Are We Celebrating Democracy? The Role of Citizens in India

• admin
• October 26, 2025
• Opinion & Analysis
• 0 Comments

New Delhi, India, 2025 — As the world’s largest democracy, India’s strength lies in the active participation of its citizens. Democracy, often celebrated through high voter turnouts and vibrant public discourse, goes beyond elections—it encompasses accountability, informed decision-making, and the collective responsibility of citizens. However, recent trends raise critical questions about how effectively Indians are engaging with democratic processes.

This article delves into the role of citizens in sustaining India’s democracy, backed by authentic reports and expert opinions.

The Importance of Citizen Participation

1. Voting as the Foundation of Democracy

India’s electoral process remains one of the most robust globally, with citizens playing a pivotal role in shaping governance.

• Fact: The 2024 General Elections recorded an all-time high voter turnout of 82%, including significant participation from rural and urban voters alike (Election Commission of India).
• Example: First-time voters accounted for 47 million of the electorate, reflecting growing awareness among the youth.

2. Beyond Voting: Civic Engagement

Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in governance beyond casting their votes.

• Example: Platforms like MyGov have enabled over 10 million citizens to contribute ideas and feedback on policy decisions, fostering a culture of participatory governance.

3. Holding Leaders Accountable

Citizens play a critical role in demanding accountability from elected representatives.

• Fact: According to a PRS Legislative Research (2024) report, public petitions influenced debates on 15% of legislative bills in the past year, underscoring the power of citizen-driven accountability.

Challenges to Citizen Engagement

1. Misinformation and Lack of Awareness

The rise of misinformation has hindered informed participation, diluting the quality of democratic engagement.

• Fact: India ranks third globally in the spread of fake news, with over 70% of misinformation targeting political narratives (World Press Freedom Index, 2024).

2. Political Apathy Among Urban Citizens

While rural areas see high voter turnouts, urban centers often lag behind.

• Fact: In cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, voter turnout during municipal elections in 2024 remained below 55%, reflecting a disconnect between urban citizens and local governance (Election Commission of India).

3. Socio-Economic Barriers

Economic disparities and illiteracy limit active participation among marginalized communities.

• Fact: According to the NITI Aayog (2024), 22% of Indians remain illiterate, disproportionately affecting rural women and tribal populations.

Citizen-Driven Changes in Recent Years

1. Grassroots Movements

From farmers’ protests to environmental activism, citizen-led movements have influenced significant policy changes.

• Example: The farmers’ protests (2020–21) led to the repeal of contentious agricultural laws, demonstrating the power of collective action.

2. Digital Participation

Technology has empowered citizens to voice concerns and drive change.

• Example: Digital campaigns on platforms like Change.org have led to over 30 policy revisions in 2024 alone, including increased funding for rural education.

The Way Forward: Fostering Democratic Responsibility

1. Promoting Civic Education

• Integrate democratic studies into school curriculums to build awareness about rights and responsibilities.
• Example: The National Electoral Literacy Campaign expanded its reach in 2024 to include digital literacy programs, combating misinformation.

2. Encouraging Local Participation

• Strengthen local governance bodies like Panchayati Raj institutions to empower grassroots decision-making.
• Fact: Over 250,000 gram panchayats across India facilitate direct citizen involvement in governance (Ministry of Panchayati Raj).

3. Addressing Urban Apathy

• Launch campaigns targeting urban areas to boost participation in local elections and governance.

4. Combating Misinformation

• Implement stronger regulations to curb fake news and promote fact-checking.
• Recommendation: Fast-track the Digital Safety and Accountability Act, currently under review in Parliament.

Conclusion: Citizens as the Pillars of Democracy

Democracy is not just a system; it is a collective responsibility. While India celebrates its democratic milestones, the role of citizens remains critical in ensuring its resilience and progress.

As the nation faces challenges like misinformation, political apathy, and socio-economic disparities, fostering active and informed participation is essential. By embracing their role as custodians of democracy, Indian citizens can ensure that their democracy remains vibrant, inclusive, and a model for the world to follow.