It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many death, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities.
The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrest, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever.
Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people.
Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (250 words)
As the Superintendent of Police in a district notorious for illicit distillation, I would take a multi-pronged approach to address the root causes of the problem and bring it under control. The following are the steps that I would take:
- Focus on socio-economic development: I would work with government agencies and social organizations to identify the root causes of illicit distillation in the district. Based on my inspection, it is evident that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially, and educationally backward. Therefore, I would work to improve irrigation facilities, boost agricultural production, and promote education and vocational training programs. This would provide an alternative source of income for the people and discourage them from engaging in illicit activities.
- Community engagement: I would work with community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit distillation and involve them in community policing initiatives. I would organize awareness campaigns, community meetings, and training programs to educate people about the harmful effects of illicit liquor and encourage them to report any such activity to the police.
- Strengthen law enforcement: While focusing on socio-economic development and community engagement, I would also strengthen law enforcement efforts to deter illicit distillation. This would involve regular raids, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency cooperation to identify and prosecute those involved in the illicit trade. I would also work to ensure that the legal process is fair and transparent, and that those involved in the trade are punished appropriately.
- Rehabilitation and treatment: For those who are addicted to illicit liquor, I would work to provide rehabilitation and treatment options. This would involve working with healthcare professionals and social organizations to provide access to counseling, medical treatment, and other support services.
In conclusion, addressing the problem of illicit distillation requires a multi-pronged approach that focuses on socio-economic development, community engagement, law enforcement, and rehabilitation. By addressing the root causes of the problem and involving the community in the solution, we can bring the problem under control and improve the quality of life for the people in the district.
![Prabhat was working as Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed multinational company. But presently the company was passing through the difficult times as the sales were continuously showing downward trend in the last two quarters. His division, which hitherto had been a major revenue contributor to the company’s financial health, was now desperately trying to procure some big government order for them. But their best efforts did not yield any positive success or breakthrough. His was a professional company and his local bosses were under pressure from their London-based HO to show some positive results. In the last performance review meeting taken by the Executive Director (India Head), he was reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured them that his division is working on a special contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret installation near Gwalior and tender is being submitted shortly. He was under extreme pressure and he was deeply perturbed. What aggravated the situation further was a warning from the top that if the deal is not clinched in favour of the company, his division might have to be closed and he may have to quit his lucrative job. There was another dimension which was causing him deep mental torture and agony. This pertained to his personal precarious financial health. He was a single earner in the family with two school-college going children and his old ailing mother. The heavy expenditure on education and medical was causing a big strain to his monthly pay packet. Regular EMI for housing loan taken from bank unavoidable and any default would render him liable for severe legal action. In the above backdrop, he was hoping for some miracle to happen. There was sudden turn of events. His Secretary informed that a gentleman Subhas Verma wanted to see him as he was interested in the position of Manager which was to be filled by him in the company. He further brought to his notice that his CV has been received through the office of the Minister of Defence. During interview of the candidate-Subhash Verma, he found him technically sound, resourceful and experienced marketeer. He seemed to be well-conversant with tendering procedures and having knack of follow-up and liaising in this regard Prabhat felt that he was better choice than the rest of the candidates who were recently interviewed by him in the last few days. Subhash Verma also indicated that he was in possession of the copies of the bid documents that the Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He offered to hand over those documents subject to his employment in the company on suitable terms and conditions. He made it clear that in the process, the Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their rival company and get the bid and hefty Defence Ministry order. He indicated that it will be win-win situation for both-him and the company. Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed feeling of shock and thrill. He was uncomfortable and perspiring. If accepted, all his problems would vanish instantly and he may be rewarded for securing the much awaited tender and thereby boosting company’s sales and financial health. He was in a fix as to the future course of action. He was wonder-struck at the guts of Subhash Verma in having surreptitiously removing his own company papers and offering to the rival company for a job. Being an experienced person, he was examining the pros and cons of the proposal/situation and he asked him to come the next day. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Prabhat in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Prabhat and why? [2022]](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
