Ethics (Analysing the use and relevance of values in contemporary Scenarios) by Manoj K Jha

Model Answer

Question #1. Values associated with providing freebies for winning elections go against the basic political and economic ethics? Discuss the dilemma involved in this case.

Model Hints

During election time, it is observed that politicians and political parties arrange feasts for common people, distribute rations, provide them free liquor and even in worst cases give money to people to vote for them. It is also observed that members of political parties get gifts after election success, before elections and huge success parties are organized. Even at government level, ruling parties give loan waivers, get away with bank loans to corporate houses, start schemes which involve direct cash transfer for the people etc apart from the other means of unauthorized distributing public resources to people. 

In cases where freebies are distributed to people, the major reason is to secure their vote banks or to protect the majority in the house or to cut out votes of other parties. The main motto remains winning elections at every cost by adopting any means. 

Freebies in contradiction to political and economic ethics

The culture of freebies is against the political and economic ethics. The ultimate source of money to distribute freebies is the public money and the arbitrary misuse of public money goes against the principle of equality and economic justice. 

To provide freebies money is extracted from different sources and through different means such as politicians getting involved in corruption to secure money. The political- corporate nexus is one such big source of party funds and to provide loan and tax waivers, the money comes directly from the government exchequer.

All these ways apart from others divert people's money from the constructive areas such as investing in the development and growth models, to destructive areas such as misusing it and malising human character. 

Dilemma of providing freebies

On one hand some of the practices such as loan waivers to farmers and some time tax waivers are considered to be necessary for the purpose of relieving farmers from misery and for economic development also. These waivers are genuine but when it becomes a part of freebies for the political gains it becomes problematic. 

Providing freebies has become a part of the practice to win elections. It has become a notion that if they will not do it others will do. So to remain in power and win elections, freebies are considered as one of the methods of winning. 

To reduce the dilemma, dutifulness and conscience of politicians is needed, so that the allocation of resources can be done judicially without giving any preferences to anyone. 

Question #2. Reducing and mitigating the effects of natural disasters in India not only requires the adequate policies but also high commitment and conscience of the first responder. Analyze.

 Model Hints

India due to its geographical position is highly susceptible to natural disasters. Its open and exposed southern end to the seas and ocean make it prone to cyclones and tornadoes. Its Arid western end makes it prone to drought. High Himalayas make its northern end prone to earthquakes and at its east the flood is a constant affair. Apart from the geographical and natural conditions, the man made conditions exaggerate the situation even further.

To minimize the impact and for the purpose of mitigating the influence of these disasters, the government has formulated policies and disaster management acts. These policies and acts make the policy makers and government duty bound to protect people by taking punitive measures. In addition to this the first responders have a significant role to play.

Commitment and conscience of the first responder

The first responders will include local residents, local administrative officials, local disaster management authorities, doctors and security forces.. These are the people who face the impact of the disaster and are responsible to handle the situation first hand. So this demands high commitment and conscience of them towards their duties and responsibilities. This is necessary to help them to distinguish right and wrong decisions or no decisions.

To develop the sense of commitment and conscience among the first responders, it is necessary to develop a culture of dutifulness and honesty among the local administration, authorities and doctors etc. All the duties and responsibilities of administration, disaster mitigation team and local people can not be fulfilled until every stakeholder is highly committed and understands their actions before performing them. 

Conscience among people can be ensured by inculcating them with the shared values such as dutifulness, sense of responsibility, performing fundamental duties, service to common man, good for everyone and equitable treatment,  etc. This will help first responders to perform their tasks well beforehand and will also drive local population to not to encroach flood sensitive areas for making settlements.