Disarray in Institutions of Governance

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the commitment to democracy and the challenges of governance in India.
2. Identify the factors leading to the weakening of political institutions.
3. Analyze the role of political leadership and its impact on nation-building.

India’s political development has historically been marked by a deep commitment to democracy, national unity, and economic progress. Indian leaders have managed to construct and sustain political institutions, both of the state and civil society, within a democratic structure that has endured rapid social change. New social groups regularly entered the political scene, asserting their rights and contributing to the regular peaceful transitions of governments at the Centre, demonstrating a robust democratic framework.

However, the political system faces increasing strain, with a growing disarray in political institutions, unable to respond effectively to the demands of economic and social changes. Key challenges include:

1. Economic development outpacing institutional adaptability.
2. Rising class and caste conflicts, especially in rural areas.
3. Political awakening leading to growing demands and rising expectations among the population.
4. Corruption and ineffective governance at the Centre and state levels.
5. Increased violence, communal discord, and reliance on extra-constitutional methods of protest.

Though these institutions have not crumbled, they exhibit significant resilience. People’s growing participation in the electoral process, despite these challenges, has maintained the legitimacy of political institutions.

The Downslide of Parliament

Parliament holds a crucial role in parliamentary democracies, acting as the ultimate body for policy formulation, implementation oversight, and as a “watchdog” of government functions. However, over the years, it has experienced a noticeable decline. Several factors contribute to this:

1. Disregard for parliamentary procedures leading to a degeneration of its effectiveness.
2. Frequent disruptions by members, replacing meaningful debate with rowdy behavior, walkouts, and demonstrations.
3. The weakening of Opposition parties’ roles, with governments disregarding Opposition views once they hold a majority.
4. Growing reliance on the media and public agitation to challenge government decisions instead of engaging through parliamentary debates.
5. The anti-defection law introduced in 1985 helped reduce defections, but parties and coalitions often bypass its spirit, causing political instability.

Parliament continues to function, albeit inadequately, reflecting public opinion, as seen in the fall of seven central governments since 1977 due to the loss of majority in the Lok Sabha.

The Cabinet

The cabinet, led by the prime minister, forms the executive branch of the Indian government. Its strength directly reflects the power of the government. However, since 1969, under Indira Gandhi, the cabinet’s role in decision-making has been significantly diminished. Key reasons for this decline include:

1. The growing centralization of power by the prime minister, bypassing the cabinet on policy decisions.
2. Emergence of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (PMO) as a parallel executive force, encroaching on the responsibilities of individual ministries.
3. Cabinet ministers owe their positions to the prime minister’s discretion, making them less likely to dissent.

This centralization has fostered a one-man leadership style detrimental to collective decision-making, and has affected the multiplicity of interests that the cabinet traditionally represented.

The Judiciary

The judiciary remains a strong pillar in Indian democracy, particularly the Supreme Court, which has consistently upheld constitutional rights and judicial independence. Major features of the Indian judiciary include:

1. High standards of independence, with the judiciary maintaining autonomy from executive and legislative interference.
2. Active defense of Fundamental Rights, despite some criticisms of being socially conservative.
3. Adoption of public interest litigation, providing greater access to justice for marginalized groups.

Despite these strengths, the judiciary faces two significant challenges:

1. Inordinate delays in delivering justice, with cases dragging on for decades.
2. High costs of litigation, making justice inaccessible to the common citizen.

Additionally, some concerns have been raised about judicial activism overstepping constitutional boundaries.

Public Administration and the Bureaucracy

The bureaucracy plays a pivotal role in governance, but its deterioration has become one of India’s most pressing issues. The administrative machinery, rigid and resistant to change, faces several challenges:

1. A pro-status quo stance, especially regarding redistributive measures aimed at empowering the poor.
2. Lack of disciplinary mechanisms for poor performance and corruption.
3. Inefficiency due to an expanding bureaucracy claiming a large share of public resources, often at the cost of developmental projects.
4. Political interference in bureaucratic functions, compromising the neutrality and efficiency of the civil service.

Nevertheless, the bureaucratic tradition of neutrality persists, with bureaucrats implementing government policies regardless of their personal views.

Important Note:
Despite bureaucratic inefficiencies, a significant portion of the Indian bureaucracy remains capable, efficient, and honest. These individuals often remain overshadowed by the widespread negative perception of the institution.

The Police

The police share many of the weaknesses of the bureaucracy, but their role in law enforcement has been particularly ineffective. Key issues plaguing the police include:

1. Failure to perform basic functions of crime prevention and investigation.
2. An inherited colonial attitude toward the public, especially the poor, often resulting in brutality and corruption.
3. Political interference, leading to a loss of discipline and an increase in corruption.

The police force’s degeneration has been further compounded by communalism within its ranks, leading to biased actions during communal riots and widespread custodial violence.

The Armed Forces

In contrast to other institutions, the armed forces remain a disciplined and professional force, maintaining their apolitical nature and respecting civilian supremacy. This has been achieved through careful policies initiated by India’s national leadership to avoid military involvement in political matters. Key features of India’s armed forces include:

1. National integration, with recruitment drawn from various castes, religions, and regions, ensuring a pan-Indian character.
2. A low defense budget, balancing the need for security with the economic development imperative.

Centre–State Relations

Centre-state relations in India have generally evolved well, balancing the powers between the Centre and the states. The strong Centre envisioned by the constitution has been necessary for the following reasons:

1. Protecting minorities and disadvantaged groups.
2. Mitigating regional disparities and preventing divisive forces from taking hold.
3. Ensuring national unity in a diverse society.

However, the states’ autonomy has remained intact in key areas such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, allowing them to function independently within the federal framework.

Important Note:
The federal principle in India necessitates both a strong Centre and strong states, working in harmony to uphold national integrity while empowering local governance.

Political Parties

Political parties have become the weakest link in India’s political system, plagued by several problems:

1. Factionalism and instability within and among parties.
2. Lack of internal democracy, with power concentrated in a few hands.
3. Reliance on populism and personal appeals over structured ideological debates.
4. Growing cynicism and distrust among the public towards political leaders.

While parties like the BJP and CPM have remained somewhat insulated from these issues, they too face organizational challenges, with the BJP’s growth driven by communal sentiments and the RSS’s influence.

Corruption

Corruption remains a significant threat to India’s development and democratic health. It permeates several sectors:

1. Political corruption linked to the high cost of elections, reliance on black money, and criminalization of politics.
2. Administrative corruption affecting the everyday lives of citizens through delays, inefficiency, and the influence of money in gaining access to resources.

Despite the pervasive nature of corruption, a small portion of **honest officials

** and leaders continue to serve the system, though their efforts are often overlooked.

Important Note:
Election funding reform is critical to addressing the root causes of political corruption, given the rising costs associated with campaigning and electoral processes.

Multiple Choice Question:

What has been identified as a major factor in the decline of political institutions in India?

1. Economic development
2. High quality of leadership
3. Populism and personal appeal of leaders
4. Increasing centralization of power by the judiciary
   Answer: 3. Populism and personal appeal of leaders