APSC CCE Mains PYQ 2024, Essay Paper: Recent trends in crimes by women
The Essay Paper in the APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is often the deciding factor for aspirants aiming for the top ranks. Unlike General Studies papers, the essay requires a blend of factual knowledge, philosophical depth, and—most importantly—local context.
In the APSC 2024 Mains, one of the most thought-provoking topics was: “Artificial Intelligence is today’s Frankenstein”
For an aspirant from Assam, this topic provides a unique opportunity to juxtapose cutting-edge technology with the state’s deep-rooted humanism. It allows you to move beyond global tech debates and ground the “Frankenstein” metaphor in the local realities of the Brahmaputra valley
Here is a structured, detailed look at how to approach a similar topic “Recent trends in crimes by women”
APSC Mains Essay Paper, 2024: Recent trends in crimes by women
Model Answer:
The image of a criminal has traditionally been painted in masculine shades, but the changing contours of the twenty first century are challenging this age old perception. While the overall volume of crime committed by women remains significantly lower than that committed by men, recent data and sociological shifts indicate a notable change in the pattern, depth, and nature of female criminality. This phenomenon is not merely a legal concern but a complex socio-economic and psychological puzzle that reflects the evolving role of women in a rapidly transforming world. To understand the recent trends in crimes by women, we must move beyond the headlines and examine the underlying drivers, ranging from economic necessity to the dark side of digital empowerment.
Historically, crimes committed by women were often confined to the private sphere, frequently categorized as “crimes of passion” or petty thefts driven by domestic distress. However, as women have stepped out of the private domain into the public and professional spheres, the “opportunity structure” for crime has also expanded. In the context of a developing nation like India, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has noted a gradual increase in the involvement of women in organized crimes and white collar offenses. This transition suggests that as women gain more agency and access to various sectors of society, they are also becoming susceptible to the same pressures and temptations that have traditionally driven male criminality.
One of the most prominent recent trends is the rise of female involvement in economic and white collar crimes. With the increase in female labor participation and the rise of women in administrative and financial roles, there has been a corresponding uptick in cases involving embezzlement, fraud, and corporate scams. This can be viewed through the “emancipation hypothesis,” which suggests that as the gender gap in legitimate opportunities narrows, the gap in illegitimate opportunities follows suit. When a woman in a high ranking position in a financial institution in Guwahati or Mumbai engages in fraudulent activities, it is often a reflection of the same professional pressures, greed, or systemic corruption that affects her male counterparts.
The digital revolution has also introduced a new dimension to female criminality. Cybercrime has emerged as a significant area where women are both victims and, increasingly, perpetrators. From online financial fraud to identity theft and digital blackmailing, the anonymity of the internet has provided a new platform for crime. Recent cases show that women are being recruited into international cyber-fraud modules, sometimes as willing participants and other times as victims of coercion. This trend highlights the “dark side of digital literacy,” where technological skills are weaponized for illegal gains. The shift from physical to virtual crime scenes reflects the broader technological transformation of our society.
If we analyze the situation through a social and domestic lens, the trend of violent crimes by women presents a disturbing picture. While still rare, there is an increasing reportage of women involved in heinous crimes such as kidnapping, murder, and drug trafficking. In many instances, particularly in the case of drug peddling in regions like the North East, women are used as “mules” or “couriers” because they are often perceived as less suspicious by law enforcement agencies. This “gendered exploitation” in criminal networks is a realistic and grim reminder that women are frequently cogents in a larger machine of organized crime, often driven by extreme poverty or the lack of alternative livelihoods.
The psychological dimension of these trends cannot be ignored. The “double burden” of managing professional aspirations and domestic expectations often leads to high levels of stress and mental health challenges. In some cases, the frustration arising from domestic violence or systemic “structural injustice” pushes women toward criminal acts as a form of distorted rebellion or self defense. This brings us to the “Ethical Paradox” of female crime. While the act is illegal, the “cause” often lies in the failure of social support systems. When a mother engages in theft to feed her children, it is a symptom of a deeper societal illness that requires a “merit based” welfare response rather than just a legal one.
From an administrative and judicial perspective, the rise in crimes by women necessitates a rethink of our correctional systems. Our prisons and legal frameworks are largely designed for male offenders. The increasing number of female inmates requires specialized attention toward “gender sensitive rehabilitation.” This involves addressing the unique needs of women, such as maternal health, childcare for those with young children in prison, and vocational training that can ensure “social mobility” after their release. The goal of the justice system should be the “reclamation of the soul” rather than just the punishment of the body. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions” (SDG 16), which demands an inclusive and fair legal system.
Furthermore, the “Dharma” of the state is to ensure that the “Vulnerability” of women is not exploited by criminal syndicates. This requires proactive policing and community awareness. For instance, in rural Assam, where many women are being lured into human trafficking networks under the guise of employment, the state must act as a “Protector.” When a woman is forced into crime due to coercion, the law must distinguish between the “actor” and the “instigator.” True justice lies in dismantling the networks that prey on the marginalized.
In conclusion, the recent trends in crimes by women are a multifaceted reflection of our changing times. It is a narrative of “expanded opportunities” meeting “unmet aspirations” and “systemic pressures.” We must avoid the trap of “moral panic” and instead look at the data with an analytical mind. While the law must be applied equally to all, the “root causes” of female criminality—be they economic, psychological, or social—must be addressed through holistic governance.
As we move toward a “Viksit Bharat,” our focus must be on creating a society where no woman is pushed toward crime by desperation or a lack of choice. We must strive for an “empowerment that is ethical,” where progress is measured not just by economic gain but by the “integrity of character.” In the spirit of our cultural heritage, which reveres the feminine as a source of “Shakti” and “purity,” let us work to heal the fractures in our social fabric. As the immortal lines say, “Siro senehee mor vasa jononi,” just as we hold our mother tongue in high esteem, let us hold the “dignity and morality” of our women in the highest regard. Only through a combination of “firm justice” and “compassionate social reform” can we ensure that our journey toward the future remains “blessed and virtuous” for all
✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
