Ethics model questions (13)

Q9. It is a State where prohibition is in force. You were recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many deaths, 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 a 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? (250 words)

Ans: As the newly appointed Superintendent of Police in a district plagued by the illicit distillation of liquor, I recognize that the traditional law enforcement approach has yielded limited results in tackling this serious issue. To effectively address the problem, I would adopt a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the narrow scope of law and order. Here's the new approach I would take:

Understand the Root Causes: I would conduct a thorough analysis of the underlying causes contributing to the prevalence of illicit distillation. This includes examining the socio-economic conditions, educational backwardness, inadequate infrastructure, and inter community conflicts in the affected areas.

Collaborate with Stakeholders: I would initiate dialogue and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, social organizations, and experts in relevant fields. By bringing together different perspectives and expertise, we can develop a holistic understanding of the problem and formulate effective solutions.

Implement Development Programs: Recognizing that the illicit distillation problem is linked to economic, industrial, and educational backwardness, I would advocate for and facilitate the implementation of development programs in the affected areas. This could include initiatives to improve irrigation facilities, promote agriculture diversification, provide skill training and employment opportunities, and enhance educational infrastructure.

Raise Awareness: To address the issue effectively, it is important to raise awareness among the local population about the detrimental effects of illicit distillation on health, society, and the overall development of the district. Public campaigns, workshops, and community engagement programs can play a crucial role in educating the residents about the negative consequences of engaging in or supporting such illegal activities.

Strengthen Law Enforcement: While taking a broader approach, I would not neglect the importance of enforcing the law. I would strengthen the intelligence network, enhance surveillance capabilities, and conduct targeted operations against illicit distillation networks. However, the focus would be on disrupting the supply chains and apprehending the key players involved, rather than solely relying on arrests and criminal trials.

Encourage Rehabilitation and Support: Recognizing that many involved in illicit distillation may be driven by socio-economic factors, I would advocate for rehabilitation programs to provide alternative livelihood options and support for those willing to abandon their involvement in the illegal trade. This could include skill development programs, financial assistance, and counselling services.

Monitor and Evaluate: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implemented initiatives will be crucial to assess their impact and make necessary adjustments. Regular feedback from the local communities and stakeholders will provide valuable insights and help refine the strategies as needed.

By adopting this comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes, promotes development, raises awareness, strengthens law enforcement, and provides rehabilitation support, we can make significant progress in tackling the illicit distillation problem. It requires a multi-faceted effort that involves not only the police but also the active participation and cooperation of the government, social organizations, and the local communities. Together, we can bring about positive change and create a safer and more prosperous district for all its residents.

Q10. A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set upon the additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to the detrimental effect on the environment. But one state government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition.

The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitation thousands of people took part, creating a law and order problem necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the factory.

The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industries which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it.

As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling these issues, how are you going to address it? (250 words)

Ans: As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling this issue, I would approach the situation by considering the various stakeholders involved and striving for a balanced and sustainable solution. Here's how I would address the situation:

• Environmental Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment to evaluate the extent of damage caused by the factory's pollution. This assessment should include soil, water, and air quality testing, as well as an analysis of the impact on crops, wildlife, and human health.

• Engage with the Community: Initiate a dialogue with the affected community, including residents, farmers, and local organizations, to understand their concerns and experiences. Hold public hearings or community meetings to allow people to voice their grievances and suggestions.

• Mitigation Measures: Collaborate with environmental experts, scientists, and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement appropriate mitigation measures. This could include remediation efforts to restore the affected land and water sources, as well as strategies to address health issues faced by the community.

• Job Creation and Economic Support: Recognize the unemployment and economic challenges resulting from the factory closure. Work with relevant government agencies, NGOs, and private enterprises to identify alternative employment opportunities and support the affected workers. This could involve retraining programs, job placement assistance, or incentives for new industries to invest in the area.

• Transition to Sustainable Practices: Encourage the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices by industries in the region. Provide incentives and support to businesses that prioritise eco-friendly manufacturing processes, waste management systems, and pollution control measures. This would help prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

• Legislative Review: Review existing regulations and policies governing the establishment and operation of industrial units. Identify any gaps or weaknesses that allowed the factory to be set up in a problematic location. Advocate for stricter environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar situations in the future.

• Communication and Awareness: Launch an awareness campaign to educate the public, industries, and policymakers about the importance of sustainable development and the potential consequences of environmental negligence. Promote responsible corporate practices, citizen engagement, and the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring a healthy environment for all.

• Long-Term Monitoring: Establish a robust monitoring system to track the progress of mitigation efforts, environmental recovery, and public health indicators. Regularly share the findings with the community and relevant stakeholders to maintain transparency and ensure accountability.

By adopting these measures, it is possible to address the immediate concerns of the affected community, provide support to those impacted by the factory closure, and pave the way for sustainable