Holding Politicians Accountable for Their Work

India is a democratic country. Abraham Lincoln famously defined democracy as "government of the people, by the people, for the people." In this system, the public elects leaders from among themselves to work in their best interest. These leaders are representatives of the people, and the public places its trust in them. When a leader assumes office, their actions and decisions directly impact the lives of the citizens. Therefore, it becomes essential for the public to be informed about what their leaders have accomplished, the types of decisions they have made, and the effects of those decisions.

Just as employees in a private office are held accountable for their work—measured by productivity, work performance, and attendance, which influence their salary, job continuity, promotion, and other aspects—our country's leaders should also be required to regularly report on their work. This could be on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. While politicians are typically accountable to their senior party leaders, their true accountability lies with the public. By demanding accountability, politicians would not only become more serious and committed in their roles, but they would also better understand that their position involves more than just delivering speeches or holding rallies. They have a responsibility to work honestly for the welfare of the country and its citizens.

After all, these leaders benefit from their positions through the taxes paid by the public. Therefore, it is every citizen's right to know how and where their hard-earned money is being spent. This process would not only promote transparency but also strengthen the direct relationship between politicians and the public. Moreover, it would allow the public to assess how well their chosen leaders have fulfilled their promises or whether those promises were mere words. Based on these reports, citizens can decide whether to re-elect a leader or not.

These reports could be presented at different levels, both online and offline. On a smaller scale, politicians could hold regular public meetings where they present their work reports to the community. Newsletters or letters detailing the leaders' activities could be sent directly to the public. An annual report summarizing the leader's work over the year could be published and made available in public libraries, government offices, and local newspapers. Currently, data—whether true or false—is presented to the public mainly during election periods, often to serve political agendas. Much of this information goes unchecked, and the public often accepts it at face value. Citizens need to move beyond this naivety.

On the other hand, national-level leaders could share their work reports online. A dedicated section on the government's website could be created where politicians upload reports on their development projects, the funds spent, and future plans. In today's digital age, social media can be used effectively for this purpose. Politicians could regularly share their activities and work updates on their social media accounts. Alternatively, a special mobile app could be developed where politicians could post their work reports, allowing the public to ask questions and provide feedback directly.

The role of the public in this entire process is crucial. A strong democracy means more than just casting a vote in elections. It is a continuous process where every citizen should actively participate. Every leader should be questioned, and every action should be scrutinized. By staying active, we can maintain pressure on our leaders, and I firmly believe that more and better work often happens under pressure. If a reporting system is implemented, every leader will strive to ensure that their work stands out, maintaining the trust and support of the public. The idea of holding politicians accountable is not just a suggestion; it is a necessary step that must be taken. This step will not only strengthen the foundation of democracy but also accelerate the pace of the country's development. Our active participation will empower our democracy and drive the nation toward progress.