Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
Following a High Court directive, a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
The challenge is that citizens are barred from being in majority on the basis of birth, which violates the principle that democratic rule must be accommodative to all. To deepen democracy, there should be open public debate on social discrimination and strict enforcement of norms and procedures to ensure dignity and freedom for every citizen.
A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
The challenge reflects the inability of democracy to address economic inequalities and ensure the welfare of all groups. To deepen democracy, the government must develop mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable and ensure that every citizen has a fair chance in society.
Following an allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.
The challenge is the lack of transparency and violation of norms and procedures by authorities. To deepen democracy, the citizens' right to information must be utilized to examine the process of decision making, ensuring the government remains accountable to the people.
Explanation
The answer identifies challenges such as discrimination based on birth, economic inequality, and lack of transparency, directly referencing concepts like 'barred from being in majority', 'economic inequalities', and 'transparency' found in the provided text. The suggested mechanisms focus on 'open public debate', 'accountability', 'right to information', and 'norms and procedures', which are explicitly mentioned in the context as ways to improve democratic functioning.