UGC NET Political Science Unit–8 Political Processes in India

1. State, Economy and Development

1.1 Nature of the Indian State

• The Indian State is sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic — as declared in the Preamble.

• It emerged after independence as a post-colonial, developmental, and welfare state.

• It is a mixed-economy model combining both capitalist and socialist features.

• The Indian state is:

  • Interventionist – It regulates the economy, manages resources, and ensures welfare.

  • Democratic – Based on rule of law, popular participation, and equality.

  • Pluralistic – Accommodates diverse groups, religions, and languages.

• Challenges include poverty, inequality, corruption, regional imbalance, and communalism.

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1.2 Development Planning Model

• Planning in India began with the Planning Commission (1950) and Five-Year Plans (1951–2017).

• It aimed at achieving rapid industrialization, agricultural growth, employment generation, and self-reliance.

• India adopted a mixed economy, combining state-led planning with private sector participation.

• Key models:

  • Nehru-Mahalanobis Model (Second Plan, 1956–61) – focused on heavy industries.

  • Green Revolution (1960s–70s) – agricultural modernization using HYV seeds, fertilizers, irrigation.

  • Anti-poverty and Employment Programs – like IRDP, MGNREGA, etc.

• NITI Aayog (2015) replaced the Planning Commission, focusing on cooperative federalism and policy think-tank approach.

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1.3 New Economic Policy (1991)

• Introduced due to Balance of Payment Crisis under P.V. Narasimha Rao and Dr. Manmohan Singh.

• Shift from state-controlled economy to market-oriented economy.

• Core features – Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG).

Impact:

• GDP growth increased, inflation controlled, forex reserves grew.

• But led to jobless growth, inequality, rural distress, and corporate dominance.

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1.4 Growth and Human Development

• Economic growth: increase in output/income (measured by GDP).

• Human development: expansion of human capabilities — education, health, and standard of living.

• Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach emphasizes freedom and opportunities.

• India’s Human Development Index (HDI) is improving but still low due to inequality, gender gap, and poor health outcomes.

• Policies promoting human development:

  • National Education Policy (NEP 2020)

  • Ayushman Bharat

  • Skill India

  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

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🟢 2. Process of Globalisation

Meaning:

Globalisation is the integration of the Indian economy and society with the world through trade, investment, communication, and technology.

Economic Implications:

• Rise in foreign investment (FDI/FII).

• Expansion of services sector, especially IT and outsourcing.

• Privatization of public enterprises and reduction in subsidies.

• Widening income inequality between skilled and unskilled workers.

Social Implications:

• Spread of consumer culture and western lifestyle.

• Increased urbanization and migration.

• Greater access to global education, health, and communication.

• However, traditional values and local industries face challenges.

Political Implications:

• Decline of state control over the economy.

• Strengthening of corporate influence in politics.

• Rise of new social movements demanding accountability.

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🟢 3. Identity Politics

Identity politics means mobilization of people based on social identities — such as caste, religion, language, region, or tribe.

3.1 Religion

• Religion became a political mobilizing factor (e.g., Ayodhya movement).

• Communalism: politicization of religion leading to conflict (e.g., Hindu-Muslim riots).

• Secularism is a core constitutional principle, but communal polarization remains a challenge.

3.2 Caste

• Caste transformed from social hierarchy to political resource.

• Rise of Dalit and OBC politics post-Mandal Commission (1990).

• Political parties like BSP, RJD, SP represent caste-based interests.

• Reservation policy ensured representation in education and jobs.

3.3 Tribe

• Tribal communities mobilized for land rights, forest access, and autonomy.

• Led to formation of states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

• Movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan voiced tribal displacement issues.

3.4 Region & Language

• Regional identity led to demands for statehood (e.g., Telangana, Gorkhaland).

• Linguistic reorganization (1956) based on state languages.

• Regional parties (DMK, TDP, TMC, BJD) express regional aspirations.

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🟢 4. Social Movements in India

Social movements are organized collective efforts for social or political change.

Recent Movements:

• Narmada Bachao Andolan (environmental justice)

• RTI movement (transparency)

• Anti-corruption movement (2011)

• Farmers’ protest (2020–21)

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🟢 5. Civil Society Groups

• Civil Society = space between the State and the Individual, where people organize collectively.

• Acts as a watchdog, ensures accountability, and promotes participatory democracy.

Types:

1. Non-party formations – not linked to political parties; issue-based (e.g., environmental or anti-corruption movements).

2. NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) – provide services, advocate rights (e.g., CRY, PRATHAM, SEWA).

3. Social Action Groups – mobilize for social justice, environment, or human rights (e.g., Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan).

Role:

• Strengthens democracy by ensuring citizen participation.

• Highlights issues ignored by mainstream politics.

• Challenges state policies that harm marginalized groups.

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🟢 6. Regionalisation of Indian Politics

6.1 Reorganisation of Indian States

• Based on linguistic principle (1956, States Reorganisation Act).

• Later states formed on ethnic, cultural, and economic bases — Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh (2000), Telangana (2014).

6.2 States as Political and Economic Units

• States have become important political actors — control development, welfare schemes, and attract investment.

• Regional leaders (like Mamata Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik) play key roles nationally.

6.3 Regional Disparities

• Unequal economic growth caused demands for more states.

• Backward regions seek autonomy for better governance.

6.4 Demand for New States

• Examples: Vidarbha (Maharashtra), Gorkhaland (West Bengal), Bodoland (Assam).

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🟢 7. Gender and Politics in India

Issues of Equality and Representation

• Constitution guarantees equality (Art. 14–16) and non-discrimination (Art. 15).

• Yet, women face patriarchy, underrepresentation, violence, and economic inequality.

Political Participation

• Women’s representation in Lok Sabha ~15% (2024).

• Women’s Reservation Bill (2023) ensures 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies (implementation pending delimitation).

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (73rd & 74th Amendments) ensure 33% reservation for women at local level.

Women’s Movements:

• Focus on legal reforms (Dowry Prohibition, Domestic Violence Act).

• Movements like Chipko Movement combined environment and women’s activism.

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🟢 8. Ideology and Social Basis of Political Parties

National Parties

State Parties

Operate within one or a few states; represent regional identity or local interests.
Examples:

• DMK (Tamil Nadu) – Tamil identity

• TMC (West Bengal) – Bengali pride

• BJD (Odisha) – regional development focus

• AAP (Delhi, Punjab) – governance and anti-corruption

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🟢 9. Electoral Politics in India

Participation

• Involves voting, campaigning, membership, and activism.

• Voter turnout has been increasing; women voters nearly equal to men.

Contestation

• Multiparty system ensures political competition.

• Election Commission ensures free and fair elections.

Representation

• Elected representatives represent the people’s will.

• Reservation for SCs, STs, and women (local level) ensures inclusivity.

Emerging Trends

• Rise of regional parties and coalition politics.

• Use of digital media, social networking, and targeted campaigning.

• Decline of single-party dominance.

• Increase in youth and women participation.

• Money and muscle power still influence elections.

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🟢 Summary Chart