2013 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2013 · CSAT

Question 78: Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

There is a shortage of sugar in your District where you are the District Magistrate. The Government has ordered that only a maximum amount of 30 kg sugar is to be released for wedding celebrations. A son of your close friend is getting married and your friend requests you to release at least 50 kg sugar for his son’s wedding. He expresses annoyance when you tell him about the Government’s restrictions on this matter. He feels that since you are the District Magistrate you can release any amount. You do not want to spoil your friendship with him. In such circumstances, how would you deal with the situation ?

aRelease the extra amount of sugar which your friend has requested for.
bRefuse your friend the extra amount and strictly follow the rules.
cShow your friend the copy of the Government instructions and then persuade him to accept the lower amount as prescribed in the rules.
dAdvise him to directly apply to the allotting authority and inform him that you do not interfere in this matter.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b) or (c).

The Government has fixed a limit, and as District Magistrate you must apply it equally to everyone. UPSC accepts firmly refusing the extra sugar, or showing your friend the Government instructions and persuading him to accept the lower amount; the second keeps the friendship intact without breaking the rule. Releasing extra sugar abuses your office, and pushing him to another authority avoids the explanation you owe him as the officer in charge.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Releasing extra sugar for a friend abuses your office.
  • (b) Acceptable. Strictly following the rules is the correct course.
  • (c) Acceptable. Showing the instructions and persuading him respects both the rule and the friendship.
  • (d) Wrong. Passing him on avoids taking responsibility as the officer in charge.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.