Ethics 2022
Section A
1.(a) Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and
what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the
core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such
preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of
effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. (Answer in
150 words) 10
1. (b) Apart from intellectual competency and moral
qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that
facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial
issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
2. (a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the
civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive
minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of
the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to
achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case.
Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10
2. (b) It is believed that adherence to ethics in
human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If
so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values
assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day
functioning? (Answer in 150 words) 10
3. What does the each of the quotation mean to you?
(a) Ethics is knowing the difference between what
you have the right to do and what is right to do.’-Potter Stewart . (Answer in
150 words) 10
(b) “If a
country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I
strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference.
They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” – Abdul Kalam. (Answer in 150
words) 10
(c) “Judge
your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” Dalai Lama.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
4. (a) What do you understand by term ‘good
governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by
the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
4.(b) Online methodology is being used for
day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for
teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the
health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority.
No doubt it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and
system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of
online method particularly to vulnerable section of society. (Answer in 150
words) 10
5. (a) Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for
the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and
actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war
has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human
tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while
launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification
the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. (Answer in 150 words)
10
5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30
words each :
(i) Constitutional morality
(ii) Conflict of interest
(iii) Probity in public life
(iv) Challenges of digitalization
(v) Devotion to duty
6.(a) Whistle blower, who reports corruption and
illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities,
runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization
by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures
would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle
blower? (Answer in 150 words) 10
6.(b) In contemporary world, corporate sector’s
contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so,
they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental
sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do
you Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the
social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work mandated?
Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Section B
7. 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? (Answer in 250 words) 20
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8. Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got
the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after
rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected
cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His
two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public
schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the
Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through
intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from
the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of
the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he
caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of
the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and
investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country
infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card
are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the
State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to
the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the
Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the
report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted
by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned
him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he will not only be
posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his
further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy.
(a) What are the options available to Ramesh as the
Director of the Home Department of the bordering State?
(b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why?
(c) Critically evaluate each of the options.
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
Ramesh?
(e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat
the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country? (Answer
in 250 words) 20
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9. The Supreme Court has banned mining in the
Aravalli Hills to stop degradation the forest cover and to maintain ecological
balance. However, the stone mining to still prevalent in the border district of
the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and
politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected
district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks
with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to escape the mining area.
He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer,
killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no
breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was
the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started
investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting
with local people, stone mining masia and government officials. He prepared his
investigative story and presented to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in
his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia working with
blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician
who was involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered
to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative
report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public
through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the
relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent
share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion
and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs
which he has taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic disease will be
suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him.
(a) What are the options available with Ashok to
cope up with the situation?
(b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options
identified by Ashok.
(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
Ashok?
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the
most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
(e)In the above scenario, what type of training
would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone
mining illegal activities are rampant? (Answer in 250 words) 20
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10. You have done MBA from a reputed institution
three years back but could not get campus placement due to COVID-19 generated
recession. However, after a lot of persuasion and series of competitive tests
including written and interview, you managed to get a job in a leading shoe
company. You have ageur parents who are dependent and staying with you. You
also recently got married after getting this decent job. You were allotted the
Inspection Section which is responsible for clearing the final product. In
first one year, you learnt your job well and was appreciated for your
performance by the management. The company is doing good business for last five
years in domestic market and this year it is decided even to export to Europe
and Gulf countries. However, one large consignment to Europe was rejected by
their Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and was sent back. The top
management ordered that ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic market.
As a part of Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor quality and brought
to the knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the top management advised all
the members of the team to overlook these defects as the management cannot bear
such a huge loss. Rest of the team members except you promptly signed and
cleared the consignment for domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You
again brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander that such consignment, if
cleared even for domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the
company and will be counter-productive in the long run. However, you were
further advised by the top management that if you do not clear the consignment,
the company will not hesitate to terminate your services citing certain
innocuous reasons.
(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options
available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team?
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed
by you.
(c) What option would you adopt and why?
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
you?
(e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the
observations raised by the Inspecting Team? (Answer in 250 words) 20
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11. Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner in
Transport department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he
was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City
Transport Department. A case strike by drivers’ union of City Transport
Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while
driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter.
He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying
Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so
happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving
the a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the
driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the
driver gave him a a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene
but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely
bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the
injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also
critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had
immediately come to the spot and FIR was registered. Police investigation
revealed that the quarrel in was started by the bus driver and he had resorted
to physical violence. There exchange of blows between them.
The City Transport Department management is
considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased)
family. The family is very aggrieved. depressed and agitated against the
discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department
management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his
wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the
family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when
found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The
union’s demand was two fold. First was full extra compensation as given to
other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member.
The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains.
(a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet
the above situation?
(b) Critically examine each of the options
identified by Rakesh
(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
Rakesh?
(d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to
diffuse the above situation? (Answer in 250 words) 20
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12. You are appointed as an officer heading the
section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its
follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium
industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries
provide employment to many migrant worker. Most of the industrial units have
got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental
clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper
environment and living species in the region, But in practice. most of these
units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil
pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems.
It was confirmed that majority of the industries
were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial
units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent
authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the
industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local
politicians. The workers also became hostile to you as they felt that your
action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant
unemployment will lead to insecurity uncertainty in their livelihood. Many
owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not
initiate harsh action as it would compel them their units, and cause huge
financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously
add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour
union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units.
You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however
received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely
to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and
they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately.
(a) What are the options available to you under the
given situation?
(b) Critically examine the options listed by you.
(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to
ensure environmental compliance?
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in
exercising your option? (Answer in 250 words) 20
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