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Question
How are popular struggles integral to the working democracy? Explain with an example of Bolivia's struggle against privatisation of water.
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Solution
The importance of popular struggle in a democracy can be understood from the example of Bolivia's water war. People were dissatisfied with the decision of the government of giving up its control over municipal water supply and the subsequent hike in water tax imposed by the multinational corporation. This led to spontaneous popular protests as the water cost began to make a dent in the household budget of the people. An alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders organised a four day strike which was called off after the government agreed to negotiate. It was due to such protests by the people that the MNC contract was cancelled and the municipal water supply was restored to old rates.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Describe their public interest pressure groups functioning
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"The struggle of the Nepali people is a source of inspiration to democrats all over the world." Support the statement.
Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
|
List I |
List II |
||
|
1. |
Organisations that seek to promote the interests of a particular section or group |
Α. |
Movement |
|
2. |
Organisations that seek to promote common interest |
Β. |
Political parties |
|
3. |
Struggles launched for the resolution of a social problem with or without an organisational structure |
C. |
Sectional interest groups |
|
4. |
Organisations that mobilise people with a view to win political power |
D. |
Public interest groups |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
(a) |
C |
D |
B |
A |
|
(b) |
C |
D |
A |
B |
|
(c) |
D |
C |
B |
A |
|
(d) |
B |
C |
D |
A |
Mewat is one of the most backward areas in Haryana. It used to be a part of two districts, Gurgaon and Faridabad. The people of Mewat felt that the area will get better attention if it were to become a separate district. But political parties were indifferent to this sentiment. The demand for a separate district was raised by Mewat Educational and Social Organisation and Mewat Saksharta Samiti in 1996. Later, Mewat Vikas Sabha was founded in 2000 and carried out a series of public awareness campaigns. This forced both the major parties, Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal, to announce their support for the new district before the assembly elections held in February 2005. The new district came into existence in July 2005.
In this example what is the relationship that you observe among movement, political parties and the government? Can you think of an example that shows a relationship different from this one?
Why did Mahatma Gandhi start the 'Civil Disobedience Movement'? How did this movement unite the country? Explain.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi launch the 'Non-Cooperation Movement'? How did this movement unite the country? Explain.
