In 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing
inequalities in that country, Inequalities in income reflected in the
participation of people in democracy. It also shaped their abilities to
influence the decisions taken by the government. The report
highlighted that
If an average Black family earns $ 100 then the income of average
White family is $ 162. A White family has twelve times more wealth
than the average Black family.
In a President's election nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in families
with income over $ 75,000 have voted. These people are the top
20% of the population in terms of their income. On the other hand
only 5 people out of 10 from families with income less than $
15,000 have voted. They are the bottom 20% of the population in
terms of their income.
About 95% contribution to the political parties comes from the
rich. This gives them opportunity to express their opinions and
concerns, which is not available to most citizens.
As poor sections participate less in politics, the government does
not listen to their concerns - coming out of poverty, getting job,
education, health care and housing for them. Politicians hear most
regularly about the concerns of business persons and the rich.
Write an essay on 'Democracy and Poverty' using the information
given in this report but using examples from India.
Answers
There is no denying the (act that poverty has a direct and deep impact a democracy. Modern democracy is a form of government run by the rich section of society. The rich control the media and use it for their own benefit. Influence of the rich over politics is clearly visible in the countries like England, USA and India. In India, only rich can contest the election. The of poor people are bought and sold. The poor cannot fight elections against the rich and get elected. As a result, the rich influence the government when it takes decisions about the policies. The government formed by the different politicians pays much attention to the interests of the business class and rich sections of the society. As poor people participate less in our Parliamentary democracy, their interests, viz, education, employment, healthcare, housing problems etc are neglected. Our government has taken many Welfare Scheme like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), Indira Awaas Yajona (IAY) etc. But their implementation is far from satisfactory. Like USA and in India different political parties pay more attention to the concerns of the rich who contribute most of their funds.