Economic rights are as much a part of human rights as political rights. It is a matter of deep regret, however, that many democratic countries concentrate on the latter to the neglect of the former. A feeling is growing, therefore, that democracy can provide only political rights and not economic rights, a feeling which is inimical to its survival and growth.
In developed democratic countries citizens now enjoy both political as well as economic rights. It is not, however, the case in developing countries who have chosen the democratic way of life. Their citizens enjoy political but not economic rights. They have the right to vote and to free speech and press, but not the right to work and to get minimum necessities of life. In the absence of the latter they do not attach much importance to the former in the hope of getting the latter. It is never fulfilled, but such an attitude of mind makes it difficult for democracy to strike deep roots in those countries.That is why in June 1975 democracy was subverted in India without much difficulty. Though it was restored nineteen months later, it will remain insecure and unstable as long as effective steps are not taken to ensure economic rights.
