GS4 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing) : Ethics Case Study - 17 | UPSC Mains: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude PDF Download

In is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many death, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities. The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrest, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. 
The problem remains as serious as ever. Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people. Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (UPSC MAINS GS4)

• I will take up this case not solely as a law and order problem because this approach is not yielding results. Along with conventional policing, I will resort to ‘social policing’ and ‘community policing’ as well to seek a complete and effective solution to the problem.  As explained in this particular case, conventional policing comprising raids, arrest, police cases and criminal cases are not effective in curbing illegal distilling and consumption of liquor. 
• Notwithstanding the fact that the superintendent of police has the mandate for policing to look after the state of law and order and to take measures to check illegal and criminal activities.  So I will carry out my duties according to the mandate given by my position. 
• But today policing is facing many problems and challenges which have roots in socio-economic deprivation and development deficit such as agricultural and industrial backwardness , poor infrastructure, lack of employment opportunities, health and education facilities etc. 
• A police officer needs to be aware and sensitive enough in order to understand the socio-economic context of crime and illegal activities. 
• So I will – to open a communication and interaction channel/window for the community and locals to understand their plight and also to make them aware about the legal and ethical sources of livelihood. 
  • Secondly even while resorting to conventional policing I will try to remain ‘human’ and ‘sensitive’ and not generally take ‘third degree’ measures till it becomes indispensable. 
  • Thirdly I will try to interact with and urge other stakeholders in the loop such as district magistrate, MLAs and MPs to carry on development programmes in the right earnest and effectively so as to eliminate deprivation and lack of development that drives people to seek livelihood from illegal distillation which has other serious consequences. 
• This is necessary as social and community policing will not be possible without taking all the stakeholders together. In the same spirit, I will take along the elders of the region to run an awareness campaign and drive to stop illegal distillation and other criminal activities. This kind of participatory policing has often proved very effective. 
  • Fourthly,  I will seek permission from higher authorities to offer incentives to the youth who quit illegal distillation and are ready to seek livelihood from self-employment and enterprise in legally permitted avenues. The incentives to ‘cooperating’ youth helps not only in curbing criminal activities but also in change and progress. 
  • And lastly I will collaborate with school and university system to educate and make people aware about ill effects of illegal distillation and possibilities of better livelihood opportunities and dignified life. This will touch a very large number of families and youths. re trees, apart from snatching livelihood opportunities of farmers. 
• And above all such a connivance for personal gains by the civil servant and minister is white collar crime and would promote systemic corruption. If both the parties are detected to have indulged in such a corrupt practice, there would be unfathomable shame and stigma. So, this is not an option worth in any respect.