“The normalisation of violence in governance transforms citizens from stakeholders to spectators”. Critically analyse this shift. Discuss the impact of this transformation on democracy. Propose corrective strategies for participatory governance.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
Q3. “The normalisation of violence in governance transforms citizens from stakeholders to spectators”. Critically analyse this shift. Discuss the impact of this transformation on democracy. Propose corrective strategies for participatory governance. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Reference: NIE
Why the question How normalisation of systemic violence in governance erodes citizen participation and democracy, and seeks ways to revive participatory governance ethics, relevant in contemporary global and Indian contexts. Key demand of the question The question demands critical analysis of how citizens shift from stakeholders to spectators due to policy-induced violence, assessment of its impact on democratic values, and proposing practical solutions to enhance participatory governance. Structure of the answer Introduction Briefly mention how governance mechanisms often invisibilise violence, leading to democratic disconnection. Body Critical analysis of the shift: Explain how bureaucratic processes, language of efficiency, and public disengagement turn active citizens into passive spectators. Impact on democracy: Highlight the weakening of accountability, participatory institutions, and rise of majoritarian tendencies undermining constitutional values. Corrective strategies for participatory governance: Suggest reforms like citizen assemblies, civic education, grievance redressal strengthening, and ethical frameworks to restore active participation. Conclusion Emphasise the need for ethical revival and participatory reforms to reclaim democratic vitality.
Why the question How normalisation of systemic violence in governance erodes citizen participation and democracy, and seeks ways to revive participatory governance ethics, relevant in contemporary global and Indian contexts.
Key demand of the question The question demands critical analysis of how citizens shift from stakeholders to spectators due to policy-induced violence, assessment of its impact on democratic values, and proposing practical solutions to enhance participatory governance.
Structure of the answer
Introduction Briefly mention how governance mechanisms often invisibilise violence, leading to democratic disconnection.
• Critical analysis of the shift: Explain how bureaucratic processes, language of efficiency, and public disengagement turn active citizens into passive spectators.
• Impact on democracy: Highlight the weakening of accountability, participatory institutions, and rise of majoritarian tendencies undermining constitutional values.
• Corrective strategies for participatory governance: Suggest reforms like citizen assemblies, civic education, grievance redressal strengthening, and ethical frameworks to restore active participation.
Conclusion Emphasise the need for ethical revival and participatory reforms to reclaim democratic vitality.