question_answer 4)

Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also, suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations. (i) Following a High Court directive a temple in Odisha that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits, allowed entry for all from of same door.     (ii) A large number of fanners are committing suicide in different States of India.   (iii) Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.  

Answer:

(i)Challenge Involved Challenges of social inequality and untouchability.  Suggestion To check this challenge a law has been passed to declare untouchability a legal offence. Efforts have been made to promote social equality. Central Government has directed the State Governments not to practice untouchability in any form. If anyone tries to do so, he will be punished under the Law of Untouchability Offence Act, 1955.   (ii)Challenge Involved Challenge of poverty and economic inequalities.  Suggestion To look into grievance of the poor farmer’s loan should be provided to them at low rates of interest that could be easily returned. For this purpose, co-operative societies should come forward to help the poor farmers. Crop Insurance Policy should be implemented for any eventuality of crop failure.   (iii) Challenge Involved Challenge to preserve the people's trust in government agencies like the police. Suggestion To check such challenges in a democratic government, the law should be amended. So that the Police do not take law and order in their hands and should have a reasonable behaviour towards the civilians.