Civics Polity

Transparency and Accountability

2,089 Questions

Transparency and accountability in governance ensure that public officials remain answerable to citizens and prevent corruption. Key areas include citizen participation, electoral integrity, public interest litigation, and decentralized political systems. These topics are central to the polity and governance syllabus of civil services examinations.

Citizen participationElectoral fraud preventionPublic interest litigationPolitical decentralizationCivil society organizations

Transparency and Accountability Questions

Multiple choice

Why, according to the author, has the government failed to tackle this problem of corruption?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

Corruption in India has become so pervasive that it has seeped into the most revered institutions. No wonder then that Justice Bharucha was compelled to remark in 2001, “about 20 per cent of the judges in the courts are corrupt; corruption among public servants has reached monstrous dimensions in India. Its tentacles have started grappling even the institutions created for the protection of public.” Even a powerful prime minister like Rajiv Gandhi admitted defeat and bemoaned that “out of every 100 crore allocated to an anti-poverty project, I know that only about Rs. 15 crore reach the people. The remainder is gobbled up by middlemen, power brokers, contractors, and the corrupt.” As much as Rs. 37,000 crore or about 1.5 to 2 per cent of the GDP surfaced as part of the Voluntary Disclosure scheme in 1997 alone. It should surprise no one that Transparency International has ranked India among the top fifty-five corrupt countries in the world.
Is corruption the sole prerogative of the politicians and the bureaucracy? I am afraid not. In fact, the biggest corruption cases have been outside the government. The Harshad Mehta scam of around Rs. 10,000 crore and Ketan Parikh’s scam of Rs. 5,000 crore put other scandals to shame. It is estimated that non-banking financial companies have swindled over 30 million small investors. The other day, it was reported that a sizeable number of software professionals in a well-known multinational had fudged their bills. This morning, I received an e-mail from an erstwhile, dismissed colleague of mine arguing why she was not all that wrong in swiping an attendance card on behalf of another colleague! The cricket match-fixing scandal is still fresh in our memories. The list goes on. It is very clear that corruption is now an accepted phenomenon in the psyche of Indians from all walks of life.

Is there a solution to this seemingly unsolvable problem? Is there any hope at all? Will we ever see a corruption-free society? Can we at least work towards creating a corruption-free society for our children and grandchildren? I am an optimist and I believe that every problem can be solved. It requires leadership that is inspirational, selfless and courageous. We do have a few such people in India among our politicians, bureaucrats and corporate leaders. They have to come together to fight this scourge. Let me detail a few steps needed to fight corruption.
Fairness, transparency and accountability displayed by leaders are what instil confidence in a government, a community and society. Unfortunately, in our society, the government rarely practises these attributes when it comes to the elite. Only when we practise these attributes in fighting corruption among the elite and the powerful, will we succeed in rooting it out.

 

 

  1. Because the government does not recognize the presence of corruption in its midst.

  2. Because the government is not armed with adequate and strict laws to tackle corruption.

  3. Because the government lacks the will to tackle corruption and has not created infrastructure to deal with this menace.

  4. Because the government does not practise the attributes of fairness, transparency and accountability while dealing with the elite involved in corrupt practices.

  5. Because the government is content with the existence of a parallel economy in the form of black money that corruption enables it to generate.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The government does not practise the attributes of fairness, transparency and accountability when it comes to dealing with the corrupt elite and that explains its inability to tackle corruption.

Multiple choice

Which of the following, according to the author, could lead to solving the problem of corruption?

  1. Legislation of stricter laws
  2. Quality leadership
  3. Coming together of like-minded people

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

Corruption in India has become so pervasive that it has seeped into the most revered institutions. No wonder then that Justice Bharucha was compelled to remark in 2001, “about 20 per cent of the judges in the courts are corrupt; corruption among public servants has reached monstrous dimensions in India. Its tentacles have started grappling even the institutions created for the protection of public.” Even a powerful prime minister like Rajiv Gandhi admitted defeat and bemoaned that “out of every 100 crore allocated to an anti-poverty project, I know that only about Rs. 15 crore reach the people. The remainder is gobbled up by middlemen, power brokers, contractors, and the corrupt.” As much as Rs. 37,000 crore or about 1.5 to 2 per cent of the GDP surfaced as part of the Voluntary Disclosure scheme in 1997 alone. It should surprise no one that Transparency International has ranked India among the top fifty-five corrupt countries in the world.
Is corruption the sole prerogative of the politicians and the bureaucracy? I am afraid not. In fact, the biggest corruption cases have been outside the government. The Harshad Mehta scam of around Rs. 10,000 crore and Ketan Parikh’s scam of Rs. 5,000 crore put other scandals to shame. It is estimated that non-banking financial companies have swindled over 30 million small investors. The other day, it was reported that a sizeable number of software professionals in a well-known multinational had fudged their bills. This morning, I received an e-mail from an erstwhile, dismissed colleague of mine arguing why she was not all that wrong in swiping an attendance card on behalf of another colleague! The cricket match-fixing scandal is still fresh in our memories. The list goes on. It is very clear that corruption is now an accepted phenomenon in the psyche of Indians from all walks of life.

Is there a solution to this seemingly unsolvable problem? Is there any hope at all? Will we ever see a corruption-free society? Can we at least work towards creating a corruption-free society for our children and grandchildren? I am an optimist and I believe that every problem can be solved. It requires leadership that is inspirational, selfless and courageous. We do have a few such people in India among our politicians, bureaucrats and corporate leaders. They have to come together to fight this scourge. Let me detail a few steps needed to fight corruption.
Fairness, transparency and accountability displayed by leaders are what instil confidence in a government, a community and society. Unfortunately, in our society, the government rarely practises these attributes when it comes to the elite. Only when we practise these attributes in fighting corruption among the elite and the powerful, will we succeed in rooting it out.

 

 

  1. 1 and 2 only

  2. 2 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1 and 3 only

  5. 3 only

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Leadership that is inspirational, selfless and courageous can lead the nation of this mire of corruption.

Multiple choice

Why does the author say that 'these statements are necessary evils of non-governance or ill-governance'?

  1. These statements are used as a camouflage by the policy makers to hide their failures.

  2. When these statements are not resorted to, the government will automatically follow the rules.

  3. There is no relation between statements and non-governance.

  4. There are some good politicians who do not believe in such statements.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The politicians routinely use these statements to hide their failure in executing their duties to the public.

Multiple choice civics our family family values family values and its importance family, their types and inheritance

How does honesty play a important role in public life?

  1. Better public services and facilities

  2. Increase efficiency of public life

  3. Increase discipline

  4. All of above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Honesty in public life improves service delivery by reducing corruption, increases administrative efficiency by ensuring transparent processes, and fosters discipline in public service. All three outcomes are interconnected benefits of ethical conduct.

Multiple choice pastoral nomand and their movements pastoralists in the modern world history

How can we assist the administration?

  1. By reporting the nearest administrative officer if anyone selling spurious or contaminated goods.

  2. By refraining from indulging in bribery.

  3. By refraining from spreading rumours and inciting violence.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

It is our moral responsibility to report suspicious activities, as it may save the lives of other people. One should not indulge in bribery as it hampers equality in public life. Moreover, inciting violence would disturb the peace and livelihood of people. If we are able to assist the administration by such activities then the country can function smoothly and peacefully.  

Multiple choice

What does "in the public interest" mean?

  1. Well-being of the public

  2. Transparency to the public

  3. Payments to the public

  4. In public view
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the public interest means that an action or decision is taken for the benefit or well-being of the general public, rather than for private or individual gain.

Multiple choice

One attempt to reduce government corruption by Progressive reformers

  1. direct election of senators

  2. term limits

  3. African American suffrage

  4. anti-trust acts
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The 17th Amendment, which established the direct election of senators, was a key Progressive reform. It aimed to reduce the influence of political machines and wealthy interests in the Senate.

Multiple choice

What is the role of ethics in policy implementation and evaluation?

  1. To ensure that policies are implemented and evaluated in a fair and equitable manner

  2. To protect the rights of stakeholders

  3. To promote transparency and accountability

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Ethics plays an important role in policy implementation and evaluation by ensuring that policies are implemented and evaluated in a fair and equitable manner, protecting the rights of stakeholders, and promoting transparency and accountability.

Multiple choice

What measures can be taken to improve the nomination process?

  1. Stricter scrutiny of nomination forms

  2. Use of technology to make the process more transparent

  3. Curbing the influence of money and muscle power

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Measures that can be taken to improve the nomination process include stricter scrutiny of nomination forms, use of technology to make the process more transparent, and curbing the influence of money and muscle power.

Multiple choice

What is the importance of transparency and accountability in political activism?

  1. Transparency and accountability help to ensure that activists are acting in the best interests of the public

  2. Transparency and accountability make it easier for activists to raise funds and support for their causes

  3. Transparency and accountability are not necessary for effective political activism

  4. Transparency and accountability can hinder political activism by making it more difficult for activists to take action
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Transparency and accountability are essential for ensuring that political activists are acting in the best interests of the public. They help to prevent corruption, abuse of power, and the misuse of resources.

Multiple choice

How has PIL contributed to the strengthening of democracy in India?

  1. A. By empowering citizens to hold the government accountable

  2. B. By promoting transparency and responsiveness in governance

  3. C. By providing a platform for public participation in decision-making

  4. D. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

PIL has contributed to the strengthening of democracy in India by empowering citizens to hold the government accountable, promoting transparency and responsiveness in governance, and providing a platform for public participation in decision-making.

Multiple choice

How can political activists ensure that their evaluations are credible and trustworthy?

  1. Using rigorous research methods

  2. Being transparent about their methods and findings

  3. Seeking feedback from stakeholders

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Political activists can ensure that their evaluations are credible and trustworthy by using rigorous research methods, being transparent about their methods and findings, and seeking feedback from stakeholders.

Multiple choice

How can media help to hold government and other agencies accountable for their response to disasters?

  1. By reporting on the response efforts

  2. By investigating allegations of misconduct

  3. By advocating for transparency and accountability

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Media can help to hold government and other agencies accountable for their response to disasters by reporting on the response efforts, investigating allegations of misconduct, and advocating for transparency and accountability.

Multiple choice

How can media help to promote accountability and transparency in disaster management?

  1. By reporting on disaster management efforts

  2. By investigating allegations of corruption and mismanagement

  3. By advocating for policies and programs that promote accountability and transparency

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Media can help to promote accountability and transparency in disaster management by reporting on disaster management efforts, investigating allegations of corruption and mismanagement, and advocating for policies and programs that promote accountability and transparency.

Multiple choice

What is the significance of investigative journalism in upholding freedom of the press?

  1. It exposes corruption and wrongdoings

  2. It holds those in power accountable

  3. It promotes transparency and good governance

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in upholding freedom of the press by exposing corruption and wrongdoings, holding those in power accountable, and promoting transparency and good governance.