Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Section A
Q1 (a). In the present digital age, social media has
revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised
several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in
this regard. (150 words)
Q1(b) "Constitutional morality is not a natural
sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of
law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public
servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring
accountability in public administration. (150 words)
Q2(a) Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a
diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the
present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. (150 words)
Q2(b) Keeping the national security in mind, examine
the ethical dilemmas, related to controversies over environmental clearance of
development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.
(150 words)
Q3(a) "Those who in trouble untroubled are,
Will trouble trouble itself." – Thiruvalluvar. What does this quotation
convey to you in the present context? (150 words)
Q3(b) "The greatest discovery of my generation
is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." –
William James. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
(150 words)
Q3(c) "The strength of a society is not in its
laws, but in the morality of its people." – Swami Vivekananda. What does
this quotation convey to you in the present context? (150 words)
Q4(a) "For any kind of social re-engineering by
successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and
critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with
suitable examples. (150 words)
Q4(b) What are the major teachings of Mahavir?
Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (150 words)
Q5(a) "One who is devoted to one's duty attains
highest perfection in life." Analyse this statement with reference to
sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant. (150 words)
Q5(b) To achieve holistic development goal, a civil
servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a
regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal? (150
words)
Q6(a) It is said that for an ethical work culture,
there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure
value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you
adopt in your workplace? (150 words)
Q6(b) India is an emerging economic power of the
world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the
world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some
sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What
specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this
regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the
world in near future? (150 words)
Section B
Q7 Case Study - Vijay (Flood
Relief vs Family Loss)
Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote
district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the
month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst
in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the
complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network
and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged
extensively.
People's houses have been destroyed and they were
forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000
were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and
started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and
hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the
homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for
evacuating sick and old people from remote areas.
Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that
his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate
message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one
elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In
the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due
to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time,
continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the
earliest for performing last rites of his mother.
(a) What are the options available with Vijay?
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by
Vijay?
(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these
options identified by Vijay.
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be
most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why? (250 words)
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Q8 Case Study – Forest Land for Housing
In line with the Directive Principles of State
Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a
constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs - "Roti, Kapda aur Makan
(Food, Clothes and Shelter)" - for the under-privileged. Pursuing this
mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land
to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the
society.
The proposed land, however, is an ecologically
sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital
biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and
rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent
land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities.
Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour
of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses
fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority.
Besides, it fulfils the government's duty to uplift
and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these
forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring
human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb
anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing
law and order.
(a) Can
deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare
objectives like housing for the homeless?
(b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and
ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human
development?
(c) What substantial alternatives or policy
interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and
human dignity are protected? (250 words)
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Q9 Case Study – Subash (Conflict of Interest)
Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He
is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to
work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and
Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for
policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure
initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative
aspects, relating to planning, designing and construction etc.
Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the
state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road
network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of
ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular
touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction
project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to
the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the
Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business.
His son from his own sources is aware that a mega
road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected
anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the
upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of
land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him
rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to
share him location of the proposed project.
He assured him that he would handle the matter
discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal
course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised
because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the
matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the
Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company.
In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew
to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in
the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter
as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his
status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix
as to the future course of action.
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
(b) Critically examine the options available to
Subash in the above situation.
(c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and
why? (250 words)
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Q10 Case Study – Rajesh (Procurement Dilemma)
Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of
service. He is posted as Administrative Officer in an Oil Public Sector
undertaking. As an Administrative Officer he is responsible for managing and
coordinating various administrative tasks to ensure smooth functioning of office.
He also manages office supplies, equipment etc. Rajesh is now sufficient senior
and is expecting his next promotion in JAG (Junior Administrative Grade) in the
next one or two years.
He knows that promotion is based on examination of
ACRs/Performance Appraisal of last few years (5 years or so) of an officer by a
DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) and an officer lacking requisite grading
of ACRs may not be found fit for promotion. Consequences of losing promotion
may entail financial and reputational loss and set-back for career progression.
Though he also puts his best efforts in official discharge of his duties, yet
he is unsure of assessment by his superior officer.
He is now putting extra efforts so that he gets
thumping report at the end of financial year. As Administrative Officer, Rajesh
is regularly interacting with his immediate boss, who is his reporting officer
for writing his ACR. One day he calls Rajesh and wants him to buy
computer-related stationery on priority from a particular vendor. Rajesh
instructs his office to initiate action for procuring these items.
During the day, the dealing Assistant brings an
estimate of Rupees Thirty Five Lakhs covering all stationery items from the
same vendor. It is noticed that as per delegated financial powers, as provided
in the GFR (General Financial Rules) as applicable in that Organisation,
expenditure for office items exceeding Rupees Thirty Lakhs requires sanction of
the next higher authority (boss in the present case).
Rajesh knows that immediate superior would expect
all these purchases should be done at his level and may not appreciate such
lack of initiative on his part. During discussions with office, he learns that
common practice of splitting of expenditure (where large order is divided into
a series of smaller ones) is followed to avoid obtaining sanction from higher
authority. This practice is against the rules and may come to the adverse
notice of Audit. Rajesh is perturbed. He is unsure of taking decision in the
matter.
(a) What are
the options available with Rajesh in the above situation?
(b) What are the ethical issues involved in this
case?
(c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate
option for Rajesh and why? (250 words)
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Q11 Case Study – MGNREGA Mismanagement
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Program, MGNREGA was earlier known as National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme, NREGA. It is an Indian Social Welfare Program that aimed at fulfilling
the 'Right to Work' provisions made in the Constitution. MGNREGA was launched
in 2006 under Rural Employment Sector by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Main objective of the program is to give legal
guarantee of wage employment to the adult members of rural households who are
willing to do unskilled manual labour work subject to a maximum of 100 days per
year for every household. Every rural household has the right to register under
the scheme, job card is issued to the registered, Job Card holder can seek employment;
State Government shall pay 25% of minimum wage for the first 30 days as
compensatory daily unemployment allowance to the families and of wage for
remaining period of the year.
MGNREGA work was undertaken by various Gram
Panchayats. You have been appointed as an Administrator Incharge of the
District. You have been given the responsibility of monitoring MGNREGA work
undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You are also given the authority to give
technical sanctions to all MGNREGA works.
One of the Panchayats in your jurisdiction, you
notice that your predecessor has mismanaged the Program in terms of :
(i) Money not disbursed
to actual job-seekers.
(ii) Muster Rolls of
the Labourers not properly maintained.
(iii) Mismatch between
the work done and payments made.
(iv) Payments made to
fictitious persons.
(v) Job Cards were
given without looking into the need of person.
(vi) Mismanagement of
funds and to the extent of siphoning of funds.
(vii) Approved works
that never existed.
(a) What is
your reaction to the above situation and how do you restore the proper
functioning of MGNREGA Program in this regard?
(b) What actions would you initiate to solve the
various issues listed above?
(c) How would you deal with the above situation?
(250 words)
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Q12 Case Study – Ashok (Border Refugees)
Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the
border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken
over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government.
Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years.
However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking
over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight
between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold
in recent past.
In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information
from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about
200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of
the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military
uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also
crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely
need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State
but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather.
(a) What are
the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation?
(b) What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being
faced by Ashok?
(c) Which of the options, do you think would be more
appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
(d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform? (250 words)
