Corruption

You have recently been posted as a Nodal Education Officer in one of the districts, where mass cheating in examinations is a regular phenomenon. Media reports have shown parents and relatives scaling school walls and buildings to pass answer chits to students taking secondary school examinations in the district. Moreover, with the advent of new technological devices, cheating in examinations has become more sophisticated and exam rules are flouted openly. On investigation, it has come to your notice that these rackets are run by many school authorities, including exam invigilators who are mostly teachers, and they are hand in glove for profits. With a shortage of staff, invigilators threaten go on mass strikes if any action is taken. Conducting the exams, cancelling them on account of cheating and having re-exams are a loss of time and money for the government and this vicious cycle goes on. As the Nodal Education Officer of the district, address the following questions: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) How will you resolve the issues in the given case? (c) What long-term strategy needs to be adopted to deal with the menace of cheating in various examinations?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024

CorruptionCrisis Decision Making

How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with suitable examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Citizens ChartersTransparency and Information

Bhuvan-ultra is a famous real estate developer engaged mostly in housing projects. It has a very good track record of timely delivery of housing projects and enjoys a high level of trust among buyers. One of the ongoing projects of Bhuvan-ultra is a housing project with six residential towers. The construction has been in full swing for the last four years. Given the good record of the builder, all the flats have already been sold. Four out of six towers are complete and people have started living in these towers. Two other towers are near completion and it is expected that these would be ready in the next few months. Satish lives in a rented house and he daily crosses through this project on his commute to office. Satish always wanted to buy a flat in one of these towers. One day while reading the newspaper Satish came across a news article on the ongoing project of Bhuvan-ultra. Through the news article, he came to know that Bhuvan-ultra had permission to construct only four towers and it has illegally constructed two more towers in the project. The two illegal towers were standing on ground which was supposed to be a wetland. The entire conundrum points toward massive corruption and negligence by state development authorities. The matter went into the court and the court has ordered demolition of the two illegal towers. However, as the two illegal towers lie in close proximity with the other four legally constructed and inhabited towers, demolishing them is not only expensive but also a risky affair. Further, as all the six towers share a common basement, demolition of two towers can have implications for structural integrity of other four towers. Satish sits there thinking about the pain of the people who have invested their life's savings in the project and questioning whether he should ever invest in a residential property. He is also questioning himself whether demolition of a residential apartments in a country where lakhs of people are homeless, is justified or not. On the basis of above case study, answer the following: a) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study. b) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Examine the statement in context of political corruption.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers

CorruptionCivil Service Values

You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutions are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress. The recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party. They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. (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? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

P worked as an Assistant with a state government run Corporation. She was reporting to M, who was working as an Officer. During the course of work, M used vulgar language and tried to develop proximity with P. At that time, P openly expressed to M she did not appreciate his behaviour. This resulted in M giving more work to P and making her wait in his cabin for prolonged periods. Since the hostile work atmosphere became unbearable for P, she verbally complained to her seniors. Nothing happened for months. Since M threatened to spoil confidential record of P and destroy her career by falsely entangling her in corruption charges, P complained in writing. CEO of the Corporation handed complaint to the HOD of the department. The written complaint resulted into appointment of an officer to inquire into the complaint which concluded that P's complaint was false and recommended her transfer. As a result, P was transferred to other office. P approached a union leader and an NGO for help. At that time P was not aware about the existence of the Vishakha guidelines and the Law on sexual harassment enacted in 2013. Due to their help the administration formed a complaints committee although it didn't adhere the members' criteria of Vishakha guidelines. Though P produced witnesses, committee concluded it could not be said conclusively that P was harassed by M. In addition the committee commented negatively on the nature and work performance of P. The Corporation closed the case after giving warning to M and transferred him to rural posting on promotion. a) What will be your reaction after reading the above case study? b) Analyse the ethical issues in handling of P grievances. c) Suppose you are the secretary of the department which has jurisdiction over the corporation and P sends details of her grievances then what are the options available to you? Evaluate them and choose the best option, giving reasons.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCodes of Ethics and Conduct

Satish's course of action to handle allegations of corruption :

Answered by 1 topper

CorruptionProbity in Governance

Mohan was a new intern at ABC Infotech, a company that deals in the assembly and sales of desktops. ABC Infotech is a leading company in its field, and it was a dream come true for Mohan to get an opportunity to intern at the company Mohan is an ethical and upright person who does his duty with the utmost sincerity and dedication. Mohan's hard work at ABC Infotech was well recognized, and his superiors were satisfied with his performance. One day, Avinash, Mohan's team leader, gave him a file and instructed him to deliver it to Mr. Manoj, the General Manager of XYZ Chemicals, a Public Sector Unit (PSU). Avinash told Mohan that the contents of the file were confidential as they contained the company's quotation for a tender of 100 computers required by XYZ Chemicals. Mohan felt encouraged that Avinash had chosen him for this important task. As instructed, Mohan reached the office of XYZ Chemicals on time. While waiting for his turn to meet the General Manager, Mohan noticed the citizen's charter of the XYZ chemicals on the wall. Apart from explicit provisions for transparency and checking corruption, there was a dedicated section for grievance redressal in the citizen's charter. Mohan mentally appreciated the initiative of having a citizen's charter at public offices. On his turn, Mohan greeted Mr. Manoj and presented him with his company's quotations. Mr. Manoj looked visibly satisfied with the quotations; however, he asked Mohan as to what incentives were there for him personally for approving the quotations. Mohan was shocked by this question, and before he could say anything, Mr. Manoj himself hinted that he expects 10% of the quotation value to be delivered to him as a token of gratitude for approving the quotation of ABC Infotech over the quotations of other companies. A man of scruples, Mohan was saddened at the proposition of Mr. Manoj, who was directly demanding a bribe for doing his stipulated duty. He requested that Mr. Manoj consider the quotations on their competitive merit and not embarrass him by demanding a bribe. Mr. Manoj asked Mohan to leave and also told him that his internship may become a problem for him and his company in the future. Mohan felt harassed by the threats from Mr. Manoj. While leaving XYZ Chemicals, Mohan remembered the grievance redressal section in the citizen's charter. He wrote a detailed application of complaint against Mr. Manoj on the letterhead of ABC Infotech and submitted it with the grievance redressal authority of XYZ Chemicals. On returning to his office, he informed Avinash about all that transpired at XYZ Chemicals. Mohan expected his company to initiate an official complaint against Mr. Manoj. However, he was shocked by the response from his company. Avinash. blamed Mohan for spoiling the relations of the company with a long-time client. He also questioned Mohan's authority for writing a complaint on the company's letterhead without consulting his superior. He further belittled Mohan's actions by telling him that his internship would end with immediate effect if he refused to apologize to Mr. Manoj and take back his complaint. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Mohan considers you a wise person and seeks your advice. As a friend of Mohan, what advice will you give him under these circumstances? c) What are the reasons for the acceptance of this kind of corruption? What steps can be taken to tackle the same?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

CorruptionCivil Service Values

You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in-glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentConflict of Interest

Explain the importance of probity in governance. What measures have been undertaken for ensuring probity in governance in India?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

Discuss the merits and demerits of various options available to Suresh. Also, what, according to you, will be the ideal course of action and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Rules versus CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

A state-of-the-art technology product is to be launched by a leading company on a widely advertised date, simultaneously at different locations in the country, for the first time. There is fantastic customer response and heavy bookings for the product. A big event is planned in Pune for the launch to which a large number of dignitaries, customers and media have been invited, thus ensuring extensive press coverage. The manager's career hinges on the success of the event and the launch. Three days before the scheduled launch date, the manager's deputy tells him that the trucks transporting the product have been detained at the octroi post outside Pune, ostensibly for want of some documents, and the octroi inspector is demanding a bribe for clearance of the consignment. "Should we pay the bribe?" the deputy manager asks the manager. What should the manager do? Discuss the course of action he can take. Keep in mind, that this is not an isolated incident. These kinds of things happen a lot in the country where a bribe is demanded for "quick solutions". Discuss an approach which can be followed in such situations.

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

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are a district magistrate. A tragic incident took place at tertiary health care centre in your district were nearly 30 infants, suffering from acute encephalitis, died due to oxygen deprivation. Dr X, the head of the encephalitis ward and a paediatrician, managed to save many lives. He rushed to the clinics of his doctor friends and brought around 12 oxygen cylinders in his car. He even spent some money from his own pocket. The parents in the hospital had said that had it not been for X's work, the number of deaths would be more than 30. National media hailed Dr. X as hero for being forefront of rescue effort, bringing oxygen cylinders for the new-born babies who were fighting for their life on the chaotic day when the mass deaths took place at the hospital. However, preliminary enquiry by you revealed that he was involved in selling subsidised oxygen cylinders from the hospital in the open market. This was one of the reasons for the shortage of oxygen. The enquiry also shows that previously he was charged with medical negligence and also accused of private practice. Dr. X, however is being hailed as national hero by the media. a) As a DM what would be your immediate course of action on Dr. X? b) As head of enquiry team how you would balance between appreciating his compassionate and pro-active actions during emergency situation and punishing for being the agent causing such situation. c) As a DM what long term measures you will take to avoid such incidents in future?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Crisis Decision MakingCorruption

What are the problems arising out of declining ethical standards among public servants? Suggest certain strategies to address the same.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

The recent NEET case, where an organised group facilitated paper leaks and cheating, has brought to the fore the persistent issue of malpractice in public examinations. As an official involved in conducting the examination, you discover that a software company, responsible for the digital infrastructure, is in collusion with a crime syndicate. The syndicate is pressuring you to ignore irregularities, threatening you and your family, while simultaneously promising financial rewards that could help you secure your daughter's medical admission. Discuss the ethical issues involved, your response to this situation, and the pros and cons of online examinations in this context.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

Administrative discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentAccountability and Ethical Governance

Our Constitution calls for fair distribution of wealth among citizens (article 39(b) & 39(c)). Moral consequences for misusing benefits to weaker section of society

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Utilisation of Public FundsEmpathy and Compassion

Over the next few days: • The whistleblower is transferred from audit duty and his probation report is flagged for “lack of team orientation.” • Senior colleagues privately advise you not to “create internal noise” or “pit juniors against seniors.” • A senior secretary tells you, “In service, discretion is as important as principle.” You are not required by law to escalate unless you detect criminal conspiracy but you know the evidence points to more than clerical lapses. You’re aware that your silence will signal complicity. Escalating the matter may create friction with senior officers, damage reputations, and isolate both you and the whistleblower but inaction risks eroding the ethical backbone of the institution. 1. What are the key ethical issues in this case? 2. What are your options as the Additional Commissioner? 3. What would be your chosen course of action, and why? 4. How can civil servants uphold integrity when informal hierarchies and peer pressure discourage ethical action?

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

CorruptionIntegrity

Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.

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

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

Effective utilisation of funds is the inevitable requirement for success in the governance process. Utilisation of funds is linked to different stages like sanctioning a specific amount, procurement and implementation. A weak and inefficient procurement process leads to poor utilisation of funds. In India, the procurement practices often differ from what is prescribed because of the hurdles such as inefficient monitoring process, limited accountability and governance, limited awareness and organisational culture. a. What are the challenges that are associated with public procurement policy? b. If you are posted as secretary in the finance department, what measures would you take to reform the public procurement system?

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

Utilisation of Public FundsCorruption

Upon his recent appointment as DM of a district, Naveen finds that the local MP is involved in misappropriation of MPLADS funds. The local staff and the previous DCs have turned a blind eye to this practice for their own benefit. There is a strong nexus between the MP and the local administration. The villagers are deprived of the basic amenities for which the funds were meant. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Examine the options available to Naveen and suggest the best course of action. (c) What long-term measures would you suggest to improve the situation?

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

Utilisation of Public FundsCorruption

While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

CorruptionTransparency and Information

In 2017, a leading actress from the Malayalam film industry was abducted and sexually assaulted. This incident and the subsequent investigations have shed light on the systemic issues, gender-based discrimination, and exploitation prevalent in the industry. As the head of a special investigative committee tasked with addressing these issues, how would you approach this situation, considering the ethical dilemmas involved and the need for structural reform?

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values

How does an ethical vision and an ethical quotient help in combating corruption in public services?

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

CorruptionProbity in Governance

You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty

You are a Municipal Commissioner of a tier-2 city experiencing rapid urban expansion. Several high-rise residential and commercial buildings are under construction in the city to meet the growing demand for housing. One such luxury residential complex is being built, employing hundreds of daily-wage labourers, many of whom live in temporary settlements at the construction site. Late one night during the monsoon season, a large section of scaffolding and concrete slabs collapses from the up-per floors of one of the under-construction buildings. Seven labourers, including two minors, die on the spot. Several others are critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The tragic incident results in public outrage, intense media scrutiny, and protests by a local NGO. The state government orders a formal inquiry and directs you to submit a report within a week. Your preliminary investigation reveals a series of irregularities. The construction material used is substandard and not in accordance with the National Building Code. Although the approved plan permits construction of fifteen floors, the builder has illegally added two extra floors. Moreover, the structure has encroached on land demarcated for a community park and a fire service lane under the city's Zonal Development Plan. These violations are not reported during site inspections conducted by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. The building clearance was granted during the tenure of your predecessor, who is not only your batchmate but also a close friend. Both of you were roommates during your training at LBSNAA. Prima facie, the case appears to involve a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builder. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the inquiry. Some of them suggest that holding the builder accountable could damage the city's image among investors and slow down urban development. Meanwhile, you know that the builder is the younger brother of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. One evening, his personal aide visits you privately. He suggests that the matter could be "mutually settled" and offers you a premium apartment worth ₹2 crore in the same residential complex. In the same breath, he hints that if the matter is not resolved swiftly in the builder's favour, someone in his office is prepared to file a complaint against you under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? c) Explain your selected course of action.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

Kamal is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He has been recently transferred as the Municipal commissioner of the Kartavya Nagar Municipality. Kamal is an honest and no-nonsense officer. He has been known for having a tough stance against corruption, lethargy, and indiscipline at the workplace. In his new responsibility as the Municipal commissioner, Kamal finds that the day-to-day functioning of the municipal office is in a very sorry state. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness have brought matters to such a pass that even the basic responsibilities like cleanliness of the city, upkeep of public places, redressal of grievances etc., are not fulfilled. Upon enquiring, Kamal finds that the reason for rampant indiscipline and corruption in the municipal office is primarily a group of errant employees. While they do not work themselves, they also create nuisance in the office, thereby disrupting the work of other sincere employees. Moreover, it also comes to Kamal's knowledge that these employees indulge in corrupt practices by demanding bribes from people for petty tasks. Further, Kamal has noticed that the undisciplined employees come to office late, leave early and also remain absent from work without permission. Kamal gets to know that the ringleader of these employees is a close relative of a local MLA. In order to improve the working condition of the municipal office, Kamal warns the mischievous employees to mend their troublesome ways or to face strict disciplinary actions. However, Kamal's warning has little effect on the thick-skinned employees, who continue to work in their wayward ways. Finally, Kamal issues a show cause notice to all the troublesome employees for their various acts of indiscipline. As a retaliatory measure, a woman employee amongst these troublesome workers files a complaint of sexual harassment against Kamal with the Women's commission. The commission has asked for Kamal's explanation in this matter. Also, this fabricated matter is publicised in the media to embarrass Kamal further. Moreover, the MLA begins pressuring Kamal to go soft on these employees. Some of the options before Kamal to handle this situation could be as follows: i) Give his explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action. ii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action. iii) Brief his higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly a) Evaluate all the above courses of action and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. b) What according to you are the reasons behind poor work culture in public offices? Also, recommend measures to improve the same.

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

Crisis Decision MakingWork Culture

Akhilesh is a young 22-year-old man living in Utsav Nagar, who is preparing for the prestigious Civil Service Examinations, conducted by UPSC. Akhilesh is the younger of the two siblings in the home. The elder sister of Akhilesh, Sarita, is an economic graduate and works as a teacher. Akhilesh and Sarita are from a family of modest means. Their father is a retired government employee and mother is a house wife. Sarita and Akhilesh contribute to the household income by giving tuitions to the children. Recently, Sarita's marriage has been finalized by her parents. Everyone in the family is happy about the prospects of Sarita's marriage. However, the groom's family has expressed their wish for a car and furniture as gifts for the groom. Sarita's father agreed to their demands happily as he did not want to break the prospective alliance. It was also the dream of Sarita's father to wed her daughter in a grand manner. During a dinner conversation at home, he tells his family members that he has decided to sell off their ancestral land in order to arrange for the wedding. Akhilesh and Sarita are well aware that the family has limited means, and a lavish wedding, in addition to the gifts, may further aggravate the already strained financial condition of the family. Akhilesh, in the course of his preparation, has studied about the menace of dowry in the society. He knows that making a demand for dowry, in any form, is illegal and a punishable offence. After consulting his sister, Akhilesh decides to talk to his father. However, when Akhilesh presents his concerns to his father, he gets surprised by his reply. Akhilesh's father tells him that dowry is a social norm and as a member of the society they are duty bound to accept the demands of the groom's family. He also tells Akhilesh that marriage ceremony is a matter of social prestige for the whole family. A lavish wedding will not only appease the groom's family but also increase the social status of their own family. Further, his father tells him that it is out of his own love and volition that he has agreed to the gifts. He also explained to Akhilesh that the car, furniture etc.. will be used by Sarita at her in-law's place. Akhilesh could not argue with his father, even though he was not in agreement with his father's view. He and Sarita are well aware that the family has limited means, and a lavish wedding, without due concern for family's finances, is illogical. a) What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case study? b) You are a close friend of Akhilesh. What advice will you give, in this situation, to Akhilesh in order to convince his father to abstain from giving dowry and organising a lavish wedding?

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

Ethics in Private and Public LifeFamily, Society and Education

Discuss the menace of corruption in public life. Also critically examine the measures taken for ensuring probity in governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

CorruptionProbity in Governance

You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidentally your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.

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

Conflict of InterestCorruption