According to Abraham Lincoln democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. In other words the ultimate power rests with the people who form the electorate to elect their representatives. Thus, the sovereignty lies in the people and is manifested thought their opinion and will. It is a political
Set-up by consent of the voters In a genuine democracy, the consent of the people is active and effective. People exercise this consent from time to time indirectly
Through their elected their representatives This consent given to the representatives to govern and make laws can be withdrawn by the people when they so desire.
 India is a democratic country. Here the will and consent of the majority of the prevail It is a government in which each and every individual has some participation, some share. Democracy provides for the expression and development
Of the individuals Every individuals here has the freedom to realize his intellectual
Economical and spiritual potentials to the maximum This means that Indian democracy is a political arrangement with particular economic, social and political approach. As a political arrangement and approach there is adult and universal suffrage. It is means every individual who has attained the age of 18 years has a vote irrespective of his her social status, religions, caste, qualifications, education, etc. It follows the principles of the one vote one person. Thus , all are equal and there is no distinction, no discrimination in the matter of casting votes. This political arrangement cuts across all the differences and establishes dignity and integrity of man as a man.

 In India every body is equal before law. Each and every human being is guaranteed freedom to develop himself to the fullest possible extent without any hinderance. Equality is a the essence of democracy and all the citizens have equality of opportunity but it never means regimentation and rigid uniformity. And this lends variety, diversity and plurality in unity. As a nation India is one but as individuals the citizens are free to follow their own individuals faith, religions, desires and ways of life. It means individuals diversities and national unity and integrity are not incompatible but rather complementary. Unity never means equalization of abilities and skills. In the creation no two human beings are exactly a like, not even twins. All me and woman cannot be equal in the sense that each and every person has own characteristic traits, habits, skills, abilities, mental gravitation and attainments. Equality is a democratic ideal which means that all
citizens must must have the equal opportunities to realise their possibilities
 The economic aspect of democracy means that each and every citizen is made to live a good and meaningful life with at least minimum needs of life easily available. Democracy means bringing the gap between the rich and the poor and raising the standard of living of the masses. True democracy implies that nobody goes to bed hungry, that he least simple roof over and clothes to cover his body.
These are the ideals of democracy, challenges which should be faced and meet.
India is struggling etc. These are some of the economic and social contents of democracy without which democracy loses much of its meaning. Political freedom becomes meaningless amidst appalling poverty, illiteracy, hunger , disease, suffering and miseries in the sense India is lagging far behind in spite of 50 years of independence. The number of the deprived, downtrodden, unemployed and even without bare necessities of life is on the increase and the poor are becoming more poor and miserable.
 The Indian constitution grants and guarantees all the basic freedom and rights to its citizens. The fundamental rights are justiciable and non-violable but in practice there still prevail exploitation, inequality, sex-bias, caste-apartheid ,injustice, gross neglect of the poor, hunger deprivation In these adverse circumstances how can, one be expected to be proud of democracy .How can a man be expected to share in the process of democracy, cast his vote fearlessly when he happens to be illiterate and living below poverty line .Patriotism , civic-sense , national sprit etc. become empty and meaningless words for a suffering person. Unless there is security against ill health , unemployment, poverty and deprivation democracy cannot be there in there in the true sense of tern. Success of
Democracy depends on many factors including well educated and enlightened voters, well looked after citizens, free and fearless press, multiparty political system. Peace, stability, a deep sense of belonging and genuine equality of opportunities and before law.
Democracy is a faith, an emotional bond, a feeling of wellbeing and satisfaction. It
Implies tolerance, adjustment, devolution of powers and responsibilities and wellbeing obedience to just laws .It is a great political, social and moral order and arrangement where human rights are held in high respect, where disputes are settled peacefully and governments are changed constitutionally through the might of ballot.
 India is a largest democracy in the world and has completed 56 years of its existence. During the course the of this period of many general election have been held and government changed at the centre and the states. But how fair and fearless these have been in a big question Money and muscle power have been in use widely during elections. Political leaders and parties use all corrupt means including criminals and gangsters to influence voting and election result in their favour. Fair is foul for them. Money is extorted from corporate houses, business establishment and wealthy individuals in the name of election fund and political rallies. Casteism, communalism, regionalism etc. find their full expression is elections. Votes are bought en masse by the rich and influential candidates and politics has become a dirty game being played by dishonest, unscrupulous and immoral people. These are some of the great threats to our democracy and need to be addressed immediately. There is an urgent need of wide and fundamental electoral reforms.
 Democracy is a great institution and so like to be greatly abused in the absence of proper checks and balances. For want of enlightenment, literacy and education it can easily degenerate into mobocracy and the government of fools and utter selfish and ambitious people.
 Defections and desertion is another great danger to Indian democracy. Political leaders without policies, programmes, principles and moral values, often changes their loyalties from one faction to another for petty personal and party gains and destabilize the government and balance of power. Such unscrupulous leaders do not hesitate to cause split in their political parties to grab power with the
Help of other political factions with whom they have no harmony, understanding or policy-accord at all. Such unholy alliances and strange bad-fellowship have abnormally have abnormally increased in recent years. There are anti-defection laws but they are full of loopholes which encourage manipulations. Moreover, it is not the law alone which makes democracy a success. Ultimately it is man and his
spirit of democracy that matters the most.
 Crimination of politics poses a great danger to our democracy. Politicians in high places have nexus with criminals, mafias, and antisocial elements and use them blatantly against their adversaries. Political murders, kidnappings abductions and threats have become very common.

They including in buying of the votes, threatening the voters, booth-capturing, violence, shooting and killing during the election and in such a situation democracy becomes a sheer mockery. Election commission should be made autonomous and vested with more statutory powers to curb some of these evils effectively. There should be transparency in election-funding, electioneering and of the candidates. Often the party In power misuses electronic media for its electioneering purpose. All these evils be checked and eliminated.

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ECONOMIC REFORMS

Economic reforms in India were initiated in 1991. These were essential for country’s growth, openness and liberalization of Indian economy. These reforms have resulted in many socio-economic changes of great consequence. It is an ongoing process towards integration of Indian economy into world economy. As a result of these reforms, our growth rate has increased from 0.9 per cent 1991-92 to 6.6 per cent in 1995-96. But there is still much left to be done. The road to to growth and prosperity is long and full of bumps. Our infrastructure facilities are not of world standard yet and need massive domestic and foreign direct investments. The slow inflow of capital into India is an area of concern. In order to have sufficient foreign investment the reforms need to be speeded up. Genuine and timely reforms is another name of onwards march and progress. To achieve economic growth-economic reforms were initiated in 1991. Those reforms were essential for liberalization of Indian economy. As a result there came socio-economic changes. Growth rate increased from 0.9per cent in 1991-92 to 6.6 per cent in 1995-96. Quite understandable, that the growth rate will decide country’s prosperity. Then the infrastructure of the country were not of world standards to improve this, massive domestic and foreign direct investments is needed the slow inflow of capital into India will fetch slow growth. And, this is an area of concern. This onwards march for progress didn’t stop. The official statistics indicates that the economy grew at a whopping 10.4 per cent during October-December 2003.
 Economic reforms in India began in 1993 when the country faced many harsh realities like fiscal and balance of payment deficits, constantly rising inflation. The crisis was of such magnitude that the country had to pledge gold worth US $ 400 million abroad and depreciate the rupee by 25 per cent in two instalments. The reforms were initiated in order to reduce inflation, fiscal deficit, poverty and to increase industrial growth productivity, employments, increase exports and foreign exchanges reserves. The chief measures taken under the reforms were allowing foreign direct investments [FDI] and foreign institutional investigation of investors [FLL] in the corporate and stock market segments, reduction in customs and excise duties in reduction in the tax rate, and permission
To Indian companies to tap international markets For their capital needs. A policy of PSU s disinvestments and opening up banking and mutual fund industry to private sector are other steps taken towards liberalization of the economy.
 These reforms and liberalization have been there for nearly 6 years and consequently many socio-economic changes of far reaching effects have places. The erstwhile licence-raj has been demolished, Indian rupee has been made convertible on the current account and their near future it may be convertible on the capital account also. The foreign Exchanges Regulation Act [FERA] has bbeen softened, import duty structure has been phenomenally reduced and office of the controller of capital issues has been axed. And all these have resulted in corporation of the society to a large extent and the beginning of a process of integration of Indian economy into global economy. These reforms have throw open many new avenues and challenges simultaneously. Things have become more competitive bigger and complex and only the finest will survive. Markets and investors have become more discerning and investors want good returns and the consumers value for their money spent. Now, the investors have greater choice and gone are the days when a few business houses dominated the corporate world.
 India has been able to achieve reasonably good results of these reforms. The growth rate has gradually increased from 0.9 per cent in 1991-92 to 6.6 per cent in
1995-96. The average industrial growth has been above 8 per cent. The economic reforms process has changed our into developing one and today it is regarded as one the best economies in Asia. There have been better yields and profit margins in the corporate sector since then and the GDP growth has appreciably increased from 1.1 per cent in 1990-91 to 6-7 per cent in 1995-96. There has been growth in industrial production and inflation rate has come down to 6-7 per cent from 17 per cent. Reforms have also increased our foreign exchange reserves and market capitalization of the companies has increased has increased considerably. The foreign investment in the country through FDIs, FIIs, GDRs, Euro issues etc. has been quite encouraging. But there is still much room for improvement and there cannot be any complacency. The road to growth and prosperity is long and full of bumps, barriers and blocks. The main objective of improving the quality of living standards of the people of the country is not yet in sight.The entry of multinational companies (MNCs) into consumer products sector on a big scale is also a sources of anxiety. Instead they should invest massively in infrastructure sector and those in which huge capital and latest technology are involved.

 Reforms and globalization of Indian economy has certainty started yielding result in terms of poverty alleviation to some extant. They have lent a helping in reducing poverty. According to the world Bank’s latest report (1997) the economic reforms and liberalization has done more to reduce poverty in India than government development programme which have not benefited those they were meant for. According to the entitled India; Achievements and challenges in reducing poverty; some of these government programmes have in fact largely missed their supported targetes-the poor-and delivered the bulk of their benefits or subsidies to the politically or economically more advantaged. The economic growth in India has widened opportunities at the bottom as well as near the top of the society, says the report and this has increased the wages of landless rural workers since liberalization. These reforms hold the promise of considerable improvement in the living standards of the country’s 300 million poor avers the report. Inward looking industrialization strategies of the past could not achieve the rate of poverty alleviation possible with alternative policies, says the bank.
 The bank has praised the appreciable high growth rates in the past 5 years resulting from reforms, but the report caution that there is much that remains to be done to sustain this growth. High fiscal deficits, tremendous infrastructure problem, facing the Indian government, it says.
 Reform have opened new opportunities which should be exploited to the maximum Reform gradually reduce the role of the government. We need foreign investments on a large scale to improve our infrastructure facilities and accelerate growth but it is not flowing in the country to the extent and quality we need. Perhaps it is because there are multiple authorities from whom sanctions are to be sought and, therefore, foreign, investors shy away. During 1996 india could obtain
Only 2.8 per cent of the total foreign investment China tops the list with $ 52 billion or 18 per cent of the total investment followed by Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand and Argentina. The capital inflow to developing countries is in the form of foreign direct investment, bank loan and bonds and portfolio investment. This slow inflow of the capital into India is also because of India’s competitive edge in the context of global economy has shown any improvement this year compared to 1996 and yet India has emerged as the world’s third most preferred destination for F.D.I. In order to attract foreign capital into the country in the required quantity it is imperative that reforms are speeded up. According to the global competitiveness report of the world Economic Forum, India is still the least open economy behind only to Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
 We have signed WTO accord but to open up and liberalise further to increase our share and gains win the world market. At per cent india’s share is dismal 0.6 per cent. We need a more open policy because by global standards, India is not competitive at all.
It is high time that the maze of red tape and stifling regulation do not come in the way of the private sector initiatives. India needs to adopt such policies and programme that attract foreign and domestic investment and encourage re-investments of profits. Genuine and timely reforms is another name of onward march, progress and development .But at the same time India has to watch its own interests and not to be swept away by the exhortations and preaching of the development countries of the west. The euphoria of liberal economic reforms should not blind us to ground realities and national interests both in short and long terms. Global integration and globalization are necessary and also inevitable but these should not lead to what is called local disintegration and social imbalance and disparities.
 Taking of economic growth and economic development of the largest democratic country of the world will be a ground reality. Political rivals stake their claims for many good things they have achieved. But the people of the country take them with lot o criticism which is of course, a healthy sign of political awareness especially towards economic growth and development of the country which appears to be one of the most important issues of the 2004 General Lok Sabha election.
 When the Bharat Uday Yatra entered Orissa through Naupanda district, one of the poorest regions in the country, the Deputy prime Minister L.K Advani blamed the congress for the countries for the country’s backwards in various fields. He pointed out that the congress had failed solve the problems facing the people living in the six lakh villages despite the party being in power for 48 years after independence. The fact is what had so far been done for economic growth and development in these six lakh Indian Villages. If ‘India Shining’ slogan is areality why then the people living in the villages have no water for irrigation purposes. Well, there is a dream-the vision 2020. Let it be a reality.
 Bread and butter issues of development are remarkably absent from the election campaign o the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) ‘Economic governance’over the past five years did not fetch much. So-called achievements in accelerating
 economic growth does not seem to be real achievements, if we drew a line of comparison between the two, the present is power is poorer what it is was in per cent record in 1992-98. Even after 55 years of independence, a greater emphasis is not being given to livelihood issues. Great power, ‘developed economy’ and ‘superpower’ will not keep number one issue aside.
 It is obvious that growth and development are two different things. The experience of the past half century around the world has shown that while rapid economic growth is necessary for a steady improvement lead to a better life for the majority.

 What Indonesia did in 1990s is the most recent example. According to a study made United Nation human development that what a society does with its drawings is an importance as the generation of higher incomes.

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