This famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi puts emphasis on the need to develop village economies for the country to truly develop. Information Technology is increasingly becoming the need of the hour, using this technology in order to resolve land disputes and foster inclusive growth is the main aim of the SVAMITVA Scheme.
The dichotomy between their economic stances is dubious; the difference is in politics and in shaping the social coherence essential for the economy to function.
Social media is awash with spurious claims of the intrinsic merits and contrast between the economic programmes of the Congress and the BJP.
The BJP is pro-growth, the Congress stands for welfare and redistribution. The BJP is pro-market, the Congress is socialist. The BJP makes India more attractive to foreign investors while the Congress will drive investors away.
Nearly 50% of Indian population lives in the cities, for they are hub of opportunities and significant in country's development trajectory. Yet, the urban landscape remains a blank spot in our political discourse.
In the last three days, wealth redistribution has become a hot electoral issue. It’s being said that the ‘big bad State’ will snatch the properties from everyone and, in Robin Hood style, be distributed to outsiders.
We must choose not the least bad option but the option that allows us to develop new thinking without such thought being labelled deviant and being crushed.
Democracy
Many tend to make their choice of political party in much the same manner as in which they decide which team to support in the World Cup.
The likes and dislikes of friends and family play a large role. The impression created by a particular leader at the local or the national level makes a difference. Claims and counterclaims of what governments run by the parties seeking their vote have achieved matter.
The media plays a big role in making such considerations available to the voter, modifying the considerations en route. Most of the media hinders, rather than helps.
If the attacks on Opposition parties and leaders continue on the pretext of correcting economic wrongs, the fig leaf covering the truth of India’s democracy would wither and drop off.
The punitive actions by India’s tax authorities and the Enforcement Directorate against Opposition political parties and leaders, especially after the general elections have been notified, amount to election interference. The statutory body charged with holding free and fair elections is the Election Commission of India. It has powers to issue directives to the executive to act in a manner conducive to the conduct of free elections. Failure to check the intimidation of Opposition parties and leaders by agencies of the central government amounts to abdication of its responsibility by the Commission. If the Commission does not realise this and make amends, the Supreme Court should, suo motu, direct the Commission to act.
India’s democratic model needs an overhaul so that elections are not an expensive affair. Only that can create a more just, transparent and efficient system, argues Prof. Arun Kumar.