“In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication.” Examine the claim using relevant examples in the context of a public official carrying out their responsibilities.
Model Answer Introduction Social audit is a vital process that assesses, monitors, and evaluates public services and programs by involving citizens and civil society organizations. It promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance, making it essential across all spheres of public serviceRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Social audit is a vital process that assesses, monitors, and evaluates public services and programs by involving citizens and civil society organizations. It promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance, making it essential across all spheres of public service, including the judiciary.
The Role of Social Audits in Various Sectors
Judiciary
An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is crucial in the judiciary to ensure performance and ethical conduct. Mechanisms such as judicial review and transparency initiatives enable public scrutiny of judicial decisions. For instance, evaluating delays in case disposal and transparency in the appointment of judges can enhance accountability. Public trust in the judiciary can be significantly improved through regular assessments of judicial conduct.
Public Services
In India, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) exemplifies successful social auditing. The act incorporates social audits that allow citizens and civil society organizations to verify the work undertaken, wages paid, and overall effectiveness of the rural employment guarantee scheme. This participatory approach ensures high levels of accountability and public involvement in governance.
Healthcare
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) in India utilizes social audits to monitor maternal and child health services. Community participation enables citizens to assess service availability, infrastructure, and the behavior of healthcare professionals. Such initiatives lead to improved health outcomes and greater public confidence in healthcare services.
Education
The Right to Education Act (RTE) mandates School Management Committees (SMCs) to conduct social audits, focusing on teacher attendance, mid-day meal programs, and educational infrastructure. By involving parents and community representatives, these audits promote accountability and ensure that educational policies are implemented effectively.
Public Infrastructure Projects
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) incorporates social audits to evaluate sanitation initiatives. Community members inspect toilet construction and usage, assessing program effectiveness and identifying discrepancies, thus ensuring transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
Independent and empowered social audit mechanisms are essential across all public service sectors, including the judiciary. They promote the efficient delivery of services while ensuring transparency and accountability. In the judiciary, such mechanisms enhance ethical conduct and public trust in the institution, ultimately fostering a more responsible governance framework.
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Model Answer Introduction The statement suggests that when public servants engage in actions deemed beneficial, they may take liberties as long as such actions are not explicitly prohibited by law. However, this raises critical questions about the definition of a "good thing" and the ethical implicaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The statement suggests that when public servants engage in actions deemed beneficial, they may take liberties as long as such actions are not explicitly prohibited by law. However, this raises critical questions about the definition of a “good thing” and the ethical implications of actions that may not be legally restricted.
Body
Upholding the Law
Public servants are entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing laws fairly and ethically. They cannot justify unethical behavior by claiming to pursue good outcomes.
Example: The extrajudicial killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh involved police officers who acted unlawfully under the guise of maintaining public order. Their actions, justified as serving the greater good, resulted in severe legal and ethical repercussions.
Corruption and Bribery
Public servants must act in the public’s interest, free from corruption. Acceptance of bribes is never justified, regardless of the claimed intentions behind the actions.
Example: In 2012, IRS officer Ashok Kumar Singh was arrested for accepting a bribe of ₹2 lakh to manipulate a tax assessment. His actions, aimed to benefit certain individuals, ultimately undermined public trust.
Misuse of Power
Power should be exercised within legal boundaries. Misusing authority for personal gain, even if perceived as beneficial, erodes public trust.
Example: The Adarsh Housing Society scam involved politicians and bureaucrats who exploited their positions to secure apartments meant for war veterans, undermining ethical governance.
Conflict of Interest
Public servants should avoid personal interests conflicting with their duties.
Example: Former Minister Shashi Tharoor faced scrutiny for alleged conflicts of interest during the IPL controversy, where his involvement in a bidding company raised ethical concerns while he served in a governmental role.
Conclusion
These examples illustrate that public servants must prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability over perceived good intentions. Upholding ethical standards and the law is essential for fostering trust and promoting good governance in society.
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