Question Q.1aHow canGS2GS2

Rising influence of money power in Indian elections poses a serious challenge to transparency, fairness, and democratic accountability. How can ethical electoral funding be ensured to maintain the integrity of democracy? (10 marks, 150 words)

Introduction

India is known for 3 things- Mahatma Gandhi, Tajmahal & Elections & AI Ganesh. This shows the significance of elections in the largest democracy of world. Ethics/Dharma are the principles accepted by societal norms as 'idealistic' in ensuring righteous actions. Ethics - determines difference b/w right and wrong.

48 words

Main Body

Rising influence of money power:

1Impacts Transparency -> EB - Recent electoral bond scheme scrapped as against 'openness' (CJI)

2Impacts fairness - leads to unequal distribution of gains -> ruling party (highest spender) -> undemocratic ethos.

3Reduces Accountability -> Public Trust doctrine impacted due to

Opaque working -> against Rousseau's social contract

Ethical electoral funding:

1State funding of elections -> leadership in accountability -> Top down trickle down effect

2Transparency norms via SOPs -> public disclosure (suo motu) -> publish expenditure chart and effectiveness of it.

3Mandatory caps on party expenditure -> can ensure legal limits -> ensure good governance

4Empower ECI - (as 4th institutions) -> take action against lapses (Cite ethical leadership of TN Seshan)

5Ethical code of conduct - MCC to include expenditure review.

Determinants of Ethics:

Internal factors:

1Moral attitude of a person.

2Conscience Building

3Inner cultural alignment

External factors:

1Impact of socialisation

2Peer group and family

3Education institutes

4Code of ethics & Code of conduct

5Laws

6Religion

Dimensions aiding Decision making:

1Forms Cognitive Outlook -> Eg - Education teaches children importance of sanitary measures -> leads to cleanliness in action

2Influence emotional aspects -> Eg - Religion teaches us kindness -> leads to Altruism and good Samaritan behaviour

3Motivates positive action -> Eg - Peer group influence for better performance in exam

4Inspires new ideals in life -> Eg - Jijabai as inspiration for Shivaji's welfare outlook

253 words3 paragraphs

Conclusion

Measures will help in ensuring free/fair elections in India. Thus, ethical decision making aids in achieving 'summon Bonum' (Aristotle).

19 words

Diagram

Flowchart showing 'Determinants of Ethics' branching into Internal factors and External factors, each with numbered points.

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Page 3

Topper

Deeksha Chourasiya

AIR 442025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act

Electoral Reforms

Ethical Electoral Funding

Writing Stats

320

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical with diagrams and examples

Tone