AIR 3 · CSE 2022 · GS4 · 60 pages

Uma Haritha N: GS4 answer copy

19 answers by Uma Haritha N, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Giving examples of some social ills plaguing the society, discuss how social persuasion can be an effective technique to overcome them.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)The grievance redressal mechanism is the gauge to measure efficiency and effectiveness as it provides important feedback on the working of the administration. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues which have created barriers for a responsive redressal mechanism.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?10 marks
  5. Q3(a)Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear"- Nelson Mandela10 marks
  6. Q3(b)"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service"- Martin Luther King.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)Simply labelling people as liberal or conservative is to miss the point that an individual can have divergent views on different issues. Explain with examples.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.10 marks
  11. Q6Citizen's charters can be both a stimulus and a means for government to raise the standards of public service delivery. Discuss.10 marks
  12. Q7Attitude and behaviour are so closely interwoven that a change in one inevitably influences the other. Explain the statement with examples.10 marks
  13. Q8Emotional intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss.10 marks
  14. Q9Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?20 marks
  15. Q1020 marks
  16. Q11You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of a loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?20 marks
  17. Q1220 marks
  18. Q13You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state? (b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?20 marks
  19. Q14Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes has meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 153 words written

Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?

Opening

The public sector and private sector in general are guided by different values. Today as the government is retreating, the private sector is taking increasing role in public service delivery. This is a cause of concern because certain private sector values should not always guide public service delivery.

For eg: profit motive or commercialization of education and health.

In some cases there is clear lack of convergence between the two values

eg: increasing inequity in getting quality education.

Body · points and prose

n of education and health.

In some cases there is clear lack of convergence between the two values

eg: increasing inequity in getting quality education.

• individuals unable to afford quality health care, which is now provided by private sector.

Close · a way forward

However, initiatives and concepts like corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, social license to operate seem to enable convergence of both the values - i.e., public service values in private sector.

Nevertheless, government should not abandon its core job of ensuring welfare by

— Basic services like health and education should be provided by government

— Better regulation of private sector