Indian author and philanthropist Rohini Nilekani has been outspoken about governance and political participation. She frequently draws attention to the discrepancy between the duties that elected officials actually perform and what the public expects from them.

In her statement, Nilekani highlights a frequent mistake that occurs in democratic systems: people often fail to recognize that lawmakers play a crucial role in enacting laws and ensuring that the government is carrying them out correctly. She noticed that when voters were asked what they expected from their representatives during her husband's 2014 campaign, none of them mentioned these duties.

This realization is like purchasing a car with the expectation that it will be a great boat. Similar to how people might assume that a car will float and glide on water without knowing its actual function, many voters are unaware of the precise responsibilities of lawmakers. They might place more emphasis on general expectations or grand promises than on the specific duties assigned to elected officials.

Nilekani's observation is important because it emphasizes the need for improved civic education regarding the real duties of lawmakers and the operation of the system. In order to ensure that laws serve the public interest and hold those in power accountable, it also emphasizes how crucial it is for voters to understand their role in choosing representatives who can fulfill these responsibilities.

Nilekani helps create a more informed and involved electorate, which is essential for the wellbeing of any democratic system, by bringing attention to this discrepancy between voter expectations and legislative realities.