UPSC Mains 2016 GS2 Q12 — Public Morality
In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- integrity index of Transparency InternationalIndia stands very lowdecline of public moralitylegal, political, economic, social and cultural factors
- Implicit sub-parts
- Contextualize India's current standing in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and its implication on public morality.
- Analyze the specific causal relationship between each of the five mandated categories and the erosion of ethical standards in public life.
- Suggest a brief forward-looking synthesis on how to reverse this trend beyond just legal compliance.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too many words defining the Transparency International index instead of focusing on the 'factors'.
- Treating 'public morality' as synonymous only with financial corruption; it also includes nepotism, lack of accountability, and apathy.
- Failing to address all five categories (Legal, Political, Economic, Social, Cultural) equally, often ignoring the 'Cultural' aspect.
- Writing a generic essay on corruption without linking it to 'public morality' as the core thematic lens.
- Dimensions required
- Legal-InstitutionalPolitical-ElectoralSocio-EconomicCultural-EthicalGovernance/Administrative
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 25-30 words for the introduction citing the CPI rank. Devote roughly 130-140 words to the five core factors, ensuring approximately 25 words per factor. Use the remaining 30 words for a conclusion that emphasizes a multi-pronged reform approach.
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