GS Paper - IV Model Answers (2019) - 2 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q7: Rajesh Kumar is a senior public servant, with a reputation of honesty and forthrightness, currently posted in the Finance Ministry as Head of the Budget Division. His department is presently busy in organizing the budgetary support to the states, four of which are due to go to the polls within the financial year. This year’s annual budget had allotted 78300 crores for National Housing Scheme (NHS), a centrally sponsored social housing scheme for the weaker sections of society. 775 crores have been drawn for NHS till June. The Ministry of Commerce had long been pursuing a case for setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in a southern state to boost exports. After two years of detailed discussions between the centre and state, the Union Cabinet approved the project in August. Process was initiated to acquire the necessary land. Eighteen months ago, a leading Public Sector Unit (PSU) had projected the need for setting up a large natural gas processing plant in a northern state for the regional gas grid. The required land is already in possession of the PSU. The gas grid is an essential component of the national energy security strategy. After three rounds of global bidding the project was allotted to an MNC, M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons. The first tranche of payment to the MNC is scheduled to be made in December. Finance Ministry was asked for a timely allocation of an additional 6000 crores for these two developmental projects. It was decided to recommend re-appropriation of this entire amount from the NHS allocation. The file was forwarded to Budget Department for their comments and further processing. On studying the case file, Rajesh Kumar realized that this re-appropriation may cause inordinate delay in the execution of NHS, a project much publicized in the rallies of senior politicians. Correspondingly, non-availability of finances would cause financial loss in the SEZ and national embarrassment due to delayed payment in an international project. Rajesh Kumar discussed the matter with his seniors. He was conveyed that this politically sensitive situation needs to be processed immediately. Rajesh Kumar realized that diversion of funds from NHS could raise difficult questions for the government in the Parliament.
Discuss the following with reference to this case: 
1. Ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects.
2. Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Rajesh Kumar. Is resigning a worthy option? (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: 

Ethical challenges are prevalent in the re-allocation of funds for distinct projects, which requires a delicate balance between economic development and social justice. In the case at hand, Rajesh Kumar, a senior public servant, is tasked with making a critical decision that hinges on several ethical dimensions.

1. Economic Development vs. Social Justice:
   • Economic Growth: Initiating a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a natural gas processing plant can substantially boost economic development, ultimately benefiting society at large.
   • Financial Consequences: A failure to allocate funds for these projects could result in financial losses for the SEZ and international project delays, potentially leading to national embarrassment.
   • Social Welfare Impact: On the flip side, re-appropriation may cause significant delays in executing the National Housing Scheme (NHS), affecting the welfare of vulnerable sections of society.
2. Empathy vs. Professional Duty:
   • Empathy and Compassion: As a senior public servant, Rajesh Kumar holds a moral responsibility to display empathy and compassion, particularly for the upliftment and welfare of marginalized sections of society.
   • Political Sensitivity: Given the politically sensitive nature of the situation, diverting funds from the NHS could pose challenging questions for the government in the parliamentary arena.
   • Professional Objectivity: Rajesh Kumar serves as the head of the Budget Division in the Finance Ministry, necessitating an objective and analytical approach to financial demands, irrespective of political influences.

In light of these ethical considerations, several possible actions are available:

1. Full Funds Diversion for Re-appropriation:

• Merits:
  • Facilitates export growth and enhances clean energy accessibility.
  • Aligns with the government's focus on economic development, with potential trickle-down benefits to society.
• Demerits:
  • May lead to substantial delays in executing the NHS, negatively impacting vulnerable sections of society.
  • Opposition may disrupt parliamentary proceedings, inciting public agitation.
  • May set a precedent for diverting funds from welfare schemes to economic projects.

2. Rejecting the Proposal for Funds Re-appropriation:

• Merits:
  • Upholds the principles of social justice and the government's commitment to aiding the less privileged.
  • Shields Rajesh Kumar from political repercussions, as populist demands can heavily influence political decisions.
• Demerits:
  • Non-availability of finances may result in financial losses in the SEZ project and potential national embarrassment due to delayed international payments.
  • Impacts national energy security and the employment opportunities linked to the gas project.

3. Partial Funds Re-appropriation:

• Merits:
  • Strives to strike a balance between economic development and social justice.
• Demerits:
  • Requires time for calculating modalities and the amount to be transferred.
  • Urgency is paramount in this politically sensitive situation, necessitating immediate action.

In conclusion, the optimal course of action lies in selectively re-appropriating funds for the SEZ project. Allocating funds to the gas project should be contingent on exploring market-based financing options such as bonds. Resignation, on the other hand, is not advisable, as it reflects an escapist approach and sets a negative precedent for fellow civil servants. Public servants bear a moral obligation to act objectively, upholding public service values and resisting undue political influences.

Q8: The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMS) to designing and producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on export of military weaponry. To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMS as there is a possibility of exporting the same to a friendly foreign country. The Director General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff at Delhi next week. 

Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacture of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of international arms trade. 
As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points? 
1.As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms trade? 
2. List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments. (250 words)
Ans: 

This case study sheds light on the trade of weaponry and the ethical dilemmas associated with it. India, as an arms exporter, may encounter various challenges, including:

• The tension between promoting violence or peace: India's weapons may be employed by certain entities to instigate violence for their own interests.

• The dilemma of selling arms to democratic versus non-democratic rogue nations.

• Concerns about the misuse of weapons on innocent or rebellious populations.

• The debate between promoting armament and disarmament, which could potentially lead to an unending arms trade race and hinder disarmament efforts.

• Balancing strategic power with responsibility: While India may gain strategic advantages, questions may arise about its responsibility if its weapons are used in illicit activities.

• The economic gains from arms sales versus the need to assess the ethical implications of such trade.

In general, the sale of arms can give rise to numerous issues on the global stage, including:

• Acting as a deterrent for hostile nations to produce arms, thereby contributing to an arms race worldwide.

• Unequal treatment of nuclear armament between nations with veto power and those without in the United Nations.

• The responsibility of arms exporters if their weapons are used in conflicts that result in civilian casualties, such as in Yemen and Syria.

• The supply of weapons to destabilize other nations' governments and foment civil wars.

Therefore, it is imperative to establish a consensus on arms sales based on international conventions, with sanctions for violations. Adherence to principles such as "no first use," the commitment not to use weapons against one's own population, and the restriction of their use as a last resort can serve as viable solutions for promoting the ethical use of arms trade.

In conclusion, it is essential to advocate for world peace and harmony, echoing the words of Albert Einstein: "Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."

Q9: Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is primarily subsistence due to the very small land holdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states to supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labour contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton. The inadequate living and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls. NGOS in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area. 
You are appointed as the District Collector of Rampura. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the overall economic scenario in the district (250 words).
Ans: 

Ethical Considerations

In this section, we delve into the ethical aspects of the case, highlighting the dilemmas and violations.

• Conflict of Basic Necessities: The case presents an ethical dilemma, where the socio-economic rights of minor girls, encompassing education and good health, clash with the necessity of survival and the livelihoods of their families.

• Child Labor and Right to Education Violations: The case underscores the employment of minor girls on Bt Cotton farms, constituting a breach of the Child Labor (Prevention) Act of 2016 and the Right to Education Act of 2009. This raises the question of whether the parents and the owner of the Bt Cotton farm should face punitive measures for these violations.

• Blind Enforcement of Law: Pursuing legal actions against the parents and farm owner may, however, lead to the blind observance of the law without considering the underlying circumstances that led to these transgressions.

• Development and Governance Failures: Furthermore, the case reveals the lack of development in the region and the failure of governance to extend welfare services to the farthest reaches of the country.

Steps to Enhance Minor Girls' Conditions

In this section, we outline practical steps to improve the well-being of minor girls.

• Halt Employment in Bt Cotton Farms: Recognizing the hazardous nature of working in Bt. Cotton farms, involving the risk of inhaling micro cotton fibers and developing respiratory ailments, direct supervision by the District Collector is imperative to immediately cease the employment of minor girls in these farms.

• Allocate Funds for Nutrition and Education: It is crucial to allocate available funds to address the nutritional and educational needs of the affected children, ensuring their holistic development.

• Community and Civil Society Involvement: The active engagement of local communities and civil society is essential to increase citizen participation and prevent a shortage of manpower in welfare initiatives.

Steps to Enhance the Economic Scenario in the District

In this section, we propose measures to improve the overall economic conditions in the district.

• Seek Immediate Government Support: The respective state and central governments should be alerted to the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for their immediate support in addressing the issue.

• Generate Local Employment Opportunities: To deter the migration of youth, it is imperative to create employment opportunities within the region. For example, providing proper training to young individuals to work in Bt Cotton farms can equip them with valuable skills, offering livelihoods for families without resorting to child labor.

• Promote Collection of Minor Forest Produce: Encourage local residents to engage in the collection of minor forest produce by ensuring an assured minimum support price (MSP) for their efforts.

• Compliance with Panchayati Raj Act and Scheduled Areas Act: Ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Panchayati Raj Act of 1992 and the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 during the planning and implementation of various welfare schemes, upholding the spirit and intent of these legislations.

Q10: You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, having the reputation of a very honest and upright officer. A huge multipurpose mall is under construction in your city in which a large number of daily wage earners are employed. One night, during monsoons, a big chunk of the roof collapsed causing instant death of four labourers including two minors. Many more were seriously injured requiring immediate medical attention. The mishap resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the government to institute an enquiry. Your preliminary enquiry has revealed a series of anomalies. The material used for the construction was of poor quality. Despite the approved building plans permitting only one basement, an additional basement has been constructed. This was overlooked during the periodic inspections by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. In your enquiry, you noticed that the construction of the mall was given the green signal despite encroaching on areas earmarked for a green belt and a slip road in the Zonal Master Plan of the city. The permission to construct the mall was accorded by the previous Municipal Commissioner who is not only your senior and well known to you professionally, but also a good friend. Prima facie, the case appears to be of a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builders. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the enquiry. The builder, who is rich and influential, happens to be a close relative of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. The builder is persuading you to hush up the matter, promising you a fortune to do so. He also hinted that this matter is not resolved at the earliest in his favour there is somebody in his office who is waiting to file a case against you under the POSH Act. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. What are the options available to you in this situation? Explain your selected course of action. (250 words)
Ans: 

Ethical Concerns at Hand
In this section, we identify and discuss the ethical issues that come to the forefront in the given scenario.

• Corruption within Public Departments: The first ethical issue pertains to the presence of corruption within public departments, which undermines the integrity and trustworthiness of government institutions.

• Public Trust in Bureaucracy: The second concern centers on the erosion of public trust in the bureaucracy, a vital element for effective governance.

• Institutional Morality: Institutional morality, or the ethical conduct expected within a specific organization, comes into question as the situation involves various public servants.

• Courage and Fortitude Under Pressure: The need for courage and fortitude in handling the pressure to succumb to unethical practices is another ethical challenge faced by the individuals in this scenario.

• Probity and Incorruptibility of Public Servants: The ethical standards of probity and incorruptibility, which are fundamental to public service, are at stake.

• Misuse of POSH Act to Threaten a Honest Civil Servant: Misusing the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to threaten an honest civil servant is a specific ethical dilemma in this case.

Ethical Evaluation and Course of Action
In this section, we assess the ethical implications and provide a refined course of action.

• Unethical Cooperation with Builder: Participating in the builder's unethical actions by accepting fortunes is not only ethically wrong but also carries inherent risks. The potential for exposure and harm to one's integrity is substantial, aligning with deontological ethics.

• Threats with POSH Act: Threatening with the misuse of the POSH Act may be an empty threat, especially given an established reputation for honesty and integrity. In the event that such accusations are made, adhering to due process and the rule of law is the ethical path.

• Proposed Course of Action:

  • Informing Higher Authorities: A proactive approach would be to report the situation to higher authorities, especially considering the alleged involvement of political leaders. Emotional intelligence can be used to engage with them and advocate against unethical actions.

  • Benefit of the Doubt: Giving the previous Municipal Commissioner the benefit of the doubt is reasonable. Engaging in a dialogue to clarify intent is ethical. If deliberate misconduct is confirmed, appropriate actions should be taken in accordance with established procedures.

  • Inquiry through Higher Authorities: Completing the inquiry through higher authorities and making decisions in consultation, ensuring a fair and just resolution, is an ethical approach.

By addressing these ethical concerns and following an ethical course of action, the public servant can contribute to upholding the integrity of public service and maintaining the trust of the public.

Q11: Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative centre, is a medium sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute and some privately owned skill training centres. It has all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately 50 kilometres from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry therein. The state government offers a 10 years tax holiday as an incentive to new industry. In 2010 Anil, an industrialist, decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village, about 20 km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the required key labour and got them trained at the skill training centres at Amria. This act of his made the key personnel very loyal to APW. APW started production in 2011 with the labour drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were very happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the key personnel to meet the production targets with high quality. APW started making large profits, a sizeable portion of which was used to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The government also opened a primary health care centre and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employees and the needy. In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW it was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using electricity in excess of its authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due to a nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production fell for four months. Anil decided that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant trees and improves the village habitat. APW had developed a reputation of high-quality production and a motivated workforce. Critically analyze the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role model for development of backward areas? Give reasons. (250 words) 
Ans: In this section, we highlight the noteworthy corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by APW, emphasizing its role as a model for ethical and sustainable development.

Corporate Governance and CSR Allocation
APW sets an example of responsible corporate governance by channeling its CSR funds towards various beneficial initiatives:

• Primary Education: APW invests in the development of primary education, ensuring access to quality learning for underprivileged communities.

• Ambulance Services: The company's CSR funds support the purchase of ambulances, contributing to timely healthcare access in rural areas.

• Skill Development: APW promotes skill development, empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools for better livelihoods.

• Support for SHGs: The company extends support to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas, fostering self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

Commitment to Sustainable Development
APW demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development by addressing environmental concerns:

• Tree Plantation: The company actively engages in tree plantation activities, contributing to a greener and healthier environment.

• Habitat Improvement: Efforts to improve habitats benefit local biodiversity, aligning with ethical environmental stewardship.

Preservation of Local Culture and Traditions
APW takes pride in preserving local culture and traditions:

• Temple Construction: The company participates in temple construction, showcasing its dedication to upholding local customs and heritage.

Compassion for Local Communities
The company's compassion for local communities is evident through several initiatives:

• Healthcare and Education: APW collaborates with local authorities to establish healthcare and education facilities, demonstrating its concern for community well-being.

• Enhanced Communication and Transportation

APW improves connectivity for rural villages, promoting better communication and accessibility:

• Bus Services: By providing bus services, the company facilitates smoother transportation, strengthening links between villages and urban centers.

Community-Driven Altruistic Development
During the pandemic lockdown, APW exhibits a strong commitment to community-driven altruistic development:

• Job Opportunities: The company offers job opportunities to its employees during challenging times, underlining its dedication to community welfare.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges
While APW's efforts are commendable, it is essential to consider ethical challenges and certain areas for improvement:

• Development Responsibility: Acknowledging the importance of development driven by the state, as per constitutional provisions, is crucial, emphasizing a more holistic approach.

• Plastic Waste Reduction: APW must work towards minimizing plastic waste, adhering to sustainable practices and ethical responsibility.

• Connectivity-Oriented Transportation: Efforts to enhance transportation should primarily focus on improving connectivity for the entire community, rather than serving the interests of industry alone.

• Safety and Compliance: Though the mentioned accident is not an ethical issue, APW should consistently follow safety guidelines and adhere to the rule of law, ensuring a secure working environment.

Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, APW serves as a commendable role model for the development of underprivileged areas, reflecting the ethical and legal soundness of industry-led welfare initiatives. Nonetheless, it is imperative for the state to actively participate in fostering decentralized growth for a more balanced and equitable approach to development.

Q12: Migrant workers have always remained at the socio-economic margins of our society, silently serving as the instrumental labour force of urban economics. The pandemic has brought them into national focus. On announcement of a countrywide lockdown, a very large number of migrant workers decided to move back from their places of employment to their native villages. The non-availability of transport created its own problems. Added to this was the fear of starvation and inconvenience to their families. This caused the migrant workers to demand wages and transport facilities for returning to their villages. Their mental agony was accentuated by multiple factors such as a sudden loss of livelihood, possibility of lack of food and inability to assist in harvesting their rabi crop due to not being able to reach home in time. Reports of inadequate response of some districts in providing the essential boarding and lodging arrangements along the way multiplied their fears. You have leant many lessons from this situation when you were tasked to oversee the functioning of the District Disaster Relief Force in your district. In your opinion what ethical issues arose in the current migrant crisis? What do you understand by an ethical care giving state? What assistance can the civil society render to mitigatethe sufferings of migrants in similar situations? (250 words)
Ans: In this section, we explore the ethical considerations surrounding the migrant crisis that unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Lives vs. Livelihood Dilemma
The lockdown, implemented as a preventive measure against COVID-19, led to a profound ethical dilemma, often framed as the lives vs. livelihood debate.

Trade-off Between Health and Economy
This crisis brought forth an inherent trade-off, particularly in the short term, between safeguarding public health and human lives on one hand, and the economic stability and livelihoods of individuals on the other.

Mental Agony and Contributing Factors
Multiple factors contributed to the mental agony experienced by migrant workers during the lockdown:

• Sudden Loss of Livelihood: The abrupt loss of employment and income sources.
• Fear of Starvation: The looming threat of hunger and food insecurity due to unemployment.
• Inability to Assist in Harvesting: The inability to return home in time to assist with the harvesting of their rabi crops.

Risk to Lives and Pandemic Spread
While addressing the migrant crisis, it was essential to recognize that the mass migration also posed a risk to public health, as the spread of a pandemic is influenced by network effects, with a large population inherently enabling a higher rate of transmission.

The Ethical Care-Giving State
The unprecedented crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic makes a compelling case for the emergence of an ethical caregiving state.

Foundations in Caring Ethics
This concept is rooted in the ethics of care, a feminist philosophical perspective that asserts caring as the cornerstone of morality. It emphasizes a relational and context-bound approach to ethics and decision-making, distinct from rigid rule-based approaches.

Government of India's Exemplary Response

The Government of India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the attributes of an ethical caregiving state, as evidenced by the following initiatives:

• Public Healthcare Responsibility: The public healthcare system took on a major role in providing quarantine facilities and COVID-19 treatment, especially when private healthcare resources were insufficient, extending healthcare services to even the well-off sections of society.

• Pradhan MantriGareebKalyan Anna Yojana: The government launched this scheme, ensuring the distribution of free grains to those in need.

• Fiscal Stimulus Package: To sustain the economy during the crisis, the government introduced a substantial fiscal stimulus package of Rs 20 lakh crore under the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme.

Role of Civil Society in Collective Response
As COVID-19 gripped the world, it tested the collective resilience in the face of a global pandemic, underlining the significance of cooperation and unity in such times.

Partnership with NGOs
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), given their extensive experience in addressing socio-economic issues, became natural partners in the collective effort to combat COVID-19.

Covid-Warriors
Covid-warriors, which included both NGOs and dedicated individuals, embodied the enduring human spirit of determination and compassion in their tireless efforts to assist people during the pandemic.

Emergency Funds and Outreach
NGOs initiated the establishment of national emergency funds, collaborated with one another to channel donations, provided assistance in nursing homes, and other facilities, along with offering technical support and medical teams.

Communication and Distribution Networks
NGOs played a pivotal role in creating communication and distribution networks, especially in remote areas. They focused on spreading awareness about the virus and its preventive measures, including educating people on social distancing and its importance.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Despite the economic challenges affecting various sectors, companies recognized the importance of corporate social responsibility during the pandemic, viewing it as an opportunity to expand their CSR efforts.