Answer: 

Introduction:

Lokpal is an anti-corruption institution or ombudsman that represents the public interest. In the Indian context, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, provides for the establishment of a Lokpal at the Center and Lokayuktas in states to investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

Body:

While the Lokpal can be a powerful instrument in tackling corruption, the statement that “a national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs” merits serious consideration. The primary reason for this is that the scope of ‘immorality in public affairs’ extends beyond the purview of corruption and financial malfeasance that are the focus of the Lokpal.

• Nature and Scope of Immorality:
  • Immorality in public affairs can manifest in various forms, not just corruption. It includes nepotism, favoritism, abuse of power, violation of rights, and other unethical practices.
  • For instance, a politician might engage in hate speech or incite violence, actions that are immoral but may not be classified as corruption.
  • The Lokpal, designed primarily to investigate corruption allegations, may not be able to adequately address such issues.
• Lack of Moral and Ethical Education:
  • The problem of immorality in public affairs is deeply rooted in the lack of moral and ethical education.
  • Many individuals entering politics may lack a strong moral and ethical foundation, and the Lokpal, despite its strengths, cannot impart moral education or foster a culture of integrity.
  • The case of Bihar’s ‘Fodder Scam’ is a good example where the lack of ethical conduct led to large-scale embezzlement of public funds.
• Social and Cultural Factors:
  • The issue of immorality in public affairs is also deeply rooted in certain social and cultural practices.
  • For instance, the practice of giving and accepting bribes has been normalized in many parts of India, and this is something that the Lokpal alone cannot change.
  • The ‘Vyapam Scam’ in Madhya Pradesh is an example of this, where bribery and corruption were deeply embedded in the system of professional examinations.
• Structural and Systemic Issues:
  • Often, the problem of immorality in public affairs is tied to structural and systemic issues.
  • These include the lack of transparency, accountability, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
  • While the Lokpal can investigate individual cases of corruption, it may not be equipped to address these larger systemic issues.
  • The 2G Spectrum scam is an example where structural issues allowed for widespread corruption.

Conclusion:

To effectively resolve the problem of immorality in public affairs, a comprehensive approach is required. This includes fostering a culture of integrity and ethics, reforming the education system to include moral and ethical education, introducing systemic changes to increase transparency and accountability, and enforcing stringent laws against all forms of unethical behavior. A strong Lokpal can certainly be a crucial component of this approach, but on its own, it cannot fully resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.

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