GS4 · Topic
Ethical Dilemmas in Government
Ethical concerns and dilemmas arising in government and private institutions, and how a conflict between two duties is resolved.
725 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Ethical Dilemmas in Government that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2013–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
Rohan was a new intern at ABC computers, a company that deals in assembling and sales of desktops. ABC computers is a leading company in its field, and it was a dream come true for Rohan to get an opportunity to intern at the company. Rohan is an ethical and upright person who does his duty with utmost sincerity and dedication. Rohan's hard work at ABC computers was well recognized and his superiors were satisfied with his performance. One day, Avinash, Rohan'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 Rohan that the contents of the file were confidential as it contained the company's quotation for a tender of 100 computers required by XYZ chemicals. Rohan felt encouraged that Avinash had chosen him for this important task. As instructed, Rohan reached the office of XYZ chemicals on time. While waiting for his turn to meet the General Manager, Rohan 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. Rohan mentally appreciated the initiative of having a citizen's charter at public offices. On his turn, Rohan greeted Mr. Manoj and presented him with his company's quotations. Mr. Manoj looked visibly satisfied with the quotations, however, he asked Rohan as to what incentives there were for him personally, for approving the quotations. Rohan 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 computers over the quotations of other companies. A man of scruples, Rohan was offended at the proposition of Mr. Manoj, who was directly demanding a bribe for doing his stipulated duty. He requested Mr. Manoj to consider the quotations on their competitive merit, and to not embarrass him by demanding a bribe. Mr. Manoj asked Rohan to leave and also told him that his attitude may become a problem for him and his company in the future. Rohan felt harassed by the threats of Mr. Manoj. While leaving XYZ chemicals, Rohan remembered the grievance redressal section in the citizen's charter. He wrote a detailed application of complaint against Mr. Manoj on the letter head of ABC computers, and submitted it with the grievance redressal authority of XYZ chemicals. On returning to his office, he appraised Avinash about all that transpired at XYZ chemicals. Rohan expected his company to initiate an official complaint against Mr. Manoj. However, he was shocked with the response of his company. Avinash blamed Rohan for spoiling the relations of the company with a long-time client. He also questioned Rohan's authority for writing a complaint on the company's letterhead without consulting his superior. He further belittled Rohan's actions by telling him that Mr. Manoj has always ensured that ABC computers got preferential treatment over its competitors. Furthermore, Avinash asked Rohan to apologise to Mr. Manoj, and take back his complaint. He also hinted that if he refused to comply, his internship in the company will be ended with immediate effect. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Rohan considers you a wise person and seeks your advice. As a friend of Rohan, 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?
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
Aarav was a young man in his early twenties, working as a promising IAS officer recently posted in a prominent district. His family, well-respected and influential in their community, arranged his marriage to Priya, a bright and educated young woman from a nearby town. The marriage was celebrated lavishly, with local leaders, senior bureaucrats, and influential people attending the grand ceremony. To the outside world, Aarav and Priya seemed like an ideal couple. However, behind closed doors, Aarav's parents soon began demanding additional dowry shortly after the wedding. Despite their respectable social standing and Aarav's prestigious position in government service, they were never satisfied with what Priya's family had given at the time of marriage. They repeatedly reminded Priya of the 'promised gifts' that they claimed were incomplete: a new car, more gold jewelry, and financial help to buy an upscale apartment in the city. Aarav, caught between his duty as a husband and his deep-seated conditioning to obey and please his parents, often tried to mediate but rarely stood up firmly for Priya. He rationalized that as an officer entrusted with maintaining law and order in society, he should avoid any scandal that could tarnish his family's reputation and his own career prospects. He was raised to believe that family honor and parental wishes were paramount. Meanwhile, Priya bore the brunt of daily taunts, subtle threats, and constant emotional harassment. Her mother-in-law would belittle her for "bringing shame" to their family by not fulfilling her family's so-called promises. Whenever Priya's parents visited, they were met with humiliation and veiled threats about sending Priya back if they did not arrange more money. Fearing for their daughter's marriage and social standing, Priya's father sold part of his ancestral land to provide additional cash and jewelry. But the demands never stopped. Aarav, though fully aware of the injustice and the fact that dowry harassment was illegal under Indian law chose silence over confrontation, convincing himself that confronting his parents would shatter family harmony and invite public shame. As the pressure mounted, Priya's mental health deteriorated. She grew withdrawn and anxious, confiding in her parents about the relentless harassment but begging them not to take any legal action. She feared social stigma, public scandal, and the impact it might have on Aarav's reputation and career. Aarav, meanwhile, continued to live with the moral conflict between his role as an upholder of the law and his inability to protect his own wife from a crime happening within his own household. (a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Aarav in this scenario. (b) Suggest institutional and social mechanisms that can prevent dowry harassment cases like this and support victims who fear social stigma if they take legal action. (c) Examine how social conditioning and family honor often influence ethical decision-making in Indian families.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentFamily, Society and Education
Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband Arjun is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave. At 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning. Srushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported. Later that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty. Srushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation. c) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Ethics in Private and Public LifeCivil Service Values
According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so. (a) What is your opinion on the matter? (b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken. 11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
Read the following case studies and answer accordingly with proper justifications. Answer should not exceed 200 words each 3x15=45 (a) A junior member of staff has just returned to work after taking special leave to care for her elderly mother. For financial reasons she needs to work full-time. She has been having difficulties arranging proper care for her mother, which has led her to miss important team meetings (usually taking place at the beginning of each day) and to leave the office early. She is very competent in her work but her absence is putting pressure on her as well as her overworked colleagues. You being her manager are aware that the flow of work is coming under pressure due to this. One of her male colleagues is beginning to make comments such as "a woman's place is in the home", and is undermining her at every opportunity, putting her under even greater stress. How will you deal with the situation?
15 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013
Work CultureEthical Dilemmas in Government
Recent land subsidence incidents in Joshimath, Uttarakhand have led to renewed debates about sustainability of various projects in ecologically and geologically fragile areas like Himalayas. This case study is similar to the case of Joshimath. (a) Various conflicting interests in the case are (b) As DM of Prabhinnath, how will you convince people to evacuate the disaster hit area? (c) What measures should be taken to avoid such situations in future? Q. 6) Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) impose the duty on state to prohibit & prevent consumption of intoxicating substances. Recently, many people died in Bihar due to consumption of Hooch (country made liquor). This poses a question of protecting lives before state in line with DPSPs. (a) What measures should Anjali (Joint Secretary) recommend? (b) Discuss the pros and cons of the decisions made in this regard.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
While the company has offered compensation, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities, past experiences indicate that resettlement programs often fail in execution, leading to impoverishment and socio-economic marginalization of displaced communities. The situation is further complicated by strong protests from environmental activists, civil society organizations, and tribal leaders advocating for the protection of indigenous rights and ecological sustainability. Meanwhile, political leaders and business groups are pressuring Mr. Verma to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics
As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values
In a critical meeting, the state Chief Secretary, Mr. Vikram Patel, emphasized the urgency of advancing the project and held Ms. Rao accountable for the delays, lack of progress, and overall non-performance. Ms. Rao left the meeting disappointed and felt holding her accountable for delay was unfair as there were others also involved in the project. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to Ms. Rao? (c) What course of action would you suggest for Ms. Rao? Why? (d) Do you think holding Ms. Rao accountable for the delays was justified? Why/Why not?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentAccountability and Ethical Governance
You were wondering about the course of action, as the deductions were legal, and the agents were technically following instructions. But, in the process, they were exploiting the poor villagers. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you as an SP? (c) Explain your chosen course of an action (d) If you have to recommend a better way of promoting the bima yojna, what would that be?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
You have joined a government district hospital as a junior doctor. After working for few months, you find that substantial misappropriation of public funds is taking place. The fund was meant for procurement of medical devices and essential medicines which are being diverted to private clinics of doctors working in the hospital and to the private pharmacies. You report this to your immediate senior and you find that he too is involved in this, along with the chief medical officer. He asks you to keep quiet and come along or face adverse consequences. Every day you find people spending out of their pockets for medicines to which they are entitled free of cost. What options do you have to ensure probity in the utilization of funds in this case? Which one will you choose and why?
20 marks · 300 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
CorruptionUtilisation of Public Funds
You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells you that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned. a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view. c. How would you react to the situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Utilisation of Public FundsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same. (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
You completed your MBA three years ago and secured a job in a leading shoe company, excelling in the Inspection Section responsible for clearing the final product. The company decides to expand its market to Europe and Gulf countries, but a large consignment to Europe is rejected due to poor quality. The top management orders clearance for the domestic market despite glaring defects. The rest of the team complies, but you voice concerns about tarnishing the company's image. 1.Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team? 2.Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. 3.What option would you adopt and why? 4.What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you? 5.What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the Inspecting Team?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department of the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf ears, and what is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentAttitude
You are working as Director (Human Resource) in a software company. Various factors such as economic slowdown in some of the major trade partners of India and disruptive technological changes like generative Artificial Intelligence require rapid adaptive measures from businesses to survive. The marketing department has reported that there is lack of demand for the services provided by your company in the market and business-as-usual scenario could spell doom for the company. Your company has decided to take a slew of measures to tread through a tough phase of the business which include technological rejuvenation of the company and streamlining the workforce. A significant number of employees in your organization are above fifty years of age and are finding it difficult to adapt to the new working conditions and the rapid upskilling required by the company. After proper training, the employees were subjected to a test, and a list was prepared of those who are above fifty years of age and who did not do well in the test. You have been told by the board of directors that they have plans to lay off approximately 25% of the employees. This is essential for the efficiency and survival of the company. You have been given a list of employees who are to be laid off and you have been told to communicate to them the decision of the company to terminate them. In the above list, there is an employee who has been working in the company for twenty years. He is known for his discipline, integrity, and loyalty to the company. His financial situation is not good at present as he applied for personal loan a few months ago in order to meet the expenses of his ailing father who was hospitalized. He is sole breadwinner of the family and has two dependent daughters. Marriage of one of the daughters is scheduled for next month. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) As the head of the HR department, what ethical dilemma do you face? c) Do you think that the company's decision is appropriate? According to you what should have been the ideal course of action in the given scenario?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
As an officer in the Right to Information (RTI) division of the Defence Ministry, your primary responsibility is to respond to RTI queries by furnishing relevant details. Most of these RTI applications pertain to tender information and procurement contracts. However, occasionally, applications concerning sensitive matters arise, requiring you to seek legal advice and obtain approval from your senior before responding. Recently, an RTI application was received that involved sensitive departmental initiatives. Following protocol, you sought legal advice, and the legal officer cleared the response. However, your senior did not approve the reply and instructed you to be opaque in your response. Respecting the chain of command, you adhered to the senior's directive and provided a vague and non-informative reply. Undeterred by the initial response, the applicant resubmitted the application, demonstrating persistence. Once again, you followed the senior's instructions and kept the response deliberately vague. This cycle continued, with the applicant becoming increasingly relentless. One day, the entire email trail related to this RTI case got leaked and found its way to the media. It was revealed that the persistent applicant was an RTI activist, dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within government departments. The media coverage brought significant public attention and scrutiny to the Defence Ministry's handling of RTI requests, particularly those concerning sensitive information. In the aftermath of the media exposure, your senior officer instructed you to take responsibility for the opaque responses. You were left questioning your actions and decisions, pondering where you might have gone wrong. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in the above case? (c) Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public’s right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentTransparency and Information
Present real data and plan of action to control it
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
As the Superintendent of Police in your state, you are renowned for your impartiality and dedication to upholding the rule of law. Recently, Raju, a compassionate young man from the local tribal community, attended a fair in the local bazaar. During the event, he witnessed a group of non-tribal students assaulting a mentally ill woman, accusing her of theft. Raju intervened to defend the woman, which led to a heated confrontation with the group. The situation was temporarily defused by local shopkeepers. Later that night, as Raju was returning home, the same group of intoxicated individuals attacked him, causing severe injuries. The following day, Raju was found critically injured in an agricultural field, having been electrocuted. Upon learning of the incident, the tribal community retaliated by attacking properties belonging to the non-tribal group. That night, the violent mob set fire to 37 shops and six houses owned by non-tribals, escalating communal tensions. Non-tribal families, including school, college, and hospital staff, fled to nearby jungles seeking safety due to the perceived lack of immediate police intervention. You have been informed of the situation by your subordinates, and government officials have tasked you with restoring order and enforcing the rule of law in the region. In the given situation answer the following: a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. b) As the Superintendent of Police, what steps will you take to restore the rule of law and address the escalating violence in the region? c) What strategies would you recommend to promote social cohesion and address the communal divisions in the affected area? [20M]
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
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) Discuss the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue.
10 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty
Share the reports with chairperson (c) If EIA comes out against chairperson, leak the report anonymously
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption
Bring out the differences between the ethical issues faced by government and private institutions and the reasons therein.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics
You are an employee of an MNC. Your finances are in precarious condition with your mother admitted in a hospital and two school going children. One day, you read media reports that your friend Ramesh, cleared the Civil services and was allotted IAS service. You remembered that many years back when you were at work, Ramesh called in distress to meet you. Upon meeting he told you that his attempts at UPSC Civil services preparation were over and he was tense because of that. Being amazed by the news, you tried to figure out how Ramesh was able to clear the exam despite exhausting his attempts. For this, you investigated at your own level. After some research you came to know that he forged his identity papers, address proofs and other documents to take OBC reservation and made a false PwBD certificate from a doctor known to him. You, being close to Ramesh, also know that he is neither an OBC nor a disabled person. You called Ramesh and asked him to be truthful and declare his wrongdoings. On this Ramesh offered you a well furnished flat in one of the reputed colonies of Pune along with the hospital bills of your mother being covered, if you do not disclose the case to any one. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) Evaluate the options available to you in the above situation. c) Which of the above will be most appropriate for you to take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are posted as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in a district straddling Haryana and Rajasthan, which has been repeatedly flagged in recent years as a hotspot for cybercrime and online financial fraud. Several nationwide scams involving OTP frauds, fake KYC calls, and online loan apps have been traced to villages in this region. While investigative agencies across states have linked multiple frauds to clusters of young men from the region, the narrative in media and even among law enforcement is becoming increasingly communalized and stigmatizing. Terms like “Cyber Jihad”, “Scam Villages”, and “Digital Jamtara” are being used casually. On the ground, the situation is complex. The region has suffered from long standing neglect: poor schooling, lack of internet literacy, unemployment, low policing infrastructure, and weak digital awareness. Many innocent villagers, particularly from marginalized communities, are being indiscriminately raided or detained based on flimsy digital footprints or IP mismatches. Local youth feel demonized, even when seeking honest employment, and there's growing mistrust between communities and police. On the other hand, rising cybercrime incidents undermine public trust in digital services, hurt national financial security, and burden law enforcement across India. You are under pressure from state and central agencies to deliver swift arrests and “crackdown hard.” Yet, you are also mindful that indiscriminate action may further alienate local communities and deepen socio-religious fault lines. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What will be your action as Deputy Commissioner (DC)? (c) What will be your action as District Magistrate (DM)?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEmpathy and Compassion
Do you think that the Indian Constitution is more unitary than federal? Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentAccountability and Ethical Governance
You are Rajesh Kumar, a newly appointed District Collector in a mining-rich district. The local community, particularly the tribals, is protesting against a new mining project, citing environmental concerns and the threat to their traditional way of life. The mining company, however, claims that the project will boost the local economy and provide employment. As the Collector, how would you approach this situation and address the ethical dilemmas involved?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are a civil services aspirant and often engage in rousing discussions with your friends on issues in news. One of your close friends, who is also a fellow aspirant, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:- 1. In the present times, when unethical environments are quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one's career. It may cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one's life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can? 2. When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated. 3. If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all in the present age of high competition we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development 4. It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody's motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Civil Service ValuesCorruption