How does democracy stand much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual? Explain with examples.
OR
"Democracy is very important for promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”. Support the statement with arguments.
Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
- Democracy recognises dignity of women as a necessary ingredient of society. The one way to ensure that women related problems get adequate attention is to have more women as elected representatives. To achieve this, it is legally binding to have a fair proportion of women in the elected bodies. Panchayati Raj in India has reserved one third seats in local government bodies for women.
- Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity. There are some instances of cast based inequalities and atrocities, but these lack the moral and legal foundation. Perhaps, it is the recognition that makes ordinary citizens value their democratic rights.
- Democracy is based on political equality. All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives. Parallel to the process of bringing individuals into the political arena on an equal footing. People have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over the rulers. Whenever possible and necessary citizens should be able to participate in’decision making that affects them all.
- In a democratic set up, a citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision making. There is transparency in a democracy. The Right to Information Act ensures all its citizens the right to get all the information about the functioning of the government departments.