How are popular struggles an integral part of working democracy?

CBSE Class 10 CBSE Class 10 Social Science
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1

How are popular struggles an integral part of working democracy? Explain by giving an example of Bolivia’s struggle for water.
OR
Describe the popular struggle of Bolivia.

2

People’s successful struggle against privatisation of water in Bolivia reminds that popular struggles are integral to working of democracy:

  • Bolivia is a poor country in Latin America. The World Bank had pressurised the government to give up its control of municipal water supply.

  • The government sold her rights for the city of Cochabamba to a multi-national company.

  • The multi-national company immediately increased the price of water by four times.

  • The increasement in price rise led to a spontaneous popular protest.

  • In January 2000, a new alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders organised a successful four-day general strike in the city.

  • Ultimately, the government agreed to negotiate and the strike was called off. Yet nothing happened.

  • In February 2000, the agitation was started again. The police resorted to brutal repression on strikers.

  • Another strike followed in April and the government imposed martial law.

  • But the power of the people forced the officials of the MNC to flee the city and made the government concede to all the demands of protesters.

  • The contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates.