Changes That Will Change India | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

–Sarmad Wani

On the fateful night of August 15, 1947, India did not immediately emerge as a land of freedom and transformation. While our leaders celebrated their achievement of 'independence,' the lives of many at the grassroots remained largely unchanged, with a mere shift from British colonial rule to Indian leadership. Landless laborers toiled under dominant caste contractors, peasants sweated in the scorching sun as land reform faltered, and the stigma of pollution continued to haunt untouchables while ancient texts held sway over the hearts of 'Independent Indians.' The only substantial change post-independence was the birth of a dream—a dream of a just society promising social justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all its citizens.

With this noble goal established, subsequent generations were tasked with devising strategies for comprehensive social, economic, and political transformation in 21st-century India. Today, our generation is fortunate to carry the torch forward and seek solutions for a resurgent yet still underdeveloped India.

Political Transformations: In the realm of politics, India faces a paradox. While we have embraced democracy as the superior form of governance over monarchy and colonialism, we witness its hijacking by elite oligarchs, personality cults, and dynastic rule. It is essential to impose a 20-year cooling-off period before close kin of retired party leaders can assume party leadership roles. Additionally, we should amend the constitution to limit a candidate's election to the post of Prime Minister to two terms, as practiced in mature democracies like the USA. Aspiring politicians should also be required to participate in local elections before contesting at the state or national level.

In a representative democracy, political parties should prioritize serving the people rather than individuals. To curb the rampant criminalization of politics, the Representation of People Act, 1951, should disqualify candidates facing serious criminal charges filed at least six months prior to elections. Parties should implement a merit-based system, including tools like the Right to Information Act, internal elections, and more. This will not only attract young talent but also establish standards for good governance, currently lacking in our political landscape.

Active citizenry is crucial for a thriving democracy. People deserve the leaders they elect. Today's declining political standards reflect our social and moral decay, exemplified by vote-buying practices. While measures like NOTA (None Of The Above) were introduced to counter this, they need more substantial powers, such as triggering a re-poll in constituencies where NOTA receives more votes than any candidate.

Administrative Transformations: Effective and efficient administrative machinery is indispensable for realizing our societal goals. Reforms are needed in various dimensions:

Procedural Reforms: Introduce sensitivity training, encourage lateral entries of out-of-the-box thinkers, implement quantified performance measurement benchmarks, and replace the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) with the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR).

Structural Reforms: Establish a one-stop grievance redressal mechanism, digitize administrative procedures, and foster citizen participation in governance through initiatives like Jan Sabhas and Social Audits.

Legal Reforms: Amend Article 311 of the constitution, strengthen the Prevention of Corruption Act, rationalize conduct rules, and establish a Civil Service Board to reduce political interference in bureaucratic appointments.

Bureaucratic Mindset Reforms: Promote a servant mentality among officials, nurture qualities of empathy, kindness, and the courage to resist powerful lobbies, and strive for less government and more effective governance.

Economic and Business Transformations: Improving public service delivery will not only benefit society but also enhance India's Ease of Doing Business ranking, currently languishing at 130 out of 189 countries. Streamlining regulations and fostering a conducive business environment is essential.

Reforms in labor practices, land acquisition processes, electricity procurement, credit supply, and logistics are necessary. The center should facilitate the integration of scattered solutions, making them adaptable to local requirements, to boost the "Make in India" campaign.

India should explore emerging sectors beyond textiles, jewelry, IT, and finance. Food processing, tourism, and education offer tremendous potential for economic growth and employment generation. Creating an 'Indian Education Service' to export teachers globally could establish India as a global leader in education.

Social and Lifestyle Transformations: India faces a happiness deficit, with its rank at 118 out of 158 countries in the World Happiness Report. Rising materialism, jealousy, and self-centeredness have eroded the joy in people's lives. Reconnecting with one's inner self and appreciating life's simpler pleasures are crucial for restoring happiness. Schools, families, and social media should promote these values.

India holds a rich repository of knowledge to address contemporary challenges. Rediscovering our heritage, instilling confidence through education, and nurturing a sense of national unity are essential steps toward a harmonious and prosperous future.

In conclusion, India stands at the threshold of profound transformations across politics, administration, economics, and society. Embracing these changes will shape a brighter and more equitable future for the nation.