Ethics: September 2024 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

• The situation at the university presents a complex interplay of caste dynamics, political influence, and social justice.
• The complaints from Dalit students highlight systemic discrimination rooted in historical socio-economic inequalities.
• These students, already marginalized, face additional challenges due to accusations of anti-national activities from a politically motivated group.
• The violent clashes between these groups indicate a failure in conflict resolution and communication.
• This suggests a deep-seated animosity that could escalate if not addressed.
• From the Dalit students' perspective, the demand for action against them may seem unjust, reinforcing feelings of alienation and oppression.
• Conversely, the political party's student wing may view their actions as a means to assert dominance and control.
• They frame their narrative around nationalism to justify discrimination against Dalit students.
• This dynamic can create a hostile environment that undermines the university’s core values of inclusivity and academic freedom.
• To address the situation, I propose forming a mediation committee comprising representatives from both groups, faculty members, and external experts on caste issues and conflict resolution.
• This committee can facilitate dialogue, aiming to rebuild trust and foster understanding between the students.
• Additionally, conducting workshops on caste discrimination and nationalism could help demystify these issues.
• This promotes empathy and reduces prejudices.
• Establishing an anonymous reporting mechanism for discrimination and grievances would empower students to voice their concerns safely.
• By fostering a culture of respect and open dialogue, the university can work towards healing divisions.
• This will create a conducive learning environment, ultimately promoting social cohesion on campus.

Q2. You are Head of District irrigation department and entrusted with responsibility to make and maintain canals in the district. District is  drought prone and irrigation activities are very scanty. The reputation of the department is also dented by recent scam in irrigation department, whereby few engineers were caught red handed while taking bribe. Identify the ethical issues involved in the case. What steps would you take for the welfare of the district? Also give some suggestions by which reputation and prestige of the department can be restored? (250 words, 20 marks)

Ans:  As the Head of the District Irrigation Department, I face significant ethical issues, including corruption, lack of transparency, and diminished public trust. The recent bribery scandal not only tarnishes the department's reputation but also exacerbates the already critical issue of insufficient irrigation in a drought-prone district, jeopardizing agricultural sustainability and farmers’ livelihoods.

To address these ethical concerns, I would implement the following steps for the welfare of the district:

1. Transparent Processes: Establish a transparent bidding process for canal construction and maintenance, ensuring all transactions are documented and accessible to the public.

2. Community Engagement: Involve local communities and farmers in planning and monitoring irrigation projects, creating a sense of ownership and accountability.

3. Strict Anti-Corruption Measures: Introduce stringent measures against corruption, including anonymous reporting mechanisms and regular audits. Collaborating with law enforcement to investigate any suspicious activities can help deter future corruption.

4. Capacity Building: Provide training programs for engineers and staff on ethical practices, emphasizing the importance of integrity in public service.

To restore the department's reputation, I would:

1. Public Communication: Regularly communicate progress and challenges through community meetings and reports, fostering transparency and rebuilding trust.

2. Recognize Good Practices: Highlight successful projects and ethical practices within the department, celebrating staff who demonstrate integrity and dedication.

3. Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs and academic institutions to leverage expertise and resources, enhancing the quality and reach of irrigation initiatives.

By implementing these strategies, we can foster a culture of accountability, restore public confidence, and ultimately improve irrigation practices in the district.

Q3. You have been appointed recently as the District Magistrate of an area which is known for its communal sensitivity. One day you come across a situation which may lead to communal clashes. A 21-year old upper caste girl eloped to marry a 25-year old dalit boy last week and now both of them are at police headquarters, asking for protection. A self-styled caste panchayat in the village had earlier ordered the Dalit man to send his wife back to her parents. But the woman has refused to leave her husband. The upper class community is fuming and the situation is very tense. As DM, you are ordered by the state home secretary to give counseling to the couple. (300 words, 25 marks)
a) What will be your advice to the couple?
b) What repercussion such cases can have on the society?
c) What action will you take as DM?

Ans: As the District Magistrate in a sensitive communal area, my primary focus is to ensure the safety of the couple while addressing the underlying societal tensions.

Advice to the Couple

1. Safety First: I would advise the couple to prioritize their safety by considering relocation to a secure environment, away from potential threats from their respective communities.
2. Legal Rights: I would inform them of their legal rights, emphasizing that their marriage is valid under the law, and they are entitled to protection from harassment.
3. Communication: Encourage open dialogue with their families, if feasible, suggesting mediation to facilitate understanding, but only if they feel safe doing so.
4. Emotional Support: Recommend counseling services to help them cope with the stress of their situation, acknowledging the emotional toll it may take on both.

Societal Repercussions

Such cases can lead to significant societal repercussions, including:

• Escalation of Communal Tensions: The situation may incite violence, not only between the communities involved but also potentially leading to wider communal unrest.
• Reinforcement of Caste Divisions: A backlash against inter-caste relationships can perpetuate caste-based discrimination and hinder social progress.
• Impact on Other Couples: Fear of repercussions may deter other couples from pursuing inter-caste relationships, reinforcing societal divides.

Actions as District Magistrate

1. Immediate Protection: Arrange for police protection for the couple to ensure their safety from threats or violence.
2. Community Dialogue: Organize a community meeting involving leaders from both communities to foster dialogue, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and acceptance.
3. Legal Enforcement: Ensure that the police are instructed to take immediate action against any threats or harassment faced by the couple, thereby demonstrating a commitment to upholding the law.
4. Awareness Programs: Initiate programs focused on caste sensitivity and the importance of individual rights, aiming to educate the community on the value of tolerance and acceptance.

By taking these steps, I aim to protect the couple while promoting a culture of understanding and respect in the community.

Q4. You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a backward but fast growing district. State government along with Central government has sanctioned formation of Special Economic Zone in your district which can lead to exponential growth in infrastructure and employment opportunities for the local people. However, many of your subordinates have started purchasing land in the district, and they are pressurizing you to make SEZ in their land only so that they can earn huge compensation out of the land selling to government. What are the issues involved in this case? What course of action would you undertake and why? (250 words, 20 marks)

Ans: As the District Magistrate, the situation involving the formation of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) presents several ethical and administrative issues:

Issues Involved

1. Conflict of Interest: Subordinates purchasing land for personal gain raises significant ethical concerns about integrity and fairness in decision-making.
2. Corruption Risks: The pressure from officials may lead to corrupt practices, undermining the intended benefits of the SEZ for the community.
3. Public Trust: Such actions could erode public confidence in government intentions and actions, jeopardizing the overall success of the SEZ initiative.
4. Land Use and Rights: Ensuring that land acquisition respects local land rights and compensates landowners fairly is crucial to maintain social stability.

Course of Action

1. Investigation: Conduct a thorough investigation into the land purchases by subordinates to ascertain their motivations and any unethical behavior.
2. Policy Enforcement: Reinforce existing policies that prohibit officials from acquiring land intended for government projects, ensuring that there are clear consequences for violations.
3. Transparent Land Acquisition Process: Establish a transparent and fair process for land acquisition that prioritizes the needs and rights of local landowners, including fair compensation and community engagement.
4. Public Awareness: Communicate the benefits of the SEZ to the community, emphasizing job creation and infrastructure development to garner public support and trust.
5. Monitoring Mechanism: Implement oversight mechanisms to monitor land acquisition practices and ensure accountability among officials.

By taking these actions, I aim to uphold ethical governance, protect community interests, and ensure the SEZ serves its intended purpose of fostering growth and development in the district.

Q5. An engineering firm has won a government contract to build a bridge of certain specifications and at a set price. Due to misestimating costs, if the firm builds the bridge as specified, the company will go bankrupt. However, if the firm uses inferior materials and reduces the safety factor in the bridge design, it can make a profit. Due to technicalities involved, it is difficult for anyone to notice inferior quality in short term. Government agencies also are not that capable to detect the quality. Infact, the firm can earn more profit in the name of repairs after few years. Explain what shall it do in such circumstances? Give reasons for your action? (250 words, 20 marks)

Ans: In this scenario, the engineering firm faces a significant ethical dilemma. While the financial pressure to use inferior materials may tempt the firm to prioritize short-term profits, this decision poses serious risks to public safety and long-term reputation.

Ans: The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015, raises important questions about the role of education in governance and the implications of different educational requirements for various groups.

Analysis of the Situation

The amendment aims to ensure that elected representatives possess a minimum level of education, which can enhance their decision-making capabilities and understanding of governance. However, setting different educational standards for general, women, and Dalit candidates raises concerns about discrimination and potential violation of rights. This tiered approach may reinforce existing social hierarchies and undermine the participation of marginalized communities in governance, counteracting the very goals of empowerment and representation.

a) Role of Education in Governance and Leadership

Education plays a vital role in enhancing governance and leadership skills by:

• Improving Decision-Making: Educated individuals are typically better equipped to analyze information, assess community needs, and make informed decisions.
• Fostering Accountability: Education encourages critical thinking and awareness of rights and responsibilities, which are essential for holding leaders accountable.
• Enhancing Communication: Leaders with education are often more effective communicators, facilitating better engagement with constituents and stakeholders.

b) Possible Solutions

To address the concerns raised by the amendment while promoting inclusive governance, the following solutions could be considered:

1. Standardized Educational Criteria: Instead of varying requirements, establish a uniform educational standard for all candidates while providing support mechanisms (e.g., literacy programs) for those who may struggle to meet these criteria.

2. Capacity-Building Initiatives: Implement training programs focused on governance, leadership, and public administration for women and Dalit candidates to empower them, regardless of their educational background.

3. Affirmative Action: Introduce measures that specifically support the candidacy of women and Dalits in elections, such as reserved seats or mentorship programs, ensuring their voices are represented without imposing restrictive educational barriers.

By integrating these solutions, the state can promote capable governance while fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity for all community members.