UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2019: GS4 Ethics | UPSC Mains: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude PDF Download

Q1.(a). What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples. [Ethics - I]
Ans: In a democracy, a fundamental principle is that individuals in positions of authority derive their power from the people. Essentially, all public functionaries are considered trustees of the people. As the government's role expands, those in public office wield significant influence over people's lives. The trustee relationship between the public and officials necessitates that the authority vested in them be exercised in the best interest of the people, or in 'public interest.'

The Nolan Committee provided a comprehensive definition of the principles of public life, identifying seven key principles: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership.

Leadership: Individuals holding public office should lead and set an example by promoting the principles of public life.
Example: Lal Bahadur Shastri's practice of fasting every Monday to conserve grains for the poor and encouraging the nation to follow suit is an exemplary display of leading from the front.

Selflessness: Public officeholders should act solely in the public interest, without seeking personal financial or other benefits for themselves, their family, or friends.
Example: Maharashtra police officer Tukaram Omble's courageous act during the Mumbai attack, sacrificing his life to prevent further harm to his fellow servicemen, exemplifies the highest degree of selflessness.

The principle of selflessness is echoed in the Gita's shloka - "karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana," emphasizing focusing on actions without worrying about the results.

Accountability: Holders of public office are answerable for their decisions and actions to the public, subjecting themselves to appropriate scrutiny.
Example: Vikram Sarabhai taking responsibility for the failure of ISRO's first mission without attributing blame to the mission head (APJ Abdul Kalam) illustrates full accountability for his team's shortcomings.

In conclusion, the principles of public life are vital for any democracy. Guidelines for public behavior derived from these principles play a crucial role in fostering trust between public functionaries and the general public. Therefore, individuals privileged to guide the destiny of the people must not only uphold ethical standards but also be seen practicing these principles of public life.

Q1(b): What do you understand about the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of the public servant. [Ethics - I]
Ans: A public servant is typically an individual employed directly or indirectly by the government, either through appointment or election. Their commitment to public welfare over personal interests is crucial since their wages are funded, either partially or fully, by taxpayers and public funds. The range of duties of public servants is as diverse as the responsibilities of the government.

Public servants can adopt various elements to foster a more humane and ethical governance structure. Some of these include:

• Obligation to Constitutional Ideals: Public servants have a duty to protect and promote the constitutional ideals enshrined in the preamble. Upholding the rule of law, dispensing administrative justice, and ensuring administrative facilitation are essential aspects of their role.
• Role in Shaping Public Opinion: As an elite segment of society, public servants play a crucial role in informing and even formulating public opinion and perception on various issues.
• Empathy and Consideration: Mahatma Gandhi's advice to put oneself in the situation of the poorest of the poor helps public servants make decisions that consider the impact on the most vulnerable.
• Efficiency and Implementation: Public servants, as administrators in positions of power and authority, bear the responsibility of translating policies into programs and implementing schemes on the ground.
• Agility in Thoughts and Actions: Public servants should stay updated with the latest information and knowledge, using them to enhance service delivery.
• Impartiality and Incorruptibility: Sardar Patel's observation emphasizes the need for public servants to be impartial, incorruptible, and work for inclusive national development as mandated by the Constitution.
• Dignified Behavior: Public servants should behave in a dignified manner, possessing the ability to patiently listen, take a balanced view, and avoid arrogance and authoritarianism even in addressing challenging issues.

Kautilya, in his Arthashastra, stressed the importance of common citizens, stating, "It is the people who constitute a kingdom; like a barren cow, a kingdom without people yields nothing." Hence, the success of administration relies on the involvement, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of public servants for the welfare of the masses in the country.

Q2(a): Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications. [Ethics - I]
Ans: Effective utilization of funds for welfare services is a critical aspect to ensure social and economic justice and achieve developmental goals. Former Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi once noted that "only 15 paise for every 1 rupee spent on public welfare actually reaches the masses," emphasizing the severity of ineffective fund utilization in our country.

Public servants, as trustees of hard-earned public funds, bear both moral and legal responsibilities for their efficient use. Various factors contribute to the under-utilization and mis-utilization of these funds:

Under-Utilization:

• High administrative costs and procedural delays in government offices lead to funds being entangled in administrative complexities and bureaucratic loopholes.
• Inappropriate budgetary allocation, such as the use of guillotine voting.
• Lack of sufficient staff in government offices.
• Inadequate technological penetration at the grassroots level.
• Ineffective decentralization of financial power.

Mis-Utilization:

• Corruption resulting in the diversion of funds to unauthorized sources.
• Poor accountability mechanisms impede effective monitoring and utilization.
• Lack of coherence in planning.
• Ineffective decentralization of power.
• Populist politics influencing fund allocation.
• Corporate influence on policymakers, i.e., crony capitalism.
• Favoritism and misuse of office in the allocation of government projects.
• Expenditure rush during the month of March, known as 'March Rush,' leading to unplanned and improper fund expenditure to prevent the lapse of unutilized funds.
• Diversion of funds to other purposes.

Implications:

• Social: Violation of the rights and entitlements of the masses, leading to social issues like inequality, illiteracy, poor health and sanitation, and increased animosity among different communities.
• Political: Misallocation and underutilization contribute to unequal development, increased corruption, and inequality within different states, resulting in problems like regionalism, naxalism, and separatism.
• Economic: India's ongoing struggle with poverty and the inability to leverage its demographic dividend are significant impacts. Despite the potential for double-digit growth, the growth story revolves around 7%, with insufficient improvements in infrastructure, human indices, employment, etc.
• Ethical: Breach of the 'Doctrine of Public Trust,' which places responsibility on public servants for the judicious use of funds for the benefit of the masses.

Regardless of how well-crafted a policy may be, its impact significantly relies on the allocation and effective utilization of funds. To fulfill the ethical and moral duty outlined in the Directive Principles of State Policy, aiming to maximize welfare measures and prevent the concentration of wealth in a few hands, it is crucial to adopt appropriate policy measures to realize the goals of national development.

Q2(b): “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. [Ethics - I]
Ans: Transparency International defines corruption as an abuse of power that corrodes the foundation of society. It erodes public trust in the political system, its institutions, and its leadership, posing an additional challenge to combating corruption when the public becomes distrustful or apathetic.

All civil servants bear the responsibility of public duty for the well-being of the masses. Neglecting this duty results in significant costs to the public, affecting their freedom, health, education, rights, and sometimes even their lives. Consequently, the nonperformance of duty by a public servant is considered a form of corruption. For instance, a doctor's delayed arrival at the hospital jeopardizes patients' lives, a teacher's failure to fulfill duties not only risks the future of children but also impacts society at large, and a police officer's neglect in handling riotous situations can lead to loss of life.

Corruption represents a betrayal of the trust placed by the public in civil servants and a violation of individuals' rights. It acts as a hindrance to effective administration, law and order, and the successful implementation of welfare policies, thereby impeding the realization of constitutional goals such as social, economic, and political justice.

The non-performance of duty by public servants, for which they are morally, legally, and constitutionally obligated, is considered a form of corruption, as stipulated by the Prevention of Corruption Act, which treats the non-performance of public duty as an offense.

It is imperative for every civil servant to fulfill their mandated duties to uphold constitutional values and serve as catalysts for change in the lives of the masses. This ensures that the general public can rightfully enjoy what they are entitled to.

Q3(a): What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’ ? How does one uphold constitutional morality? [Ethics - I]
Ans: Constitutional morality entails a commitment to the fundamental principles of constitutional democracy. In the view of classicist George Grote, it involves a paramount reverence for constitutional forms, obedience to authority, and actions governed by these forms, accompanied by open speech, actions subject to definite legal control, and unrestrained criticism of authorities.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar first introduced the term in India during parliamentary debates. He envisioned it as effective coordination amid conflicting interests and administrative cooperation to amicably resolve disputes without confrontation among diverse groups pursuing their objectives.

In contemporary usage, constitutional morality refers to the substantive content of a constitution. To adhere to constitutional morality is to be guided by the inherent moral implications of any constitution. It goes beyond literal compliance with constitutional provisions, aiming to fulfill the ultimate goal of the Constitution—a socio-juridical environment providing every citizen with the opportunity to unfold their full personhood.

The sources of constitutional morality lie in the text of the Constitution, Constituent Assembly debates, and events from that period. It is crucial for the effectiveness of constitutional laws, preventing their operation from becoming arbitrary and capricious.

Notably, the Naz Foundation Case utilized the concept of constitutional morality innovatively to invalidate Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, decriminalizing homosexuality.

Upholding constitutional morality involves letting it guide the Court's decisions, locating its content and contours to prevent misuse, committing to values like constitutional supremacy and rule of law, and using it as a guide in decision-making.

Despite being mentioned only four times in the constitution, constitutional morality has been understudied and ignored for a considerable period. A renewed perspective is needed to explore further possibilities of this concept.

The ethics of politicians, shaping public conscience, moral order, and constitutional morality, are integral to policy-making. A robust ethical foundation is essential for the sustained progress and prosperity of a democratic society.

Q3(b): What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’ ? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? [Ethics - I]
Ans: "There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts." — Mahatma Gandhi

Crisis of Conscience

It refers to the ethical dilemma encountered in decision-making, where one faces the challenge of being ethically unfair or wrong.

In complex and emotional situations, determining the right course of action can be challenging. While practical solutions may seem morally ambiguous, the conscience often advocates a different approach.

Ethical principles can be violated only when it is imperative to advance another ethical principle that maximizes overall good and minimizes harm to the greatest number of people, following the utilitarian approach.

Manifestation in the Public Domain

Crisis of conscience becomes apparent in the decision-making process of civil servants, especially when influenced by ministerial pressure to make immoral decisions or implement unethical policies affecting a large population.

Tussles between ethics and the law, such as the restriction of public movement in Kashmir for maintaining law and order, exemplify instances of a crisis of conscience. Similarly, despite legal recognition as a third gender, transgenders face oppression, marginalization, and lack of opportunities, leading to a life of indignity, highlighting a crisis of conscience in the public domain.

It is common to encounter such crises in the public domain, where lives and decisions intersect regularly. Overcoming these crises requires public servants to consider all dimensions, free themselves from external pressures, stay calm, and adhere to the ethical code and legal framework of public service.

Q4(a): Explain the basic principles of the citizens charter movement and bring out its importance. [Ethics - I]
Ans: Citizen’s Charter is a document containing voluntary commitments by a government organization to citizens or client groups regarding the services or schemes provided or to be provided.

The primary goal of the Citizen’s Charter is to enhance the quality of public services. The objective is to establish a connection between citizens and administration, aligning administrative processes with citizen needs. This involves informing people about the mandates of the concerned Ministry/Department/Organization, providing contact information for officials, explaining expected services, and outlining procedures for grievance resolution in case of issues.

Principles of Citizen Charter

• Quality: Enhancing the quality of services
• Choice: Providing choices to users whenever possible
• Standards: Specifying expectations within a timeframe
• Value: Ensuring value for taxpayers' money
• Accountability: Holding service providers (individuals and organizations) accountable
• Transparency: Being transparent in rules, procedures, schemes, and grievance redressal
• Participative: Involving and consulting stakeholders

Importance

• Facilitating transparency and accountability in administration
• Being citizen-centric, fostering a more citizen-friendly administration
• Promoting good governance
• Enhancing service delivery to citizens
• Providing a mechanism for grievance redressal

A Citizen Charter is not an end in itself; rather, it serves as a means to ensure citizens always remain central to any service delivery model.

Q4(b): There is a view that the Officials Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of RTI Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. [Ethics - I]
Ans: The Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 has been a groundbreaking legislation ushering in an era of transparency in the Indian governance system. Its impacts include:

• Making information easily accessible to the public
• Increasing government accountability for decisions
• Serving as a tool to curb corruption
• Enhancing public trust in the government
• Promoting efficient working of government employees
• Ensuring impartiality

However, the Officials Secret Act (OSA), enacted by the British Government in 1923, acts contrary to the provisions of the RTI and poses obstacles to its implementation:

• Rooted in the colonial era
• Primarily used by the government to withhold information, citing security concerns
• Utilized to cover up government impropriety
• Employed as a draconian tool to threaten journalists and activists investigating governmental shortcomings
• Utilized to silence specific investigations undertaken by citizens or civil society
• May lead to wrongful suspicion and spying on citizens

In addition:

• A modern democracy thrives on complete citizen participation in government decisions
• Government transparency reduces concerns about espionage
• The government's fear, if any, indicates a lack of openness in a democracy
• Questioning why only the government should decide what needs to be kept secret

Nevertheless, complete transparency is neither feasible nor desirable due to security concerns, particularly in the face of multifaceted threats in a hostile neighborhood. Classified documents on national security issues can jeopardize public safety and are of little use to the general public.

Despite Section 22 of the RTI Act explicitly overriding the OSA, prohibiting the government from denying access based solely on OSA markings, there is a need for a robust system to distinguish between the proper use and misuse of OSA. The establishment of an independent committee, given the existence of systems like Lokpal, can help curb the government's autonomy in deciding what qualifies as "secret."

Therefore, there is a necessity to strike a balance between secrecy and transparency, as highlighted in the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (SARC) Report of 2006, which emphasized that a culture of secrecy promotes confidentiality, making disclosure a rarity.

Q5(a): What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (150 words).  [Ethics - I]
Ans: Probity in Governance is an essential requirement for the effective functioning of the governance system and socio-economic development. It entails adherence to ethical and moral values such as honesty, integrity, rectitude, and uprightness, embodying procedural integrity with high standards of ethical behavior.

Probity in Governance emphasizes the need for civil officials to embrace and uphold ethical and integrity values beyond the traditional civil service values of performance, integrity, and patriotism. This includes demonstrating respect for human rights, maintaining morality in public life, showing compassion for the downtrodden, and dedicating oneself to their welfare.

The objectives of Probity in Governance include:

• Preserving public confidence in Government processes
• Maintaining integrity in public services
• Ensuring accountability in governance
• Ensuring compliance with processes
• Avoiding the potential for misconduct, fraud, and corruption

Measures to ensure Probity in Government are crucial to combat the menace of lacking probity in governance. Some steps that can be taken to instill probity and ethical practices include:

• Establishing a dedicated unit at both state and central levels to oversee violations of the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct by government officials
• Making information accessible to the public through websites
• Implementing mandatory declarations of assets and liabilities by government employees, accompanied by proper auditing
• Setting up an Independent Anti-Corruption Agency
• Forming Citizens Advisory Boards to incorporate the ideas of the general public in improving governance
• Enforcing mandatory Social Audits of all government programs, as exemplified by Meghalaya's law for the social audit of government programs

Beyond laws and policies, the government should also focus on fostering a behavioral change in government employees. This ensures they can empathize with the problems of the common masses, aligning with the democratic goal of "government by the people, for the people, and to the people."

Q5(b): “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. [Ethics - I]
Ans: Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to comprehend one's own emotions and the emotions of others, regulate and manage them, and utilize them to perform tasks. It forms the foundation of the social skills of administrators, contributing to organizational effectiveness.

These skills are crucial for addressing administrative challenges, including political interference, communication with people, and conflict management.

Emotional Intelligence works in favor in the following ways:

• It helps in maintaining objectivity while dispensing work.
• It leads to efficient and desired outcomes.
• Increases trust among colleagues.
• Reduces stress and prevents extreme outbursts.
• Helps in understanding the state of mind of others.
• Prepares you to deal with unexpected circumstances.

Emotional Intelligence could assist an officer in staying motivated and inspiring subordinates to efficiently execute given tasks. In decision-making, Emotional Intelligence helps civil servants in controlling the overflow of emotions, keeping their temperament under control, especially in the face of unwarranted influences.

Moreover, EI helps civil servants develop an empathetic attitude towards the common people, especially the poor and vulnerable ones.

Example 1: If you had a fight at home just before coming to the office, there is a strong possibility of a spillover of the bad mood at the workplace. With good EI, you'll calm yourself down, managing extreme emotions, and better discharge your duties.

Example 2: Suppose you are supervising a crucial public project with a strict deadline. If you have low EI, you might get easily agitated, anxious, frustrated, discouraged, and pessimistic as the deadline approaches. With high EI, you will excel, motivate your team, calmly think of innovative ways, and maintain a positive outlook.

Thus, EI helps in curbing the randomness and extremity of emotions, leading to a positive perspective and stable performance instead of creating hindrances.

Q6: What do each of the following quotations mean to you?
(a) "An unexamined life is not worth living" — Socrates [Ethics - I]

Ans: An unexamined human life is devoid of meaning and purpose. The capacity for introspection dispels individualistic absurdity, fostering a commitment to moral integrity and social solidarity.

Similar to how a seed requires soil, sunlight, and water for germination, human life necessitates introspection and examination for its growth. Reflecting on life's experiences at any given time enriches one's connection with oneself and the universe.

Mahatma Gandhi's self-examination, as depicted in his autobiography 'My Experiments with Truth,' underscores the importance of reflecting on life. Gandhi not only identified his weaknesses and vulnerabilities through this examination but also questioned his prejudices and understood his strength as a human being.

The ability to contemplate life adds more depth to the character of 'Arjun' in Mahabharat compared to other characters like Bheeshm, Yudhishthir, or the Kauravs. Arjun, instead of blindly following norms and engaging in war with his clan, questions the meaninglessness of the conflict and the purpose of his life.

The rapidly changing societies and consumerist culture in the contemporary world leave little time for individuals to reflect on and contemplate these changes. Adaptation to changes has become automatic and unquestioned.

This quotation holds strong relevance in the present times, where human beings carry the burden of histories like war, colonization, nationalization, erosion of morality in scientific and technological advancements, and a sense of spiritual uprootedness.

It is during these times that individuals need to delve deeper into their conscience to discover the purpose of existence and engage with society in a more meaningful manner.

Q6(b): “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” — M.K. Gandhi. [Ethics - I]
Ans: The actions of an individual are predominantly influenced by their thought process, serving as the initial points of engagement with society. Thoughts not only shape behavior and attitude but also mold actions. Hence, it is crucial for thoughts to align with a moral compass and conscience, as ethical behavior and the regulation of actions stem from an ethical thought process.

Reflections on experiences or thoughts open up avenues for making choices in actions. Understanding and being aware of one's thoughts and emotions, i.e., emotional intelligence, can aid in regulating actions. For instance, thoughts of kindness and compassion can foster more empathetic individuals, while thoughts of violence and anger may contribute to the emergence of criminals in society.

The advent of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Big Data raises new ethical questions in contemporary society. Under the influence of increasing individualism and consumerism, individuals' thinking has become more self-centered, leading to detachment from the community and society. There is also a growing desire from both the market and the state to control people's thoughts, behaviors, and actions. This not only infringes on an individual's right to speech and expression but also diminishes the inclination to question and think critically.

In these times, it is imperative to nurture people's ability to think freely in society. Emphasizing education that fosters critical ethical thinking can produce individuals who act ethically, thereby influencing society, the nation, and the world at large.

Q6(c): “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” — A. P. J. Abdul Kalam [Ethics - I]
Ans: A.P.J Abdul Kalam emphasized the significance of righteousness through his quote, establishing a profound connection between the heart, character, nation, and the world.

Righteousness, the quality of being morally right and justifiable, serves as the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous society, a principle echoed in various religious teachings. For instance, in Hindu mythologies, the path of righteousness, known as dharma, is considered the ideal and ultimate duty for every human being.

Kalam's quote underscores the importance of individual rejuvenation as the focal point for societal transformation, aiming to foster peace and integration. Historical examples, such as Ashoka promoting the code of Dhamma in the 3rd century BC, highlight the role of ideal social behavior in promoting peace and prosperity within a kingdom.

However, contemporary society has witnessed a departure from righteous behavior, leaning towards a more materialistic lifestyle, resulting in various social problems. Kalam suggests that individuals, by following the righteous path, can spread happiness, achieve personal success, and contribute to the betterment of society, addressing issues like crime, corruption, and mob lynching.

A prosperous society, in turn, contributes to a more prosperous nation. Kalam's vision aligns with the idea that fostering righteousness on a global scale can help address global challenges, such as terrorism threatening the safety and security of various nations.

Kalam's call for righteousness in various dimensions within society, coupled with an indomitable spirit, is crucial for realizing the vision of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

Q7. You are heading the rescue operations in an area affected by severe natural calamity. Thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damage to supply routes. The local people are seething with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of pa-Ur team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis, some team members plead with you to call off the operations fearing threats to their life.

In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation. [Ethics - II]
Ans: In responding to the intense atmosphere, my approach should be thoughtful, coherent, and compassionate due to the numerous dilemmas involved. Neglecting thousands who depend on government assistance would be an act of cowardice and self-preservation, which is unbecoming of a public servant.

Morale Upliftment: As the head of the rescue mission, my primary response is to refocus the group on our real objectives. In addressing those advocating to call off the mission, I would encourage them with examples. For instance, during the 2014 floods in Kashmir, the NDRF team faced hostility, yet they persevered and rescued over 50,000 people. Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi, while marching in riot-hit areas of Noakhali, faced adversity but his unwavering courage and love for humanity ultimately led to a positive transformation.

The misplaced anger of the people can be mitigated by showcasing self-sacrifice, dedication, and courage in the rescue work, fostering cooperation.

Persuasion and Collaboration: I would strive to persuade people by seeking help from those willing to cooperate, including local leaders. Collaborative efforts can play a crucial role in gaining public support.

Government Cooperation: Additionally, I will seek cooperation from the government to ensure the protection of my team members during the rescue mission, minimizing the risk of harm.

Qualities Required:

• Spirit of Service: The rescue team, vulnerable to physical and verbal attacks, must be driven by a higher cause to carry out composed and coordinated rescue work.
• Leadership: Decisions in such circumstances hinge on the wisdom of the leader, who must also lead the team with personal courage and conviction.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the behavior of disgruntled local people requires empathy and emotional intelligence to prevent resorting to force, which may exacerbate their anger.
• Power of Persuasion: Effectively dealing with people's anger demands the power of persuasion, as they may be reactive and short-sighted.
• Patience and Presence of Mind: In such situations, spontaneous decisions are not advisable. A public servant needs to assess the situation considerately and think swiftly for the next course of action.

Therefore, sensitivity to the situation, refraining from blaming people for their reactions, and offering empathy and support are key to successfully rescuing those in distress.

Q8: Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of a civil servant. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered as the backbone of any strong organization. In line of duty, they take various decisions, at times some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions are not taken intentionally and do not benefit personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty. Though such decisions may, at times, lead to unforeseen adverse consequences in the long-term.

In the recent past, a few instances have surfaced wherein civil servants have been implicated for bonafide mistakes. They have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned. These instances have greatly rattled the moral fibre of the civil servants.

How does this trend affect the functioning of the civil services? What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide mistakes on their part? Justify your answer. [Ethics - II]
Ans: The role of civil servants involves making decisions with significant implications for the socio-economic growth of the country. However, wrongful prosecution of honest officers has a profound impact on the morale of these officers, affecting the functioning of civil services in India in multiple ways:

Effects on Civil Services:

• Impact on Decision-Making: Officers may become hesitant to express their views, potentially exacerbating red-tapism due to fear of departmental action for incorrect decisions.
• Hampering Economic Growth: Fear of prosecution may constrain honest officers from making progressive and courageous decisions across sectors, leading to delays and poor governance, especially with increased private sector participation in public services.
• Tool for Harassment: Corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats may use baseless complaints and investigations to harass honest officers.
• Impact on Reputation: Prosecution of honest officers results in mental agony, substantial financial loss, and damage to their reputation within society.

Measures to Prevent Wrongful Implications:

• Transparency in Administration: Ensuring maximum transparency in policy-making decisions can prevent blaming individuals for incorrect choices.
• Legislative Actions: Amendments, such as those recommended by the Hota Committee report, are crucial. Modifying Section 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, protects honest civil servants from malicious prosecution and harassment.
• Reducing Bureaucratic Politicization: Implementing fixed tenures for civil servants can curb the fear of transfers, denial of promotions, or post-retirement punishments that may impact decision-making.

Role of Institutions:

• Judiciary's Approach: Courts must interpret laws constructively, clarifying the distinction between corruption and wrong administrative decisions.
• Support from Associations: The IAS Association of India and other civil society groups should stand by honest officers undergoing wrongful prosecution.
• Internal Oversight Mechanisms: Internal inquiries should consider the integrity and past career record of officers before recommending criminal investigations for bonafide decisions.

Justification: Prosecuting honest officers for genuine mistakes is unjust, considering that not every decision proves correct in the long run. Young and aspiring civil servants should uphold values of honesty, impartiality, and fearlessness. Encouraging dynamic and honest officials, who take risks for the greater good, is essential. No bureaucrat should fear reprisal for making bona fide decisions. The victory of right over wrong is upheld by following the code of ethics and conduct.
Example: Former coal secretary HC Gupta, known for his integrity and clean career record, was acquitted by the Delhi High Court in the coal scam, highlighting the triumph of truth.

Q9: An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the work place.

After sometime, a woman employee lodged a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the company’s indifference in not taking cognizance of her grievance, she lodged an FIR with the Police.

Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the women employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive is not involved in this case.

Identify the ethical issues involved in this case: what options are available to the women employee? [Ethics - II]

Ans: 

Facts of the Case:

• Alleged sexual harassment at the workplace by the marketing executive.
• Marketing executive is an important resource for the company, significantly increasing sales in a short period.
• Company management shows indifference by not addressing the woman's complaint.
• Company pressures the woman employee to withdraw the case.
  

Options Available to the Woman Employee:

1. Continue with her case by taking a firm stand against the company management.
   • Provides a fair chance to prove her viewpoint in a court of law.
   • Gives her mental peace that she stood for herself.
   • May result in mental agony, societal pressure, and potential harm to her career prospects.
2. Accept the negotiation offer by the company and withdraw the case.
   • May be beneficial for her career and avoids a rigorous investigation process.
   • Creates dissonance, affects mental peace, and conflicts with her conscience.
   • May prevent her from standing up for herself in the future.
3. Resign from the company and focus on other career opportunities.
   • Avoids the situation and is beneficial for her career prospects.
   • Leaves scars of sexual harassment, leading to regret and denial of justice to her.

Analysis: Option (1) is the recommended way to handle the situation. The woman employee can play a leadership role, giving a voice to genuine concerns of women employees. It is her moral responsibility to come forward and exhibit exemplary behavior. This not only brings self-satisfaction but also increases confidence and inner strength.

Concerns with Company Management: There is a major fault in the company management giving priority to profit motives by saving the marketing executive and not forming the internal complaints committee as mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. Gandhiji considered 'commerce without morality' as one of the seven social sins. Thus, it is not only an individual's fault but an organizational issue lacking values such as respect for the dignity of women, work-culture ethics, and gender equality.

Q10. In a modem democratic polity, there is the concept of political executive and permanent executive. Elected people’s representatives from the political executive and bureaucracy forms the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these.

In the initial decades after independence, relationships between the permanent executive and the political executive were characterized by mutual understanding, respect and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other’s domain.

However, in the subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executive to follow its agenda. Respect for and appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, postings etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive.

What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy’? Discuss. [Ethics - II]

Ans: Cooperation in Democratic Governance: Collaboration between elected representatives and bureaucrats is crucial for democratic governance. However, the 'politicization of bureaucracy' has led to a decline in the efficiency of civil services.

Values Involved:

• Political Neutrality and Impartiality
• Integrity and Probity
• Courage of Conviction
• Following the Code of Conduct
• Legal Responsibility

Consequences of Politicization:

• Deterioration of Moral Fiber: Honest civil servants may feel compelled to make biased decisions in favor of a specific political group.
• Dilemma in Personal vs. Professional Life: Bureaucrats seeking material benefits may compromise their conscience, affecting mental peace, work ethics, self-respect, and family trust.
• Impact on Governance: Impartiality is crucial for effective decision-making in public service delivery and the implementation of social welfare schemes.
• Challenges in Chaotic Situations: Communal riots demand politically neutral officers to prevent biased decisions that could result in loss of lives and property.
• Policy Paralysis: Fear of political consequences can lead to red-tapism and a culture of secrecy, hindering efficient decision-making.
• Negative Impact on Civil Society: Civil servants in top positions serve as role models, and their impartiality influences societal ethics.

Civil Servant's Responsibilities: A civil servant must remain politically neutral, adhere to constitutional principles, and prioritize public welfare while keeping their conscience intact. The commitment to Nishkama Karma (selfless and desireless duty) is essential, focusing on rational, exemplary service to the public cause.

Value of Materialistic Things: Material gains provide short-term charm, but long-term satisfaction comes from honest job performance and positive contributions to others' lives. Both civil servants and politicians should refrain from pursuing materialistic gains.

Readiness for Service: A civil servant should be prepared to serve at any position without fear of transfer, ensuring unwavering commitment to the public cause and the larger interest of society.

Q11: In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians, as well as some senior police officers, are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point of time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as Superintendent of Police to bring the situation to normalcy.

If you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. [Ethics - II]
Ans: The situation in the mentioned district appears challenging, with both the social and administrative systems on the verge of a complete breakdown. Consequently, such a scenario is likely leading to the squandering of human and social capital, an increase in crime rates, and a jeopardized future for the district and its residents.

The district is contending with numerous issues, and various dimensions of the crisis can be summarized as follows:

• Legal Dimension: Activities such as money laundering, poppy farming, and arms smuggling arising from the narcotics menace are legally prohibited under respective laws.
• Security Dimension: Frontier districts in India are vulnerable to subversive groups attempting to undermine democracy and the authority of the State. Arms smuggling and money laundering provide easy means of financing anti-social activities.
• Social Dimension: A society plagued by such maladies cannot adequately focus on education, health, development, empowerment, and welfare—key goals of a welfare state.
• Economic Dimension: Involvement of people in such activities will lead to the emergence of a black economy, eroding the vitals of a state.
• Political and Administrative Dimension: Allegedly, local political leaders and senior police officers collaborate with the drug mafia, raising concerns about moral and ethical propriety.

Measures to Deal with the Crisis:

Given that the issues have penetrated social, political, and administrative structures, my response, as a lady Superintendent of Police, should be calculated, precise, and swift, considering long-term implications.

• Internal Investigation: Conduct a thorough investigation within the police establishment to identify individuals involved in illicit activities and subject them to lawful punishment.
• Law Enforcement: Focus on meticulous and strict implementation of existing laws, drawing inspiration from the effective efforts of SP Sanjukta Parashar in Sonitpur district, who curbed insurgency and dismantled illegal arms rackets.
• Collaboration with Border Security Forces: Given the district's location in a frontier state, collaborate closely with Border Security Forces to counter potential involvement of transnational elements through rigorous patrolling and search operations.
• Multi-Dimensional Approach: Engage with other administrative officers like the District Magistrate to address the social dimensions of the problem. Suggest involving NGOs, Panchayat heads, and other stakeholders to work collectively on education and holistic problem-solving.
• Dealing with Poppy Cultivation: Make efforts to discourage regular farmers from engaging in poppy cultivation.

Frontier districts in India must remain economically prosperous, socially harmonious, and free of illegal criminal networks to avoid long-term adverse implications on the security, unity, and integrity of the country.

Q12: In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in the civil services. These are as follows:
Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues. [Ethics - II]
Ans: In recent times, there is a growing expectation from ordinary citizens, business leaders, and Civil Society for elevated standards of ethical behavior and integrity in the Civil Services. To promote this, various methods like Code of Conduct, Citizen Charters, etc., have been developed. However, the focus should also be on internalizing professional ethics and integrity in civil services to make it more citizen-friendly.

Values involved in the case:

• Ethical integrity of civil servants.
• Probity in governance.
• Moral aptitude of civil servants.
• Accountability and responsibility.
• Transparency and citizen participation.

Specific focus issues and measures to address them:

Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services.

• Red-tapism: Identify and remove unnecessary administrative complexities hindering effective service delivery.
• Culture of Secrecy: Make decisions transparent and open, providing reasons for official decisions.
• Inadequate grievance redressal System: Establish effective mechanisms for timely resolution of public complaints and monitor grievance redressal processes for improvement.
• Biasedness and Partisan Attitude: Implement conduct rules and a code of ethics to create a professional and non-partisan civil service hierarchy.
• Elitism of civil servants: Provide proper training to ensure citizen-friendly behavior and public orientation.

Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servant.

• Training and performance appraisal: Incentivize honest civil servants to serve as role models for others.
• Reward and honors: Infuse competition in civil services to improve performance and develop innovative solutions.
• Promotion of inclusive work culture: Dilute strict hierarchy to increase cooperation among public officials.
• Social and cultural competence: Provide training to understand the diverse Indian society and align with public aspirations.

Developing administrative processes and practices promoting ethical values and integrity in civil services.

• Promoting accountability: Implement effective laws requiring civil servants to give reasons for official decisions (e.g., RTI act).
• Reducing Corruption: Enforce laws like Prevention of Corruption Act and Whistleblower Protection Act, utilize technological interventions for e-governance, and promote Social Auditing for accountability.
• Human Resource management strategies: Implement performance-based pay, Lateral Entry, and Multi-Phase training to enhance efficiency and quality of public service delivery.
• Internal and External Committees: Ensure redressal of complaints and grievances of civil servants and the public to improve work culture.
• Code of Conduct Rules: Ensure appropriate behavior from public servants that is unbiased and non-partisan.

Promotion of ethical behavior and integrity in civil servants, and revamping the public administration is critical to ensure that the policies of social welfare are implemented in true spirit. It would improve the responsiveness of public servants towards the common citizenry. Also, public trust would increase in the government setup. Greater social capital can, in turn, help in the promotion of ethical governance.