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Discrimination in Indian Society

India is not a true democracy but a discriminating society where a few privileged are

given preferential treatment in all walks of life and the common man is ignored. Give

argumentsFor andAgainst this view.

India is basically a traditional society where most of the population is still rural-based and

values its old heritage, culture and traditions. After independence, the framers of Indian

Constitution wanted to transform the Indian society into a modern and liberal one by

incorporating the best possible provisions, like the Fundamental Rights and the Directive

Principles. Aim was to bestow all the liberties on the Indian citizens to make sure that the

principle of equality was ensured in the society. Further, under the Directive Principles, the

State is required to adopt such policies as may result in setting up an equitable society.

Under the Directive Principles, the State is also required to take such necessary steps as maybe required to uplift the poorer and the under-privileged sections of the society. These

measures are used as supplements to the politico-legal provisions under the Constitution,

with the objective of achieving social and democratic equality among all the citizens of the

country. But the actual practice of democracy in the last over five decades has made many

feel that rather than being a democracy, India is like an Aristocracy where some privileged

categories are given preferential treatment over the common man.

ArgumentsFor the View

(a) Although the Constitution of India provides for equality before law, yet as per actual

practice there are certain categories in the society which have emerged as privileged classes

and are given preferential treatment in all spheres of life. Hence, despite the constitutional

provisions the equality has not yet been achieved in Indian society.

(b) As per the estimates of government of India, about 25 per cent of the population in the

country lives below poverty line. Democracy has no meaning for such poor people who are

mainly concerned about basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. The democratic rights

and privileges are left only for some privileged ones to enjoy.

(c) Political bosses have emerged as a privileged class in Indian society which is using the

democracy to grind their own axe. While the common man votes the politician to power, it is

the latter category which enjoys the power to the utmost. Lack of accountability, rampant

corruption in high places and other social advantages make the politicians a privileged lot in

the society.

(d) In addition to the politicians, highly placed government officials also form a privileged

class in the society which enjoys all the facilities but little responsibility and accountability.

Be it official functions, free passes, rest houses, discretionary quotas or financial benefits

from the government, this class of Indian citizens score much above the common man in allthese matters and many others.

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ArgumentsAgainst the View

(a) India is the largest democracy of the world in terms of the number of electorates and has

performed well in the past. It is also one of the most matured democracies in the developing

world. It would be wrong to call it an Aristocracy.

(b) Democratic set up in the country has been ensured through one of the most

comprehensive and written Constitutions. For the last more than five decades, the

Constitution of India has delivered very well.

(c) Fundamental Rights are the cornerstones of Indian Constitution and provide for equality

before law as well as equal opportunity for employment under the State. The Constitution

does not provide for any privileged classes in Indian society.

(d) India is a welfare State and under the Directive Principles of State Policy, the

government has taken several measures after independence, which are aimed at the welfare of

the underprivileged and socially backward sections of population. Overall public policy,

poverty alleviation programmes, reservation policy, direct taxation policy, cross

subsidisation, etc. are some of the examples of the government policy aimed at benefiting the

poorer and the down-trodden in India.