Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce corruption as a prevalent issue in Indian society. Mention the view that corruption thrives due to social acceptance and the perception that it is aspirational. State your stance on the issue, whether you agree or disagree, and ...
Answer: Policing is essential for maintaining law and order and smooth functioning of the society. However, police officers in day to day life often face various ethical challenges as follows: Conflict between means and ends: Police officers often face the dilemma of whether to use wrong means to acRead more
Answer: Policing is essential for maintaining law and order and smooth functioning of the society. However, police officers in day to day life often face various ethical challenges as follows:
- Conflict between means and ends: Police officers often face the dilemma of whether to use wrong means to achieve good ends in policing. For instance, taking recourse to encounters of criminals to ensure greater peace in the society or using excessive force against a public protest to maintain law and order.
- Conflict between obedience and legality: In day to day life, police officers often face ethical challenges of whether to follow state directives despite it being illegal or uphold professional integrity and legality of law. For example, state surveillance of opposition leaders through phone tapping by the police undermining the privacy rights enshrined in the Constitution.
- Acting impartially: Police officers may be limited in their ability to uphold the law by following specific procedures. For example, when an officer is aware of domestic violence but has no court-acceptable evidence to pursue the case.
Reasons behind police corruption.
- Misuse of power and discretion: Police personnel wield wide powers and discretion while discharging their functions and those driven by selfish motives can misuse it to accumulate private gains such as receiving free drinks, meals, and other gratuities.
- Ineffective enforcement of legislations: Ambiguities in legislations and administrative delays coupled with the police discretion “to act or not to act” in respect of certain offenses give ample opportunities to the personnel to resort to corrupt practices.
- Criminalization of politics: Nexus between the politicians and mafia operators prompt many police personnel to collude with such forces.
- Vicious cycle of bribery: Policemen who have paid their way through, try to recover the amount as soon as possible and corruption becomes a tool for getting better return on investment.
- Other factors: Low salary structures, nature and hours of duty, poor training, accommodation problems etc. also perpetuate police personnel to indulge in corruption.
Thus, there is a need to ensure greater police accountability, better service conditions etc. to abate police corruption in India. Further, implementation of the Supreme Court directions on police reforms under the Prakash Singh case, 2006 enforcing transparent postings and appointments, political neutrality etc. can go a long way in ensuring ethics in police functioning.
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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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