Participatory democracy
Also called: Participative democracy · Topic: Democracy: Forms of Government, Principles and Outcomes · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 12 "Grassroots Democracy – Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas"; Class 9, Ch 6 "Democracy"; Class 10, Ch 2 "Federalism"; Class 11, Ch 8 "Local Governments"
Meaning
Participatory democracy means citizens take part directly in the decisions that affect them, and do not just vote for representatives. They do this through bodies such as gram sabhas (meetings of all voters in a village), ward committees and public consultations. In India, the gram sabha has a constitutional basis in Arts. 243(b) and 243A. It matters because it adds direct voice and checks to elected government.
Example
Under PESA 1996, the gram sabha is the key decision-maker in Fifth Schedule (tribal) areas. In the North-East, Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils make laws and settle disputes on tribal customs.
Don't confuse with
- Direct democracy: there, citizens take all the major decisions themselves, as in Switzerland's Landsgemeinde open-air meetings. Participatory democracy adds citizen involvement on top of a representative system and does not replace it.