What Is Civic Sense?
Civic sense refers to social ethics, responsibility towards society, and respect for public spaces and others' rights. It includes basic behaviors such as:
Not littering in public
Following traffic rules
Respecting queues
Not urinating or spitting in open areas
Speaking politely and treating public workers with respect
Protecting public property
The role of illiteracy and lack of awareness
India has made tremendous progress in reducing illiteracy, but millions still live without access to quality education especially in rural and semi-urban areas. For many, education is limited to survival skills, and concepts like social responsibility or environmental cleanliness are never taught.
Uneducated individuals often
View public property as “not theirs” and therefore neglect it.
Lack awareness of the consequences of their actions (e.g., open defecation or littering).
Do not understand rules of urban living due to absence of formal schooling.
Imitate others without questioning poor practices leading to a cycle of indifference.
Examples of Poor Civic Behavior
Public Littering: Streets, railway platforms, and bus stops are often filled with garbage due to people casually throwing waste outside, despite dustbins being available.
Traffic Indiscipline: Many road accidents happen because of ignorance or defiance of traffic rules such as not wearing helmets, wrong-side driving, or overloading vehicles.
Noise Pollution: Loudspeakers during religious events, weddings, or political rallies continue beyond legal limits, disturbing others’ peace.
Spitting and Urinating in Public: Despite Swachh Bharat campaigns, walls and corners of public spaces often reek of pan stains and urine.
Vandalism of Public Property: Scribbling on monuments, breaking benches, or damaging metro infrastructure is not uncommon.
Why Civic Sense Matters
Poor civic behavior isn’t just about inconvenience it has real consequences:
Public Health Risks: Unhygienic practices lead to disease outbreaks like dengue, typhoid, and cholera.
Poor Global Image: Dirty cities affect tourism and investment.
Lower Quality of Life: A society where public property is disrespected and rules are not followed becomes unsafe and unpleasant.
Burden on Government: Cleaning, repairing, and enforcing laws cost taxpayers more money.
Education Is the Key But Not Just in Schools
Formal education is important, but civic sense should be cultivated through social learning, campaigns, and example-setting:
Local Awareness Drives: Using street plays, posters, and community meetings in rural areas to teach civic behavior.
Involving Religious and Community Leaders: Influential figures can help spread messages of cleanliness and civic discipline.
Role of Schools: Making civic duties and cleanliness part of early education in all government schools.
Strict Enforcement: Fines for spitting, littering, and breaking traffic laws should be enforced, regardless of education level.
Conclusion: From Complaint to Change
It’s easy to blame the uneducated for the lack of civic sense, but that approach is short-sighted. The real solution lies in mass awareness, accessible education, and social accountability. If India wants to truly become a developed nation, civic behavior must evolve alongside economic and technological growth. Change will not happen overnight but when one person learns, a whole family learns. And when communities unite to build better habits, the entire country benefits.
