State, Democracy and Development

The following is a concluding para from my latest article published in the Yojana magazine in "Web Exclusives".

• "One of the most enduring questions is what makes nations have more inclusive democracy. An evolved democracy tends to be truly inclusive, offering highest possible freedom in the three main elements of democracy: society, polity and economy. Therefore, more inclusiveness means more democracy and more freedom in the economy (private property right, free enterprises, less state control, freedom of contract etc.), society (individual freedom to associate, equal opportunity to all etc.) and polity (transparency in election, accountability from elected representatives etc.). Indeed, India had the opportunity to have all these three pillars when it became a Republic in 1950, but unfortunately the economic freedom was curtailed. Fortunately due to external compulsions, India has a better and freer economy since 1991, though much more is required. If India makes its political, social and economic pillars strong enough by granting them the highest freedom possible, the path to attaining a mature and highly evolved democracy would be short and smooth."