judiciary subservient to parliament. While the supposed aim of the Amendment was to protect social and economic development from judiciary, strengthen national unity and so on, in reality, it actually weakened the democratic fabric of this country.

Though the first thirty years ended with the Emergency, if a balance sheet were to be drawn, there would be more credits than debits. The most important achievement of this period was the establishment of a stable democracy. The gradual emergence of a competitive multi-party system, with parties representing diverse interests was a real achievement if one were to compare India with other countries that got independence around the same time. India, unlike other countries, not only had regular, free and fair elections but also had genuine change of governments and leaders as well. The Indian Constitution not only guaranteed civil rights but also had an institutional architecture in place to ensure its protection. India also set up an impressive institutional framework with independent institutions like the judiciary, Election Commission, Controller and Auditor General and so on. Bureaucratic neutrality was also an important achievement. The establishment of civilian control over the armed forces was another significant achievement. In comparison to our neighbour, Pakistan, India stands far ahead in the institutions of democracy. India has been extremely successful in holding together and maintaining its unity and integrity. India was seen a fit case for break up given its extreme diversities and the fact, that it has not done so is a valuable lesson for many other countries. In terms of economic goals, the setting up of the Planning Commission and the aim of balanced regional development is noteworthy. There was a genuine concern for the social and economically deprived sections of society. From a state of dependency for food, India gradually became self-sufficient in food production. It laid down the foundation for an enviable industrial base. However, balanced regional development did not take place and some regions developed better than others. Similarly, employment opportunities also did not increase as much as they should have. One of the greatest weaknesses was undoubtedly the low priority given to primary education and public health. This was going to haunt India for a long time to come. Other countries like China and Korea which also began a new innings around the same time did much better on these two counts as compared to India. While the more obnoxious effects of the caste system, like untouchability were removed, there still remained a large amount of discrimination. Gender discrimination continued.