Day 59 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: “Ethics is not just about knowing what is right or wrong, but having the courage to act upon it.” Discuss this statement in the context of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and truth. How can this principle be applied in contemporary public administration? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Ethics, as emphasized by Mahatma Gandhi, transcends mere knowledge of right and wrong and requires the courage to act upon these convictions. Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and Ahimsa (non-violence) reflects this principle, advocating that ethical actions must align with moral truths, even in the face of adversity.

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Gandhi’s Philosophy in the Context of Ethics –

1. Truth (Satya) as the Foundation: Gandhi believed that truth is the ultimate reality, and ethical actions must be rooted in truth, requiring courage to uphold it even against powerful opposition (e.g., his stance during the Salt March).
2. Non-Violence (Ahimsa) as Ethical Action: For Gandhi, non-violence was not merely the absence of violence but the active force of love and compassion, demanding the courage to resist injustice peacefully (e.g., Civil Disobedience Movement).
3. Moral Courage: Gandhi exemplified moral courage by consistently acting on his ethical beliefs, whether it was advocating for the rights of the oppressed or resisting colonial rule, even when it led to personal suffering.
4. Integrity in Leadership: Gandhi’s leadership was marked by integrity, where he practiced what he preached, thereby inspiring others to follow ethical principles (e.g., his personal austerity reflecting his commitment to simplicity).
5. Ethics in Public Service: Gandhi emphasized that public service should be guided by ethical considerations, where actions are taken for the greater good without fear or favor (e.g., his support for untouchability abolition despite strong societal resistance).

Application in Contemporary Public Administration –

1. Upholding Integrity: Civil servants should act with integrity, resisting corruption and acting truthfully, even when faced with pressures (e.g., whistleblowing against malpractices).
2. Moral Courage in Decision-Making: Public administrators should have the courage to make decisions that align with ethical principles, even when they are unpopular (e.g., enforcing environmental regulations despite opposition).
3. Compassionate Governance: Applying Gandhi’s principle of non-violence, public administration should focus on compassionate governance, ensuring that policies and actions do not harm the most vulnerable (e.g., inclusive welfare schemes).
4. Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency and accountability in governance by acting truthfully and providing accurate information to the public (e.g., transparent public procurement processes).
5. Leadership by Example: Civil servants should lead by example, demonstrating ethical behavior in their personal and professional lives, thereby fostering a culture of ethics in public administration (e.g., adhering to ethical standards in resource management).

Conclusion

Gandhi’s philosophy teaches that ethics requires the courage to act on moral principles, not just to recognize them. In contemporary public administration, this principle is essential for fostering integrity, compassion, and accountability, ensuring that governance is not only effective but also morally grounded. This approach aligns with the broader goal of ethical governance and the promotion of justice and equity in society.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC): Emphasized ethical governance as key to public administration.
2. Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Establishes mechanisms to ensure accountability and integrity in public office, reflecting Gandhi’s principles.
3. Ethics Committees in Civil Services: Ensure adherence to ethical standards, promoting transparency and moral courage in governance.

Question 2: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Reflect on this statement by Martin Luther King Jr. in the context of global human rights issues. How do his ideas resonate with the challenges faced by the modern world in ensuring social justice? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” highlights the interconnectedness of human rights and justice. It underscores the idea that tolerating injustice in any part of the world can undermine the global pursuit of social justice, as emphasized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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Reflection on Global Human Rights Issues –

1. Systemic Racism: The persistence of systemic racism in various parts of the world, as seen in the Black Lives Matter movement, reflects how localized injustice can spark global movements for justice.
2. Gender Inequality: Gender-based discrimination and violence, prevalent in many societies, threatens the global quest for gender equality and justice, echoing King’s warning about the universality of injustice.
3. Refugee Crisis: The mistreatment of refugees, often driven by conflict and persecution, highlights the global failure to uphold human dignity, posing a challenge to international justice.
4. Economic Disparities: Widening economic inequalities, exacerbated by globalization, reveal how economic injustice in one region can lead to social unrest and instability elsewhere.
5. Environmental Injustice: The exploitation of natural resources and environmental degradation, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, demonstrates how environmental injustice has global ramifications.

Resonance with Modern Challenges in Ensuring Social Justice –

1. Global Solidarity: King’s idea emphasizes the need for global solidarity in addressing injustices, as seen in international efforts like the Paris Agreement on climate change, which seeks to address environmental injustice collectively.
2. Universal Human Rights: His philosophy reinforces the importance of protecting universal human rights, as highlighted by global institutions like the United Nations in addressing issues like child labor and human trafficking.
3. Social Movements: Modern social movements, such as the #MeToo movement, reflect King’s belief that injustice in one area can inspire global advocacy for justice and equality.
4. Legal Reforms: King’s vision resonates in the push for global legal reforms that ensure justice for marginalized communities, such as the International Criminal Court’s role in prosecuting crimes against humanity.
5. Ethical Governance: His statement calls for ethical governance worldwide, where leaders are held accountable for upholding justice and human rights, as seen in anti-corruption initiatives.

Conclusion

Martin Luther King Jr.’s assertion remains profoundly relevant in today’s world. His ideas resonate with the ongoing global challenges in ensuring social justice, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat injustice in all its forms. This principle aligns with the broader goals of human rights and the pursuit of a just and equitable world.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Establishes the global standard for human rights, reflecting King’s vision of universal justice.
2. United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): Monitors human rights violations globally, reinforcing the idea that injustice in one region affects global peace and security.
3. International Criminal Court (ICC): Addresses grave injustices, ensuring accountability for crimes that threaten global justice and security.

Question 3: “The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation.” Examine this utilitarian principle by Jeremy Bentham. Discuss its relevance and application in formulating public policies in a democratic society like India. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian principle, “The greatest happiness of the greatest number,” suggests that the moral worth of an action is determined by its contribution to overall happiness. In a democratic society like India, this principle is significant in guiding public policy formulation to ensure that the well-being of the majority is prioritized.

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Relevance of Utilitarian Principle in Public Policy –

1. Welfare Policies: The principle underlies welfare schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which aims to uplift the majority by providing employment and enhancing rural livelihoods.
2. Economic Reforms: Utilitarianism drives economic reforms that aim to maximize overall prosperity, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which seeks to simplify the tax system for the benefit of the economy as a whole.
3. Health Initiatives: Public health programs like Ayushman Bharat are designed to maximize health benefits for the largest number of people, reflecting the utilitarian focus on the greatest happiness.
4. Education Policies: The Right to Education Act (RTE) aligns with utilitarianism by ensuring access to education for all children, thereby benefiting society by promoting literacy and reducing inequality.
5. Infrastructure Development: Projects like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aim to connect rural areas to urban centers, promoting overall economic growth and benefiting the majority.

Application in Democratic Society Like India –

1. Majority Rule: In a democracy, policies are often designed to reflect the will of the majority, ensuring that decisions lead to the greatest good for the greatest number (e.g., voting on major legislative reforms).
2. Balancing Interests: While focusing on the majority, policies must also consider minority rights to ensure that the happiness of the majority does not come at the expense of marginalized groups (e.g., affirmative action policies).
3. Social Justice: Utilitarianism guides social justice initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated to maximize social welfare (e.g., food security programs targeting the poorest sections).
4. Inclusive Growth: Policies like the Digital India initiative aim to include the maximum number of citizens in the benefits of technology, promoting widespread happiness and reducing the digital divide.
5. Ethical Governance: Utilitarianism supports ethical governance by encouraging policies that are transparent, accountable, and aimed at the public good (e.g., anti-corruption measures).

Conclusion

Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian principle remains highly relevant in the formulation of public policies in India, guiding efforts to maximize overall happiness and well-being. In a democratic society, this principle helps balance the needs of the majority with the protection of minority rights, ensuring that governance is both effective and equitable. This approach aligns with the broader goals of social justice and inclusive development.