Democracy An Indian Experience Notes Class 10 History Chapter 8 Kerala Syllabus Questions and Answers

Students often refer to SCERT Kerala Syllabus 10th Standard Social Science Notes and Class 10 History Chapter 8 The Glimpses of Free India Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.

SSLC History Chapter 8 Notes Pdf English Medium The Glimpses of Free India

SCERT Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 8 The Glimpses of Free India Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Class 10 History Chapter 8 Notes Kerala Syllabus The Glimpses of Free India

Question 1.
What were the major challenges that independent India faced?
Answer:

• Post-partition migration and exodus.
• Reorganisation of states
• Integration of princely states

Question 2.
Discuss and prepare a report on the measures adopted to establish unity and implement the democratic system in post-independent India.
Answer:
After independence, India faced the great task of building unity and establishing a democratic system in a country of diverse religions, languages, and cultures. The government adopted several important measures to achieve this goal. The problems of those who migrated during the partition were solved by providing them with food, shelter, and rehabilitation facilities. To ensure equality and harmony among all communities, the rights of minorities were included as Fundamental Rights in the Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of religion, culture, and language. The integration of princely states was completed through three treaties the Instrument of Accession, Standstill Agreement, and Merger Agreement which helped bring the entire country under one administration. To implement democracy, general elections were held in 1951-52 based on universal adult franchise, allowing every adult citizen to vote and choose their representatives. These measures helped India strengthen national unity and lay a strong foundation for democracy.

Question 3.
Prepare a chronological list of the various governments in India since the first general election.
Answer:

1. 1952 – Indian National Congress
2. 1957 – Indian National Congress
3. 1962 – Indian National Congress
4. 1967 – Indian National Congress
5. 1972 – Indian National Congress
6. 1977 – Janata Party
7. 1980 – Indian National Congress
8. 1984 – Indian National Congress
9. 1989 – Janata Dal (National Front) Coalition
10. 1991 – Congress government with the support of other political parties.
11. 1996 – BJP government, United Front Coalition.
12. 1998 – National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
13. 1999 – National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
14. 2004 – Indian National Congress (UPA)
15. 2009 – Indian National Congress (UPA)
16. 2014 – Bharatiya Janata Party (NDA)
17. 2019 – Bharatiya Janata Party (NDA)
18. 2024 – Bharatiya Janata Party (NDA)

Question 4.
Collect newspaper reports related to the Emergency and organise an exhibition.
Answer:

Question 5.
Discuss and prepare a note about the background in which the Mandal Commission was appointed and the developments that followed after its implementation.
Answer:
The Janata Party government that came to power after the Emergency, constituted another commission in 1979, headed by B. P. Mandal, to study the social and educational backwardness of the OBC communities and to suggest solutions. This is known as the Second Backward Classes Commission and as the Mandal Commission. The commission submitted its report to the central government in 1980, recommending 27% reservation for backward classes in government jobs and educational institutions. The National Front government led by V. P. Singh decided to implement this report in 1990. This decision led to violent protests and agitations in many cities of North India. However, later the Supreme Court approved the implementation of the report.

Question 6.
Analyse Dalit movements and their activities.
Answer:
Dalit movements emerged from the sentiment that, in the post-independence India, Dalit communities were being kept away from the mainstream of society and were being denied their due rights. Although the constitution guarantees reservations for Dalit communities in education and employment, there existed a situation where they did not receive their deserved positions in socially significant areas, mainstream politics, and administration. Dalit community faced problems such as backwardness in education and employment, social and economic inequality, and landlessness. Inspired by the ideas of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the constitution, Dalit communities organised and formed movements. Among these movements, the Dalit Panthers movement was a significant one.

Question 7.
Discuss and prepare a note on how the Anti-Arrack Movement evolved into a women’s liberation movement.
Answer:
The Anti-Arrack Movement is a women’s movement that emerged in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh in the 1990s. This movement, in which thousands of women rallied, later spread throughout the entire state. Arrack was a locally brewed and distributed alcoholic beverage. The widespread use of alcohol created social discord and damaged the mental and physical well-being of young people. This also led to the ruin of the economic foundation of the village, domestic violence, atrocities against women, and poverty. The Anti-Arrack Movement evolved into a protest addressing various issues faced by women. This helped to create social awareness against drugs and the problems faced by women in society.

Question 8.
The anti-arrack movement was to address the various problems caused by intoxication. The use of drugs creates problems in the present day society too. Organise an awareness programme against it.
Answer:
(Hints)

• Form a Committee to plan the programme.
• Decide the topic – “Say no to chugs and alcohol”.
• Invite a guest speaker like a doctor or police officer.
• Prepare posters and slogans about the bad effects of drugs.
• Plan activities like a short speech, skit, or song.
• Conduct the programme in school or community hall.
• Take a pledge to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
• Spread the message througharallyorposterdisplay.

Question 9.
Organise a debate on “Environmental and social problems created as a result of developmental activities of the present period.”
Answer:
(Hints: Conduct a debate by using the For and Against Statements)
FOR the Statement

• Deforestation: Forests are being cleared for industries, roads, and cities, leading to loss of biodiversity.
• Pollution: Factories, vehicles, and construction increase air, water, and soil pollution.
• Climate Change: Excessive industrialization and burning of fossil fuels increase global warming.
• Health Problems: Pollution from industries causes respiratory diseases and other health issues.

AGAINST the Statement

• Economic Growth: Development brings industries, jobs, and better income for people.
• Technological Progress: New technologies make work easier, faster, and more efficient.
• Infrastructure Development: Roads, bridges, and transport systems help connect people and regions.
• Education and Awareness: Development increases literacy and knowledge about environmental protection.
• Sustainable Development Practices: Modern methods like renewable energy and recycling reduce harm.
• Better Health Facilities: Development in medical science helps control diseases and increase life expectancy.

Question 10.
Prepare a note including more farmer movements and agricultural laws.
Answer:
Farmer Movements

• The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) is a major farmers’ organization in India that advocates for the rights and welfare of farmers through rallies, demonstrations, and other forms of activism. Founded in 1978, it addresses issues such as the demand for higher crop prices, loan waivers, and subsidized electricity for farmers.
• Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana or SSS is a farmers union based in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. It was founded by Member of Parliament, Raju Shetti. They fight for the fair price of sugarcane farmer and other issues.
• Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) formed in November 2020, is a coalition of over forty Indian farmers’ unions to coordinate satyagragh (non-violent resistance) against the three farm acts initiated by the central government in September of the same year. In opposing the three farm laws, the SKM asserted that laws were an unwelcome imposition on the farmers, violated the constitution, were anti-farmer and pro-big business.

Agricultural Laws (2020 Farm Laws)

• Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce Act (2020): Allowed farmers to sell crops outside APMC markets.
• Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance Act (2020):
  Encouraged contract farming.
• Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act (2020): Reduced government control on storage and sale of food grains.

Question 11.
Prepare an article on “How does the Right to Information Movement strengthen Democracy in India?”
Answer:
Right to Information movement was started in 1990 by an organisation named the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan. This was due to the suspicion that the public money was being misused in connection with the construction of schools, dispensaries and small dams. Under the auspices of MKSS, the Delhi-based National Council for People’s Right to Information was formed and launched nationwide propaganda. It was in this context that the Right to Information Act came into force in 2005. The Right to Information (RTI) Movement has played a vital role in strengthening democracy in India by promoting transparency and accountability in government.

It allows citizens to access information about government decisions, policies, and spending, reducing corruption and misuse of power. By empowering people to question authorities and participate in decision-making, RTI encourages responsible governance. It also helps ordinary citizens, activists, and journalists expose irregularities and ensure that public resources are used effectively. Overall, the RTI Movement makes democracy more participatory, fair, and responsive to the needs of the people.

Question 12.
Prepare a speech on ‘Communalism is a threat to Indian Democracy.’
Answer:
(Hints: Prepare a speech by including the given information)
Communalism is the idea of dividing people on the basis of religion and creating social conflict. Communal divide undermines our constitutional values like secularism and social justice, posing a threat to the nation’s unity and integrity. The formation of public opinion based on religion and communal thinking, and the way by which political parties use it to influence voters in elections, pose a significant challenge to democracy. Communalism can only be countered through creating public awareness, sensitisation, and proper democratic literacy.

Question 13.
Have you read the news headlines given below? These are some observations by Honourable Supreme Court against Governors who breach the jurisdiction. What do you understand from this?

Answer:

• Governors must follow time limits
• Limited powers
• Respect for democratic process

Question 14.
Organise a panel discussion on ‘How do conflicts in Centre-State relations pose a challenge to democracy.’
Answer:
Tensions in Centre-State relations are another major challenge facing Indian democracy. Although the Constitution has divided powers between the Centre and the States, more power is vested in the Centre. We can also see politics interfering in the centrally- funded schemes and distribution of resources. The role of the Governor has always been a controversial subject between the states and the Central Government. The Governor’s role often leads to more controversies, especially in situations where different political parties govern at the Centre and in the States. Therefore, the Governor’s actions are frequently interpreted as the Central Government’s interference in the functioning of the State Government. There is yet another reason for the controversy regarding the role and powers of the Governor. Article 356 of the Constitution is the basis of this controversy. This article stipulates that Presidential Rule can be imposed in any state in India. Based on the Governor’s report, the President can impose Presidential Rule in that state. However, the Constitution mandates that this article should only be used if the State Government fails to carry out the administration in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This power of the Governor has led to numerous conflicts.

Question 15.
Prepare a note on the basis of the Supreme Court judgment and newspaper reports on how electoral bonds cause corruption.
Answer:
Electoral Bond is a project designed to allow individuals and corporates to donate any amount they want to any political party. Electoral bonds were introduced in the 2017 – 2018 Union Budget. Institutions or individuals can buy bonds for an amount of their choice ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore through SBI. Since this amount falls under the category of donation, it will be tax deductible. The Supreme Court on February 15, 2024, quashed the electoral bond after examining the transparency and legality of the bonds.

Question 16.
‘The criminalisation of politics and defection are the challenges to Indian democracy. ’ Prepare a note based on the stands and actions taken by the Indian Election Commission in this regard.
Answer:
Criminalisation of politics refers to the tendency of leaders or workers of political parties engaging in or encouraging criminal activities. When individuals with criminal backgrounds reach the leadership of political parties and become rulers, it causes citizens to lose faith in the democratic system. Electoral reforms that prohibit those facing trial or convicted of criminal offenses from contesting elections, strong legal systems, and awareness campaigns against the criminalisation of politics are ways to eliminate criminalisation of politics.

Defection refers to an elected representative, who contested and won the election as a candidate of one party, abandoning that party or joining another party. The Anti-Defection Law was passed by Parliament in 1985 through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment to prevent defection. Political parties often adopt different strategies to prevent their members from defecting. Under the leadership of a loyal member of a party, members gather at a specific venue and design a strategy to prevent the influence of other political parties. This process is also called Resort Politics.

Std 10 History Chapter 8 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities

Question 1.
Organise a seminar on ‘How evident is democracy as a way of life in our society?’
Answer:
(Hints: Conduct a seminar by using the given steps)

• Step 1: Decide the Topic and Purpose
• Step 2: Choose the Date, Time, and Venue
• Step 3: Prepare Discussion Points (Examples of democracy in daily life: voting, freedom of expression, Challenges to democracy in society, etc.)
• Step 4: Conduct the Seminar

Question 2.
Prepare a digital profile album of the Presidents and Prime Ministers of India.
Answer:
(Hints: By using ICT collect images of Presidents and Prime Ministers of India and prepare a digital profile album)

Question 3.
Organise an interview with an environmental activist, keeping in mind the necessity of environmental awareness.
Answer:
(Hints: Questions for interview)

• Can you tell us how you first became interested in environmental issues?
• Could you share some challenges you faced while working for the environment?
• What are some common environmental mistakes people make without realizing it?
• What simple daily habits can help reduce pollution and conserve natural resources?
• How can communities and governments work together to tackle environmental issues effectively?
• What advice would you give to young people who want to make a positive impact on the environment?

The Glimpses of Free India Class 10 Notes Pdf

• The integration process was implemented through three treaties: Stand Still Agreement, Instrument of Accession, Merger Agreement.
• A State of internal emergency was declared in the country on June 25, 1975.
• The central government declared a national emergency in the country under Article 352 of the Constitution, alleging that the opposition protests posed a threat to internal security.
• Other Backward Classes are the groups of people who are not included in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and are socially and educationally backward.
• In 1953, the Central Government appointed a commission to study the reasons for the social backwardness of backward classes and to suggest remedies. It is known as the Kaka Kalelkar Commission.
• The Janata Party government that came to power after the Emergency constituted another commission in 1979, headed by B. P. Mandal, to study the social and educational backwardness of the OBC communities and to suggest solutions. This is known as the Second Backward Classes Commission and as the Mandal Commission.
• Dalit movements emerged from the sentiment that, in the post-independence India, Dalit communities were being kept away from the mainstream of society and were being denied their due rights.
• The Dalit Panthers movement was formed in Maharashtra in 1972. The movement was led by educated Dalit youth from urban areas.
• Another organisation formed for the uplift of Dalit communities was the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF), established in 1978.
• Women’s rights movements are movements that stand for gender equality, education for women, employment and proportional representation of women in socio-political spheres.
• The Anti-Arrack Movement is a women’s movement that emerged in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh in the 1990s.
• The Nirbhaya Movement is a mass movement that was formed in Delhi against violence against women.
• Indian fishermen are the second largest fishing community in the world.
• Environmental movements emerged against the environmental problems created by unscientific development and its result in denial of social justice.
• Shetkari Sanghatana in Maharashtra and Raita Sangha in Karnataka are examples of farmer movements that emerged in various parts of the country.
• The Right to Information movement was started in 1990 by an organisation named the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan.
• The Right to Information Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2005 and it came into force on 12 October 2005.
• On the basis of.the demand raised, Regional movements can be mainly classified as anti-immigration movements, regional autonomy movements, and separatist movements.
• The Dravidian Movement was a movement that began in Tamil Nadu in the early decades of the 20th century under the influence of the ideas of political empowerment of the Dravidian people, the growth of the Tamil language, and rationalism.
• The major challenges that destabilise the democratic process in our country are communalism, tensions in center-state relations, corruption, criminalisation of politics, and trends like defection.

INTRODUCTION

The chapter “Democracy An Indian Experience” explores how India, after gaining independence, adopted democracy as its guiding principle and built one of the world’s largest democratic systems. It highlights the journey of Indian democracy, its growth, challenges, and transformations over the years. The chapter discusses how people’s participation, political movements, and social struggles have strengthened democratic values. It also examines the efforts made by various groups, including women, workers, farmers, and marginalized communities, to secure justice and equality. Through this chapter, learners understand how democracy in India has evolved and continues to shape the nation’s political and social life.

Integration of the Princely States

• The partition and post-partition migration and exodus created a lot of transformation in the Indian society.
• The major challenge faced by independent India was the integration of the princely states.
• The integration process was implemented through three treaties: Stand Still Agreement, Instrument of Accession, Merger Agreement.
• Overcoming many challenges, the first general election was successfully held and Jawaharlal Nehru took the oath of office as the first Prime Minister of India.
• In the first general election the government led by the Indian National Congress, which won a majority in the elections, came to power.

Emergency – A Crisis Period in Indian Democracy

• The Emergency was a major crisis faced by the Indian democracy.
• A State of internal emergency was declared in the country on June 25, 1975.
• One of the major reasons was the agitations that broke out in various parts of the country against the central government.
• The central government declared a national emergency in the country under Article 352 of the Constitution, alleging that the opposition protests posed a threat to internal security.
• The national emergency abolished the federal system of the constitution, concentrated power in the union government, froze the fundamental rights, and abolished the court’s power of judicial review.

Popular Movements and Indian Democracy

• In democratic India, numerous movements emerged to protect the interests of various sections of the population and to attain representation in power.
• Other Backward Classes are the groups of people who are not included in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and are socially and educationally backward.
• In 1953, the Central Government appointed a commission to study the reasons for the social backwardness of backward classes and to suggest remedies. It is known as the Kaka Kalelkar Commission.
• B. P. Mandal, who was the chairman of the Second Backward Classes Commission, was a socialist leader from Bihar.
• Dalit movements emerged from the sentiment that, in the post-independence India, Dalit communities were being kept away from the mainstream of society and were being denied their due rights.
• The Dalit Panthers movement was formed in Maharashtra in 1972. The movement was led by educated Dalit youth from urban areas.
• Women’s rights movements are movements that stand for gender equality, education for women, employment and proportional representation of women in socio-political spheres.
• The Anti-Arrack Movement is a women’s movement that emerged in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh in the 1990s.
• The Nirbhaya Movement is a mass movement that was formed in Delhi against violence against women.
• Indian fishermen are the second largest fishing community in the world.
• Environmental movements emerged against the environmental problems created by unscientific development and its result in denial of social justice.
• The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), formed in Uttar Pradesh, organised massive protests by mobilising rural farmers. Shetkari Sanghatana in Maharashtra and Raita Sangha in Karnataka are examples of farmer movements that emerged in various parts of the country.
• The Right to Information (RTI) Movement and the subsequent law are examples of the acceptance and success of public protests.

Regional Movements

• On the basis of the demand raised, such movements can be mainly classified as anti-immigration movements, regional autonomy movements, and separatist movements.
• The Dravidian Movement was a movement that began in Tamil Nadu in the early decades of the 20th century under the influence of the ideas of political empowerment of the Dravidian people, the growth of the Tamil language, and rationalism.
• Anti-immigration movements are movements formed based on the ethnic-linguistic-cultural- economic-employment problems created by uncontrolled immigration, to the indigenous population of a region.
• The Assam Movement was initiated by the agitation against immigration, especially the immigration of Bengladeshis, in Assam from 1979 to 1985.
• The Separatist Movements are those that have started with the aim of separating certain regions from India and forming independent states.

Challenges Faced by Indian Democracy

• The major challenges that destabilise the democratic process in our country are communalism, tensions in center-state relations, corruption, criminalisation of politics, and trends like defection.
• Communalism is the idea of dividing people on the basis of religion and creating social conflict.
• Tensions in Centre-State relations are another major challenge facing Indian democracy.
• The Sarkaria Commission, appointed by the Central Government in 1983 to study Centre- State relations, recommended that active politicians should not be appointed as Governors.
• Corruption can be considered as the use of any kind of power or position and the acceptance of money or any other reward in addition to the legally due remuneration.
• Criminalisation of politics refers to the tendency of leaders or workers of political parties engaging in or encouraging criminal activities.
• Defection refers to an elected representative, who contested and won the election as a candidate of one party, abandoning that party or joining another party.

INTEGRATION OF THE PRINCELY STATES

The partition and post-partition migration and exodus created a lot of transformation in the Indian society. The rehabilitation of those who migrated from Pakistan to India created religious, linguistic, social, and economic problems in their respective regions. It was essential to find out political solutions for these issues. The nation attempted to address these challenges through the laws such as The Abducted Persons (Recovery and Restoration) Act, 1949, The Displaced Persons (Compensation and Rehabilitation) Act, 1954, and The Citizenship Act of 1955. Besides, the Rights of Minorities were included as fundamental rights in the Constitution.

• Another major challenge faced by independent India was the integration of the princely states. The integration process was implemented through three treaties.

a) Stand Still Agreement
The princely states should maintain their status quo was the provision based on this agreement. This agreement helped to prevent these states from joining Pakistan.

b) Instrument of Accession
This agreement was meant for the princely states to give their consent to merge into the Indian Union. At the same time, the right to internal self¬governance was also granted to the princely states through this.

c) Merger Agreement
This was an agreement for the complete accession of the princely states to the Indian Union. According to this agreement, the right to self-governance ceases to exist.

After independence, a provisional government was governing India. Hence, it was necessary to establish a government elected by the people for the establishment of a democratic system. Thus, it necessitated a free and fair election. For this, an Election Commission was formed based on the Constitution on January 25, 1950. The first general election was held from October 1951 to February 1952. Conducting a free and fair election in a country as vast and diverse as India was replete with numerous challenges. That is why the first general election is described as an experiment. Challenges are:

• Delimiting constituencies.
• Preparing voters lists based on adult franchise.
• Educating the illiterate majority about the necessity of voting.
• Finding out enough election officials and training them.
• Ensuring a transparent, impartial and fair election.

Overcoming many such challenges, the first general election was successfully held and Jawaharlal Nehru took the oath of office as the first Prime Minister of India. Thus, it marked the beginning of the democratic system of administration in India. In the first general election, the majority of people put their trust in one political party and this marked the beginning of the government of one-party dominance. Later, this one-party dominance gradually ceased to exist and Indian politics transformed into a multi-party system and a coalition system.

FROM ONE-PARTY DOMINANCE TO A COALITION SYSTEM
In the first general election the government led by the Indian National Congress, which won a majority in the elections, came to power. Subsequently, the Indian National Congress retained power in the elections of 1957 and 1962. In the 1967 election, although the Congress managed to retain its dominance at the national level, its dominance faced a setback at the state level. However, in the general elections up to 1989 (except a short period of Janata Party rule from 1977 to 1979), the Congress party dominated. In the 1977 general elections, Congress lost its dominance and a government led by Janata Party assumed power. In the next two elections (1980 and 1984), the Congress won a majority on its own. However, with the 1989 elections, Indian democracy shifted to Coalition politics based on multi-party system. After 1989, the National Front led by the Janata Dal came to power followed by the Congress in 1991 with the support of other political parties.

Following the 1996 elections, at first the BJP and then the United Front, a coalition of various parties, formed the government. In the elections of 1998 and 1999, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, formed the government. In 2004 and 2009, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by the Congress party, formed the government. Subsequently, in the elections of 2014, 2019, and 2024, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP, successively won and retained power.

Governments are primarily formed in the following ways:

• Political parties reaching an understanding among themselves to contest as a front based on a common minimum programme before the election.
• Creating an alliance and forming a government after the election.
• Providing external support to a government that does not have a majority in the Lok Sabha.

One-Party Dominance in India
In India, the dominance of a single political party continuously winning with a large majority and retaining power is referred to as “one-party dominance.” In India, one-party dominance existed within the democratic framework.

EMERGENCY – A CRISIS PERIOD IN INDIAN DEMOCRACY

• The Emergency was a major crisis faced by the Indian democracy.
• A State of internal emergency was declared in the country on June 25, 1975.
• Violations of democratic rights such as freezing of fundamental rights and denial of the freedom of press were implemented as part of the emergency.

Background of the declaration of emergency in India.
One of the major reasons was the agitations that broke out in various parts of the country against the central government. In Gujarat, the agitations under the leadership of Morarji Desai led to the dismissal of the state government. The Congress was defeated in the subsequent election. The series of agitations led by Jayaprakash Narayan in Bihar also had an impact at the national level. This also led to the agitations against the central government. The economic crisis, food shortages and unemployment faced in the 1970’s were the reasons behind these agitations.

In the midst of these political crises, the Allahabad High Court gave art adverse judgement in the election case against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and thus her election was nullified. Following the verdict, the opposition intensified the protests, demanding Indira Gandhi’s resignation. However, the Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court’s verdict. Subsequently, the central government declared a national emergency in the country under Article 352 of the Constitution, alleging that the opposition protests posed a threat to internal security.

Impacts of the Emergency:

• The national emergency abolished the federal system of the Constitution.
• Concentrated power in the union government.
• Froze the fundamental rights.
• Abolished the court’s power of judicial review.
• Opposition party leaders were imprisoned without trial.
• Censorship was imposed on newspapers and news.
• Economic restrictions were imposed.

Despite severe restrictions and repressions, there were numerous nationwide agitations against the Emergency. Following these, the Emergency was revoked in March 1977, and elections were declared. In the elections held after the Emergency, the Congress lost the election, and the Janata Party formed the government, with Morarji Desai as the Prime Minister. The major developments during the emergency highlight the importance of the vigilance of civil society, media involvement, and civil rights in safeguarding democracy. People of India overcame the challenges created by the Emergency through democratic means. This clearly shows the strength and importance of Indian democracy.

Emergency

A state of emergency empowers the government to take action in situations where the security of the country is seriously threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. In such situations, the restrictions declared by the President under Article 352 of the Constitution are called the Emergency.

POPULAR MOVEMENTS AND INDIAN DEMOCRACY
In democratic India, numerous movements emerged to protect the interests of various sections of the population and to attain representation in power. After 1970, there was a strong feeling among social groups like Dalits, women and farmers that the mainstream political parties were not considering their problems and needs properly. These groups have formed their own movements and organised protests against this. Some of these movements are:

BACKWARD CLASS MOVEMENTS AND THE MANDAL COMMISSION
• Other Backward Classes are the groups of people who are not included in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and are socially and educationally backward.

In 1953, the Central Government appointed a commission to study the reasons for the social backwardness of backward classes and to suggest remedies. It is known as the Kaka Kalelkar Commission. Although the commission submitted some recommendations, they were not implemented. The Janata Party government that came to power after the Emergency constituted another commission in 1979. headed by B. P. Mandal, to study the social and educational backwardness of the OBC communities and to suggest solutions. This is known as the Second Backward Classes Commission and as the Mandal Commission.

The commission submitted its report to the central government in 1980, recommending 27% reservation for backward classes in government jobs and educational institutions. The National Front government led by V. P. Singh decided to implement this report in 1990. This decision led to violent protests and agitations in many cities of North India. However, later the Supreme Court approved the implementation of the report. Today, all the major political parties in the country accept OBC reservation. The Mandal Commission’s report holds great significance in Indian democracy as it helped to ensure the welfare of backward classes, that constitute nearly half of the population. During the period from the formation of the Mandal Commission to the implementation of its report, several backward class dominated political and social movements emerged. The Janata Dal and the political parties evolved from Janata Dal are examples for this.

B. P. Mandal
B. P. Mandal, who was the chairman of the Second Backward Classes Commission, was a socialist leader from Bihar. He was a Member of Parliament during the periods 1967 – 1970 and 1977 – 1979. He also served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for one and a half months in 1968. He accepted membership in the Janata Party in 1977.

DALIT MOVEMENTS
• Dalit movements emerged from the sentiment that, in the post-independence India, Dalit communities were being kept away from the mainstream of society and were being denied their due rights.

Although the constitution guarantees reservations for Dalit communities in education and employment, there existed a situation where they did not receive their deserved positions in socially significant areas, mainstream politics, and administration. Dalit community faced problems such as backwardness in education and employment, social and economic inequality, and landlessness. Inspired by the ideas of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the constitution, Dalit communities organised and formed movements. Among these movements, the Dalit Panthers movement was a significant one.

The Dalit Panthers Movement
• The Dalit Panthers movement was formed in Maharashtra in 1972. The movement was led by educated Dalit youth from urban areas.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s ideas of social justice for backward communities, equality, and the annihilation of caste etc influenced the Dalit Panthers movement. They organised aggressive resistance against caste discrimination, large- scale public protests against unjust police brutalities, literary and cultural programmes, and various activities in collaboration with other social justice movements. The Dalit Panthers movement was able to make the lives of those who were considered untouchable and marginalised, the themes of literature, cinema, drama, etc. and to persuade the government to take strong measures against attacks on Dalits.

Another organisation formed for the uplift of Dalit communities was the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF), established in 1978. It was not simply an organisation formed for the protection of the interest of the employees. Rather, it stood for the political empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and the minorities. From this organisation, the Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), under the leadership of Kanshi Ram were also formed. BSP was able to gain political influence in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab with the support of Dalits.

WOMEN’S MOVEMENT
• Women’s rights movements are movements that stand for gender equality, education for women, employment and proportional representation of women in socio-political spheres.

Domestic violence, denial of rights, oppression, sexual harassment and male supremacy are some of the problems faced by the female community. Numerous movements have emerged in the country to seek solutions to these issues. Some important women’s movements are:

a) Anti-Arrack Movement
The Anti-Arrack Movement is a women’s movement that emerged in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh in the 1990s. This movement, in which thousands of women rallied, later spread throughout the entire state. Arrack was a locally brewed and distributed alcoholic beverage. The widespread use of alcohol created social discord and damaged the mental and physical well-being of young people. This also led to the ruin of the economic foundation of the village, domestic violence, atrocities against women, and poverty. The Anti-Arrack Movement later evolved into a protest addressing various issues faced by women, including sexual harassment, violence in public spaces, and gender discrimination. This helped to create social awareness against drugs and the problems faced by women in society.

Ill effects of using drugs:

• Short-term effects of drugs include visual and hearing impairment, lack of coordination of physical activities, bad breath, and slowness.
• Drugs cause long-term effects such as physical and mental problems, poor health, and low immunity. Excessive use of drugs can lead to death. Unsafe use of drugs can also cause AIDS, STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and so on.

b) Nirbhaya Movement
The Nirbhaya Movement is a mass movement that was formed in Delhi against violence against women. In 2012, a girl was sexually assaulted and murdered in Delhi. This incident led to massive protests across the country. This protest led to the formation of the Nirbhaya Movement. The main demands raised by the Nirbhaya Movement were to take strong legal action against sexual violence against women, speed up the legal process in such cases, and ensure exemplary punishment. The Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013 (Nirbhaya Act) and fast-track courts to deal with sexual violence cases came into existence in the wake of the Nirbhaya movement.

FISHERMEN’S MOVEMENT
• Indian fishermen are the second largest fishing community in the world.

Fishing is the livelihood of crores of people living in the western and eastern coastal areas. There have been many movements to solve the problems faced by fishermen related to their livelihood. The change in the economic policies of our country in the mid-1980s also affected the fishing sector. The agitations were organised mainly against the policies of the central government related to deep-sea fishing. The agitations were organised under the leadership of the National Fish workers Forum (NFF). This is an organisation that coordinates the collectives of all the traditional fishing workers in various states and works to protect their rights. Legal battles and public protests were held over issues such as the granting of fishing licenses to foreign companies in India’s maritime area and the granting of trawling licenses to foreign companies for fishing on the Indian coasts which were destroying the traditional fishing industry. Protection of the coastal environment is also one of the main objectives of this organisation. It was the fishing workers of Kerala who organised the workers under the leadership of the NFF and strengthened the struggle for rights.

ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS
Environmental movements emerged against the environmental problems created by unscientific development and its result in denial of social justice. These movements primarily address the environmental and social problems caused by large-scale irrigation projects, industries, mining, deforestation, etc. Environmental movements have been able to intervene in many issues such as the conservation of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, formulation of environmental policy, creating environmental awareness, and sustainable development. Some of the major environmental movements that have attracted attention at the all-India level.

Movements	Characteristics
Chipko Movement (Sunderlal Bahuguna)	• Opposed the felling of trees in large scale for industrial purposes in the Himalayan regions in Uttarakand. • Stood up for the rights of Indigenous people over forest resources • Women’s participation and leadership • A form of struggle involving embracing trees
Narmada Bachao Andolan (Medha Patkar)	• A movement formed against the Sardar Sarovar project on the Narmada River • Worked against the eviction of Tribal people • Worked to protect the livelihoods of indigenous people • Stood against unjust evictions and rehabilitation
Silent Valley (Silent Valley National Park)	• A movement against the proposed Silent Valley Hydro electric project • Stood for the conservation of rain forest and bio-diversity • Abandoned the proposed Hydro electric project due to public agitations • Silent Valley was declared a National Park

As a result of the intervention of the Environmenta organisations and other popular movements, several environmental protection laws, laws protecting ecological rights, declaration of protected forest areas and declaration of national parks have been enacted in India.

• 2002 – Bio diversity Act
• 2006 – The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act.
• 2013 – The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
  Resettlement Act.

PEASANT MOVEMENTS
Numerous movements have emerged in India addressing the problems faced by farmers. Although the agricultural sector received a boost in comiection with the Green Revolution, the liberalisation policies introduced in our economic policy in the mid-1980s put the agricultural sector in crisis. The reforms in the agricultural sector adversely affected production, food security, and employment sector. Against this, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), formed in Uttar Pradesh, organised massive protests by mobilising rural farmers. Shetkari Sanghatana in Maharashtra and Raita Sangha in Karnataka are examples of farmer movements that emerged in various parts of the country. The farmers’ protest organised by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha against the Central Government’s agricultural laws in the border areas of Delhi during 2020-2021 gained significant attention due to its widespread public participation. Following the protests, the government accepted the farmers’ demands.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION MOVEMENT
The Right to Information (RTI) Movement and the subsequent law are examples of the acceptance and success of public protests. The movement was started in 1990 by an organisation named the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan. The first demand for access to documents related to public works was made in Bhim Tehsil, a backward area of Rajasthan. This was due to the suspicion that the public money was being misused in connection with the construction of schools, dispensaries and small dams. Under the auspices of MKSS, the Delhi-based National Council for People’s Right to Information was formed and launched nationwide propaganda. In addition, the Consumer Education and Research Centre, the Press Council, and the Shuri Committee had also suggested preparing a draft for the Right to Information Act keeping in view the same demand. It was in this context that the Right to Infonnation Act came into force in 2005.

Right to Information Act

The Right to Information Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2005 and it came into force on 12 October 2005. This Act ensures the right of citizens to obtain infonnation from public institutions and authorities. According to this, infonnation must be provided within 30 days. If the petitioner’s life or liberty is threatened, the infonnation must be provided within 48 hours. A Chief Information Officer works in each institution to provide information. If the information is not received within the specified time, the petitioner can file an appeal to the superiors. Right to Information Commissions function at the Centre and in the states for the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Since transparency is essential in a democracy, and corruption must be eradicated, it is necessary to provide authentic infonnation regarding public affairs to the citizens.

REGIONAL MOVEMENTS
India is a country rich in diversity. This diversity is visible in its geography, climate, language, culture, lifestyle, religion, race, etc. Based on these, regional movements are the ones that arise, for the needs of a region, such as special consideration, benefits, and protection. On the basis of the demand raised, such movements can be mainly classified as anti-immigration movements, regional autonomy movements, and separatist movements.

Dravidian Movement
The Dravidian Movement was a movement that began in Tamil Nadu in the early decades of the 20th century under the influence of the ideas of political empowerment of the Dravidian people, the growth of the Tamil language, and rationalism. The aim of this movement was to resist the dominance of Brahmin culture over Dravidian culture. This movement took shape from the ideology of E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker’s Self-Respect Movement. Later, he formed a political party called Dravida Kazhagam. Afterwards, this became the Dravida Munnetta Kazhagam (DMK). The DMK which influenced Tamil Nadu politics through strong agitations, came to power in 1967.

ANTI-IMMIGRATION MOVEMENT
Anti-immigration movements are movements formed based on the ethnic-linguistic-cultural-economic-employment problems created by uncontrolled immigration, to the indigenous population of a region. Among these, the Assam Movement is the most important one.

The Assam Movement
The Assam Movement was initiated by the agitation against immigration, especially the immigration of Bengladeshis, in Assam from 1979 to 1985. The All Assam Students’ Union led this movement. The protesters expressed concern that the illegal immigration from Bangladesh was eliminating employment opportunities for the people of Assam and causing poverty and economic crises. The protesters demanded the expulsion of those who had immigrated to Assam illegally after 1951. The movement led to widespread violence and clashes. The agreement signed by Central Government with the protesters in 1985, and subsequent democratic interventions helped to resolve the issue to some extent.

MOVEMENTS FOR AUTONOMY
These are movements that emerged demanding greater autonomy within the country or by demanding special statehood. Such movements raise the demand for autonomy by raising issues such as regional neglect, linguistic and cultural differences, and unbalanced economic growth.

Movement	Leading organisation	Reasons/Demand	Solution
Gorkha Land Movement	Gorkha National Liberation Front	A separate state for Nepali speaking Gorkha community in West Bengal	• An autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha hill council was formed in 1988. • Instead of Gorkha Hill Council, Gorkha land Territorial Administration was formed in 2012.
Jharkhand Movement	Jharkhand Mukti Morcha	Form a separate state Jharkhand, dividing Bihar	Jharkhand state was formed in 2000
Telangana Movement	Telangana Rashtra Samithi	Form Telangana state dividing Andhra Pradesh	Telangana state was formed in 2014

THE SEPARATIST MOVEMENTS
These movements are those that have started with the aim of separating certain regions from India and forming independent states. The separatist movements in the states of Punjab. Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram and Nagaland are among these.

a) Khalistan Movement
• The Khalistan movement emerged in Punjab with the demand for a separate nation called Khalistan for the Sikh people. This movement was led by an extremist faction of the Sikh community.

They adopted armed means to achieve their goal of a separate nation. The militants made the Golden Temple in Amritsar, a prominent Sikh shrine, their centre. In 1984, the central government suppressed the terrorists who had infiltrated into the Golden Temple through a military operation known as ‘Operation Blue Star’. Following this, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. After Indira Gandhi’s assassination, anti-Sikh riots broke out in various parts of the country. Many innocent Sikhs were killed in these riots. The situation changed after Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sikh leader Harchand Singh Longowal signed the Punjab Accord in 1985. The subsequent effective democratic processes led to the complete eradication of separatism in Punjab and the restoration of peace.

b) Separatist movements in Jammu and Kashmir

• The state of Jammu and Kashmir is a state that was granted special rights under Article 370 of the Constitution.
• The separatist movements in Jammu and Kashmir are working with the aim of either dividing Kashmir from India and making it an independent nation or joining Pakistan.

The armed insurgencies carried out by them have raised a major threat to the security, unity and integrity of the country. The central government,has tried to restore peace through peace talks and special economic and development activites. In 2019, the central government revoked the special rights granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. According to this, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked and it was reorganised into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In 2024 peaceful elections were held for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Omar Abdullah, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader formed the government as the Chief Minister.

c) Separatist movements in the North-East Regions

Movement	Leader	Demand	Solution
Mizo National Front (MNF)	Laldenga	A separate nation for the Mizo Tribe	According to the peace accord signed in 1986, it was decided to grant Mizoram full-fledged statehood with special powers
Naga National Council (NNC)	Angami Zapu Phizo	Unification of Naga Territory, autonomy, conservation of tribal culture.	Signed Naga Peace Accord in 2015

CHALLENGES FACED BY INDIAN DEMOCRACY
The major challenges that destabilise the democratic process in our country are communalism, tensions in center-state relations, corruption, criminalisation of politics, and trends like defection. These adversely affect the peaceful lives of the people, national progress, and economic growth.

COMMUNALISM
• Communalism is the idea of dividing people on the basis of religion and creating social conflict.

During the colonial period, the British strategy of ‘divide and rule’ led to the division of the Indian populace on the basis of religion and fostered communalism. Similarly, the riots that followed the partition of India also contributed to dividing the population based on religion and nurturing communal thoughts. Communal divide undermines our constitutional values like secularism and social justice, posing a threat to the nation’s unity and integrity. The formation of public opinion based on religion and communal thinking, and the way by which political parties use it to influence voters in elections, pose a significant challenge to democracy. Communalism can only be countered through creating public awareness, sensitisation, and proper democratic literacy.

TENSIONS IN CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS
Tensions in Centre-State relations are another major challenge facing Indian democracy. Although the Constitution has divided powers between the Centre and the States, more power is vested in the Centre. It has also ensured vantage of the Central Government in some matters. On the other hand, the Constitution also gives the States the right to freely exercise the powers given to them. However, often the successive Central Governments directly and through Governors interfere in this right of the States. Politics interfering in the centrally-funded schemes and distribution of resources. Such moves are the main cause for worsening the Centre-State relations. The Judiciary has the authority to resolve legal dispute between the Centre and the States.

Centre – State Relations
The Constitution is, in fact, merely a framework or a skeleton. It is the real political processes that provide flesh and blood to the constitution. Therefore, to a large extent Indian federalism has been influenced by the changing political processes. The role of the Governor has been very crucial in maintaining the Centre-State relations since the Constitution came into effect.

Role of Governor

• The Governor is not an elected official. Retired military officers, government officials and politicians are generally appointed as Governors.
• The Governor is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Central Government.
• The minimum age for appointment of the Governor is 35 years.

The Governor’s role often leads to more controversies, especially in situations where different political parties govern at the Centre and in the States. Therefore, the Governor’s actions are frequently interpreted as the Central Government’s interference in the functioning of the State Government. The Sarkaria Commission, appointed by the Central Government in 1983 to study Centre-State relations, recommended that active politicians should not be appointed as Governors.

There is yet another reason for the controversy regarding the role and powers of the Governor. Article 356 of the Constitution is the basis of this controversy. This article stipulates that Presidential Rule can be imposed in any state in India. Based on the Governor’s report, the President can impose Presidential Rule in that state. However, the Constitution mandates that this article should only be used if the State Government fails to carry out the administration in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This power of the Governor has led to numerous conflicts. There have been instances where the President has dismissed state governments even when they had a clear majority in the legislative assembly. Eg: The dissolution of the Kerala Government in 1959.

Article 356
Article 356 empowers the President to dismiss democratically elected governments in states or to assume the rule of the state. Presidential rule is imposed based on the report submitted by the Governor to the President.

• After the Indian Constitution came into force, this article was first invoked in 1951 by dismissing the Punjab government.
• Until the general elections of 1967, Article 356 was rarely invoked. However, after 1967, it was used extensively.

The Sarkaria Commission

The Sarkaria Commission was appointed by the Central Government to study Centre – State relations and submit a report. The commission was constituted in 1983, and its chairman was Justice R. S. Sarkaria, a retired Supreme Court judge. The commission submitted its report in 1988. The commission pointed out that the powers of the Centre were increasing over time. It found that constitutional and political changes were necessary to avoid friction and tensions in Centre-State relations. Although the Sarkaria Commission’s report was widely welcomed, its recommendations have not been fully implemented.

Powers and Functions of the Governor
The Constitution envisages a parliamentary system in the states similar to that of the Centre. Therefore, the Governor is only the nominal leader of the state. The real executive power is vested w’ith the Cabinet headed by the Chief Minister. Hence, the Governor should exercise his powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

The major powers and functions of the Governor are:

Legislative Powers	• To summon the legislative assembly, to prorogue sessions, and to dissolve the assembly. • To address the assembly. • To give assent to bills passed by the assembly. • To promulgate ordinances. • To give prior permission for the presentation of budgets and money bills in the assembly.
Executive Powers	• All executive powers of the state are exercised in the name of the Governor. • To invite the leader of the political party or alliance that has secured the majority in the state to form the government. • To appoint the Chief Minister of the state and, on the Chief Minister’s recommendation, other ministers. • To appoint the Advocate Ge neral, the Chairman of the State Public Service Commission (PSC), and members of the PSC.
Judiciary Powers	• The power to grant pardon, suspend, remit, or commute sentences for offenses related to matters within the executive power of the state government.
Discretionary Powers	• In situations where no single party secures a majority in the Legislative Assembly, the Governor can exercise discretionary power regarding the formation of the Council of Ministers. • To submit a report to the President regarding the administrative affairs of the state. • When bills passed by the Legislative Assembly are submitted for the Governor’s assent, the Governor can take the following actions: ■ Declare whether the bill has been given assent or not. ■ Return the bill to the Legislative Assembly with amendments. If the bill, thus returned, is reconsidered by the assembly and passed again with or without amendments and submitted to the Governor, the Governor is bound to give assent to it. ■ Submit the bill for the consideration of the President.

The Governor’s duty is to help the state government to carry out the democratic process of the state smoothly and in a manner consistent with the spirit of the constitution. Governors are not the authority controlling the cabinet headed by the Chief Minister. Rather, they are its friend, philosopher and guide. The interventions of the Governors as envisaged by the constitution will strengthen the democratic process and will uphold the dignity of the constitution.

CORRUPTION
• Corruption can be considered as the use of any kind of power or position and the acceptance of money or any other reward in addition to the legally due remuneration.

• Eg: bribery, nepotism, and illegal acquisition of wealth. Corruption adversely affects the country’s financial investments, economic growth, and our democratic system. Corruption causes the rights, welfare activities, and facilities that the people should receive to be concentrated to only a few individuals. This leads to the common people losing faith in the democratic system. Raising public awareness against corruption, establishing a strong legal system, freeing corruption investigation mechanisms from political influence, making the financial sources of political parties transparent, making the governance sector transparent, and creating awareness among the people against corruption are some of the ways to prevent corruption.

Electoral Bond
• This is a project designed to allow individuals and corporates to donate any amount they want to any political party.

Electoral bonds were introduced in the 2017 – 2018 Union Budget. All parties that have secured not less than one percent of the total votes polled in the previous state and Lok Sabha elections and are registered with the Election Commission can raise money through these bonds. Institutions or individuals can buy bonds for an amount of their choice ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore through SBI. Since this amount falls under the category of donation, it will be tax deductible. Political parties must convert the bonds received from donors into cash within fifteen days.

The Supreme Court on February 15, 2024, quashed the electoral bond after examining the transparency and legality of the bonds. The Supreme Court ruled that the electoral bond is against the fundamental right.

CRIMINALISATION OF POLITICS
Criminalisation of politics refers to the tendency of leaders or workers of political parties engaging in or encouraging criminal activities. Furthermore, the involvement of individuals engaged in criminal acts in politics also constitutes the criminalisation of politics. Intimidating people to vote in favour of a particular party or creating such an environment leads to the erosion of democratic values. When individuals with criminal backgrounds reach the leadership of political parties and become rulers, it causes citizens to lose faith in the democratic system. Electoral reforms that prohibit those facing trial or convicted of criminal offenses from contesting elections, strong legal systems, and awareness campaigns against the criminalisation of politics are ways to eliminate criminalisation of politics.

DEFECTION

• Another trend that emerged in Indian politics after the 1967 elections was defection.
• Defection refers to an elected representative, who contested and won the election as a candidate of one party, abandoning that party or joining another party.

This situation often betrays the trust that voters have placed in their representatives during the election. This often creates crisis in governance and poses a challenge to democracy. Subsequently, the Anti-Defection Law was passed by Parliament in 1985 through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment to prevent defection.

Political parties often adopt different strategies to prevent their members from defecting. Under the leadership of a loyal member of a party, members gather at a specific venue and design a strategy to prevent the influence of other political parties. This process is also called Resort Politics. Its history began in Haryana in 1982. Subsequently, this trend has also occurred in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu.