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150 Words10 Marks

Q.Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 words, 10 Marks)

UPSC Mains 2017Ethics & Integrity

Syllabus Point

• Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

Approach

  1. Introduction (Definition) (30-40 words)
    • Explain how young individuals with ethical values hesitate to enter politics due to corruption, nepotism, and a lack of transparency. However, their participation is crucial for ethical governance and nation-building.
  2. Body (Explanation) (80-90 words)
    • Highlight in brief challenges Preventing Ethical Youth from Entering Politics
    • Discuss the steps to Motivate Ethical Youth to Join Politics
  3. Conclusion (20 words)
    • Explain why Ethical youth must be encouraged to participate in politics through systemic reforms, education, and positive role models. Their leadership is essential for good governance, democracy, and national progress.

Introduction

In many democracies, including India, there is a notable reluctance among young individuals with strong ethical values to engage in active politics. This hesitation stems from various factors, including the perception of politics as corrupt, the lack of supportive platforms, and the fear of compromising personal integrity. Encouraging these individuals to join politics is essential for fostering a more ethical and progressive political landscape.

Body

Challenges Preventing Ethical Youth from Entering Politics:

  • Prevalence of Corruption – Fear of compromising moral values.
  • Criminalization of Politics – Intimidation and lack of a fair political environment.
  • Lack of Internal Democracy – Dominance of family-based political structures.
  • Financial Barriers – High costs of elections discourage honest candidates.
  • Negative Perception – Politics is viewed as unethical and manipulative.
graph TD;
    Challenges["Challenges Preventing Ethical Youth from Entering Politics"] --> Corruption["Prevalence of Corruption"];
    Challenges --> Criminalization["Criminalization of Politics"];
    Challenges --> Financial["Financial Barriers"];
    Challenges --> Democracy["Lack of Internal Democracy"];
    Challenges --> Perception["Negative Perception"];

Steps to Motivate Young People to Join Politics:

  • Promoting Ethical Leadership:
    • Highlighting the success stories of ethical leaders can serve as powerful examples. Publicizing the achievements of leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, who entered politics from a background of activism, can inspire young people.
    • Government and NGOs should organize seminars and workshops where ethical leaders share their experiences and motivations, demonstrating that it is possible to maintain integrity in politics.
  • Providing Platforms for Political Engagement:
    • Establishing youth wings in political parties dedicated to nurturing young talent and promoting ethical standards.
    • Encouraging the formation of student councils and youth parliaments in educational institutions to engage students in governance and political debates.
  • Ensuring Transparency and Accountability:
    • Implementing and enforcing strict transparency and accountability measures within political parties can create an environment where ethical conduct is valued.
    • Making financial disclosures and audit reports of political parties publicly accessible to build trust in the political process.
  • Offering Mentorship Programs:
    • Creating mentorship programs where seasoned ethical politicians mentor young aspirants, providing guidance and support.
    • Facilitating internships and volunteer opportunities in political offices for young people to gain firsthand experience in governance and public service.
  • Reforming Political Financing:
    • Introducing and enforcing laws that regulate political donations and expenditures to reduce the influence of money in politics, making it more accessible for ethically-minded individuals.
    • Providing state funding for election campaigns to level the playing field for candidates from diverse economic backgrounds.
  • Educational Reforms:
    • Incorporating civic education and ethical training into school and college curricula to build a foundation of political awareness and ethical standards.
    • Organizing debates, discussions, and simulations of legislative processes to develop interest and understanding of politics among students.
  • Creating Safe Spaces for Political Dialogue:
    • Encouraging open and respectful political debates on social media and other platforms, where young people can express their views without fear of harassment or backlash.
    • Establishing forums and discussion groups that focus on ethical issues in politics, helping to build a community of like-minded individuals.
  • Recognizing and Rewarding Ethical Contributions:
    • Instituting awards and recognition programs for young individuals who demonstrate ethical leadership in civic and political activities.
    • Highlighting and celebrating the contributions of young political leaders who have upheld high ethical standards in their work.
  • Facilitating Entry into Politics:
    • Reducing bureaucratic and financial barriers to running for office, such as high nomination fees and complex nomination processes.
    • Providing training and resources on how to run for office, manage campaigns, and navigate the political landscape ethically.
  • Leveraging Technology and Social Media:
    • Using technology and social media platforms to engage young people in political discussions and campaigns.
    • Creating digital campaigns and online petitions that allow young people to participate in political advocacy from their own homes.
graph TD;
    EthicalYouth["Ethical Youth Disengagement"] --> Dominance["Dominance of Unethical Actors"];
    Dominance --> Unethical["Unethical Politics and Bad Governance"];
    Unethical --> Demotivation["Further Demotivation of Ethical Youth"];
    
    EthicalYouth -.-> Break["Break the Cycle"] --> Civic["Civic Education"];
    Break --> Training["Ethical Leadership Training"];
    Break --> Politicians["Successful Ethical Politicians"];

Conclusion

Encouraging young individuals with ethical conduct to enter politics requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the systemic barriers and provides ample support and motivation. By promoting ethical leadership, offering platforms for engagement, ensuring transparency, and recognizing contributions, society can inspire a new generation of politicians committed to integrity and public service.