Do movements and protests in a country strengthen democracy? Justify your answer with examples
In an age of sharp contradictions and conflicts, where contestation is rampant and institutions associated with governance are weakened and questioned, the increased role of civil society is brought into the fore which through its participation and mobilisation, has brought about democratic assertion of people’s rights.
A lot has been discussed and debated regarding the role of social movements, which can be seen as an integral part of our democratic system nowadays. These movements can be seen as distinct entities in reaction to apathy of the government, misgovernance, growing corruption, red tapism and failure on the part of parties to respond to the needs of the society, causing discontentment of the people.
a. It is argued that these movements have ensured balance of power among different conflicting groups and interests by acting as a link between common people and government. They represent diverse interests and resort to different methods of putting pressure on the government, making it more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. We may give example of NBA movement’s Right to Information demanding the government to be more just and accountable to the needs of the people
b. These movements have deepened democracy; they have ensured greater participation of people through meetings, processions making people more aware and vigilant, raising their consciousness and making them aware about their rights. We may give example of NBA that organised demonstrations, sit-ins, protests and dharnas to call for government’s attention. Even the Chipko movement used nonviolent strategies of embracing trees to draw attention towards environmental issues, towards right to earth and to live in harmony with nature.
c. They have raised issues concerning the ordinary citizens drawing attention of the media, government to the common people woes. We may give example the Chipko movement and the movement for Jan Lokpal against corruption that dealt with issues confronting ordinary people.
d. They have also entered into bargaining and negotiations with the government for due representation of their interests. We may give example of NBA resulting in the formulation of comprehensive National Rehabilitation Policy in 2003.
e. They counter the influence of one group on the government and create awareness of various issues. In this way, government tries to find a middle path to balance conflicting interests, though it may not be able to appease all sections of society. For example BKU, representing the interest of the farmers, involves a gradual process of coming together of people with similar problems, demands and expectations
Critics have often argued that these movements resort to strikes, sit-ins and rallies and disrupt the functioning of the government, delay decision making and destabilise the routines of democracy, leading to political instability. It also causes conflict of interests and rising aspirations of the people, which at times becomes difficult for the government to respond and pacify all.
Nevertheless, these movements have become a reality of our polity striving for good governance. They speak new concerns, reflect new consciousness and herald the emergence of new identities. They seek to transform the system, making its more responsive and accountable to the needs of the people. They have indeed expanded the very idea of democracy.
In an age of sharp contradictions and conflicts, where contestation is rampant and institutions associated with governance are weakened and questioned, the increased role of civil society is brought into the fore which through its participation and mobilisation, has brought about democratic assertion of people’s rights.
A lot has been discussed and debated regarding the role of social movements, which can be seen as an integral part of our democratic system nowadays. These movements can be seen as distinct entities in reaction to apathy of the government, misgovernance, growing corruption, red tapism and failure on the part of parties to respond to the needs of the society, causing discontentment of the people.a. It is argued that these movements have ensured balance of power among different conflicting groups and interests by acting as a link between common people and government. They represent diverse interests and resort to different methods of putting pressure on the government, making it more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. We may give example of NBA movement’s Right to Information demanding the government to be more just and accountable to the needs of the people
b. These movements have deepened democracy; they have ensured greater participation of people through meetings, processions making people more aware and vigilant, raising their consciousness and making them aware about their rights. We may give example of NBA that organised demonstrations, sit-ins, protests and dharnas to call for government’s attention. Even the Chipko movement used nonviolent strategies of embracing trees to draw attention towards environmental issues, towards right to earth and to live in harmony with nature.
c. They have raised issues concerning the ordinary citizens drawing attention of the media, government to the common people woes. We may give example the Chipko movement and the movement for Jan Lokpal against corruption that dealt with issues confronting ordinary people.
d. They have also entered into bargaining and negotiations with the government for due representation of their interests. We may give example of NBA resulting in the formulation of comprehensive National Rehabilitation Policy in 2003.
e. They counter the influence of one group on the government and create awareness of various issues. In this way, government tries to find a middle path to balance conflicting interests, though it may not be able to appease all sections of society. For example BKU, representing the interest of the farmers, involves a gradual process of coming together of people with similar problems, demands and expectations
Critics have often argued that these movements resort to strikes, sit-ins and rallies and disrupt the functioning of the government, delay decision making and destabilise the routines of democracy, leading to political instability. It also causes conflict of interests and rising aspirations of the people, which at times becomes difficult for the government to respond and pacify all.
Nevertheless, these movements have become a reality of our polity striving for good governance. They speak new concerns, reflect new consciousness and herald the emergence of new identities. They seek to transform the system, making its more responsive and accountable to the needs of the people. They have indeed expanded the very idea of democracy.
