A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to vote on a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new law. In some countries it is synonymous with a plebiscite or a vote on a ballot question.
From a political-philosophical perspective, referendums are an expression of direct democracy. However, in the modern world, most referendums need to be understood within the context of representative democracy. Therefore, they tend to be used quite selectively, covering issues such as changes in voting systems, where currently elected officials may not have the legitimacy or inclination to implement such changes.
On 4 September 2008, amidst hundreds of thousands of protesters demanding the government resign, Thailand's premier Samak Sundaravej's government approved the idea of a referendum to ask the Thai electorate if it wanted to keep the government or not.
n Denmark, after a law has been passed by parliament, one third of the members can demand a referendum.[12] This does not apply to money bills or expropriation. A law that transfers sovereignty to an international organisation must be subjected to a referendum unless five sixth of the MPs vote for it. In both cases, to defeat the law the no votes must not only outnumber the yes votes, they must also number at least 30% of the electorate. Since all referendums have had much more than 60% turnout, no bill has yet passed due to lack of interest.
In Neither lands Since 1 July 2015, most laws can be subjected to a consultative referendum after their approval, following a request by 300,000 people.
BREXIT everyone is aware of.A referendum - a vote in which everyone (or nearly everyone) of voting age can take part - was held on Thursday 23 June, 2016, to decide whether the UK should leave or remain in the European Union. Leave won by 51.9% to 48.1%. The referendum turnout was 71.8%, with more than 30 million people voting.
No this blog is not about world. It is about my India . Our constitution gives us the status of one of biggest democracies in the world. Where every one has right to vote and participate in taking India to world power
However there are issues. Issues lingering on for decades. Most for power greed of politicians knowing very well that changes will be great for country scare of vote loss. Appeasement politics has killed more than half the potential of this great country.
No political will to make India a Golden sparrow again by congress for six decades and tortoise speed of judiciary to put crook politicians behind bars derailed the entire economy and law and order.
But now India is blessed again. Blessed with another Iron Man Narendra Modi to take tough calls. Surgical strikes and Demonetisation are enough evidence. Had he not been elected in 2014 I would have shifted some place else as I only see hope in him. So the reason of this blog.
There are various issues on which main stream media and social media keep on debating. High pitch voices and trolling begins. But results: ZERO.
Few issues like difference of court views on various religious festivals, or stone pelting on our Army Jawans or difference of treatment on ownership of Mandir or mosque are difficult issues to pass through parliament when both opposition and judiciary not in his favour. But referendum can be a game changer
Now the country is united with Aadhar. Why not we start with referendum on a particular issue which affects all in society. Since only Aadhar holders can vote (more or less all covered) the results can also be audited by CAG or any other governing body of repute.
Say we start with simple referendum
Should caste based reservation be continued in a delicate profession like medical?
Now if we get NO votes more than Yes Mr Modi can approach parliament and Supreme Court with results. This is voice of people. Now how will opposition react to this? They will be left with few options to counter. We might have demonstrations every where but the issue will settle for ever.
This is just one example. But as my personal view it can be a game changer for reforms shall be implemented as solid data base of referendum behind it.
Else these changes will be difficult to implement. Issues like reservation not on caste but economic background lingering on and will continue to. Politicians will keep on dividing us to their benefits and no one shall dare to touch these issues. Talent shall be left behind and caste based politics shall continue brain drain.
I request all if you agree with me to spread the word. let us help our PM who is working day and night with some ideas and constructive feed back. To end
IN the conclusion of his Making of India's Constitution, Justice Khanna writes:
Great thinking. I vote for referendum.
ReplyDeleteBasant
thanks
DeleteI Agree with you
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteAgree for referendum as the way forward
ReplyDeleteTHANKS
DeleteGreat thought and worth intropsecting but I do have few concerns with referendum:
ReplyDelete1. India is a emotional country, today elections are won on emotions. These emotions can be positive or negative. It's not fact based. Let's take your example of reservation - I have been debating for ever that we need reservations by economic status and not because you are born in a particular house.
But let's imagine if this was put into referendum, I am sure in India population of general category is more than Backward class or Dalit or OBC. Result will be known even before the match is played.
It can create social unrest and further divide.
That's why I say we are an emotional country and not fact based.
2. Political suicide - No PM of the country will ever conduct a referendum on topics like reservation. You can be the tallest leader, but in our country, caste, religion and class does play a big role in election. If Current PM were to ever bring this topic it would just hit his vote base.
3. Issues on which Referendum can be conducted - how will you decide on which issues you can conduct referendum, tomo this may open a big Pandora's box such as plebiscite in Kashmir or Tamil Nadu or any other topic which may have an adverse effect on our country.
For example- Brexit is a disaster - it has further divided the U.K. Scotland wants to stay in EU, it is asking for another referendum to part ways from UK. The Brexit vote divide was so close, it clearly shows that there was no clear majority and country is divided based on perception. Plus people did not know facts i.e. Impact of Brexit and possible ramifications. It was all hidden. Today every one is jittery.
While I agree this is a good idea and it needs to be debated and thought through, else but it can be a disaster.
appreciate your concern Thank you so much for revert. You are right in many ways. Hope our PM READS THIS WITH YOUR COMMENTS
DeleteI hope so to. I also think PM and our country need people like you who can think outside the box. I do hope for a India which is strong and undivided.
DeleteI am a NRI and I am currently in India (job hunting),only because of our current PM and his vision for India.
Yes, I fully support the idea of a Referendum and it should be held for all Reservations. Reservation was a temporary provision to uplift the deprived classes. It has now outlived its utility and has become a political gimmick to keep the country divided. It's time to do away with Reservations based on caste and religion TOTALLY.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS
DeleteEnlightening article. Agree delicate issues can be handled through referendum
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU SO MUCH GOD BLESS
ReplyDelete