GS Paper - IV Model Answers (2021)- 2 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q7: Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentness pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from river belt and transporting through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation.
Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are in hand and glove with them and have developed close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia’s illegal sand mining operations in that the district and may cause them irrepairable damage.
The mafia turned hostile and launched counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia srted threatening him with dire consequences. His family  (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscleman came to his office  and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different than some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia).
(a) Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation.
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
(c) Which of the above, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why?
Ans: (a) Sunil has several options available to address this situation:

• Continue the Raids: Sunil can continue with the raids and crackdown on the illegal sand mining operations, despite the threats. This option involves persistence in his efforts to uphold the law.
• Seek Higher Authorities' Support: Sunil can escalate the matter to higher authorities within the civil service, seeking support and protection from the threats he and his family are facing. This could involve informing his superiors or even approaching the police for security.
• Gather Evidence: Sunil can focus on gathering solid evidence against the mafia and their collaborators within the office. With concrete proof, legal actions against the culprits can be stronger and more effective.
• Engage Public Support: Sunil can involve the local community and media, making the illegal activities public knowledge. This can create public pressure and awareness, potentially deterring the mafia and their supporters.
• Undercover Operation: Sunil can conduct undercover operations to infiltrate the mafia network, gather crucial information, and dismantle the operations from within.
• Transfer or Temporary Relocation: Sunil can request a transfer or temporary relocation to a different district to ensure the safety of his family while still continuing his fight against the mafia.

(b) Critical Evaluation of Options:

• Continuing Raids: While showing determination, this option puts Sunil and his family at direct risk, especially considering the violent threats he is receiving.
• Seeking Higher Authorities' Support: This option can provide protection, but the effectiveness depends on the responsiveness and integrity of the higher authorities. It might take time, during which the threats may escalate.
• Gathering Evidence: This is a crucial step, as solid evidence is necessary for legal actions. However, this process takes time and might expose Sunil to more threats during the investigation period.
• Engaging Public Support: Involving the community and media can create a safety net for Sunil, but it also makes him more visible, potentially increasing risks.
• Undercover Operation: Infiltrating the mafia is risky, but it can yield valuable information. Sunil needs to be cautious to avoid detection and ensure his safety.
• Transfer or Temporary Relocation: This option prioritizes the safety of Sunil's family, but it might not address the root problem, allowing the mafia to continue their operations unchecked in the current district.

(c) Most Appropriate Option:
The most appropriate option for Sunil would be a combination of seeking higher authorities' support, gathering concrete evidence, and engaging public support. By escalating the issue to higher authorities, he can ensure his safety and get the necessary resources for the investigation. Simultaneously, focusing on gathering strong evidence will strengthen legal actions against the mafia. Engaging public support can create awareness, garner community pressure, and provide a safety net for him and his family. Sunil must also consider temporary relocation or enhanced security measures for his family's safety while pursuing these actions. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the civil service, and the community can create a formidable front against the mafia, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to tackling the issue.

Q8: You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle–class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad came from the university caught two students red-hande3d involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these student in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immealately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
(b) Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?
Ans: (a) Ethical Issues Involved in the Case:

• Academic Integrity: The students involved in cheating violated the principle of academic honesty, which is crucial for the credibility and reputation of the college.
• Professional Misconduct: The senior lecturer's involvement in aiding cheating is a serious breach of professional ethics. Faculty members are expected to uphold the integrity of the education system.
• Nepotism and Favoritism: The involvement of influential students and their connections raises concerns about favoritism and unfair advantages being given to them due to their family backgrounds.
• Pressure from Management: The management's inclination to protect influential individuals risks compromising the college's integrity. It raises questions about the college's commitment to unbiased education.
• Student Protest: The student union's protest reflects the concerns of the student body, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue transparently and justly.

(b) Options Available and Recommended Course of Action:

• Investigate Thoroughly: Initiate a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the incident involving the students and the senior lecturer. This investigation should be conducted by a committee comprising impartial faculty members, ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Collaborate with the Flying Squad: Cooperate fully with the university's flying squad during their investigation. Provide them with all necessary support and information to conduct a thorough inquiry.
• Impartial Decision Making: Base disciplinary actions solely on the findings of the investigation. Ensure that consequences are fair and consistent, regardless of the students' or the lecturer's connections. Uphold the college's academic integrity above all else.
• Communicate Transparently: Keep the student body informed about the actions taken and the outcomes of the investigation. Transparency fosters trust and demonstrates the college's commitment to integrity.
• Address Student Concerns: Engage with the student union representatives to understand their concerns. Assure them that the college is taking the matter seriously and that justice will prevail.
• Resist Pressure: Politely but firmly resist any pressure from the management to manipulate the investigation or show favoritism. Uphold the ethical standards of the institution, even if it means jeopardizing your own promotion.
• Promote a Culture of Integrity: Implement educational programs and workshops to educate students and faculty about academic integrity, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in education.

By adopting these measures, you would uphold the college's integrity, demonstrate a commitment to fairness, and ensure that ethical principles are not compromised for personal gain or pressure from influential individuals.

Q9: An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in next two years by 20 June, 2021, since this project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that minimum three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack which will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered  you to  overlook the observation of inspecting team and continue working with same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you hint that your further promotion as additional chief engineer is under consideration with the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier of the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor.
(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager?
(c) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?
(d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?
Ans: (a) The options available to the project manager in this situation include:

• Adhere to Professional Ethics: The project manager can adhere to their professional ethics and prioritize the safety and integrity of the elevated corridor. This would involve stopping further work, conducting a thorough assessment of the damage, and following the necessary protocols for repairs and reconstruction.
• Consult Higher Authorities: The project manager can escalate the matter to higher authorities within the organization or government who might have the power to make decisions independent of the chief engineer’s influence.
• Communicate Clearly: The project manager can communicate the seriousness of the situation to the chief engineer, presenting evidence and expert opinions supporting the need for repairs. Clear communication might help in convincing the chief engineer of the risks involved.
• Document Everything: The project manager can document the observations, conversations, and decisions made during this process. This documentation can serve as evidence in case of future disputes or investigations.

(b) The ethical dilemmas faced by the project manager include:

• Balancing Safety and Pressure: The project manager faces the ethical dilemma of balancing the safety of the public and the integrity of the project against the pressure to meet political and personal interests, such as pleasing the minister, securing future promotions, and benefiting the contractor who is a relative of the minister.
• Conflict of Interest: There is a conflict of interest as the contractor is a relative of the minister, potentially compromising the fairness and impartiality of decision-making.
• Professional Integrity: Upholding professional integrity and ethical standards by ensuring the safety and quality of the constructed infrastructure, even in the face of political pressure and personal interests.

(c) The professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and possible responses to overcome them include:

• Resistance from Chief Engineer: The chief engineer’s resistance to the project manager's concerns can be challenging. The response can involve presenting expert opinions and technical reports supporting the need for repairs, emphasizing the potential risks if the issues are not addressed promptly.
• Navigating Political Influence: Dealing with political influence requires diplomacy. The project manager can maintain open communication with higher authorities, presenting the facts clearly and professionally, while also being firm in their stance on the necessary repairs.
• Ensuring Team Support: Ensuring support from the inspection team and other project staff is crucial. The project manager can educate the team about the risks involved and gain their understanding and support in the decision to prioritize safety over speed.

(d) The consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team could be severe. If the minor crack is a symptom of a larger structural issue, failure to address it could lead to the collapse of the elevated corridor in the future. This could result in loss of life, injuries, legal consequences, damage to public property, and a tarnished professional reputation for everyone involved in the project, including the project manager.

Q10: The coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries. As on May 8th, 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1-35 billion had difficulty in controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India raised awareness about this outbreak and to take all necessary actions to control the spread of COVID-19. Indian Government implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout the country to reduce the transmission of the virus. Schools and colleges had shifted to alternative mode of teaching- learning-evaluation and certification. Online mode became popular during these days. India was not prepared fora sudden onslaught of such a crisis due to limited infrastructure in terms of human resource, money and other facilities needed for taking care of this situation. This disease did not spare anybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion on the one hand and have and have not’ on the other. Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, hospital staff and crematorium were the most crucial aspects You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital at the time when coronavirus had attacked large number of people and patients were pouring into hospital day in and day out.
(a) What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients knowing fully well that it is highly infectious disease and resources and infrastructure are limited?
(b) If yours is a private hospital, whether your justification and decision would remain same as that of a public hospital?
Ans: (a) The provided passage does not contain explicit questions related to criteria and justifications for managing clinical and non-clinical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, based on the context, a possible approach to address this question could involve considering factors such as staff safety, patient care, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), training, and adherence to guidelines from health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health departments. Administrators should prioritize the safety of their staff while ensuring patients receive necessary care.
(b) The passage does not contain explicit questions related to the comparison of decisions between private and public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a response to this hypothetical question could involve discussing potential differences in resources, funding, and government regulations between private and public hospitals. Private hospitals might have different financial capacities and access to resources, but similar principles of staff safety and patient care would apply. Again, it's essential for hospital administrators to follow guidelines from health authorities and adapt their strategies based on the specific context of their hospital.

Q11: A Reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost sane quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company.
(a) What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in domestic market?
(b) What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation?
(c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.
Ans: (a) The competent authority should take strict action against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standards and selling rejected export products in the domestic market. This could include imposing hefty fines, revoking licenses, and taking legal action against the company and its responsible individuals. Additionally, the company should be closely monitored to ensure compliance with regulations in the future.
(b) To resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation, the food company should take the following actions:

• Recall the products: The company should immediately recall all the products that do not meet the domestic food standards and replace them with products that comply with the approved standards.
• Apologize and compensate: The company should issue a public apology, acknowledging its mistake, and compensate affected consumers for any harm caused by consuming substandard products.
• Strengthen quality control: The company should invest in rigorous quality control measures to ensure that all its products meet the required standards before being sold in the market. Regular inspections and testing should be conducted.
• Transparency and communication: The company should be transparent about its actions to rectify the situation. Clear communication with customers, stakeholders, and the public is essential to rebuilding trust.
• Training and compliance: Employees should be trained to understand and adhere to food safety standards. Compliance with regulations should be a top priority within the organization.

(c) The ethical dilemma in this case revolves around the company's decision to compromise on the quality and safety of its products for financial gain. On one hand, there is a moral obligation to provide consumers with safe and high-quality products, especially when it comes to food items that directly impact public health. On the other hand, the company prioritized profit over ethics, leading to the sale of substandard and rejected products. This decision not only endangered the health of consumers but also damaged the company's reputation and trust among its customers. The ethical dilemma highlights the tension between corporate greed and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in business practices.

Q12: Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’s style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publically. It became apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even t home. Rather without any reason he would loose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus it damaged his physical and mental health.
(a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation?
(b) What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquillity and congenial environment in the office and home?
(c) As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?
(d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for at various levels in the government offices?
Ans:  It appears that you want me to generate possible answers to the questions posed in the given scenario. Here are the responses to each question:
(a) Pawan has several options to cope with the situation:

• Communication: Pawan can try to have an open and honest conversation with his senior officer. Expressing his concerns and feelings might help in resolving misunderstandings.
• Consult HR or Higher Authority: If direct communication fails, Pawan can approach the Human Resources department or a higher authority in the office to report the harassment and seek their intervention.
• Seek Counseling: Pawan can consider seeking counseling or therapy to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the situation. Professional help can provide him with coping strategies.
• Legal Action: If the harassment continues and escalates, Pawan can explore legal options, such as filing a complaint with relevant authorities against his senior officer.
• Transfer or Change of Department: Pawan can request a transfer to another department or office where he can work without facing harassment.

(b)  

• Self-Care: Pawan should prioritize self-care activities such as regular exercise, meditation, and hobbies to reduce stress and maintain mental well-being.
• Setting Boundaries: Pawan should assert his boundaries at work and not tolerate abusive behavior. Similarly, he should maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere at home.
• Effective Communication: Pawan should practice effective communication not only at work but also at home. Expressing his feelings and concerns calmly can lead to better understanding among family members.
• Support System: Building a support system, either through friends, support groups, or counseling services, can provide emotional assistance to Pawan during this difficult time.

(c) Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and improve work performance, mental, and emotional hygiene:

• Training on Workplace Ethics: Conduct workshops and training sessions for both bosses and subordinates focusing on workplace ethics, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
• Leadership Training for Boss: Provide leadership training to the senior officer emphasizing emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective leadership skills to create a positive work environment.
• Mental Health Awareness Programs: Organize programs to raise awareness about mental health issues, stress management, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
• Mediation Services: Establish a mediation system within the organization to resolve conflicts amicably, involving neutral third parties if necessary.

(d) 

• Conflict Resolution Training: Offer training programs that focus on resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively, emphasizing active listening and compromise.
• Emotional Intelligence Workshops: Conduct workshops to enhance emotional intelligence skills, including empathy, self-awareness, and relationship management, for both employees and management.
• Stress Management Seminars: Provide seminars and training sessions on stress management techniques, coping mechanisms, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Training: Implement training programs to promote understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive work environment.
• Leadership and Communication Skills Training: Offer training sessions to enhance leadership qualities, effective communication skills, and team-building abilities among managers and supervisors.

Implementing these training programs can contribute significantly to improving the overall work atmosphere and the mental well-being of employees in government offices.