GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.

Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Syllabus: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

How toppers approached it

From all 7 answers · about 180 words · 29% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening71%
  • A definition14%
  • A restatement14%

Body

  • Points and prose43%
  • Points29%
  • Continuous prose29%

Close

  • A way forward57%
  • A quotation29%
  • No separate close14%

The toppers’ answers

Vishakha YadavAIR 6 · CSE 2019 · 197 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Scholars like Machiavelli, Kautilya said that there's no place of ethics in politics. However, this isn't always true. The political power is a position of popular sovereignty where Govt act as a trust holding public faith. To compromise the means and resorting to unethical practices such as Bribes, collusions, nexus with corporates, freebies, persuasion playing religion and caste politics. This stains the public image and integrity of the politicians.

Body · continuous prose

Gandhiji axiom of the convergence of means and ends is the guiding light in the times marred with increased political expenditure (Lokniti: 67,000 crores 2019 17th LS elections)

However, there are some instances where unethical means not always result into the favourable results. A study shows (CSDS-Lokniti) that Indian population despite receiving the freebies (laptops, cash) choose to vote according to their requirements.

Thus, there is a hope of light in the tunnel with rising middle class and young energy of the rising demographic dividend which forms rational choices.

Close · a way forward

ECI, SC and GOI has taken many steps to root out the culture of corruption in electoral politics. It is time that a common man also ensures a civic participation to beat the commercialisation of the politics in India.

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