[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 22 June 2023

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

General Studies – 1

Topic: static syllabus

1. The Indus Valley Civilization left a significant legacy and represents one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world. Discuss the key features of Indus Valley Civilisation. (150 words).

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the features of Indus Valley Civilisation.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving an overview of its geographical extent and timeframe

Body:

First, write the about the features of Harappan Civilisation – Agriculture, Urban Planning and Infrastructure, Trade and Economy, Writing System and Artifacts, Social Organization and Governance and Religion and Rituals etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

A flourishing civilisation emerged on the banks of river Indus in the second half of the third millennium BCE and spread across larger parts of Western India. A marked feature if this civilisation was the vivid imagination and artistic sensibilities. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the two major cities if this civilisation.

Body

Features of Indus Valley Civilization

• Town planning Architecture
  • Layout: The town were laid out in a rectangular grid pattern and the roads ran in North-South and East-West direction cutting each other at right angles.
  • Construction: The big roads divided the city into many blocks and smaller lanes were used to connect housed to the main roads. Harappan used burnt bricks of standard dimension for construction.
  • Types of buildings: Dwelling houses, public buildings and public baths are commonly found.
  • Planning: The city was divided into two parts. An upraised citadel in the western part was used for buildings of large dimensions, such as granaries, administrative buildings and courtyard.
    • The elite class stayed in the citadel part of the town.
  • Granaries had strategic air ducts and raised platforms for storage and protection from pests. Eg: The great granary in Mohenjo-Daro and 2 rows of 6 granaries in Harappa.
• Dockyard: Lothal in Gujarat is now called Manchester of Indus-Valley. Here ship remains and instruments for measuring angles were also found.
• Public Baths: This is a remarkable feature of the civilisation which indicated the importance given to ritualistic cleansing in the culture. Eg: The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro
  • There are no cracks or leaks in the great bath which shows the engineering acumen of the Harappan people.
• Drainage system: This is the most striking feature as small drains ran from small houses and were connected to larger drains running alongside the main roads. They were covered loosely to do periodic maintenance. Cesspits were placed at regular intervals.
• Use of seals: Seals were primarily used for commercial purpose. They were mostly square and rectangle but circular and triangular were also used.
  • Some seals were used as amulets as well as they were found on dead bodies.
  • Pictographic script on seals have been found which might have been used for educational purposes.
  • Eg: Unicorn seal, Pashupathi seal made of Steatite.
• Bronze casting: There was a wide scale practice of bronze casting. They were made using the lost wax technique or Cire Perdue. Eg: Bronze dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro, broze bull of Kalibangan etc.
• Pottery: There were plain and painted pottery (Red and Black pottery). They were mainly used for household purposes for storage, decorative purposes and some for straining liquor as they have perforations.
• Jewellery and clothing: Both men and women wore ornaments like necklaces, fillets, armlets and finger rings. Girdles, anklets were worn only by women.
  • Beads made of amethyst, quartz, steatite etc were quite popular as was evident from excavation on Chanudaro and Lothal.
  • For fabric cotton and wool was used. Spindles and whorls were made from expensive faience as well as cheap clay.

Conclusion

The Indus valley civilization was the largest of all the four civilizations of the time and was contemporary to the Mesopotamian civilisation. The features of Indus-Valley such as the planned network of roads, houses and drainage systems indicate the planning and the engineering skills that developed during those times.

Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

2. Poor nutrition can lead to a wide range of health problems and negative outcomes, both on an individual and societal level. Analyse the role of dietary diversity in tackling malnutrition in the country. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

The article emphasizes the importance of dietary diversity in addressing child malnutrition in India. It highlights that a lack of access to a varied and nutritious diet contributes to the prevalence of malnutrition in the country.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact and suggest measures to tackle malnutrition in India.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving statistic regarding malnutrition in India based on NFHS-5.

Body:

In the first part, write about the consequences of malnutrition – which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).

Next, write about various policy measures taken so far. Suggest measures to further improve them. Write about the role that dietary diversity can plan in tackling malnutrition.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to achieve SDG-2

Introduction

India, currently has the largest number of undernourished people in the world i.e. around 195 million. Nearly 47 million or 4 out of 10 children in India do not meet their full human potential because of chronic undernutrition or stunting. India ranks 94/ 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2020. Malnutrition is caused by a lack or imbalance of certain types of nutrients necessary for a healthy life.

Body

Consequences of Poor nutrition

• The National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 shows negligible gains in nutritional outcomes among under-five children.
• There has been tardy progress in reducing undernutrition, wasting and stunting.
• It is a national shame that even now, 5% of under-five children are stuntedand 3% are wasted.
• Thirteen of the 22 states/union territories in the country show a rise in stunting. The highest rise in stunting is in Meghalaya at 46.5 percent followed by Bihar at 42.9 percent, although Bihar shows an improvement from 48.3 percent in 2015-2016.
• Childhood anaemia has worsened from NFHS-4.
• Anaemia among adolescent girls and women aged 15-49 has also worsened.
• Malnutrition results in a reduced ability to work and increased susceptibility to disease, and depending on the nutrients lacking: anaemia, blindness, mental retardation, or death.
• India loses 4% of its GDP annually due to malnourishment.

role of dietary diversity in tackling malnutrition in the country

• Dietary diversityis the variety or the number of different food groups people eat over the time given.
• It is also important to maintain dietary diversity because relying on one type of food will not be enough to sustain the body’s nutritional needs.
• Dietary diversity and eating a variety of foods from each food group is crucial for supplying the individual with all the essential nutrients that the body needs, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water, so that the body can function properly and generate energy, grow, repair damaged tissue, and regulate the body’s biochemical reactions.
• People need to consume diverse food items to take advantage of the different nutritional benefits associated with them.
• Locally available food is an accessible and cost-effective option that results in better nutritional output without changing the dietary habits of the community.
• Proper nutrition and dietary diversity produce cascading effects—a woman with a nutritious diet is more likely to give birth to a healthy baby, which paves the way to a healthy childhood. Similarly, a family with a well-rounded diet is more likely to be fit for work, happy, prosperous, and would save considerable amounts of money over time on healthcare costs.

Way forward

• According to NITI Aayog (based on WHO meta-analysis on the impact of rice fortification): A rice fortification budget of around ₹2,800 crore per year can save 35% of the total DALYs per year with no known risk of toxicity.
• Rice fortification(costs less than 1% of the food subsidy bill (2018-19): It has the potential to prevent 94 million anemia cases.
• Despite the programme’s proven efficacy: activists have expressed concern that excess iron overload from fortified rice has been dangerous for Jharkhand’s tribal population suffering from sickle cell anemia and thalassaemia.
  • It need to be addressed through proper research.
• Reduction of micronutrient deficiency: Given its proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness, food fortification can help us in reducing micronutrient deficiencies and address overall health benefits.
• The intervention, carried out with precautions: It is the key to the malnutrition issue which the nation continues to grapple with.
• Poor nutrition: There is an urgent need to address the maladies that poor nutrition can inflict on the masses, especially given the diverse populations in India.
• Getting schemes right: It requires greater involvement of local government and local community groups in the design and delivery of tailored nutrition interventions.
• Child nutrition:The need of the hour is to make addressing child malnutrition the top priority of the government machinery, and all year around
• There is an urgent need for reorientation of the long-term direction of agri-food systems to not only enhance farm incomes but also ensure better access to safe and nutritious foods.
• Additionally, the agri-food systems need to be reoriented to minimise cost on the environment and the climate.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

3. Critics of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) argue that it gives the state extensive powers, which can potentially be misused and violate the fundamental freedoms of citizens. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Telangana. The author argues that the UAPA has been used to target political opponents and activists, and that the law has been used in a discriminatory manner against Muslims.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tilted the balance in favour of the State violating the fundamental freedoms of citizens and a balanced opinion on it.

Directive word: 

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by writing about the aims of UAPA.

Body:

In the first part, write about the major features of UAPA and its need.

Next, write about the criticism of UAPA – draconian law that has been used to target political opponents and activists, silence dissent and to suppress legitimate political activity etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.

Introduction

UAPA was passed in 1967. It aims at effective prevention of unlawful activities associations in India. Unlawful activity refers to any action taken by an individual or association intended to disrupt the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India.

Body

About the UAPA Act

• Originally enacted in 1967, the UAPA was amended to be modelled as an anti-terror law in 2004 and 2008.
• In August 2019, Parliament cleared the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 to designate individuals as terrorists on certain grounds provided in the Act.
• In order to deal with the terrorism related crimes, it deviates from ordinary legal procedures and creates an exceptional regime where constitutional safeguards of the accused are curtailed.
• Between 2016 and 2019, the period for which UAPA figures have been published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 4,231 FIRs were filed under various sections of the UAPA, of which 112 cases have resulted in convictions.
• This frequent application of UAPA indicates that it is often misused and abused like other anti-terror laws in the past in India such as POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) and TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act).

Criticism of UAPA Act

• Vague Definition of Terrorist Act: The definition of a “terrorist act” under the UAPA substantially differs from the definition promoted by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism.
  • According to Special Rapporteur to call an offence a “terrorist act”, three elements must be cumulatively present:
    • The means used must be deadly;
    • The intent behind the act must be to cause fear amongst the population or to compel a government or international organisation to do or refrain from doing something; and
    • The aim must be to further an ideological goal.
  • UAPA, on the other hand, offers an overbroad and ambiguous definition of a “terrorist act” which includes the death of, or injuries to, any person, damage to any property, etc.
• Denial of Rights: The major problem with the UAPA lies in its Section 43(D)(5), which prevents the release of any accused person on bail if, police have filed the chargesheet that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation against such person is prima facie true.
  • The effect of Section 43(D)(5) is that once the police elect to charge an individual under the UAPA, it becomes extremely difficult for bail to be granted. Bail is a safeguard and guarantee of the constitutional right to liberty.
• Pendency of Trial: Given the state of justice delivery system in India, the rate of pendency at the level of trial is at an average of 95.5 per cent.
  • This means that trials are completed every year in less than 5 per cent cases, signifying the reasons for long years of undertrial imprisonment.
• State Overreach: It also includes any act that is “likely to threaten” or “likely to strike terror in people”, giving unbridled power to the government to brand any ordinary citizen or activist a terrorist without the actual commission of these acts.
  • It gives the state authority vague powers to detain and arrest individuals who it believes to be indulged in terrorist activities.
  • Thus, the state gives itself more powers vis-a-vis individual liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the constitution.
• Undermining Federalism: Some experts feel that it is against the federal structure since it neglects the authority of state police in terrorism cases, given that ‘Police’ is a state subject under 7^th schedule of Indian Constitution.

Conclusion

Drawing the line between individual freedom and state obligation to provide security is a case of classical dilemma. It is up to the state, judiciary, civil society, to strike a balance between constitutional freedom and the imperative of anti-terror activities.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

4. NATOs (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) expansion into the Asia-Pacific could lead to a power struggle between NATO and China, further exacerbating existing tensions in the region. What should be India’s response to the above development? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses the increasing influence of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in the Asia-Pacific region.

Demand of the question:

To write about potential implications of NATO’s involvement in Asia and Pacific and suggest India’s response to it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start with brief background of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Body:

First, briefly discuss the origins of NATO during the cold war.

Next, write about the role of NATO and its present-day situation – in the ongoing Ukraine crisis and with respect to China. Write about the growing influence of NATO in the Asia Pacific region. Mention the potential implications of the above.

Next, write about India’s approach to this to ensure balanced and inclusive approach to security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, rather than the dominance of any one military alliance.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty) of April, 1949, by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.

There are 30 member countries of NATO

Body

Origins of NATO during cold war

• After World War II in 1945, western Europe was economically exhausted and militarily weak (the western Allies had rapidly and drastically reduced their armies at the end of the war).
• In 1948 the United States launched the Marshall Plan, which infused massive amounts of economic aid to the countries of western and southern Europe on the condition that they cooperate with each other and engage in joint planning to hasten their mutual recovery.
• As for military recovery, under the Brussels Treaty of 1948, the United Kingdom, France, and the Low Countries—Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—concluded a collective–defense agreement called the Western European Union.
  • It was soon recognized, however, that a more formidable alliance would be required to provide an adequate military counterweight to the Soviets.
  • In March 1948, following a virtual communist coup d’état in Czechoslovakia in February, the three governments began discussions on a multilateral collective-defense scheme that would enhance Western security and promote democratic values.
  • These discussions were eventually joined by France, the Low Countries, and Norway and in April 1949 resulted in the North Atlantic Treaty.
• In 1955, when the Cold War was gaining momentum, the Soviet Union signed up socialist republics of Central and Eastern Europe to the Warsaw Pact (1955). The Pact, essentially a political-military alliance, was viewed as a direct strategic counterweight to NATO.

Growing influence of NATO in Asia Pacific

• In what is going to be the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region (“Indo-Pacific” in American lingo), a NATO liaison office will open in Tokyo next year.
• Last month, Britain and Japan signed a new strategic partnership and agreed to “deepen” collaboration between NATO and Tokyo.
• During the Shangri-La summit, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said having such an office in Japan is “in the interests of NATO”.
• In addition, NATO plans to further strengthen collaboration with its four major partners in the Asia-Pacific region—Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, a recent report in Nikkei Asia said.
• The alliance will formulate an Individually Tailored Partnership Program with all four countries—an upgrade to a higher form of partnership.
• Its details will be thrashed out during the forthcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, on July 11 and 12, which all four leaders are expected to attend.

Implications on India

• A NATO overreach to the Asia-Pacific will pose a major challenge to New Delhi’s much-touted “strategic autonomy”.
• The push to transform Quad into a security alliance focusing on China will also have the same effect.
• India has resisted being drawn into rival blocs over Ukraine until now.
• Its refusal to take sides has brought the country under intense questioning in the West.
• Having moved on from its traditional non-alignment, New Delhi now boasts of “multi-alignment” as its new foreign policy mantra.
• A prolonged invasion could lead India to tussle more with Washington as the United States pushes harder for neutral states to come off the sidelines
• Although an Asian NATO remains a pie in the sky for now, an extended war over Ukraine will force India and the Asia-Pacific nations to bear the brunt of increasing big-power rivalry in the region.

Conclusion

Beijing has been condemning such efforts, warning against the establishment of an “Asia-Pacific version of NATO” and making clear its opposition to any foreign military involvement in the region. With tensions simmering and power dynamics in flux, the establishment of a NATO liaison office in Japan will prove to be a major flashpoint in the ongoing geopolitical struggle for influence in the Indo-Pacific.

General Studies – 3

Topic: economics of animal-rearing.

5. Withdrawal of the Livestock and Livestock Product Bill was driven by the need to address the apprehensions of farmers, traders, and communities who felt that the proposed legislation would have negative impacts on their livelihoods and cultural practices. Suggest changes that are needed to the bill to ensure livestock sector’s growth and development contribute to the overall well-being of rural communities and the country’s agricultural economy.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express , Down to Earth

Why the question:

The article discusses the withdrawal of the draft Livestock and Livestock Product Bill in India and provides an explanation for the decision.

Key Demand of the question:

To examine the issues with Livestock and Livestock Product Bill and changes require in it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by mentioning the aims and objectives of Livestock and Livestock Product Bill.

Body:

First, enumerate the major features of Livestock and Livestock Product Bill.

In the next part, write about the major issues in the bill because of which it was withdrawn.

Next, suggest changes to make the bill more farmer centric and ensure its acceptance.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The draft bill was issued on June 7, 2023 by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The draft bill, on which the ministry requested public comments by June 17, framed measures for regulating import of livestock and livestock products as well as their promotion and development of exports.

However, the proposed bill faced sharp criticism from animal rights organisations and right-wing groups, especially on exporting live animals and on inclusion of canines and felines under the definition of ‘livestock’, meaning live canines and felines and their products can be imported and exported.

The withdrawal issued on June 20 stated that the proposed bill would need “wider consultation” after representations have been made expressing concerns.

Body

Background

• The Live-stock Importation Act, 1898, being the pre-constitutional / pre-independence Central Act, a need has been felt to align it with the contemporary requirements and prevailing circumstances related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and its extant Allocation of Business Rules, 1961.
• Basically, DAHD’s (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying) role is primarily pertaining to support by having upgraded livestock health facilities, hygiene etc., including animal welfare aspects for overall development of the animal husbandry sector.

Features of draft Livestock  Bill

• Firstly, the earlier law regulates only imports of livestock, while the proposed draft Bill has provisions to regulate livestock exports also.
• Secondly, the draft bill has expanded the definition of livestock to include felines and canines also.
• The Centre has defined the live-stocks and live-stock products as commodities in the proposed draft Bill.
• The proposed draft bill takes away some powers of state governments to regulate this area.

Criticisms faced by the bill

• Animal rights organizations have said that the draft Bill will open a “Pandora’s Box” of cruelties on animals.
• This is because allowing the live export of animals from India is a blanket free pass for the abuse of millions of animals farmed for food and other uses.
• According to 2021 figures released by the United Nations, almost 2 billion of the 80 billion land animals raised for food around the world are exported alive to different countries.

Conclusion

The Bill is meant to replace the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898, and the Live-stock (Amendment) Act, 2001. It frames guidelines for the import and export of live animals, which has raised concerns among animal lovers. Seeing the criticism from all quarters and the bill touted as being against farmers, government has withdrawn the bill.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour;

6. Altruistic behavior is a fundamental aspect of human nature and is often considered a virtue in many cultures and ethical frameworks. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Define altruism.

Body:

Elaborate, Everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from holding the door for strangers to giving money to people in need. News stories often focus on grander cases of altruism, such as a man who dives into an icy river to rescue a drowning stranger or a donor who gives thousands of dollars to a local charity.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of altruism in present day and the need to use it for positive outcomes.

Introduction

‘The Best Way to Find Yourself Is To Lose Yourself In The Service Of Others’  – Mahatma Gandhi.

Altruism means acting in the best interest of others rather than in one’s own self-interest. Altruism or selflessness is the opposite of selfishness. Some people believe altruism constitutes the essence of morality. The above quote captures the essence of Altruism.

Body

Although we often act selfishly, we also seem to be wired to cooperate with others. For example, studies show that when people look for mates, they tend to look for kindness more than any other quality.

People’s moral judgments are often driven by emotion. And empathy for others seems to encourage altruism. Altruism is when we act to promote someone else’s welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. Studies have found that people’s first impulse is to cooperate rather than compete. For e.g.: Good Samaritans are driven by sheer altruism to help road users involved in a crash.

Altruism has deep roots in human nature because helping and cooperation promote the survival of our species. Darwin himself argued that altruism, which he called “sympathy” or “benevolence,” is “an essential part of the social instincts.”

Another emotion, called “elevation,” appears to inspire altruistic behaviour, too. We feel elevation when we see another person act virtuously, such as by helping someone in need. For e.g.: Helping the homeless can be altruistic as long as it is not done for recognition or to make oneself feel better.

Altruism also builds social connections. For example, studies show that people who are altruistic tend to be happier, to be healthier, and to live longer.

So, while altruism leads us to do what’s best for others, it also makes us feel good in the process.

Conclusion

Individuals come to exhibit charitable, philanthropic, and other pro-social, altruistic actions for the common good both by nature and by training. Moral education, law, civic leadership also establish ethos to develop altruism. Building social capital is crucial for good governance, economic development and social harmony. At its heart lies altruism and cooperation.

Topic: ethics – in private and public relationships;

7. Overcoming conflicts of interest in public service requires the establishment of robust mechanisms and ethical frameworks. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the way to overcome conflict of interest.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Write about how there is a conflict of interest between private and public relationships during day-to-day administrative work.

Body:

Bring out the various facets of integrity, impartiality and nonpartisan ship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections that an administrator must consider before taking any actions in case of conflict.

Mention certain principles, theories and benchmarks one can take the right decision especially when faced with a conflict or dilemma.

Conclusion:

Complete by summarizing the need for doing the right thing especially for those who are in power.

Introduction

“conflict  of  interest”  involves  a  conflict  between  the  public  duty  and  private  interests  of  a  public  official,  in  which  the  public  official  has  private-capacity  interests which could improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities.

Body

In such a situation, judgement of an individual could be impaired. A conflict of interest can exist in many different situations. Conflict of interest is seen  as a moral issue and not strictly a legal one accompanied by criminal culpability in India so it is hardly surprising that blatant violations are virtually seen every day.

Example: a public official whose personal interests conflict with his/her professional position. Instances of the largest shareholder appointing himself as CEO, deciding his salary and then appointing his son to a key post and higher royalties to the parent company are some of the serious conflict of interest issues in India which don’t  receive necessary attention.

A judge giving judgement in a case involving his own family member is a case of conflict of interest.

Public servants faces Conflict of Interest due to the nature of their work-

• Personal vs Professional
  • This is the most common type of conflict of interest arising due to the conflict between personal and professional life.
  • Say, if a public servant is in charge of giving out contracts for a certain project and one of the applicant is relative or friend.
• Conflicting Responsibility
  • Sometimes public servants are given additional charge, which might sometimes create a conflict of interest with the original line of duty.
• Conflicting Organisations
  • Sometimes public servants are part of two separate organisations with apparently conflicting objectives and this might put them in certain conflict of interest.
  • Many public servants also volunteer for NGOs during their service. NGOs and governmental organisation sometimes come at odds with each other.

Getting into a situation of conflict of interest is sometimes unavoidable and not a crime in itself if properly handled:

• Transparency
  • Declaring one’s conflict of interest to the concerned authorities is the best way.
  • It helps civil servant to come clean and concerned authorities can decide further.
• Assure integrity
  • The concerned authority should be assured of integrity and willingness to serve no matter what the decision is made on the declaration.
• Maintain objectivity
  • If given the chance to continue working on that case, work with objectivity.
• Reduce discretion and codify procedure
  • There is a need for legislation to make non-disclosure of a conflict of interest punishable.
  • A private member’s bill (The Prevention and Management of Conflict of Interest Bill, introduced in 2012), the legislation ought to cover all arms of governance, including the judiciary, the legislature and the executive.
  • The recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Department of Personnel and Training, calling for early retirement if interested in post-retirement private service is established, needs to be implemented, besides increasing the mandatory cooling period to five years so that no undue influence can be exerted by the retired bureaucrat.
  • Also, the reasons for declining their requests for joining such firms need to be laid out clearly, to limit political concerns.
  • An open, public data platform enlisting all post-retirement appointments of civil servants will increase transparency

Conclusion

The priority must be to frame a modern law relating to conflict of interest, along the lines of what exists in the statute of the other countries like the United States and also ensure them to their work ensures ethical governance.

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