Government In India, Today Essay Example
Government In India, Today Essay Example

Government In India, Today Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
  • Pages: 12 (3158 words)
  • Published: February 24, 2019
  • Type: Essay
View Entire Sample
Text preview

The current government in India, as per the constitution that took effect on Jan. 26, 1950, is a federal republic. Earlier, India was a dominion within the Commonwealth. The governor-general appointed by the British Crown was substituted with an elected president through an Electoral College. Although the president acts as the official chief of state, their function is primarily ceremonial.

Parliamentary government is a system in which the people choose members of the legislature through different methods such as proportional representation or single member districts. The party or coalition that has a majority in the legislature forms the government and selects the Prime Minister and Cabinet members. Opposition parties, who are not in power, provide a contrast to the government. Unlike our system where powers are separated, in the parliamentary system, the executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet)

...

is elected through the legislature. On the other hand, in the United States, both citizens directly elect both the President (head of executive branch) and Congress (the legislature).

The Congress Party currently governs the Lok Sabha, also known as the Lower House of the legislature. As a result, the Prime Minister of India belongs to this party. In contrast, the Rajya Sabha holds less power than the Lower House and can be likened to the English House of Lords. The opposition in the Lok Sabha consists of parties such as Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal, and several regional parties.

The main differences between parliamentary government and presidential government are as follows:

  1. In parliamentary government, voters only vote for a legislature.
  2. The legislature then selects the executive from the party or coalition of parties that has the support of
View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

majority of the legislature.

  • The executive will remain in power until its fixed term ends (e.g. 5 years in India), OR until it fails to gain a vote of confidence in the legislature, usually on important legislation.
  • The Parliament of India is comprised of two chambers - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha consists of a maximum of 545 members who are directly elected by the public, while the Rajya Sabha is made up of a maximum of 250 members who are indirectly elected. The Prime Minister is chosen by the majority party or coalition in Parliament and officially appointed by the president. The executive authority lies with the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.

    Elections for the Lok Sabha take place at least every five years, and new elections are called if there is a vote of no confidence in the government. The Supreme Court handles matters related to federal law constitutionality, disputes between central government and states or among states themselves, as well as appeals from lower courts.

    The Indian federal constitution guarantees various fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and religion, and the eradication of untouchability. It also outlines a set of Directive Principles of State Policy to guide government actions for the well-being of its citizens. In case of a national emergency, which can only be authorized by the president, certain rights may be temporarily suspended within lawful boundaries. India underwent such an emergency phase from June 1975 to March 1977.

    During the Cold War, India followed a nonalignment policy in its foreign affairs. It did not align with either the United States or the Soviet Union. Instead,

    it supported independence movements in colonies and fought against racism in South Africa and other places. Additionally, it championed the interests of Third World nations in their economic interactions with Europe, North America, and Japan. India has also made a significant contribution to the United Nations and its specialized agencies.

    India consists of 25 states and seven union territories, each having a structure similar to the central government. As per the federal constitution, states have authority over specific matters like agriculture, whereas the central government has control over nearly 100 others, including foreign affairs. Both the central and state governments can enact laws concerning subjects such as price control. However, the union territories are directly governed by the central government, with Delhi being the most prominent among them. Delhi comprises both New Delhi, which serves as the capital city, and the remaining area of the Delhi metropolis.

    In India, village government is carried out by a democratically elected council called a panchayat, overseen by a village headman. In the past, most panchayat members were upper caste men who owned substantial amounts of land. However, many states now have regulations that mandate the inclusion of women and members from scheduled castes. Secret ballot elections are becoming more common.

    The panchayats are expected to collaborate with the government's Community Development Program. This program has divided the country into community development blocks, each consisting of approximately one hundred villages. Within each block, there are village-level workers who act as intermediaries between the government and villagers. These workers inform villagers about potential progress and report back to the government regarding their opinions.

    At both the national and state levels, party politics are vigorously

    pursued. There are many parties with different orientations. The Indian National Congress, or its dominant faction, has governed India since independence except for the three years from 1977 to 1980 and now (1997). It adheres to a form of democratic socialism that combines private and state enterprise. Several other Socialist and Communist parties hold positions ideologically to the left of Congress, while others lean towards the right. Additionally, there are various parties that represent specific regions, language groups, and religions. With multiple parties competing in parliamentary elections, independent candidates have a reasonable chance of being elected. Despite high illiteracy rates, voter turnout in Indian elections tends to be substantial.

    India's economy can be divided into two parts: village India, heavily reliant on primitive agriculture and where millions of people live in poverty, and urban India, one of the most industrialized regions globally. The traditional textile industry remains important, while heavy industry plays a significant role in producing iron and steel, machine tools, transportation equipment, and chemicals. The country also exports cut gems, jewelry, and computer software.

    Approximately 70% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture. They cultivate rice, wheat, peanuts, corn, millet for sustenance. Cash crops like sugarcane, tea oilseeds cotton tobacco ,and jute are also grown. Opium poppy cultivation serves both legal pharmaceutical purposes and the illegal drug trade. Cannabis production takes place as well.

    Thanks to improved irrigation systems , chemical fertilizers ,and high-yield strains of rice and wheat record crop yields have been achieved .By the late 1970s ,India achieved self-sufficiency in grain production before becoming an exporter by the early 1980s .Despite having a high number of cattle per capita their economic value is

    greatly limited due to Hindu beliefs that prohibit their slaughter .

    India is a country with abundant mineral resources such as coal zinc iron manganese mica bauxite and lead.It is also the world's second most populous country after China with a population consisting of complex ethnic composition.India has two dominant strains: the Aryan in the north and the Dravidian in the south. The country is renowned for its linguistic diversity, as it boasts over 1,500 languages and dialects spoken across its regions. In the northern region, Hindi is recognized as the official language, while English remains prominent in politics and commerce. India's constitution also acknowledges 14 other languages. Religion-wise, Hindus constitute a majority of India's population; however, there are significant numbers of Muslims, Christians, Buddhists Sikhs Jains and Parsis as well. The Muslim population accounts for approximately 10% of Indians. Rural areas encompass about 80% of India's total population.

    The caste system plays a vital role in Hinduism and Indian society by socially categorizing people based on their birth; nevertheless, untouchability was abolished by India's constitution in 1950.

    The Indian Government has a diverse and extensive history, beginning with the Indus Valley Civilization in present-day Pakistan. It was later conquered by Aryan invaders who established Hinduism as India's socio-religious system. During the Maurya dynasty, led by Asoka in 323 B.C., Buddhism became the state religion and brought prosperity to India. The Gupta dynasty then initiated a golden age of Hindu culture from the 4th-5th century A.D., establishing it as India's classical period.

    However, starting from the 10th century onwards, Muslim armies invaded India from the north. This led to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1192, which became

    India's first Muslim kingdom. Later on, Babur, a powerful invader from Afghanistan, overthrew smaller Muslim kingdoms and created the Mogul Empire in 1526.

    European nations such as Portugal, Britain, France, and Dutch recognized trade opportunities in India and competed for control. Eventually, after weakening of the Mogul Empire in the 18th century, the British East India Company emerged as a dominant force. In 1857, following violent events during the Indian Mutiny, Queen Victoria assumed direct control over India under British crown after abolishing the East India Company.

    Dissatisfaction with British rule in early 20th century sparked an independence movement led by Indian National Congress. Established in 1885 and led by Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru ,the Congress grew frustrated with Britain's slow power-sharing program.During World War II, the Quit India movement was organized by them. However, the Muslim League's support for dividing India into Hindu and Muslim states hindered their efforts for unity against Britain. Indian troops displayed loyalty to Britain during World War I, but nationalist agitation increased afterwards. In response, the British Parliament enacted a reform act in 1919 that granted provincial councils limited supervisory powers over agriculture, education, and public health in India. Nevertheless, extreme nationalists led by Mohandas K. Gandhi took control of Congress and promoted resistance through "non-cooperation" campaigns that attracted hundreds of thousands of participants and rapidly gained party followers.

    Rioting broke out after the British Parliament excluded Indians from the Simon Commission in 1927, which aimed to investigate India's government. This led to Gandhi and his associates being jailed. In 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru assumed the presidency of the Congress. Like Gandhi, Nehru was deeply devoted to attaining independence but had also

    assimilated Western ideas during his time at Harrow and Cambridge. Unlike Gandhi, however, he advocated for bringing modern technology and industrialization to India.


    After reviewing the commission's report, three "round-table" conferences were conducted in London, which led to the passing of a new Government of India Act in 1935 by Parliament. This act permitted elected legislatures in the provinces but restricted voting rights to about 14% of the population due to property and educational prerequisites. Voting was carried out based on communal groups to protect minority interests, with various groups such as Upper-caste Hindus, Untouchables, Muslims, Sikhs, etc., selecting their own candidates. This system further exacerbated religious tensions. Mohammed Ali Jinnah, leader of the Muslim League, accused Congress ministries of mistreating Muslim minorities and advocated for separating Muslim provinces from India, resulting in the formation of Pakistan- a state that signifies "country of the pure."

    With the outbreak of World War II, Congress demanded complete and immediate independence for India as a condition for active participation. In 1942, Sir Stafford Cripps visited India with a plan to grant dominion status after the war. However, Indian leaders failed to reach an agreement on its terms. The Congress insisted on a unified India while the Muslim League demanded a separate Pakistan. Meanwhile, the princes were determined to preserve their states.

    In 1947, British India was divided into two countries: India, with Nehru as Prime Minister, and Pakistan, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This division resulted in a chaotic situation that caused the loss of over 1 million lives. The relationship between these nations deteriorated over time and led to wars in 1947-48, 1965, and 1971. One

    major point of conflict was the dispute over jurisdiction in Kashmir, with both countries claiming ownership. India also had a border conflict with China in 1962.

    Despite these challenges, India emerged as a leader among nonaligned nations after becoming a sovereign republic in 1950. The Indian National Congress played an important role in advocating for greater government representation for Indians. Established in 1885, it initially had members from diverse backgrounds but eventually became predominantly Hindu when most Muslim members joined the Muslim League.

    Under Mohandas Gandhi's leadership in 1919, the Congress adopted Satyagraha - a strategy of nonviolent resistance against British rule. During World War II, the party faced bans due to their refusal to support British war efforts and many leaders were imprisoned.

    After gaining independence in 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru assumed leadership as both head of government and leader of the Congress party.The party's influence continued even after Nehru's death in 1964 under Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri and Nehru's daughter Indira Gandhi. In 1969, the party split into two factions with the conservative group forming the Old Congress party. The followers of Indira Gandhi established the New Congress party and achieved a resounding victory in 1971. However, following a defeat in the elections of 1977, Mrs. Gandhi withdrew and created a new faction known as the Congress-I (for Indira) party in 1978. This decision ultimately led to her return to power in January 1980. Tragically, she was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984. Her son Rajiv Gandhi then assumed leadership of both the Prime Minister position and the party from 1984 to 1990 until he too was assassinated in 1991. P.V. Narasimha Rao succeeded Rajiv Gandhi

    as leader of the party

    The Indian National Congress was headed by NehRu, Pandit Motilal, an Indian nationalist politician who collaborated closely with Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial part in the struggle for India's freedom. His son Jawaharlal Nehru, who also actively participated in the campaign for self-rule, took over as the political leader after Gandhi and served as independent India's inaugural Prime Minister from 1947 to 1964.

    Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950) was an important Indian political leader who played a critical role in the Indian National Congress. He is acknowledged for his instrumental contribution to negotiating India's independence in 1947 and serving as the deputy Prime Minister until he passed away.

    Nehru, Jawaharlal, 1889-1964, was India's first prime minister from 1947 to 1964. Educated at Harrow and Cambridge, he practiced law. After the British massacre of Indian nationalists in Amritsar in 1919, he became a nationalist and played a significant role in the Indian National Congress alongside Gandhi. While their views differed as Nehru supported industrialization and socialism, they worked closely together. Nehru participated in negotiations that led to an independent India in 1947 and served as its Prime Minister until his death. Despite advocating nonviolence and neutralism internationally, Nehru used force against Pakistan regarding Kashmir, seized Goa from the Portuguese in 1961, and resisted Chinese border incursions in 1962. He was also known as Indira Gandhi's father.
    Gandhi, Indira, 1917-1984, served as India's Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984. She was Jawaharlal Nehru's daughter and initially worked as his aide before rising through the ranks of the Congress party. After Shastri's death, Gandhi became Prime Minister. The victory over Pakistan in

    1971 solidified India's dominance over the subcontinent. Under Gandhi's leadership, there was a shift towards an increasingly authoritarian regime that prioritized social programs and government planning. In response to oppositions' resistance , she declared a state of emergency in 1975 which resulted both opponents' imprisonment along with suspension of civil liberties .In 1977, Gandhi was forced out of office but made a successful comeback as Prime Minister in 1980, focusing on agricultural development and improving international relations. However, tragedy struck in 1984 when Sikh members from her bodyguard unit killed her after an assault on the Golden Temple in Amritsar – the most sacred place for Sikhs. As a result, Rajiv Gandhi took over as Prime Minister following his mother's assassination.

    Singh, Vishwanath Pratap, 1931-, was the Prime Minister of India from 1989 to 1991. He previously served as Rajiv Gandhi's defense minister and was widely recognized for his honesty and determination in fighting corruption.

    Rao, P(amulaparti) V(enkata) Narasimha, 1921-, held various ministerial positions before becoming the Prime Minister of India in 1991. He was also the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh state. Rao belonged to the Congress-I party and had been a part of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi's governments. Following Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, Rao took charge of the Congress party and became Prime Minister after securing a majority in parliament. His administration focused on reducing government interference in the economy and encouraging foreign investment. However, his term was overshadowed by religious tensions fueled by Hindu religious organizations.

    Current Politics in India
    In India, the Congress party, now lacking majority, was expected to attempt to gain power after withdrawing support for the minority government. However, it decided to continue

    supporting the minority United Front government instead. The United Front then selected a new prime minister named Inder Kumar Gujral, who is 77 years old and previously served as foreign minister. Gujral replaced Deve Gowda as the former Prime Minister. It's worth noting that the United Front consists of various small political parties. In India, which is the largest democracy globally, there are over 12 national political parties including communist and socialist parties.

    Bibliography/Reference
    Facklman, F. A. "Good government? Fairness? Or Vice Versa, Or Both..." Economist, 5/1/96.

    http://www.economist.com
    Published in the Economist on 8/12/96, the article titled "An India That Still Says no." was written by Diane Mastrull.

    http://www.economist.com
    Holly, Susan "The Fever in India" Economist 12/12/96.


    http://www.economist.com

    "India, Prime Minister" Sound Clip, National Public Radio, 5/19/96.

    "Fragmented Parties in India Begin to Form Coalitions" Sound Clip, National Public Radio 5/12/96.


    http://www.npr.org
    "India's Prime Minister Resigns His Office" Sound Clip, National Public Radio 5/28/96.

    The text below isand unified, keeping the and their contents:



    "Election Leaves India's Political Future In Doubt" Sound Clip, National Public Radio 5/13/96.

    http://www.npr.org
    John-Thor Dahlbutg "India's Ex-Premier Faces Corruption Charges"Los Angeles Times 9/22/96
    http://www.latimes.com
    Sheldon I. Ausman "New Leader, Old Woes in India:" Los Angeles Times 5/17/96
    http://www.latimes.com
    "Laloo Yadev to be Prosecuted" India Abroad 5/2/97
    http://www.indiaabroad.com
    "New Prime Minister Begins Work on a Quiet Note" India Abroad 5/2/97
    http://www.indiaabroad.com
    "Fodder Case Could Spell Trouble for UF Government" India Abroad 5/2/97
    http://www.indiaabroad.com
    "Former MP Turns Approver in Bribery Case Against Roaoe" India Abroad 3/28/97
    (Many other articles from India Abroad)
    "India" Compton's Living Encyclopedia. Compton's Learning Company, 1996. Online. America Online. (7 June 1996).

    "M. K. Ghandi" Compton's Living Encyclopedia. Compton's Learning Company,

    1996. Online. America
    Online. (7 June 1996).

    "Indian National Congress" Compton's Living Encyclopedia. Compton's Learning Company, 1996. Online.
    America Online. (7 June 1996).

    "Nehru Ghandi" is an article from Compton's Living Encyclopedia. It was published by Compton's Learning Company in 1996 and can be accessed online. The source is America Online and the date of access is June 7, 1996.

    "India" Concise Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia © 1994, Columbia University Press.

    The information about "East India Company, India" is sourced from the Concise Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, which is copyrighted by Columbia University Press in 1994.

    Please note that the topic I initially selected has been slightly modified after conducting additional research. It was uncovered that taking into account India's size, the level of government corruption is fitting.

    Get an explanation on any task
    Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
    New