The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) General Studies Paper 4, often referred to as GS 4, is a significant component of the Civil Services Examination in India. This paper focuses on ethics, integrity, and aptitude, aiming to assess candidates’ ethical and moral reasoning, decision-making abilities, and their understanding of governance-related issues. The 2022 GS 4 Solved Question Paper serves as a crucial resource for aspirants, providing insights into the exam’s structure, the type of questions asked, and exemplary answers. Through a comprehensive analysis of this paper, candidates can refine their preparation strategies, enhance their ethical understanding, and cultivate the aptitude necessary for serving the nation with integrity and excellence in administrative roles.
Q: A whistleblower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen the protection mechanism to safeguard the whistleblower? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Answer:
(a): A whistleblower is an individual who exposes illicit activities carried out by a person or organization. Numerous commissions, such as the Law Commission of India in 2001 and the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its 2007 report, have recommended the enactment of specific laws to safeguard whistleblowers. In India, the Whistleblowers Protection Act of 2014 protects whistleblowers.
Measures should be taken to strengthen the mechanisms that protect whistleblowers. Although there are various policies in place, their implementation is severely lacking. It is crucial to ensure proper implementation of these policies to guarantee the safety of whistleblowers.
- One effective way to protect them is by allowing anonymous submissions of concerns. Additionally, it is essential to provide specific training to educate employees about their rights and inform them about available internal and external protection programs.
- Managers should also receive training on these matters, along with developing relevant skills, behaviors, and obligations to address whistleblowing.
- Furthermore, it is necessary to enact suitable legislation that offers protection to innocent whistleblowers and to abandon any proposed dilution of the existing act, as suggested by the 2015 Amendment Bill. Strengthening the whistleblower protection mechanism will contribute to safeguarding and upholding the integrity of democracy.
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