The privatization of industries, services, and public enterprises has been one of the most significant economic reforms in India since the 1990s. The policy of liberalization, initiated under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and his Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 1991, aimed at reducing the role of the state in the economy, promoting market…
Tag: political-science
Impact of Agrarian Transformation on Indian Politics
Agrarian transformation refers to significant changes in agricultural practices, land ownership, rural economy, and social structures that affect the agrarian community’s role in society. In India, the agrarian sector has been the backbone of the economy, providing livelihood for a large portion of the population, especially in rural areas. The relationship between agrarian transformation and…
Expansion of Freedom is the Primary End and Principal Means of Development
The relationship between freedom and development has been a topic of considerable debate in political philosophy, economics, and development studies. The idea that expansion of freedom is both the primary end and the principal means of development stems from the belief that freedom—understood as the capacity to make choices, exercise rights, and participate in the…
The Characteristics and Pattern of Protest Movements in India with Suitable Examples
Protest movements in India have been a crucial component of its democratic fabric. From the freedom struggle to contemporary socio-political movements, protests have served as powerful tools for expressing dissent, demanding rights, and seeking justice. Since independence, protest movements have taken various forms and addressed diverse issues—ranging from agrarian distress and caste oppression to gender…
Reasons for the Changes in the Party Systems in the States Since the Late 1980s
Since the late 1980s, there have been significant changes in the party systems in India’s states. These changes are marked by the rise of regional political parties, shifting alignments, and the emergence of new political issues that have reshaped the way elections are contested and the structure of the political landscape in the states. This…
Major Determinants of Electoral Behaviour in India
Electoral behavior in India is shaped by a wide variety of factors, which reflect the country’s complex social, cultural, economic, and political landscape. These determinants can be broadly categorized into individual, social, economic, and political factors. Understanding these determinants is crucial for analyzing the voting patterns and the outcome of elections in India. Below is…
Role of the Governor in Union-State Relations
The role of the Governor in Union-State relations is a subject of considerable importance and debate within the Indian political system. The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President of India. The Governor’s powers and functions, however, are largely circumscribed by the advice of the Council of Ministers in the…
Constitutional Amendments that Impinge on Union-State Relations
The Constitution of India, as a living document, has undergone several amendments over the years. Some of these amendments have directly impacted Union-State relations by altering the distribution of powers, enhancing the central authority, or redefining the powers of states. These amendments reflect the dynamic nature of federalism in India and the evolving political, social,…
Explain the Mechanisms Envisaged in the Indian Constitution for Resolution of Inter-State Conflicts and Their Working
The Indian Constitution provides a range of mechanisms for resolving inter-state conflicts, which are a natural outcome of the federal structure that characterizes the Indian state. Federalism in India is unique in that it involves both strong central authority and considerable autonomy for states. Inter-state disputes, therefore, emerge from conflicting interpretations of the division of…
Nationalist Response to Caste and Untouchability in India
The nationalist movement in India, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was deeply intertwined with the socio-political realities of the country. One of the most pressing issues that emerged during this period was the practice of untouchability and the rigid caste system, which perpetuated social exclusion and discrimination. The nationalist response to…
The impact of Dalit assertion on politics and society in India
The rise of Dalit assertion in India has significantly influenced both the political landscape and societal dynamics. Historically, Dalits, who belong to the so-called “untouchable” castes, have been at the margins of Indian society, subject to systemic oppression, social exclusion, and economic deprivation. However, over the decades, especially after independence, Dalit groups have increasingly asserted…
What are the reasons for the persistence of inter-state water disputes?
Inter-state water disputes have been a persistent challenge in India, as the country faces significant pressure on its water resources due to growing population, climate change, and economic development. These disputes arise primarily due to the distribution of river waters among states, where the allocation of water resources becomes contentious. India has numerous rivers that…