Mains Marathon 2024

Approach Give a brief introduction about Corruption Discuss corruption as a visible symptom of the society Suggest measures to uplift the core values of the society Conclude suitably

Introduction

Corruption is dishonest behavior by those in positions of power, characterized by using public office for personal gain. It often becomes habitual, deeply entrenched in societal norms, and reflects a failure of ethics. As corruption evolves into a social norm, it highlights a profound erosion of core values and ethical commitment within society.

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Corruption as a Visible Symptom of Society

Corruption is a manifestation of the erosion of core values within a society, indicating a significant moral and ethical decline.

• Erosion of Honesty and Trust
  • Decline in Integrity: As societal integrity diminishes, virtues like honesty become overshadowed by deceit. The decline in trust, once a cornerstone of societal relationships, exacerbates this issue.
    • Example: The Adarsh Housing Society scam, where influential individuals misused their positions for personal gain, illustrates how declining trust and honesty lead to widespread corruption.
• Shift in Values and Empathy
  • A growing emphasis on personal wealth and economic success often sidelines social responsibility and empathy. This shift fosters a culture where self-interest prevails over collective well-being.
    • Example: Misallocation of resources in India’s educational sector, where funds intended for public schools are misappropriated or diverted to private interests, reflects how personal gain can overshadow community welfare.
• Lifestyle and Materialism
  • The move towards materialism and individualism encourages unethical practices to achieve a luxurious lifestyle, often at the expense of societal values.
    • Example: Financial mismanagement in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), where public health funds were embezzled, demonstrates how material desires lead to regulatory breaches.
• Education and Societal Role Models
  • The education system, particularly in India, sometimes fails to promote core values like integrity and empathy. This inadequacy results in younger generations perceiving corruption as an acceptable norm.
    • Example: Instances of academic dishonesty, such as cheating and plagiarism in Indian educational institutions, show how a lack of emphasis on ethical conduct perpetuates a culture of corruption.

Corruption reveals a deeper failure in ethical commitment within society, highlighting the need for a robust revival of core values.

Measures to Uplift Core Values in Society

• Emphasize Moral Education
  • Moral education at home and in schools is crucial for instilling respect and values like honesty and empathy.
    • The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India emphasizes the inclusion of ethics in the curriculum, promoting a holistic educational approach that fosters moral values alongside academic learning.
• Champion Societal Values over Personal Greed
  • Prioritizing societal values such as fraternity and communal well-being over personal greed can enhance ethical standards.
    • Public campaigns like “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” (Clean India Mission), which promote cleanliness and community participation, encourage collective responsibility and ethical behavior.
• Address Socio-Economic Inequality
  • Tackling economic and social inequalities can reinforce values of unity and integrity across society.
    • Example: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which aims to provide affordable housing to economically disadvantaged populations, address disparities and promote equitable development.
• Create Inclusive Platforms
  • Providing spaces for sharing experiences and challenges fosters mutual understanding and promotes ethical behavior.
    • Example: Platforms like “Man Ki Baat” by the Prime Minister, which engage with citizens on various issues, encourage transparency and ethical dialogue.
• Strengthen Community Leaders
  • Training and empowering community leaders who embody and promote societal values can serve as positive role models.
    • Example: Leadership programs and workshops for local governance bodies under schemes like the “Capacity Building Scheme” enhance the ethical capabilities of leaders, ensuring they uphold core values in their roles.

Conclusion

Corruption serves as a stark indicator of a society where ethical commitment and core values have eroded. It reveals systemic failures and the broader implications of moral decay within both individuals and institutions. Addressing corruption requires a concerted effort to restore and uphold ethical standards, ensuring that governance and societal conduct align with fundamental principles of integrity and accountability.