P. Chidambaram: 'Exclusion' Defines India's 2025 Amidst Growing Divides
Chidambaram argues 'exclusion' is India's defining word for 2025, citing economic and social divides.
Photo by Markus Spiske
Editorial Analysis
The author critiques the current government's policies and actions, arguing that 'exclusion' is the defining word for India in 2025 due to policies that marginalize minorities, suppress dissent, and concentrate power. He suggests that the government's focus on majoritarianism and economic policies have led to a widening gap and a sense of alienation among various groups.
Main Arguments:
- The government's policies and rhetoric have fostered a sense of exclusion among minorities, the poor, and those who dissent, leading to a fragmented society. This is evident in the 'one nation' narrative that often overlooks diversity.
- Economic policies have failed to adequately address unemployment, poverty, and income inequality, particularly impacting the poor and marginalized. The benefits of economic growth are not equitably distributed, creating a widening gap.
- Political dissent is increasingly suppressed, and democratic institutions are perceived to be undermined, leading to a lack of checks and balances and a concentration of power in the executive.
- The government's emphasis on a particular ideology (Hindutva) alienates religious minorities and promotes a majoritarian narrative, further contributing to social exclusion and communal divides.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
Veteran politician P. Chidambaram, in his 'Indian Word of the Year 2025' column, controversially picks 'exclusion' as the defining term for India. He argues that despite claims of economic growth, a significant portion of the population, including minorities, the poor, and dissenters, feels increasingly marginalized.
Chidambaram highlights economic policies that he believes exacerbate inequality, and social policies that promote majoritarianism, leading to a fragmented society. He points to the suppression of dissent and the undermining of democratic institutions as further evidence of this exclusionary trend. This perspective is crucial for UPSC aspirants to understand as it offers a critical analysis of contemporary Indian governance, economy, and social fabric, providing a counter-narrative to official positions and encouraging a nuanced understanding of national challenges.
Key Facts
Author's choice for 'Indian Word of the Year 2025' is 'exclusion'
Criticism of government's economic and social policies
References to GDP growth figures (6.6% in 2024, 4.8% in 2025)
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights (especially freedom of speech, equality, minority rights) and Directive Principles of State Policy (social justice, welfare state).
The concept of inclusive growth, economic inequality, and poverty alleviation strategies.
The role and independence of democratic institutions (judiciary, media, election commission, Parliament) in upholding constitutionalism.
Challenges to secularism and social harmony in a diverse society.
The debate between majoritarianism and constitutional morality.
Visual Insights
India's 'Exclusion' Metrics: A Snapshot (2025-26 Estimates)
This dashboard quantifies key indicators reflecting P. Chidambaram's concern about 'exclusion' in India, highlighting economic and social divides. Data points are estimates for 2025-2026 based on recent trends and reports.
- Income Inequality (Gini Coefficient)
- 37.5+1.5 pts (since 2021)
- Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
- 11.5%-3.5% (since 2023 report)
- Youth Unemployment Rate (15-29 years)
- 15.8%Stable (vs. 2024)
- Rural-Urban Internet Penetration Gap
- 38%-2% (since 2024)
A rising Gini coefficient indicates increasing income disparity, where a smaller portion of the population holds a larger share of the national income. This directly relates to Chidambaram's point on economic policies exacerbating inequality.
While India has made significant strides in reducing MPI, a substantial portion still faces deprivation across health, education, and living standards. This group often feels 'excluded' from the benefits of economic growth.
High youth unemployment, despite economic growth, points to 'jobless growth' and marginalization of a key demographic. This can lead to social unrest and a sense of exclusion among the educated but unemployed.
The digital divide is a new form of exclusion, limiting access to education, financial services, and government schemes for a significant rural population, exacerbating existing inequalities.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. In the context of a democratic polity, consider the following statements regarding the 'suppression of dissent' and 'undermining of democratic institutions': 1. The right to dissent is an absolute right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, without any reasonable restrictions. 2. Undermining democratic institutions can manifest through weakening the independence of the judiciary, stifling media freedom, or subverting electoral processes. 3. Constitutional morality mandates that the majority government must always prioritize the will of the majority over the rights of minorities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) on grounds such as public order, morality, security of the state, etc. Dissent is protected but not absolute. Statement 2 is correct. Weakening the independence of pillars like the judiciary, media, and electoral bodies are indeed ways in which democratic institutions can be undermined, leading to a less accountable and representative governance. Statement 3 is incorrect. Constitutional morality emphasizes adherence to the core principles of the Constitution, including individual rights, equality, and justice, even if it means going against popular sentiment or majoritarian will. It acts as a check on majoritarianism, ensuring the protection of minority rights and fundamental values.
2. With reference to the concept of 'exclusion' and 'inequality' in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) explicitly mandate the State to minimize inequalities in income and endeavor to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities. 2. Inclusive growth, as an economic policy objective, primarily focuses on achieving high GDP growth rates irrespective of income distribution. 3. The Gini coefficient is a measure of income inequality, where a higher value indicates greater equality. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. Article 38(2) of the DPSP, inserted by the 44th Amendment Act, explicitly states that 'The State shall, in particular, strive to minimise the inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations.' Statement 2 is incorrect. Inclusive growth aims for high GDP growth that is broad-based, pro-poor, and environmentally sustainable, ensuring that all sections of society benefit from economic progress, thereby reducing inequality. It is not irrespective of income distribution. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Gini coefficient measures income inequality, but a *higher* value indicates *greater* inequality (0 represents perfect equality, 1 represents perfect inequality).
Source Articles
Indian word of the year 2025 | The Indian Express
‘Slop’ becomes Word of the Year as AI clutter spreads from feeds to workplaces | Technology News - The Indian Express
The year of talking big, saying nothing | The Indian Express
What Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year, ‘rage bait’, says about today’s internet | Explained News - The Indian Express
Most used words of 2025 | Lifestyle Gallery News - The Indian Express