Nepotism

In Nepal, public anger against corruption and political dynasties erupted into the #NepoKids movement, where citizens protested the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children.

• The unrest reflected a generational revolt demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to nepotism.

About Nepotism

• Nepotism is defined as a situation where a person promotes their relatives without merit. 
• Origin: The word “nepotism” originates from the Latin word “nepos,” meaning “nephew.” Historically, popes in the Church would grant high-ranking positions to their nephews, advancing relatives without considering their merit. 
• Cronyism: A similar term, cronyism, refers to favouring friends, whereas nepotism specifically pertains to family.

Distinction between Privilege and Nepotism

• Privilege refers to advantages or best facilities provided, such as a doctor giving their child the best environment and resources to study medicine. 
  • If that child then clears a competitive exam like NEET and becomes a doctor, it is a result of privilege, not nepotism, because they still achieved their position through merit.
• Nepotism is when someone gains a position or opportunity without merit, solely due to their familial connections. 
  • For instance, a politician’s child getting an election ticket simply because their parent is a politician, ignoring more meritorious candidates, is nepotism. 

Prevalence of Nepotism in India

• Film and Entertainment Industry: Star kids often get opportunities without the years of struggle faced by outsiders, sometimes ending careers where star kids begin.
• Business: While business houses might argue they have the right to pass their companies to family, this can lead to concerns about monopoly and limited opportunities for new startups.
• Judiciary: The rise of “legal dynasties” and the opacity of the collegium system raise serious concerns about merit and transparency in the judiciary. 
  • The phenomenon often described as the “uncle judge syndrome” reflects how familial ties can influence appointments, enabling relatives to gain undue entry and advancement in the legal profession.
• Politics: Elected politicians use public funds. 
  • Incompetent individuals gaining power through nepotism can harm the nation and its resources.
• Media: Nepotism is also prevalent in the media.

Reasons for Political Nepotism

• Insecurity: Leaders of regional parties, in particular, fear that if they appoint someone outside their family, that individual might split the party and take control away from them.
• Trust Deficit: A party chief may hesitate to elevate one among several influential non-family leaders, fearing it could alienate the rest and trigger defections. 
  • Handing over leadership to a son or daughter is often seen as a safer option, since rival leaders are more likely to accept a family successor than one of their peers.

Challenges Faced by ‘Nepokids’

• Constant comparison with their fathers, leading to identity crises.
• They may lack the “street fighter” experience and connection to the public that their parents had, often operating from “AC rooms”.
• They can become surrounded by “yes men” and sycophants, leading to their eventual downfall.

Public Discontent over Political Nepotism

• Citizens resent politicians’ children enjoying lavish lifestyles at public expense.
• Corruption-funded privilege creates anger among taxpayers.

Lessons from Neighbouring Countries

• Nepal: Rise of the #NepoKids movement against dynastic politics.
• Sri Lanka: Mass protests against the Rajapaksa family’s excesses.
• Bangladesh: Revolt against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic and nepotistic rule.

Way Forward

• The core issue of nepotism requires urgent systemic redressal in India.
• Strong, independent bodies such as the Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) must be protected.
  • Politicians often attempt to weaken these institutions for personal or dynastic gains.
• Merit-based opportunities should extend to politics as well.
• Equal chances for all citizens, not just political heirs.
• Transparent governance processes to restore public trust.

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