1. Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is not rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. UPSC (GS-4) 2022
Ans: The quantum of increasing work in bureaucracy is also a main reason for this situation to arise. The base of governance is expanding rapidly. With the technology coming in, the expectation of finding quick solutions to the day to day problems in governance is also increasing. This may end up in fixing the problems that can flare up on top priority and leaving the others.
The ability to make sensible decisions based on knowledge and experience is known as wisdom. In any particular situation, a person’s decision is based on his experience and knowledge to overlook or reckon with something.
However, a bureaucrat engrossed with the periphery and ignoring the core issues ends up to loose the connect with the governance. This may lead to absence of Objectivity. A decision taken in the absence of Objectivity, no matter how consciously taken, can be subjected to legal hurdles. A bureaucrat has various responsibilities, it is no doubt that he/she may miss or ignore something. But this should not be accepted in the legal framework.
At a moral level, it can be accepted for few times but when it comes to law these mistakes could make pay heavy price. Because such mistakes lead us towards injustice and poor governance.
Some examples in the above context:
- Giving permission for a mega infrastructure project without taking into consideration all the equations may have devastating effects.
- Another beautiful example can be functioning of an anganwadi. Whether it is being run as per the norms or not is the core responsibility as it is the main source of public interaction.
2. Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words) 10M (UPSC 2022)
Introduction
In any administrative system, it is crucial to prioritize the core issues that need to be addressed. Disregarding these critical problems and focusing only on the peripheral issues can lead to a breakdown in the system and a lack of effectiveness in service delivery. An officer who is engrossed in the minor details and ignores the bigger picture may cause a travesty of justice and hinder the cause of good governance.
To ensure effective service delivery and good governance, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the issues that need to be resolved. Administrators need to be able to differentiate between the core issues and peripheral issues and prioritize them accordingly. This will lead to better decision-making and a more efficient system.
In conclusion, it is important to recognize the importance of knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. Administrators who focus on the periphery and neglect the core issues can cause serious harm to the system. It is necessary to critically evaluate the situation and prioritize the issues that are crucial to good governance and effective service delivery.
The consequences of overlooking core issues – Inefficient decision-making process – Wasted resources and missed opportunities – Negative impact on public trust and credibility
Factors contributing to officers’ focus on periphery issues – Lack of clarity on priorities – Pressure from superiors or external factors – Fear of taking risks or making unpopular decisions
Strategies for prioritizing core issues a) Clear communication and alignment within the bureaucratic hierarchy b) Regular assessment of priorities based on impact and urgency c) Encouraging a culture that values problem-solving over bureaucratic processes
Overcoming challenges in prioritization a) Developing effective decision-making frameworks b) Providing training and support for officers c) Encouraging open dialogue and feedback within the bureaucracy
Conclusion: The importance of focusing on core issues, urging officers in bureaucracy to seek wisdom by knowing what to reckon with, while being mindful about not getting distracted by peripheral matters.
3. It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? (Answer in 150 words) 10M (UPSC 2022)
Introduction
Ethics play a crucial role in promoting the overall well-being of individuals and organizations. By adhering to ethical values, individuals can ensure that their actions align with moral standards and principles. This not only fosters a sense of integrity and responsibility but also promotes trust and respect among peers and colleagues.
In the context of conflict resolution, ethical values can help individuals navigate complex situations in a fair and just manner. By prioritizing values such as honesty, respect, and empathy, individuals can engage in constructive dialogue that promotes understanding and mutual agreement.
Furthermore, ethical values can help individuals navigate situations that require difficult decision making. By considering the ethical implications of their actions, individuals can ensure that their decisions are aligned with their moral values and principles, promoting a sense of personal and professional satisfaction.
In summary, ethics seek to promote a sense of responsibility, integrity, and respect while assisting individuals in the resolution of conflicts and decision-making processes. Adherence to ethical values is critical in promoting a healthy and functional society.
Adhering to ethical values promotes integrity, responsibility, trust, and respect. In conflict resolution, ethical values like honesty, respect, and empathy foster constructive dialogue, understanding, and mutual agreement. Ethical considerations also help individuals make difficult decisions, ensuring alignment with moral values and principles and promoting personal and professional satisfaction. Ethics are crucial for a healthy and functional society.