Point
We are free...

By Rashmi

The constitution of India is an epitome of freedom that the citizens of India enjoy. The constitution of India guarantees that every Indian citizen has the right to equality. In the eyes of the law, every citizen of India, regardless of his caste, creed or sex is treated equally.

According to article 19, our constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Every citizen can express his views freely in any medium either for or against any issue. We also enjoy the freedom of criticizing the government’s policies. Indian media whether print, television or radio enjoys the freedom to generate programmes or write articles criticising the evils of the society. Thereby giving scope to every citizen to air his grievance in a public platform using any of the media. This holds true especially in newspapers where there is an entire column called ‘Letters to the editor’ where the citizens complain about various issues, starting from bad roads to power cuts.

Moreover in a span of 54 years, the Indian government has addressed the literacy question. Literacy rates have gone upto 62%from 35% in the 1940’s. Literacy Campaigns are conducted in the various states of India including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Kerala enjoys 100% literacy rate. Education policies are especially effective in Maharashtra, where education is free and children are provided free study material by the government.

Life expectancy has also risen from 47 in the 1940’s to 65years. Health issues are being addressed. Special attention is given to vaccination programs. Regardless of the economic status, vaccines are given to children to prevent deadly diseases. Diseases like small pox are eradicated successfully.

The government is also providing quota for the backward communities. Seats are reserved for SC/ST community in government educational institutions and offices. Women are given 33% reservation in the parliaments. India also had a woman prime minister, which even the most powerful country has not had.

The government has tried to address the issues in the grassroots level by enabling Panchayat system in the villages. The villagers are allowed to take their own decisions pertaining to matters in their own village. The constitution gave the villagers the power for self-administration.

India is always known for its democracy. In the political scenario, there is a wide range of political parties. Starting from radical left parties to extreme right parties share the political platform. It is only because India is free and democratic that we have different ideologies that are practiced by different political parties. The fact that each party has a strong following shows that democracy is practiced and does not exist only in the book of constitution of India.

Ultimately what one should ask is what can I do to contribute for the betterment of my country? One can always see flaws in any issue, but what one must remember is, if we were not free, would we be able to voice our views and make amendments. It is the responsibility of the citizens of a country to put in practice the rights which are guaranteed by the constitution.