Democracy Index and India’s Position

Introduction

India is considered the largest democracy in the world. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution describes it as a “Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic”. However, recent international studies indicate that the quality of democracy is declining globally.

1. Democracy Index – Structure and Measurement

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has been publishing it since 2006.
Scale: 0 to 10

Parameters:
✔ Electoral Process
✔ Functioning of Government
✔ Political Participation
✔ Political Culture
✔ Civil Liberties

Classification:
✔ 8–10 → Full Democracy
✔ 6–7.9 → Flawed Democracy
✔ Below → Hybrid / Authoritarian Regime

2. Global Scenario

167 countries were assessed in 2024
25 countries → Full Democracies
46 countries → Flawed Democracies

Only 36% of countries have true democracy

👉 This shows Democratic Backsliding is occurring globally.

3. India’s Position

2010 → 8.15 (Full Democracy)
2024 → 7.81 (Flawed Democracy)

👉 India has shifted from “Full Democracy” to “Flawed Democracy”.

4. Reasons for Decline

✔ Decline in Civil Liberties
(Article 19 – Freedom of speech and expression affected)

✔ Challenges to Secularism
(Preamble + Secularism – Basic Structure Doctrine)

✔ Reduced Media Freedom
(Fourth pillar of democracy)

✔ Weakening of Institutions
Election Commission (Article 324)
Investigative agencies

✔ Increase in Corruption
(Affects Rule of Law)

✔ Federal Issues
(Centre–State relations – Federalism)

5. Challenges in Electoral Democracy

✔ Influence of money and freebies on voting
✔ Welfare schemes vs electoral gains
✔ “Freebies Culture” → Affects fiscal discipline

👉 Free and Fair Elections are the core of democracy
(Basic Structure – Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973)

6. Role of Democratic Institutions

✔ Judiciary (Independent)
✔ Election Commission
✔ Media

👉 These are key components of “Checks and Balances”.

Conclusion / Way Forward

The strength of Indian democracy lies in its Constitution and independent institutions. By improving electoral reforms, controlling corruption, ensuring media freedom, and enhancing citizen participation, India can regain its status as a full democracy.