Abstract

This case helps in understanding how a mass movement built around a strong social cause can bend even the most supercilious administration to its will. Anna Hazare – a well respected Gandhian from India had been at the forefront of a nation-wide movement representing public resentment over the malaise of corruption. Hazare demanded that the government amend the Anti-Corruption Bill placed on the table of Parliament. Initially, the government in particular and political parties in general resisted the demands saying that law making was the prerogative of people’s representatives in Parliament and that members of civil society could not dictate terms in a democratic set-up. However, as Hazare’s fast-unto-death resolution attracted nation-wide mass support, the government had to give in. With what was described as ‘remarkable maturity’, all the political parties agreed to refer Hazare’s demands to the Parliamentary Standing Committee, thus marking a victory for Hazare’s movement as the first civil society movement to have had its demands respected by Parliament. This case can also be used to demonstrate the power of conventional and social media in making a successful movement.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how social issues like corruption have become issues of major concern
• Understand how mass movements with widespread support and sympathy from a large section of the population can put pressure on government and get them to bend.
• Understand the anatomy of a mass movement and the role of a strong leader with a mission in firing the imagination of the population, especially the youth
• Discuss the role played by media and social networks in making the movement successful
• Understand the qualities of a good leader

Keywords

Public Policy, Corruption, Lokpal, Jan Lokpal, Mass movement, Democracy, Non-violent, Anna Hazare, Social media, Television, Print media, Parliament, Lok Ayukta, Fast, Civil movement, Corruption Perceptions Index, Mass leader, Right To Information Act, Media Management