Mains Daily Question
Nov. 17, 2023

Q1. 

The tribal village in a remote area of India was facing an acute water crisis due to depleting ground water levels and lack of access to clean drinking water. Most of the villagers depend on rainwater harvesting for their water needs, which is proving to be inadequate due to the prolonged drought in the region. The villagers are also facing severe health issues due to the lack of access to clean drinking water.

The government has promised to provide assistance to the village, but the process is proving to be slow. The villagers are frustrated with the government's lack of commitment and have started to protest against it. The government has formed a team to provide assistance to the villagers, but they are met with resistance from the local tribal leaders who are suspicious of their motives.

The local tribal leaders are suspicious of the government's intentions, as they have had bad experiences with similar projects in the past. The leaders are concerned that the government may take away their land or exploit their resources in the name of development. They fear that the government is only interested in using the village as a resource and not in providing any real assistance to the villagers. You are the leader of the team appointed by the government to provide assistance to the tribal village in a remote area of India facing an acute water crisis. Your authority, responsibility, and jurisdiction are to ensure that the villagers have access to clean drinking water and are provided with the necessary support to address their water needs.

1. How will you manage the situation and provide the much-needed assistance to the villagers without antagonizing the tribal leaders?
2. Examine the qualities of a public servant who will be required to manage the situation.

(250 words, 20 marks)

Model Answer

Approach:

Introduction:

Introduce the scenario and highlight the challenges of gaining the trust of the local tribal leaders and addressing the villagers' needs without antagonizing the leaders.

Body:

Divide the body in two sections

Section 1: Managing the situation and providing assistance to the villagers.

Section 2: Qualities of a public servant required to manage the situation.

Conclusion:

Reiterate the steps that need to be taken to solve the issues of the tribal people.

 

Answer: The case study highlights the issue of water crisis in the tribal areas and steps taken by the government which are very slow. This is delaying the project and because of this the tribal people are frustrated. The government needs to take steps to get support from the tribals and solve the issue as soon as possible.

Stakeholders involved:

  1.     Villagers: who depend on rainwater harvesting for their water needs, which is proving to be inadequate due to the prolonged drought in the region.  They have started a protest against government efforts.
  2.     The government: which has promised to provide assistance to the village, but the process is proving to be slow.
  3.     The team formed by the government to provide assistance to the villagers. They are met with resistance from the local tribal leaders who are suspicious of their motives.
  4.     The local tribal leaders: who are suspicious of the government's intentions, as they have had bad experiences with similar projects in the past.
  5.     Me, the leader of the team: to provide assistance to the tribal village in a remote area of India facing an acute water crisis.

1.Steps to manage the situation:

  1.     Build Trust and Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the tribal leaders to develop a shared vision and plan for addressing the water crisis. Involve them in the decision-making process and seek their input on project implementation.
  2.     Provide Evidence and Assurance: Back up intentions with evidence and provide assurance that the government is committed to assisting the villagers without any ulterior motives. Share success stories from similar projects, showcase positive outcomes, and demonstrate that the assistance provided will genuinely benefit the villagers.
  3.     Engage Local Expertise: Collaborate with local experts, including tribal leaders or respected individuals from within the community, to assist in project implementation. Their involvement will ensure that the project respects and aligns with the cultural and environmental context of the village, addressing any concerns and mitigating potential conflicts.
  4.     Prioritize Villagers' Well-being: Ensure that the assistance provided is primarily focused on the well-being of the villagers. Clearly communicate the objectives of the project, which should include access to clean drinking water, improved health conditions, and long-term sustainability.
  5.     Engage in Capacity Building: Invest in capacity building programs that empower the villagers and tribal leaders to take an active role in managing their water resources. Provide training on sustainable water management practices, rainwater harvesting techniques, and maintenance of infrastructure.

 

  1. To effectively manage the situation and provide assistance to the villagers without antagonizing the tribal leaders, a public servant should possess the following qualities:
  2.     Empathy and Sensitivity: Being empathetic and sensitive to the needs, concerns, and cultural context of the villagers and tribal leaders helps in building trust and fostering effective communication.
  3.     Strong Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are essential to convey information clearly, listen actively, and articulate the government's intentions and plans.
  4.     Collaboration and co-operation: A public servant should value collaboration and actively seek input from the villagers and tribal leaders which will help in building trust, ownership, and sustainable solutions.
  5.     Problem-Solving and Adaptability: The ability to analyze complex situations, identify creative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances is critical to address the water crisis effectively.
  6.     Integrity and Trustworthiness: The public servant should be transparent in their actions, fulfill commitments, and ensure that the assistance provided is genuinely aimed at improving the villagers' lives and addressing their water needs.
  7.     Cultural Competence: A public servant should approach the situation with cultural competence, recognizing and valuing the uniqueness of the community and ensuring that solutions are culturally appropriate and sustainable.
  8.     Patience and Resilience: A public servant must be patient, persistent, and resilient to manage difficult situations, overcome obstacles, and remain positive despite any resistance, delays, and setbacks.
  9.     Strong Leadership Skills: Leadership is critical for managing such a complex situation effectively. Public servants must possess strong leadership skills, such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and conflict resolution, to guide and motivate the team and stakeholders towards a common goal.

 

By adopting a responsive, transparent, and collaborative approach, civil servants can navigate these challenges and ensure the provision of essential services to communities facing water crises, thereby improving their health and well-being. This is particularly relevant in the present context as governments and societies strive for equitable and sustainable development for all.

 

Subjects : Ethics
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