pyq/2022/gs4/8

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?