UPSC Mains 2015 · GS IV · Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words

Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilence cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control. (a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications. (b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.

हिन्दी में

आज हम देखते हैं कि आचार संहिताओं के निर्धारण, सतर्कता सेलों/आयोगों की स्थापना, आर० टी० आइ०, सक्रिय मीडिया और विधिक यांत्रिकत्वों के प्रबलन जैसे विभिन्न उपायों के बावजूद भ्रष्टाचारपूर्ण कर्म नियंत्रण के अधीन नहीं आ रहे हैं। (क) इन उपायों की प्रभावशीलता का औचित्य बताते हुए मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (ख) इस खतरे का मुकाबला करने के लिए और अधिक प्रभावी रणनीतियाँ सुझाइए।

CorruptionAccountability and Ethical Governance

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Discuss the menace of corruption in public life. Also critically examine the measures taken for ensuring probity in governance.”

Pratyush PandeyAIR 21 · CSE 2019 · 109 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Corruption is the misuse of official position for personal gain. eg A public servant hiring his nephew instead of merit based exam.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Central Node: Menace in Public Life - Erosion of Public Trust - Inefficiency in resource utilization - Nepotism - Ecological damage - bypassing of environment laws - Criminalization of Politics - Cynicism, brain drain - Poor work culture
Diagram
- Central Box: Measures Taken - Institutions like Lokpal - Prevention of Corruption Act - Code of Conduct - RTI, citizens Charter - Independent judiciary - Free Media - Social Audits

Impact

(1) Conviction of high and mighty corrupt leaders

  • eg fodder scam, Telecom scam

(2) Improved work culture

  • compulsory retirement, monthly review

(3) Ethical training, knowledge- eg Mission Satyanishtha → leads to character building

limitations 2nd ARC:

  1. No behavioural change
  2. Low awareness among citizens of ethical standards
  3. Tolerance for corruption
  4. Low conviction rate - no fear for corrupt
  5. Harassment of honest officers deters them.

Way Forward

Close · a way forward

Thus, there is need to ensure probity through ethical training modules and citizen oversight

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper IV, Q6. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.