Basic problem; type of Govt. or the way it functions?

The basic problems like unemployment, lack of development, education, healthcare facilities and absence of representatives to hear the voice of those who are hoodwinked by a small section of opportunist people has not only affected badly the political system of Jammu and Kashmir but also of the entire country. These problems arise not because of the type of government, but because of the way it functions, the leaders we chooses and the lack of political awareness among the masses. Often, questions of ethics, morals, right or wrong, honest or favored, unlawfulness, crime, punishment and acquittal are highlighted, and automatically subdued under political pressure. Once elected to the Parliament or the State Legislative Assembly, the minister forgets his responsibilities and duties as a servant of the state; instead, his thirst for money and greed of power never quench. In this whole process, the tax-payer suffers. He neither gets justice, nor an honest account of the hard-earned money paid as tax. Another source of problem in the Indian democracy arises due to interference and interruption of different departments-the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. These political pressures and favors lead to lawlessness and injustice, only. Another issue is the inability of meritorious candidates to contest for elections. Parties find a huge source of income in selling their tickets at high prices to undeserving people who can afford them. Therefore, those with long records of crimes and offenses find their place in the political system. So, on a realistic note, most of the Lok Sabha represents criminals and goons are elected to power by unconstitutional methods of forced voting, illegitimate casting of votes by their own supporters, and voters who have no/little knowledge of the whole system, but vote in accordance to religion or religion or community. Thus, an analysis of the Indian politics leaves you surprised and shocked: “How is this system working? It should have collapsed way back!” It is indeed a wonder how things fall apart in our country, yet the system keeps on working. The general attitude of ‘Chal Jayega’ is very chronic, yet ironic, for India. For the vision, Vision India-2020, to become reality, the whole system will have to be revised and re-structured. We need to have new leaders. People who have the courage to stand, speak up and pin-point the wrong. We’ll need youth who have the courage to overcome all odds and emerge victor. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam rightly identifies today’s youth with tomorrow’s future. His book ‘Vision 2020’ is testimony to the power and capability of today’s youngsters. Let us not undermine our own potential and act audience. Let us take the stage and speak our minds out. For, leaders are not made, they are born. And, I believe that a leader is born inside you the moment you choose the path of right, honesty and welfare. As we all know, India is the world’s largest democracy. But do we live up to this high title? Are we honest enough to be called a democracy? Is it democracy or a dictatorship we are living in? Let us review our political structure first, and then find out where the problem lies, which prevents us from being proud when it comes to discussing our politics- the ‘Indian’ politics. India adopted the Federal system in 1947, and is therefore a union of 26 states and 6 Union Territories (UT), which together form the Parliamentary system of Government, governed by the Constitution. The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November, 1949 and it came into force on 26 November, 1950. The Parliament consists of the President and two Houses- Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and Lok Sabha (House of the People). Members to the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly. Out of its total population of 245 members, 233 represent states and UTs and other 12 are nominated by the President. The Lok Sabha has a total of 545 members who are elected directly by the people of India and it represents the citizen population. The President is the Constitutional Head of the State. However, Article 74(1) of the Constitution provides that there shall be a Council of Members headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advice the President, who shall act in accordance with such advice. This Article makes the powers vested in the President of India insignificant and makes him a ‘rubber stamp’, while gives all powers to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet of Ministers. This Parliamentary form of government in India is different from that in America and England. These countries follow the federal system, where the President, who is the Head of the State, enjoys real powers. In such a system, the scope of conflict or pooling is much lesser than in Parliamentary form, although the Senate, as the Parliament in USA is called, is approached for final decision on both internal and external policies.