The Story of Democracy Test - 1

Participatory democracy refers to members of a group or community participating collectively in the taking of major decisions.

The core values of Indian democracy are based on ancient epics like Mahabharata, Western theories on democracy, and the Karachi congress resolution 1931.

The basic objectives laid down by the Indian constitution are empowerment of the poor and marginalised, ending of caste discrimination, and equality to all diverse groups.

Panchayati Raj literally translates to governance by five individuals.

Mahatma Gandhi supported the Panchayati Raj system as an ideal model to adopt after Independence.

The right to freedom of religion is enshrined in the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution is the basic norm from which all other rules and authorities flow, and all other laws are made as per the procedures the Constitution prescribes.

The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj Institution is structured like a pyramid, with the Gram Sabha at the base of the structure, followed by the Panchayat Samiti or Gram Panchayat and then the Zila Parishad.

According to the Constitution, Panchayats should be given powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government. They are responsible for planning and executing economic development schemes, promoting social justice, levying and collecting taxes, establishing child welfare and maternity centres, and various other social welfare and development activities.

The 73rd and 74th amendments ensured reservation of one-third of the total seats for women in all elected offices of local bodies in both the rural and urban areas. They also prescribed a three-tier system of local self-governance for the entire country and delegated power and authority to Panchayats to function as institutions of self-government.

The strong egalitarian ethos characterizes tribal societies and thus the element of stratification is not altogether absent in traditional political institutions in tribal areas of Meghalaya.

Van-panchayats were set up by women in Uttarakhand in order to stop the problem of deforestation that is a big problem in the mountainous regions

In many cases, the Gram Sabha members are often controlled by a small coterie of rich landlords usually hailing from the upper castes or landed peasantry. They make decisions on development activities, allocate funds, leaving the silent majority as mere onlookers.

In a democratic system, the interests of different groups are represented by political parties, who take up their case.