Case Studies | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Q1. You are posted as the District Development Commissioner (DDC) in a region which has high rates of child mal-nourishment. For last few months, you have been receiving complaints regarding poor quality of food given under Midday Meal Scheme. Responding on the complaints, you found that most of the meals served failed the calorie test as per the criterion under the scheme. Some vendors supply poor quality deliberately as it is more profitable but many others don’t have the right knowledge of which food contains what nutrients. Calorie knowledge is also less among children and teachers. Special instruments are required for exact calorie counts which are not available in abundance. Also limited suppliers are there and blacklisting them would completely stall the process. Analyze the problem and explain various repercussions of it. Also explain what steps you can take in order to effectively resolve this problem. (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: As the District Development Commissioner (DDC), addressing child malnutrition and ensuring the effectiveness of the Midday Meal Scheme is a critical responsibility. The issues identified, including poor food quality, lack of knowledge on nutrition, and limited resources, pose significant challenges that require a comprehensive approach.

Problem Analysis:

• Malnutrition Impact: Poor quality meals failing the calorie test exacerbate malnutrition, leading to stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and long-term health issues in children.
• Vendor Malpractices: Deliberate provision of substandard food by some vendors for profit compromises the scheme’s goals, endangering children’s health.
• Knowledge Gaps: The lack of nutritional knowledge among vendors, teachers, and students means that even well-intentioned efforts might fail to meet the required standards.
• Resource Constraints: The unavailability of instruments for accurate calorie measurement and the limited number of suppliers make it difficult to ensure compliance without risking the entire program.

Repercussions:

• Health Crisis: Continued distribution of subpar meals will worsen malnutrition rates, affecting the physical and mental development of children.
• Program Credibility: The Midday Meal Scheme's credibility may erode, leading to decreased trust among parents and the community, potentially causing reduced school attendance.
• Operational Disruption: Blacklisting vendors without alternatives could halt meal distribution, creating a gap in a critical social welfare program.

Steps to Resolve:

• Capacity Building: Conduct training workshops for vendors, teachers, and school staff on basic nutrition, focusing on how to meet calorie requirements using locally available resources.
• Strengthening Monitoring: Collaborate with local NGOs and health experts to develop simple, cost-effective methods for monitoring meal quality without relying solely on special instruments.
• Engaging the Community: Involve parents and local community members in monitoring meal preparation and quality, creating a sense of ownership and accountability.
• Supplier Diversification: Encourage local food producers to enter the supply chain by providing them with the necessary support and knowledge to meet quality standards.
• Pilot Projects: Initiate pilot projects in select schools to test and refine these approaches before scaling them district-wide.

By focusing on capacity building, community engagement, and strengthening monitoring, it is possible to address the root causes of the problem, ensuring that the Midday Meal Scheme fulfills its objective of improving child nutrition effectively.

Q2. Sexual abuse of Children today has become one of the most pervasive social problems faced by Indian society, especially in urban areas. Its impact is profound because of the sheer frequency with which it occurs and because of the trauma brought to the lives of the children who have experienced this crime. Even though most of these crimes happen randomly and are distinct from each other, there are certain commonalities. Most abused children belong to poor families who live in slums. Families of abused children and also the culprits are largely people who have migrated to the cities for better job opportunities. Analyze the problem and explain: (250 words, 20 marks)
(a) What behavioral problems migrants face when they come to city and how these problems lead to anti- social behaviour?
(b) What steps can be taken to increase the respect of law among people and stop this heinous crime against children.
Ans: The sexual abuse of children in urban areas has become a grave social issue in India. It not only disrupts the lives of the victims but also reflects deeper societal challenges, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization and migration. This problem requires a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral dynamics of migrants and targeted interventions to prevent such heinous crimes.
(a) Behavioral Problems Faced by Migrants and Their Link to Anti-Social Behavior:

• Isolation and Alienation: Migrants, particularly from rural areas, often face a deep sense of isolation in cities due to the lack of social networks, cultural differences, and unfamiliarity with urban life. This isolation can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness.
• Economic Stress: Migrants often struggle with low-paying, unstable jobs, leading to financial stress. The pressure to provide for their families while dealing with urban living costs can heighten feelings of inadequacy and desperation.
• Overcrowding and Poor Living Conditions: Slum dwellings are often overcrowded, lack privacy, and are devoid of basic amenities. Such environments can foster stress, aggression, and a sense of hopelessness, contributing to the breakdown of social norms.
• Cultural Disorientation: Migrants may find themselves caught between traditional rural values and the modern, often alien, culture of urban areas. This cultural disorientation can lead to confusion, which sometimes manifests in anti-social behaviors, including substance abuse and violence.
• Exposure to Negative Influences: Migrants, especially those living in slums, may be exposed to criminal elements, peer pressure, and negative influences, which can further exacerbate their vulnerability to engaging in or becoming victims of crime.

(b) Steps to Increase Respect for Law and Prevent Child Sexual Abuse:

• Community Education and Awareness: Initiate widespread awareness campaigns to educate migrants about the legal framework, the rights of children, and the severe consequences of child sexual abuse. Use local languages and culturally relevant messages to ensure understanding.
• Strengthening Law Enforcement: Increase the presence of law enforcement in vulnerable areas, particularly in slums, and ensure that police officers are trained to handle cases of child abuse with sensitivity. Fast-tracking judicial processes for child abuse cases can also act as a deterrent.
• Community Policing and Involvement: Establish community policing initiatives that involve local leaders and community members in monitoring and reporting suspicious activities. This can help build trust between the police and the community and empower people to take responsibility for protecting children.
• Social Support Systems: Create support networks for migrants, including counseling services, employment assistance, and recreational activities that can help reduce stress, build a sense of community, and mitigate the risks of anti-social behavior.
• Child Protection Mechanisms: Strengthen child protection mechanisms in schools, communities, and slums. This includes setting up child protection committees, training teachers and social workers to identify signs of abuse, and providing safe spaces for children.
• Economic Empowerment: Address the root causes of vulnerability by providing skill development, employment opportunities, and financial literacy programs for migrants. Economic stability can reduce stress and the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities.
• Promoting Respect for the Law: Engage religious and community leaders in promoting respect for the law and the importance of protecting children. Their influence can help reinforce positive behaviors and social norms.

By addressing the behavioral challenges of migrants and creating robust support and protection systems, it is possible to prevent child sexual abuse and foster a safer environment for children in urban areas.

Q3: Mr. Manish is heading the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion. A MNC specialized in making high end smart phones has approached his department to seek approval for importing second hand phones in India. The brand of MNC is very popular among the people, but due to its high cost, only few are able to buy it. Many from middle class dream to own this brand but are not able to do so. The demand for pre-owned phones is very high in India, but since the MNC is not directly dealing in pre-owned phones, most of the sale takes place in grey market without any certification. Overall conduct of MNC has been good with the government. Economically also, the decision to give approval seems correct but Environment Ministry, when asked for opinion, is raising concerns over import of such pre-owned certified phones. Based on this information, answer: (250 words, 20 marks)
(a) Why environment ministry is raising concerns regarding import of second hand phones.
(b) Analyze the conflict present in the situation between Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion and Environment Ministry.
(c) Explain the course of action that Mr. Manish shall take in such situation.
Ans: a) Concerns of the Environment Ministry: The Environment Ministry is likely raising concerns over the import of second-hand phones due to the environmental impact associated with electronic waste (e-waste). Second-hand electronic devices, including smartphones, often have a shorter lifespan, leading to a quicker transition to waste. Improper disposal and recycling of such devices can lead to significant environmental hazards, such as the release of toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water. Additionally, the import of second-hand phones might discourage the domestic recycling industry and increase the burden of managing e-waste, which is already a growing challenge in India.
b) Conflict Analysis: The conflict between the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) and the Environment Ministry arises from their differing priorities. The DIPP is focused on economic growth, consumer demand, and fostering a favorable environment for multinational companies (MNCs) to operate in India. Approving the import of second-hand phones could make premium smartphones accessible to the middle class, boost consumer satisfaction, and potentially increase market competition. On the other hand, the Environment Ministry's primary concern is the environmental impact of importing pre-owned phones, which could exacerbate India's e-waste problem. Their stance is based on the long-term environmental sustainability and public health, which may be compromised by an influx of e-waste. This creates a conflict between economic development and environmental protection.
c) Course of Action for Mr. Manish: Mr. Manish should adopt a balanced approach that considers both economic and environmental implications. He can propose a compromise that allows the import of second-hand phones but with strict regulations.
These could include:

• Certification and Quality Control: Mandate that all imported pre-owned phones be certified for quality and longevity, ensuring they meet specific environmental and safety standards.
• E-Waste Management: Implement a comprehensive e-waste management plan in collaboration with the MNC, ensuring that the company takes responsibility for the collection and recycling of old devices, potentially under an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.
• Collaboration with Environment Ministry: Work closely with the Environment Ministry to develop guidelines that mitigate environmental risks while still allowing economic benefits. This might include setting quotas on imports or encouraging the development of local refurbishment and recycling industries.

By taking these steps, Mr. Manish can address the concerns of both the DIPP and the Environment Ministry, ensuring that the decision is both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable.

Q4. You have been working as a chief medical officer in a rural district of Uttar Pradesh. The health department of the state has asked you to implement a family planning project which involves free distribution of contraceptive pills and condoms in your district which has seen a large rise of population in the last two decades. However, the district is marred with low literacy rate and use of contraceptive techniques is considered tabooed and irreligious by the local population. Your administrative staff which includes a substantial number of local residents is also not very optimistic about the success of the project. What steps you will take in order to motivate your staff and persuade local people for the successful implementation of the project. (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: To successfully implement the family planning project in a district with low literacy and strong cultural taboos, a multi-faceted approach is essential. As the Chief Medical Officer, I would take the following steps to motivate my staff and persuade the local population:
1. Community Engagement and Education:

• Cultural Sensitivity: Understand and respect local beliefs. Collaborate with local influencers, religious leaders, and community heads to endorse the project, framing family planning as beneficial for the community's health and prosperity.
• Awareness Campaigns: Organize awareness programs using simple language and visual aids, highlighting the health and economic benefits of family planning. Focus on the well-being of mothers and children, which is often a priority for families.
• Role Models: Identify and promote success stories of families who have benefited from family planning within the community to build trust and reduce stigma.

2. Training and Motivation of Staff:

• Capacity Building: Provide training sessions for the administrative staff to equip them with the necessary knowledge and communication skills. Emphasize the positive impact of family planning on public health and the district's development.
• Incentives and Recognition: Introduce performance-based incentives and public recognition for staff who contribute to the project's success. This will boost morale and encourage active participation.
• Local Partnerships: Involve local healthcare workers (e.g., ASHAs and ANMs) who are trusted by the community. Their involvement can enhance the project's credibility and acceptance.

3. Innovative Distribution Channels:

• Confidentiality and Accessibility: Ensure the distribution of contraceptives is done discreetly to respect cultural sensitivities. Utilize healthcare centers, mobile clinics, and door-to-door services to make the process more accessible.
• Peer Educators: Train local women as peer educators to spread awareness and distribute contraceptives within their communities, making the program more relatable and less intimidating.

By combining community involvement, staff empowerment, and culturally sensitive communication, the project can overcome challenges and achieve its goals.

Q5: Amit is a second year student in an engineering college. He belongs to a poor family and is the only hope for a bright future for his family. A fight has broken out between two groups of students on some minor personal issue in the college. Amit along with his friends is part of one of these groups. The fight has led to the destruction of college property and has brought bad name to the reputed college. Amit has been caught red handed while damaging the college property by the administration but because of his good academic record has been offered a deal. If Amit admits his mistake and also becomes the witness against his friends, he will not be rusticated and only minor punishment will be given. However, severe punishment will be given to Amit’s friends who are the regular offenders and college administration is just looking for a chance to expel them from the college. What shall Amit do in this situation? Analyze different options which Amit has and what decision will be the most correct one in this situation? Give appropriate reasons for the choice Amit shall make? (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: In the given situation, Amit is confronted with a difficult moral and ethical dilemma that could have significant consequences for his future and that of his family. The options available to Amit are:

• Admit his mistake and testify against his friends: This option would allow Amit to avoid rustication and face only minor punishment. However, it would also mean betraying his friends, which could damage his relationships and reputation among his peers. This choice might lead to the expulsion of his friends, who are regular offenders, and would likely alienate Amit from his social circle.
• Deny involvement and refuse to testify: By choosing this option, Amit could stand by his friends and protect them from severe punishment. However, this would likely result in his own expulsion, ruining his academic career and putting his family's hopes in jeopardy. Given the administration's evidence against him, this option is also risky and might not succeed in protecting him or his friends.
• Admit his mistake but refuse to testify against his friends: In this scenario, Amit takes responsibility for his actions without betraying his friends. This could lead to some disciplinary action against Amit, but it may also reflect positively on his integrity and willingness to own up to his mistakes. However, it could still result in severe consequences for him if the administration decides to take strict action.

The most prudent decision for Amit would be to admit his mistake and take full responsibility for his actions without directly implicating his friends. This approach demonstrates accountability, which might persuade the administration to impose only a minor punishment. While it may not fully shield his friends, it avoids direct betrayal and maintains Amit's integrity. Amit could also express his regret and commitment to avoid such situations in the future, emphasizing his academic dedication and the impact that expulsion would have on his family.
Ultimately, this choice balances Amit's ethical responsibility with the practical need to safeguard his future, while also showing remorse for the actions that damaged the college's reputation. This decision aligns with both his personal values and his obligation to his family, ensuring that his future remains on track despite the unfortunate incident.

Q6: Manoj Kumar has been appointed as the District Transport Officer of a region with high density of population. He is in-charge of issue of driving license for motor vehicles and registration of new vehicles. However, there are number of complaints regarding arbitrariness, corruption, delays etc in issue of licenses and registration. The matter is bringing lots of disrepute to the government and the seniors are asking Manoj to come up with a plan. Manoj has advised to establish Sevottam model of government of India to improve upon the services. Explain how Manoj will implement this model in his department and also list out the problems he may face while executing the program? What impact such model can have on the overall functioning of the department?
Ans: The Sevottam Model, introduced by the Government of India, aims to improve the quality of public services by establishing a framework for assessing and enhancing the effectiveness of service delivery. Manoj Kumar, as the District Transport Officer, can implement this model in the following steps:

Citizen's Charter:

• Define Service Standards: Establish clear, transparent service standards for issuing driving licenses and registering new vehicles. These standards should specify timelines, required documents, and procedures.
• Publicize Charter: Display the Citizen's Charter prominently at the transport office, on the website, and in public places to ensure citizens are well-informed about the services and their rights.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism:

• Establish a Complaint Handling System: Set up a robust grievance redressal mechanism that allows citizens to file complaints easily, either online or offline.
• Monitor Complaints: Track the resolution of complaints, ensuring timely responses. Create a dedicated team or appoint a grievance officer to handle complaints efficiently.

Capacity Building:

• Training of Staff: Conduct regular training for staff to improve their customer service skills, ethical behavior, and knowledge of procedures. This will help in reducing corruption and delays.
• Automation of Processes: Introduce technology to streamline processes, such as online application systems for licenses and vehicle registration. This reduces human intervention and the potential for corruption.

Continuous Monitoring and Feedback:

• Regular Audits: Implement internal audits to check adherence to service standards and the effectiveness of grievance redressal.
• Feedback from Citizens: Collect feedback from citizens to understand their experiences and areas of improvement.
• Transparency and Accountability:
• Publish Performance Reports: Regularly publish performance reports showing the department's achievements in meeting service standards, complaint resolution, and other metrics.
• Accountability Mechanism: Establish mechanisms to hold staff accountable for delays, corruption, or non-adherence to standards.

Potential Challenges

• Resistance to Change: Some staff members may resist the implementation of new systems due to a lack of understanding, fear of increased accountability, or vested interests.
• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and technological resources may hinder the automation of processes and the establishment of effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Corruption and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Existing corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies may pose significant challenges in implementing the Sevottam model effectively.
• Public Awareness: Ensuring that the public is aware of the new systems and their rights under the Citizen's Charter may be difficult, especially in areas with low literacy rates.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the system may require additional resources and dedicated personnel, which may be challenging to manage.

Impact on the Department

• Improved Service Delivery: The implementation of the Sevottam model will lead to more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric services, reducing complaints related to arbitrariness, delays, and corruption.
• Increased Public Trust: As citizens experience improved services and timely resolution of grievances, public trust in the transport department and the government will increase.
• Enhanced Accountability: Clear service standards and accountability mechanisms will reduce corruption and inefficiencies within the department, leading to better governance.
• Reputation of the Department: The department's reputation will improve as it becomes known for its efficient and transparent service delivery, reflecting positively on the entire government.
• Motivated Workforce: Training and capacity building will empower staff, making them more motivated and competent in delivering quality services.

By implementing the Sevottam model, Manoj Kumar can transform his department into a model of good governance, providing timely and transparent services to the citizens and significantly improving the department's overall functioning.

Q7: You are the zonal head of an important urban area in northern India. Being the administrative head you have the duty to implement all the directives given by your superiors and the court of law. The area under your jurisdiction has seen huge growth of illegal slums in recent times. These slums are providing low paid workers as well as cheap vendors of essential commodities like vegetables and eggs to the middle class urban households. But slums deface the beauty of the cities and spread lots of dirt and squalor in the vicinity. They are also breeding ground and hideouts for criminals. A PIL was filed against these unauthorized slums and the court has ordered for the destruction of all illegal encroachments on public land. However, its winter season in the area and it’s also raining for quite some time. A strong case is also made by the government authorities to remove these slums and their dwellers by force, even when the situation is not congenial. You are the enforcing officer. The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:
(a) You would vacate the slum by using police force without any consideration for the inclement weather and contribution which the slum dweller makes.
(b) You will request your senior officer to wait till the weather becomes normal and an alternative place for settlement of the slum dwellers is designated with basic amenities.
(c) You will suggest your senior officers to make it compulsory for all the apartment builders to have provision of very low cost shelters for such shanty but important workers along with every apartment and allot it with the help of administration to identified workers based on some objective criteria. Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to do, giving proper reasons.
Ans: (a) Vacate the slum using police force without considering weather and the slum dwellers' contributions
Merits:

• Fulfills the court order quickly, demonstrating adherence to the rule of law.
• Immediate action against encroachments might deter further illegal settlements.
• Restores the aesthetic appeal of the city, aligning with urban development goals.

Demerits:

• Humanitarian issues arise, especially during winter and inclement weather, which could lead to deaths or suffering.
• Could create unrest and social tension, possibly leading to violent protests or retaliation.
• Loss of livelihood for the slum dwellers will disrupt the local economy, which relies on them for cheap labor and essential goods.
• Perceived as a ruthless action that may damage public trust in government authorities.

Ethical Consideration: Using force in harsh weather conditions without a sustainable plan for resettlement could be seen as inhumane. Additionally, it overlooks the social contributions of these people to the city’s economy.
(b) Request senior officers to delay until weather improves and resettlement alternatives are arranged

Merits:

• Humanitarian approach, as it considers the well-being of the slum dwellers by waiting for better weather and proper resettlement options.
• Avoids immediate social unrest, as people will have time to prepare for relocation.
• Ensures a planned approach with resettlement options, reducing the potential for slum dwellers to return to illegal settlements.
• Builds trust in government actions by showing compassion and long-term planning.

Demerits:

• Delaying might be seen as defying the court’s orders, leading to legal consequences or criticism for not enforcing the law promptly.
• The delay could allow the slum to grow further, making it more challenging to address in the future.
• Without strict enforcement, other encroachments might arise as people may assume that rules are not strictly implemented.

Ethical Consideration: This option considers the immediate impact of displacement on the people and suggests a phased, humane response while upholding the spirit of law and governance.
(c) Propose a policy requiring builders to provide low-cost shelters for essential workers in new apartment complexes

Merits:

• Offers a long-term solution by addressing housing needs for low-income workers, reducing future slum formations.
• Integrates slum dwellers into the urban economy and living spaces, which could reduce crime and improve their living standards.
• Encourages private sector participation in solving urban housing issues, reducing the burden on the government.
• Promotes inclusive urban development that benefits both the city and its economically weaker sections.

Demerits:

• This proposal may face resistance from private builders due to increased costs, and the policy would take time to implement.
• It does not offer an immediate solution to the current slum encroachments, so it may not fulfill court orders promptly.
• Bureaucratic hurdles and corruption could affect the fair allocation of housing.

Ethical Consideration: While long-term in focus, this option promotes equitable urban development and considers the rights and needs of economically weaker sections.
Personal Decision and Justification: After evaluating all the options, I would adopt a combination of options (b) and (c):

• Short-term Plan (Option b): Request my senior officers to delay the eviction until the weather improves and a resettlement plan is prepared. I would work with local NGOs and welfare groups to provide temporary shelter and support to these slum dwellers, mitigating their suffering during this time. This approach would ensure that we avoid causing unnecessary hardship in extreme weather conditions, ensuring that the people are not suddenly deprived of shelter and livelihood.
• Long-term Plan (Option c): Propose a sustainable policy that requires apartment builders to include affordable housing for low-income workers as a part of new residential projects. In the meantime, I would also identify vacant government lands or underutilized areas that can serve as designated low-cost housing sites. This approach ensures the court’s directive is followed, but with a more humanistic outlook that addresses the core issue of housing for low-income populations, preventing future slums from forming.

Additional Considerations:

• Coordination with Social Welfare Agencies: Engage NGOs and government welfare programs to provide support to these displaced individuals in the short term, such as access to health care, food, and temporary shelter.

• Public Awareness and Sensitization Campaigns: Inform the public about the role of slum dwellers in the economy to generate empathy and understanding, reducing hostility against these people. This might ease future integration efforts.

• Incremental Evictions with Support: If court timelines are strict, implement gradual relocation of slum dwellers, prioritizing vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly. This phased approach would show that the authorities are addressing the problem without imposing undue suffering.

Conclusion
My strategy would focus on balancing the enforcement of the law with human dignity and compassion. By delaying eviction until better weather and resettlement options are available, I ensure that the court’s directive is respected while mitigating harm to vulnerable populations. A long-term policy of affordable housing for low-income workers would address the root cause of slum formation and promote a more inclusive urban environment.

Q8: You are posted as a senior bureaucrat in one of the union territories of India. The government of the union territory and the lieutenant governor has been locked in a bitter confrontation over the appointment and transfer of senior bureaucrats. The post of joint secretary of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been vacant for some time and needs to be filled urgently. You have been appointed by the government and one of your batch mates has been appointed on the same post by the LG under the directions of Central Home Ministry. Both of you have been ordered to take the charge and start working as the joint secretary of ACB which is the initiative of the union territory government. Analyze the situation from different perspectives and explain the implications of such a standoff? What steps you can take on your side to resolve this situation? (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: This situation highlights the tension between the elected government of a Union Territory and the Lieutenant Governor (LG), representing the central government, regarding administrative control. The key issue here is the conflicting appointments of the Joint Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), reflecting the broader confrontation over bureaucratic appointments.
Perspectives:

• Government of the Union Territory: It seeks administrative autonomy in managing local institutions like the ACB. The elected government claims democratic legitimacy to make such appointments, ensuring accountability to the local electorate.
• Lieutenant Governor: As the representative of the central government, the LG follows directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which may view the ACB as an institution requiring strict central oversight, especially in sensitive areas like anti-corruption.
• Central Government: The Home Ministry’s involvement indicates a desire to retain control over key appointments in Union Territories to safeguard national interests and ensure bureaucratic impartiality in crucial roles.
• Bureaucracy: Conflicting orders may create confusion, demotivation, and inefficiency within the administration. Dual appointments may delay the ACB’s functioning, worsening corruption control.