Are We Truly the World’s Largest Democracy? A Look Beyond Republic Day Rhetoric
Tomorrow, as on every Republic Day, we will hear grand speeches celebrating “the world’s largest democracy” and honoring the Constitution as our “sacred text.” But behind the rhetoric lies a sobering reality: when the facts are laid bare, the democratic processes we pride ourselves on reveal troubling signs of neglect.
PRS Legislative Research’s Annual Review of State Laws for 2023 paints a concerning picture. State assemblies convened for an average of only 23 days in 2023, with 12 states failing to meet for even 100 hours throughout the year. Alarmingly, 44% of all bills were passed on the same day they were introduced or the very next day, leaving little room for substantive debate. Back in 2002, a committee tasked with reviewing the Constitution had recommended a minimum of 50 sitting days annually for state legislatures with fewer than 70 members and 90 days for larger assemblies. Clearly, these recommendations remain largely ignored.
The situation in Parliament is not much better. The 2024 winter session clocked just 43 hours and 27 minutes, with a dismal productivity rate of 40.03%. Perhaps figures like Narayana Murthy and S. Subrahmanyan could offer our elected representatives some much-needed lessons in work culture. After all, when legislative sessions are adjourned, debates cut short, and bills hastily passed, the erosion of public trust becomes inevitable. Even the highest voter turnout cannot disguise the absence of meaningful governance.
As voters, we have every right to expect our representatives to show up, participate in meaningful debates, and address the pressing concerns of their constituents. Unfortunately, absenteeism and disruptions have become commonplace, normalized even, within our legislative bodies. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently voiced his concerns about the declining number of legislative sittings and the frequent adjournments that disrupt parliamentary proceedings. This is a matter of national importance that demands our attention.
On this Republic Day, let us not only celebrate our democratic ideals but also commit to holding our representatives accountable. True democracy is not just about voter turnout or ceremonial speeches—it is about active participation, transparent debates, and genuine efforts to serve the public good.
