Descriptive Based Questions

Descriptive Question Practice with Answer 

QUESTION 1-

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. What are the major challenges faced by RTI activists in India, and how can these be addressed to strengthen the implementation of the Act? (250 words)

ANSWER-

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, has been a significant tool in promoting transparency and accountability in Indian governance. It empowers citizens to question government decisions and exposes instances of corruption. However, its implementation has faced several challenges.

Key benefits of the RTI Act include:

• Promoting transparency: Public authorities are obligated to disclose information. For instance, the disclosure of non-performing assets (NPAs) in public sector banks in 2019 improved financial accountability.
• Empowering citizens: Citizens can participate in governance by questioning government decisions. The 2G spectrum scam uncovered through RTI in 2007 led to policy reforms and investigations.
• Deterrence of corruption: The RTI Act helps uncover corrupt practices. The Commonwealth Games corruption scandal exposed in 2010 resulted in arrests and governance reforms.
• Improved record-keeping: Encourages better decision-making processes. The Delhi government's decision to make cabinet decisions public due to RTI is a notable example.
• Public accountability: Ensures authorities are accountable to citizens. It has exposed instances of underutilization of rural development funds, leading to better fund allocation and scrutiny.

Despite its successes, the RTI Act has faced challenges such as:

• Threats and violence against RTI activists discourages RTI filings.
• Bureaucratic delays in information disclosure.
• Misuse of exemptions- Section 8 of the RTI Act, which provides exemptions for certain types of information, is often misused.
• Backlog of appeals. There are significant delays in hearing appeals against denials of information.
• Weak enforcement of penalties. Non-compliance with the RTI Act is rarely penalized.

To ensure the effective implementation of the RTI Act, it is crucial to address these challenges by strengthening protections for RTI activists, enforcing penalties, and reducing the backlog of appeals.

--Jai Hind--

QUESTION 2-

Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by public officials when balancing the demand for transparency with the need for confidentiality in governance. How can ethical decision-making be promoted in the implementation of the Right to Information Act? (250 words) 

ANSWER-

Public officials face significant ethical challenges when balancing the public's right to know with the need for confidentiality. This is particularly evident in areas like national security, privacy, accountability, whistleblowing, and short-term embarrassment vs. long-term trust.

Key Ethical Challenges:

• Public Interest vs. National Security: Officials must weigh disclosure against potential risks to national security. For instance, disclosure of border infrastructure details may risk national security.  Rafale deal secrecy justified by national security needs.
• Transparency vs. Privacy: Protecting personal data while promoting transparency is crucial. Example: Supreme Court ruling bringing the Chief Justice’s office under RTI, safeguarding judicial privacy.
• Accountability vs. Executive Privilege: Balancing accountability with protecting executive decision-making is challenging. Like disclosure of cabinet meeting minutes may reveal sensitive decisions. 
• Whistleblowing vs. Organizational Loyalty: Officials may face dilemmas when exposing corruption clashes with loyalty. Similar to Sanjiv Chaturvedi’s exposure of corruption at AIIMS despite facing transfer. 
• Short-term Embarrassment vs. Long-term Trust: Public officials must consider immediate consequences against future trust. Reluctance in releasing COVID-19 data by state governments. But Proactive data disclosure during the pandemic improved credibility.

Promoting Ethical Decision-Making:

• Strengthen Ethical Frameworks: Develop clear guidelines and include decision-making in training.
• Establish Disclosure Protocols: Create protocols for classifying information.
• Protect Ethical Decision-Makers: Strengthen whistleblower protection laws. Ashok Khemka’s experience highlights the need for protection.
• Encourage Ethical Leadership: Promote leadership that values transparency. Just as Election Commission’s proactive disclosure policy.
• Foster Public Participation: Engage civil society in shaping RTI policies. Example: Pre-legislative consultations for the Personal Data Protection Bill.

By addressing these challenges and promoting ethical decision-making, public trust in governance can be strengthened.

 --Jai Hind--

QUESTION 3-

In December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for the occurrence of tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (250 words) (PYQ)

ANSWER-

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves generated primarily by underwater seismic activities such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or submarine landslides. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake near Sumatra, affected 14 countries, including India, causing immense loss of life and economic devastation. Understanding its causes, impacts, and preparedness mechanisms is crucial for disaster risk reduction.

Factors Responsible for Tsunami Occurrence

1. Submarine Earthquakes: Most tsunamis are triggered by underwater tectonic activity along subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another.
2. Volcanic Eruptions: Underwater or coastal volcanic activity can displace large water volumes, generating tsunamis (e.g., Krakatoa eruption, 1883).
3. Submarine Landslides: The collapse of underwater slopes due to earthquakes or sediment instability can create powerful waves.
4. Meteorological Factors: Rare cases, such as storm surges from cyclones, can generate tsunami-like waves (meteotsunamis).

Effects of Tsunami on Life and Economy

• Human Casualties: The 2004 tsunami killed over 230,000 people, displacing millions.
• Infrastructure Destruction: Coastal cities, ports, and transportation networks suffer severe damage.
• Economic Disruptions: Fisheries, tourism, and agriculture face long-term losses, impacting livelihoods.
• Environmental Damage: Saltwater intrusion, mangrove destruction, and ecosystem imbalance affect biodiversity.

NDMA Guidelines (2010) for Tsunami Preparedness

1. Early Warning System: Establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) under INCOIS for real-time alerts.
2. Coastal Regulation and Land Use Planning: Zoning laws and afforestation to reduce vulnerability.
3. Community Awareness and Capacity Building: Regular drills, public education, and disaster preparedness training.
4. Resilient Infrastructure: Construction of tsunami-resistant buildings and evacuation shelters.
5. Emergency Response and Relief: Strengthening coordination among agencies like NDRF, SDRF, and local bodies for effective relief operations.

Tsunamis pose a severe threat to coastal regions, requiring a multi-pronged approach for mitigation. Implementing NDMA’s guidelines effectively, along with international best practices such as Japan’s tsunami management model, can enhance India’s resilience against future events. Strengthening early warning systems, community preparedness, and infrastructure resilience remains key to minimizing losses and ensuring sustainable disaster risk management.

--Jai Hind--