Prashant is an IAS officer who was recently posted as the new health secretary of Nav Pradesh. Nav Pradesh is a backward state with a large population living below the poverty line. After assuming the charge as the health secretary, Prashant found that the state-run hospitals of Nav Pradesh are in poor condition and are unable to cater to the high incidence of diseases among people. Every year seasonal diseases like dengue, malaria etc., cause havoc in the state. In order to improve health indicators of people, especially in the backward areas, a multi-speciality hospital was being constructed in Nav Pradesh. The contract for the construction of the hospital was awarded to a private construction firm (Swati constructions Pvt. Ltd.) As the state's new health secretary, Prashant wanted to expedite the construction of the hospital. On a surprise inspection of the hospital site, Prashant found several on-ground irregularities. He saw that the construction material was of very poor quality. Further, the pace of construction was also very slow. On enquiring upon the slow pace of work, the site manager informed him that adequate number of people are not hired in order to save cost. Also, he found that many children were working on the construction site. Prashant was surprised by these facts, and he at once started a review of the project. Upon enquiring, Prashant found that project was approved two years earlier by Prashant's predecessor, who was later promoted to the post of chief secretary. Prashant found grave irregularities in the process by which the project was awarded to Swati constructions Pvt. Ltd. It also came to Prashant's notice that the land acquisition for the construction of multi-speciality hospital was done without proper due-diligence. Also, the price quoted by Swati constructions was relatively high than what was quoted by other bidders at the time of the bidding process. On further enquiry, Prashant came to know that the proprietor of Swati constructions was a close relative of the health minister of the state. Moreover, past records of Swati constructions had not been meticulous. Swati constructions was accused by many of its former clients with regard to poor construction quality and delayed completion of projects. Further, Swati constructions was also entangled in a legal suit related to a land fraud, wherein some farmers alleged that Swati constructions had forcibly acquired their agricultural lands. An honest and upright official, Prashant immediately appraised the chief secretary about these facts. However, the chief secretary told him that it is common for the construction companies to breach the stipulated time limit, and it is not a big issue. Also, he assured Prashant that the pending case against Swati constructions was a fabricated one and lacked any merit. He informally told Prashant that his act of approving the bid of Swati constructions was in a way responsible for his promotion. He also told him that his cooperation in this matter will be well appreciated with not only a promotion but also a posting of his choice. The chief secretary also hinted that it will be unwise for Prashant to upset the minister in charge of his ministry, as it might sabotage his professional growth. Moreover, the chief secretary explained to Prashant that if he hindered the process of the construction of the hospital, then it would not only be an economic loss for the exchequer but also be counter-productive for the poor health situation in the state, as the whole process would have to be started again. Prashant was in a state of dilemma with respect to his future course of action. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Prashant? b) Examine the merits and demerits of various courses of actions available to Prashant. c) If you were in Prashant's shoes, which course of action will you choose and why?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Syllabus: Case Studies on above issues.