GS Paper - IV Model Answers (2023) - 2 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Section-B (Case Studies)

A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of Rs. 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do so until it is all returned. (250 words and 20 Marks) 
(a) What are the ethical issues involved? 
(b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.
(c) How would you react to the situation? 
Ans:

Introduction
The case presents an ethical dilemma between empathy and objectivity.

Ethical issues:

• Misuse of authority - breach of the trust placed in the manager's role.
• Lack of transparency - The "loan" provided in an unofficial, non-transparent manner without following due process.
• Potential conflict of interest - preferential treatment and bias may be for some personal return.
• Justification of wrongful action - saving a life though well-intended, wrong means are unethical.
• Apathy - Despite being aware of the unethical actions, I remained a passive observer. 

Evaluation of the Behaviour of the Bank Manager 

• Positive perspective:
  • Act of beneficence - The manager intended to help a colleague in need, demonstrating kindness and empathy.
  • Good intentions - intention of an action is more important than the action itself.
• Negative perspective:
  • Misusing power against duty violates the deontological ethics of Immanuel Kant.
  • Lack of accountability violates the principle of responsibility in ethics.
  • Unfair preferential treatment is against distributive justice concepts of John Rawls.
  • Flouting banking rules and regulations disregards respect for the law emphasised by Lon Fuller.

My Reaction to the Situation

 Short term:

• Express empathy for a colleague's situation while voicing concern over unethical practices.
• Discourage secrecy, and explain its larger impacts.
• Request bank authorities to not press legal charges on compassionate grounds.
• Offer to take a personal loan to repay the amount, letting my colleague repay in instalments.

Long term:

• Advocate for emergency medical funds or insurance coverage
• Conduct ethics training for staff on appropriate decision-making in difficult situations.
• Strengthen internal controls and audits.
• Advocate for reforms like faster processing of loans for medical emergencies.
• Promote transparency culture focused on ethics and accountability.

Conclusion
A supportive environment and ethical culture can guide staff to make the right decisions.

Question 8: A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60 kilometres from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as District Magistrate of that area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations.

A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and is losing blood. You directed your medical team to examine his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know that a few blood collection bags and blood group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people of your team have already volunteered to donate blood.

Being a physician who has graduated from AIIMS, you know that blood for transfusion needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank. Your team members are divided on this issue; some favour transfusion, while some others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate the delivery provided they are not penalized for transfusion. Now you are in a dilemma. Your professional training emphasizes on prioritising service to humanity and saving lives of individuals. (250 words and 20 Marks)
(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
(b) Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.
Ans:
Introduction
The case presents conflict between procedural integrity and the moral obligation to save a critical patient's life in an emergency.

Ethical issues:

• Procedural compliance - There is a duty to provide urgent medical care to the pregnant woman in need, but proper procedures should be followed for blood transfusion. 
• Beneficence vs. non-maleficence - Transfusing blood could save the woman's life (beneficence), but improperly tested blood could harm her (non-maleficence).
• Rule utilitarianism - Whether strictly following protocols supersedes the specific need in this emergency situation.
• Justice and fairness - The woman should receive equitable and timely treatment like any other patient.
• Truthfulness - Whether to accurately report the emergency transfusion if done or conceal it.
• Integrity and ethics - Upholding professional ethics and integrity while addressing the moral dilemma. 

Evaluation of the available options:

• Follow protocol and do not allow transfusion
  • Merit - fails beneficence, violates duty of care 
  • Demerit - upholds regulations, avoids non-maleficence
• Allow emergency transfusion
  • Merit - upholds beneficence, duty of care 
  • Demerit - violates regulations, non-maleficence risk
• Rush patient to hospital
  • Merit - proper facilities, reduces non-maleficence risk
  •  Demerit - delay risks life, fails beneficence)
• Airlift certified blood
  • Merit - avoids non-maleficence
  • Demerit - weather delays could fail beneficence)
• Doctors decide
  • Merit - expertise-based decision, considered decision
  • Demerit - abdicates responsibility
• Do nothing
  • Merit - upholds regulations
  • Demerit - utterly fails beneficence and duty of care

Conclusion
Evaluating these options through the lenses of key ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and accountability, I would responsibly order the emergency transfusion based on duty of care and beneficence while minimising harm.

Question 9: At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two. children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior.

She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enough justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny's care as she had to work in the office. Now, she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should take precedence over her professional responsibilities. She thinks that there should be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work, dedication to duty and selfless service. (250 words and 20 Marks)
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.
(b) Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the. Government with respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women.
(c) Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions?
Ans:
Introduction
This case deals with the issue of work life balance.

(a) Ethical issues involved in the case: 

• Neglect of personal life: Rashika having to leave her sick child in the nanny's care to attend work, potentially compromising her child's health and emotional well-being.
• Undue pressure: On part of her superiors at work who are expecting her to work on a Sunday without considering her personal time and family commitments demonstrates a lack of concern for employee welfare.
• Double burden of expectations: Rashika has to balance the expectations of the family along with official commitments.

(b)    The 4 laws enacted by the Government:

• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amendment in 2017) provides 26 weeks maternity leave to ensure maternal health.
• The Factories Act, 1948 (Amendment in 2016) mandates that women should not be assigned night shifts to ensure their safety.
• The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 prohibits discrimination in pay on the grounds of gender.
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: mandates the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) at workplaces and requires employers to create a safe environment, prevent sexual harassment, and provide redressal mechanisms.

(c) Suggestions:

• The issue should be brought to the notice of the concerned authorities.
• Workload Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive workload assessment to ensure civil servants are not overloaded with excessive tasks. Implement efficient task distribution to prevent overburdening.
• Leadership Training: Provide leadership training to supervisors and managers on how to support their subordinates in achieving work-life balance.

There should be adequate delegation of the work at lower levels so that work does not pile up at one tier of organisation.

Conclusion
By implementing these solutions, civil services can create a more balanced and supportive work environment.

Question 10: Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness.

The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters.

A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres.

Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power, Vinod's professional growth would be assured.

Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition. Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains.   (250 words and 20 Marks)
(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.
(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.
Ans:
Introduction
The above case-study deals with issue of political interference compromising the independence of functioning of civil servants.
(a)    Options available to Vinod
(i) Acting on the evidence, exposing the Chairman publicly.

Merits:

• Upholds integrity and transparency by exposing corruption.
• Potentially gains public support and recognition for his actions.

Demerits:

• Risk of retaliation, including punishment posting.
• Risk of becoming embroiled in partisan politics.

(ii) Secretly reporting to the higher authorities within the department about the situation.

Merits:

• Allows for a more discreet investigation within the government.
• Maintains confidentiality of evidence.

Demerits:

• Uncertainty about the fairness of the internal investigation, given the Chairman's political connections.
• Risk of retaliation or cover-up within the organization.

(iii) Verify the authenticity of video, seek legal opinion, gather additional evidence, avoid partisan politics and act on the video.

Merits:

• Upholds the core civil service values.
• Protects himself from political vindictiveness.

Demerit:

• Might not be suitable for career, but he is already transferred frequently.

(b)    Ethical issues arising out of politicization of bureaucracy.

• It leads to a spoilt system which degenerates into nepotism and corruption, further eroding the public trust.
• Adversely impacts the neutrality and impartiality of civil servants.
• This gives rise to conflict of interest, duty should be done for the duty's sake as per Kant.
• Meritocracy becomes compromised, as the pliable civil servants are given significant postings.
• As per 2nd ARC, the politicisation of bureaucracy firmly blocks the passage of attitudinal change and bureaucracy becomes unresponsive and apathetic to public issues.
• The hydra of corruption becomes a constant companion of administration as there is no fear of prosecution in the minds of civil servants.

Conclusion
Hence, to ensure the neutrality and efficacy of civil servants, there is a need to create a civil services board.

Question 11: You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life.

A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work.

You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. (250 words and 20 Marks)
(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
(b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?
(c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization?
Ans:
Introduction
The given case highlights the poor work culture in public office due to the blind race of credit-tacking tendencies among public servants. 

A.    Ethical issues involved in the case

• Poor work culture- as it is clear from the case the relations of the various employees in the office are not cordial and the chief architect is harassing his junior.
• Compromised dignity- the unnecessary scolding of Seema by the chief architect is hurting her dignity
• Lack of ethical ecosystem- as it is from the case that one employee is thinking about resignation it shows that there is a lack of ethical ecosystem to regulate the behaviour of the employees.

B.    Options available

• Taking strict action against the chief architect- Asking Seema to ignore the chief architect as much as possible.
• Asking the chief architect to mind his conduct concerning Seema.

C.    My response to Seema's predicament-
As soon as I come to know her predicament, I will apologise to her on behalf of the organisation then I will ask the chief architect to say sorry to Seema to restore her dignity and then I will warn him not to repeat the same in future.

Measures to prevent such incidents:

• Implement the SHE box idea in the office so that any woman can complain fearlessly.
• Taking strict action against such people to warn others.
• Ethical training of the employees.
• Arranging occasional get-together parties for the employees so that they can express themselves openly.

Conclusion
Thus, it can be said that there is a need to incorporate ethics at work culture in public offices to ensure the dignity of the individuals and maximum good to maximum numbers.

Question 12: You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal's office. The Principal informs you. that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son's changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest.

After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague's son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son's predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.   (250 words and 20 Marks) 
(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.
(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family.
Ans: 
Introduction
The given case highlights the misuse of technology to demean someone.

A.    Ethical issues involved in the use of social media:

• Lack of wisdom- misuse of social media to demean someone shows a lack of wisdom in common people.
• Improper attitudinal training- peer students are making fun of their classmate on the basis of his physical appearance which shows that there is a lack of proper attitudinal training by their family and school.
• Causing harm to self: we are witnessing the phase where people are making reels even at the cost of their lives many people people have lost their lives while making reels for social media.

B.    Pros and cons of using social media:

Pros:

• It can provide maximum reach to connect with the masses in a short span of time with minimum resources in this it will be proven optimum utilisation of means available which is one of the required values for a public servant.
• It can ensure the greatest good to the greatest number because it can leave the right message to those students who were making fun of your boy and at the same time your boy can come out of discomfort. Other people can also learn not to misuse social media.

Cons:

• This idea may not work- all content uploaded on social media may not go viral in that case purpose may be defeated.
• Against professionalism- the government official is not supposed to reply through videos rather he should use press briefing or police to raise his concerns.

Conclusion
Hence, it can be concluded that there is a need to create an ethical ecosystem where everyone can live with full dignity and can use the means judiciously.