Corruption

Reena is the Ethics and Compliance Officer at a government-owned IT firm with a strong reputation for delivering time-bound tech solutions. One morning, she receives a formal complaint from a female software engineer alleging repeated verbal harassment and intimidating behaviour by the Regional Operations Head, a senior officer widely regarded for saving two failing national e-governance projects. The complaint includes screenshots of inappropriate late-night messages and statements from two interns who were witnesses to an incident. During her initial inquiry, Reena finds that some team members view the senior officer as demanding but they deny seeing direct harassment. Others seem reluctant to speak openly. The HR Head, a long-time colleague of the accused, privately tells Reena, "Don't escalate this. We'll fix it quietly. He's too valuable to lose." The Managing Director also expresses concern: "Let's protect the company's image, we've had a clean record so far." There's also pressure to shift the complainant to another team as a "practical compromise." As the Ethics & Compliance Officer, Reena had to take an immediate call before the situation escalated. 1. Identify the ethical and administrative issues confronting Reena. 2. What are her possible options? Which is the most appropriate and why? 3. Suggest systemic safeguards to address workplace harassment in public institutions.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Ethics in Private and Public LifeEthical Dilemmas in Government

Administrative corruption is rooted in administrative as well as non-administrative sources. Explain.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013

CorruptionProbity in Governance

You are posted as a Customs official in one of renowned port cities of India. Your team has recently intercepted a consignment having over 5000 kilograms of red sandalwood. Red Sandalwood, also known as Red Sanders, is a prohibited item for export and is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and hence you detained a few individuals for their alleged involvement in trying to smuggle it to another country. However, you later come to know that these people are working for an influential businessman with close ties to the ruling party of the state. Your seniors in the department have verbally instructed you not to register any compliant as yet. You are fearful that a deal will be struck between the businessman and a few corrupt officers of your department and the detained persons will be freed. You are ready to go ahead and file the complaint but at the same time are also fearful of departmental action against you if you disobey your seniors. (a) What are the various options available to you in the given case? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these. (b) Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action and the reasons for the same.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

In a state in India, government officials are regularly denying poor, illiterate workers, their statutory minimum wage under a government scheme ensuring a minimum level of employment for them. The actual quantity of work done is being routinely under measured. False entries in employment registers with bogus names, is enabling project foremen to pocket the payments. Other malpractices including inflated estimates for public works projects, use of poor quality materials, and over billing by suppliers are being followed. What can be done to resolve this problem? List the measures that can be taken to plug such loopholes.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be the course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

CorruptionTransparency and Information

You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviour from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

Strengthen the internal and external mechanisms to check corruption.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

CorruptionProbity in Governance

A building located in a clustered urban locality caught fire. The Fire subsequently got spread to a restaurant in the vicinity. A birthday was party going on in the restaurant. As a consequence, a number of people including women and children died. The government immediately announced cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the builder. Give reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education. a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study. b) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month. During a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays. In a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections upcoming, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization. Later, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options. (c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As the head of the workers' union, you attended a crucial meeting with state officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption, and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years, with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and increasing customer complaints about poor service. In response, you presented the workers' perspective, emphasising their long-standing grievances. The employees are concerned about job security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-income customers. Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and the strike showing no signs of abating. The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that the phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract investment, and ensure sustainable operations. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the banking sector in India.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

CorruptionConflict of Interest

You are waiting in your car for your turn at a toll tax booth. You suddenly witness some men heckling and manhandling the toll booth operator and vandalising the property at the toll booth. They are accompanying a local politician who was passing through. Disgruntled with the fact that they were asked to pay the toll, they began to argue that the toll is too high and the public is being exploited by charging an unreasonable toll fee. At the same time they are also warning others against paying the toll fee. However, the other people around you are keeping with themselves, without anyone coming forward to intervene. While you also felt that the toll was quite high, you believe that this is not the right thing to do. (a) Bring out the ethical issues in the case above. (b) What accounts for such an overt display of hooliganism in our country. (c) What is the course of action that would take? Justify with appropriate reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

Nanded is one of the most backward districts in the state of Maharashtra. It had received award for its exemplary performance in the implementation of MNREGA from the union government for 'Planning for Water Conservation' 2010-11. Since 2012-13, its implementation has almost come to a virtual standstill due to exposure of corruption. It has happened due to two conflicting claims. The first is due to detention of many officials including Junior Engineer and Sarpanch and an enquiry is underway. The local officials think that arrest was made under political influence without conducting a proper inquiry as there have been serious attempts by various political parties to show the scheme in a bad light and thwart the implementation of MNREGA. This has made them wary of dealing with MNREGA as the indiscriminate arrests have instilled a sense of fear in them. This is despite the fact that subsequently there have been many systemic improvements. For example, most of the wage payments now go through banks rather than the post office. There is a helpline and ombudsman for grievance redressal, and so on. The second is contrary to the allegations posed by implementing agencies; facts through Right to Information (RTI) application show that the most rampant form of corruption happened through the deliberate creation of bogus workers by some corrupt officials and a large proportion of funds have been siphoned off by them. Meanwhile, the benefits of Water Conservation which the district has experienced for three years are at risks if the standstill of the programme is not removed soon. The poor and farmers will be the most affected people as drought, scarcity of water and declining water table put their livelihood in danger. Suppose the state government has posted you as DM effective handling of the issues then (a) Identify the major flaws in handling of the above case by the district administration. (b) Discuss your strategies to instil confidence among local officials so that the programme can be resumed with the same enthusiasm. (c) Suppose you were in place of the outgoing DM then what could have been your correct responses when the scam was exposed which might have averted the pitfalls?

25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

CorruptionRules versus Compassion

You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort ‘hafta’ - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

CorruptionEmpathy and Compassion

While being a civil servant comes with many perks and benefits, it also brings with it its limitations and various rules surrounding an officer's conduct. In this context, examine the role of the Code of Conduct in civil services. Is it an adequate mechanism to prevent India's "steel frame" from deteriorating? [10M]

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Codes of Ethics and ConductCivil Service Values

Karthik has been posted as a SDM in a part of the district that is backward and is facing the problem of high malnourishment among children. As soon as he assumed charge, he was mandated by the DM to take immediate action against the issue and show progress. He collects the basic information and facts about the issue and learns that the major reason for malnourishment among children is women of the district being anaemic. The patriarchal setup prevailing in the area has allowed least opportunities for the women to grow. Most of the girls are married off once they attain puberty. The administrative set up has turned blind eye to the situation, not wanting the wrath of communities. Mostly confined to home and engaged in the household work, women haven't been able to access the public healthcare facilities. In addition to this, there is rampant corruption in the ground among law enforcement agencies as well as the healthcare workers who are diverting the benefits given for pregnant women. a. What are the ethical issues involved in the present case? b. What measures would you adopt to improve the nutritional status of children of the district?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

CorruptionEmpathy and Compassion

Passionate about the social service, you recently joined a Charity as a supply chain manager. The Charity is undertaking the distribution of Cervical cancer vaccines. It has also started media campaigns and enrolled celebrities, for raising awareness about the disease. The government also promoted the vaccines in a national campaign. You felt proud for joining the national cause. One day, Ravi, from the research department of ABC Corp, the company which produces the vaccines, comes to you and tells you that there are many irregularities in human trials of the vaccines. There is inclusion of poor and vulnerable tribal people in the trials, and in many cases there is a lack of the consent of the patients. Due to many side effects in vaccines, there have been instances of deaths of some patients. To your surprise he tells you that even the media houses and celebrities involved are aware of such malpractices who are choosing to turn blind-eye to the whole issue as they are paid handsomely by the ABC Corp. You raised the matter to the head of the Charity. He asked you to be silent on the matter as the Charity is being funded by a prestigious NGO which has a global appeal and also holds stakes in the ABC Corp. Besides losing your job, any negative news can hamper the national campaign also. He also said that if you remain silent then you will be transferred to a prestigious position in the ABC Corp along with a hefty appraisal. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) Evaluate the options available to you in the given scenario. c) In the light of the above case, suggest some measures to carry out the human clinical trials in an ethical manner.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance

You are the District Magistrate of a district renowned as the hub for coaching centres specializing in engineering and medical entrance exams. Recently, the district has witnessed a tragic rise in student suicides, with five students in the age group of 15-18 years taking their own lives. These students, who came from various parts of the country, sought admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and AIIMS but were subjected to immense academic and social pressure. The coaching centres, which are largely managed by influential political figures from the ruling party, are reported to have prioritized rankings and revenue generation over the well-being of students. The institutes are said to categorize students into high-performing and low-performing batches, creating additional stress. Many of these students, living in paying guest accommodations or hostels, face isolation, emotional strain, and mental health challenges. Moreover, investigations have uncovered the emergence of a black market for performance-enhancing drugs among students who, under extreme pressure, resort to unethical means to improve their academic standing. (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action as the District Magistrate? (c) Discussing the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

You have been recently posted as a District Education Officer in a district, which is notorious for mass copying. It again witnessed some disturbing incidents during the recent Board examination. In some of the examination centers located in your district, the parents virtually took over the centers to help their wards to copy during the exams. The parents justified their act by arguing that the concerned teachers did not take classes at all during the year. Upon enquiry, you found that invigilators turned a blind eye in this situation and school administrations were also involved in tampering with the CCTV footage of the incidents. You also found that teacher absenteeism has indeed been rampant. Further, concerns regarding this had been repeatedly raised by parents in the past, but no action was taken. (a) What course of action would you take in the immediate to short term to deal with the issue at hand? (b) Explaining the ramifications of such incidents for the society at large, highlight some long-term reforms that should be taken to prevent such incidents from re-occurring.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Crisis Decision MakingCorruption

XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatterjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education. a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study. b) You are a friend of Joseph, Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Conflict of InterestCorruption

XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and on behalf of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education. a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study. b) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Conflict of InterestCorruption

How does whistleblowing influence trust and accountability in governance? Analyse the ethical dilemmas involved in whistleblowing.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Empathy and CompassionCorruption

An efficient service delivery is the key to winning the public trusts in government. What are the challenges being faced in efficient delivery of public services? Suggest some measures to improve the delivery of public services.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015

Quality of Service DeliveryCorruption

Prohibition → creating more problems than it is solving?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality

Q-1(b) There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this ‘acceptance’ be shifted to ‘rejection’ towards corruption?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

CorruptionFamily, Society and Education

You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing "solvers" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Conflict of InterestCorruption

Rajesh is a dedicated and upright IAS officer who has recently been posted as the Commissioner of a major city's Municipal Corporation after serving diligently in various assignments for over a decade. This is his fifth transfer in four years, mostly due to his refusal to bend rules for influential people. His colleagues admire his integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service. The mayor of the city, a senior leader of the ruling party, holds significant power over the corporation's functioning. Rajesh soon learns about several dubious tenders and large-scale irregularities in awarding contracts for the city's solid waste management project. He notices that payments have been hastily cleared to companies with questionable credentials, despite glaring deficiencies in their work. One day, a senior councillor belonging to a rival political party approaches Rajesh and shares a set of audio recordings and internal emails that purportedly show the mayor asking for kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative garbage collection contracts. Rajesh also recalls the same contractors' payments being pushed through under the mayor's orders, bypassing due process. When Rajesh asks the Councillor why he doesn't bring this evidence to the media or the anti-corruption bureau himself, the Councillor shrugs it off, hinting that his hands are tied politically but Rajesh can "earn a hero's image" by blowing the whistle. He subtly promises that if his party comes to power in the upcoming municipal elections, Rajesh's loyalty will be rewarded with an important posting and career security. Meanwhile, local media has started sniffing around the irregularities, and Rajesh's silence could make him appear complicit. His own staff is divided; some urge him to maintain the status quo for personal safety, while a few junior officers privately want him to act boldly and clean up the system. Adding to his dilemma, Rajesh's elderly parents are dependent on him, and another sudden transfer could make their care difficult. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh in this situation. (b) What are the options available to Rajesh to deal with the situation? Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits. (c) In the context of this case, discuss the ethical challenges of whistleblowing for public servants in India. (d) What institutional reforms can strengthen ethical conduct and protect honest officers?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

As a junior engineer in the Department of Water Supply for the past five years, my responsibilities included ensuring water quality and maintaining supply lines for regular distribution. The zone I was posted in had persistent water shortage issues, particularly exacerbated during the summer when the supply became erratic. Residents had to rely heavily on water tankers, which added to their financial burden and inconvenience. Over the years, I observed that the disruptions in water supply were not merely due to technical issues or natural scarcity. Through careful monitoring and data collection, I uncovered evidence suggesting that a cartel of tanker owners was deliberately creating an artificial shortage. This cartel would tamper with the water supply lines, causing disruptions, and then capitalise on the situation by selling water at inflated prices. The activities of this cartel were not only illegal but also highly unethical, exploiting the residents' basic need for water. With substantial evidence in hand, I decided to take action against the cartel. I met with the district Superintendent of Police (SP) and presented my findings. The SP appeared concerned and promised to initiate action against the culprits. However, two weeks passed without any noticeable action being taken. Frustrated and determined, I scheduled another meeting with the SP to understand the delay. During our meeting, the SP candidly explained the situation. He acknowledged the problem and the validity of my evidence but expressed his inability to act due to the cartel's strong political connections and influence. He feared for the safety of his men and the potential repercussions on his career if he went against such powerful interests. This revelation left me in a difficult position, as I understood the predicament but also felt a deep responsibility to address the issue for the sake of the community. (a) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (b) What will be your chosen course of action? (c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case (d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

Corruption is an unethical practice which leads to corrosion of public administration system.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

CorruptionAccountability and Ethical Governance