GS-2Editorials29 July 2026thehindu.com

Why a Minister should take political and moral responsibility

The article argues for the principle of political and moral responsibility of ministers for systemic failures under their charge, even without personal culpability. Citing historical precedents like Lal Bahadur Shastri's resignation and international examples, it emphasizes that in a democracy, the political head of a ministry must accept accountability when public institutions, such as the examination system, repeatedly fail. The piece criticizes the culture of impunity, the delay in accepting responsibility for recent examination irregularities, and the use of force against protesting students, highlighting the importance of dialogue, transparency, and the citizens' right to peaceful protest.

The article argues for the principle of political and moral responsibility of ministers for systemic failures under their charge, even without personal culpability. Citing historical precedents like Lal Bahadur Shastri's resignation and international examples, it emphasizes that in a democracy, the political head of a ministry must accept accountability when public institutions, such as the examination system, repeatedly fail. The piece criticizes the culture of impunity, the delay in accepting responsibility for recent examination irregularities, and the use of force against protesting students, highlighting the importance of dialogue, transparency, and the citizens' right to peaceful protest.

Exam linkage

GS Paper II - Indian Polity and Governance

Syllabus mapping

Indian Polity & GovernanceExecutive & Council of MinistersParliamentary System & ProceduresIndian Culture Art ArchitectureSeparation Of PowersComparative ConstitutionConstitutional BodiesGovernance Transparency Accountability

This topic appears in Mains

Questions on Indian Polity & Governance come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.

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