India's reservation system is an example of empowerment - Oxfam

New Delhi | Desk: In its report, "Resisting the Rule of the Rich," released on the first day of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, the international organization Oxfam warned about the growing influence of the wealthy on politics. The report revealed that billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than the average citizen worldwide.

Amidst this growing inequality, Oxfam cited India's reservation system as an inspiring example for the world. According to the report, legislative quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other disadvantaged groups in India, and the recently announced 33 percent reservation for women, are steps that empower economically and socially backward people to have a voice in policymaking.

Oxfam argued that democracy is strengthened when the "power of the majority" is promoted.

Besides India, the report also cited the example of Brazil's "participatory budgeting," where citizens themselves participate in budget formulation.

The organization appealed to governments to protect freedom of expression and civil rights so that ordinary citizens and grassroots organizations can participate without fear.

The report clearly stated that until the political and social systems become inclusive, power will remain concentrated in the hands of a select few wealthy individuals, and transparency and accountability are essential to prevent this.