Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define social accountability: Capacity of citizens to hold government and service providers accountable. Explain the link between social accountability, democratic governance, and service delivery. Mention that social accountability mechanisms encourage transparency, citizen participation, and government responsiveness. 2. Improved Governance Explanation: ...
Model Answer Introduction Corruption continues to be a major issue in India, deeply rooted in various sectors like politics, business, and governance. I agree with the view that corruption thrives in Indian society due to its social acceptance and the perception that it is aspirational, although recRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Corruption continues to be a major issue in India, deeply rooted in various sectors like politics, business, and governance. I agree with the view that corruption thrives in Indian society due to its social acceptance and the perception that it is aspirational, although recent shifts in public attitudes indicate growing resistance.
Social Acceptance and Aspirational View of Corruption
Corruption often creates an image of success, with individuals who accumulate wealth and power through corrupt means being admired. In many cases, achieving success “by any means necessary” is seen as a shortcut to wealth, normalizing unethical practices. This normalization is further reflected in the widespread acceptance of “speed money,” where bribes are seen as a practical way to expedite services or get things done. For example, in sectors like bureaucracy and police, corruption is seen as the only effective way to bypass systemic inefficiencies, creating a cycle that is hard to break.
Shifting Attitudes and Anti-Corruption Movements
However, over time, there has been a growing intolerance towards corruption in India. The India Against Corruption Movement in 2011 became a significant turning point, mobilizing public opinion and pressuring the government for greater accountability. As a result, legislative measures like the Right to Information Act (2005) and the Lokpal Act (2013) were enacted to combat corruption more effectively.
Corruption in Elections and Public Sentiment
Corruption has also become a key issue in Indian elections, influencing the political landscape. Public outrage over high-profile scandals, such as the 2G spectrum case, coal allocation scam, and allegations of “40% commission” governments, has led to electoral shifts, showing that the public is increasingly intolerant of corrupt practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while corruption thrives due to its social acceptance and perceived aspirational nature, there has been a marked shift in public sentiment toward greater accountability and the need for institutional reforms. Strengthening anti-corruption laws, promoting ethical leadership, and integrating ethics into education are essential for a long-term solution.
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Model Answer Introduction Social accountability refers to the ability and capacity of citizens to hold the government and service providers accountable, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the people. It plays a critical role in enhancing democratic governance and improving service deliveryRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Social accountability refers to the ability and capacity of citizens to hold the government and service providers accountable, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the people. It plays a critical role in enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery by empowering citizens and promoting transparency.
Improved Governance
Social accountability fosters a constructive relationship between citizens and the government by enabling citizens to access information, voice concerns, and demand accountability. For example, the Right to Information (RTI) Act allows citizens to obtain information from public authorities, promoting transparency and holding public officials accountable for their actions.
Increased Development Effectiveness
Social accountability pressures governments to be more responsive and transparent in delivering public services. Social audits are one such tool that evaluates the effectiveness of development projects. By assessing whether these projects align with the needs and priorities of the communities they serve, social audits contribute to better governance and more effective delivery of services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Empowerment and Citizen Engagement
Social accountability initiatives help citizens understand their rights and entitlements, thereby enabling active participation in governance. Citizen Report Cards empower individuals to assess public services, leading to improved government responsiveness and better service delivery.
Poverty Reduction
Social accountability mechanisms can contribute to poverty reduction by improving pro-poor policy design and service delivery. A notable example is Participatory Budgeting in Kerala, which has significantly enhanced rural infrastructure and helped reduce poverty in these areas.
Improved Service Delivery
As citizens become more aware of their rights, their demand for quality and timely service increases. This puts pressure on public officials to improve performance. The Citizen Charter provides citizens with clear information about their rights and the level of service they can expect, increasing accountability in service delivery.
Conclusion
Social accountability is a critical tool for improving democratic governance and service delivery. By empowering citizens, promoting transparency, and ensuring government responsiveness, it deepens democracy and strengthens governance.
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