gs4 2022

(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 no 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.

(a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour 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?

(a) "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do." - Potter Stewart.

(b) "If a country is to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother, and the teacher." – Abdul Kalam.

(c) "Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it." - Dalai Lama.

(a) What do you understand by 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 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 system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to vulnerable section of society.

(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. What are the ethical issues crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification.

(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.

(a) Whistleblower, 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 vested interests. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanisms to safeguard the whistleblower?

(b) In contemporary world, 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 think Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work mandated? Critically examine.

Prabhat was working as Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed multinational company. But presently, the company was passing through difficult times as sales were continuously showing a downward trend in the last two quarters. His division, which had been a major revenue contributor to the company’s financial health, was now desperately trying to procure some big government order. However, their best efforts did not yield any positive success or breakthrough. His professional company was under pressure from their London-based headquarters to show some positive results. In the last performance review meeting taken by the Executive Director (India Head), Prabhat was reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured them that his division was working on a special contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret installation near Gwalior, and a tender was being submitted shortly. He was under extreme pressure and deeply perturbed. What aggravated the situation further was a warning from the top that if the deal was not clinched in favour of the company, his division might have to be closed, and he may have to quit his lucrative job. Adding to his stress was his precarious financial health. He was the sole earner in the family with two school- and college-going children and an ailing mother. His heavy expenditures on education and medical care, along with EMIs for his housing loan, were causing a financial strain. Any default would render him liable for severe legal action. Amid this, his secretary informed him that a gentleman, Subhas Verma, wanted to see him as he was interested in the position of Manager, which Prabhat was to fill. The CV of Subhas Verma had been received through the office of the Minister of Defence. During the interview, Prabhat found him technically sound, resourceful, and an experienced marketer. He seemed to be well-conversant with tendering procedures and had a knack for follow-up and liaising. Prabhat felt that he was a better choice than the rest of the candidates. Subhas Verma then indicated that he was in possession of the copies of the bid documents that Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He offered to hand over those documents if he was given the job on suitable terms and conditions. By accepting, Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their rival company and secure the much-awaited defence order. Subhas Verma made it clear that it would be a win-win situation for both him and the company. Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed feeling of shock and thrill. If he accepted the offer, all his problems would vanish instantly, and he might be rewarded for securing the much-awaited tender and thereby boosting the company’s sales and financial health. However, he was also wonderstruck at the guts of Subhas Verma in surreptitiously removing his own company papers and offering them to a rival company for personal gain. Being an experienced professional, he was examining the pros and cons of the situation and asked Subhas Verma to come the next day.

Questions

(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?

(Answer in 250 words)

Ramesh is a State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of being posted to the capital of a border state after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother was recently diagnosed with cancer and admitted to the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children also got admission to one of the best public schools in town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department, Ramesh received a confidential intelligence report that illegal migrants were infiltrating the state from the neighbouring country. To verify the claims, he personally carried out surprise checks at border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught two families (12 members) infiltrating with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. Further inquiry revealed that, after the migrants infiltrated, their documentation—Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, and Voter ID—was forged to help them settle in particular areas of the state. Ramesh prepared a detailed, comprehensive report and submitted it to the Additional Secretary of the State. A week later, he was summoned by the Additional Home Secretary and instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary cautioned him that if he failed to withdraw the confidential report:

1. He would be transferred out from his prestigious posting in the state capital.

2. His promotion, which was due soon, would also be in jeopardy.

Questions

(a) What are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the border 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 neighbouring country?

The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop forest degradation and maintain ecological balance. However, illegal stone mining is still rampant in the border district of the affected state with the connivance of corrupt forest officials and politicians. A young and dynamic SP was recently posted in the district and vowed to stop the menace. During a surprise raid, his team found a truck loaded with stones trying to escape the mining area. When the SP tried to stop the truck, the driver overran him, killing him on the spot before managing to flee. A police FIR was filed, but after three months, no breakthrough had been achieved in the case. Ashok, an investigative journalist, working for a leading TV channel, started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok uncovered the entire nexus of the stone mafia involving corrupt police, civil officials, and politicians. However, the main accused was a local MLA, who was very close to the Chief Minister. When Ashok presented his investigative report to the CMD of the TV channel, the CMD advised him to drop the story.

Questions

(a) What are the options available to Ashok?

(b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Ashok.

(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?

(d) Which of the options would be the most appropriate for Ashok and why?

(e) What type of training would you suggest for police officers posted in districts where illegal mining activities are rampant?

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 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 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 decided to export to Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large consignment to Europe was rejected by their Inspecting Team due to poor quality and was sent back. The top management ordered that the rejected consignment be cleared for the domestic market. As part of the Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor quality and brought it 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. The rest of the team members except you promptly signed and cleared the consignment for the domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You again brought this to the attention of the Team Commander, stating that such a consignment, if cleared for the domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the company and will be counterproductive 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.

Questions

(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?

Rakesh was working as a 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 strike by the drivers’ union of the City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for a 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 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. A 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 come to the spot and an FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel 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 twofold. 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?

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 that had been granted clearance. You learned that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have 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. However, in practice, most of these units continue to pollute air, water, and soil. As a result, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that the majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notices to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile responses from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons, and a section of local politicians. The workers also became hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment would 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 shut down their units, causing huge financial losses and shortages of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the laborers and consumers alike. The labor union also sent you a representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown sources. However, you 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 demanded the immediate closure of the polluting units.

Questions

(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?