Do objectivity and nonpartisanship rank among the essential traits of a successful civil servant? Talk about with examples. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
Model Answer Introduction Corruption manifests as a significant societal issue, often stemming from the erosion of core values such as integrity, accountability, and fairness. These values are essential for a healthy society, and their decline creates an environment ripe for corrupt practices. AddreRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Corruption manifests as a significant societal issue, often stemming from the erosion of core values such as integrity, accountability, and fairness. These values are essential for a healthy society, and their decline creates an environment ripe for corrupt practices. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach to restore these values.
Corruption as a Symptom of the Breakdown of Core Societal Values
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Decline in Integrity: A weakening of personal integrity leads to corrupt actions, where individuals sacrifice ethical values for self-interest. The Enron scandal is a prime example, showcasing how the lack of integrity among senior executives can foster dishonest and unethical conduct.
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Undermining the Rule of Law: Corruption often involves influential figures manipulating legal systems for personal gain, eroding the principle of the rule of law. The Brazilian “Car Wash” operation demonstrates how corruption can penetrate and compromise legal frameworks.
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Absence of Accountability: When there is insufficient accountability, corruption flourishes unchecked, as individuals and organizations evade responsibility for their actions. The Volkswagen emissions scandal highlights how corrupt practices were sustained due to a lack of proper accountability mechanisms.
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Erosion of Trust: As trust in institutions diminishes, corruption becomes more prevalent, with people losing faith in ethical and legal processes. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index illustrates the link between higher levels of corruption and the decline in public trust in institutions.
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Violation of Fairness: Corruption creates unfair advantages and deepens inequalities, violating the fundamental value of fairness. The Panama Papers expose how corrupt practices allow a privileged few to amass wealth at the expense of others, exemplifying the failure of fairness in society.
Measures to Uplift Core Values in Society
1. Education and Awareness
Implementing values-based education is crucial. For instance, Finland integrates ethics into its curriculum, promoting ethical decision-making and critical thinking from a young age. This fosters a society that prioritizes integrity and accountability.
2. Strong Legal Framework
Countries must establish robust anti-corruption laws with severe penalties. Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) serves as a model, effectively prosecuting corruption cases and maintaining public trust. A strong legal framework reinforces the rule of law and deters corrupt behavior.
3. Transparency and Accountability
Promoting transparency through open data initiatives is vital. Norway’s practice of publishing all government contracts online enhances accountability and public trust in governance. Such measures reduce opportunities for corruption by allowing citizens to scrutinize government actions.
4. Whistleblower Protection
Creating a safe environment for whistleblowers can significantly combat corruption. India’s Whistleblowers Protection Act of 2014 encourages individuals to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. This protection is essential for fostering a culture of accountability.
5. Ethical Leadership
Encouraging ethical leadership in both public and private sectors is critical. Leaders like Dr. Mariazeena Johnson exemplify high moral standards, inspiring others to prioritize integrity. Ethical leadership sets a cultural precedent against corruption.
6. Civil Society Engagement
Empowering NGOs and watchdog organizations is vital for monitoring government activities. The Ghana Integrity Initiative exemplifies how civic engagement can promote transparency and advocate for reforms. Such groups mobilize public opinion against corruption.
7. Use of Technology
Leveraging technology can mitigate corruption. Implementing e-government initiatives and blockchain technology enhances transparency and streamlines processes, reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.
Conclusion
Restoring core values like integrity and accountability is essential in combating corruption. By implementing comprehensive strategies involving education, legal reforms, transparency, and civic engagement, society can foster an environment that promotes ethical behavior and discourages corruption, leading to a fairer future.
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Model Answer Introduction The role of civil servants is crucial in any government, as they implement policies and programs that significantly impact society. To ensure that their decisions are fair and equitable, it is essential for civil servants to embody impartiality and non-partisanship. These qRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The role of civil servants is crucial in any government, as they implement policies and programs that significantly impact society. To ensure that their decisions are fair and equitable, it is essential for civil servants to embody impartiality and non-partisanship. These qualities ensure that actions are based on merit rather than personal biases or political affiliations.
Significance of Impartiality and Non-Partisanship
Impartiality refers to the ability to make decisions without bias, treating all individuals and groups equally, regardless of personal characteristics or political affiliations. Non-partisanship means remaining neutral in political matters, ensuring that civil servants do not align with any political party or ideology. This is vital for fostering trust and credibility in government institutions.
Illustrations of Impartiality and Non-Partisanship
1. Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India exemplifies impartiality and non-partisanship by conducting free and fair elections. It treats all political parties and candidates equally, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on political affiliations. This impartiality is crucial for transparent elections, allowing the results to reflect the true will of the people (The Hindu, 2019).
2. Federal Reserve, United States
The Federal Reserve is another prime example of non-partisanship and impartiality in action. As the body responsible for monetary policy, it operates independently of political influence, making decisions based solely on economic data and analysis. This autonomy ensures that monetary policies serve the economy’s best interest rather than any particular political agenda (Federal Reserve, 2020).
Conclusion
Impartiality and non-partisanship are indispensable qualities for civil servants, as they help build public trust and ensure that decisions benefit society as a whole. By embodying these values, civil servants can strengthen democracy, ensuring that government institutions operate for the common good rather than the interests of specific groups or parties.
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