Model Answer

Introduction

John Rawls, a renowned political philosopher, is celebrated for his theories on social justice and political liberalism. His ideas center around distributive justice, emphasizing the equitable distribution of social goods and resources among members of society. In the Indian context, Rawls’s principles offer valuable insights for addressing systemic inequalities.

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Principles of Justice

Rawls proposes “justice as fairness,” which includes:

1. Equal Basic Liberties: Ensuring fundamental rights for all individuals.
2. Fair Equality of Opportunity: Providing everyone with equal chances to succeed.
3. Difference Principle: Allowing inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged.

Example: The reservation system in India aims to provide educational and employment opportunities to historically marginalized communities, aligning with Rawls’s principle of fair equality of opportunity.

Veil of Ignorance

Rawls suggests that policies should be determined from an impartial standpoint, known as the “veil of ignorance,” where decision-makers are unaware of their societal positions.

Example: The Right to Education Act (2009) guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, reflecting decisions made for the benefit of all children, regardless of socio-economic status.

Redistribution of Resources

Rawls advocates for resource redistribution to foster equity.

Example: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides 100 days of guaranteed employment annually to rural households, addressing poverty and inequality.

Social Cooperation

Rawls emphasizes social cooperation for justice.

Example: The Self-Help Group (SHG) movement empowers women through collective action, fostering economic independence and community support.

Human Rights and Social Justice

Rawls insists on protecting human rights to achieve social justice.

Example: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act safeguards marginalized groups, promoting equal treatment and addressing discrimination.

Conclusion

Rawls’s framework for social justice, emphasizing fair distribution and equality, can significantly contribute to building a more just society in India. By aligning policies with his principles, India can address systemic inequalities and enhance social cooperation, ultimately fostering a more equitable society.

Model Answer

Introduction

Kautilya, the ancient Indian philosopher, famously stated, “Just as it is impossible not to taste honey or poison that one may find at the tip of one’s tongue, so it is impossible for a government servant not to eat up, at least, a bit of the king’s revenue.” This quote underscores his belief that corruption is an inherent issue within public service, emphasizing the need for robust checks and balances to prevent the misuse of public resources.

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Kautilya was acutely aware of the detrimental effects of corruption on the state and society. He argued that corruption leads to the misuse of government resources, administrative inefficiency, and significant hindrances to national development.

Misuse of Government Funds

Kautilya identified various forms of corruption, including embezzlement, nepotism, bribery, and favoritism. He contended that such practices deplete the government treasury, which in turn undermines the provision of essential services. A contemporary example is the 2G spectrum scam in India, where government officials misallocated telecom licenses, resulting in extensive financial losses and stunted sectoral growth (Source: The Hindu, 2011).

Administrative Inefficiency

Corruption also breeds administrative inefficiency. When officials prioritize personal gain over public welfare, it leads to subpar service delivery and slow decision-making. For instance, in Nigeria, rampant corruption in the oil sector has resulted in ineffective policy implementation and deteriorating public services, eroding trust in government (Source: Transparency International, 2020).

Obstruction of National Development

Kautilya noted that corruption obstructs national development by impeding key projects. In Bangladesh, corruption in the construction sector has led to poor-quality infrastructure, project delays, and cost overruns, significantly hampering economic growth and public satisfaction (Source: World Bank, 2016).

Conclusion

Kautilya’s insights into corruption remain pertinent today, highlighting the necessity of ethical governance. His recommendations for promoting transparency, accountability, and strong institutional frameworks are crucial for combating corruption. By advocating for strict laws, effective enforcement, and ethical standards in public service, Kautilya’s principles can guide contemporary efforts to enhance governance and foster national development.