Oxfam’s latest findings present India’s reservation system as an exemplary model for equitable political representation, highlighting the stark contrast with the escalating dominance of the ultra-wealthy globally. By spotlighting quotas for marginalized communities and women, as well as Brazil’s participatory budgeting initiatives, the report advocates for empowering everyday citizens and promoting diversified decision-making.

NEW DELHI: Referring to the growing influence of billionaires in global politics, international rights group Oxfam on Monday cited India’s reservation system as a “compelling” example of how political power can be more equitably distributed and ordinary citizens empowered.In its annual inequality report released on the opening day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, Oxfam International said billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than ordinary people, underscoring what it described as a widening imbalance in political power worldwide.The report, titled “Resisting the Rule of the Rich: Protecting Freedom from Billionaire Power”, argued for building what it called “the power of the many”, noting that ordinary people gain influence when political, institutional and social conditions enable them to participate meaningfully in decision-making despite structural inequalities. “This happens when institutional inclusiveness, political incentives for responsiveness, collective organisation, effective governance and ideological commitments align,” Oxfam said, adding that non-state actors such as civil society organisations, grassroots movements and trade unions play a critical role in expanding political participation among under-represented communities.Pointing to India, the report said, “In India, for example, political reservations (quotas) for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised groups create opportunities for economically disadvantaged and socially excluded communities to gain legislative representation and push redistributive policies.”India provides reservations in legislatures for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population, and has recently announced 33 per cent reservation for women. Quotas are also extended to other weaker and marginalised sections in education and government employment.Oxfam also cited Brazil’s participatory budgeting model, particularly in the city of Porto Alegre, as another example of democratic innovation. “Its most prominent example was the city of Porto Alegre, whose experience became an international reference in participatory democracy by allowing citizens to directly decide on portions of the municipal public budget,” the report said.Calling on governments to strengthen democratic participation, Oxfam urged states to guarantee an enabling civic space in line with international legal frameworks. It said governments must commit to protecting freedom of expression, assembly and association – including online – so that citizens, journalists, movements and organisations can organise, speak out and protest.The report further advocated transparency and accountability in upholding these freedoms, through regular reporting and scrutiny by both state and non-state actors, and ensuring access to information and resources for individuals and organisations. (With inputs from agency)