Question

A democratic system seeks to promote participation, ensure fairness, limit the concentration of power, and resolve disagreements peacefully. Identify examples from the above case study that reflect these features.

Answer 1

1. Participation: The Jethipura Gram Panchayat encouraged the participation of women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through Gram Sabhas, Special Gram Sabhas and Mahila Sabhas. South Manubankul Panchayat also promoted the participation of women in decision-making.
2. Fairness: The Panchayats worked to ensure that women, children and marginalised groups benefited from welfare schemes and received equal opportunities and support.
3. Limiting concentration of power: Important decisions were taken collectively in the Gram Sabha rather than being controlled by one person or leader. This helped distribute power among the people at the grassroots level.
4. Peaceful resolution of disagreements: Local issues such as education, sanitation, cleanliness and livelihoods were discussed and resolved through Gram Sabha meetings, discussion and collective decision-making rather than through conflict.