Indian Democracy and the Politics of Equality

India is the world’s largest democracy with over 700 million registered voters and is famous for its colorful diversities in culture, language and religion. Though the economy in India is booming, benefits of democracy are not able to fully reach certain segments of rural India and amongst the socially disadvantaged groups. Equality is the key to further the economic expansion and development in the country. Addressing the issue of emerging problems-situation related to welfare, protection and empowerment of minorities and disadvantaged groups in the fast changing scenario is a crucial challenge.

Education is significant to address these issues. The number of children attending school has increased but the figure is still low in high school, especially in rural areas. Promoting equality through education will enhance the welfare of the population and empower the weaker sections in society, making India better equipped for future challenges.

Ms. Zoya Hasan is a Professor in Political Science at the Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences, at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India. She has recently been a fellow at the Human Development and Capability Association, Global Equity Initiative at Harvard University, Asia Centre and a visiting professor at Maison Des Sciences Del’Homme, Paris. ProfessorHasan is also the former chairperson of the working group on ‘Empowerment of the Minorities’, Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012), Planning Commission and a current member of the National Integration Council and a member of Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) Ministry of Human Resources and Development, Government of India.