OPSC Main Exam 2022 GS Paper I Solution

OPSC Main Exam 2022 GS Paper I Question Paper

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each (Marks: 10):

1. Would it be correct to say that the people of Odisha continuously rebelled against British domination? Comment.

2. Maratha domination over Odisha in the second half of the 18th century left the people dissatisfied even while it regenerated the culture. Comment.

3. Discuss the location and distribution of Iron and Steel Industries in India.

4. Explain various geographical and human factors for industrial location in Odisha.

5. Explain the term Welfare State. Discuss to what extent India fulfills the criteria of being a welfare state.

6. Mission Karmayogi is aimed at building a future-ready Civil Servant with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the vision of New India. Discuss.

7. Explain the Demographic dividend in the context of India.

8. What are some of the recent legal pronouncements related to the rights of sexual minorities in India?

9. “In India, the agriculture and allied sectors is the third largest emitter of greenhouse gas after energy and manufacturing sectors.” What changes should India make to achieve carbon-efficient agriculture?

10. Examine the steps taken by Government of India to safeguard our National Heritage.

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each (Marks: 20)

11. Were the disturbances of 1857 a mere mutiny or a war of independence?

12. The social reform movements of Colonial India were only concerned with the condition of women and little else. Comment.

13. Give an account of the Himalayan and Peninsular River System of India.

14. Give a geographical account of natural resources of Odisha with respect to minerals and forest resources.

15. The efficacy of the collegium system has been challenged time to time in terms of its independence and transparency of judicial appointments. Examine.

16. There is a need to abolish the sedition law on the ground that it is used to curb freedom of expression and speech. Discuss.

17. Discuss India’s contribution towards net-zero carbon emissions and what more India can do to achieve its goal of net-zero by 2070.

18. What do you understand by Uniform Civil Code? Examine its relevance for a secular country like India and the challenges in its implementation.

19. Discuss the role of Non-Governmental Organisations in protection of Human Rights.

20. “Corruption in public life is a threat to Nation’s prosperity.” Comment.

OPSC Main Exam 2022 GS Paper I Solution

1. Would it be correct to say that the people of Odisha continuously rebelled against British domination? Comment.

Ans: Yes, it is largely correct to assert that Odisha witnessed continuous resistance against British domination, manifesting through various forms of rebellion across different periods.

The Paika Rebellion of 1817 under Bakshi Jagabandhu marked the first significant organized resistance, predating the Sepoy Mutiny by four decades. The Khurda uprising, Ghumusar resistance, and Sambalpur rebellions demonstrated sustained opposition to British policies.

Tribal communities particularly showed persistent resistance through movements like the Bhuyan rebellion, Kol uprising, and Saora resistance against colonial exploitation and forest policies. The Surendra Sai movement in Sambalpur and Chakhi Khuntia’s rebellion exemplified regional resistance.

The freedom struggle period witnessed mass participation in Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movement. Leaders like Gopabandhu Das, Harekrushna Mahatab, and Nilakantha Das mobilized popular resistance.

However, resistance wasn’t uniform across all regions or periods. Some areas experienced collaborative relationships with colonial administration, and certain rulers maintained tributary arrangements. The resistance was more episodic rather than continuous, intensifying during specific policy implementations like land settlements and taxation measures, making it a pattern of recurring resistance rather than uninterrupted rebellion.

2. Maratha domination over Odisha in the second half of the 18th century left the people dissatisfied even while it regenerated the culture. Comment.

Ans: Maratha rule in Odisha (1751-1803) presents a paradoxical legacy of administrative exploitation coupled with cultural renaissance, creating complex popular sentiments.

Sources of Dissatisfaction: The revenue farming system under Maratha sardars led to excessive taxation and exploitation. Absentee landlordism resulted in administrative negligence, while military campaigns imposed heavy financial burdens on peasants. The Chauth and Sardeshmukhi taxation system created economic hardship, leading to agrarian distress and population migration.

Cultural Regeneration: Paradoxically, Maratha period witnessed Jagannath cult revival and temple reconstruction. Sanskrit learning flourished under Maratha patronage, with Bhakti literature and Odia poetry experiencing renaissance. Architectural restoration of temples and cultural synthesis between Maratha and Odia traditions enriched local heritage.

The Paika system integrated local military traditions with Maratha administrative structure, while trade networks expanded cultural exchanges. Religious festivals and cultural practices received royal patronage despite political instability.

This dual character explains why Marathas are remembered both as exploitative rulers and cultural patrons. The period’s legacy demonstrates how political oppression and cultural flowering can coexist, leaving ambivalent historical memories among the people of Odisha.

3. Discuss the location and distribution of Iron and Steel Industries in India.

Ans: India’s Iron and Steel Industries exhibit resource-based location patterns concentrated primarily in eastern and central regions, following the proximity principle to raw materials.

Major Steel Centers: Jamshedpur (1907) – India’s first integrated steel plant, strategically located near iron ore deposits of Jharkhand and coal fields of Jharia. Rourkela, Bhilai, and Durgapur – public sector plants established during Five-Year Plans, utilizing proximity advantages to raw materials.

Contemporary Developments: Bokaro, Visakhapatnam, and Salem represent diversified location strategies. Coastal locations like Visakhapatnam leverage imported coking coal and export facilities. Greenfield projects in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand continue the resource-proximity tradition.

Location Factors: Raw material availability (iron ore, coking coal, limestone), transportation networks (railways, ports), water availability, and power supply primarily determine location decisions. Market proximity and government policies increasingly influence modern plant locations.

Distribution Pattern: Eastern India dominates with 60% capacity, followed by southern and western regions. Tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha concentrate maximum production, creating industrial corridors but also environmental challenges and displacement issues requiring sustainable development approaches.

4. Explain various geographical and human factors for industrial location in Odisha.

Ans: Odisha’s industrial landscape is shaped by favorable geographical endowments and strategic human factors that create competitive advantages for resource-based industries.

Geographical Factors: Mineral Wealth – Odisha possesses 35% of India’s iron ore reserves, 24% of coal deposits, and significant bauxite, chromite, and manganese resources. Coastal advantage with 485 km coastline facilitates export-import activities and port-based industries.

Strategic Location provides connectivity to eastern and northern markets while offering proximity to raw material sources. River systems like Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani ensure water availability for industrial processes.

Human Factors: Abundant labor supply from rural areas provides cost advantages, while government policies including industrial promotion schemes and single-window clearances attract investments. Skilled workforce from technical institutions supports modern industrial requirements.

Infrastructure Development through road networks, railway connectivity, and power generation (both thermal and hydel) supports industrial growth. Port facilities at Paradip and planned industrial corridors enhance logistics capabilities.

Challenges include tribal displacement concerns, environmental sustainability, and skill development needs. The combination of natural resource abundance and policy support positions Odisha as a major industrial destination while requiring balanced development approaches.

5. Explain the term Welfare State. Discuss to what extent India fulfills the criteria of being a welfare state.

Ans: A Welfare State represents a governance model where government assumes primary responsibility for citizens’ social and economic well-being through comprehensive public services, social security systems, and redistributive policies.

Core Characteristics: Universal healthcare, education access, unemployment benefits, social security, poverty alleviation programs, and progressive taxation define welfare state features. Constitutional commitment to social justice and government intervention in market failures are fundamental elements.

India’s Welfare State Status:

Positive Indicators: Constitutional provisions (Directive Principles) mandate welfare responsibilities. Extensive programs like MGNREGA, PDS, Ayushman Bharat, PM-KISAN, and pension schemes demonstrate welfare commitment. Education policies (RTE Act) and healthcare initiatives show progressive orientation.

Limitations: Implementation gaps affect program effectiveness. Limited coverage of formal social security excludes informal sector workers. Resource constraints and targeting inefficiencies reduce welfare impact. Quality concerns in public services create urban-rural disparities.

Assessment: India represents an evolving welfare state with ambitious programs but implementation challenges. Democratic pressures drive welfare expansion, while fiscal constraints limit comprehensive coverage. The trajectory indicates progressive welfare orientation requiring administrative strengthening, resource mobilization, and inclusive growth strategies to achieve comprehensive welfare state characteristics.

6. Mission Karmayogi is aimed at building a future-ready Civil Servant with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the vision of New India. Discuss.

Ans: Mission Karmayogi represents a transformative initiative for comprehensive civil service reform, designed to create competent, citizen-centric, and future-ready public servants aligned with 21st-century governance requirements.

Key Objectives: The mission emphasizes attitudinal transformation from process-oriented to outcome-focused approaches, promoting innovation, technology adoption, and citizen-centricity. It aims to develop domain expertise while maintaining generalist capabilities essential for holistic governance.

Structural Framework: Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform provides personalized learning experiences through AI-driven content delivery. Competency-based HR management links career progression with skill development and performance outcomes.

Innovation Elements: Annual Capacity Building Plans, role-based training modules, and continuous learning frameworks replace traditional training approaches. Public-private partnerships in content development ensure contemporary relevance and practical applicability.

Implementation Strategy: Phased rollout across central ministries and state governments ensures systematic transformation. Monitoring mechanisms track learning outcomes and behavioral changes.

Expected Impact: The mission promises enhanced service delivery, improved governance quality, and citizen satisfaction. By fostering professional excellence and ethical conduct, it aims to restore public trust in government institutions while preparing civil servants for digital governance and emerging challenges of New India.

7. Explain the Demographic dividend in the context of India.

Ans: Demographic Dividend refers to the economic advantage arising from favorable age structure where the working-age population (15-64 years) significantly exceeds dependent population (children and elderly), creating productivity potential and economic growth opportunities.

India’s Demographic Profile: India currently has 65% working-age population with median age of 28 years, making it one of the world’s youngest nations. This demographic window is expected to last until 2055, providing sustained workforce availability.

Potential Benefits: Higher productivity due to maximum working population, increased savings and investment rates, consumption growth driving domestic demand, and reduced dependency burden enabling resource reallocation toward productive investments. Innovation potential from young workforce and entrepreneurial energy.

Realization Challenges: Skill development gaps limit employability of demographic bonus. Job creation insufficient for workforce additions. Quality education and healthcare deficits affect human capital development. Gender participation in workforce remains low.

Policy Requirements: Educational reforms, skill development programs, employment generation schemes, healthcare improvements, and women’s workforce participation are essential. Industrial growth, technological adoption, and entrepreneurship promotion can harness demographic advantages.

Success depends on strategic policy interventions converting population advantage into economic prosperity, making demographic dividend a driver of inclusive growth rather than a burden.

8. What are some of the recent legal pronouncements related to the rights of sexual minorities in India?

Ans: India has witnessed landmark judicial pronouncements that have progressively recognized and protected the rights of sexual minorities, marking a significant shift toward inclusive jurisprudence and constitutional equality.

Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): The Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality by reading down Section 377 of IPC, declaring it unconstitutional insofar as it criminalizes consensual sexual acts between adults. The judgment emphasized dignity, privacy, and non-discrimination as fundamental rights.

National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014): This judgment recognized transgender persons as the third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights to equality and non-discrimination. It mandated legal recognition and directed governments to provide reservation and social welfare benefits.

Subsequent Developments: Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provides legal framework for transgender rights, though facing criticism for restrictive provisions. Various High Court judgments have addressed adoption rights, marriage equality, and workplace discrimination.

Recent Trends: Courts increasingly invoke constitutional morality, human dignity, and international human rights standards. Same-sex marriage cases are pending before courts, indicating evolving jurisprudence. These pronouncements reflect India’s progressive constitutional interpretation advancing LGBTQ+ rights and social inclusion.

Ans: Indian agriculture contributes approximately 18% of total GHG emissions, primarily through methane from livestock, rice cultivation, and nitrous oxide from fertilizers, necessitating comprehensive carbon-efficient transformation strategies.

Sustainable Crop Management: Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in rice cultivation can reduce methane emissions by 30%. Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) minimize water usage and emissions. Crop diversification toward millets and pulses reduces carbon footprint while improving nutritional security.

Precision Agriculture: Smart fertilizer application using soil testing and nano-fertilizers reduces nitrous oxide emissions. Organic farming practices, bio-fertilizers, and integrated pest management minimize chemical inputs and associated emissions.

Livestock Management: Improved cattle breeds, better feed management, and methane capture systems can reduce livestock emissions. Dairy development programs with scientific breeding and nutrition practices enhance productivity while reducing per-unit emissions.

Technology Adoption: Climate-smart agriculture, carbon sequestration through agroforestry, renewable energy in farming operations, and digital agriculture platforms optimize resource utilization. Government support through subsidies, training programs, and research initiatives is essential for widespread adoption of carbon-efficient practices ensuring sustainable agricultural transformation.

10. Examine the steps taken by Government of India to safeguard our National Heritage.

Ans: The Government of India has implemented comprehensive measures to preserve and protect national heritage through legislative frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and conservation programs addressing tangible and intangible cultural assets.

Legislative Framework: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 provides legal protection to archaeological sites. Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 prevents illicit trafficking of cultural objects. UNESCO World Heritage Convention ratification enables international cooperation in heritage conservation.

Institutional Mechanisms: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages 3,686 protected monuments and conducts excavations and conservation. National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities creates digital documentation. Intangible Cultural Heritage Division preserves traditional practices, performing arts, and crafts.

Conservation Initiatives: Adopt a Heritage Scheme encourages private sector participation in monument maintenance. Swachh Bharat Mission includes heritage site cleanliness. Digital initiatives like virtual museums and online archives enhance accessibility.

Financial Support: Central Protected Monument Grant and State Heritage Grant fund conservation projects. International cooperation through bilateral agreements brings technical expertise and funding.

Challenges include urbanization pressure, industrial pollution, and inadequate funding. Recent initiatives focus on sustainable tourism, community participation, and technology integration ensuring heritage preservation for future generations while promoting cultural identity and economic benefits.

11. Were the disturbances of 1857 a mere mutiny or a war of independence?

Ans: The 1857 uprising represents a complex historical phenomenon that transcends the simplistic “mutiny versus independence” debate, embodying characteristics of both military rebellion and proto-nationalist resistance.

Arguments for “Mutiny”: The revolt began as a sepoy mutiny triggered by the cartridge controversy and military grievances. Limited geographical spread (mainly North India), lack of unified leadership, and absence of clear political program suggest localized military uprising rather than coordinated independence movement.

Arguments for “War of Independence”: Popular participation beyond military ranks, involvement of dispossessed rulers like Bahadur Shah Zafar and Rani Lakshmibai, anti-colonial sentiment, and restoration of traditional authority indicate broader independence aspirations. V.D. Savarkar’s interpretation as the “First War of Independence” emphasizes nationalist character.

Historical Assessment: Modern historians view it as neither purely mutiny nor independence war but a transitional phase representing anti-colonial resistance with traditional legitimacy rather than modern nationalism. The uprising lacked pan-Indian character, modern organizational structure, and forward-looking political vision.

Significance: Regardless of classification, 1857 marked the end of Company rule, beginning of Crown administration, and foundation for later organized independence movements, making it a watershed in Indian colonial history and anti-imperial consciousness.

12. The social reform movements of Colonial India were only concerned with the condition of women and little else. Comment.

Ans: This statement presents a narrow interpretation of colonial social reform movements, which actually addressed comprehensive social transformation encompassing multiple dimensions beyond women’s conditions, though gender reform remained a significant focus.

Women-Centric Reforms: Sati abolition, widow remarriage advocacy, female education, and child marriage prevention were indeed prominent concerns. Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotirao Phule prioritized women’s rights as markers of social progress.

Broader Reform Agenda: Caste system abolition efforts by Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj, untouchability eradication campaigns, educational expansion for all communities, religious orthodoxy challenges, and rational thinking promotion demonstrate comprehensive scope.

Economic and Political Dimensions: Land reform advocacy, peasant rights, industrial worker conditions, and anti-colonial consciousness were integral to reform movements. Economic justice and political awakening complemented social transformation.

Regional Variations: Tamil Nadu’s Self-Respect Movement, Maharashtra’s social justice campaigns, and Bengal’s cultural renaissance addressed diverse social issues including linguistic identity, cultural pride, and economic modernization.

Assessment: While women’s condition served as a catalyst and visible symbol of social reform, the movements represented holistic social reconstruction challenging traditional hierarchies, promoting modern education, and fostering national consciousness, making them multifaceted transformation efforts rather than single-issue campaigns.

13. Give an account of the Himalayan and Peninsular River System of India.

Ans: India’s river systems are broadly classified into Himalayan and Peninsular categories, each exhibiting distinct characteristics in terms of origin, flow patterns, drainage, and economic significance.

Himalayan River System: Snow-fed perennial rivers originating from Himalayan glaciers including Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra systems. These rivers exhibit high volume, long courses, and seasonal variations. Antecedent drainage pattern with deep valleys and extensive alluvial plains formation characterizes this system.

Key Features: Year-round flow, meandering patterns in plains, extensive delta formation, and high sediment load making them suitable for agriculture and navigation. Major tributaries include Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gandak, and Kosi.

Peninsular River System: Rain-fed seasonal rivers originating from Western and Eastern Ghats including Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada, and Tapti. These rivers show consequent and subsequent drainage patterns with shorter courses and seasonal flow variations.

Characteristics: Monsoon-dependent flow, rocky beds, waterfalls and rapids, limited navigability, but significant hydroelectric potential. Westward flowing (Narmada, Tapti) and eastward flowing (Godavari, Krishna) rivers show different drainage patterns.

Economic Significance: Both systems support agriculture, hydroelectric generation, industrial development, and transportation, while Himalayan rivers provide perennial water supply and Peninsular rivers offer hydroelectric potential and regional irrigation.

14. Give a geographical account of natural resources of Odisha with respect to minerals and forest resources.

Ans: Odisha possesses exceptional natural resource endowments, particularly in minerals and forests, making it a resource-rich state with significant economic potential and environmental diversity.

Mineral Resources: Odisha contains India’s largest iron ore reserves (approximately 35% of national reserves) concentrated in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh districts. Coal deposits constitute 24% of India’s reserves located in Talcher, Ib Valley, and Brahmani coalfields.

Bauxite reserves (approximately 55% of national reserves) are found in Koraput, Kalahandi, and Rayagada districts. Chromite (98% of India’s reserves), manganese, limestone, dolomite, and quartzite deposits are widely distributed across the state.

Forest Resources: Forest coverage spans 37.34% of geographical area (approximately 50,354 sq km) including dense forests, open forests, and mangrove ecosystems. Tropical deciduous forests dominate the landscape with sal, teak, bamboo, and medicinal plants.

Biodiversity hotspots include Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Chilika Lake ecosystem. Forest products include timber, bamboo, minor forest produce, and medicinal plants supporting tribal livelihoods.

Economic Impact: These resources support major industries including steel, aluminum, power generation, and forest-based industries, while requiring sustainable management to balance economic development with environmental conservation and tribal welfare.

15. The efficacy of the collegium system has been challenged time to time in terms of its independence and transparency of judicial appointments. Examine.

Ans: The collegium system for judicial appointments, established through Supreme Court judgments in 1990s, faces persistent criticism regarding its effectiveness, transparency, and democratic accountability while defending judicial independence.

System Overview: The collegium comprises Chief Justice and senior-most judges making appointment recommendations for higher judiciary. This judge-appointed-judges system replaced government-dominated appointments to ensure judicial independence from executive interference.

Independence Concerns: Critics argue the system creates judicial oligarchy with self-perpetuating appointments lacking external oversight. Opaque selection criteria, absence of diverse representation, and potential for nepotism undermine merit-based selections. Judicial accountability becomes questionable without external evaluation.

Transparency Issues: Secret deliberations, undisclosed reasons for selections/rejections, and lack of public consultation create transparency deficits. No formal criteria disclosure and absence of appeal mechanisms generate public skepticism about appointment fairness.

Proposed Reforms: National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was proposed to include executive and civil society representation but was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015. Current debates focus on collegium reforms including transparent procedures, public consultation, and performance evaluation.

Assessment: While protecting judicial independence, the system requires procedural transparency, diverse representation, and accountability mechanisms to enhance public confidence and institutional legitimacy while maintaining constitutional balance between independence and accountability.

16. There is a need to abolish the sedition law on the ground that it is used to curb freedom of expression and speech. Discuss.

Ans: The sedition law (Section 124A IPC) is a colonial-era provision that criminalizes expression perceived as inciting disaffection against the government. Its continued existence raises serious concerns about its compatibility with democratic principles and fundamental rights. While the law’s supporters argue it protects national security, its application has largely served to suppress dissent, criticism of authorities, and peaceful political expression.

Numerous cases demonstrate the law’s chilling effect on free speech, with journalists, activists, and students frequently targeted. The vagueness of terms like “disaffection” enables arbitrary enforcement, often against marginalized voices. While the Supreme Court’s Kedar Nath Singh verdict (1962) attempted to limit its scope to violent acts, lower courts routinely disregard this precedent.

Modern democracies like the United Kingdom have repealed similar laws, recognizing their incompatibility with free speech values. India already has sufficient legal provisions (UAPA, NSA) to address genuine threats to public order without needing this draconian relic. Either immediate repeal or radical amendment to incorporate strict safeguards against misuse is necessary to protect constitutional freedoms.

17. Discuss India’s contribution towards net-zero carbon emissions and what more India can do to achieve its goal of net-zero by 2070.

Ans: India has emerged as a global leader in climate action while balancing developmental needs. The Panchamrit strategy announced at COP26 outlines ambitious targets: 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, 50% electricity from renewables, and 1 billion tonnes emission reduction by 2030. The International Solar Alliance initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to clean energy transition.

Significant progress includes rapid solar power expansion, with tariffs becoming the world’s lowest, and substantial growth in wind energy capacity. The National Hydrogen Mission aims to position India as a green hydrogen hub. However, challenges persist in energy storage technologies, grid modernization, and financing renewable projects.

To accelerate progress, India must:

Enhance R&D investments in battery storage and carbon capture
Implement robust carbon pricing mechanisms
Decentralize renewable energy through micro-grids
Strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure
Promote sustainable urban planning with EV ecosystems

18. What do you understand by Uniform Civil Code? Examine its relevance for a secular country like India and the challenges in its implementation.

Ans: A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) envisions a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion. This concept, enshrined in Article 44 of the Constitution, aims to replace religion-based personal laws with gender-just, secular legislation.

For a secular democracy, UCC promises equal rights and national integration by eliminating discriminatory provisions across communities. It could address issues like triple talaq, unequal inheritance rights, and child marriage that persist under personal laws. The Goa Civil Code demonstrates successful implementation at state level.

However, implementation challenges include:

Cultural sensitivities and fears of majority imposition
Political resistance from religious groups
Legal complexities in harmonizing diverse traditions
Implementation logistics across states

A gradual, consultative approach focusing first on reforming specific discriminatory practices may prove more effective than immediate nationwide implementation.

19. Discuss the role of Non-Governmental Organisations in protection of Human Rights.

Ans: NGOs serve as critical watchdogs, advocates, and service providers in the human rights ecosystem. They document violations, provide legal aid to victims, and conduct awareness programs about constitutional rights. Organizations like Amnesty International and PUCL have exposed numerous cases of custodial violence and discrimination.

At policy level, NGOs contribute to law-making processes, as seen in the drafting of RTE Act and Forest Rights Act. They bridge the gap between marginalized communities and government systems through grassroots interventions. International NGOs bring global attention to domestic human rights issues.

However, NGOs face funding restrictions, bureaucratic hurdles, and increasing political scrutiny. Despite these challenges, their independent monitoring remains vital for accountability and progressive reform in human rights protection.

20. “Corruption in public life is a threat to Nation’s prosperity.” Comment.

Ans: Corruption undermines national development by diverting public resources, distorting markets, and eroding institutional credibility. It creates unequal opportunities, where success depends on connections rather than merit, stifling innovation and growth. The 2-5% GDP loss annually due to corruption represents vital funds that could otherwise support infrastructure, education and healthcare.

Systemic corruption discourages foreign investment and reduces tax compliance, creating a vicious cycle of underdevelopment. It particularly harms marginalized groups who rely most on public services but face bribery demands for basic entitlements. The 2G scam and coal allocation case demonstrated how corruption sabotages economic planning.

Effective anti-corruption measures require:

Transparency in government functioning
Whistleblower protection mechanisms
Swift judicial processes for corruption cases
Ethics education in public services

The Lokpal institution and digital governance initiatives show progress, but sustained political will remains crucial for meaningful change.

Licchavi Lyceum