GS4 · Topic
Crisis Decision Making
Deciding under time pressure with incomplete information, and the ethics of acting or waiting.
189 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Crisis Decision Making that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work causing hardship and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action. In light of the information given above, answer the following questions: (a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report about the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressurising you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
A severe flood has hit a small town in Eastern India, causing widespread destruction. The town's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication lines, has been severely damaged. Thousands of people are stranded, and there is an urgent need for rescue operations. The situation is critical, with limited resources available for immediate relief. Ravi Kumar - the District Collector, is responsible for coordinating the disaster management efforts. There is a limited supply of food and clean drinking water. Ravi must decide how to allocate these resources. The floodwaters are rising rapidly, and Ravi has only a few rescue boats. He must decide whether to prioritize evacuating people from the most affected areas, even if it means leaving others behind temporarily, or to spread the rescue efforts evenly across the town, risking higher casualties in the worst-hit areas. Ravi is aware that the situation is worsening, and more heavy rains are forecasted. (a) What principles should guide Ravi's evacuation prioritization? (b) Should Ravi Kumar fully disclose the severity of the situation to the public, knowing it could cause panic? (c) How should Ravi Kumar ensure both immediate relief and long-term recovery for the affected population?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingTransparency and Information
You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district would also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers have tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones. You recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled. One day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions: 1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition? 2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty? 3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Environmental EthicsCrisis Decision Making
As the District Commissioner of Wayanad, Kerala, you are responsible for a district renowned for its lush, pristine forests and vibrant tourism sector. This year, however, the region faced unprecedented challenges due to exceptionally heavy rainfall, which far exceeded meteorological predictions. On one night in July, while residents of the Vellarimala hill ranges slept, the stability of the land beneath them began to deteriorate. The situation culminated in a catastrophic landslide, which has been recorded as the most severe landslide disaster in Kerala's history. The twin landslides engulfed the two villages, resulting in the tragic loss of over 360 lives and leaving many missing. The once picturesque hilly landscape was transformed into a scene of utter devastation, with rivers swelling and boulders crashing down. Immediately following the disaster, a contentious blame game ensued between center and state governments regarding adequate warnings. As you arrive at the scene, the sheer scale of destruction is overwhelming, with river waters too strong to allow access to the affected areas and the possibility that survivors might still be trapped within the landslide debris. This disaster highlights a critical issue of our era: the challenge of balancing environmental conservation with economic development. As the district grapples with rising populations, increased consumerism, and the pressures of development, the event underscores the pressing need for responsible stewardship of both natural resources and development practices. In the given circumstance answer the following: a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case. b) Give philosophical perspectives on the environment versus development debate. c) What will be your course of action in the given situation? d) What long-term strategies would you recommend to improve disaster preparedness in the region? [20M]
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsCrisis Decision Making
Options available as SP (Superintendent of Police) are -
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Discuss the role of emotional intelligence for a public servant in crisis management. Give suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Emotional IntelligenceCrisis Decision Making
You are the CEO of a well known film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie for its revival to get back into the entertainment industry. The movie has been made on a big budget and is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and is much awaited. There are predictions that the movie will be a hit. However, just before release there erupted a controversy involving the main character who happens to be from the minority religion and has been targeted by right wing parties for indecent portrayal of gods and goddesses in his previous movies and also for the comment his wife had made on the security of her life. This has prompted a boycott movement on social media for the movie. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to modify any content in the movie and also to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by few rightist people as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. a. What are the options available to you? b. Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. c. What course of action would you take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingLaw and Morality
"In disaster management, technical expertise saves lives, but it is emotional intelligence that deepens trust, enhances credibility and builds community resilience." Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response and rehabilitation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceCrisis Decision Making
You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads and railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
After an unexpected breach in a major dam upstream, the district of Neelgram has been hit by sudden flooding, which not only damaged standing crops but also contaminated most local water sources with silt and debris. Ananya, a young Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) recently transferred to Neelgram, has ordered emergency measures to ration and purify the remaining potable water and clamp down on illegal extraction of groundwater to ensure enough safe water for drinking and health camps. However, when her enforcement teams start sealing unauthorized borewells on farmland to prevent further depletion, a large group of distressed farmers storms her office, accusing her of double standards for ignoring the big bottled water companies and luxury housing societies on the town's outskirts that continue tapping deep aquifers around the clock under old permits allegedly renewed through bribes. The farmers claim they are being pushed to ruin just to keep swimming pools full and bottled water businesses profitable. Meanwhile, local hotels warn that shutting their supply will lead to layoffs of hundreds of daily-wage workers already reeling from the flood damage. Political leaders privately pressurize Ananya to avoid any action that might anger influential industrialists and real estate developers. To complicate matters further, she discovers some lower-rung officials have been pocketing hush money to overlook illegal borewells. With rural families queuing up for clean water tankers and local schools forced to close due to unsafe drinking water, Ananya must now grapple with the ethical dilemma of conserving critical water reserves, enforcing rules impartially, protecting poor farmers' livelihoods, resisting powerful vested interests, ensuring continued employment for daily-wage workers, and upholding public trust in the administration during a fragile recovery phase. (a) Identify and discuss the major ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya. (b) Briefly describe major laws or policies enacted by the Government of India to ensure sustainable water management. (c) Suggest a balanced course of action that Ananya can adopt to ensure equitable water distribution, prevent misuse of groundwater, protect vulnerable livelihoods, and restore public trust.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Government of India decided to come up with a plan to de-radicalise youths, influenced by extremist groups to join their terror outfits. Under this plan, a separate department was established under Home ministry. You are assigned a senior position in a newly created department. The department, thus created, was responsible for monitoring, counselling and rehabilitation of youths who were apprehended on their way to join terror outfit. Afterwards they were returned to their family members and were given an opportunity to start afresh. One such incident comes to your notice where Mr. X who is a doctor by profession and was returned to his family members. He was intercepted and apprehended by security agency in Turkey while on his way to join ISIS in Iraq. However, after his rehabilitation, Mr. X found it difficult to adjust. No one was ready to hire him. He and his family witnessed nearly a social boycott. You are the officer designated to monitor the progress of Mr. X. You received a credible intelligence report that owing to lack of social support and promising future prospects, once again he is in touch with terror outfit. You reported the whole matter to your immediate senior who shrugged it off and replied that Mr. X deserves this treatment owing to his misplaced allegiance and mistake. He ordered you to stay quiet and let Mr. X go about his business and, makes a promise that if he makes moves to join terrorist organisation, he will be arrested and put in jail. a) Would you adhere to your senior's order? Give reason(s) for your choice. b) What are the ethical dilemmas before you? How will you resolve these?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingCivil Service Values
Water crisis is emerging a new threat for survival of human and peace and harmony in society. Many Indian cities are also facing scarcity of water and one such is Jabalpur which is located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and lies 15 kilometres from river Narmada. Narmada, rain, groundwater and two reservoirs are the four major sources of water for Jabalpur. Once known as the city of lakes, the water bodies have today lost their lust and it is experiencing an imminent water crisis. Water shortage leads to long queues and street squabbles with people's patience running out. Concrete buildings and waste material, sports and business complexes are being planned in place of the retreating water bodies, without a passing thought to the consequences on environment such as drying of lakes. Scarcity of water has led to the digging of tubewells in every plot of the newly-constructed colonies which has worse effect on groundwater and consequently has further aggravated the problem with the fall of the watertable. Earlier most of the rain that fell recharged groundwater aquifers because of dense green cover which, acted as a barrier for surface runoff. Now, with substantial removal of forest cover the available reservoirs are getting silted up. Unfortunately, there is no official policy to respond to the crisis. (a) As a Municipal commissioner of the Jabalpur discuss the feasible solution for reviving lakes, reservoirs and solving the problem of scarcity of water at the same time ensuring the normal life of people should come under so much disruption. (b) There can be some possible negative consequences of your solutions. Discuss strategies to overcome them?
20 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Crisis Decision MakingEnvironmental Ethics
A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance. You, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district head-quarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain. In the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage. Your team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol. As the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma. a) What are the options available to you? b) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you. c) What option would you adopt and why? d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingRules versus Compassion
As the Superintendent of Police, following course of action will be taken by me -
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Crisis Decision MakingCivil Service Values
You are the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Northern Railways, responsible for the operation, safety, and crisis management across one of India's most congested and politically sensitive railway divisions. Delhi Railway Station, under your jurisdiction, sees over 5 lakh passengers daily. It's the peak summer season. Due to extreme heatwaves, late trains, and repair delays on eastern routes, the station becomes overcrowded beyond its safe capacity. Hundreds of passengers, including women, infants, and elderly, are stranded on platforms for hours, with minimal facilities, water shortage, and ineffective announcements. Suddenly, a fake viral message circulates, claiming that a footbridge has collapsed. Within moments, panic ensues, people rush toward exits, and in the chaos, a stampede breaks out on Platform 12. The casualty count rises quickly. 17 people are declared dead, including 6 children and 3 elderly women. Dozens are critically injured. The majority of the deceased are migrant workers and lower-income passengers from rural underdeveloped states. The tragedy sparks national outrage. TV channels broadcast horrific visuals of stampede victims, crying relatives, and bloodied platforms. Emotional videos show children searching for their parents in trauma wards. Your office had sent two prior warnings in the past month requesting crowd control support and improvements to public address systems. They were ignored or delayed by higher bureaucratic channels. Now, as the face of local administration, the entire blame is being pinned on you in media briefings. All casualties are from general and unreserved compartments. The air-conditioned lounges and premium-class platforms remained unaffected. Accusations of class bias in infrastructure planning are going viral. Further, Several junior staff are emotionally broken. One 24-year-old RPF constable attempted suicide, blaming himself for not being able to stop the crowd. You're now being asked to send these same employees back on duty for handling crowd control the next day. Moreover, The father of a deceased girl demands to see her final moments via CCTV, sobbing at your feet. A local MP calls you, pressuring you to give preferential treatment to the victims from his constituency — ahead of others. You're being unofficially told by a senior officer in the Railway Board to "tone down" the language in your official report to protect "the image of Indian Railways". You're warned that exposing systemic lapses may lead to your transfer or forced retirement. There's growing anger outside the hospital and the station. Families are protesting, and crowd control is deteriorating. However, you must ensure trains keep running, and no secondary incident occurs — all with stretched manpower and emotionally broken teams. News channels are broadcasting real-time hospital footage of victims and sharing unverified family stories. You're asked whether you want to restrict media access temporarily inside railway premises — a move that may attract criticism of "gagging the press." You have barely slept in 36 hours, and your junior team is collapsing from stress. (a) Identify and explain the key ethical issues and dilemmas in this situation. (b) Write in decreasing order of importance, your immediate actions. (c) You are asked to submit your incident report to the Railway Board. What guiding values and principles should reflect in your written communication? (d) Suggest long-term reforms that could prevent such tragedies in overcrowded railway stations in the future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You recently joined the civil administration as a young District Commissioner. As a part of fulfilling their electoral promise, the new government in the state announced total prohibition on production, sale and purchase of liquor. This has not only led to smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states but also production of illicit liquor in the state, known as hooch. Women of the area decide to go on a protest against the recent hooch tragedy wherein several people lost their lives owing to consumption of illicit liquor. The political authorities scapegoat you for mismanagement. (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
Due to increase in the incidents of stalking, kidnapping and rape in moving vehicle, life of women has become unsafe in one such city. There have been reports of two murders both are related to stalking. In both cases, women were married and had children as well. In both cases, police have been informed and formal complaints were filed but still the menace was not addressed. Interestingly, in one such case when complained was filed by the woman, the constable himself became stalker. These incidents have found wide coverage in the media which has further abetted fearfulness and lack of safety to women. It is also a setback to the city police which has in past special drives for creating awareness on women safety and has taken many measures including community policing. a) Suppose you are the Deputy Police Commissioner in the city then what more specific measures will be taken to tackle the menace of stalking and other issues? b) Discuss the behavioural problems of the police in this case and whether disciplinary action as transfer is sufficient or there in need for upholding police accountability if it is, so how?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Crisis Decision MakingAccountability and Ethical Governance
You are a young and diligent IPS officer who is known for efficiency. You have been working as an additional commissioner of police in a metropolitan city. The city is known for its thriving opportunities that attracts youngsters from all across the nation. In recent years, the city is witnessing a steep rise in cases of cyber crime where people have lost their hard earned money, women have been blackmailed, and youngsters have been bullied. But the conviction rate has almost remained zero. This has made people lose faith in the police department and has brought in widespread criticism. This has also brought disrepute to the city as well as the state. Taking cognizance of the issue, the state government has constituted a special cell to combat cyber crimes and you have been appointed to head the team. a. What will be your priorities and strategy to combat cyber crimes? b. What are the reasons for the thriving of cyber criminals in the country as a whole?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingTechnology and Ethics
In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it difficult to mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are appointed as the Project Director in a large infrastructure company of the country. The company has won the rights to develop a port and its hinterland in a state. The project has economic and strategic significance for the country as it would develop a leading transshipment hub in the region and would lead to higher exports and earnings through its operation, flourishing of new businesses and also create employment opportunities. Also, the successful completion and operationalization of the project is important for the company as some of its previous projects were halted due to protests by the local communities and not only the reputation of the company but also significant investments are at stake. The land acquisition for the project has been completed as per the laid down rules and regulations. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out and the project has received the go ahead from the concerned authorities. Also, rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities are made available to the affected people as per the laid-down norms. However, once the construction started, some farmer groups started agitating on the grounds that they have not been adequately compensated and that the project will not negatively impact their livelihoods. They are demanding that either the project be halted or the compensation provided to them, should be increased substantially by way of money and assured jobs. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the relevant stakeholders in this case and the issues affecting them. (b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of ceding to the demands of the protesting groups, in the given context. (c) What course of action will you follow?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
There is a historical city in one of the districts of UP. Recently, it has been in news due to controversy on a report by a person of the city that there has been exodus of people only belonging to majority community although they are in minority in the city. The controversy is on the claim that the migration is only due to fear of the dominant community in the city and not due to other reasons such as search for better life, employment, safety and security due to gagsters menace and law and order problems. This has also been corroborated by a report on the issue by the NHRC, which has also become controversial. Interestingly, the city has always had communal harmony. It has seen no trace of communal tension even at a time when parts of UP witnessed a lot of violence and communal hatred during 2013. a) Suppose you are the District Magistrate of that district then what should be your immediate priorities and why? b) Discuss the role and significance of various stakeholders you will seek help and why? c) Discuss your courses of actions which will be able to not only provide short term solution but also be long lasting in establishing rule of law and peace and harmony in the city.
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion
You are the administrator of a Union Territory. A very popular "godmen" in your area has been accused of crimes ranging from sexual abuse to murder. The court has passed arrest orders against the Godman. The Godman not only has tens of thousands of followers but also has several bureaucrats and politicians who are sympathetic to him. As an administrator you are compelled to act on the court orders, and make arrests. You are aware that doing so will not be easy, and will lead to large scale violence by his supporters. Additionally you may be politically penalised for doing your job. a) Analyse the reasons for Godman's syndrome in Indian society. b) In such a situation, what will be your course of action and your priorities? c) As a civil servant who are agents of social change, suggest few measures to solve the problem.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion
With stars in your eyes, you have recently cleared your probation and are posted as the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Delhi. The first task allotted to you is to check drunk driving especially at night time. You accordingly form teams comprising of officials of several departments and instruct them to do their best to bring the offenders to book without any sort of fear or favour. In the first week itself you get more than a dozen calls from your subordinates where they were threatened of dire consequences when they tried to apprehend the drunkards especially those driving luxury cars. When you discuss the case with your team, they too advise that those with 'connections' can be pretty harmful, especially for an officer like you who has just completed his probation. They even narrate instances where young officers like you were given so-called 'penalty postings' when they apprehended relatives of politicians. a) What do you tell your subordinates to do in such a situation when they look to you for advice? b) What will be your course of action to tackle the menace and at the same time boost the morale of your force? Explain.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
You are posted as a District Magistrate in a communally sensitive district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to maintain peace and harmony in your district. After sometime, you are informed that on the eve of a religious festival, a communal organization close to the ruling party is planning to organize a religious procession where they distribute large number of swords to the people to celebrate. Also, the procession will move through the communally sensitive area. This may instigate a sense of fear among other community and chances of communal clash may increase. Given this situation, answer the following questions; (a) What are the immediate options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. (b) What will be your response to the situation? (c) What are the steps you would take to improve communal harmony in your district?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way. However, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance. The problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath. The Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors. a) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study. b) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area? c) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
You have recently been appointed as the Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD) of Bharatam Alloy Limited (BAL), a large but severely underperforming Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Once a symbol of India's industrial self-reliance, BAL is now grappling with mounting operational losses, outdated technology, unmotivated workforce, delays in salary payments, poor customer satisfaction, and multiple failed modernization attempts. BAL's biggest plant is in a Tier-II town that heavily depends on the company for employment and local economy. Last week, an accidental furnace blast at BAL's facility injured 18 contract workers, 2 critically. The incident brought the company back into the media spotlight, triggering: public protests led by injured workers' families demanding justice and permanent jobs; employees' unions threatening indefinite strike, blaming mismanagement and unsafe conditions; local politicians accusing you and previous leadership of criminal negligence; and national media labeling BAL a "black hole for taxpayers." A PIL has been filed in High Court, demanding either privatization or shutdown of the PSU to stop further waste of public money. The Ministry asks you to submit a revival plan within 10 days, but hints at disinvestment if no credible plan emerges. Workers want permanent employment for contract laborers, but BAL has no financial capacity to absorb them all. The Chief Safety Officer, in an internal report, reveals that preventive maintenance was ignored due to budget cuts. A private competitor has offered to acquire BAL, promising better technology and full job security for current employees—but with no guarantee for contract workers. Your spouse, a journalist, is being pressured by her editor to cover "how you are the new face of PSU corruption" in an exposé. Your own conscience is shaken after personally meeting the family of one injured worker who asked, "Would your child work in this furnace if it ran like this?" (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas. (b) What options are available before you? Write its merits and demerits (c) As CMD, what immediate and long-term steps will you take to address I. The accident and its aftermath III. Financial viability of the PSU (d) Do you recommend absorbing all contract workers into permanent roles despite financial constraints? What would be your response if this were a private company?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government