constitutional governance

 constitutional governance

India has every reason to celebrate 75 years of constitutional governance

What is the meaning of constitutional governance?

A constitutional government is a government that is structured according to a written document called a constitution. In a constitutional government, the constitution is the supreme law of the land. Nothing can contradict it.

 26 November  75th anniversary  

 this year will mark the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India. 

role of  Constitutional governance in India 

is not merely a facet of the laws, rules and regulations that govern the establishment and the evolution of democratic institutions.

 It is also about - collective consciousness of Indians across different cultures, faiths and beliefs.

Respect for institutions, power transition

core constitutional values

these are 5 values 

1. people’s respect for democratic institutions 
2. smooth transition of elected governments.
3. protection of rights and freedoms through courts. 
4. federalism as a facet of constitutional governance
5. role of the media and civil society in instilling faith in democracy

First, people’s respect for democratic institutions

Since the first elections in 1951-52, we have consistently witnessed nearly 60% of Indians participating in elections including in the 2024 general election where there was a a 65.79% voter turnout. 

Second, the smooth transition of elected governments.

The seven decades have seen numerous elections across States and at the national level. 

India has seen elected representatives representing different political parties, with varying degrees of strength and presence, within a State and/or at a pan-India level. 

We have also seen political leaders of different ideological persuasions winning elections.

but smooth transitions of power at the end of elections 

 it is the deep commitment every political party attaches to the idea of smooth transitions of power at the end of elections.

Upholding rights

Third, protection of rights and freedoms through courts.

 framers of the Constitution were people associated with the freedom movement and responsible for building the foundations of the Indian Republic. 

They struggled to fight against colonialism to help achieve India’s freedom.

However, their deep scepticism of the state apparatus and the fervent commitment towards protecting individual rights and freedoms reflected a far-sighted vision on their part.

Fourth, federalism as a facet of constitutional governance

 The history and the tradition of every State of India also meant that they were conscious of protecting the unique identity, tradition and culture of the States and the people while forging a collective national identity.

 They created different forms of autonomy and special privileges for different States keeping in mind their unique histories and cultures. 

 idea of federalism has further deepened at least at two levels:

 1 first, the rise of State-level political parties across India and their own contribution to the development of national political consciousness. 

This has, on several occasions, led to strong State parties contributing to the development of coalition governments in the States and at the Centre. 

2 Second, the idea of federalism has also led to the passing of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which led to the establishment of panchayati raj institutions and nagarpalikas.

The part played by media, civil society

Fifth, the role of the media and civil society in instilling faith in democracy

Much has been said and written about the Indian media. The Indian media is a diverse and heterogeneous institution with views and perspectives that are generated across India in different languages. 

access to information 

Further, the transition of print media to broadcast and further innovations in media and technology have democratised access to information and indeed the role of media.

 that media and civil society have contributed to the instilling of faith in Indian democracy. 

While we need to autonomy and the independence of media

 it is equally important to recognise the values of transparency that have been part of the media culture. 

In the cacophony / kolahal  of an information explosion through various forms of media and the medium of communication, the Indian electorate has been enlightened to develop an informed degree of understanding of the role of the media and civil society.

We have every reason to celebrate 75 years of constitutional governance

Sikhs may try to set up a separate regime 

After Independence, the last British commander in chief of the Indian Army, General Claude Auchinleck had observed, “The Sikhs may try to set up a separate regime. 

I think they probably will and that will be only a start of a general decentralization and break-up of the idea that India is a country, whereas it is a subcontinent as varied as Europe.

 The Punjabi is as different from a Madrassi as a Scot is from an Italian. The British tried to consolidate it but achieved nothing permanent. No one can make a nation out of a continent of many nations.”

We proved many people wrong in not only forging a national identity of a nation that is built on constitutional ideals but we have also made the Constitution an instrument of galvanising social conscience and political consciousness.

source the hindu