4(a). “For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework.” Justify this statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
The success of welfare schemes depends not just on resources but on ethical and rational administration.
Reason in Policy Execution: Uplifting schemes like Ujjwala Yojana demand accurate targeting of beneficiaries. Rational scrutiny avoids ghost deliveries and wastage of resources.
Ethical Framework: Ethical reasoning ensures inclusivity. In PDS reforms, linkage of benefits to Aadhar could have led to exclusions of needful people not possessing an Aadhar. Ethical considerations ensured that this is avoided by comprehensive rolling out of Aadhar program before linking it with PDS.
Evidence-Based Governance: Civil servants must rely on data, not populism. Example: Aspirational Districts Programme uses real-time dashboards, ensuring rational allocation of funds.
Importance of Critical Thinking: In ensuring that leakage of funds is prevented by keenly monitoring and auditing the flow of funds allocated for such welfare schemes.
Connecting with upcoming demand: Welfare schemes linked with the expectations of future, like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana need critical alignment with the evolving trend of skills required for employment. Civil servants need to plan the delivery strategically to provide maximum benefits.
Constitutional Backing: Directive Principles (Art. 38 & 39) guide welfare; ethical reasoning ensures policies meet justice, not just numbers.
The objective of any scheme needs to be tied back closely with the target beneficiaries. The successful delivery of social re-engineering through schemes like PM-Fasal Bima Yojana and PM-JAY are dependent on the execution by civil servants.
Thus, welfare delivery requires administrators to combine rational problem-solving with moral conscience, ensuring fairness, efficiency, and trust.
4(b). What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Mahavir, 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, propounded five principles:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Today, it inspires peacebuilding and animal rights movements. In today’s complex world, it acts as one of the most potent tools to prevent wars if nations imbibe non-violence in their diplomacy.
Satya (Truthfulness): Essential for transparency and integrity in governance. RTI Act operationalises this principle, enabling truth in public administration.
Asteya (Non-stealing): It teaches everyone to avoid any illegal gratification. For civil servants, this extends to avoiding corruption and misuse of public funds.
Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Advocates sustainable consumption. In climate crisis debates, this principle is critical for reducing ecological footprint. Programs like Mission Life in India can be corelated with the principle of Aparigraha.
Brahmacharya (Self-restraint): Encourages discipline and ethical conduct in personal and professional life.
Contemporary relevance:
- Environmental ethics: Aparigraha aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).
- Social harmony: Ahimsa curbs tendencies for communal tensions.
- Governance: Asteya and Satya ensure probity in public life (Second ARC).
Thus, Mahavir’s philosophy remains a timeless ethical guide, ensuring personal integrity, sustainable living, and just governance in today’s complex world.
