As a part of our preparations for Independence Day, we conducted a minor and quick survey on people’s perceptions of Independence Day and their priorities. Given that it was open only for 24 hours and distributed only on social media platforms, 120 responses are commendable.
The demographics indicate that 36% were in the 18-24 age group and 26% were in the 55-64 category. 60% were male and 40% female, but perceptions were generally the same as you will soon find out as you scroll down…
Interestingly, to question 5, What does Independence Day 2020 mean to you? more than half said it meant that it reminded them that they too can serve the nation in some small way. But in contrast in answer to question no 10, Rank in order of importance in your life – the safety, security, and progress of your family, community nation and the world, more than half put their family first followed by that of their community, and that perhaps explains the state of the nation today…
On the crucial question of whether successive governments have fulfilled the destiny our freedom fighters dreamt of for us, 67% said it was not enough, while around 26% appreciate what successive governments have done in fulfilling the needs of the citizens, which citizens feel is the basic necessities of life followed by health care and education. Interestingly National Security ranks higher in the pecking order of needs than good honest and transparent Governance or their fundamental rights, with the latter even preceding the former in the pecking order! You can perhaps draw a definitive inference from this.
Here is a summary of the survey in a few slides that are self-explanatory.
92 of the 120 respondents answered the final open-ended question, “tell us what you’d like the government to announce this independence Day” while 28 skipped the question.
Here are the responses categorized. Edits are minor and mostly related to propriety given the public space we occupy.
Economy and Agriculture
“Schemes to boost the economy. Tax and NEP reforms already announced. Employment schemes. Excessive support to become self-reliant, more employment opportunities, Jobs for all. A stop to privatization. Promote agriculture and help farmers survive. Employment opportunities. Income tax benefits. Cash disbursal of Rs.5000 per month for a year to all BPL citizens. Reducing GST, Removing GST on fuel for vehicles & reducing the taxes. Employment generation programs, rural employment schemes. In view of the pandemic, Govt should announce schemes for the industrial sector so that they could come out with new initiatives generating more employment opportunities. Jobs for all, lower taxes, good healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Basic needs for the poor. Jobs for the unemployed. Education for all. Zero poverty in our nation. Any measure which will increase the tax base & reduce the burden on honest taxpayers. Do not be kind to tax evaders. Let’s revive the economy and support our government in doing so!!”
“I seriously want to take a stand for the farmers who are called as the “backbone of our country” in real govt. They have endured great loss in this pandemic situation and have lost all their crops. I hope all their loans get closed. Also, we see people have lost their jobs and are working for half salary but still the amount for the basic needs are not been reduced. The fees for the colleges are not reduced despite not using any of the college properties or facilities. Why? Govt. Is going through a great loss but I don’t think increasing the prices will overcome it.”
Environment – a revision of the EIA draft.
“EIA draft 2020 will be rewritten with norms to control the pollution and increase in the penalty for violating the EPA rules and polluting the ecosystem (mainly water bodies).”
Health Care – an end to the Covid19 pandemic
“Developing basic facilities like health and education. COVID Vaccine. Fight together till the end of the corona Virus. Sincerity In government health care services. Medicine for covid19. Better and affordable medical facilities, Free and Absolute healthcare. Better health n social Security plans/schemes for citizens. An announcement that the world is free of COVID 19. Permanent measures to tackle health crises. “
Society and Social Security – Equality of treatment and Social Security for all.
“Communal harmony. That humanity will prevail under any circumstances without any prejudice, without any difference of caste, religion, region, gender, or color. Equality among we Indians. No Hindu, no Muslim, and no Dalit, no upper class or lower class. Each one should be respected, irrespective of his job or income. Secular country. More tolerance in religious matters. Unity in Humanity. All citizens in India have the same right and privilege irrespective of caste, creed, or community. Equal reservation to all. Wish the government could bring people of all communities together by purging the past. Employment, food, and shelter for the needy. Women’s safety and health. “
Governance – Security, Democracy, Transparency, Equality
Safety of children, gender equality in the workplace. Direct Cash deposits into the accounts of people under the poverty line. Secular country Employment opportunity Democratic governance. More tolerance in religious matters and Income tax benefits. Democratic governance. Accountability of every single rupee spent out of people’s money. Restore the Autonomy of all public institutions. Complete digitalization and a corruption-free India. Withdrawal of CAA, NRC, attacks on migrants. Roles of the citizens in the betterment of the nation. Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavanthu. Let Government carry all Indians together on the road glory. Restoration of democracy. National security. NRC, Uniform civil code. Enough of minority appeasement; its time for everyone to be a citizen of the country!!”
Infrastructure – Development of Infrastructure
Good Roads and development of infrastructure. Free education. Food, shelter, clothing, and education to all children of Bharath Matha.
Politics – No Divide and rule policy.
Compulsory education and experience qualification in order to stand for election, fixed salary, a performance-based increment on re-election n same for a pension. First, let them stop thinking about everything regarding a caste or religion. We need a humanity based government, not political leaders who just fill their bank accounts. Let them take everyone as humans and let them treat equally. India is for all. Do not create divisions in society. The present central Govt has done reasonably well when compared to the previous Govts.”
Media – Positive, not political news is the need of the hour
We would want to hear news of what’s happening in our country rather about politics, celebs… Its better you show something useful to children or youth… Day by day it’s getting really worse watching news. Every political party has its own channel and show only their stuff. Why? Who wants that. Where is the truth? Do we really really have to search on social media to find the truth? Where is Our INDIA? Just a thought. Lifting of press censorship & communication curbs in Kashmir.
And thereby hangs a tale!
Newskarnataka.com thanks the respondents for their time and contribution and wishes its readers a very happy Independence Day 2020.
Jai Hind.
