Is our civil society not so civil?

"Is the Gujarat model of civil society mobilisation replicable in other parts of India?' asked Prof N Chandhoke. She compares the social revolution in East European states in 1989, that resulted in the collapse of Stalinist governments, with the situation in Gujarat. "Democratic theory holds that citizens have the political competence to participate in political process through public debates, campaigns, and non-violent direct action in civil society." What is civil society? It is said to be a coalition of non-governmental organisations and citizens which are independent of government and businesses and constitutes the "third sector" of society. The present government is hostile to protests, so civil society was in danger of disappearing under "the indomitable and relentless attack of the government". "But a kindly fate intervened. At a time when the future of India's democracy appeared bleak, three young men heading social movements in Gujarat catapulted core issues of well-being, rights and solidarity onto the political platform." Who are these 3 men? Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thokore might just aid in replenishing the energies of the sphere." Mevani is a lawyer who is championing rights of Dalits, who are described as Scheduled Caste for receiving reservations in government colleges and jobs. After first denying it, Mevani admitted to receiving Rs 51,000 from the Popular Front of India, a militant Muslim organsation. Thakore is from Other Backward Caste, or OBC, who also benefit from reservation policy. Patel, on the other hand, is from a higher caste not eligible for reservation, and is demanding a share of the reservation pie for his caste. According to the points system to decide how backward a caste is, Patels do qualify, wrote Prof D Gupta. However, "No other caste dominates both the urban and rural economy the way the Patels do." The Supreme Court has set a maximum limit of 50% in reservation so Patels can be included only at the expense of others. Thakore has already rejected a reduction in quota for his caste and suggested 100% reservation with every caste getting a share. Marathas have been protesting for reservation in Maharahstra. They are also demanding a repeal of the SC/ST Atrocities Act. Both Mevani and Thakore have been elected to the Gujarat Assembly in recent elections so they have personally benefited from their activism. While the 3 men have narrow focus on benefits for their caste, which benefits them personally, a survey by ASER showed that 14-18 year old children in rural areas have trouble with reading and simple math. At the age of 18 years, 32% of females and 28% of males are not even enrolled. The democratic system of government has become outdated and needs to be changed, wrote R Nuwer, to reflect change in communications and globalization. With civil society divided into tiny groups of self interest that is not going to happen in India. We will limp along.