DEMOCRATIC VALUES
Dr. J. Allwyn Kingsly Gladston
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
GE3791 HUMAN VALUES AND ETHICS
UNIT I
DEMOCRATIC VALUES
Understanding Democratic values: Equality, Liberty, Fraternity, Freedom, Justice,
Pluralism, Tolerance, Respect for All, Freedom of Expression, Citizen
Participation in Governance – World Democracies: French Revolution, American
Independence, Indian Freedom Movement.
Reading Text: Excerpts from John Stuart Mills’ On Liberty
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
Citizen participation in governance refers to the involvement of the general
public in decision-making processes, ensuring that governance is more
inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
In India, citizen participation has played a crucial role in shaping the
democratic fabric of the nation, particularly in terms of its political, social,
and economic systems.
India’s democracy, as one of the largest in the world, is based on the
principle of "We, the people" where citizens have the responsibility and the
power to influence and shape governance.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
1. Constitutional Provisions for Citizen Participation
India's Constitution, which came into effect in 1950, envisions a
participatory democracy that allows citizens to play an active role in the
governance of the country.
The Constitution provides several mechanisms for citizen participation:
a) Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution):
Right to Information (RTI): The right to access information from public
authorities allows citizens to participate more actively in governance and
hold public officials accountable.
The RTI Act, passed in 2005, empowers citizens to request government
documents and seek transparency.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
1. Constitutional Provisions for Citizen Participation
The Constitution provides several mechanisms for citizen participation:
a) Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution):
Right to Vote: Every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote in
elections, thereby directly participating in the selection of representatives
at local, state, and national levels.
Freedom of Expression: Citizens are guaranteed the freedom to express their
opinions, which includes the right to protest, form associations, and
participate in discussions that influence government policies.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
1. Constitutional Provisions for Citizen Participation
The Constitution provides several mechanisms for citizen participation:
b) Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution):
The Directive Principles guide the government in ensuring the welfare of
citizens and involve the public in shaping policies related to social,
economic, and political equality.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
2. Mechanisms for Citizen Participation in Governance
a) Electoral System and Voting:
Elections: India conducts regular elections at multiple levels — local
(panchayat), state (legislative assembly), and national (Lok Sabha) —
where citizens vote for representatives to form the government.
Representation: By participating in elections, citizens choose representatives
who make policies, laws, and decisions on their behalf. This is a key form
of indirect participation.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
2. Mechanisms for Citizen Participation in Governance
b) Local Governance and Panchayati Raj System:
The Panchayati Raj System established under the 73rd and 74th
Constitutional Amendments (1992) provides a platform for citizens at the
grassroots level to participate in governance.
Gram Sabha: In rural areas, the Gram Sabha (village assembly) allows
citizens to directly participate in decision-making processes. They can
raise local issues, discuss budgets, and influence policy decisions
regarding development, infrastructure, and welfare programs.
Decentralization of Power: The system decentralizes power to local elected
bodies, making it easier for citizens to influence governance at the local
level.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
c) Civil Society and Advocacy Groups:
Civil society organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs), and community advocacy groups play a vital role in encouraging
citizens to participate in governance.
They raise awareness, promote legal reforms, and mobilize citizens to engage
in policy debates.
Many CSOs work on issues like environmental protection, human rights,
education, and healthcare, influencing public policy and pushing for
reforms in governance.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
d) Public Consultations and Hearings:
Various ministries and government agencies hold public consultations and
hearings for citizens to provide feedback on proposed policies and
programs.
These consultations are important in ensuring that the public’s concerns are
addressed before the implementation of government initiatives.
e) Participatory Budgeting:
Participatory budgeting is a process in which citizens are directly involved in
the allocation of government funds for public projects.
In India, some local governments have adopted this practice, allowing people
to suggest and vote on which projects should be funded (e.g., building
roads, schools, and healthcare centers).
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
3. Role of Technology in Enhancing Citizen Participation
a) E-Governance Initiatives:
With the advent of digital technology, e-governance has emerged as a crucial
tool for enhancing citizen participation.
Government portals and mobile applications allow citizens to access
information, file grievances, pay taxes, and interact with various
government services.
Digital platforms like MyGov and Citizen Engagement portals are used to
invite citizens’ opinions and feedback on national policies, schemes, and
programs.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
3. Role of Technology in Enhancing Citizen Participation
b) Social Media and Public Mobilization:
Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have provided
citizens with the means to express their opinions, debate political issues,
and raise awareness about public matters.
Citizens now have a direct line of communication to government bodies and
officials, allowing for quick and widespread dissemination of information,
often influencing public opinion and policy decisions.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
4. Challenges to Citizen Participation in Governance
a) Lack of Awareness and Education:
Many citizens, particularly in rural areas, lack the necessary awareness
about their rights and the available platforms for participation.
This hampers their ability to engage meaningfully in the governance process.
b) Political Apathy and Voter Turnout:
A significant portion of eligible voters in India does not participate in
elections due to political apathy, lack of trust in the political system, or
dissatisfaction with the available choices.
This results in low voter turnout, which undermines the effectiveness of the
democratic process.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
This results in low voter turnout, which undermines the effectiveness of the
democratic process.
c) Barriers to Accessibility:
For marginalized communities (e.g., women, Dalits, tribals), there are often
barriers to accessing governance processes.
These include social discrimination, economic hardship, and lack of
representation in political offices.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
d) Corruption and Transparency Issues:
Despite measures like the Right to Information Act, corruption remains a
challenge in India.
Citizens often struggle to access information or influence decision-making
processes due to bureaucratic inefficiencies or lack of transparency in
governance.
e) Limited Participation in Decision-Making:
In many cases, citizen participation is limited to voting during elections,
while their involvement in the formulation of policies and decision-
making processes is often minimal.
This results in a gap between government actions and the people’s actual
needs.
