लोक सेवाओं में वस्तुनिष्ठता एवं निष्ठा: समय की मांग

1. वस्तुनिष्ठता की आवश्यकता:

• निष्पक्ष निर्णय: वस्तुनिष्ठता सुनिश्चित करती है कि निर्णय तथ्य और प्रमाणों पर आधारित हों, न कि व्यक्तिगत पूर्वाग्रह या बाहरी दबावों पर। उदाहरण के लिए, राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अधिनियम (NFSA) के तहत खाद्य सामग्री का वितरण निष्पक्षता से करना आवश्यक है ताकि हर पात्र व्यक्ति को उसका हक मिल सके।
• पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही: वस्तुनिष्ठ निर्णय लेने से पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित होती है, जो कि सार्वजनिक विश्वास के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण हैं। सूचना का अधिकार (RTI) अधिनियम इसका एक अच्छा उदाहरण है, जो सरकारी कामकाज में पारदर्शिता को बढ़ावा देता है।

2. निष्ठा की आवश्यकता:

• जन कल्याण के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता: निष्ठा सरकारी कर्मचारियों को जन कल्याण के लिए ईमानदारी से काम करने के लिए प्रेरित करती है। COVID-19 महामारी के दौरान, सरकारी अधिकारियों ने रात-दिन मेहनत की ताकि स्वास्थ्य उपाय लागू हो सकें और प्रभावित लोगों को सहायता मिल सके।
• नीति कार्यान्वयन: निष्ठा यह सुनिश्चित करती है कि नीतियाँ और कार्यक्रम प्रभावी ढंग से लागू हों। उदाहरण के लिए, प्रधानमंत्री आवास योजना (PMAY) के तहत, अधिकारियों की निष्ठा यह सुनिश्चित करती है कि गरीबों को समय पर आवास उपलब्ध कराया जा सके।

3. चुनौती और मांग:

• समस्याओं की जटिलता: आधुनिक प्रशासनिक परिदृश्य में जटिल समस्याएं होती हैं जिन्हें वस्तुनिष्ठ विश्लेषण और निष्ठा की आवश्यकता होती है। जलवायु परिवर्तन जैसे मुद्दों को संबोधित करते समय वैज्ञानिक डेटा, नीति ढांचे, और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सहयोग की आवश्यकता होती है।
• जनता की अपेक्षाएँ: जनता की अपेक्षाओं और सार्वजनिक निगरानी में वृद्धि हुई है। वस्तुनिष्ठता और निष्ठा इन अपेक्षाओं को पूरा करने और शासन में विश्वास बनाए रखने के लिए आवश्यक हैं।

निष्कर्ष: आज के समय में लोक सेवाओं में वस्तुनिष्ठता और निष्ठा अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण हैं। वस्तुनिष्ठता निष्पक्ष और प्रमाण आधारित निर्णय सुनिश्चित करती है, जबकि निष्ठा जटिल सामाजिक समस्याओं को सुलझाने और गुणवत्तापूर्ण सार्वजनिक सेवाओं को प्रदान करने के लिए प्रतिबद्धता का प्रतीक है। दोनों गुणों का समन्वय प्रभावी और पारदर्शी प्रशासन के लिए आवश्यक है।

Factors Influencing Formation of Individual’s Attitude Towards Social Problems

**1. Family Background and Upbringing: Family plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s attitude towards social issues. Values and beliefs imparted by family members can significantly influence one’s views. For example, a person raised in a family that values social justice and community service is more likely to develop a positive attitude towards addressing social problems like poverty or inequality.

• Example: A study found that children from families engaged in volunteering and charitable activities are more inclined to support social causes and participate in community service.

**2. Education and Knowledge: Education broadens perspectives and provides critical thinking skills necessary to understand and address social issues. Higher education levels and exposure to diverse viewpoints can foster a more nuanced understanding of social problems.

• Example: Educational programs on climate change, such as those incorporated in school curriculums and higher education courses, help students develop a proactive attitude towards environmental conservation.

**3. Media and Information Exposure: The media plays a significant role in shaping attitudes by highlighting certain issues and framing them in specific ways. The portrayal of social problems in news, films, and social media can influence public perception.

• Example: The widespread coverage of Me Too movement has shifted societal attitudes towards sexual harassment, raising awareness and leading to stronger advocacy for women’s rights and workplace reforms.

**4. Personal Experiences: Direct personal experiences with social problems can deeply impact one’s attitude. Experiencing or witnessing issues like discrimination, violence, or economic hardship firsthand can drive individuals to advocate for change.

• Example: Individuals who have been affected by or witnessed domestic violence are often more empathetic and active in supporting policies and organizations that address domestic abuse.

**5. Peer Influence and Social Networks: Peers and social networks influence attitudes through shared experiences and collective viewpoints. Social circles can reinforce or challenge individual perspectives on social issues.

• Example: Participation in social movements or advocacy groups, such as those supporting LGBTQ+ rights, can influence an individual’s attitude by aligning them with a community of like-minded individuals.

**6. Cultural and Societal Norms: Cultural and societal norms shape attitudes by defining what is considered acceptable or problematic within a community. Adherence to these norms can influence an individual’s stance on social issues.

• Example: In societies where traditional gender roles are strictly followed, there may be resistance to progressive views on gender equality. Conversely, cultures with strong egalitarian values may promote more supportive attitudes towards gender issues.

Conclusion: An individual’s attitude towards social problems is shaped by a complex interplay of factors including family background, education, media exposure, personal experiences, peer influence, and cultural norms. Understanding these influences helps in addressing and potentially altering attitudes to foster more positive and constructive engagement with social issues.

Understanding Moral and Political Attitude of Humans

Moral Attitude: Moral attitude refers to an individual’s beliefs, values, and principles about what is right and wrong. It guides their behavior and decision-making in personal and societal contexts. This attitude is shaped by cultural, religious, and personal experiences and influences how one approaches ethical dilemmas and interactions with others.

• Example: Greta Thunberg demonstrates a strong moral attitude by advocating for climate action despite facing significant criticism. Her belief in the urgency of climate change reflects her commitment to environmental ethics, illustrating how moral attitudes can drive individuals to challenge existing systems for the greater good.

Political Attitude: Political attitude encompasses an individual’s opinions and positions regarding political ideologies, policies, and governance. It is influenced by personal experiences, societal norms, and current political contexts. Political attitudes can shape one’s support for political parties, policies, and leaders.

• Example: In India, the rise of populist leaders like Narendra Modi has been supported by various segments of the population due to their alignment with specific political attitudes. Supporters may view his policies as beneficial for national development, while critics may oppose his approach due to concerns over secularism and inclusivity.

Justification in the Present Political Scenario: In today’s political environment, moral and political attitudes play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and policy-making. For instance, the ongoing protests against farm laws in India highlight differing moral and political attitudes towards agricultural policies. The farmers’ protest reflects a moral stance on fair compensation and protection, while the government’s position illustrates a political attitude favoring economic reforms.

In summary, moral and political attitudes are essential in understanding individual and collective behavior in the current political scenario. They guide actions, influence policy support, and shape societal debates, as seen in various contemporary issues and movements.

Recommendations for Compensation in the Case of an On-Duty Death Due to Alcohol Consumption

As the Head of the Human Resources Department, addressing the issue of compensation for a worker who died on duty while under the influence of alcohol requires a balanced approach. The worker’s family is demanding compensation, and the company has initially denied it based on the findings of the investigation. Here are the potential recommendations and their merits and demerits:

Recommendation 1: Provide Compensation to the Family

• Merits:
  • Humanitarian Consideration: Providing compensation demonstrates empathy and respect for the deceased worker and supports the bereaved family in their time of need. For instance, after the 2022 Mumbai building collapse, many companies provided support to the victims’ families even when negligence was involved.
  • Worker Morale: Offering compensation can prevent further unrest among the workforce and maintain overall morale. This can prevent strikes and ensure continued productivity.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): It reflects a company’s commitment to social responsibility, which can enhance the company’s reputation and foster a positive work environment.
• Demerits:
  • Setting a Precedent: Providing compensation might set a precedent that could lead to future claims in similar situations, potentially creating financial strain on the company.
  • Accountability Issues: It might undermine the message of maintaining workplace safety and responsibility, especially if alcohol consumption is explicitly against company policy.

Recommendation 2: Deny Compensation Based on Policy

• Merits:
  • Policy Adherence: Denying compensation based on the policy reinforces the importance of adhering to workplace safety rules and regulations. It also upholds the company’s stance on preventing workplace intoxication.
  • Prevention of Misuse: This approach could deter workers from violating company policies, thus promoting a safer work environment.
• Demerits:
  • Employee Morale and Relations: Denying compensation might lead to labor unrest and decreased morale, as seen in the 2021 Amazon warehouse workers’ strike over safety concerns and compensation issues.
  • Public Perception: The company might face negative public relations and damage to its reputation for appearing insensitive to the family’s plight.

Recommendation 3: Partial Compensation with Conditions

• Merits:
  • Balanced Approach: Providing partial compensation, perhaps with conditions such as a cap on the amount or financial support for specific needs, strikes a balance between empathy and policy adherence.
  • Flexibility: This approach can address the family’s immediate needs while maintaining the company’s stance on workplace policies. For example, Infosys has offered partial compensation in cases of negligence but also implemented strict safety measures.
• Demerits:
  • Complexity in Implementation: Determining the conditions and amount might be complex and could still lead to dissatisfaction among the workers or the deceased’s family.
  • Potential for Disputes: There could be disagreements over the terms and the amount, leading to further disputes or legal challenges.

Conclusion:

The most balanced recommendation would be Recommendation 3: Partial Compensation with Conditions. It allows the company to demonstrate compassion and responsibility while maintaining its policy on workplace safety. This approach can mitigate potential unrest and maintain a positive work environment without completely disregarding company policies.

Handling a Personal Emergency on the Day of the Interview

Situation Analysis: As an IAS aspirant selected for a personal interview, encountering an accident involving injured relatives on the way to the venue presents a critical dilemma. Immediate action is required to address both the emergency and the interview commitment.

Immediate Action:

1. Provide Immediate Assistance:
   • First Response: The foremost priority is to ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the injured relatives. This involves providing first aid if possible, calling emergency services, and securing the accident site to prevent further injuries.
   • Recent Example: During the Delhi road accident in August 2023, bystanders played a crucial role in administering first aid and contacting emergency services, significantly aiding the victims before medical professionals arrived.
2. Notify the Interview Panel:
   • Timely Communication: After ensuring the immediate safety of the relatives or delegating someone to assist them, promptly inform the interview panel about the situation. This demonstrates transparency and responsibility.
   • Example: In similar scenarios, candidates have contacted examination authorities or interview panels to explain their situation. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, candidates faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances and were allowed rescheduling of interviews upon informing the authorities.

Justification for Action:

1. Humanitarian Responsibility:
   • Ethical Obligation: Prioritizing the well-being of individuals in distress aligns with ethical and humanitarian principles. As a future IAS officer, showing empathy and immediate action in a crisis reflects essential qualities of leadership and responsibility.
2. Professional Integrity:
   • Transparency: Communicating the situation to the interview panel upholds professional integrity and avoids any perception of misconduct. It also allows the panel to reschedule the interview, understanding the exceptional nature of the situation.
3. Commitment to Duty:
   • Balancing Priorities: Ensuring the relatives’ safety while responsibly informing the panel demonstrates an ability to manage urgent personal responsibilities alongside professional commitments, a critical trait for an IAS officer.

Conclusion: In such a scenario, immediate action to assist the injured relatives is the foremost priority, reflecting ethical responsibility and human compassion. Subsequently, informing the interview panel about the situation ensures transparency and maintains professional integrity. This approach balances humanitarian concerns with professional commitments, showcasing the qualities required for an IAS officer.