UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2022: GS4 Ethics | UPSC Mains: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude PDF Download

Q1(a): Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is not rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate.
(b): Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Ethics-1)
Ans (a): Wisdom is the ability to make informed decisions based on knowledge and experience. In any given situation, decisions are influenced by an individual's background and understanding, allowing them to either overlook or consider certain aspects. However, it's crucial not to let a bureaucrat's fixation on peripheral issues while neglecting core matters become a prevailing concern. While bureaucrats juggle various responsibilities, any oversight or neglect should not find acceptance within the legal framework. While occasional lapses may be morally tolerable, in legal contexts, such mistakes can result in severe consequences, leading to injustice and poor governance. Examples in this context include: - Negligence in overseeing a construction site may result in significant loss of life, constituting a grave injustice. - A bureaucrat solely focusing on whether a school is opening without considering if children are attending can lead to poor governance.
(b): A civil servant requires a diverse set of qualities to navigate critical issues and make crucial decisions. Intellectual competency and moral virtues are essential, but not solely sufficient. Qualities like compassion and empathy play an equally vital role. Illustrated with examples: - In the aftermath of an accident at a construction site, where a worker unintentionally caused harm due to a mistake, the officer faces pressure to penalize the culprit. In such cases, the officer's compassion and empathy are crucial to avoid disproportionately harsh punishment. - Dealing with false dowry cases requires traits of compassion and empathy to prevent innocent individuals from being wrongly punished. - During the COVID-19 pandemic, civil servants working tirelessly beyond their regular hours necessitate traits like empathy and compassion, especially when dealing with vulnerable sections of society. Hence, while intellectual competency and moral qualities enable rational decision-making, the inclusion of empathy and compassion is equally essential.

Q2(a): The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is a difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favor of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.
(b): It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/ system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? (Ethics-1)
Ans (a): Rules and regulations act as a source of ethical guidance, outlining the values to be employed and the procedures to be followed. These rules are universal and must be implemented in a situation based on the task and the specific circumstances. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an ethical public officer promotes socio-economic development, while unethical behaviors threaten development and the trust in public institutions.
Difference in Approach Positive-minded officers:  They interpret rules and regulations to deliver justice efficiently, utilizing discretion to assist the people. - They seek optimal solutions that find a middle ground with the beneficiaries. - They ensure the proper implementation of schemes, adhering to legal and moral protocols, prioritizing the intended purpose over administrative aspects.
Example: When a bank officer arranges for an official to visit the home of a senior citizen for banking services instead of refusing assistance.
Negative-minded officers: - They identify loopholes in the rules, exploiting them for personal gain and causing delays. - They prioritize scheme implementation, showing insensitivity to issues that arise during the process.
Example: Denying food grains at a ration shop to a person because biometric details were not updated in the database due to connectivity issues. 

(b): Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, represents the values and customs of society. It educates individuals about right or wrong from a societal perspective. An ethical society ensures peace, love, and compassion, as personal values align with social values. Trust in the government is maintained through public administration. Without ethics in public administration, a society and nation may face failure. An ethical society is free from social crimes such as theft, rape, harassment, etc. 

Ethics and Values in Human Life: Decision-making and implementation occur transparently, fostering openness among those affected by the decisions. Ethics ensures malpractices like corruption are curbed in day-to-day life. Misconduct, abuse of power, and self-persecution must be avoided.  Work commitment demands time, punctuality, and respect to fulfill promises. Swami Vivekananda stated, “Every duty is sacred, and devotion to duty is the supreme form of worship.” Responsibility and accountability come with transparency. A person must exhibit sympathy in their actions towards the poor and disadvantaged sections of society without violating the law. 

Role of Ethical Values in Conflict Resolution: An ethical person resolves conflicts in accordance with law, justice, and compassion, prioritizing the best interests of concerned societies, while an unethical person resolves conflicts based on what is beneficial to them rather than society. - Empathy and compassion ensure that conflict resolution creates a win-win situation for all. The value of persistence encourages an individual to maintain a 'never give up' attitude. Ethics also aids in anger management. - Ethics teaches forgiveness rather than holding grudges against each other. Hence, the decision of an ethical person is acceptable due to impartiality and trust.

Q3: What does each of the following quotations mean to you?
(a): "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do."
(b): "If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, mother and teacher." – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(c) 'Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it." – Dalai Lama (Ethics-1)
Ans.(a): Ethics is the study of what is right or wrong in human conduct. It is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. Ethics seeks to resolve questions of human morality by defining concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime.

What You have the Right to Do and What is Right to Do

Article 19 of the Indian Constitution provides for Right to freedom of speech and expression. It gives rights to every citizen to hold public meetings, demonstrations and take out processions. However, it doesn’t mean that citizens can block the road, railway and other transportation. Hence, holding a strike and creating hurdles for others is not the right thing to do.

Similarly, under Article 25, every citizen has freedom to profess, practice and propagate the religion. But, promoting religious conversion through bribery, coercion, violence is wrong and illegal action.

Under the PM Arogya Yojana, the Government offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary care as well as tertiary care. But around 23,000 fraud transactions have been recorded in hospitals in Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Jharkhand. Here, beneficiaries have the right to utilize services, but its misuse defeats the purpose.

To conclude, it is ethics which help us in differentiating what we have the right to do and what is right to do. Rights are provided to live a better life, which help in capacity building of an individual, but its misuse defeats the very purpose.

(b): Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense which is undertaken by a person or an organization which is entrusted in a position of authority, in order to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one's personal gain.

A newborn child is like a blank slate. It is the parents and teachers, who give a shape to the child like a clay pot is given shape by its maker. In our childhood, our parents and teachers used to tell us moral stories. Through this, they inculcate values to make an asset and valuable citizen for our nation.

IAS Armstrong Pame is the first member of Nagaland’s Zeme tribe to become an IAS officer, earning the nickname “Miracle Man” for creating a 100-kilometer road connecting Manipur to Nagaland and Assam without any government assistance.

But, in August 2022, IAS officer K Rajesh was arrested for taking bribes for issuing arms licenses, allotment of government land to ineligible beneficiaries and grant of other illegal favors.

These two examples show the big difference in values of an individual. It is the failure of parents as they failed to inculcate moral values to their child.

In the Corruption Perception Index 2021, India ranked 85 among 180 countries. Hence, India has a long way to go to become corruption-free. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has rightly said that it is the role of parents and teachers to shape the future of India.

(c): Success is something that you must define for yourself and no one can do it for you. Success could mean a sense of giving back to the world and making a difference. It could mean a sense of accomplishment and career progression.

Success is the result of making the right priorities and giving up less important things in your life. The Phogat sisters, Gita and Babita, sacrificed their childhood just to fulfill their father’s dream of winning a gold medal in wrestling. They had suffered a lot of pain to make India proud of them.

The aspirants who prepare for IIT and NEET, also sacrifice their desires, just to clear the exam and live a better life. They have the responsibility of their families, to uplift them from poverty and give them a better lifestyle.

To gain something big, we must pay the opportunity cost of some short-term pleasure. Mahatma Gandhi gave up his western clothing and adopted khadi dhoti. He went to jail to make India free. He knew that Indians would get independence by giving up western lifestyle and hegemony.

Hence, the Dalai Lama has rightly said that one’s success must be judged by the sacrifices he has to make to achieve his goals. By setting priorities, we can achieve all our goals. Because failing individuals have given priorities to short term pleasure.

Q4(a): What do you understand about the term 'good governance'? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.
(b): Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in the education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt, it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and the system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to the vulnerable section of the society. (Ethics-1)

Ans.(a): When a government efficiently, effectively, and for the benefit of its citizens performs its functions, the resulting governance is known as good governance, encompassing eight major characteristics.
Electronic-Governance (e-Governance) utilizes information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as the internet, wide area network, and mobile computing to enhance governance at various levels of the government and public sector. The four pillars of e-governance are:

• People
• Process
• Technology
• Resources

Recent Initiatives of e-Governance:

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Eliminated approximately 4 crore duplicate and non-existing ration cards in the public distribution scheme (PDS), ensuring proper targeting of the scheme.
• Aarogya Setu: Launched to provide information about the potential risk of Covid-19 infection, successfully identifying potential hotspots.
• National Scholarships Portal (NSP): Centralized platform for application and disbursement of scholarships to students under various scholarship schemes.
• Bhoomi Project: Self-sustainable e-Governance initiative for the computerized delivery of rural land records to Karnataka farmers.
• e-Courts: Mission mode project aiming at utilizing technology for improved provisioning of judicial services to citizens.
• Digi Locker: Aims at digital empowerment by providing access to authentic digital documents.
• PAYGOV India: Offers end-to-end transaction experience for citizens, including accessing various services through the internet with a payment gateway interface for online payments.
• Pragati: Integrated platform for the Prime Minister to oversee the implementation of government schemes, grievances, state and central projects, and programs by directly interacting with stakeholders through Videoconferencing on a single platform.

(b): The advent of the pandemic has shifted all activities, businesses, education, trade, health, and social interactions to an online mode. Traditional learning and medical check-ups have transformed into digital experiences, such as the NISTHA app for teacher training and Mission Karmayogi for civil servants' training.

Benefits of Online Methodology:

• Less investment in infrastructure.
• Efficient, economical, and cost-effective.
• Provides flexibility.
• Universal Access.
• Boosts 'Work from Home,' encouraging careers and managing work-life balance.
• Facilitates easy teleconsultation for patients and doctors, especially during the pandemic.

Disadvantages of Online Methodology:

• Frequent network issues and technical problems, particularly in underdeveloped regions.
• Increase in unemployment due to online education and other services.
• Lack of accountability, empathy, and teamwork spirit.
• Digital divide presents a challenge for universal usage of online mediums.

Ethical Issues Involved in Use of Online Methodology:

• More benefits accrue to English-speaking, urban, and wealthy individuals with access to computers, the internet, and electricity.
• Many villages are still not connected to the fiber-net, and most poor people cannot afford computers and smartphones.
• Children using the internet frequently face security issues and cyberbullying, hindering their moral development.
• The ability of children to learn critically is restricted when using ready-made material from the internet, impacting their cognitive development.

Q5(a): Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? lllustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair.
(b): Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:
(i) Constitutional morality
(ii) Conflict of interest
(iii) Probity in public life
(iv) Challenges of digitalization
(v) Devotion to duty(Ethics-1)
Ans.(a): In the annals of human history, war stands out as one of the catastrophic creations of mankind itself. The impacts of war extend beyond the current generation, leaving hazardous consequences for generations to come.

We are currently witnessing the Russia-Ukraine war, which is profoundly affecting all corners of society through gross human rights violations, disruptions in the global supply chain, the squandering of precious resources, and widespread painful migration.

To avert such episodes, nations should adopt collective stances and actions, considering their collective global interests rather than pursuing independent and individual national interests.

Possible ethical issues during the launch and continuation of war:

• Ethical Issues of Human Rights: War leads to gross violations of human rights, subjecting women, children, and other vulnerable sections to unprecedented hardships. Examples include human genocide, heinous massacres, and brutality against women and children.
• Ethical Dimensions of Rights of Future and Present Generations: The cost of present-generation war is borne by the next generation, as seen in events like the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings during World War II. The ethical concern here questions why the present generation's cost should be paid by the future generation.
• Issues of Accountability and Answerability: During wartime, there is no fixed criterion for determining who is accountable and answerable to whom.
• National Interest vs. Global Interest: Nations prioritizing their individual national interests over collective global interests raise grave ethical concerns.
• Individual Aspiration vs. Collective Aspiration: Individual aspirations of political leaders often override the collective aspirations of millions of masses.
• Means vs. Ends: Nations, for territorial gains, may resort to wrong means such as war and border conflicts, leading to dangerous consequences affecting all aspects of society and future generations.
• Issues of Proportionate vs. Disproportionate Dimension of War: The ethics of war dictate a proportionate response, but activities like nuclear attacks, mass massacres, and gross violations of war ethics turn the conflict into disproportionate dimensions. For instance, Russia's attack on Ukraine's nuclear reactor can have grave consequences for the world.

Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck famously quoted, "All war is a symptom of man's failure as a thinking animal." Humankind should understand that war cannot solve problems, and the aim of a prosperous and peaceful society can be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and decency.

(b):

• Constitutional Morality: In a significant case, NCT of Delhi vs Union of India, Hon'ble Justice of the Supreme Court Shri Deepak Mishra emphasized the importance of constitutional morality, requiring strict adherence to constitutional principles. Constitutional functionaries are urged to cultivate a spirit of constitutionalism, ensuring that every action is in conformity with the basic tenets of the constitution. Examples include Supreme Court judgments on the Sabarimala and Hadiya cases and the abolition of Section 377.
• Conflict of Interest: This situation arises when public duty interest conflicts with personal interest, causing a dilemma between conscience and personal and professional ends. Examples include the resignation of former ICICI chairman Chanda Kochhar and the case of former NSE CEO Chitra Ramkrishna.
• Probity in Public Life: Probity, a virtue in public life, signifies a higher grade of integrity, honesty, decency, and morality. Impartiality and non-partisanship are instrumental in the aptitude of probity in public life. Examples include the life stories of Abdul Kalam and former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri.
• Challenges of Digitalization: Digitalization transforms information into digital data, presenting challenges such as digital illiteracy, a digital divide among people, cyber frauds, cyber warfare, mass surveillance, digital phishing attacks, and issues of poor network connectivity and high-energy-consuming devices.
• Devotion to Duty: Expressing strong emotions, integrity, loyalty, determination, and admiration towards duty, devotion to duty is considered the highest form of worship of God. Examples include the concept of Nishkama karma in the Bhagwat Geeta and the way of life of Mother Teresa.

Q6(a): Whistle-blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What Policy measures would you suggest to strengthen the protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle-blower?

(b): In the contemporary world, the corporate sector's contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine.(Ethics-1)
Ans (a): A whistleblower is an individual who exposes a person or organization engaged in illicit activities. Various commissions, such as the Law Commission of India in 2001 and the 2007 report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, have recommended enacting specific laws to protect whistleblowers. In India, the Whistleblowers Protection Act of 2014 provides legal protection for whistleblowers.

Policy measures to strengthen protection mechanisms for whistleblowers:

• There are numerous policy measures aimed at protecting whistleblowers, but their implementation is often inadequate. Proper implementation of policies is crucial for the safety of whistleblowers.
• Submitting the issue anonymously can safeguard the life of the whistleblower.
• Providing specific training to educate workers about their rights and available internal and external protection programs. Managers should also undergo training on these aspects, along with related skills, behaviors, and obligations to take appropriate action.
• Enacting suitable legislation to protect innocent whistleblowers, and rejecting the proposed dilution of the act in the 2015 Amendment Bill.

Hence, strengthening the whistleblower protection mechanism is vital for safeguarding the integrity of democracy.

(b): The term "Corporate Social Responsibility" (CSR) generally refers to a corporate initiative aimed at assessing and taking responsibility for the company's impact on the environment and its influence on social welfare. CSR activities include addressing issues such as eradicating extreme hunger and poverty and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Features of CSR:

• Self-Regulating Model: Corporate social responsibility is a self-regulating business model that encourages a company to be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public.
• Improved Work Culture: CSR activities can strengthen the bond between employees and corporations, enhance morale, and foster a greater connection between employees and their broader community.
• Corporate Citizenship: Practicing corporate social responsibility, also known as corporate citizenship, allows companies to be aware of their impact on various aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

While the corporate sector generates significant wealth, there exists a substantial gap in wealth distribution, with the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer, contrary to principles of social welfare. Although the Companies Act encourages companies to allocate approximately 2% of their average net profit to CSR activities, this may not be sufficient to address environmental and climatic challenges.

Q7: Prabhat was working as Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed multinational company. But presently the company was passing through the difficult times as the sales were continuously showing a downward trend in the last two quarters. His division, which hitherto had been a major revenue contributor to the company's financial health, was now desperately trying to procure some big government order for them. But their best efforts did not yield any positive success or breakthrough. His was a professional company and his local bosses were under pressure from their London-based HO to show some positive results. In the last performance review meeting taken by the Executive Director (India Head), he was reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured them that his division is working on a special contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret installation near Gwalior and tender is being submitted shortly.

He was under extreme pressure and he was deeply perturbed. What aggravated the situation further was a warning from the top that if the deal is not clinched in favor of the company, his division might have to be closed and he may have to quit his lucrative job. There was another dimension which was causing him deep mental torture a and agony. This pertained to his personal precarious financial health. He was a single earner in the family with two school-college going children and his old ailing mother. The heavy expenditure on education and medical was causing a big strain to his monthly pay packet. Regular EMI for housing loans taken from banks was unavoidable and any default would render him liable for severe legal action. In the above backdrop, he was hoping for some miracle to happen. There was a sudden turn of events. His secretary informed that a gentleman-SubhashVerma wanted to see him as he was interested in the position of Manager which was to be filled by him in the company. He further brought to his notice that his CV has been received through the office of the Minister of Defence. During the interview of the candidate-Subhash Verma, he found him technically sound, resourceful and an experienced marketeer. He seemed to be well-conversant with tendering procedures and having a knack of follow-up and liaising in this regard. Prabhat felt that he was a better choice than the rest of the candidates who were recently interviewed by him in the last few days. Subhash Verma also indicated that he was in possession of the copies of the bid documents that the Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He offered to hand over those documents subject to his employment in the company on suitable terms and conditions. He made it clear that in the process, the Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their rival company and get the bid and hefty Defence Ministry order. He indicated that it will be a win-win situation for both-him and the company. Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed feeling of shock and thrill. He was uncomfortable and perspiring. If accepted, all his problems would vanish instantly and he may be rewarded for securing the much awaited tender and thereby boosting the company's sales and financial health. He was in a fix as to the future course of action. He was wonder-struck at the guts of Subhash Verma in having surreptitiously removed his own company papers and offered to the rival company for a job. Being an experienced person,he was examining the pros and cons of the proposal/situation and he asked him to come the next day.
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
(b) Critically examine the options available to Prabhat in the above situation.
(c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Prabhat and why?(Ethics-2)
Ans: Various possible stakeholders in the discussed case study:

• Prabhat as the Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd.
• Interest of Sterling Electric Ltd.
• Subhas Verma vs Unique Electronics Ltd.
• Prabhat and his serious family responsibility.
• Ministry of Defence and its contract (National security).

(A) - Ethical Issues involved in this case:

• Professional ethics vs personal ethics: Subhas Verma's offer of handing over secret documents violates both professional and personal ethics. Accepting the offer would be considered a violation for Prabhat.
• Integrity and trust issue with Subhas Verma: If Subhas Verma can cheat his current company for a managerial post, there's a risk he might do the same to Prabhat's company.
• Issues of corporate ethics violation: Accepting Subhas's secret documents would seriously violate corporate ethics and could lead to legal battles if exposed.
• Conflict of conscience with Prabhat: Pressures of job insecurity and serious family responsibility create a conflict in Prabhat's conscience.
• End vs Means: Accepting Subhas Verma's secret documents is a case of achieving the end goal through wrong means.
• Self-Interest vs Morality: Subhas Verma's offer for personal gain at the cost of public morality raises ethical concerns.

(B) Options available to Prabhat:

1. Prabhat can appoint Subhas Verma as Manager and submit a tender bid with the help of Subhas's secret documents
   • Merits: Company could secure the awaited tender, improving sales and financial health. Prabhat's job would be secure.
   • Demerits: Integrity and trust issues with Subhas. Legal consequences if the secret documents are exposed. Damage to the company's reputation.
2. Prabhat can reject Subhas Verma's application and submit a bid with utmost probability and wait for the result. He should appoint a quick response team to search for new opportunities as a Plan B
   • Merits: Safeguarding from potential risks and legal issues. Setting an example of excellent corporate ethics. Protecting national security.
   • Demerits: Risk of losing the tender. Prabhat could lose his job, affecting his family and the company's financial health.
3. Prabhat can apply for leave
   • Merits: Relief from conflict of conscience.
   • Demerits: Possible job loss if the tender fails. Financial strain on the family. Company's financial health may suffer.
4. Prabhat can search for new job options
   • Merits: Opportunity to work without job insecurity. Upholding corporate ethics and personal integrity.
   • Demerits: Questions about loyalty to the company. Uncertainty in finding an equally lucrative job. Possible loss of company benefits.

(C) Most appropriate option for Prabhat:
Prabhat should reject Subhas Verma's application and submit a bid with utmost probability, waiting for the result. Simultaneously, he should appoint a quick response team to search for new opportunities to boost the company's financial health as a Plan B. This approach ensures adherence to corporate ethics, personal integrity, and national security.

Q8: Ramesh is a State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh's mother has recently been diagnosed with cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got a confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighboring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise checks of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighboring countries infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted it to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he was summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential report, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy.

(a) What are the Department options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State?
(b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why?
(c) Critically evaluate each of the options.
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?
(e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighboring country? (Ethics-2)
Ans: The given case study revolves around the recurrent issue faced by officers in bureaucracy, depicting the conflict between following superiors' orders and adhering to the organizational hierarchy versus taking appropriate action.

(a) Ramesh has several options to tackle the situation:

• Ramesh can withdraw the report per his superior's instruction.
• He can involve his superiors, bringing the issue to their notice, and persuade them to take appropriate action.
• Ramesh can forward the report directly to the Union Home Ministry, highlighting illegal immigration and non-cooperation from his superiors.
• He can share the report with the media to compel higher authorities to address the issue.

(b) Ramesh can choose the following options based on feasibility:

• Ramesh can withdraw the report to protect his career.
• He should persuade the Addl. Home Secretary to accept his report, avoiding career risks and ensuring issue resolution.
• Ramesh can informally involve senior officers to avoid antagonizing immediate superiors and resolve the issue.
• He can forward the report directly to the Chief Secretary or Union Home Ministry to ensure redressal at the highest levels.

(c) A critical evaluation of the options available to Ramesh:

1. Withdrawal of report
   • Positives: Respect for bureaucratic hierarchy, goodwill of superiors, smooth career growth.
   • Negatives: Lack of moral courage, potential rise in illegal immigration instances.
2. Forwarding the report to higher authorities
   • Positives: Display of moral courage, redressal of the issue.
   • Negatives: Lack of emotional quotient, against Code of Conduct.
3. Involving the media
   • Positive(s): Compelling authorities to act due to resultant pressure.
   • Negatives: Against Service Rules and Code of Conduct, potential misuse of critical information.

(d) Ramesh faces the following ethical dilemmas:

• Choice between Code of Conduct and Service Rules vs Dedication towards Duty.
• Decision between Personal Interest vs National Interest.
• Balance between Accountability towards the Senior(s) vs Accountability towards People.
• Dilemma between Moral Courage vs Adherence to Hierarchy.

(e) Measures to deal with illegal immigration:

• Improvement of critical border infrastructure (roads, fences, lights, etc.).
• Deployment of additional personnel for border guarding and monitoring duties.
• Zero-tolerance towards corruption related to illegal immigration matters.
• Use of technology (drones, satellite imagery) for efficient border management and surveillance.
• Effective implementation of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) and Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique (BOLD-QIT) projects.

Q9: The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation of the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining was still prevalent in the border district of the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found a truck loaded with stone trying to escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overran the police officer, killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed an FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone mining mafia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented it to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of the stone mafia working with the blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in the mafia was no one else but a local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of `10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his son's chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him.
(a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?
(b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.
(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
(e) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant? (Ethics-2)
Ans: This case study mirrors the incident of Surender Singh, a 59-year-old deputy superintendent of police (DSP) who was fatally run over by a dumpster while attempting to halt mining activities near Pachgaon village in Haryana on July 19, 2022.

Stakeholders:

• Corrupt officials and politicians
• SP
• Ashoka (Journalist)
• Police officials
• CMD of the TV channel
• Mining Mafias
• Judiciary
• Local MLA
• Local People
• Chief Minister

Options with Ashoka along with Merits and Demerits:

Ethical dilemmas faced by Ashok:

1. Personal growth vs Social justice - Salary hike and promotion versus injustice to SP’s family.
2. Son’s well-being vs Free Media - Soft loan for son’s health treatment versus compromising democracy’s 4th pillar.
3. Corruption vs Justice to SP’s family - The growth of the nexus between corrupt politicians and mafias.
4. Nexus vs Morality - Compromising morality and ethics, leading to the emergence of more mafias.

Most Appropriate Option for Ashok:

Option C is the most suitable for Ashoka. He should resign and make the report public through his YouTube channel. Additionally, he should seek employment in other media channels to bring to light the truth behind the nexus involving the media, corrupt politicians, civil officials, and the sand mafia.

Type of training for police officers posted to such districts:

• Vehicle driving training module in difficult terrain.
• Training for the usage of modern technologies like drones for surveillance.
• Modern weaponry and associated training.
• Standard Operating Procedures for raiding at such sites.
• 24x7 full support and communication channels from a central control room.

India is a democratic country, and the media is considered the 4th pillar of democracy. Hence, it is the media's responsibility to publish true reports, exposing corruption. The media brings forth evidence, paving the way for the judiciary to deliver judgments.

Q10: You have done MBA from a reputed institution three years back but could not get campus placement due to COVID-19 generated recession. However, after a lot of persuasion and a series of competitive tests including written and interview, you managed to get a job in a leading shoe company. You have aged parents who are dependent and staying with you. You also recently got married after getting this decent job. You were allotted the Inspection Section which is responsible for clearing the final product. In the first one year, you learnt your job well and was appreciated for your performance by the management. The company has been doing good business for the last five years in the domestic market and this year it is even decided to export to Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large consignment to Europe was rejected by their Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and was sent back. The top management ordered that ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic market. As a part of the Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor quality and brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the top management advised all the members of the team to overlook these defects as the management cannot bear such a huge loss. Rest of the team members except you promptly signed and cleared the consignment for the domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You again brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander that such consignment, if cleared even for the domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the company and will be counter-productive in the long run. However, you were further advised by the top management that if you do not clear the consignment, the company will not hesitate to terminate your services citing certain innocuous reasons.
(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team?
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
(c) What option would you adopt and why?
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?
(e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the inspecting Team?(Ethics-2)
Ans: The provided case study outlines a commonly encountered issue faced by professionals across various sectors, making it universally relevant.
(a) As part of the Inspecting Team, I have several options:

• Overlook the defects and pass the product.
• Refuse to follow the company’s instructions and decline to overlook the product issues.
• Convince the management not to pass the product.
• Suggest measures like rebranding, product modification, etc., to maintain integrity and the company's market position.

(b) Critical evaluation of the options:

(c) My preferred choice is to convince the management, make suggestions for modifying the product, rebranding, and launching it accordingly. This enables me to retain employment, display moral courage, and ensure job security, while possibly allowing the company to maintain its market reputation.

(d) Ethical dilemmas I face:

1. Accountability to the Public vs Accountability to Company Management: Ensuring the correct product is delivered to customers or adhering to management instructions.
2. Ethics vs Herd Mentality: Taking a stand or following herd mentality.
3. Profit vs Integrity: Choosing between profit

Q11: Rakesh was working as Joint Commissioner in the Transport Department of a city. As a Part of his Job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of the City Transport Department. A case of strike by the drivers' union of City Transport Department over the issue of Compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter.

He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which Passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the bus and a car driver by a middle-aged man. It was found that there was an altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to a fight and the driver gave him a blow. Lot of passersby had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver's condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately arrived at the spot of the accident and an FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in question was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There was an exchange of blows between them. The City Transport Department management is considering not giving any extra compensation to the driver's (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved, depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers' union took up this case and when found no favorable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union's demand was two-fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains.
(a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation?
(b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh.
(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh?
(d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation. (Ethics-2)
Ans: The presented case study addresses a common issue encountered by professionals across sectors, emphasizing its universal relevance.
(a) Possible options for Rakesh to address the situation:-

• Accept both demands of the transport union.
• Reject both demands of the transport union.
• Accept one demand of department comfort and reject another.
• Appoint a departmental inquiry team with members from both the union and the department.
• Send a strict warning to those involved in the strike and use police force to resolve the issue.
• Seek advice from the commissioner.

(b) Critical examination of each option:

1. Option: Accept both demands of the transport union
   • Merits: Deadlock resolution, justice for the deceased driver's family, enhanced departmental productivity.
   • Demerits: Override police investigation, wrong message to other drivers, potential departmental jurisprudence.
2. Option: Reject both demands of the transport union
   • Merits: Saving department's exchequer, upholding department management's decision.
   • Demerits: Prolonged deadlock, reduced departmental efficiency, economic concerns for the deceased driver's family.
3. Option: Accept one demand and reject another
   • Merit: Partial deadlock resolution, partial relief for the deceased driver's family, restored departmental efficiency.
   • Demerits: Override police investigation, potential continuation of deadlock.
4. Option: Appoint a departmental inquiry committee
   • Merits: Win-win situation, comprehensive resolution, integrated dispute resolution system.
   • Demerits: Time-consuming, potential wastage of resources if inconclusive.
5. Option: Send a strict warning and use police force
   • Merits: Possible resumption of work, introduction of warning and police force elements.
   • Demerits: Potential violence, trust deficit among workers, reduced departmental productivity.
6. Option: Seek advice from the commissioner
   • Merits: Experience-based advice, commissioner's confidence, informed decisions.
   • Demerits: Possible diplomatic refusal, questions on crisis management capacity.

(c) Preferred course of action for Rakesh:

Rakesh should appoint a 'Departmental Enquiry Committee' comprising members from both the Transport Union and the department, along with some from the Police Department. The union should resume work, waiting for the committee's decision. Simultaneously, Rakesh can organize departmental funding to support the deceased driver's family during this waiting period.

(d) Ethical dilemmas faced by Rakesh:

• Principal of natural justice vs Due process of Law.
• Right vs Duty.
• Public accountability vs Personal accountability.
• Code of conduct vs Code of ethics.
• Morality vs Law.
• Conflict of Conscience - Crisis of conscience as a public servant vs personal being.

(e) Possible consequences of overlooking the observations:

• Loss of customer trust and market reputation for the company.
• Culture of complacency detrimental to company growth.
• Loss of morale and drive among employees.
• Customer dissatisfaction and distress due to receiving a poor product from a once-reliable company.

Q12: You are appointed as an officer heading the section in the Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were a large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificates in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper the environment and living species in the region. But in practice most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that the majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for a fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became very hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them to sell their units, and cause huge Financial loss, or shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the laborers and the consumer alike. The labor union also sent you a representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received support from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately
(a) What are the options available to you under the given situation?
(b) Critically examine the options listed by you.
(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option? (Ethics-2)

Ans (a): In the role of an officer, decisions often present a dilemma where the best course of action must be chosen for the collective good. In the given scenario, I have two options:

1. Direct Action: Close all industries affecting the environment without analyzing immediate consequences like unemployment, protests, and increased health issues.
2. Collaborative Approach: Call a meeting with industry owners, environmental NGOs, and stakeholders to find common ground, such as setting limits on harmful elements, adopting better alternatives, and convincing medium industries to obtain new environmental clearances.

(b) In the first option, I fulfill my duty without considering long-term effects, potentially leading to unemployment, health deterioration, and indirect environmental issues. The second option involves considering everyone's perspective, avoiding immediate industry shutdown, and promoting collaborative solutions, which may not yield immediate results but can reduce pollution without causing protests or unemployment in the long run.

(c) Proposed environmental compliances:

• Classify industries into two categories based on environmental impact, imposing stricter rules on the most harmful ones.
• Require every industry to manage its waste and implement water treatment plants.
• Promote the use of sustainable alternatives for harmful chemicals and completely cease elements or chemicals causing the most environmental harm.
• Mandate new environmental clearances for second-category industries (most harmful).
• Impose monetary penalties on industries exceeding prescribed limits for restricted chemicals, causing environmental pollution.

(d) The ethical dilemmas faced include a conflict between duty completion and compassion for migrant workers. Balancing duty with empathy is rational and ethical. Another dilemma involves weighing environmental protection against job preservation.