Electoral reforms refer to the deliberate changes made to improve the fairness, transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency of the electoral process in a democratic country. In India, where democracy functions through regular elections, electoral reforms are critical for ensuring free and fair elections, preventing malpractices, improving voter participation, and strengthening democratic institutions. Since independence, India has…
Tag: sustainability
The reasons for the assertion of backward classes in Indian politics
The assertion of backward classes in Indian politics has been one of the most significant and transformative developments in the country’s political and social landscape. Historically marginalized and discriminated against, the backward classes—comprising primarily of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs)—have increasingly demanded greater political representation, social justice, and…
Patterns of politics of ethnic minorities in Indian States
The politics of ethnic minorities in Indian states is an important aspect of India’s complex political landscape. India is home to a vast array of ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, many of which are concentrated in specific regions and states. The politics of ethnic minorities in India has been shaped by historical, social, economic, and…
The developments in Indian politics that have transformed the party system in the Indian States since the 1980s
Since the 1980s, Indian politics has undergone significant transformations that have reshaped the party system at both the national and state levels. The evolution of the Indian party system has been marked by the decline of the Congress Party’s dominance, the rise of regional parties, the increasing importance of identity politics, and the emergence of…
Politics of linguistic minorities in Indian states
The politics of linguistic minorities in India is a crucial aspect of the country’s federal structure, which is characterized by diverse linguistic groups. Linguistic diversity is one of the key features of Indian society, and the Indian Constitution recognizes this diversity by providing special provisions for linguistic minorities. The issue of linguistic minorities often intersects…
Nature of inter-state disputes in India
Inter-state disputes in India have been a significant aspect of the country’s federal dynamics, shaping the relationship between the Centre and the states as well as among the states themselves. These disputes arise from various sources, including territorial conflicts, water-sharing arrangements, and disagreements over resource allocation, governance, and political representation. They often involve complex legal,…
Globalization has altered the discourse on the centre and state relations
Globalization, characterized by the increasing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures across national boundaries, has significantly influenced the nature of federal relations in India, particularly the dynamic between the Centre and the States. Since the economic liberalization policies initiated in 1991, globalization has altered the way the Indian federal structure operates by shifting economic priorities,…
Protest movements and social movements
Protest movements and social movements are critical elements of democratic societies, serving as channels through which marginalized or disaffected groups express their demands, challenge existing power structures, and seek social change. These movements often emerge in response to perceived injustices, inequalities, or governmental failures. Protest movements are typically aimed at challenging specific political, economic, or…
Reasons for the demands for statehood since independence
The demand for statehood in India since independence has been a recurring and significant aspect of the country’s political landscape. These demands stem from various social, economic, cultural, and political factors, often arising from the specific regional aspirations of certain groups and communities. The movement for statehood is not merely a product of contemporary issues…
Expansion of Freedom is the Primary End and Principal Means of Development
The relationship between freedom and development has been a topic of considerable debate in political philosophy, economics, and development studies. The idea that expansion of freedom is both the primary end and the principal means of development stems from the belief that freedom—understood as the capacity to make choices, exercise rights, and participate in the…
Explain the Mechanisms Envisaged in the Indian Constitution for Resolution of Inter-State Conflicts and Their Working
The Indian Constitution provides a range of mechanisms for resolving inter-state conflicts, which are a natural outcome of the federal structure that characterizes the Indian state. Federalism in India is unique in that it involves both strong central authority and considerable autonomy for states. Inter-state disputes, therefore, emerge from conflicting interpretations of the division of…
The impact of Dalit assertion on politics and society in India
The rise of Dalit assertion in India has significantly influenced both the political landscape and societal dynamics. Historically, Dalits, who belong to the so-called “untouchable” castes, have been at the margins of Indian society, subject to systemic oppression, social exclusion, and economic deprivation. However, over the decades, especially after independence, Dalit groups have increasingly asserted…