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It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Super-intendent 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?.(UPSC IAS Mains 2018 General Studies Paper – 4)
As the newly appointed Superintendent of Police in a district plagued by the illicit distillation of liquor, I recognize that the traditional law enforcement approach has yielded limited results in tackling this serious issue. To effectively address the problem, I would adopt a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the narrow scope of law and order. Here''s the new approach I would take:
- Understand the Root Causes: I would conduct a thorough analysis of the underlying causes contributing to the prevalence of illicit distillation. This includes examining the socio-economic conditions, educational backwardness, inadequate infrastructure, and inter community conflicts in the affected areas.
- Collaborate with Stakeholders: I would initiate dialogue and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, social organizations, and experts in relevant fields. By bringing together different perspectives and expertise, we can develop a holistic understanding of the problem and formulate effective solutions.
- Implement Development Programs: Recognizing that the illicit distillation problem is linked to economic, industrial, and educational backwardness, I would advocate for and facilitate the implementation of development programs in the affected areas. This could include initiatives to improve irrigation facilities, promote agriculture diversification, provide skill training and employment opportunities, and enhance educational infrastructure.
- Raise Awareness: To address the issue effectively, it is important to raise awareness among the local population about the detrimental effects of illicit distillation on health, society, and the overall development of the district. Public campaigns, workshops, and community engagement programs can play a crucial role in educating the residents about the negative consequences of engaging in or supporting such illegal activities.
- Strengthen Law Enforcement: While taking a broader approach, I would not neglect the importance of enforcing the law. I would strengthen the intelligence network, enhance surveillance capabilities, and conduct targeted operations against illicit distillation networks. However, the focus would be on disrupting the supply chains and apprehending the key players involved, rather than solely relying on arrests and criminal trials.
- Encourage Rehabilitation and Support: Recognizing that many involved in illicit distillation may be driven by socio-economic factors, I would advocate for rehabilitation programs to provide alternative livelihood options and support for those willing to abandon their involvement in the illegal trade. This could include skill development programs, financial assistance, and counselling services.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implemented initiatives will be crucial to assess their impact and make necessary adjustments. Regular feedback from the local communities and stakeholders will provide valuable insights and help refine the strategies as needed.
By adopting this comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes, promotes development, raises awareness, strengthens law enforcement, and provides rehabilitation support, we can make significant progress in tackling the illicit distillation problem. It requires a multi-faceted effort that involves not only the police but also the active participation and cooperation of the government, social organizations, and the local communities. Together, we can bring about positive change and create a safer and more prosperous district for all its residents.