Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 250
Instructions:
- There are TWELVE questions divided into TWO SECTIONS, printed in English.
- All questions are compulsory.
- The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate, clearly stated on the cover of the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet.
- Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
- Any page or portion of the page left blank in the QCA Booklet must be clearly struck off.
SECTION A
Q1. (a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q1. (b) "Empathy is a cornerstone of ethical leadership, fostering trust and cooperation in governance." Discuss the role of empathy in public administration and how it can enhance ethical decision-making in addressing public grievances. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q2. (a) "The concept of integrity in public service is not just about honesty but also about aligning actions with moral principles." Explain the dimensions of integrity and their significance in maintaining public trust in governance. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q2. (b) "Corruption undermines the ethical foundation of a just society." Analyze the ethical implications of corruption in public administration and suggest measures to strengthen probity in governance. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q3. Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context of ethical governance?
(a) "In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place." – Mahatma Gandhi
(b) "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi
(c) "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do." – Potter Stewart
(Answer in 150 words, 10 marks each)
Q4. (a) "Transparency in governance is a prerequisite for accountability." Discuss the role of transparency in ensuring ethical public administration, with examples. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q4. (b) "Balancing transparency with confidentiality is a key ethical challenge in sensitive operations." Analyze this challenge with reference to public administration. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q5. (a) "The principle of utilitarianism often conflicts with deontological ethics in administrative decisions." Explain this conflict with a real-world example from governance. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q5. (b) "Ethical leadership inspires trust and drives organizational change." Discuss how ethical leadership can transform public institutions, with reference to initiatives like Mission Karmayogi. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q6. (a) "Sustainable development requires ethical trade-offs between economic progress and environmental protection." Analyze the ethical challenges in achieving sustainability. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
Q6. (b) "Cultural sensitivity is essential for ethical governance in diverse societies." Discuss the role of cultural sensitivity in public administration, with examples. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
SECTION B
Q7. You're the District Collector of a rural district that has been grappling with acute water scarcity for several years. The region’s economy is predominantly agrarian, and the livelihoods of a majority of the population depend directly on access to groundwater for farming. Amidst this ongoing crisis, a private company submits a proposal to set up a water-intensive industrial project in the district. The company claims that the project will bring significant economic benefits, including job creation, infrastructure development, and increased revenue for the local administration.
The state government, eager to boost industrial investment and economic growth in backward regions, strongly backs the proposal and urges fast-track implementation. However, the local farming community, already struggling with dwindling water resources, has launched protests. They fear that the project will further deplete the already scarce groundwater reserves, making agriculture unsustainable and leading to forced migration and indebtedness.
Tensions escalate when an independent audit reveals serious procedural lapses in how the project received initial clearances. Environmental assessments were either bypassed or inadequately conducted, and public consultations were reportedly superficial. These revelations raise concerns about transparency, fairness, and long-term sustainability.
You now find yourself at the center of a highly sensitive conflict between developmental aspirations and environmental justice. On one hand, you're expected to facilitate economic progress as per state directives; on the other, you're responsible for safeguarding local livelihoods and upholding due process. The challenge is to find a course of action that respects both constitutional duties and ethical principles of sustainability, equity, and accountability.
(a) What are the ethical dilemmas you face in this scenario?
(b) What options are available to address the farmers’ concerns?
(c) What course of action would you adopt, and why?
(d) How can ethical governance balance economic development and environmental concerns?
(e) What measures can prevent procedural lapses in future projects?
(Answer in 250 words, 20 marks)
Q8. You're a senior police officer assigned to a tribal-dominated region where illegal mining has become deeply entrenched in the local economy. The mining mafia operates with impunity, exploiting natural resources in violation of environmental regulations and damaging the ecological balance of the area. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that these operations have become a primary source of income for many tribal families. Local youth are employed in these activities, often without alternative livelihoods, and depend on the mining economy for survival in this economically backward region.
Efforts to enforce the law and shut down illegal mining face serious challenges. Previous crackdowns have sparked protests, blockades, and even violent clashes, as the affected communities view such actions as a direct threat to their already fragile subsistence. The mafia further manipulates this resentment to mobilize resistance and reinforce its control.
You now find yourself in a sensitive position where any abrupt enforcement action may result in social unrest, deepen mistrust between the administration and tribal communities, and further marginalize an already vulnerable population. At the same time, allowing the situation to persist undermines the rule of law, endangers the environment, and legitimizes organized criminal activity.
Balancing legal mandates, environmental sustainability, and the socio-economic realities of the tribal population presents a serious ethical and administrative challenge. The way forward must be carefully navigated, taking into account both immediate enforcement needs and long-term developmental and rehabilitative measures that can offer the community viable alternatives to illegal mining.
(a) What options are available to tackle this situation?
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas you face?
(c) Which option would you choose, and why?
(d) How can law enforcement balance economic needs and legal compliance?
(Answer in 250 words, 20 marks)
Q9.
You're the CEO of a prominent public sector bank currently under intense scrutiny following allegations that a large number of loans were approved to unqualified applicants under political pressure. These loans, many of which have now turned into non-performing assets, are drawing media and public attention, raising concerns about corruption and systemic failure within the institution. In response to these developments, you ordered an internal audit to assess the integrity of the loan approval process.
The audit results are troubling. They reveal a pattern of procedural violations, bypassed creditworthiness assessments, and undue influence by external actors. The findings point to a breakdown of internal checks and balances, undermining the bank's operational integrity. These revelations, if made public, could severely damage the bank's credibility, trigger depositor anxiety, and potentially destabilize the broader financial market.
The central government, concerned about the risk of public panic and political fallout, has informally urged you to withhold or dilute the audit findings. They argue that public confidence in the banking system must be preserved at all costs. However, you're equally aware that suppressing these findings could compromise the values of transparency, ethical accountability, and long-term trust in public institutions.
You’re now caught in a dilemma between short-term stability and long-term institutional credibility. The challenge lies in addressing the systemic flaws without creating a public crisis. As the head of the bank, you're expected to act in a manner that protects public interest, upholds regulatory obligations, and restores faith in the integrity of financial governance.
(a) What are the ethical dilemmas in this scenario?
(b) What options are available to address the irregularities?
(c) What course of action would you recommend, and why?
(d) How can ethical governance prevent such issues in financial institutions?
(Answer in 250 words, 20 marks)
Q10. You're an IAS officer responsible for overseeing a high-profile smart city project aimed at transforming urban infrastructure through improved transportation, digital connectivity, and sustainable development. The project, backed by both the central and state governments, involves large-scale land acquisition in adjoining rural areas and is expected to bring significant investment, generate employment, and improve the quality of urban life. However, the process of acquiring land has sparked strong opposition from the local farming communities.
Farmers allege that compensation being offered is inadequate and fails to account for the long-term loss of livelihood. Many believe that the land is being acquired at undervalued rates only to benefit private corporations involved in the project. Their dissatisfaction has turned into organized protests, public demonstrations, and legal challenges. The situation is escalating and beginning to disrupt local administration, posing a potential threat to law and order.
As unrest grows, you're placed in a difficult position where the pressure to deliver on urban development goals must be balanced against the rights and concerns of vulnerable stakeholders. Ignoring the protests or pushing the project forward without proper redressal risks alienating the community and escalating tensions. On the other hand, stalling the project could result in missed deadlines, funding withdrawals, and a setback to critical development targets.
This complex scenario demands careful handling of competing priorities—equitable compensation, transparent communication, fair rehabilitation measures, and timely project execution—while maintaining public trust and minimizing conflict. Your leadership is expected to uphold both development objectives and ethical standards of governance.
(a) What are the ethical dilemmas in this scenario?
(b) What options are available to address the farmers’ concerns?
(c) What course of action would you adopt, and why?
(d) How can ethical governance ensure fair land acquisition processes?
(e) What measures can build trust with affected communities?
(Answer in 250 words, 20 marks)
Q11. You're an IAS officer tasked with supervising a flagship smart city project that aims to transform the urban landscape by introducing modern infrastructure, sustainable transport systems, and digital public services. The project has received significant financial backing and is seen as a model for future urban development in the country. However, it requires the large-scale acquisition of agricultural land from nearby rural areas—land that serves as the primary livelihood source for hundreds of farming families.
The acquisition process has triggered widespread protests from farmers, who argue that the compensation being offered is far below market value and fails to account for the loss of livelihood, displacement, and cultural dislocation. Many of them allege that the process is non-transparent and skewed in favor of private corporations, who they believe are the real beneficiaries of the project. The opposition has grown stronger, with local farmer unions organizing rallies, blocking access to project sites, and demanding a reassessment of land valuation and acquisition procedures.
The tension is rapidly escalating into a major law and order concern. You're under pressure from higher authorities to ensure the project's timely execution, but at the same time, you're responsible for maintaining peace and ensuring justice for the affected communities. Delaying the project risks cost overruns and loss of investor confidence, while forceful implementation without addressing grievances could lead to violence and long-term distrust in the administration.
You're now at a critical juncture, where balancing economic development with ethical governance, transparency, and public trust will determine not only the project’s success but also its social legitimacy.
(a) What are the ethical issues in this scenario?
(b) What options are available to address the shortage?
(c) What course of action would you recommend, and why?
(d) How can procurement processes be strengthened to avoid such dilemmas?
(Answer in 250 words, 20 marks)
Q12. You're an IAS officer overseeing the implementation of a high-stakes smart city project intended to revolutionize urban infrastructure through the development of integrated transport systems, affordable housing, digital governance, and sustainable public utilities. The project is positioned as a flagship initiative to attract investment, create jobs, and improve the standard of living in the region. However, its success hinges on the acquisition of a significant amount of agricultural land from surrounding rural communities.
As land acquisition begins, a wave of resistance emerges from the affected farmers. They claim that the compensation offered is unfair, does not reflect current market rates, and ignores the socio-economic impact of losing agricultural land. Many also allege that the process has favored certain corporate entities, sidelining public interest and transparency. Protests intensify, gaining media attention and political backing. The discontent grows into a full-blown agitation, disrupting government functioning and creating tension on the ground.
While the state and central governments push for swift progress, citing deadlines, funding commitments, and economic urgency, you're confronted with the ethical and administrative responsibility of balancing development with justice. The unrest now threatens public order, and there is growing concern over the potential for clashes between security forces and protestors if negotiations fail.
You're in a position where decisions must be made carefully, keeping in mind legal obligations, public trust, and the broader vision of inclusive growth. Any move forward must address the grievances of the farmers, ensure transparency in compensation and rehabilitation, and uphold the legitimacy of the project through fair and consultative governance.
(a) What would you do in this situation?
(b) Examine the options and consequences in light of ethical considerations.
(c) How can data ethics guide decision-making in this scenario?
(d) What measures can ensure ethical use of patient data?
(Answer in 250 words, 20 marks)
