Known and unknown

INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL/ POLITICS

The first general election in 1951 saw an average turnout of 44 per cent over 26 states in a map of India that would be unrecognisable today. The highest turnout "" 71 per cent "" was in the state of Travancore, Cochin, followed by Coorg (67 per cent). By contrast, the general election of 2004 saw a turnout of 58.07 per cent over 35 states and union territories. The election saw a 91 per cent turnout in Nagaland followed by West Bengal (78 per cent).

The number of parties in the fray has also increased dramatically, testifying not just to India's faith in democracy but in the people's belief that political power can be the means to a much better life. In 2004, the number of registered and recognised parties that contested the general elections was 230, all over India. In 1951 this was just 38!

When planning first began in 1950-51, the size of the First Plan was Rs 2,000 crore. The total number of schools in India were 23,000. Professional colleges numbered 208. Public expenditure was 1.5 per cent of the GDP. The birth rate was 41 per 1,000 and 146 infants out of every 1,000 died at birth.

Today, the size of the Tenth Plan is Rs 15,25,639 crore. The total number of schools in India numbers 11,80,000. There are 2,751 professional colleges. Public expenditure in terms of GDP is 4 per cent. The birth rate is 24 per 1,000 and today, 58 out of every 1,000 infants born die at birth.

Some of the most momentous events in the last 60 years have been broadcast by All India Radio, for years the only information link between the government and the people, especially in remote rural areas. Sound broadcasting started in India in 1927 as private radio clubs mushroomed all over the country. Operations of All India Radio began formally in 1936, as a government organisation, with clear objectives: to inform, educate and entertain the masses. In 1947, AIR had a network of six stations and 18 transmitters. The coverage was 2.5 per cent of the area and just 11 per cent of the population.

Today, All India Radio has a network of 223 broadcasting centres with 143 medium frequency(MW), 54 high frequency (SW) and 161 FM transmitters. The coverage is 91.42 per cent of the area , serving 99.13 per cent of the people in the largest democracy of the world. AIR covers 24 languages and 146 dialects in home services. Its external services cover 27 languages; 17 national and 10 foreign languages.