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: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the Lok Sabha (LS) Ethics Committee, focusing on its constitution and the role of its members.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role, issues and give solutions to improve the role of Parliamentary Committees.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by briefly mentioning about parliamentary committees.
Body:
First, write about the mandate and the functioning parliamentary committees – discuss laws and policies by analysing them in-depth, non-partisanship, track government expenditure, scrutinise policies and bills and seek expert advice, consensus-building among parties etc.
Next, write about the limitations of the parliamentary committees.
Next, suggest ways to overcome them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
In the Indian Parliament, a Standing committee is a committee consisting of Members of Parliament. It is a permanent and regular committee which is constituted from time to time according to the provisions of an Act of Parliament or Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. Both houses of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha have similar Committee structures with a few exceptions. Parliamentary committees draw their authority from Article 105 (on privileges of Parliament members) and Article 118 (on Parliament’s authority to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business).
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, which will take up Nishikant Dubey’s complaint against Mahua Moitra, last met on July 27, 2021, according to information on the Parliament website. Since being established as an ad hoc entity more than two decades ago, the panel has heard several complaints, most of which have been for relatively light offences..
Body
Significance of Parliamentary Standing Committees:
- Parliament is the embodiment of the people’s will. Committees are an instrument of Parliament for its own effective functioning.
- Committees are platforms for threadbare discussion on a proposed law.
- The smaller cohort of lawmakers, assembled on the basis of the proportional strength of individual parties and interests and expertise of individual lawmakers, could have more open, intensive and better-informed discussions.
- Committee meetings are ‘closed door’ and members are not bound by party whips, which allows them the latitude for a more meaningful exchange of views as against discussions in full and open Houses where grandstanding and party positions invariably take precedence.
- Members of Parliament may have great acumen but they would require the assistance of experts in dealing with such situations. It is through committees that such expertise is drawn into law-making.
- Executive accountability to the legislature is enforced through questions in Parliament also, which are answered by ministers. However, department standing committees go one step further and hear from senior officials of the government in a closed setting, allowing for more detailed discussions.
- This mechanism also enables parliamentarians to understand the executive processes closely.
Role of committees:
- Support Parliament’s work.
- Examine ministerial budgets, consider Demands for Grants, analyse legislation and scrutinise the government’s working.
- Examine Bills referred to by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha.
- Consideration of Annual Reports.
- Consideration of national basic long term policy documents presented to the House and referred to the Committee by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha.
Challenges faced:
- Persistent absenteeism from meetings of department-related standing committees should cost MPs their spot on these parliamentary panels was a strong view that emerged during a meeting of chairpersons of the committees with Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu recently.
- Eleven of the 22 Bills introduced in the ongoing session of Parliament have been passed, which makes it a highly productive session after many years.
- But these Bills have been passed without scrutiny by parliamentary standing committees, their purpose being to enable detailed consideration of a piece of legislation.
- After the formation of the 17th Lok Sabha, parliamentary standing committees have not been constituted as consultations among parties are still under way.
- Partly as a result of this, the Bills were passed without committee scrutiny. They were discussed in Parliament over durations ranging between two and five hours.
Way forward
- Parliamentary committees don’t have dedicated subject-wise research support available. The knowledge gap is partially bridged by expert testimony from government and other stakeholders.
- Their work could be made more effective if the committees had full-time, sector-specific research staff.
- The national commission to review the working of the Constitution has recommended that in order to strengthen the committee system, research support should be made available to them.
- Currently, the rules of Parliament don’t require every bill to be referred to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny. While this allows the government greater flexibility and the ability to speed up legislative business, it comes at the cost of ineffective scrutiny by the highest law-making body.
- Mandatory scrutiny of all bills by parliamentary committees would ensure better planning of legislative business.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses India’s readiness to host the Olympic Games and raises critical points regarding its preparedness.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the readiness of India to host the Olympics.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about that Olympics is a massive undertaking, and several parameters need to be considered before determining India’s readiness – Infrastructure, finance, logistics, security, cultural and social factors, environmental considerations, public support, government commitment, legacy planning, and international relations. etc
Next, about the factors that favour India hosting the Olympics.
Next, write about the limitations/challenges – infrastructure, budget, sustainability, and public support etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating a balanced opinion.
Introduction
The Prime Minister recently said that India aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games. This has been a dream for successive governments and sports officials. Hosting the Olympics would not only underscore India’s importance as a sporting nation, but also enable it to assert its geopolitical power and showcase development.
Body
Olympics hosting: Parameters to be considered
Hosting the Olympics is considered a pinnacle of sport, showcasing a nation’s soft power and global standing. Challenges include the dual nature of attention, focusing on both positive and negative aspects.
- Prestige and Global Recognition: Hosting the Olympics is seen as a symbol of prestige, enabling India to garner global attention and recognition on a grand stage.
- Cultural Diplomacy: The 16-day event acts as a platform for cultural diplomacy, allowing India to project its rich heritage, hospitality, and values to a global audience.
- Soft Power Projection: The Olympics become a unique opportunity for India to wield soft power, influencing international perceptions about the nation’s capabilities and strengths.
- Governance Fragmentation: Internal disputes within the National Olympic Committee (NOC), as witnessed during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, can hinder effective governance. Infighting over athlete selection and fund allocation underscores the need for a cohesive NOC to ensure smooth event organization.
- Infrastructure Balancing Act: Beijing’s 2008 Olympics exemplify the dual nature of hosting, showcasing impressive urban development and sports facilities. However, concerns over human rights and environmental consequences highlight the importance of a balanced approach to infrastructure development.
- Media Scrutiny: The Olympics’ magnitude amplifies media scrutiny, requiring strategic planning for effective management. The 2016 Rio Olympics faced challenges like Zika virus concerns and infrastructure issues, emphasizing the need for proactive crisis management and communication strategies to shape positive perceptions.
Strategic planning for olympics
- Unity and Collaboration: Strategic planning requires a unified approach, emphasizing collaboration between the NOC, government, and sports bodies for effective execution.
- Long-Term Legacy: Legacy planning is crucial, exemplified by cities like Paris, where preparations extend beyond the event, involving deep cleaning, infrastructure earmarking, and cultural integration.
- Cohesion Over Discord: The article advocates for a cohesive strategy, steering away from discord, and promoting a shared vision for successful Olympics hosting.
Conclusion and way forward
- Hosting the Olympics is an opportunity for India to showcase development, assert geopolitical power, and transform its sports landscape.
- The journey towards the 2036 Olympics requires addressing governance issues, developing key sports, and nurturing talent.
- A realistic approach considering a 20-year horizon may be more practical for sustainable and impactful change.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the focus on promoting the Gir indigenous cow breed under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the features, achievements and limitations of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about aims and objectives of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Body:
First, write about the major features of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Next, about the various achievements of Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Substantiate with statistics.
Next, write about the limitations/challenges of the above mission.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to the challenges.
Introduction
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission is an initiative launched by the Government of India in December 2014 with the aim of conserving and developing indigenous cattle breeds in the country. It specifically focuses on enhancing the productivity and genetic improvement of cattle, thereby contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the livestock sector.
Body
About Rashtriya Gokul Mission
- It was initiated in 2014 with a focus on the conservation and development of indigenous breeds and improve their genetic makeup.
- The scheme is implemented on 100% grant-in-aid basis. The components include:
- Establishment of integrated indigenous cattle centres – Gokul Gram
- Establishment of breeder’s societies – Gopalan Sangh
- Gopal Ratna award to Farmers and Kamadhenu award to breeders’ societies
- National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres are being established as Centres of Excellence
- Provision for capital subsidy up to Rs. 200 lakh for setting up breeding farm with at least 200 milch cows/ buffalo using latest breeding technology.
- E-Pashu Haat– An e-market portal connecting breeders and farmers to provide quality- disease free bovine germplasm
- Pashu Sanjivni: An Animal Wellness Programme with the provision of animal health cards along with UID identification
Significance
- Genetic Improvement
- Selective Breeding Programs: The mission emphasizes the implementation of selective breeding programs to improve the genetic potential of indigenous cattle breeds. This involves identifying high-performing animals and using them for breeding to pass on desirable traits to future generations.
- Artificial Insemination (AI): The mission encourages the widespread adoption of artificial insemination techniques to ensure controlled breeding and to introduce superior genetics into the population.
- Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT): ETT is employed to multiply the progeny of high-quality animals, thereby accelerating the genetic improvement process.
- Productivity Enhancement
- Nutrition Management: The mission aims to improve the nutritional status of cattle through better feeding practices and the promotion of balanced diets. This helps in enhancing milk and meat production.
- Healthcare and Disease Management: The program includes measures to ensure better healthcare for cattle, including vaccination drives and disease control measures. Healthy animals are more productive.
- Conservation of Indigenous Breeds
- Identification and Documentation: The mission identifies and documents indigenous cattle breeds, recognizing their unique genetic traits, adaptability to local environments, and cultural significance.
- Conservation Centers and Facilities: It establishes Gokul Grams and integrated indigenous cattle centers to serve as hubs for the conservation and development of native cattle breeds.
- Preventing Genetic Erosion: By promoting and preserving indigenous breeds, the mission helps prevent genetic erosion, which occurs when certain breeds are lost or diluted due to crossbreeding with exotic or high-yielding breeds.
- Livelihoods and Rural Economy
- Empowering Farmers: The Rashtriya Gokul Mission empowers farmers, especially those in rural areas, by providing them with access to better livestock management practices, improved breeds, and market linkages for their products.
- Income Diversification: Improved livestock productivity contributes to income diversification for farmers, reducing their dependence on traditional agriculture alone.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
- Adaptability to Local Environments: Indigenous breeds are often better adapted to local climates and conditions, making them more sustainable in the long run.
- Reduced Environmental Footprint: By prioritizing indigenous breeds, the mission supports a more sustainable approach to livestock farming, as these animals often require fewer external inputs and have lower environmental impacts compared to exotic breeds.
Conclusion
The revised scheme of NLM coupled with the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund has the potential to dramatically enhance the productivity and traceability standards of our livestock.
Value addition
Livestock sector in India
- Animal rearing has multidimensional potential. India is the highest livestock owner of the world.
- Animal husbandry refers to livestock raising and selective breeding. It is the management and care of animals in which the genetic qualities and behaviour of animals are further developed for profit.
- It is a major risk mitigation approach for small and marginal farmers, particularly across the rain-fed regions of India.
- It is at the centre of poverty alleviation programs from equity and livelihood standpoints.
- Livestock productivity has been identified as one of the seven sources of income growth by the Inter-Ministerial Committee under the government’s target of doubling farmers’ income by the year 2022.
- As per the 20th Livestock Census, the total Livestock population is 535.78 million in the country showing an increase of 4.6% over Livestock Census-2012.
- A large number of farmers depend upon animal husbandry for their livelihood. It supports the livelihood of almost 55% of the rural population.
- As per the Economic Survey-2021, the contribution of Livestock in total agriculture and allied sector Gross Value Added (at Constant Prices) has increased from 24.32% (2014-15) to 28.63% (2018-19).
- For instance, Operation Flood, launched in 1970, helped dairy farmers direct their own development, increased milk production, augmented rural incomes and ensured reasonable prices for consumers.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the ecotones and their importance and the need to conserve them.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin defining ecotone.
Body:
First, mention briefly how ecotones are formed. Mentioned about the edge effect.
Next, write about the importance of ecotones – providing an area for a large number of species, nesting, food provisions, greater genetic diversity, serve as bridges of “gene flow” and buffer-zone” protecting the neighbouring ecosystem from possible environmental damage.
Next, write about the need to conserve them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the importance and how Ecotones provide a sensitive indicator of global change.
Introduction
The transition zone between two ecosystems is called an ecotone. It is an area that represents the boundary between two ecosystems. This area is of high environmental and scientific importance. Marshy land, grassland ecosystem are few examples of Ecotones.
Body
Significance of Ecotones
- Ecotones, in simple terms, are transitional lands, which is why they provide such valuable insights and information regarding the evolution of the topography.
- Ecotones are also very special when it comes to species diversity.
- The transitioning region boasts species richnessand elaborate biodiversity.
- This is because they contain animal and plant species from both the adjacent ecosystems.
- This phenomenon is formally referred to as the edge effect.
- Ecotones act as biodiversity hotspotsbetween two ecosystems.
- Because this region borders two well-defined ecosystems, it promotes gene flowfrom one community to another, thereby giving rise to interesting variations.
- As such, ecotones hold evolutionary significance for researchers.
- Ecotones are the biological analogues of buffer states. They act as buffer regions when catastrophic conditions strike and protect the adjacent ecosystem from any prospective dangers.
- For instance, if a tsunami hits a coast, it’s usually the mangrove vegetation that acts as the shock absorbers. It prevents a massive amount of danger from infiltrating the terrestrial region.
Conclusion
Moreover, such a region is also very susceptible to climate- and human-induced changes. These changes result in modifications related to the biodiversity, structure, and functioning of the thriving flora and fauna.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the characteristics of grassland ecosystems and the various threats to it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the spread of various grassland ecosystems across the world.
Body:
First, write about the characteristics of grassland ecosystems – limited annual rainfall, dry climate, Lack of nutrients, Frequent fires, vegetation growth dominated by grasses.
Next, write about the impact of various natural and human disturbances to grassland ecosystem – Landslides, flash floods, wind storms, harvesting, planting and hunting are activities that have affected the organisms and landscapes within this type of ecosystem. Animals that graze in grasslands can also help to erode the territory if they overfeed. Urban development, agricultural production and invasive plants are all factors that work to destroy grasslands.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning various measures taken to tackle to protect grasslands.
Introduction
Grasslands are open areas of land where grasses or grass like plants are the dominant species. Other forms of vegetation such as trees are rare in grasslands because they are not suited to thrive in the grassland’s dry environment. Grasslands receive water through rainfall, and when it does occur the grasses use their roots to search for moisture. Grass within this type of environment reproduces by releasing pollen when the winds blow or by producing plants from their roots.
Body
Features of the grassland ecosystem
- Limited annual rainfall
- Grasslands ecosystem receives quite limited rainfall annually, and it covers almost 25% of the total land surface of the Earth.
- Limited rain causes no forest growth in this region.
- Grassland ecosystem is also prone to drought and uncertain precipitation.
- Temperature
- The temperature varies a lot throughout the year. In summer season the temperature of temperate grasslands becomes too hot up to 38 degrees Celsius, whereas in winter seasons it reduces up to -40 degrees Celsius making it too cold.
- Regular fire in the grassland ecosystem
- Fires in grasslands are one of the important characteristics.
- Due to dry climate and flash lighting, the dry grass catches fire quite easily.
- Regular fire in grasslands increases the growth of grasses in fields, but it restricts the growth of trees.
- Lack of nutrients in the soil.
- Poor vegetation
- It is also a vital characteristic of the grassland ecosystem.
- Very few numbers of trees is found in acres of grassland areas.
- The dry climate and less rainfall is a major reason for poor vegetation in a grassland ecosystem.
- Diversity in animal species
- Grasslands are home for a huge variety of animal species.
- They provide a big treat for grazing animals.
Impact of various natural and human disturbances to grassland ecosystem
- Natural and human disturbances to grassland areas can cause changes within this particular ecosystems environment.
- Because these ecosystems are relatively dry with a strong seasonal climate, they are sensitive to climatic changes and vulnerable to shifts in climatic regime.
- Grasslands are threatened by habitat loss, which can be caused by human actions, such as unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, and crop clearing.
- The biggest impact that humans have on grasslands is by developing open areas for farming or urban development.
- Not only does the conversion of land into crops change the ecosystem, but so does the farming of livestock.
- Hunting presents a serious impact on grassland biomes. Poachers likewise kill rhinoceroses for their tusks, and elephants for their ivory on Africa savannas without any regard to protection of the species.
- Climate changecauses ecological succession, in which the ecosystem of an area develops into another.
- Climate change impacts to grasslands and prairie bioregions include increased seasonal, annual, minimum, and maximum temperature and changing precipitation patterns.
Conclusion
Humans do not have only a negative impact on grasslands. Some humans do their part to preserve the land and restore it. National parks have been developed around grasslands, and some organizations replant depleted areas. Governments have enacted laws against the hunting of endangered animals. In particular, the U.S. National Parks Service has preserved land to foster the American bison population. While poaching still exists in many areas, there are efforts to stop it.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The article discusses the forthcoming amendments to India’s carbon credit and trading scheme, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and generate economic benefits.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about carbon market and India’s potential in using to fight climate change.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme.
Body:
In the first part, in detail, write about the structure of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme
Next, write about the potential of scheme in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples.
Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Carbon markets allow for buying and selling of carbon emissions with the objective of reducing global emissions. Carbon markets existed under the Kyoto Protocol, which is being replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2020. Carbon Markets can potentially deliver emissions reductions over and above what countries are doing on their own.
Body
About carbon market
- Carbon Markets and Carbon Credits are components of emissions trading, a market-based approach to to reduce the concentration of Greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. It works by providing economic incentives for reducing the emissions of the designated pollutants. A carbon market allows investors and corporations to trade both carbon credits and carbon offsets simultaneously.
- Carbon credits (or allowances) work like permission slips for emissions.
- When a company buys a carbon credit, they gain permission to generate more CO2 emissions.
- One tradable carbon credit equals one tonne of carbon dioxide or the equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas reduced, sequestered or avoided.
- Credits are measured against ‘benchmarks’ or allowed GHG emissions. If emissions are below the allowed limit, the emitter earns carbon credits (reducing 1 tonne of CO2 earns 1 carbon credit).
- If emissions are above the allowed limit, the emitter must buy carbon credits from those who have excess credits.
- Thus, crossing the emissions limit imposes a cost (amount spent on purchase of carbon credits) on the emitter. The idea is that this cost will force the emitters to be more efficient and reduce emission.
Potential to have carbon market framework In India
- First, it will help in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change by reducing the GHG emissions.
- Second, there are multiple co-benefits of offset projects such as: ecosystem management, forest preservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy generation in third-world countries, etc.
- Third, the voluntary carbon market for offsets is smaller than the compliance market, but expected to grow much bigger in the coming years. It’s open to individuals, companies, and other organizations that want to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint, but are not necessarily required to by law.
- Fourth, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of carbon emissions. Consequently, they’re increasingly critical of companies that don’t take climate change seriously. By contributing to carbon offset projects, companies signal to consumers and investors that they’re paying more than just lip service to combat climate change.
- Fifth, it opens an additional revenue stream for environmentally beneficial businesses. For instance, Tesla, the electric car maker, sold carbon credits to legacy car manufacturers to the tune of $518 million in just the first quarter of 2021.
Challenges with carbon market
- There are concerns regarding the effectiveness of carbon markets in curbing emissions.
- Some companies simply buy credits without making any effort to reduce emissions themselves. It is cheaper for them to buy carbon credit than to invest in emission reducing technologies
- The issue of old carbon credits (certified carbon emissions, or CERs), issued under — the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol — are still valid.
- Counting them as valid would slow down climate action because those who are under commitments to reducing emissions would just buy the CERs and call it a done deal.
- However, declaring them invalid would disappoint all those entities that were given the credits.
- Phenomenon of ‘double counting’ exists. If an emission reduction takes place in one country and another entity in another country buys the carbon credits, only one of the two countries should be logically allowed to use the activity against its own commitments — not both.
- Issues related to a fee levied on each carbon trading transaction for a fund to help poor countries adapt to the vagaries of the climate change.
- Buying carbon credits can deviate the rich nations from the path of reducing emissions. They can simply continue to emit and buy cheap carbon credits from developing countries.
- It is difficult to establish the amount of carbon reduced by offset projects (like afforestation or wind energy project). The complexity is in establishing baseline emissions (Emissions baseline represents what would happen if your project did not occur i.e., the emissions in the absence of the project).
- This makes it difficult to verify emission reductions and assigning carbon credits.
- India’s own PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) Scheme has failed to achieve meaningful emissions reduction. According to an analysis by the Center for Science and Environment, the emission reduction under the scheme has been only 1.57% and 1.44% over the two cycles.
Conclusion
The establishment of a domestic carbon market is a progressive step. However, the actual benefit will depend upon the effectiveness of the market. For this, the Government must ensure that proper regulations are established. Moreover, there must be periodic assessment of its functioning and corrective steps its necessary. Climate Change is real and imminent, Government must take all possible steps to mitigate the challenges.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
-
-
- Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action.
- Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action.
- Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly. Suggest any other possible option(s).
- Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. (250 Words) (UPSC Mains 2014)
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Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with giving the facts of the case and the hindrances to honest behaviour.
Body:
One by one evaluate the different options in front of that are provided. Using logic and various ethical theories to analyse their pros and cons of each option.
Next, write the course of action which you will take in the above situations. Analyse the pros and cons of that action. If there are any cons, write about how you will overcome/deal with those. Cite reasons for taking such path.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the writing about cost one has to pay for being honest.
Introduction
The case involves various ethical issues like rogue behaviour of employees and openly defying the authority. There is also gross injustice to the authority premised on false allegations, which can seriously damage the reputation and career of the officer. It is classic case where, good work is disincentivised by fabricated allegations that are grave.
Body
- Option #1: Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action
Merits: My explanation will be given and it may clear the doubts in this regard. Since I go soft on disciplinary action, the allegation may be taken back. It’ll reinstate my reputation. It will also show that there is transparency in handling such cases.
Demerits: Going soft on disciplinary action will mean the employees have a leverage over me and they can dominate me to do anything. It will lead to more inefficiencies amongst them and this is a win for injustice. It will only promote and encourage more inefficiency and wrongful means to defy authority in future. Giving in to wrong means used by the section of employees to thwart the enquiry.
- Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action
Merits: Doing the duty to maintain departmental efficiency by continuing with the departmental enquiry. I will not give in to wrong means used by the employees. It will show them that nothing can make me afraid or stop me from taking right action. It will become an example for other employees to not do such immoral actions.
Demerits: Not replying would reinforce the allegation. Reputation is harmed and may not be reinstated. May lead to some action upon myself if I don’t explain myself. Transparency and accountability is lost. It shows insensitivity towards issues pertaining to women.
- Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly
Merits: Ensuring effective communication with seniors- honouring lines of authority; will help seek their guidance and experience in such matters; taking the seniors into confidence on the matter could prevent/reduce personal harm later.
Demerits: Shows less initiative from my side, especially towards the allegation. Higher ups may not want to get involved when harassment case is there.
Course of action
One is to gather evidence and prove myself innocent and follow the guidelines in such cases. Second is to reply to the commission regarding the veracity of claims and come clean. Next, I would not go soft on employees and further continue with the disciplinary action. Further, I would seek help of higher-ups and their guidance in this regard. I will keep them in loop regarding every step and also do as directed.
This will lead to better efficiency at work by other employees and set a future precedent for others who try to cause disruption at work. I can also take seniors into confidence and find employees who can vouch for my integrity. It is the most holistic solution with less demerits.
Conclusion
Truth will always prevail and triumph if one is always in pursuit of it. We cannot leave our moral ground even if immoral means are used against us. We can take refuge under truth as Gandhiji said, because it alone will lead to justice and fairness.
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