Describe what is meant by “social capital.” How does it improve the governance of good (150 words)[UPSC 2023]
Model Answer Introduction The performance of civil servants is critical for the effective functioning of government institutions and the delivery of public services. A comprehensive evaluation of their performance should include ethical traits, which provide insights into their conduct and integrityRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The performance of civil servants is critical for the effective functioning of government institutions and the delivery of public services. A comprehensive evaluation of their performance should include ethical traits, which provide insights into their conduct and integrity.
Five Ethical Traits
1. Integrity
Definition: Integrity involves acting honestly, fairly, and transparently, even under pressure.
Justification: Civil servants with integrity are trustworthy, enabling them to make decisions that are in the best interest of the public.
Example: T. N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, implemented reforms to ensure free and fair elections, demonstrating integrity in his role.
2. Accountability
Definition: Accountability refers to the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.
Justification: Civil servants who are accountable foster trust and integrity, as they are willing to explain their decisions and face consequences.
Example: IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri Dasari took a firm stand against illegal mining in Karnataka in 2018, despite political pressure, showcasing her accountability.
3. Objectivity
Definition: Objectivity involves making decisions based on facts and evidence rather than personal biases.
Justification: Objective civil servants ensure that policies are fair and based on data, leading to better governance.
Example: Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, is renowned for his data-driven approach to policy-making.
4. Respect for Diversity
Definition: This trait entails recognizing and appreciating differences among individuals and groups.
Justification: Respect for diversity promotes inclusivity and ensures that all stakeholders are treated with dignity.
Example: R. Subrahmanyam, former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, worked to promote diversity and inclusion in governance.
5. Professionalism
Definition: Professionalism encompasses maintaining high standards of conduct and communication.
Justification: Professional civil servants uphold the values of the civil service, which is essential for public trust and effective service delivery.
Example: K. Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has been pivotal in shaping science and technology policies through his professionalism.
Conclusion
Civil servants exhibiting these ethical traits are more likely to earn public respect and effectively serve the public interest. Evaluating their performance based on these traits can identify areas for improvement and guide targeted training and support.
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Model Answer Introduction Social capital refers to the collective value of trust, cooperation, and mutual support within a community, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing. For instance, neighbors helping each other during crises exemplifies how social bonds foster resilience and cooperatiRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Social capital refers to the collective value of trust, cooperation, and mutual support within a community, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing. For instance, neighbors helping each other during crises exemplifies how social bonds foster resilience and cooperation.
Understanding Social Capital
Components of Social Capital
Social capital comprises three integral components:
These components are interlinked; for example, volunteer networks can establish norms like environmental responsibility, with non-participants facing social sanctions, thereby enhancing both practices and community unity.
Reinforcing Relationships
The dynamics between social capital’s components are crucial for its sustainability. In closely-knit neighborhoods, regular gatherings and mutual assistance develop strong networks, promoting norms of community support and unity.
Role of Social Capital in Enhancing Good Governance
Trust and Accountability
Social capital fosters trust among citizens and between citizens and their government. In India’s Panchayati Raj system, community trust helps hold elected representatives accountable, enhancing governance.
Civic Engagement
High social capital encourages civic engagement, as individuals actively participate in political processes. The Gram Sabha exemplifies this, facilitating informed decision-making through community participation.
Social Cohesion
Social capital promotes collective efforts to address challenges and foster inclusive policies. Sports teams, for instance, demonstrate how social networks can achieve common objectives, reinforcing community bonds.
Conflict Resolution
Communities with high social capital promote peaceful conflict resolution through negotiation and mediation. This stability is vital for good governance, as seen in property dispute resolutions that avoid lengthy legal processes.
Reducing Corruption
Strong social networks act as a deterrent to corruption. Self-help groups, for instance, enhance transparency and accountability in financial transactions, thereby reducing corruption at the grassroots level.
Inclusivity
Social capital ensures marginalized groups have a voice in governance. Cooperative societies empower farmers to collectively influence policies, improving access to resources.
Conclusion
Social capital is essential for effective governance. Successful policies in India, such as self-help groups and community-driven initiatives, underscore the importance of cultivating social capital. Investing in social capital-building is vital for achieving equitable and effective governance in society.
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