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General Studies – 1
Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the challenges in the integration of Hyderabad and how they were overcome.
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 giving context of India at independence.
Body:
First, write about the various challenges in the integration of the princely state of Hyderabad – Nizam’s desire to remain independent, communal clashes, Razakar attacks, lack of administrative structures etc.
In the next part, write about the various steps that were taken in this regard to integrate Hyderabad with India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
With the enactment of Indian Independence Act, 1947, it declared the lapse of suzerainty (paramountcy) of the Crown. The Indian States regained their position which they had prior to the assumption of suzerainty by the Crown. The ‘iron man of India’, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was valued on one hand for being politically astute and on the other hand for his pragmatic acumen, necessary to bring together the more than 500 bits and pieces of royal territories into the fold of the Indian union.
Recently a new succession battle for the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad, when there is no kingdom has intrigued people.
Body
The issue of the princely states was not an easy affair to resolve. Unsurprisingly, when the British announced their departure, most of the princes thought it to be the best moment to claim independent statehood. There were many others, who were caught in a tug of war between India and Pakistan.
Patel often invoked the patriotism of the princes in his attempt to convince them to join India. On other occasions he reminded them of the possibility of anarchy and on event of their refusal to join. He also introduced the concept of ‘privy purses’ as a payment to be made to the families of the princes for their agreement to integrate with India.
With great skill and masterful diplomacy & using both persuasion & pressure, Patel succeeded in integrating hundreds of princely states. Most princely states joined Constituent Assembly with wisdom but others like of Junagarh, Kashmir, Manipur and Hyderabad publicly announced their desire to claim an independent status.
How Sardar Patel tackled the Hyderabad challenge
- The Nizams ruled one of the largest kingdoms in India that spread over some 82,000 square miles or as big as Iceland and Cuba put together between 1724 and 1948.
- Nizam led to tyrannical ways & aspired to set up a Muslim dominion rather than integration with India
- He wanted an independent status for Hyderabad & thus entered into negotiation of standstill agreement with India
- Meanwhile people revolted against Nizam’s rule, particularly the peasants of Telangana due to his worst oppression measures.
- Nizam retaliated on popular movement by unleashing a para-military force
- 150,000 soldiers were mobilized by Nizam to fight against the Indian Union
- They murdered, maimed, raped and looted, targeting particularly the non-Muslims
- In Sep 1948, Indian army under operation Polo invaded Hyderabad state & overthrew its Nizam, annexing the state merged it into the Indian Union.
Sardar Patel had strong will and his decisiveness, taking tough decisions, and his undivided loyalty towards Mahatma Gandhi marks him out among his peers. His skillful combination of diplomatic persuasion of pointing to the larger long term interests of the population and also with a certain amount of arms twisting which made it clear that there would be a price to pay if the rulers did not accept the conditions the Indian government was putting.
Conclusion
Often referred to as the “Bismarck of India”, Patel was instrumental in bringing India together. Patel laid out the initial framework for persuading the princes to join, it was his secretary, V.P. Menon, who did the actual groundwork of coaxing them. The final touch in the process was applied by the Viceroy Lord Mountbatten.
Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about liberation of goa, operation Vijay and the reasons for military intervention in Goa.
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.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context about annexation of Goa.
Body:
First, write about the causes for need for liberation of Goa from the Portuguese colonial rule and obstacles faced by India.
Next, write about the various measures taken by India to liberate India from Portuguese and launch of operation Vijay to liberate it through military action.
Next, write about the need for military action for a nation that professed non-violence in the liberation of Goa.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The annexation of Goa in 1961 was a significant event in India’s history, driven by a combination of historical, political, and strategic factors. At the time of independence in 1947, Goa, along with Daman and Diu, remained under Portuguese colonial rule. Despite numerous attempts to negotiate with Portugal for the peaceful integration of these territories into the Indian Union, diplomatic efforts yielded little success.
Body
Causes for Liberation of Goa
- Incomplete Decolonization: Post-independence, Goa’s Portuguese rule was a remnant of colonialism.
- Nationalism: India sought to eliminate foreign control to achieve complete sovereignty.
- Failed Diplomacy: Diplomatic efforts to persuade Portugal for a peaceful integration proved futile.
Obstacles Faced by India:
- International Criticism: The military intervention faced global disapproval.
- Risk of Escalation: Fear of sparking a larger conflict deterred some nations from supporting India.
- Portuguese Resistance: Portugal’s reluctance to cede control necessitated a military operation for annexation.
Various measures taken by India to liberate India from Portuguese
- Diplomatic Negotiations: India engaged in diplomatic talks with Portugal to peacefully integrate Goa, Daman, and Diu into the Indian Union.
- United Nations Involvement: India brought the issue to the United Nations, highlighting the need for decolonization and international support.
- Failed Diplomacy: Despite diplomatic efforts, Portugal refused to relinquish control, leading to the need for more assertive measures.
- Operation Vijay: A military intervention, Operation Vijay, was launched in December 1961, involving a swift and successful combination of naval, air, and ground forces.
- Annexation: The military operation resulted in the annexation of Goa, marking the end of Portuguese colonial rule in the region.
need for military action for a nation that professed non-violence in the liberation of Goa
- Failed Diplomacy: Despite India’s commitment to non-violence, diplomatic negotiations with Portugal for the peaceful integration of Goa proved unsuccessful.
- Portuguese Resistance: Portugal’s refusal to cede control and the absence of a peaceful resolution necessitated a more assertive approach.
- National Sovereignty: The presence of foreign rule in Goa contradicted India’s quest for complete sovereignty and independence from colonial influences.
- Public Opinion: The Indian public and political sentiment demanded decisive action to assert national pride and uphold territorial integrity.
- Global Approval: While military action faced international criticism, it garnered domestic support and showcased India’s commitment to self-determination and decolonization.
Conclusion
The annexation of Goa was a complex event shaped by historical, political, and strategic considerations. It reflected India’s commitment to complete its process of decolonization and establish itself as a sovereign nation. The episode played a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy and its identity as a post-colonial state committed to upholding the principles of territorial integrity and national pride.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a scheme to electrify one crore households with solar electricity.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the scope and limiting factors in the growth of solar energy and measures taken by the government to promote them,
Directive word:
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:
Begin by giving context regarding the development of solar energy in India.
Body:
First, mention about the huge potential for growth, emission-free nature and consistent nature of solar energy production in contrast with other forms of energy.
Next, evaluate the various constraining factors for a solar energy – such as land requirement, man power, financing, efficiency and manufacturing needs etc.
Next, write about the various measures taken by the government to promote solar energy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
Since 2011, India’s solar sector has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 59%. From less than 10 MW in 2010, India has added significant solar PV capacity over the past decade, achieving over 50 GW by 2022. By 2030, India is targeting about 500 GW of renewable energy deployment, out of which 280 GW is expected from solar PV.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government will launch ‘Pradhanmantri Suryoday Yojana’ with the target of installing solar rooftop systems on 1 crore houses.
Body
Current status of Solar Energy in India
- The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), also known as the National Solar Mission (NSM),which commenced in January 2010, marked the first time the government focused on promoting and developing solar power in India.
- Under the scheme, the total installed capacity target was set as 20GW by 2022. In 2015, the target was revised to 100GW and in August 2021, the government set a solar target of 300GW by 2030.
- India currently ranks fifth after China, U.S., Japan and Germany in terms of installed solar power capacity.
- As of December 2021, the cumulative solar installed capacity of India is 55GW, which is roughly half the renewable energy (RE) capacity (excluding large hydro power) and 14% of the overall power generation capacity of India.
- Within the 55GW, grid-connected utility-scale projects contribute 77% and the rest comes from grid-connected rooftop and off-grid projects.
Scope & Opportunities
- India, being a tropical country is endowed with plenty of solar energy; hence, exploitation of solar energy becomes an important component of renewable energy sector
- India is endowed with vast solar energy potential.
- About 5,000 trillion kWh per year energyis incident over India’s land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sq. m per day
- Karnataka leads India’s list of states producing solar energy, with a total installed solar power capacity of about 7,100MW; followed by Telangana, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat
- Also, India is now the fourth-largest solar power producer in the world
- India’s Bhadla Solar Park is the largest solar power park in the world, which contribute to an operational capacity of 2245MW.
Government Initiatives towards promotion of Solar Energy
- National Solar Mission (NSM): The 100 GW solar ambition at the heart of the world’s largest renewable energy expansion programme
- International Solar Alliance:In pursuance to enhance Solar Energy production, India along with France launched the International Solar Alliance with the aim to promote solar energy in 121 member countries and to mobilize over $1 trillion of investment for the deployment of solar energy at affordable costs.
- 100 GW target: The target set by India, for installed solar energy capacity is 100 GW by March 2023 — 40 GW rooftop solar and 60 GW ground-mounted utility scale
- Under ‘One sun One World One Grid’, India seeks to replicate its global solar leadership by encouraging the phased development of a single globally connected solar electricity grid to leverage the multiple benefits (Low cost, Zero pollution) of solar energy.
- India has pledged to mobilize more than US $ 1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy.
Challenges
- India’s solar energy development is largely built over imported products.
- India is facing challenge to balance Prioritising domestic goals and WTO commitments.
- India is dependent on Chinese imports for solar equipment, such as solar cells, panels, etc.
- The dumping of products is leading to profit erosion of local manufacturers.
- Land availability in India for solar plant is less due to high population density.
- China’s strong manufacturing base is giving stiff challenge to domestic manufacturer.
- India’s solar waste is estimated to be around 1.8 million by 2050, which needs to be tackled.
- There is little fiscal space for large public investment in renewables, while private investment in renewables at scale is just starting.
- The willingness of developed countries to make available adequate low-cost finance and required technologies remains uncertain.
Way Forward
- Strong financial measures are required to finance the solar projects.
- Innovative steps like green bonds, institutional loans and clean energy fund can play a crucial role.
- Promotion of research and development in renewable energy sector, especially in storage technology.
- Along with prioritizing designing microgrids, public policy attention is needed for developing battery technologies at scale for local applications.
- India needs a Solar Waste Management and Manufacturing Standards Policy.
Conclusion
India’s bid to play a leadership role in setting up a World Solar Bank is laudable. It could galvanize domestic efforts and give the country a global voice in the push for a clean planet.
General Studies – 3
Topic: economics of animal-rearing.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
India’s dairy board has done well to import Gir bull genes from Brazil. This highly productive breed’s desi lineage may have eased autarkic resistance, but genetic origin shouldn’t matter so long as milk output gets a boost.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the contributions of white revolution and steps to boost milk production.
Directive word:
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:
Begin by giving context regarding the White Revolution in India.
Body:
First, mention about the factors that made White revolution possible and its impact on milk production and economy of India.
Next, write about the various issues in the diary sector in the country and mention steps that are needed to fix them
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
The huge increase in milk supply through concerted efforts on a cooperative level is known as the White Revolution. Forty-eight years after Operation Flood – that made India the world’s largest milk producer – India continues to be on the lookout for the next breakthrough in agricultural produce and productivity.
India’s dairy board has done well to import Gir bull genes from Brazil. This highly productive breed’s desi lineage may have eased autarkic resistance, but genetic origin shouldn’t matter so long as milk output gets a boost.
Body
Milk production in India:
- India emerged as the largest milk producer and consumer in 2019.
- Niti Aayog estimates that the country is expected to increase its milk production to 330 million metric tonnes (mt) in 2033–34 from the current level of 176 mt.
- Currently India has 17% of world output of dairy products, surpassing USA in 1998 as world’s largest producer of dairy. All this was achieved by operation Flood which was launched in 1970’s.
- According to market research company IMARC, the milk and dairy products industry reached Rs7.9 lakh crore in 2017.
- In 2016, the milk sector alone was valued at Rs3 lakh crore and is projected to scale Rs7.3 lakh crore by 2021.
- The per capita milk availability in India has gone up from 126 gm per day in 1960 to 359 gm per day in 2015.
Challenges to White Revolution:
- The Indian cows and buffaloes are generally low yielding and non-descript because of the lack of healthy cattle-feed and fodder, tropical heat and diseases.
- Despite lack of water and gradually declining arable land, dairy farming is on the rise.
- Free trade agreements, or FTAs, for instance, will allow EU government-subsidised products to be imported from Europe with little entry barriers. This will pose a big challenge to cow-farmers.
- Due to unhygienic production, handling conditions and high temperatures, the quality of milk is adversely affected.
- Because of inadequate marketing facilities, most of the marketable surplus is sold in the form of ghee which is the least remunerative of all milk products.
Measures needed to increase milk production in India
- Increase in the market share depends on how dairy firms’ capabilities and their resources are utilised given the opportunities and threats emanating from emerging markets economies.
- Contract/corporate dairying and emerging global dairy trade are required to rope in dairy supply chains stakeholders in order to expand their outreach and “on-the-go” product positioning into the target segment.
- Digital technology-enabled dairy firms need to identify their compatible partners and competitors for co-creation through product-process innovation via relationship/value-based marketing.
- Freshness in milk, and convenience to store milk or milk products can be a technology innovation brought in by large dairy firms in association start-ups.
- Education and Training at Panchayat level for small and medium size farmers
- Subsidizing cattle production and encouraging cattle markets
- Facility of logistics for produced milk
- Improved Veterinary facility specially in artificial insemination of cattle
- Encouraging private sector firm to procure dairy produced at rural level
- Low interest loans for small and medium scale farmers for cattle purchase
- Encouraging rural women to take up animal husbandry
- Insurance of cattle against diseases like Anthrax, Foot and Mouth, Peste des Ruminantes, etc.
- Nurture dairy entrepreneurs through effective training of youth at the village level coupled with dedicated leadership and professional management of farmers’ institutions.
- Agricultural practices, sanitation, quality of drinking water & fodder, type and quality of pipelines – all of these need to be aligned to the goal of healthy milk
Conclusion
Since its inception, Operation Flood or the “white revolution” has transformed India, which previously imported milk, into the third-largest producer and exporter of milk globally. The Amul cooperative helped growers receive higher prices while creating thousands of direct jobs and acting as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
India’s mitigation plan for climate change should accord high priority to a basic scarcity that may impede economic growth.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the triple planetary crisis and measures that are needed to build resilience.
Directive word:
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:
Begin the answer by defining ‘triple planetary’ crisis.
Body:
First, write about the factors that contribute to the ‘triple planetary’ crisis and substantiate with statistics.
Next, write about the impact of ‘triple planetary’ crisis and measures that are needed to create a sustainable future.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward
Introduction
The ‘triple planetary’ crisis refers to the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, constituting a severe threat to the planet. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, leads to rising temperatures and extreme weather events. Biodiversity loss, caused by habitat destruction and human activities, disrupts ecosystems and jeopardizes species. Pollution, from various sources, harms air, water, and soil quality. This crisis demands urgent global action to mitigate its impacts, safeguard ecosystems, and transition to sustainable practices, emphasizing the interdependence of environmental, social, and economic well-being for a resilient and sustainable future.’
Body
Factors that contribute to the ‘triple planetary’ crisis
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
- Combustion of fossil fuels for energy production and transportation is a major source.
- In 2019, global CO2 emissions reached 33.1 billion metric tons, with China, the United States, and the European Union being the top contributors (Global Carbon Project).
- Deforestation:
- Clearing land for agriculture and logging contributes to carbon emissions and disrupts ecosystems.
- The rate of global deforestation was estimated at 10 million hectares per year between 2015 and 2020 (FAO).
- Industrial Agriculture:
- Intensive farming practices, including chemical use and monoculture, lead to habitat destruction and soil degradation.
- Agriculture contributes to about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock responsible for a significant portion (IPCC).
- Biodiversity Loss:
- Habitat destruction, pollution, over-exploitation, and climate change threaten diverse ecosystems.
- The IPBES Global Assessment Report (2019) indicates that over 1 million species are at risk of extinction, unprecedented in human history.
- Plastic Pollution:
- Improper disposal and excessive use of plastics lead to pollution in oceans and terrestrial environments.
- Approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, impacting marine life and ecosystems (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
- Air and Water Pollution:
- Industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper waste management degrade air and water quality.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air containing high levels of pollutants, causing 7 million premature deaths annually.
Impact of ‘triple planetary’ crisis
- Climate Change
- Rising temperatures lead to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and disruptions in agriculture.
- Biodiversity Loss:
- Ecosystem instability, reduced resilience to diseases, and potential loss of valuable genetic resources.
- Pollution
- Adverse effects on human health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning, with long-term consequences.
- Interconnected Effects:
- The ‘triple planetary’ crisis exacerbates each other, creating complex and interconnected challenges.
- Social and Economic Ramifications:
- Displacement of communities, resource conflicts, and economic losses, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Measures needed
- Transition to Renewable Energy
- Accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable Land Use
- Implement responsible land management practices to combat deforestation, preserve ecosystems, and support biodiversity.
- Circular Economy
- Promote a circular economy to minimize waste and pollution, emphasizing recycling and sustainable resource use.
- Conservation and Restoration
- Prioritize the conservation and restoration of ecosystems to safeguard biodiversity and enhance resilience.
- Global Cooperation
- Foster international collaboration to address environmental challenges collectively, sharing knowledge and resources.
Conclusion
Addressing the impact requires holistic strategies, sustainable policies, and global cooperation to build resilience and mitigate further deterioration of the planet’s health. Coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and communities worldwide to mitigate the ‘triple planetary’ crisis and ensure a sustainable future.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how Integrity is at the core of good character.
Directive word:
Substantiate – When you are asked to Substantiate, you must 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 using suitable case studies or/ and examples.
Introduction:
Begin by defining what is Integrity.
Body:
Mention how integrity boosts the moral values such as honesty, fairness, decency etc that boosts one’s moral character and contributes to an ethical system. Use examples to support the argument.
Also, write about how with having Integrity as foundational value, we can add more virtues for ethical development.
Conclusion:
Mention that it further boosts self-awareness of individuals and aids for a just society.
Introduction
“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” (Warren Buffet)
Integrity is having a strong set of ethical principles, being able to tell the truth no matter the consequences, admitting to a wrong even if you could get away without doing it. Integrity is about doing the right thing; it is being incorruptible, honest, and above all, doing all these things when no one is around to see it.
Body
Integrity is a four-step process: keeping in mind the aim/ purpose of one’s action or inaction and acting consistently with that choice—even when it is inconvenient or unprofitable to do so; choosing the right course of conduct in conformity with moral principles; openly declaring one’s intentions or where one stands; and results of one’s actions.
In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to 27 years in prison at Robben Island. He accepted it with dignity. He knew that overthrowing apartheid called for struggle and sacrifice, and was prepared for the long walk to freedom.
Ten thousand days in prison failed to break Mandela and he refused to compromise on his beliefs or leave the struggle midway.
Importance of Integrity
- The civil servants need to be people of absolute integrity because only then they can take the civil service as a ’vocation’. It strengthens the sense of mission which a civil servant is supposed to undertake to serve the public; perform duties and fulfil obligations.
- A similar doctrine of vocation was enunciated several thousand years ago by Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita. It has been mentioned there, that ‘’Securing” universal welfare by one’s action is the ultimate measure of a human being but more so of those who hold the public office”.
- Civil servants have to set out highest standards of integrity and morality. This requires self-sacrifice a concept that rises above individualism and ‘hedonism’to create an environment of public duty among the civil servants. An exemplary civil servant is not simply one who obeys the laws and behaves within the confines of law but is also one who strives for a moral government.
- Integrity requires in a civil servant toincorporate the values of honesty, sympathy empathy, compassion, fairness, self-control and duty so that she/he will be able to uphold high personal and professional standards in all circumstances.
Conclusion
Honesty is telling truth to other people, but Integrity is about being truthful to oneself.
‘Civil Service Conduct Rules’ recommends ‘absolute integrity’ for civil servants, irrespective of their department. Also, every civil servant is supposed to take all possible steps to ensure the integrity of all government servants for the time being under his control and only be honest but should also have the reputation of being so. Integrity has been considerably widened by declaring that a civil servant must keep himself within bounds of administrative decency.
Topic: Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information
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-2023 Secure.
Key demand of the question:
To write about the role whistle blowing ain prevention of corruption.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain what is whistle blowing.
Body:
Explain What are the moral and ethical justification of whistleblowing – whistleblowing is morally required when it is required at all; people have a moral obligation to prevent serious harm to others if they can do so with little costs to themselves. Give examples to justify your points.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the need of whistle-blower protection
Introduction
A whistle-blower is a person who comes forward and shares his/her knowledge on any wrongdoing which he/she thinks is happening in the whole organisation or in a specific department. A whistle-blower could be an employee, contractor, or a supplier who becomes aware of any illegal activities. Personal Values and Organizational Culture are the Foundation of Whistle-blowing
A good civil servant is one who is kind, responsive, fair, has sense of duty, objective judgement skills with a hint of rebellion.
Body
In the course of civil service, an officer is bound to face challenges of various types. One must find innovative solutions to such problems by working around the problems. However, when there are inevitable situations, it becomes necessary to whistle blow, albeit within the system.
Merits of whistleblowing:
- Exposing Unethical Behaviour: When corporations and government agencies step over legal and ethical lines, whistle-blowers can make these practices public knowledge, which can lead to violators being held accountable.
- Take care of things internally: Stronger whistle-blower protection laws all over the world, such as in the EU and Australia, mean that if you do not listen to and act upon whistleblowing tips internally, people may decide to report externally, for example to the media, and are legally protected if they do so.
- Reduce losses when misconduct occurs: Whistleblowing benefits organisations through significant loss savings. Organisations that did not have a whistleblowing system in place suffered losses that were twice the size compared to those who did have a whistleblowing system.
- Build trust in your brand: 50% of the participants responded that building trust was the main benefit of a whistleblowing system. An openness to whistleblowing demonstrates a commitment to high ethical standards and builds trust in the company.
- Ensure legal compliance: Having a system in place for whistleblowing benefits organisations by reducing compliance risk.
Demerits of whistleblowing:
- The world, government, corporates and even society to an extent do not like whistle-blowers and some countries go so far as to call them ‘traitors’
- The case of Edward Snowden and Julian Assange of Wikileaks proves the point
- Whistle-blowers face legal action, criminal charges, social stigma, and termination from any position, office, or job.
- Vindictive tactics to make the individual’s work more difficult and/or insignificant, assassination of character, formal reprimand, and difficult court proceedings
Ethical perspective:
The ethics of whistleblowing is a tricky matter. Whistle-blowing brings two moral values, fairness and loyalty, into conflict.
In the case where a company does serious harm through its service or product, the disclosure of such information for the sake of public constitute the ground for an understanding that takes whistleblowing as an ethical behaviour.
The situations where whistleblowing is morally justified:
- Whenever and wherever the product/service of the firm will cause considerable harm to the public.
- Whenever an employee feels serious threat or harm to him or anybody he should report to the firm.
- If an immediate boss does not care for report (whistle blowing) the employee should go up to highest level to present his case.
Conclusion
A good civil servant would adhere to the foundational principles and fight against corrupt practices in a pragmatic way as the situation demands.
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