TLP Phase-II GS-4 Compilation 2019 www.iasbaba.com Page 1 1. What is virtue ethics? Explain its significance in public life. Introduction: Virtue ethics is a broad term for theories that emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences. These traits derive from natural internal tendencies, however, once established, they become stable. Body: Significance of virtue ethics in public life: • Longevity or Constancy: Most virtue ethics theories take their inspiration from Aristotle who declared that a virtuous person is someone who has ideal character traits throughout. For example, a virtuous person is someone who is kind across many situations over a lifetime because that is his/her character and not because he/she wants to maximize utility or gain favours or simply do his/her duty. • Independent of existence of set laws: It helps an individual in assessing and maintaining one’s character. It invariably makes a person contribute to the society without the requirement of laws and punishments. Following virtue ethics enables a person to develop and follow virtues like honesty, integrity, transparency etc. and live and be righteous. • Modesty: leads the individual to perform his/her function with utmost humbleness and simplicity, especially for civil servants, preventing them from asserting haughtiness. • Temperance: as quality of self-refraining is practiced resulting in prevention of unnecessary conflicts and clashes in general. • Inherent nature: They make us better human beings as our motivation to do something good stems from inside and are not based on the result of doing that action. For instance, if a person finds out an immoral act of his/her organisation then he/she will be not in any dilemma of actual welfare vs. loyalty to his/her organisation in pursuit of his/her growth in the company. The person will take the required action to disclose the immoral act directed as a virtue of honesty. • Inculcation of traits: Virtue ethics consider many feminine traits, such as caring and nurturing, as equally important for the wholesome growth of an individual. Virtue Ethics in Indian Philosophy:
Virtue ethics is a broad term for theories that emphasize the role ofcharacterand virtueinmoralphilosophyratherthaneitherdoingone’sdutyoractinginordertobringaboutgoodconsequences.Thesetraitsderivefromnaturalinternaltendencies,however,onceestablished,theybecomestable.
Body:
Significanceofvirtueethicsinpubliclife:
• Longevity or Constancy: Most virtue ethics theories take their inspirationfromAristotlewho declared thata virtuous person is someone who has ideal charactertraits throughout. For example,a virtuous person is someone who is kind across manysituationsoveralifetimebecausethatishis/hercharacterandnotbecausehe/shewantstomaximizeutilityorgainfavoursorsimplydohis/herduty.
• Independentof existenceof set laws: Ithelpsan individual inassessingandmaintainingone’s character. It invariably makes a person contribute to the society without therequirementoflawsandpunishments.Followingvirtueethicsenablesapersontodevelopandfollowvirtueslikehonesty,integrity,transparencyetc.andliveandberighteous.
• Modesty:leads the individual to perform his/her function with utmost humbleness andsimplicity,especiallyforcivilservants,preventingthemfromassertinghaughtiness.
• Inherent nature:Theymake us better human beings as ourmotivation to do somethinggoodstemsfrominsideandarenotbasedontheresultofdoingthataction.Forinstance,ifa person findsout an immoral actof his/herorganisation thenhe/shewill benot in anydilemmaofactualwelfarevs.loyaltytohis/herorganisationinpursuitofhis/hergrowthinthecompany.Thepersonwilltaketherequiredactiontodisclosetheimmoralactdirectedasavirtueofhonesty.
• Inculcation of traits: Virtue ethics consider many feminine traits, such as caring andnurturing,asequallyimportantforthewholesomegrowthofanindividual.
VirtueEthicsinIndianPhilosophy:
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FromearlyprotagonistslikeLordBuddhaandChanakyatomodernthinkersofIndialikeSwamiVivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi etc, Virtue Ethics has always been an inherent morallyresponsiblewayof livingpropagatedbyvarious leadersandthinkersofthiscountry,adoptedandspreadindifferentways.
MahatmaGandhiandhisstandforethicsinIndianFreedomStruggle:Gandhibelievedthatashumanbeings,men cannever reach the perfectionof divine virtues. Still, they should strivewithalltheirstrengthtofollowthevirtuesoftruth,love,nonviolence,tolerance,fearlessness,charity and service to mankind. Men have to uphold the right, regardless of the personalconsequencestheymayface.HeurgedSatyagrahistoadapttothesevirtues.HeregardedthatIndian struggle for freedom stands for truth and represents a just struggle for national andindividualautonomy.
Though virtue ethics comes with its own set of objections like self-centredness, failure ofpracticality and lack of lawfully guided principles, the constant self-awareness, self-developmentandknowledgebuildingthatapersoninculcatesasaresultofvirtueethicscannotbe overlooked. Emotional intelligence along with practicality where required will make awholesomecombinationforan individual’sgrowthandhelpher/himcontributeessentiallytothesociety
2. Explain the concept and applications of consequentialism with the help of suitableexamples.
Introduction:
Consequentialism is theclassofnormativeethicsconsidering that theconsequencesofone’sconduct are the ultimate basis for any judgment about the rightness or wrongness of thatconduct.Itfocusesonendsorgoalsorconsequences.
Ethicalegoism:Ethicalegoismistheconsequencesfortheindividualagentaretakentomattermore than any other result. Thus, egoism will prescribe actions that may be beneficial,detrimental,orneutraltothewelfareofothers.
Example- Business man selling his products for above price to benefit his family and theirlifestyle.
Example: Fostering scientific temper by the government by allocating more money in thebudget in a country can help all sections of the society with a benefit of good will for thegovernment.
Hedonism:Hedonism is a schoolof thought that argues thatpleasureandhappiness are theprimaryormostimportantintrinsicgoodsandtheproperaimofhumanlife.Itisbasedontwoprinciplespainandpleasurethatisfeelingpleasureintheirownway
Rule consequentialism: it is a theory that is sometimes seen as an attempt to reconciledeontologyand consequentialism—and in some cases, this is stated as a criticism of ruleconsequentialism.
Though Consequentialism is having many favourable outcomes, inculcating moral rules andethicalbehaviourisessentialduringmeansofresult.
3.Whatwasmore important toMahatmaGandhi-meansorendofanaction?Howdidhepracticetheseprinciplesinhispubliclife?
Introduction:
TheMeans vs. EndsDebate of an action has been so prominent in ethics that two separateschools of thought emerged.Consequentialismfocussing on judging themoral worth of theresultsoftheactionsandDeontologicalethicsonjudgingtheactionsthemselves.
Body:
MahatmaGandhi’sPhilosophy:
Gandhi observed that “Noble Goals can be achieved only through Noble Means” Here headheressimilaritywithImmanuelKant’sphilosophyofmoralcommandthatactionshouldendinitself.
Gandhiwithdrewthefirstlargescalemassmovement“Nonco-operationmovement”,becauseof one single ‘Chauri Chaura incident’ because the incident deviated from his Non-violencestanceandheimmediatelycalledoffthemovementdespitecriticism.
TheSevenSinsphilosophyalsoemphasisesonImportanceofMeans.Forexample,inthelistofsins – Politics without Principles,Wealth withoutWork,Worship without Sacrifice, etc., theformeraretheendswhereasthelattersymbolisesmeanswhichimplythatEndsareof lesservaluewithoutthedesiredmeans.
Gandhi’snotionofdemocracyisthatunderittheweakestshallhavethesameopportunitiesasthe strongest.Which stands forDeontological ethics i.e. puttingdignityof an Individual overnarrowdefinitionofdemocracy.
With respect toconcept of development(END) he emphasised on the idea of village levelsustenance through small and cottage industries therebymaking villages self-reliant (DesiredMeans).
Gandhi’sIdeasofpoliticswithprincipleandspecialstresson3rdtierPanchayatiraj,respectforothers’ religion and pride for one’s own & the famous Gandhian quote -” the nature issufficientlyendowedtosatisfyeveryman’sneedbutnoteveryman’sgreed”arerespectivelythewidedimensionsthatemanatefromGandhi’sDeontologyphilosophy.
The philosophy is of great importance in today’s situation mired with a lot of pains andconflicts.Theseprinciplesareinstrumentalinholdingthesocietytogether.
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4.Whatisdeontology?Doyouagreewithitsprinciples?
Introduction:
Deontology isthenormativeethicaltheorythatthemoralityofanactionshouldbebasedonwhether thataction itself is rightorwrongundera seriesof rules, rather thanbasedon theconsequencesoftheaction.
Body:
• It is often associatedwith philosopher Immanuel Kant.Kant believed that ethical actionsfollowuniversalmorallaws,suchas“Don’tlie.Don’tsteal.Don’tcheat.”
• Thisisgenerallythephilosophyofmostoftheorganizedreligions.BhagwatGeetasaysthatyour duty is important rather than the consequences. The five vows of Jainism too arebasedondeontologicalethics.
It is seen as strongly opposed to utilitarianism as it ignores what is at stake in terms ofconsequences.Kant,forexample,argueditwouldbeunethicaltolieaboutthelocationofourfriend,eventoapersontryingtomurderthem!
• Bioethicaldecisionsinareassuchasabortion,euthanasia,cloning,organharvesting,end-of-life decisions, etc. are against the ethics of a medical practitioner, yet practiced for thegreatergood.
• It can produce results that can be unacceptable tomost. For example, suppose you’re asoftwareengineerandlearnthatanuclearmissileisabouttolaunchthatmightstartawar.Youcanhackthenetworkandcancelthelaunch,butit’sagainstyourprofessionalcodeofethicstobreakintoanysoftwaresystemwithoutpermission.And, it’saformof lyingandcheating.Deontologyadvisesnottoviolatethisrule.However,inlettingthemissilelaunch,thousandsofpeoplewilldie.
Law is the codification of societal norms and values which helps in delivering justice.WhileMorality is very those values andnormsonwhich law is framed to decidewhat is right andwrong.Lawandmoralityareintimatelyrelatedtoeachother.Lawsaregenerallybasedonthemoralprinciplesofsociety.Bothregulatetheconductoftheindividualinsociety.
Body:
Morality forms thebasisofgood lawand therefore lawsare framed toprohibitany immoralact. For example, Laws in India prohibits domestic violence, atrocities on lower castes, childmarriages,crimeslikemurderandrapesbecausetheyareimmoral.
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Wherelackofmoralityiscompensatedbylaw:
Law is an enactment made by the state. It is backed by physical coercion. Its breach ispunishable by the courts. Laws influence moral behaviour to a great extent. Laws, to beeffective,must represent themoral ideas of the people. But good laws sometimes serve torouse themoral conscience of the people and create andmaintain such conditions as mayencouragethegrowthofmorality.
For example, when society started to think that Sati is immoral then it was formed as law.Similarly having a law on something like following traffic rules shapes morality that we areresponsibleforother’slifetoo.
WherelackofmoralitycannotbecompensatedbyLaw:
However,lawsdealwithonlyexternalaffairsofhumanswhilemoralitydealswithbothexternalandinternalaffairs.HenceLawscannotbeusedtoregulateinternalaffairsofmanevenwhentheyare immoral e.g. immoral acts like rudeattitudesofpeople towardsothers, selfishness,tellinglieetc.arenotregulatedbylaw.
Wheretherearelawsbutstillsocietylacksmorality:
Individual behaviour can’t be controlled every time. There are situations where we havestringentlawsbutstill,weobservealackofmoralityinthatparticulararea.Forexample:
• Similarly,wehavelawsfortheftbutitishappeningeverynowandthen.• In spite of constitutional provisions,we still see cases of untouchability as the fullmoral
Therefore,obedienceto lawdependsupontheactivesupportofthemoralsentimentsofthepeople. Laws which are not supported by the moral conscience of the people are liable tobecomedeadletters.
Ethics aremoral principles that govern one’s behaviour. Ethical standards are principlesthatwhenfollowed,promotevaluessuchastrust,goodbehaviour,fairness,and/orkindness.Thereis not one consistent set ofstandardsthat all follow, but each organisation has the right todevelopthestandardsthataremeaningfulforthem.
• Public relationships are more instrumental such as organizational colleagues, politicians,strangers,andothersoutsideofone’srelativelynarrowcircleofintimacy.Itistheactionofgettingalongwithpeopleweconstantlycomeintouchwithwhereasprivatelifeisalmostcompletelybasedonwhattheindividualthinksisright.
• Openness and transparency: Private lives are influenced by closed choices, secretivedecisionsandemphasizeprivacywhereaspubliclivesdelveonopennessandtransparencyandhencerendermoreaccountabilitytooneanother.
• Example: Kesab Chandra Sen opposed child marriage but married his own underagedaughter to Maharaja of Cooch Bihar. Consequently, his followers abandoned him andfoundedSadharanBrahmoSamaj(1878).Thus,ifthereisinconsistencyinthepubliclifeandprivatelifeofaperson,itleadstodisastrousoutcomes.
• Integrity– In both private and public spheres of life one should have highest sense ofintegrityandnotbeinfluencedbyanyoutsideindividualororganizationwhichmightaffecttheirperformance.
• Morally responsible– In both the spaces, an individual should have a sense of moralobligationintheinterestofoverallwelfareofeveryonearound,andnotresorttoextremeactionswhichdestroytheharmoniousfabric.
• Example: Following fundamental duties by an individual like respecting national flag, notdestroyingpublicproperty,protectenvironment,wildlifeetc. shouldbedone irrespectiveofprivateorpublicspace.
The values of – Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty,leadership,compassion,etc.,areexpectedofcivilservantsand,therefore, it isnecessarythatcivilservicevaluesshouldreflectthem.
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Roleofcivilservices:
• Formulatinglawsandpolicies• Implementingthem‘on-ground’level• Carrying out various administrative functions of government like Internal security, tax
• Corruption makes public service delivery inefficient, which leads to a vicious cycle ofpoverty and a near-zero improvement in citizen’s lives. For example, the integrity andhonesty of Rajni sekri sibal, an IAS officer ofHaryana cadre brought the JBT recruitmentscamintothelimelight.
• Lowercorruption levelsalso symbolises confidence in tradingandoperatingenvironmentwhichareImportantforDevelopingcountries.
• Addingthecomponentofcompassiontodaytodayworksmakesalotofdifferencetothepoor families lives. Just as People’s collector S.Shankaran IAS brought to the families ofBondedlabourers.
• High standards of civil servants percolate down benefitting the economy through theireffectoninternationalconfidence.
Conclusion:
Civil servants are ultimately responsible and accountable for the varied and multitude ofservicestheyprovide.so,Toobtainassuranceandinthebestinterestsofsociety,theyhavetotakecarethathighethicalstandardsarebeingmet.
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9.Whatdoancient textsandscriptureshave to tellaboutadministration?Doyou find thereferencetomoralityinthesetexts?Comment.
Introduction:
Morality refers to the system of values and principles of conduct that help a persondifferentiatebetweenrightandwrong.Indiahasarichtraditionofliteraturethatdealswithawiderangeofsubjectsfromadministration,religiontodailyactivities.
Body:
References for administration can be found in Atharva Veda, epics like Mahabharata andRamayana,Silapaddikaran,ArthashastraandManusmriti.Themostdetailsaccount,however,isfromArthashastra.
withdelineationofdutiesforpriests,treasurers,spies,etc.wasmaintained.• Decentralisation-Villagesabhasandsamitiswerethebaseofadministration.• Function of state- Primary function of state was to maintain law and order, punishing
• Makeownandothers livebetter:Ethicsaffecteveryday life.Bybeingethicalandmoral,weenrichourlivesandthelivesofthosearoundus.Whenwehelpmakesocietybetter,weare rewardedwithalsomakingbetterown livesand the livesofour familiesand friends.Withoutethicalandmoralconduct,societywouldbeamiserableplace.
• Creating Credibility:Someone who has ethical conduct will secure a better position insociety,asthatpersonwillbetrustedmore.AnIndividualwhoisbelievedtobedrivenbyethicalandmoralvaluesisrespectedinthesocietyevenbythosewhomayhavenotknownhim/her.
• Lessen stress. When we make immoral decisions, we tend to feel uncomfortable andconcerned about our decision making. Making the right ethical decision, or taking aprincipledperspectiveonanissue,reducesstress.
Broadly defined, compassion isa sense of concern that ariseswhenwe are confrontedwithanother’ssufferingandfeelmotivatedtoseethatsufferingrelieved.Atitscore,compassionisa response to the inevitable reality of our human condition—our experience of pain andsorrow.
Body:
Importanceofcompassionasahumanvalue:
• Action based empathy: Compassion offers the possibility of responding to sufferingwithunderstanding,patience,andkindnessratherthan,say, fearandrepulsion. It isareadiness to help or to want to do something ourselves about another person’ssituation.Example:Mother Theresahasoftenbeen referred to as anembodimentofcompassion.Herselflessworkforthepooranddestitutetilldateisinspiringandspokenof.
• Promotes fraternity and harmony among all:A needywould alwaysbehappy to gethelp.Itwouldnotonlyhelphimfacethesituationbutwillgenerateablissfulfeelingofbeingnoticedandcaredbyothers.
a feeling will help reduce stress, improvemental and physical health. Thus a personwouldnaturally feelhappyandwillcontributetothesocietyefficientlywithahealthymind-set.
• Strong social capital: Strongly integrated social capital growswith a co-operative andco-existingecosystem,resultinginreducedtoxicorcriminaloutbreaksandinstances.
Example: Popularly known as ‘Collector Bro’, a civil servant from Kozhikode started the‘CompassionateKozhikode’and‘CompassionateKeralam’,winningthetrustandvolunteerhelpfromthelocalstosuccessfullycleanponds,feedthehungry,helpandimprovinglivesaftertherecentfloodsandinvolvingyouthinthebettermentofthesociety.
Slight downside: Compassion sometimes is said to lead to a guilt-induced decision making.Manya times,people involved in compassionatedeeds find themselves feelingnegativeandlesshopefuloftheirbeing.However,recentlyscientistshavefoundthatcompassionasavirtuereleaseshappyhormonesinthebrainresultinginanefficientandpositiveoutcome.
Conclusion:
HisHoliness, TheDalai Lama in his teachings said, “If youwantothers tobehappy, practicecompassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Rightly so, compassion almostalwaysleadstoanaffirmativeresultandisofparamountimportancetoeachandeveryone
Apathyisalackoffeeling,emotion,interest,orconcernaboutsomething.Apathyisastateofindifference, or the suppression of emotions such asconcern, excitement, motivation,orpassion.Socialapathyisdefinedasthelackofinterestinbringingthechangesinthesociety.
Body:
Effectonsocialfabric:
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• Voter turnout is very less in urban areas compared to rural areas. Lack of ignorance inchoosingthepeople’srepresentative.
• Lessvoiceagainstthecriminalizationofthepolitics.• Moblynchingisheardinmanyplacesbecauseofmisconceptionsagainsttheperson.• If a person met with the road accident, people start recording the situation than
Socialapathyisasyndromethesedayscomprisingofmanyfactors.Theneedforthehouristoinculcatevalues,morals,honesty, compassion,patienceamongpeople for thewelfareof thesociety.Childrenshouldbethoughtatschoollevelsregardingthesocialvalues.
• Wearen’twhatanyoneelsesaysweare;wearewhatyouthinkyouare.So ifonethinkshe/she is talented, he/she’ll open theway for your talent to shine forth. IfOne restrictshim/herwithnegativethoughtsaboutyourself,theywon’tblossom.
• Inafamily,IftheheadofthefamilybelievesinGenderequalityandtreatsboththeboyandgirl child alike, chances are that the son grows up and treat fellowwomenwith utmostrespect.
• Asocietywhich believes in love, has a place for everyone. Even for the transgender,outcasts,destituteetc.
14. It’s not hard tomake decisionswhen you knowwhat your values are. Do you agree?Substantiate.
Introduction:
Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide ormotivate attitudes or actions. Thesedescribethepersonalqualitieswechoosetoembodytoguideouractions;thesortofpersonwewanttobe;themannerinwhichwetreatourselvesandothers,andourinteractionwiththeworldaroundus.
Body:Valueshelpindecision-making:
• Resolves conflict- Based on the value system, a person can decide whether means(deontological)areimportantforhimortheend(utilitarian).Forexample,whetherlyingisrighttosaveaperson’slifecanbeeasilydecided.
• Prioritize stakeholders- As per the belief in values like compassion, empathy etc. anadministrator can prioritize his work whether for poor and destitute or for commercialdevelopment.
• Emotional intelligence- Knowing one’s core values helps a person being emotionally lessvulnerabletothecircumstances,forexampleapersonforwhomstrengthisimportantwilltakecareofhisfamilyintimesoftroubleinsteadofbeingdoomedbyithimself.
• There are several examples of administrators, where their value system guided them totake decisions. Armstrong Pane built a road for people, Durga Shakti Nagpal and AshokKhemkastoodagainstcorruptionbecauseofthevaluesthatguidedthem.
Decision-making is always a contentious task, but being aware of the core values one canminimizetheinternalconflictsandtakeadecisionthatbestsuitshisinterests.
Wehave amazing, brave, dedicated administrators of Indiawhohavemade us all extremelyproudanddoneextraordinaryworkforthecountry.Amongthem,mypersonalfavouriteisMrPrashantNair,whowasDistrictMagistrateofKozhikodedistrict.Heisalsoknownas“CollectorBro”.
Body:
Prasanth Nair is an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer. He is well known for hisexperimental initiatives for poverty eradication and city administration like “CompassionateKozhikode”and“OperationSuleimani” inKozhikodedistrict.He isn’talways theconventionalIASofficerwhositsinhiscushionyofficechair,drowninginfilesandfolders.Heconnectswithpeopleusingsocialmediaplatforms.
• Courteous:He ispolite, respectful and considerate inmanner.Hedirectly connectswithpeopleinahumbleandmodestway.Sometimesherespondstohisyoungmaleaudiencebyaddressingthemas“Bro”.Peoplefeelsoconnectedwithhimthatheisbeingaddressedbypeopleas“CollectorBro”.
• Benevolence:His flagship initiative is ‘Operation Suleimani’, aimed at making the cityhunger-free.Itshowshisdesiretodogoodtoothersandcharitableness.
• Transparent:With his Facebook page, it is easy for others to see what actions areperformed.Hehandlesthepagepersonally.Hisproactivepresenceonsocialmediamakeshimanextremelytransparentcollector-justwhatthepublicwants.Heputsupallsortsofannouncements(welfareschemesandotherinitiatives)onthepage.
Facebook, people drop complaints and appreciation texts, and not a single query goes
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unanswered. He responds to people’s grievance while travelling or while listening towelcomespeechinanyfunction.
• Compassionate:He understood a person’s pain to assure people that their problems arehis.
• Selflessness: He has little or no concern for himself, especially with regard to fame,position,money.
• Courageous:He took initiatives against the conventions and in spite of criticism frompoliticallobbyhekeptondoingthegood.Hedoesn’tletthehandsofpoliticssuppresshim.
16. What changes can be introduced in the curricula of schools and colleges to inculcatevaluesinstudents?Suggest.
Introduction:
Educationisapowerfulinstrumentofsocialchangeandhumanprogress;it isalsoapowerfultool to cultivate values in an individual. Human development cannot be conceived in theabsenceofvalues.Therefore,alltheeducationalinstituteshavegreaterresponsibilitytoimpartlearningandcultivationofvaluesthrougheducation.
• Informalvalueeducation:Schoolisthebasicstageintheprocessofsocialisationandvalueeducationona large scalebeginshere.Pro-socialbehaviourand informal infuseof valueeducationcanbedirectedamongthekids intheirday-to-dayinteractionwitheachother.Ex:Duringsportshour,involvingkidsinteamsports,encouraginggrouplunchestodevelopasenseofsharingetc.
• Planned value education training for teachers: Teachers pass on values to the studentsbothconsciouslyandunconsciouslythroughtheirconductinandoutofclassrooms.Hence,a formal learningand training to teacherswillhelp themserveas rolemodel tostudentsandpreachvaluesinanoptimummanner.
For example: NationalMovement can be taught in such away that it leads to inculcate thevaluesofpatriotism,secularism,universal loveandtoleranceetc.Similarly,WorldHistorycanhelp to inculcate values of Liberty, equality and fraternity (French Revolution), FundamentalRights and equality (American Revolution); Science can help to inculcate values of scientifictemper, appreciation towards laws of nature; Indian Civics can help to inculcate values ofrespect toconstitution, respect fordemocracy,secularism, integrityandunityof thecountry,social, political and economic justice etc. Geography and environment can help to inculcatevalues of respect for other’s culture and protecting the environment and compassion foranimals,plantsetc.
• Publication of literature based on values: Libraries and extra-reading can provide forinspiring literatures and famous biographies. For example, Mahatma Gandhi in hisbiography insists on truth, non-violence and Satyagraha encouraging the basic humanvalues.
• ProvisionofvaluebasedcurriculumandValuebasedfoundationcourses:Everyweekcanhave a special period or hour for specific value based curriculum. Students can beencouraged or taught inspiring stories of noble leaders, given assignments to summarizevalue-based stories or their understanding, conduct creative plays and skits to showcasevaluesetc.Someprivateschoolshaveaskitdayeverymonth,onacompetitive,yetfriendlybasistocreativelypresentfamousinstancesorstorieswhichpropagatedifferentvalues.
• Creation of extra-curricular clubs, groups: Clubs and group activities prove to be moreefficientwhen itcomestosharingofvaluesorbuildingofpeerrelationships.Schoolsandcollegescanhaveclubsasapartoftheircurriculatoencouragewholesomeandaffirmativegrowthof peer relationships,which in turn builds an individual’s character and shapes itthoroughly.
Wayforward:
• A robustandan integratedpolicy to includevalueeducation in themainstreamwill goalongwayinastudent’smoraldevelopment.
• The present government’s decision to roll out a ‘uniform’ and ‘Common MinimumProgrammeforValueEducation’forimplementationacrossIndia’sentireschoolingsystem,inthe2019-20academicsessionisawelcomestepinthisregard.
• ValueEducationwillbecomplementedbymodulesonLifeSkillsEducation linkedupwithgovernment’sflagshipAyushmanBharataswellasExperientialLearning.Students,teachersas well as schools will be assessed on Value Education through a non-marks basedapproach.
Familyisregardedasamajorsocialinstitutionbymanysociologists;itisaplacewheremuchofaperson’ssocialactivitiesoccur.Theconceptof the family isconsideredasasocialunitoragroupofkinconnectedbyblood,marriageoradoption,livinginthesameresidenceandcanbedescribedasnuclearandjointfamily.Thefamily,inIndiansociety,isaninstitutionbyitselfandatypicalsymbolofthecollectivistcultureofIndiarightfromtheancienttimes.
Body:
Impactofdeclineoffamily:
• Emotional connection will be hampered: The integration bonds in a family are mutualaffectionandbloodties.Afamilyisaclosedentityandisheldtogethernotonlyduetoatagbutalsoduetoemotionalties.
• Socio economic factors: Families continue to provide the natural framework for theemotional,financialandmaterialsupportessentialtothegrowthanddevelopmentoftheirmembers,particularlyinfantsandchildren,andforthecareofotherdependants,includingtheelderly,disabledandinfirm.
• Relationship: The specific functions of families include establishing emotional, economicand social bonds between spouses; providing a framework for procreation and sexualrelations between spouses. Family regulates the behaviours of various members of thefamilylikemaintainingsexualfidelityorexclusivity.
• Lack of emotions: A disadvantage of nuclear family system is less imbibing qualities ofsharing, caring, empathy, co-operation, honesty, listening, welcoming, recognition,consideration,sympathyandunderstanding.
caseof abandoningof a child or anoldmother or father it results in breakingupof thefamilyi.e.itdisorganizesafamily.
• Narrowmindedness: High earnings and less responsibility to other familymembers haveattractedextendedfamiliestosplitup.
• Highdivorcerates:Divorceratesareveryhighacrossallculturesandareplacementoflone-parent, childless, remarried, homosexual, foster and adoptive families have beenestablished. Breaking down of marriages, and anti-social behaviour is increasinglydestroyingfamilies.
Conclusion:
Thepresent-day lifestyle iscausingseriousdamagetothecritical roleplayedbya jointoranextendedfamilysysteminpreservingculturalvalues,traditionsandcustoms,whichhavebeenpassed on from generation to generation. However, at the same time, we, Indians mustconsider ourselves to be better placed than others because the concept of‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’(worldisonefamily).
18. Are social norms and values changing in the age of socialmedia? Does it have ethicalrepercussionsforthesociety?Criticallyexamine.
• Parentsgenerallyspendsometimeontheirchildren’sacademicsandgrowth.Nowbothofthemarebusyon socialmedia, leading toneglectof childbehaviour in crucial formativeyears.
• Accordingtoasurveyan individualwaswillingtogiveawronganswer justtoconformtothemajority view. This explains the impact of fake news online, which contributes to apolarisedsociety.
• People are lacking Pure judgments, trying to imitate the group leading to a severe valuecrisisinthesociety.
• The successful #MeToo movement gave a ray of hope to many voiceless women. Theirvoiceisbeingheardnowandmanyguidelinesarereleasedfortheirsafetyatworkplace.
• The sense of questioning is developed in citizens in the social media handles of variousministries.Thisaddstotheaccountabilityofgovernment.
• Earlieronthedeathofa farmer.only the familymournedfor the loss.Today if thesamehappens,theentirenationempathizeswiththedeathofsuchfarmers.
• Awareness regarding rights of LGBTQ community, acid attack victims, etc., is increasing.ThisletsthemtoLivetheirLifewithdignity.
• Compassion towards an accident victim or a person in need is being shown by manyfundraisercampaignsonsocialmedia.
Conclusion:
Socialmedia isanopenroad,withbumpsandturnsall inourway.Itsuse is inevitable inthisdigitalworld,soprotectingoneselffromitsNegativityandfocussingmoreonreal-lifethanoursociallifeisthebestwayahead.
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19. Should a person’s perception of right or wrong be based on societal norms? Criticallycomment.
Introduction:
A person develops his perception based on a number of factors and is necessary for hisreasoning,judgmentandactionsundercertaincircumstances.
Body:
Perceptionshouldbebasedonsocietalnorms:
• Societyasaunit-Humanliveinasocietyandallhisactionsareinfluencedbyordirectedatthe society, thus it is natural to base his perceptions on social norms. For example,polygamyisnotconsideredrightinmostsocieties.
• Normsareuniversal- Stealing isnot considered right inany society,whereas respectandgratitudearealwayswelcomed.
• Nudgetowardsrightbehavior-Teachingrespectforelders,charity,beingpoliteetc.areapart of societal norms and thus a perception basedon thesewill guide right behavior inpeople.
Perceptionshouldnotbebasedonsocietalnorms:
• Social evils- Evils like Sati, childmarriage etc.were once considered right by the society,howeverahumanitarianperspectivewillholdthesetragic.
According to the latest available data from the National Crime Records Bureau, a studentcommitssuicideeveryhourinIndia.
Body:
Fromissuesatcollegeandschooltodrugsanddepressionoverbrokenfamilies,tofightswithfriends andbreakups, students in India are killing themselves at a fast rate,with 26 suicidesreportedevery24hours.Followingarethereasonsforsuchahighrateofsuicide:
• Pressure from parents to perform well in exams can affect a child’s mental health.Stories of successful students securing high salaries make the headlines and play asignificantroleinparentspushingtheirchildrentoearnthesame.
• Students followdraconian rulesandstudyschedules that leave themfeelingdepletedanddepressed.Thosewhofailtofollowthedemandingstudyschedulesfeelresponsiblefordisappointingtheirparentsandfallingbehindtheirpeers.
• Many students who eventually pass the entrance exams feel evenmore pressure toexcelatuniversity.
• The lack of jobs and failure to create skills among the country’s youth will simplyincreasethefrustrationamongstudents,forcingthemtotakethedrasticstepofendingtheirlives.
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MentalIllness:
• Psychological concerns in children are on the rise, 12 per cent of Indian studentsbetweentheageof4and16sufferfrompsychiatricdisorders
• Rampant depression among students, due to social expectations and academic rigourmotivatesstudentstotakethedrasticstepofendingtheirlives.
• Environmental challenges also lead to mental concerns: racial, sexual or religiousdiscrimination, body-shaming, sexual challenges, emotional issues, low self-esteemorinsecurities, family or financial problems, substance addiction, and even hormonalchangesmayplayapart.
CasteBasedDiscrimination:
• Manypeople in Indiaarguethatcaste-baseddiscrimination liesat therootofstudentsuicidesinIndia.Ex.RohitVemulaSuicide/
BullyingandRagging:
• Being bullied by other kids can act as a trigger for suicide. Thiswill include incidentsduringtheragingoffresherincolleges.
• The Indian education system fosters a competitive environment, and students whodon’tsecureadmissiontotopinstitutesareviewedasfailures.AdmissiontoAIIMSandIITs is more competitive than those of America’s top schools like MIT and Harvard,which have acceptance rates of 9% and 7% respectively; AIIMS and IITs has anacceptancerateofbelow0.1%.
• Marks and grading system make the situation worse when student compare amongthemselvesandbecomethevictimofinferioritycomplex.
• InIndia,jobsecurityisviewedasanintegraladditiontoagoodeducation,whichleadscolleges to heavily advertise their placements to garner good reviews and get morestudentstoenrol.Thiscreatespressureonstudentswhofeelasenseofpersonalfailurewhentheydonotsecurethebestjobduringtheplacementseason.
• The government shouldmake education performance assessment beyond grades andmakeitskill-based.
• Thegovernment shouldalso carryout reform in the jobmarketbyasking theprivatesectortorethinkcriteriawhilehiringemployees.Gradesandcollegesshouldstopbeingviewedastheonlycriteriaforsecuringagoodjob.
• Settinguptrainingandsensitizationsessionsforteachers,parentsandstudents.• Increase the role of counselling services. Educational institutions must have
psychological counselling programs in place to help students dealwith their issues inconfidentialityandinacomfortableenvironment.
• Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression need to be addressed withoutstigma in schools and colleges, and parents should be encouraged to inculcate andfosterfeelingsofsensitivitytowardtheirchildren.
• Schools and colleges need to foster a culture of understanding and trust, wherestudentsfeelfreeandsafetotalkaboutissueslikebullyingandanxiety.
Conclusion:
India is the youngest country in the world. Educational reforms should be addressed on apriority basis to get the requireddemographic dividend in the years to come. To ensure theholistic–physical,emotionalandmentalwell-beingofchildren,wemustsincerelyendeavourtobridgethegapintheeducationsectorvis-à-vismentalwell-being.
DespitegivingatoughfighttoNewZealandinthesemi-finalsattheICCWorldCup,Indialostthematchby18runsonWednesday.Theunexpected loss left largelydisappointedfansbackhometryingtocometotermswiththeheart-breakingendoftheteam’sbidforathirdWorldCupcrown.
• Maintaining emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence encompassesbeing aware,being able to harness and use emotions for good and the ability to manage emotions,especiallyyourown.Thelossshouldnotleadtounrulybehaviouranduncalledfrustration.Afanmustalwaysrememberherepresentshisteamasmuchasherepresentshimself.
• Be optimistic:The great thing about sports is that there will always be another game.Anothergamemeansanotherchance towin. Insteadofdwellingon thegameyour teamlosttoday,thinkaboutthegametheycouldwinnexttimeout.
• Talktootherfans,brainstormthecauses:Sportsareagreatgroupexperience,andevenifyouarewatchingaloneathome,thereareotherpeopleoutthereenjoyingthegametoo.Calling friendswhoare also fans to letoff steamand copewith thedisappointmentof alosingteamorevenbrainstormwaystofixwhatwentwrongcanhelpventitout.
• Staying loyal to the team:One loss shouldn’tbeenough todriveus fromsupportingourteam. Staying loyal after a loss, can give a big psychological boost. Also, sticking it outthroughthebadtimeswillmakeitfeelevenbetterwhenyourteamdoeswinthebigone.
LookingatthepositivesoftheWorldCupandthejourneyittooktogetthere,isenrichingandinspiring in itself. As ourHonourable PrimeMinister said, Itwas “A disappointing result, butgood to see Team India’s fighting spirit till the very end. India batted, bowled, fielded wellthroughoutthetournament,ofwhichweareveryproud.Winsandlossesareapartoflife.”
Attitudeisapredispositionoratendencytorespondpositivelyornegativelytowardsacertainidea, object, person, or situation. Attitude influences an individual’s choice of action, andresponsestochallenges,incentives,andrewards.
Positive attitudeis a mentalattitudereflecting a belief or hope that the outcome of somespecificendeavouroroutcomesingeneral,willbepositive,favourable,anddesirable.
Body:
Positiveattitudeiscatalystforextraordinaryresults
• Brings positive opportunities:Positive people are easily approachable andmore likeablethansomeonewhoisconstantlylookingatthenegativesideofthings.
• More openmindedness: Look at the positive side of things, search and find thepositivespinonthings,lookforthegoodinpeopleinsteadofjustfocusingonthenegative.
• Perspective changes: People with a positive outlook, view life, challenges, and thesituationstheygothrough,withconfidenceandaresuretheycandealwiththem.
• Subconscious mind: Subconscious mind responds to your new attitude by helping youimproveyourlife.Itwillguideyoutopositivesituationsandpeoplethatwillhelpyoucreatethelifeyouwant.
• Nelson Mandela: He spent 27 years in prison. This show how the freedom fighter whowouldbecomeSouthAfrica’sfirstblackpresidentwithpositiveattitudeandhopingthebesttohappen.
• Gandhi: Gandhi fought for independencewith lot of struggle for decadeswith optimisticvalues.
• AbrahamLincoln: Hewasextremelypoor inchildhoodandbankruptonce in later life,herepeatedlyfailedtosecurethepoliticalpostshewanted,mostofhischildrendied,asdidafiancée,andhehaddepressiontroubles.Still,hewasthemanweknowhewas.
• Dhirubhai Ambani: A gas station attendant who didn’t let his circumstances dictate hisdestiny.Today,hisnameisamongstIndia’smostfamoussonsandoneofworld’sgreatestentrepreneurs.
• Atpersonal level positivebelief gives us strength to learn from thedefeat, standup andfight again. Walt Disney was criticized for not being creative, he continued his workdiligently,andlaterhebecamegeniusincartoondesigning.
• At professional level rewards and appreciation towards his employees enhances thepositiveattitudetoworkmore.
Finding success through a positive mental attitude is all about acceptance of failures andgrowth. Through optimism, you can find the strength to walk forward, find yourself, andaccomplishgreatthings.
Attitudeisapredispositionoratendencytorespondpositivelyornegativelytowardsacertainidea, object, person, or situation. Attitude influences an individual’schoiceofaction, andresponsestochallenges,incentives,andrewards.
Eg. A bureaucrat posted in the riot-sensitive area may be very good in management andthinking logically. But she can take precautionary measures and keep things in control onlywhenshehasapositiveattitudetowardsallthereligions.
He just maintained hispositive attitudeDespite Long-suffering and could win freedom forblacks in South Africa. The Positive attitude which Mandela held helped him in counteringnegativethoughtsinmindandpushesamantowardspositivity.
• On the contraryNegative attitudepushes a man towards failure, depression, andanxietywhichmakesthepersonmentallyaswellasphysicallysick.
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Eg. The reason for thedeclining child sex ratiois because of the negative attitude of societytowardsfemales.
Eg. It wasThomasAlvaEdison’sNever Give Up’ attitude that did not deter him even afterrepeatedfailures,finallyinventingtheelectricbulbtotheworld.
Conclusion:
Lifewill always happen to one as it happens to everybodybut one’s attitudewill determinehowfaronegetsinlife.Hence,therightattitudeisallthatisneededtomakeabigdifferenceinanysituation.
Persuasion is a method of changing a person’s cognitions, feelings, behaviours, attitudestowardsomeobject,issue,orperson,throughsomekindofcommunication.
Dr. Robert Cialdini’s six principles of persuasion which act as universal guide to humanbehaviourare:reciprocity,scarcity,authority,consistency,likingandconsensus.
Roleinpubliclife:
Individualperspective:
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• Need creation–Variousadvertisementsaroundusare focusedoncreatingneed for theirproductsinaperson’slife,whichhe/sheotherwisedoesnotrequire.
• Behavioural change– Active propaganda or viral video or contents through social mediapersuadespeopletomodifytheirbehaviour.
• Followingrules–Ithelpsinmakingpeoplefollowruleswhichbringinconveniencetothem,like District collector visiting houses in the morning to persuade people for wastesegregationbeforedisposal.
• Moral conditioning– Persuasion can bring change in attitude of people. In Delhi Metrovarious signboards on certain seats asks passengers to offer that seat to needy people.Similarly,regularannouncementstokeepthestationcleanpersuadepeopletochangetheirbehaviour.
• Incentivising good behaviour– For instance in incomedeclaration schemeawindowwasopen todeclareblackmoneywith some fineandno legalaction that incentivizedpeopleinsteadofpenalizingthem.
Conclusion:
Persuasion can bring a lasting change in people’s behaviour and is highly effective inimplementationofpublicpoliciesprovidedthetoolsareusedinarightway.
The civil servant is like the foundation of a grand building that never gets the credit for thegrandeur,eventhoughthisisthe“steelframe”thatholdsthestructuretogether.Whatgetstobeknownaboutthecivilservantiswhatgoeswrong.Veryrarelydoeshe/shegetthecreditforallthatishappening.ItisonlyonsomerareoccasionsthattheSeshansandKPSGillsgrabthe
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limelight.However, this appears tobe changingnow. The socialmedia seems tobebringingforthanewbreedaltogether.
• Favourable working environment:Good public image created a favourable workingenvironmentamongcolleaguestoserveforbetterment.
• Team work and campaigns:Public support is must for team work and campaigns forchange.Bestexampleofthisis“CollectorBro”ofKerala,andhis“OperationSulaimani”.
• Whist blowing against corruption:Public image becomes strength of civil servant to domorecourageously.
Shouldnotbeconcerned
• Displacedgoals:Primarydutyofcivil servants is toservewithavisiontobuildastrongerbuildingof Indiansociety.Concernforpublic imagemaydivertforsomeothershorttermgoalsandgains.
• Disturbedhierarchyandworkculture:Self imagewill leadtoignoringthehierarchiesanddisturbing thework cultureofa civil servant.He/shemay take the full command in theirownhandstoshowheroism,ignoringroleofothercolleagues.
• Self integrity:working irrespective of public image will keep the civil servants’ integrityintact.Bestexampleof it isAshokKhemka,whodespiteofall thehurdleskeptmovingtofulfilhisduty.
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• Neutrality and impartiality:Concern for public image creates a bias in favour of publicconcerned,ratherthanlargergoalofIndiaasawhole.
• Undue activism:Undue heroism among civil servantsmay dilute their political neutralityandroleasfoundationsteelframe.Thismayexposethemtovulnerabilities.
• Enabling creative work shops when there is less enrolment for insurance schemes foragricultureandlivestock.Thisiscompletelybasedonknowledgeandpotentialtoincreasetheenrolmentforthewelfareofthesociety.
• Managing the administration when there is short of human resources shows person’sefficiency,potentialandcapability.
Exampleforattitude:
• There arenumberof schemes for thedevelopmentof poor.Helping thepoorwithin theadministrativelimitswhentheyaredevoidofdocumentshowsthepositiveattitudeoftheadministrator.
• Maintaining the good relationship between the subordinates and superior officers showsthebalanceofattitudeofaperson.
• Famous personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, andMotherTeresaweresuccessfulintheirfieldsbecauseoftheirpositiveattitude–whentheirjourneys became challenging, they did not give up; instead, they kept on trying till theyreachedtheirgoals
Conclusion:
Civil Servants need to deal with different mindset of people and situation every day, hisdecisionmaking affects society as awhole. He should bemorally just and effective decisionmakerandthusaptitudeandattitudelargelyhelpstoachieve.
27. Can a person without administrative aptitude become a successful public servant?Criticallycomment.
Introduction:
Anaptitudeisacomponentofacompetencetodoacertainkindofworkatacertainlevel.Itisinborn potential to do certain kinds of work whether developed or undeveloped.Administrationisasystematicprocessofadministeringthemanagementofanyorganization.
Body:
Themainfunctionofadministrationistheformationofplans,policies,andprocedures,settingup of goals and objectives, enforcing rules and regulations, etc. To successfully run anorganisation,apublicservantmustdevelopadministrativeaptitude.
• He/Shefocusesonmakingthebestpossibleutilizationoftheorganization’sresources.• PeoplewithadministrativeaptitudepossessQuickandefficientDecision-makingability.• Leadershipisthehallmarkofagoodpublicservantandagreatadministrativeaptitude.• TheDisciplineof the administrator is an important component as it flows down the
However,presenceofadministrativeaptitudealonemaynotsuffice.Italsotherightattitude,compassion, honesty, emotional intelligence, publicmindedness, etc to become a successfulpublicservant.
Even when we speak about leadership qualities in cricket, the names that we arrive at areSouravGanguly,MSDhoni incommon.ThoughtherearemanygreatBatsmen’sandBowlers,Still when it is about captaincy and leadership in tackling difficult situation the mentionednamestakethelead.
• HumanRelations–ACivilservantmeetshundredsofindividualeveryday.Mostofthemarepoor, belong to vulnerable section of people. The way civil servant deals with differentsection of people in a way that helps him understand the situation from people’sperspective ismost important.Hence,his subordinatesand fellowcitizenscanassess theAptitudeoftheindividual.
Thesearecombinationofindependenttestsasshownabove.Oneimportantsuchassessmentthat we can cite here would be the Service Selection Board(SSB) for Armed Forces, wherenumerical aptitude,VerbalAptitude, Physical Strength,Ability to leadgroupof individual etcareassessed.
29. What are some of the foundational values for civil services? Why are they called‘foundational’?Explain.
Introduction:
Civil services are an integral part of Indian democracy and considered as “Steel Frame” ofgovernance.Theyplayagreatroleinsocietaldevelopmentastheyhavetheresponsibilitiesofboth decisionmaking and policy implementation. There are some foundational valueswhicharemustforbetteradministration.
• Impartiality and non-partisanship:It decides on merit and is free from any partisanconsideration.Further,anon-partisancivilserviceisalsoresponsibletotheConstitutionofthelandtowhichtheyhavetakenanoathofloyalty.
• Integrity:Basically integrity approach empowers an individual tomake a value judgmentabout rightorwrong. It is a value-driven insteadof rule-driven.Onehas to learnhow todealwithchallengesanddilemmas.
• Impartiality:Impartiality implies that thebehavior and treatment by a bureaucrat to anyindividual or entity has to be exclusively based on merit. To make fair, just, equitableeffectiveandefficientdecisions,therehastobeabsoluteimpartiality.
• NonPartisanship:Non-partisanshipinfersthattheofficeristodohistaskwithoutanyfearof, or favor to any political party. The values of the administrator will flow from theconstitution,not fromthephilosophyofanypoliticalparty.Non-partisanship strengthensthe democratic procedures and institutions along with maintaining the integrity of theservice.
• Objectivity:Objectivity is founding advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of theevidence.Itentailsthattruthremainstrueuniversally,independentlyofhumanthoughtorapproaches.Anobjectiveapproachisparticularlyimportantindecision-makingprocesses.
• Dedication:Dedicationistheeminenceofpeopletobedevotedorloyaltodutyorpurpose,thoughtoraction.Dedicationisavitalpersonalitytraitofanindividual.Thisvaluegivestheability to continueactingwhenmotivation is lacking.Dedicationwill drive to certain taskrapidly.
• Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker sections:Public servants aremeanttoserveandthisrequiresdevelopingahumanisticattitude.Thesevaluesguaranteethat thepublic servantsact sympatheticallyand interpret the rules toadvance thepublicinterest.
ImportanceoftheseValues:
• These foundational values ensure an effective civil service which functions honestly,impartiallyandefficiently.
Impartiality,fairness,efficiency,andeffectivenessinthePublicservicedependonobjectivityinpersonnel decisions. This means that Public servants must have the ability to understandsomeoneelse’sexperienceofhumanityandusethatunderstandingtoguidetheirdecisionsandactions. Amongmany others, empathy and tolerance are foundational values that affect thedecisionmakingtoalargeextent.
• Empathy enables civil servants to understand other humans’ motivation to change andpredict how policy will affect people’s behaviour. Example: Pati.NO.1 campaign done inAgra to encourage Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, involving both husbands and wives of thedistrict to be a part of the behavioural change after understanding that the inhibitionsassociatedwiththeuseoftoiletsforwomen.
• It helps in understanding the lacunas in existing policies and programmes and makeappropriatechanges.Forexample:AnIASofficercanempathisewithpersonswholosttheir
• Enable civil servants toworkwith a dedicated service, involving the community at large.Example:IntheremoteareasofManipur,withnoroad,connectivitytothetwovillagesofTusemandTamenglongwasahugeproblemandthelocalshadtoeitherwalkforhours,orswimacross the river.ArmstrongPame,an IASofficercollectedRs40 lakh throughsocialmediafortheconstructionoftheroadandgota100kmstretchofroadconstructedinthestate.
• It would lead to reduction in corruption and bring in a lot of credibility. Sacrifice andsolidarityforthegreatergoodareeasierforpeoplewhentheir leadershowsempathyfortheirstruggles.
• A tolerant civil servantensuresaharmoniouspolicy implementationand interactionwiththepeopleofhisdistrict.Incidentslikemoblynching,riots,roadrageareallcanbesolvedbycultivatingtolerance.
• It helps the civil servants to be unbiased execute various social schemes with thecoordination of the people and upholding natural rights i.e. Human rights, Democracy,Multiculturalism,Pluralismetc.
• They can create and induce a tolerant and acceptable society by leading as an example.Variouscivilservantshavebeenappreciatedforbringingaboutaparticipativeandhelpingcommunityledcelebrationsoffestivalsamongvariousreligionsintheirdistricts.
• Theyhelpbringdisadvantagedandvulnerable sections into themainstream.Example: IraSinghalwasthefirstIASofficertohiretwotransgenderemployeesinherdepartment,thusencouragingatolerantandinclusivebehaviourofeveryonearoundher.
• A civil servant posted in a state other than his own if not tolerantmay face problem inadaptinganddedicatinghimselftotheserviceofpeople.
Howcanthesevaluesbeinculcated?
• Formal training can be given to increase cognitive, emotional and behavioural empathy,toleranceandcompassionamongthecivilservants.
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• Character assessment needs to be done to ensure they comply with the appropriatestandardsoffoundationalvalues.
• Self-satisfactionshouldbeencouraged.
Conclusion:
With values like tolerance, compassion, empathy, honesty etc a country as diverse as India(politically,religiously,economically)canfunctionanduseeachandeverydifferencetomakeitspeoplethriveratherthansuffer.Significanceofthesevaluesismoresoforacivilservant,astheymakenumerousdecisionsthatimpactthousandsoflives.
Integrityis the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromisingadherencetostrongmoralandethicalprinciplesandvalues.It isregardedasthehonestyandtruthfulnessoraccuracyofone’sactions.
PersonofhighintegrityandsuccessfullawyerProfessionalethicsencompassesanethicalcodegoverningtheconductofpersonsengagedinthepracticeof lawaswell aspersonsengaged in the legal sector.Allmembersof the legalprofessionhaveaparamountduty to the court and towards theadministrationof justice. Incarryingout theirduties, theyare requiredandexpected todealwithothermembersof thelegalprofessionwithcourtesyandintegrity.
Examples:• Famous lawyer Harish salve was claimed misusing his position as amicus curiae in the
Gujarat Riots case, by simultaneously lobbying for companies with state governmentofficials,whowerepartoftheinvestigationhewasoverseeingforthecourt.
• In the recently held Kulbhushan Jadhav case Harish salve represented India beforetheInternational Court. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court oncharges of spying.Due to his efforts, the International Court of Justice has ordered aprovisionalstay on Jadhav’s execution until a final verdict is declared. For this case hechargedonly₹1(INR)inlegalfees.
• InN.G.Dastanev.ShrikantS.Shind,wheretheadvocateofoneofthepartieswasaskingforcontinuousadjournmentstotheimmenseinconvenienceoftheoppositeparty,itwasheldby the Supreme Court that seeking adjournments for postponing the examination ofwitnesses who were present without making other arrangements for examining suchwitnesses is a derelictionof the duty that an advocate owed to theCourt, amounting tomisconduct.
We need lawyerswho think about the ethical, reputational, and enlightened self-interest oftheir client or the institution they are leading, not just about what is strictly legal oradvantageous in the short term. Exposing and analyzing these extra-legal issues is a criticalfunctionforlawyers.
Public Impartiality: A public servant will serve as an instrument of government. Provideserviceswithoutdiscriminatingon thebasisofcaste, religionandgender.Givedueregard tothediversityofthenation.
• In caseof riots, communal violenceor anyethnic conflict, a civil servantwithneutralattitudewill beable to take the rightactionas she is free fromany typeof religious,politicalorsocialprejudices.
• To offer free and frank advice on policy matters using the powers of delegatedlegislationtoensureoptimalutilisationofresources
Present-daycivilservantsneedtoperformmultiplefunctionsofgivingsuggestionstopoliticalrepresentatives, addressing public grievances, the institutionalisation of the socio-economicchanges,deliveringgoodsandservices.Henceavaluecommittedandimpartialbureaucracyisneedofthehour.
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33. Differentiate between the terms ‘objectivity’ and ‘neutrality’ with the help of suitableexamples.Alsoexplaintheirsignificanceforapublicservant.
Introduction:Objectivityreferstobasingouradviceanddecisionsonrigorousanalysisofevidence.Whereas,Neutrality means decisions that are not based on basis of bias, prejudice or preferring thebenefit toonepersonoveranotherfor improperreasons.BothObjectivityandNeutralityarepart of foundational value of civil services (asmentioned by 2ndARC) and are necessary forpromotingequalityinsociety.
1.Decisions sometimesmight not bebasedonevidencebutbasedonpoliticalexecutiveorder(PassiveNeutrality).
2.Helpsmaintainequityandinclusivity.
2. Sometimes, may have tofollow/implement appeasement policies ofgovernment, despite knowing it.Ex– Implementing the reservation policiesthat are aimed at particular section ofpeople.
5. Sometimes, civil servantmight not agreewithgovernment of the day and this leads to poorimplementation of policies and wastage ofresources.
5. The durability of the public servant willensure effective implementation of publicpolicies.
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Significanceofobjectivityforapublicservant:
• Civil servants takedecisionson themerit of the case and take accountof expert andProfessionaladvice.
• Provide information and advice including the advice to ministers on the basis ofevidenceandaccuratelypresentopinionsandfacts.
• Decisionsbasedonmeritsandfactsleadtoanimpartialdecisionmaking.• This would ensure efficient use of resources and enhance the transparency in public
domain.
SignificanceofNeutralityforapublicservant:
• Providesprofessionalismandpermanenceasopposedtoreluctancetochange.• It assures the public that their current aspirations will be faithfully served by the
theirmeritandnotfortheirpoliticalconsiderations.• To offer free and frank advice on policy matters using the powers of delegated
legislationtoensureoptimalutilisationofresources.
Conclusion:
Thevaluesofobjectivityandneutralityarecomplementarytoeachother.Theyensureeffectiveimplementation of public policies in linewith the government’smandate “Sabka sath, sabkavikas,sabkavishwas”.
Perks and benefits are available such asservants,accommodationandtravelexpenses.Benefits continue even after retirements suchaspensions
Perks not available at lowerlevel, and only manageriallevelpostgetssomebenefits.
It ismore about higher salarythat too on performance
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basis.
Nopension.
Work lifebalance
Can have work-life balance in most of theservicesasonlyIASandIPSarehecticjobs.
More hectic schedule andcompromised work-lifebalance.
ConsideredNobleProfession
Service tomankind isconsideredasservice toGod.
Nosuchnoblenessattachedtoprivatesector.
TherearecertainnegativesreasonsforwhichCivilservicesareadmiredmostinIndia,suchasCorruption opportunities andAbuse of power. These need to be eliminated bymoral valuessuchashonestyandintegrityincivilservants.
Conclusion:
Thebestprivatesectoremployersdohavestrongvaluesandpowerfulmissionstatements.Butfew can rival the Civil Service for the power of values – integrity, honesty, impartiality andobjectivity–andthesatisfactionthatcivilservantderivesfromservingthegovernmentofthedayinseekingtomakethenationsafer,moreprosperousandmoreunified.
In India, civil servants perform the regular administration and also play an important role insocio-economic development of the nation as a whole. The real spirit of thework of a civilservant isdependentonamoralbaseofbenevolence toall citizens.Thus,public service isaconceptthathasdedicatedserviceinherenttoit.
Body:
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Even though themotivationstems fromvarious factors like theurge toserve thenation, jobrespectandprestige, inspirationfromelders,ormoneyitself,acivilservantcanbesuccessfulonlywhendedicationtopublicserviceisunderlyingallofit.
• Abilitytoarriveatausefulsolution:Acivilservantmayencounterseveralobstructionslikesocial opposition against any programme, lack of support from political executive andcomplex situations that need utmost care and precautions. Without dedication to help,he/she may never be able to arrive at the best solution.For example: Schemes forpromoting family planning are generally opposed in rural areas as they considercontraceptives as taboos. Without personal assurance and dedicated outreach,implementationoftheschememayneverberealised.
• Preparedness to face challenging problems: Public service often entails unforeseen orsuddensituationsthatrequireonetobereadyandprovidequickassessment.Adedicatedcivilservantisawareofthisandalwaysdevotedtogivehisbesteffortsinsuchsituations.
• Credibilityandefficiency:Atruecivilservantensuresthatnopolicyoractionistakenatthecostofthewelfareofpublicatlarge.Devotedtopublicserviceiswhatensuresanofficertooversee a credible and efficient policy formulation and implementation.For ex: One’scolleagues may be involved in corruption, at the cost of a larger destruction to socialwelfare.Commitmenttofoundationalvaluesandconcernforpublicwillpreventthis.
• In India, where a large population are poverty-ridden, many are victims of socialdisadvantageandvulnerability, treating civil servicesas justanother jobmaynotgivethe civil servant the required encouragement and urge to eliminate this from thesociety. Only when the perseverance and dedication to service is inherent, can oneeffectivelycontribute.
However,dedicatedcivilservantsoftenareinafixtobalancetheirdutyandpersonallives.Butonemustrememberthatforpublicservicetobeanendinitself,itisimportanttoestablishameritocracy that values strength of character and personal morality, above all. To work forcommongoodisthegreatestgoodshouldbehis/hermotivation.
Conclusion:
Thepowertoimpactpublicwelfareinastrongandefficientmannerthatacivilservantevokesisuniqueandunparalleledtootherprofessionsinthecountry.Dedication,honesty,empathy,integrity and selfless service from civil servants can go a longway in assuring awholesomegrowthandinclusivewelfareofthecommonpeople.
36. Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannotsurvive.Elucidate.
Introduction:
“Necessities”,“comforts”,and“luxuries”,areconceptswhosemeaningsaredependentonthemannerthathumanbeingsdefine“needs.”Basedonthedefinitionofneeds,necessitiesreferto the basic needs human beings require to survive. In this sense,“necessities”are non-negotiable, where its deprivation could lead to detrimental effects on human beings.”Luxuries”,ontheotherhand,areneitherabsoluteinthatitssatisfactionordissatisfactiondoesnotaffectman’simmediatesurvival,norconstruedinthatitdoesnotmakethesatisfactionofbasicneedseasiertoattain.
• Nonreligious:Whetherwearereligiousornot,aslongaswehavecompassiontowardsothersandconductourselveswithrestraintoutofasenseofresponsibility,thereisnodoubt we will be happy. Example: Mother Theresa opened a hospice for leprosy inCalcuttawhichwasopenedtoallirrespectiveofreligions.
• Ethical view:Ethical principles and values, however, can neither be bought througheconomic means nor legislated and enforced through policy and laws. Example:Compassionontransgender.
• To avoid extreme decisions: In the name of love and compassion it avoids hastydecisionsanditnudgestoleranceforthesituation.Example:Withloveandcompassionhonourkillingcanbeavoided.
• For the welfare of all:Many NGOs are actively working for the elevation ofunderprivilegedpeople.Example:GOONJwhichundertakesdisasterrelief,humanitarianaidandcommunitydevelopmentinpartsof23statesacrossIndia.
• Krishna Teja the Sub-Collector of Kuttanad in Alappuzha district of Kerala, organized‘operationkuttanad’thatsavedthelivesofnearly2.5lakhpeople(and12000cattle)duringthecatastrophicfloods.
• Greater Hyderabad Muncipal Corporation announced the introduction of the ‘Feed TheNeed’ (open fridge concept), helps the needy in the city, calling it ‘revolutionary’ for itscommunity-buildingmessagesaroundsharinggoodfoodwiththeneedy.
Conclusion
Ultimately it istouchingthefieldof loveandcompassionfromwhichwewerebirthedthat isthesourceofhappiness.Allelseisareflection,animitationorworseanidol.Thetruedriversthatmakeushumanarenotmoneyandacquisitionofwealth—theyareloveandcompassion.
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37.When you showdeep empathy toward others, their defensive energy goes down, andpositive energy replaces it. That’s when you can get more creative in solving problems.Illustrate.
• Walking in their shoes- Doing so will help us see our team and familymembers, not ascomplainers,butmoreaccurately forwhotheyreallyare:struggling individuals thatneedhelp.
• Whenaperson is experiencingproblems, their defensive energy kicks in.Here itmaybeshoutingatothersorshowinganger.Atthispoint,trytostayalongsidehim/her,tobetterunderstand the person’s point of view. Just a few minutes of listening can do wonderstowardhelpingyoutofeeltheirpain.
• Showing empathy in thisway takes time, but youwill oftenmotivate the one(s) you aretrying to help just by showing that you care enough to take this step. It is then positiveenergyreinforcesinthepersonandtriestosolvehis/herproblem.
• Forexample, Ifawidowcomestoacivil servant forhelpand is fullofsorrow(defensiveenergy).Thecivilservantmustempathisewithhersituationfirst,Assureherofhelpingout.Thisfillspositiveenergyinher.
• Nowthecivilservantisinabetterpositiontothinkclearlyandinnovativelyashehasbeenin shoes of another person. He/she can help by making a list of government schemesapplicabletoherandmakesuretheyreachthebeneficiaryattheearliest.
• Eg.Ifateacherempathiseswithachild’sweakperformance(Defensiveenergyofchildmaybe to be scared or low confidence on oneself), then only he/she tries new methods ofteaching(acreativesolution).
Theabovementionedquote is givenbyauthor-cum-activistHelenKeller. Tolerance refers torespect for others opinions, practices, views, race, religion etc. It isharmony in difference.According togolden mean principleofAristotle, Tolerance would be the middle point ofspectrumrangingfromprohibitionandacceptance.
Education here doesn’t simply imply receiving a degree certificate, but enhancing ourknowledge,acceptingarrogance,developingwisdomandvirtues.Thiswillhelponerealizetherealityoftheworldandacceptthediversityofthoughtsandbeliefsthatexistintheworld.Thiswill in turn promote tolerance levels. Put in otherWords, Tolerance is giving to every otherhumanbeingeveryrightthatyouclaimforyourself.
Themore educationwe receive themorewe realise howmuchwedo not know. This thenbecomesquitehumbling.Uneducatedaregenerallyintolerantofothersbecausetheylive“self-centered” lives.Theysimplydonotpossess togivethemperspectiveof theactual facts.Thiscanbeseeninrecentcasesofmoblynching,honourkillingetc.
Theeducation thatapersonreceives inhis lifetime isnot just fromschool,butalso fromhisfamily,friends,societyetc.Theonewhoreallytakespagesofhisexperienceandlearningwilldevelopknowledge.Welearntorespectelders,oppositegenderfromourparents,ourfriendsteachushowtrustisbuild,andoursocietyteachesushowtostayinharmonyamongdiversity.Someone,whoreallytakesallhislearningseriously,wouldbecalledaneducatedmind.AsA.P.JAbdulKalamsaid“Learninggivesyoucreativity,creativity leadstothinking, thinkingprovidesknowledgeandKnowledgemakesyougreat”.
Individualsmakeup the society and tolerant individualsmakeup tolerant societies. Tolerantsocietiesmake conditionswhere individuals coexist peacefully and theyexchange their ideasfortheirbetterment.
India is thebestexample for tolerance,wehavebeen following theprinciplesofVasudhaivaKutumbakam(theworld isone family).Thediversity in language,culture, religion, raceetc isnothindranceforgrowthofthecountry.
Conclusion:
AsArthurCClarkesaid“Civilizationwillreachmaturityonlywhenitlearnstovaluediversityofcharacterandidea”.Wemustalwaysbereadytolearnandrespectthediversityandeducateourselves. The peaceful coexistence and mutual trust would promote humanity anddevelopmentofnation.
39.Tolerance impliesno lackof commitment toone’sownbeliefs.Rather it condemns theoppressionorpersecutionofothers.Discuss.
Introduction:
“Idonotagreewithwhatyouhave to say,but I’lldefend to thedeathyour right to say it.”-Voltaire
Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation for those whose opinions, practices, racereligion,nationalityetc.aredifferentfromone’sown.
• Tolerance allows individuality and diversity. It is more about mutual respect and thecommongood,andnotaboutwhoisrightandwhoiswrong.
• ItrecognizesthefundamentalrightsofothersandUniversalHumanrights• Tolerance creates a society inwhich people can feel valued and respected, and inwhich
thereisroomforeveryperson,eachwiththeirownideas,thoughtsanddreams.• Historically tolerance has been the central virtue of some of the greatest empires. Be it
thefightagainstracialdiscrimination,LGBTcommunity,minorityetc.• Tolerance rejects absolutism and rigidity. For instance, recent Lynching activities in the
Beingtolerantofeachotherandcaringforeachotheriswhatmakesushuman.Thisiswhywehave believed tolerance is important and an essential aspect of a healthy, livable society. Infact, it is the only way in which a country as diverse as India (Politically, religiously,economically)canfunctionanduseeachandeverydifferencetomakeitspeoplethriveratherthansuffer.
Altruismor selflessness is theprinciple or practiceof concern for thewelfareof others. It iswhenweacttopromotesomeoneelse’swelfare,evenatariskorcosttoourselves.Altruisticmilitary interventions in themodern era are questionable due to the increasingly underlyinggeopoliticalandstrategicaimsassociated.
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CharacteristicsofAltruism:
• Altruismmust entail action. Good intentions or well-meaning thoughts do not constitutealtruism.
• The goal must be to further the welfare of another. If another’s welfare is merely anunintendedorsecondaryconsequenceofbehaviourdesignedprimarilytofurthertheone’sownwelfare,theactisnotaltruistic.
• States that intervene militarily to stop massacres almost always do so in response topopular outrage. Governments are guided primarily by national security and economicconcerns and takeup the intervention after political pressure. For ex: In the caseof theformerYugoslavia,humanitarianactionwasbroughtaboutbyembarrassmentratherthangenuineconcernandbythewillnottogetinvolvedratherthanbythewishtohelp.
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• Manycountries interveneinthepursuitofcommercialorstrategic interests intheregion,justifyingitonconcernfortheongoingchaos.Example:VariousmembersoftheUSandUKadministrationshave provided evidence that Iraq’s rich oil reserves were amajor Anglo-Americanmilitary interest in theMiddle East, and control of Iraq’s reserves was alwaysgoingtobeahugegainforUSandBritishoilcorporations.
• When UN moves military troops to other nations for philanthropic purposes like stopoppressionofadefencelessgroup,humanitarianreliefefforts,helprefugeesescapefromorreturntotheirmotherland,orsupportafledglingdemocraticgovernment.
• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union, the UnitedNations, the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States) and theinternational community at large, areassisting SouthSudan toend the conflict, genocideandethniccleansingandprotectitscitizens.
• TheBritishcampaign inSierraLeonebetween2000and2002ensuredpeacewasheldforwell over a decade and seen the passage of political power through fair elections. TheBritish troops who stopped the country’s dreadful civil war also showed that altruisticmilitaryinterventionscansometimeswork.
Emotional intelligence refers to the capability of a person tomanage and control his or heremotionsandpossesstheabilitytocontroltheemotionsofothersaswell.Inotherwords,theycaninfluencetheemotionsofotherpeoplealso.
• Self-compassion:Emotionally intelligent individuals are more likely to have a betterunderstanding of themselves and to make conscious decisions based on emotion andrationalecombined
• Self-awareness: Theability to knowone’semotions, strengths,weaknesses,drives valuesandgoalsandrecognizestheirimpactonotherswhileusinggutfeelingstoguidedecisions.
• Psychological well-being:Emotional intelligence is positively correlated with higherlifesatisfaction,self-esteemandlowerlevelsofinsecurityordepression
• Socialskill:Managingrelationshipstomovepeopleinthedesireddirection.• Adaptability:Emotionally intelligentpeople recognizewhen to continue their course, and
what’sgoingonaroundthemonanemotionallevel.• Empathetic:Empathyincludestheabilitytorelatetoothersandunderstandhowtheyfeel.• Motivation:They have a passion for achieving their goals and are driven not by rewards
suchasmoneyandprestige,butbyaccomplishingwhattheysetouttodo.• Apologize:Emotional intelligence helps you realize that apologizing doesn’t alwaysmean
you’rewrong.Itdoesmeanvaluingyourrelationshipmorethanyourego.• Social skills:It involves understanding people, developing relationships, and motivating
otherstoaccomplishobjectives.• Personal life:High emotional intelligence is correlatedwith better relationshipswith the
3. The ability tomanage emotions, including the ability to regulate your ownemotions,andtheabilitytocheeruporcalmdownanotherperson
Depressionisaserious,butcommon,condition.Itoftencausespeopletofeelsadoremptyforlong periods. It can also affect one’s thinking patterns and physical health. In some cases,depressioncanleadpeopletoconsidersuicide.
• Mostofusthinkthatwearevictimsofouremotions;wedon’thaveanycontroloverour emotions.When sadness takes over us, we simply have to react in a depressedmanner.Wedon’thavethechoicetostopthatDepression.Emotionalintelligenceisthepower toexerciseyourchoice tostopanemotionandchannel it inanydirectionyouwant.
• When we stuff our feelings, they quickly build into the uncomfortable sensations oftension, stress and anxiety. Unaddressed emotions strain the mind and body. anemotionally intelligent person has skills to helpmake stress more manageablebyenablinghimtospotandtackletoughsituationsbeforethingsescalate.
• Peoplewhofailtousetheiremotionalintelligenceskillsaremorelikelytoturntoother,less effectivemeans of managing their mood. They are twice as likely to experienceanxiety,depression,substanceabuseandeventhoughtsofsuicide.
• Emotionally intelligent persons areable to recognise negative emotions inthemselvesandseedifficultsituationsasachallenge.Theyfocusonthepositivesandpersist.
• Imagine a person lost his job. An emotionally intelligent personmight perceive theiremotionsascuesto takeaction,bothtodealwiththechallengesandtocontrol theirthoughtsandfeelings.
• Whenin Depression, it is important to be self-aware, managedepression throughdiscussion and friends by knowing its root cause rather than giving in to suicidaltendencies.
• Helps in self-regulation– If a bureaucrat is frustrated by his subordinate, whoseperformance has been poor. If bureaucrat shows frustration and yells at thesubordinate, this might affect the subordinate’s performance in a poor way, ifbureaucrat sits down with him and discuss the reasons for under performance andunderstand it, this diagnosis will help him fix the issues. This will yield betterperformance by subordinates and efficient working environment (esprit de corps). Aself-regulatedbureaucratcaninfusethesameamongsthis/hersubordinates.
• Empathy– for civil servant demolishing roadside building must empathize with theplight if those shopkeepers (by providing proper compensation and rehabilitation).Otherwise,hemightnotreceivethesupportfromthemandthiswouldinturnleadtoaconflict.
• Focus/ Concentration– If civil servant can control his emotions and stick to his goalswith unwavering attention (may be due to threats, abuse) can help him achieve histargets.
The ability to realize, readily accept, as well as successfully control feelings in oneself (andsometimes others) is known as the emotion management skill. In other words, emotionalmanagementreferstotheabilitytomasteryourownemotions.Emotionalmanagementisnotaboutavoidingemotionsbutlearningtofaceandunderstandthem.
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One must have complete authority over changing his/her thoughts and feelings that aregeneratedwheneverhis/hervaluesaretouchedbytheactionsofapersonoraneventsuchasfailing after multiple attempts in UPSC, getting dumped in the relationship, failing in a jobintervieworgettingdiagnosedoneselfwithterminalillness.Emotionalmanagementhelpsonetosustainsuchlossesandovercomesetbacks.
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• Through emotional management one changes his thoughts and feelings, which helps inpreventinghimfromreactiveoutbursts.Emotionalmanagementletoffsomesteamandletonefeellessaggressiveinlossesorsetback.
• It helps youmanage your reactions, by underplaying one emotionwhen not appropriateandoveremphasizinganotheronewhichismostrequiredatthattime.
• Emotional management is beneficial for people experiencing stress, depression,disappointment or unhappiness as all these impact productivities and self-esteem andEmotionalmanagementhelpregainingconfidenceandself-pride.
Emotional intelligence is defined as our ability to recognize and control our own emotionalstates, while also beingmindful of the emotional states of those around us. Competency inunderstanding one’s own and others’ emotions consists of knowing the causes and
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consequences of different emotions as well as being able to differentiate between varyingemotions.
• PersonalManagement: For example, during an argument youmight respectfully end theconversation to de-escalate the situation without making the other person feel smallbecausetheydon’tagreewithyou.
• RelationshipManagement:Yourabilitytouseyourawarenessandtheemotionsofotherstodevelopandmaintain relationships.These skills arevital inworking in teamsandwithpartners,clients,vendorsandcustomers.
Emotionalintelligencethroughtraining:
• Researchers indiverse fields indicate that it is possible to increaseemotional intelligenceandthatsuchtraininghasthepotentialtoleadtootherpositiveoutcomes.
• VariousdifferentmethodshavebeendiscoveredontheambitofE.Ithroughtraining:• Use Blended Learning– Ablended learningtrainingmodel allows participants to conduct
roleplays,discussionandinterpretationofscenariosthroughfeedback.• Incorporate Quizzes and Tests– Online testing and quizzes play an integral role in how
• Workshops and Certification programs: For developmental and behavioural assessmenttrainings.
• OrganizationswithE.I.trainingforemployeessawsignificantimprovementsin:• Communication skills and the power to comprehend nonverbal cues of interaction (body
• E.I trainingtostudents isbelievednotonlytohaveshowedmarked improvement intheiremotional abilities, but they also continued to manifest the same even after months oftraining,intheircareersandendeavoursaftercollege.
• Several self-assessment training can be done too: Choosing not to retort immediately,answering wisely in conflicts, personal introspection and taking feedback from peers,friendsetc,practicingempathyasadailyhabitetc.
However,therearelimitationswhenitcomestotraining:
• Theymajorly focus only on organizational skills, work cultures etc, and often ignore thepersonaltraitsoftheperson.
• Humans after all are inclined to react emotionally to a situation suddenly faced,withoutcomprehendingrepercussionsofhis/heractionsinspiteoftrainingorawarenessofEI.
Emotional intelligence training is given inmost work environments, government professionsthroughouttheglobe.Itisbeingstressedandassessed,evenbeforethetechnicalskillsatmanycorporateenvironments.Rightfromschool,EIisaskillsetthathastobeincorporatedasamainpartofaperson’sgrowth.
Conclusion:
Anindividualultimatelyisaproductofasociety.Inviewofthis,emotionalintelligencestandsas a very basic characteristic everyone must possess. Training through several methodsdefinitelyhelp in thepersonal andprofessional growthof an individual, as any characteristicbeingpracticedasapartofhis/hergeneralpersonalitytendstobeinculcatedinthelongrun.
Aristotlealsosaid,“Thesevirtuesare formed inmanbyhisdoingtherightactions.”Tobringthese two selections together, philosopher and historianWill Durant elegantly clarified their
“Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect ofaccomplishment.”(ZigZiglar).Thisquoteshoestheimportanceoftherepetitiveactivities
Repetitioncanbepowerfulinthreeways.First,aswerepeatsomething,likeasportsmoveorapiano piece, we move toward mastering it. Second, we can accomplish a giant task withfrequentsmallactionstowardthegoal.Third,repetitioncreateshabits.
• Subconsciouslevel:Thesubconsciousmindregardsthewordsandthoughtsthatgetlodgedinsideitasexpressinganddescribingarealsituation,andthereforeendeavourstoalignthewords and thoughtswith reality. Itworks diligently tomake thesewords and thoughts arealityinthelifeofthepersonsayingorthinkingthem.Example:Richbecomesricherandpoorbecomesthepoorerconcept.
• Perfect practice:Practice helps us in avoiding errors and completes the task withperfection. Action performed with proper planning and regular practice leads a persontowards perfect performance.Example: Bruce Lee said “I fear not the man who haspracticed10,000kicksonce,butIfearthemanwhohaspracticedonekick10,000times”
• Karmayoga:The intentionwhenpracticingkarmayoga is togiveselflessly forthegoodofotherswithoutthoughtofone’sselforattachmenttotheresultsofone’sactions.Example:Saalumarada Thimmakka growing close to 400 Banyan trees, andnurturing them as herchildren,ona4kmstretchbetweenHulikalandKudurinKarnataka.
Perseverance is the key to success, thus Swami Vivekananda rightly said “Take up one idea.Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, and live on that idea. Let the brain,muscles,nerves,everypartofyourbody,befullof that idea,and just leaveeveryother ideaalone.Thisisthewaytosuccess.”
47. The strongest is never strong enough to be always the master, unless he transformsstrengthintoright,andobedienceintoduty.Elucidate.
• He say’s ‘authority is legitimate if the person (or institution) possesses the right tocommand others’, in other words, authority cannot use naked force to commandobedience.
• Healsobelieved that ‘tobe legitimate, theauthority the statehasover thepeoplemustcomefromthepeoplethemselves,andnotfromasinglepersonsuchastheking.’
• Rousseau’s “social contract” discusses the corruptness of non-democratic form ofgovernment.
• 1780’sFrancewas characterisedbyunjustlyhigh taxesandwealthymonarchybecauseofwhich people faced serious economic difficulties. People were influenced by ideas ofRousseau and Voltaire, which finally led to dethroning of the king by Famous FrenchRevolution.
• Arabspring:Moderntimesarenodifferent.ThewindofchangesweptNorthernAfricaandmiddle east countries like Tunisia, Libya, Syria etc., recently. Though the issueswere notcompletelythesame,livingunderadictatorialregimeistantamounttothesameabuseofpowerastheunequaldistributionofwealth.
The above quote is given by Benjamin Franklin in line with the conditions prevalent inPennsylvania,USA.Libertyreferstothestateofbeingfreewithinthesocietyfromoppressiverestrictionsimposedbyauthorityonone’swayoflife,behaviour,orpoliticalviews.
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Franklin’s lineplayson the idea that liberty is the thingwewouldbeprotectingby choosingsafety. Inoptingtogiveup liberty in favourofsafety,weareessentiallygainingnothing.ThisstatementisagainsttheideaofsocialcontracttheorygivenbyThomasHobbes.
Ifwegetintothehistory,aftertheReichstagFireof1933theGermanpeople, inamovethatwastoprovepivotalintheestablishmentofaNazidictatorship,submittedtoarepressionthatresulted in the suspension of all civil liberties, ostensibly to safeguard the national security.Hitler–havingbeenChancellorforamerefourweeks–wasabletoensurethatsuchadecreewaspassedbyconvincingpeoplethatthecommunistpartyrepresentedamajorthreat,andhis
Theabovementionedquotebecamepointofcontentionpostthe9/11attack,thegovernmentof US has made strict monitoring of data and invaded privacy aimed at ensuring nationalsecurity.Post9/11attacksmany surveysheld showed thatmajorityofpeoplewere ready togiveupelementsofcivillibertyfornationalsecurity.EventherecentnotificationbyMinistryofHomeAffairs,whichseekstomonitordatahassparkedofsimilardebate.
The plight of Indianworkers inArab too can be noted here.Many aiming for better life aresubjectedtoharassmentbytheowners. Internationalcommunitieshavetimeandagainbeenvocal about such issues. Same goes with the lives of refugees, how they are subjected toharassmentandoppression,whentheyseeksupportofrefugeenation(SyriaandfewAfricannations).
Raif Badawi, human rights activist, promotes secular and scientific thinking was arrested bySaudiArabiaofficials,inthenameofnationalsecurity.HehighlightstherestrictionsimposedonSaudiwomen,showshowoppressiveauthoritycouldbeandhowtheyopposelibertytoprotecttheirstereotypes.
Butagain,sometimesitmightbenecessaryfornationalinteresttoprotectthestatefromanypossible terrorist attacks. During Emergency, people might have to give up few essentialliberties,toprotectthemselvesfromexternalharm.Againdependsonthetypeofgovernment,howtheyrestorethelibertiespostsuchsituation.
Conclusion
JohnLockespeaksaboutnatural rights tosocialcontract theory,wherehestressesonstatesduty to protect thenatural rights (Right to life, liberty andproperty). A universal concept oflibertydoesnotexist.Ascitizensofademocraticstate,wemustdecideforourselveswhatourownessentiallibertyshouldbe;wemustfindourownbalancebetweenasecuritywhichdoesnotcompromiseourfundamentalrightsandafreedomwhichdoesnotlayusbaretoattack.Inthefaceofincreasingthreatstoournationalandinternationalsecurity,wecanonlyhopethatweareabletoremaincommittedtoourconvictions,notallowingthemtobecomedistortedby
Throughouthistory,democracyhasbeenanevolution.Thedemocraticprinciplecontinues toevolve, and with democracy, there are multiple ideas in action. Various philosopherscontributedtotheevolutionofdemocraticprinciples,somearediscussedbelow:
FreedombyAristotle(384BC–322BC) forAristotle theunderlyingprincipleofdemocracy isfreedom, sinceonly inademocracy can the citizenshavea share in freedom. Inessence,hearguesthatthisiswhateverydemocracyshouldmakeitsaim.
EqualitybyJohnLocke(1632-1704)JohnLockemadeimportantcontributionstothetheoryofliberal democracy. In his “The two treatises of the government” Locke argued that agovernment’srighttorulemustbebasedontheconsentofitspeople.Lockeemphasisedtheidea of a ‘social contract’ – power sanctioned by the people. Locke also emphasised that allmenwereequal–atatimewhensocietieswereveryhierarchical.
Separation of power by Baron de Montesquieu(1689 – 1755) Montesquieu advocated for‘separationofpowers’andotherdemocraticprinciples.InhisTheSpiritoftheLaws(1748),hedistinguisheddemocracyfromothertypesofgovernment.
Republican government by Thomas Paine (1737-1809) ThomasPainepowerfully argued forthe democratic-republican government. Paine’s writings were influential in inspiring theAmericanRevolution.Painewantedtoseeanendtoexecutivetyrannyandfelttheextensionofpoliticalpowertoallwasthebestwaytoachievethis.
RepublicanismbyThomasJefferson(1743-1826)ThomasJeffersonbelievedintheprincipleofrepublicanism. The idea that all citizens should partake in the democratic activity and helppreventabusesofpower.JeffersondraftedtheUSDeclarationofIndependence,whichstated:“Allmenarecreatedequal”
Universal suffrage and liberty by J.S.Mill(1806-1873) John StuartMillwas a leading liberalphilosopheroftheNineteenthCentury.Hearguedforuniversalsuffrage(extendingthevotetowomen and all classes of people)Mill also expounded the principle of liberty –which is animportantprincipleofliberaldemocracy.
In recentcenturies,democracyhas includedprinciplessuchas liberty,equalityand individualfreedom. Given the rise in population size, direct democracy is rarely practised; instead,democracy tends to involve elected representatives. Arguably, there are no ‘perfectdemocracies’–But,somesocietiesaremoredemocraticthanothers.
• Lovebynatureisanunconditionalact;henceideallyitshouldfreeusfromtheexpectationsinherentinanotherwisetransactionalhumanrelationshipexistingallaroundus.Inviewofthis, when a person loves truly, he/she emanates a sense of freedom, a liberatedenvironmentfortheotherpersontogrowandexist.
• When love does not claim possession, it exists as a beautiful engagement ofmotivation,respectandadmiration for thereceivingpersonor theobject.Forexample:Relationshipsbetweenyoungsters,respectforteachersandparentsetc.
• Relationshipsbetweenahusbandandwife,lifepartnersoftenflourishandspreadharmonyandhappinesswhenthereisfreedombetweenthetwo.Apartnerwhotreatstheotherasapossession, restricting their choices, actions, and decisions is indirectly hampering theoverallbettermentofthepersonortheirrelationship.
• Suffering inflicted due to actions of vengeance and payback by partners, parents andfriends.
Conclusion:
Loveistrulyrealisedwhenlinkednottopossessionoftheotherbuttosubmissionoftheself.Itshouldenableanindividualtofeelcontentandbeacceptingofoneanother,pavingwayforapeaceful co-existence, rather than curbing freedom and base their actions on the lines ofpossessivenessandmisunderstoodideaoflove.
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51. Is it ethical to have compulsory corporate social responsibility (CSR) law? Criticallycomment.
Introduction:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isreferred as a corporate initiative to assess and takeresponsibilityforthecompany’seffectsontheenvironmentandimpactonsocialwelfareandtopromotepositivesocialandenvironmentalchange.
• Manytimes,CSRbenefitshavebeendirectedinawaytoachievecertainfinancialmotives.Brand and image building and buying customer’s faith to increase its market share arecommonlyusedtactics.
• CSR has been used to cover one’s unethical and illegal deeds like engaging in rampantexploitationofnaturalresourceslikeforest,landandwaterandinreturnprovidingmeagrebenefits for the community to buy their loyalty.Corporates pay their gains through various taxes including corporate tax. surcharges etc.CSRmayseemtobeanadditionalforcedburdenonthemandhenceunethical.
• CSRhasalsobeenseen inareaswhere there ismaximumvisibility.Thisexplainswhy theeasternIndialagsbehindinCSRcontributionandsectorslikeextremehunger,MMR,IMR,etcreceiveminimumtonocontribution.
• However,corporatesuse/exploitexcessofnatural resources, labour for theirpersonalgains.Theyowecertainresponsibilitytowardsnatureand itspeople.Thus, theethical
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aspect of CSR would involve a sense of dedication and responsibility towards thewelfareofthe locality. Itwouldentailasenseofcompassion,empathyandsynergyofwhat the community desires from the company andwhat the company is capable ofdoingforthem.CitieslikeJamshedpurareatruereflectionofwhatCSRtrulydesires.
So,ForCSRtotrulysucceed,corporateshavetoassumeamoreethicalroleratherthanmereprofitmotive.Afterall,moneymaybelongtosomebutresourcesbelongtoallandmustserveall. CSR helps in realization of this principle and helps achieving the utilitarian philosophy ofmaximumgoodtomaximumpeople.
52. Explain the concept of ‘conflict of interest’ in public institutions. How does conflict ofinterestbreedcorruption?Illustrate.
Introduction:
ConflictofInteresthasshakenthetoday’sworldinissueofgovernanceandethicalpractices.Itrefers to a situation in which a person while performing his official duties tries to derivepersonalbenefitsthroughhisdecisionoractions.Usuallythisissuearisesinpublicandpoliticaloffices but in present day conditions due to more interactions between public and privateenterprises,evenprivatearenotuntouched.
• Contracts: Awarding of contracts to known person in exchange for personal favours. Ex:Governmentcontractstopoliticianson’scompanyorcompaniesownedbyhisBenami.
• Information:Leakingofinformationtootherpersonswhichmightbeofpersonaladvantageto him later. Ex: Employee in board meeting leaks information about new contracts topurchasemoresharesofcompanyforquickgains.
• Post-retirement:This can be observed in Judiciary, In view of post retirement jobs,favouringapartyorperson inverdicts.Ex:Verdict favouringaparticularpoliticalparty inviewoffuturepoliticalappointmentspostretirement.
ConflictofInterestbreedscorruption
• Public procurement:This is a kind of collusive corruption, where both bribe-giver andpersoninconflictofinterestactaspartnerandrobthesociety.
• Scams: In judiciary, passingof verdicts in caseswhere theyhave substantial dealings. Ex:Judgebeingpartnerofcompanywhichisinvolvedincheating.
• Administrative decisions:decision making is rule bound and is supplemented by thediscretionofindividualofficers,whichmayprovidescopeforcorruption.
• MaintainingTransparencyingovernance:thiswillactasdeterrenceagainstabuseofpower.• Objectivity in governance: this will help him take impartial decisions and also help in
In today’sworld of interconnectedness,where everybody is connected to every other thing,therewillbeconflictofinterest.Butitisthedutyofindividualtotakethepathofrighteousnessand function in manner which is both moral and ethical. Also transparency should bemaintainedforscrutinytoensureaccountability.
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53. Do excessive measures to ensure accountability and transparency handicap decisionmaking?Criticallyexamine.
Introduction:
Civil servants in public administration have to face many conflicts of interests during policymaking, policy implementation and decision making. Transparency and Accountability havegreat importance in the decision-making process of bureaucrats, civil servant andadministrators.
Accountability can broadly be defined as the obligation of those holding power to takeresponsibilityandbeheldanswerablefortheirbehaviour,actionsandresponsibility.
• Unduescrutinydemotivatescivilservantsandinstigatesthefearofunwantedprosecution.• Fear of judgment in a certain dilemma like between ethical and rule-based decision,
fromdecision-makers.• Promotered-tapismandleadstotimedelayswhichultimatelyaffectsdecisionmaking.• Excessive Accountability affects free will. Free will gives space of innovative or creative
essential for decision making, cannot be answered with just transparency andaccountability.
Notahindrance:
• Theyhelpincreatinginstitutionalchecksandbalances.Ex.CAG• Theyimprovethequalityofdecisionmaking.• They promote public welfare and not personal gain in decision making. Increased
Citizencharters,Codeofconductandcodeofethicswhicharebasedonethicsarethetoolofany government institution to ensure transparency and accountability and which preventstransgressionofdecision-makingcapacity.
54.What are the potential sources of ethical dilemmas in public and private institutions?Illustrate.
Introduction:
Ethical dilemmas are situations inwhich there is a choice tobemadebetween twooptions,neitherofwhichresolvesthesituationinmorallysatisfactorymanner.Itisacircumstancethatrequires a choice between competing ideologies in a given, usually undesirable or confusingsituation.
• Administrative dilemma:The promotion of general welfare depends on the use orexploitation of administrative discretion. For ex: Public servants given a responsibility to
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approve aproject tobuild a damwhichwouldprovide irrigationwater to lakhsof acres.However,suchapprovalcoulddisplacethousandsoftribes.
• Public accountability and administrative secrecy: Not having enough transparency in allprocessesduetoconfidentiality.Ex:whetherthecostandprocessofRafaeldealshouldbeputinpublicdomainorsecrecyfornationalsecuritymustbemaintained.
• Lawandcompassion:Forex:Aneedypersonwhodoesnotfulfiltheoneortwocriteriaofawelfareschemebut due to empathy and compassion, a public servantmaywant to helphim/her. A dilemma here is between empathy,compassion and following the prescribedlaw.
• Policy dilemmas: Working towards the best interest of the community versus beingresponsive to the government. For ex: a favour of capitalism/liberal economy to sustaineconomicgrowthversusstateownershiptomaintainfairdistributionofresources.
• Personalmorals:When the directives are in contrastwith own personal values of publicofficials.
• Personal interestandduty:Forex:WhenanArmyofficer is inacritical locationhandlingkeydutiesandhismotherissickorwifeispregnantandneedshispresenceathome.
• Personaljobsecurityoverwrongdismissalofcolleague:Forex:Whenanemployeeknowshis/hercolleaguehasnotdonethemistakehe/shehasbeenblamedforbytheupperlevelmanagement, but does not speak up because of fear of losing job. Another scenario iswherethepersonknowstheupperlevelemployeeisguiltybuthe/shedoesnotcomplainbecauseoffearofbeingfired.
• Company rules over personal morals: For ex: An honest person facing dilemma overcarryingoutadishonestcompanypitchingknowingthatitisnotasbeneficialasexhibited.
Assessing the ethical concern of both government and private organization, it can beunderstoodthatthechallengesposedbyethicaldilemmasometimesmakeapersontobeatalostwithnosolutioninsight.Propertraining,codeofconduct,emotionalintelligence,keepingthepublicinterestaboveandadherencetothevaluesofintegrity,objectivity,honestyinone’sownprivatelifeetc.willensureajustandethicalconduct.
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55. The judiciary India has pronounced several judgements on the RTI Act. However, thejudiciaryitselfisoutsidethepurviewoftheRTI.Isitnotunethical?Criticallycomment.
Introduction:
The RTI mechanism emerged fundamentally as a demonstration of the desire to move theprocess of democracy towards participatory and contributively democracy, therebystrengtheningit.
• Personal details:The issue involves the personal assets of the judges and results of thecollegiumstofallwithinthescopeoftheRTIAct.
• Ruin the ideology:The RTI regime will destroy the independence of the judiciary, thedisclosureofdecisionsofthecollegiumswillruinthefutureofthejudges,andthelitigantswouldlosetheirconfidenceinthem.
• Interference in judiciary: The question involved was whether disclosure of informationunder RTI about judicial appointments, transfers of Supreme Court judges, etc., wouldamounttointerferenceinjudicialindependence.
• Confidentialmatters:Certain information cannot be revealed to the public-at-large, as ithas all the potential of deteriorating the independenceof judiciary seems to naïve to beacceptableonpragmaticgrounds.
• Section 24:For any information to be exempted under the Act, it must fall under thepurviewoftheexemptionsprovidedbythestatuteunderSec.24.Interestingly,thesectiondoes not include the judicial organ of the Government. This makes the whole issue ofapplicabilityoftheActonthejudiciaryindisputable.
• Section10:Sec.10oftheActprovideswiththeruleofseverabilitywhichmeansthatifthedisclosureof information involvesprivate information, suchdisclosuremay reasonablybeseveredorseparatedfromanypartoftheinformationandotherrelevantinformationwillbemadeavailable to thepublic. Example, if the information involvesprivate informationthathasaconnectionwiththehealthorlifeofthejudgewhichhefeelsshouldbeprotectedundertheumbrellaofhisRighttoHealthandPrivacy
• Toprotectdemocracy:AnotherreasontoallowtheapplicationofRTIonthejudiciaryistheprotection of the doctrine of distribution of powers betweenorgans of theGovernment.Likemost of the democracies of theworld, the executive and the legislature are directlyquestionedfortheiractions.
Conclusion
InordertoattracttheprovisionsoftheAct,theinformationsoughtmusthavealargerpublicinterest.Ifdisclosureofassetsofthejudiciaryisessentialtobekeptopeninthepublicdomain,then there isnodenying the fact that the same shouldbedoneunarguably. If not, then thejudgehasno reason to fear suchdisclosure. Theonly thingwhich the judiciary shouldworryaboutistosecurepublicconfidence.
56.Howdoes the IndianConstitutionactasa sourceofethical guidance?Explainwith thehelpofsuitableexamples.
Introduction:
Indianconstitution is the supreme lawof land. It is the lengthiestwrittenconstitution in theworld and acts as source of ethical guidance to citizens, policy makers and various otherstakeholders.
Body
TheconstitutionactasasourceofethicalguidancethroughitssourcessuchasBasicTextoftheConstitution, Constituent Assembly debates, Freedom struggle, and Case Law Histories etc.,Theyare
• Aspervirtueethicis, justice is fundamental formaintainingorderof society. Justice isthefirstvaluementionedinthepreambleoftheconstitution.Allformofjustice–social,economic, political have been mentioned. This implicitly inspires for ‘distributivejustice’.
• Article 51A of Constitution provides fundamental duties to give way to ‘duty basedethicsforthecitizens.
Peace:
• Tolerance, non-aggression and universal brotherhood is depicted in article 51 of theconstitution which directs the state too promote international peace and security,maintain just and honourable relations between nations and foster respect forinternationallaw.
Responsibilitytowardsenvironment:
• Environmentalethics isprominentlypreachedby theconstitution. for instance,article48Aisaconstitutionalpointertothestatetoprotectandimprovetheenvironmentand
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• Article 51A (g) confers a fundamental duty on the citizens of India to protect andimprovetheenvironmentandhavecompassionforlivingcreatures.
Conclusion
Even after six decades of making, the Indian sacred document has been proved successfulbecauseofitsstrongethicalfoundationsandcontinuestoguidethestateanditssubjectsinanethicaldirection.
Ethics and accountability are closely related topics, however there lies significant difference.Accountabilitywithoutethicaldrivemaynotbesuccessful.
Maynotbesuccessful:
• Strictly following the rules to ensure accountability might not always help thepoor/needy. Consider an example of a public official, assigned with the task ofdistributing wheel chairs to disabled old people in a village. But, his senior officialinformshimtodistributeitonlytothoseholdingAadharcard.So,hemightnotbeableto provide wheelchair to few, who don’t have Aadhar card despite knowing theircondition.Hence,theaccountabilityisnotsuccessfulinsuchscenarios.
• Accountability in itself promotes ethical governance and principles such as impartiality,honesty etc. An example- Pubic disclosureof namesof beneficiaries of any scheme is anaccountability mechanism that prevents government from selecting beneficiaries on thegroundoffavouritismornepotism.
• The provision of dispute resolutionwould ensure better quality of decisionmaking. Civilservants are held accountable through code of conduct which prevents transgression ofdecisionmaking capacity. Thepublic official is not under any influence andwill act in anunbiasedmanner.
• Accountability brings inmany actors such as the governed and the governing. ProvisionssuchasRTI,Socialauditwouldensureitseffectiveness.
Conclusion
Overall, accountability isn’t the silver bullet to ensure efficient decision making andimplementation. It must be aided with ethical values and governance to ensure bettereffectivenessandefficiencyofpublicpolicy.
Ourconscienceisourinnerguideandithelpsyoufigureouthowtomakegoodchoices.Aswegrowup,we learnright fromwrong.Ourconscience is the thoughtand feelingwehave thattellsuswhether something is a rightorwrong thing todoor say.Conscience is a consistentguidetoethicaldecisionmaking:
• A human being always comes across ethical dilemmas in the decision making theprocess. Conscience acts as the guide for taking correct decisions when we have tochoose between competing sets of principles in a given, usually undesirable orperplexing,situation.
• Conscience is our ability to make a practical decision in light of ethical values andprinciples.Example:Followtheordersfromsuperiorv/stofollowtherightpath.
It is an arguable topic whether or not the conscience is the most reliable form of decisionmaking or not. The concept of consciencemay not bear any connectionwith any particularsubstantial moral view. The good ethical decision and conscience are not always in sync; itdependsonthesituation,stakeholdersandperceivingtheissue.ForExample,Ayouthmaygo
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for suicidebombing,gunviolence, riotsorLynchingat thenameofcow,considering it toberightasperhisradicalizedteachings.
Thevoiceofconsciencemightsuggestdifferentprinciplesanddifferentbehaviourstodifferentpeople. For example, while some health practitioners raise “conscientious” objection toabortion and refuse to provide the service, someone’s conscience might demand the exactopposite,i.e.,toperformabortionstorespectwhatisconscientiouslybelievedtobeawoman’sright.
Conclusion:
A conscience which is both well-formed (shaped by education and experience) and wellinformed(awareoffacts,evidenceandsoon)enablesustoknowourselvesandourworldandactaccordingly.Voiceofconscienceisthesourceofethicaldecisionmaking.
• Noguidingdiscretion:Laws leavehugescopeofdiscretion forofficers; like, thegovernorwhileselectingtheCMincaseofhungassemblyorthespeakerwhiledecidingovermoneybill. Theofficers need to takedecisions basedon ethics andpropriety.When there is nomorality,discretionismisusedandhamperstheoverallwelfareadministration.
• Sustainability in governance is reduced: An administrator, achieving goals set by theinstitutionthroughunethicalmeansmaysetabadprecedentforotherstofollowandthis
Wayforward:• Envisagingthreatstoethicalstandardsandintegrityinthepublicsector.• Fosterethicalcompetenceincivilservantsalongwithstrengtheningprofessionalethics.• Development of administrative practices and processeswhich promotemoral values and
integrity.• Enactment of efficient lawswhich require all public officials to state reasons for all their
Conclusion:Moralprinciplesthatgovernaperson’sbehaviourortheconductingofanactivityplayamajorrole in administration asthey have to face manyconflicts of interests during policy making,decisionmakingandpolicyimplementation.Thus,itmustbeensuredthatgovernanceisbasedonmorality, ethics and a sound emotional intelligence for promoting an efficient growth ofsocietyasawhole.
Legality is thefactthat something isallowedby thelaw. Legitimacy is based on three things.Firstofall,thepeoplewhoareaskedtoobeyauthorityhavetofeelliketheyhaveavoice-thatifthey speak up, theywill be heard. Second, the lawhas to be predictable. There has to be areasonableexpectationthattherulestomorrowaregoingtoberoughlythesameastherulestoday.Andthird,theauthorityhastobefair.Itcan’ttreatonegroupdifferentlyfromanother
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Legality Legitimacy
-Legality refers towhat fitswithin the lawandiscompliantwithalegalframework.
-“Legality”isaquestionofaction–whetheror not something that you’re doing is aviolation of either statutory or commonlaw.
-Legitimacy involves following a correct, fair,genuine, moral and ethical path. Legitimacy issymbolizedbywhat isachievedwith justice,whatisdeserved,whatisinherited.
• Whileeuthanasiamayseemtobelegitimateforendingthesufferingofaperson, it isnotlegalinmanynations.
Conclusion
Thelegalityandlegitimacybasedadministrationhasgainedimportancebecauseanyviolationof law by the administration can be punished by Judiciary and at the same time anadministrationwillfindithardtosurviveifitisillegitimate.
Acodeofethicsdocumentmayoutlinethemissionandvaluesofthebusinessororganization,how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on theorganization’scorevaluesandthestandardstowhichtheprofessionalisheld.
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Themainpurposeofacodeofethics istoguideallmanagerialdecisions,creatingacommonframeworkuponwhichalldecisionsarefounded.Thiscanaidtocreateaunifiedunderstandingof the boundarieswithin an organization and the standards set for interactingwith externalstakeholders.
Limitedroleofcodeofethics:
• Theonewhohastoensurethatthecodeisn’tviolated,maybecorruptorunethical.• A code of ethics may be defined exhaustively but itsimplementationmay not be that
• Acodeofethics canhelp company to showcustomers that it values integrity,define thetermsofethicalbehaviouratworkandguidedecision-making indifficult situations i,e., Ithelpsoneinsituationsofdilemma.Onemayfollowthecodeandfunctionethically.
• A formal, well-communicated code of ethics can assist to shield a company’s status andlegalstandingincaseofabreachofethicsbyanindividualworker.
• Setsbenchmark for appropriate behaviour. Provides a framework for reference in casediscretionarypowersaretobeused.
• The relevance is more in present society where values and ethics are on decline eitherseeminglybecauseofgreaterawarenessorinreality.
Overall, it can be said that code of ethics is desired, it acts a guiding beacon. But given itslimited effectiveness we need to ensure that the ones who aremeant to use the code arethemselvesrighteousbecauseanycodecanonlydisciplinesomeonebutnottransformhim/herintoanethicalperson.
Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong’s strategic location onthePearlRiverDeltaandtheSouthChinaSeahasmadeitoneoftheworld’smostthrivingandcosmopolitancities.HongKongbecameaSpecialAdministrativeRegion (SAR)of thePeople’sRepublic of Chinaon1 July 1997. The interferenceof the communist regimeof China in theinternal affairs of Hong Kong and its oppressive policies have led to various pro-democracyprotestsforautonomyinrecenttimes.MassiveprotestsinHongKonghaveeruptedagainstagovernment plan to allow extradition tomainland China. Civil unrests and severe economicclampdownsarebeingwitnessedintheregion.
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Body
• Right toprotest and strikearebasichuman right.Mostof theprotestsby the citizensofHong Kong have been peaceful, fighting for their rights against the China’s growinginfluence.
• ThedemandtowithdrawtheExtraditionbillisduetofearofabsenceoffairtrail,inhumanetreatment, absence of rule of law in China. This demand is justified on the grounds ofhumanity.
their concerns over Chinese political coercion. The global community needs to lend itssupporttothepeacefulHongKongprotestorsandensurebasichumanrights.
• If China happens to take the control of Hong Kong, it will turn a democratic nation intoAuthoritarianformofgovernment,withpeoplelosingmanycivilliberties.
The G7 was right to reaffirm the importance of the Sino-British joint declaration – whichguaranteedthatHongKong’swayoflifewouldbemaintaineduntil2047–initsjointstatementfromtheBiarritzsummit.Beijingreactedwithpredictablehostility,butothercountriesshouldnotbedeterred.TherisksarerealandthepeopleofHongKonghaveverylittleontheirside.Theyneedtheinternationalcommunity’sattentionandsupport.
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63. Should global institutions interfere in the internal affairs of a country if there areallegationsofhumanrightsviolations?Substantiateyourviewpoint.
Introduction:
Humanity&humanrightsmustbeattheultimateendofanyinternationalrelation.Hereethicscomes into play. International ethics offers understandings into how nations and globalinstitutionstreatothernationsandtheirpeople.
This is known as “Sovereign Responsibility”. However, when the state fails to protect itscitizen’s rights, the internationalcommunitycantakesteps toprotect them.Ex.RohingyaEthniccleansingandrefugeecrisis,RwandaTutsigenocide,SyrianCrisis.
• The international community cannot say that it is internalmatters, specificallywhen theinternalsystemandstate,itselfisinvolvedinHumanRightsviolation.
Example:TheaccusationsofallegedHumanRightsviolation inJK levelledbyPakistandidnotget international supports, as India has a good record of Human Rights protection, it has afunctionaldemocracy, independent judiciaryandShimlaagreementwithPakistantodealanysuchissuebilaterally.
TotackleviolationofHumanrights,countriesintheirsovereignlimitsandworldcommunitiesshould place humanity above all other small interests and immediate gains. Internationalorganizationsshouldhaveaproactiveresponseandshouldnotbreachthesovereigntyofthecountries inprotectinghumanrights.Theworldshouldcooperate toprevent theviolationofhumanrights.
Employmentprocessesandstandardsinbothcorporateworldandunderthegovernmenthavetheir own affirmative scopes and limitations. There are numerous standards that can beimplementedonbothsidestobettertheemploymentenvironmentrespectively.
• Performancebasedappraisal:Privatecorporatesectorsarewell-knownfortheirregardtoperformance and employee motivation. In government employment, promotions areusually timebasedandperformance, though important, isonlyoneof the factors.Seniordesignations, ingovernmentjobs,thoughalmostinvinciblypowerful,mayonlycomeafteryearsofpatience.
• Age,attemptsandpositions:Corporate jobsarefilledbasedondemandandrecruitmentdrives happen all year long as long as there is a need. Positions are filled in campusrecruitment, referral recruitment,onlinerecruitment,andthroughothermeans inusuallystraightforwardandstreamlinedprocesses.Mostpublic-sectorpositionsareopenedupfora limited period of time and at a nationwide level. The decision-making process can belong-drawnandtakeupwardsofmonthstoarriveataselection.
• Individual initiative:Private jobs have the opportunity tomake provisions for innovativeand individual initiative by sharp employees.On the contrary, government jobs ensure amonotonoushierarchyandprocesswithfewerprovisionsforchange.
• Competitiveandmotivationalemployeeprogrammes:Corporatestandardsensuretimelyemployee recreational and motivational activity based programmes which help enhanceemployeeperformanceandinteractionwithtoplevelandteammatesalike.
• Professionalprocessandnooverlappingprocedures:Governmentstandardsareknowntobe a long drawn process, with overlapping processes, lacking professionalism andaccountability.Corporateenvironmentpreventsthiskindoflethargicandtimetakingnormsandworking.
• Job Life Balance:Since job performances are directly related to job growth, the workculture promotes a certain level of competition, often unhealthy, to keep up the pace.Government jobsarerelativelyrelaxed,morestableandroutinebasedensuringasmoothorplannedpersonallifeaswell.
• Avoidingextremepressure forperformance:Betterdevolutionofworkandpre informedwork goals ensure comparatively lesser pressure on the individual and thus avoid manyhealthdisadvantagesbornoutofpressureandtargetbasedcorporateenvironment.
• Better retirement and additional facilities: Compared to the standards of governmentemploymentgovernance, corporateworkdemandsa fastpacedhighgrowthculture,andsometimescanendupforegoingadditionalfacilitiesandlacksecurityofjob.
65.What are your views on cross border immigration into India? Should India allow crossborderimmigrantstostay?Substantiateyourviews.
Introduction:
Anillegal immigrant in Indiais aperson residing in the countrywithoutofficialpermissionasprescribedby relevantIndian law.Thosewhoareexplicitly grantedrefugee statusdonot fallunderthiscategory
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India’sgeostrategiclocation,itsrelativelysoundeconomicpositionvis-à-visitsneighbours,andits liberaldemocraticcredentialshave longmadeitamagnetforpeople inotherpartsoftheregion who are fleeing persecution in their countries of origin or looking for a better life.Refugees/illegal immigrants from Tibet, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, andBangladesh have found shelter in India.While refugees coming from other areas—includingTibet,SriLanka,Afghanistan,andMyanmar—havebeendealtwithinasomewhatsystematic,althoughadhoc,manner,theinfluxofrefugees/illegalimmigrantsfromBangladeshhaslargelybeenleftunattended.
• Fromour roots: India is landofMahatmaGandhiji,MotherTheresaetc. It isourduty tospreadthewordofhumanity,sympathyandnon-violence.
• Can be a part of development:Immigrants can be given specific role and take part ingrowthanddevelopment.
Indiashouldnotallowcrossborderimmigrantstostay:
• Criminal activities:Trans boundary drug trade, cattle smuggling, etc is often carried outusing such illegal immigrants (Eg Punjab Drug menace and the North East especiallyManipur).Thiscanleadtoriseincrime.
• Instability in India:Many of the illegal immigrants are entering India in order to bringinstabilityinIndiabyterrorismandinsurgency.TheyarehelpingNaxalmovementstoo.
• Ghost beneficiaries:Makes difficult for government to identify true beneficiaries forschemesandbenefits.
• Islamophobic sentiments: Anti-immigrant and Islamophobic sentiments rage across theworld,fromNorthAmericaandEuropetoChinaandIndia.Boththosesentimentsmergedtogether in India with the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which sought to offerimmigrantsfromAfghanistan,PakistanandBangladeshapathtocitizenship,aslongastheywerenotMuslim.
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Conclusion
Crossbordermigrationhasadversely impactedthe interestsof localpopulations in theareasseeing large-scale influxes of illegal immigrants as well as India’s national security interests.Further,theabsenceofnationalrefugeelawshasblurredthedistinctionbetweenrefugeesandeconomicmigrants, leadingtothedenialofanyassistancetoevengenuineasylumseekers.ItnowposesanenormousproblemforIndiaandthemillionsofaffectedpeople.Furtherdelayinaddressingtheproblemwillonlymakemattersworse.
This isby far themostpractical ideaappliedbyVedic kings since time immemorial,practicaleventothisday.
• SaamNeeti:Whendisagreementsarrive,andarenotsubstantiallysettled,conflictsgrow.Identifyingandallayingdisagreements is theobjectof Saam.Itmeanspayingattention toyouradversary’sargumentandunderstandinghis/herperspective.
• Daam Neeti: People work for money, incentives, recognition, awards etc. Chanakyasuggestsrewardingpeoplesufficientlyinordertogettheworkdone.Organizationsdecidetofacilitatebycashorkind,dependinguponthepolicyformulated.
• Dand Neeti: Chanakya says “King with rod becomes a terror. A king with mild rod isdespised; king just with rod is honored”. Many employees may not show sign of
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improvementfromabovemethodsofmotivationsinspiteofconstantfollowup.Ifneitherrewardnorincentivebringsthemoutoflethargy,punishmentisstrongeroption,butneedtobeusedvery intelligently.Punishment is alwaysprescribed for view to improvenot todeteriorate.
Alloftheabovementionedneetigoesinasequence,startingwithSaam,ifthisfails,thenthereis a need tomove to Daam Neeti and so on. The final step being the Bhed Neeti and it isobserved inalmostallcasesthatresultsareattainedorseemtobeattained ifwefollowtheaboveprinciples.
Relevancetoday
LetustrytounderstandtheNeeti’susingexamples
• SaamNeeti:Inanyorganisations,thereisapossibilityofconflictbetweenpeopleworkingin a group. To sort these differences, there is a need for proper discussions.We need tolisten and understand others problem, convince them about management perspective.Solutions can be worked outto complex problems through negotiations. Sometimesexpertise from external or internal agency also can help.This principle can be applicableeveninInternationalRelations,whereforumscansortouttheirdifferences.
• DaamNeeti:Pieceratesystemofwagesisanexample,whichisareality inalmostalltheorganizationforcertaindefinedwork,targetbasedincentivesscheme,wheretargetmaybesales volume, productivity, machine efficiency. Award system, like best employee, mostregularemployee,longservingemployeeetc.allthesefallunderDaamneeti.
• Dand Neeti: Fear of punishment that people refrain from doing unrighteous things.Punishments like warning, show cause notice, suspension or salary cutting. Punishmentsunder CCS Rules for civil servant deter them from wrong-doing. Depending on level ofirregularity,typeofpunishmentcanbeusedinviewofmaintainingdiscipline.
• BhedNeeti:WhenbothemployeeandorganizationcannotworktogetherandPartingistheonlyoptionleft,elsecompanycanthinkoftransferringtosomeotherworkarea,whichmaynot be very crucial. Government officers, mostly policemen or IAS officers often facetransferunderthispolicy.
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Conclusion
The concept of Chanakya Neeti must be understood in a broader sense. Sometimes peopleseemtomisusethemfortheirpersonalbenefits. Itmustbeutilizedforagoodcause;Itmustalwaysabidebythelaw&orderandhelpinimprovementandnotdeterioration.
Probity is the act of strict adherence to the highest principles and ideals (integrity, goodcharacter, honesty, decency) rather than avoiding corrupt or dishonest conduct. It balancesservice to thecommunityagainst the self-interestof individuals.Moreover,Probityhasbeendescribedasariskmanagementapproachensuringproceduralintegrity.
Body:
According to the SecondAdministrativeReformsCommission, apart from the traditional civilservicevaluesofefficiency,integrity,accountabilityandpatriotism,civilservantsmustinculcateandadoptethicalandmoralvaluesincludingprobityinpubliclife.
Probity
Commitment toconstitutionalprinciples
Integrity
Honesty
Impartiality
Dedicatedandselflesspublic
serviceAccountability
Transparency
Confidentiality
ManagementofConflictsofInterest
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Importanceofprobityincivilservices:
• To prevent unethical practices like misconduct, fraud, favouritism, criminalization ofgovernance,self-centredfunctionariesandcorruptioningovernance.
• Tocatertotheneedsofallsectionsofsociety.Sothatinclusivegrowthisachieved.• To bring in good governance (Accountability, transparency, integrity, Confidentiality
mightypoliticianisthesameforthecivilservant.• Probityingovernanceistheantithesisofcorruptioninpubliclife.• Civil servant maintaining probity avoids corrupt or dishonest conduct, as it involves
69. Should the judiciary be brought under the purview of the RTI Act?Will it not lead toenhancedpublictrustinthejudiciary?Criticallycomment.
Introduction:
The Indian judicial system has attainedmaturity over a period ofmore than one and a halfcentury and has now earned an international reputation as one of the most efficientadjudicatorysystemsoftheworld.Timeandagainithasvehementlysupportedtheprinciplesof transparency and irritability in all spheres of governance. The Right to Information Act(RTI)aimstopromotetransparencyingovernmentinstitutionsinIndia.
• All power, judicial power being no exception, is held accountable in a modernConstitution.
• A blanket judicial exemption from the RTI Actwould defeat the basic idea of “openjustice”: that the workings of the courts, as powerful organs of state, have to be astransparentandopentopublicscrutinyasanyotherbody.
• BringingthejudiciaryundertheRTIActwillnotdestroythepersonalprivacyofjudgesasfeared: as the High Court judgment noted, theRTI Act itself has an inbuilt privacy-oriented protection, which authorises withholding the disclosure of personalinformationunlessthereisanoverridingpublicinterest.
• Whiledisclosureofassetsisarguablyjustifiedbyanoverridingpublicinterest,medicaldetails or information about marital status, for example, are clearly not. There willalwaysbeborderlinecases,ofcourse,butthatonlycallsfornuancedandfine-grainedanalysisofsuchcases,nothingmore.
• The Collegium at present has immunised itself from any form of public scrutiny. Thenominationprocessissecret,thedeliberationsaresecret,andthereasonsforelevationornon-elevationaresecret.
• Transparency in judicial functioning is crucial to maintaining public faith in theimpartialityoftheinstitution.
• It will ensure that accountability shall target mismanagement, abuse of discretion,corruptionandotheradministrativemalpractices.
• Peopleof thecountryhave increasingly startedbelieving in thedecisionof thecourtsand have, from time to time, shown their faith in the judicial process. This move ofexemptingjudiciaryfromRTIwithoutanyjust,legalorlogicalreasoningwillcastdoubtsonthejudgesandthepublicconfidenceinsuchapiousinstitutionwillbelost.
ArgumentsagainstbringingtheJudiciaryunderRTI
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• Disclosing the correspondence of the Collegium might destroy judicial independenceanddisclosingthereasonsforrejectionofajudgemightdestroyhisorherlifeorcareer.
• Itwillcompromiseindependenceofjudiciaryasspecifiedbyconstitution.• Itwillchallengethedecision-makingpowerofSupremeCourt.• Itwillcreateextraburdenonjudiciaryaseveryfieldwillbeanswerablebyjudiciary.• It will compromise secrecy & security involved in certain cases. This may prove
The RTI has been inherently recognized as a part of the right to freedom of an individualthroughtheprismoffundamentalrights.ThegrowthofPILhasconsiderablyhelpedinerodingthe secrecy regime and provided access to information and democratization of the judicialprocess.RighttoInformationisnodoubtakeytogoodgovernance.Butitalsohastobekeptinmind that the independence of the judiciary is a part of the basic structure of the IndianConstitution.Thus,whiledealingwiththeambitofRTIactregarding judiciary, itsapplicabilityandextendbothhavetobetakenintoconsideration.
70.While transparency reduces corruption, good governance goes beyond transparency inachievingOpenness.Opennessmeansinvolvingthestakeholdersindecision-makingprocess.Transparency is the right to information while openness is the right to participation.Comment.
Transparency is the condition of openness of system where no aspect whether related toinformation, principles, actions, rules etc is hidden from the stakeholders in terms ofaccessibility.
Openness is accommodating attitude or opinion, as in receptivity to new ideas, behaviours,cultures, peoples, environments, experiences, etc, different from the familiar, conventional,traditional,orone'sown.
• Increased efficiency and effectiveness: Greater transparency can also bring benefits togovernmentthemselves,directlyorindirectly.Therefore,transparencyisalsoconsideredtobeakeycomponentofpublicpolicyandefficiency.
• Againstcorruption:Freeandguaranteedaccesstoinformationenablescitizens,themediaand law enforcement agencies to use official records as a means to uncover cases ofcorruptionandmaladministration
• Openness benefits citizens: Open governments are built on robust and inclusiveengagement between citizens and governments. Fluid two-way communication betweencitizensandgovernmentsallowsgovernmentstobetterunderstandcitizens’trueneedsandtorespondtothoseneeds.
Example: RTI Act achieved its prime objective of bringing about a qualitative change in thegovernanceof this countrybybringing transparencybut recentamendmentsof TheRight toInformation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 could have taken inputs from thepublic tomake it lesscontroversialandefficient.
Disadvantages:
• Adverse effects: Instead of yielding more accountability, however, these reforms[transparencyreforms]haveyieldedmorelobbying,moreexpense,moredelay,andmoreindecision.
• Difficult to work under surveillance: Government officials cannot properly deliberate,collaborateandcompromisewheneverythingtheyaredoingisbeingwatched.
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• Personal details of individuals: The difficulty of balancing further transparency ofgovernment, while also protecting the privacy of personal information, or informationaboutidentifiableindividualsthatisinthehandsofthegovernment.
• Data protection:Dealing with distinctions between data protection regulations betweenprivateandpublicsectoractorsbecausegovernmentsmayaccessinformationcollectedbyprivatecompanieswhicharenotcontrolledbyasstringentlaws.
• Protecting citizens: There is also concern for protecting citizens' privacy so they are notexposed to "adverse consequences, retribution or negative repercussions" frominformationprovidedbygovernments
Conclusion
Openness and transparency centrally defines the processes, mediums and commitment agovernmentchoosesasthebasisofhowitsharesinformationwithitscitizens.Theimportanceof this process is that democracy requires citizen participation, involvement andmeaningfulengagement such that a government is able to lay bare its operational activities for openscrutinybythepublic.
71. The Right to Information forms the philosophical core of transparent governance.Elucidate.
• RighttoInformationisthemosteffectiveinstrumenttocheckcorruptionwherethecitizenhas the right to take the initiatives to seek information from the state and therebypromotes openness, transparency and accountability in administration by making thegovernmentmoreopentopublicscrutiny.
• The Right to Information act is intended to promote accountability and transparency ingovernment bymaking the process of governmentdecisionmakingmore open. Thoughsome departments of the Union government are exempted from this Act but theinformation can be sought if it is concerned with violation of human rights. Even theinformationfromtheprivateauthoritycanbesoughtonlythroughthecontrollingauthorityandcontrollingauthoritywillsendthenoticetotheinstitutionconcernedundersection11oftheAct.
• ThelargeruseofRTIhasbeenseeninareasofwomenempowerment,youthdevelopment,democratic rights, rights and entitlements of the underprivileged, abuse of executivediscretionandstrengtheningofparticipativeandgoodgovernance.
• Itempoweredthepeopletoquestion,audit,review,examine,andassessgovernmentactsand decisions to ensure that these are consistentwith the principles of public interests,goodgovernanceandjustice.
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• Of the millions of applications for information, less than 5 per cent have been deniedinformation under various exemption categories. So, accountability has invariably led toefficiencyandasenseofresponsibilityamonggovernmentofficials.
SuccessstoriesofRTI
• Adarsh Society Scam: a six-storey building meant for the widows of Kargil war heroes,turned into a31-storeyhigh-rise calledAdarshHousing Society. The locationbecame theabodeofpoliticians,bureaucrats,andtopmilitaryofficers.ThenexuswasexposedbyRTIactivistsSimpreetSinghandYogacharyaAnandji.
72.Would you support the idea of legally enforceable code of ethics for bureaucrats andpoliticians?Substantiateyourviews.
Introduction
Code of ethics represents certain values and norms that standardise one’s behaviour indifferentaspectsoflife.Itleadstomoralityinactionsandthusensuresfairnessandjusticetoall.Itisoftenseenthatcivilservantsandpoliticiansdonotadheretorequiredmoralvalues.
MLAwithcivicofficerorSeniorofficersmakingjuniorofficialscleaningtheirshoes.• Many corruption scandals unearthed such as in giving accreditation to educational
• Horse trading, defections often show lack of integrity and organizational ethics. Officialstakingprejudiceddecisionsorfavouringanideologywhiledischargingofficialduties.
• Ithelpsoneinsituationsofdilemma.Onemayfollowthecodeandfunctionethically.• Sets benchmark for appropriate behaviour. Provides a framework for reference in case
discretionarypowersaretobeused.• Would ensure increased accountability and transparency among politicians and
bureaucrats.• The relevance is more in present society where values and ethics are on decline either
Considering the current issues in politics and governance, Code of Ethics seems to be rightchoiceandtimehascomeforitsimplementation.Stilltherearecertainotherthingsthatneedstodonelike,rightethicaltraining,valuebasededucationatschoolandcollegelevels,inductingrighteouspeopleinthesystem.
The citizen’s charter is awritten, voluntarydeclarationby serviceproviders thatoutlines thecommitmentof theorganization towards standard,quality and timeframeof servicedeliveryalongwith grievance redressmechanism. This also includes expectations of theOrganizationfromtheCitizen/ClientforfulfillingthecommitmentoftheOrganization.
The Citizens' Charter is an instrument which seeks to make an organization transparent,accountableandcitizen-friendly.
• It enhances accountability by providing citizenswith a clear understanding of servicedelivery standards, including timetables, user fees for services, and options forgrievanceredress.
• It creates a way for both internal and external actors to objectively monitor servicedeliveryperformance.Itensuresbetterservicequalityandgrievanceredressal.
• Just a formality: The general perception of organisations which formulated Citizens’Charterswasthattheexercisewastobecarriedoutbecausetherewasadirectionfromthe top. It thus became one of the routine activities of the organisation and had nofocus. They are nothing but pious statements of intention which do not contain anyobjectivegoals.
• Overburden Organization: Departments are already overburdened. Charter leads todiversionofdepartmenttimefromworksofpublicimportance.
• Lack of trained staff: Staff doesn’t have proper training and orientation and areunawareofthespiritandcontentoftheCharter.
• Lack of awareness: It remains unreached to thepublic due to the lackof awareness.Awareness campaigns to educate clients about the Charter were not conductedsystematically.
• UnrealisticCharter:Insomecases,thestandards/timenormsofservicesmentionedinCitizens’ Charterwere either too lax or too tight andwere, therefore, unrealistic andcreatedanunfavourableimpressionontheclientsoftheCharter.
Governance still needs to be improved as the aspirations of people have gone up and thegovernmentcannotrunawayfromitsresponsibility.Therefore,witheffectiveimplementationstrategy,simplifiedmeticulousdesignanddeploymentofenthusiasticstaffandwithadequateawarenesscampaigns,possibleexternalauditswecangoalongwayinmakingCitizenCharteratoolforbettergovernance.
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74.Thegovernment,throughtheMotorVehicleAmendmentAct,hassubstantiallyincreasedthe penalty for traffic rule violations. What is your opinion of this step? We lack basicfacilities including good roads and related services. Is it not unethical on part of thegovernmenttohavedonethis?Comment.
Introduction:
TheMotor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019has come into force today, and with its roll-outcomehigherpenaltiesfortrafficoffenses.TheserulesplayanimportantpartseeingthatsomeofthemostunsaferoadswhenitcomestodrivingarewitnessedinIndia.
• It includesaprovisionthatmandatesautomatedfitnesstestingforvehicles.Thisproposalwouldhelpreducecorruptioninthetransportdepartmentandimproveroadworthinessofthevehicle.
However, in the backdrop of government lacking in provision of good roads and relatedamenities, these steps seem to exert all road safety responsibilities on citizens. Though notunethicaltoimplementthesepenalties,therearesevereshortcomingsbygoverningauthoritieswhichinclude:
• There is an urgent need for improving the road design through engineering designcorrections.Forexample:Severalroadaccidentshavebeencausedduetofaultyroadsandpoorlymaintainedpotholes.
• Use of inferior materials and corrupt constructions which result in road damages andaccelerated destruction of pavements, dividers etc inculcate a sense of wrong usage oftaxpayers’money.
Thus, though the act has a number of forward-looking ideas, which was due for so long, itrequires both sides of the problem to responsibly undertake the measures- Government
India requires a hefty penalty tomake people deter frombreaking the law, as seen inmostcases.However,precautionsmustbetakenfromthegovernmenttooontheirpart,toensurebetter roads, higher construction and maintenance standards, and timely precautionarymeasurestoavoidincreasingthedifficultiesforcitizens’roadbehaviour.
TheexpenditureofthecentralgovernmenthasincreasedfromRs3.3lakhcrorein2000-01toRs 24.4 lakh crore in 2018-19. This translates to an expenditure of about Rs 20,000 perperson.With theobjectiveof improving thequalityof lifeof citizens, thesepublic fundsarespent across various sectors such as defence, security, agriculture, health, social welfare,education,andinfrastructure.
• Services: Integration of information resources and services of state and localgovernmentstostrengthennationalinformationspace;
• Optimizing resources: Improvingpublicadministration,optimizingthestructureofthestateapparatus,reducingthefinancialandmaterialcostsforitsmaintenance,agradualtransfer of government services that have value in a system of government onlineservicesthatmeetstherealneedsofcitizensandorganizations;
• Financialsupport:Effectivelysupporttheeconomicactivitiesofpublicentitiesthatareengaged in economic activities, allowing them to effectively integrate into a nationalandglobaleconomicspace.
• Economic justice: The allocation of funds inwelfare schemes like poverty alleviation,subsidiesandefficienttargetingofthebeneficiariestodirectthesefundsbringsincome
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equality. Pradhan Manri Ujjwala Scheme for instance provides LPG subsidies underDirect Benefit Transfer avoiding leakages and fraudulent resulted in economicindependencetowomen.
• Social Justice: public money can be well spent on upliftment of weaker sectionsspeciallySC,ST,womenandoldage.ExampleSukanyaSmridhiyojana,StartupIndia.
• Members of Parliament:MPshavea core role inexamininghow thismoney isbeingraised,howitisplannedtobespent,andwhethersuchspendingwouldleadtodesiredoutcomes.
• MPshold thegovernmentaccountable foruseofpublic funds in two stages:Firstly,beforethebeginningofeachyear,theyscrutiniseandapprovetheUnionBudgetwhichcontainstheexpenditurepriorities,taxationproposals,andborrowingrequirementsfortheupcomingfinancialyear.Second,theyexaminetheauditreportsontheapprovedspendingtoseewhethertheallocationwasusedeffectivelyandappropriately.
• Financial Committees: They will scrutinise and exercise parliamentary control overgovernmentexpenditureandtablereportsinParliament.
• Objectivity:In carrying out public business, including making public appointments,awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders ofpublicofficeshouldmakechoicesonmerit.
