Q7. The “banalization of development” can lead to ethical erosion in governance. Discuss how ethical principles can be integrated into decision-making processes to prevent this phenomenon. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
The question highlights the ethical erosion in governance due to the normalization of development without moral considerations. It is relevant due to increasing cases of environmental degradation, displacement, and governance failures in development projects.Key demand of the question
The question demands an analysis of how development loses its ethical foundation, leading to governance failures, and how ethical principles can be integrated to ensure just, inclusive, and sustainable policymaking.Structure of the answer
Introduction
Define the banalization of development and briefly explain how ignoring ethical concerns in policymaking leads to moral and governance failures. Mention a relevant constitutional principle or ethical theory to frame the issue.Body
- Ethical concerns in the banalization of development – Discuss how moral disengagement in governance leads to violations of human rights, displacement, environmental destruction, and crony capitalism. Mention a relevant case study or recent example.
- Integrating ethical principles into governance – Suggest moral frameworks like constitutional morality, virtue ethics, and participatory governance to ensure ethical policymaking. Highlight institutional mechanisms like judicial oversight, transparency laws, and environmental ethics.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for ethical governance where development is people-centric and sustainable. Mention a visionary approach, such as Gandhian trusteeship or global best practices, to ensure development with justice and dignity.
