Integrity

Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Codes of Ethics and ConductWork Culture

Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics

While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government

It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Ethics in Private and Public LifeIntegrity

You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Pressure and LoyaltyCrisis Decision Making

You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government

Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 14 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Conflict of InterestImpartiality and Objectivity

You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options: 1. Report your findings to the DM and seek instructions for further actions, stating clearly the criminal offences committed prima facie. 2. Charge all accused under legal provisions and let the law take its own course. 3. Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

You have recently been posted as a District Labour Officer in a state, which derives a substantial revenue from tourism. You come to know that a big hotel in the area has not been paying wages as per the Minimum Wages Act. The hotel owner is a powerful local leader having contacts with many influential officials of the state. You have the power to take sou-moto cognizance of such violations and accordingly you initiate a preliminary enquiry into the matter. However, no worker is willing to come forward to lodge a formal complaint because they fear loss of employment. Meanwhile, your action has attracted notice of the higher authorities, and you are advised to drop the matter altogether. You are deeply concerned about the situation as it involves not only violation of the Minimum Wages Act but also denial of basic human rights of the worker. (a) Identify the issues involved in the given case. (b) Consider the options given below: 1. Follow the informal advise of the higher authorities. 2. Convince the owner of the hotel to take note of these violations and take appropriate remedial measures. 3. Submit a detailed report on the matter highlighting violations of workers’ rights and seek formal directions from the competent authority. 4. Serve a notice to the hotel owner and initiate action as per your powers under the Minimum Wages Act. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and suggest your preferred course of action, giving reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making

What do you understand by "integrity-based civil disobedience"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025

IntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government

Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025

Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government

What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department." Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025

Ethics in Private and Public LifeIndian Thinkers

You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentUtilisation of Public Funds

In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Civil Service ValuesAptitude for Civil Service

A smart city project is underway, and you have been appointed Head of Procurement. Before this assignment, you held a similar role in a major public sector undertaking (PSU), where you earned a reputation for your tender drafting and vendor management skills. Given the smart city project’s scale and significant procurement requirements, you seemed the perfect fit to lead the procurement section. A month ago, your section invited tenders for building supplies. Among the applicants was Mr. Sharma, a supplier you knew from your previous role at the PSU. Mr. Sharma lived in your neighbourhood, and your spouses were friends. Despite this personal connection, you have always maintained strict professional boundaries. Upon scrutinising all the tenders, your section found Mr. Sharma’s terms the most competitive, so the tender was awarded to him. However, once the decision was made public, another vendor, Mr Patel, accused you of colluding with Mr Sharma due to your previous relationship. Mr. Patel filed a formal complaint with the Department Seniors, providing evidence of your prior association with Mr. Sharma. As a result, an enquiry was initiated, and you were placed on compulsory leave pending its outcome. This situation left you questioning where you might have gone wrong despite your efforts to maintain professionalism. 1. Do you think the above case involves a conflict of interest or there are more issues? Explain. 2. Keeping the above case in perspective, discuss the relevance of impartiality and non-partisanship as professional value. 3. In hindsight, how do you think you could have avoided the above unpleasant situation.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Conflict of InterestImpartiality and Objectivity

Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

While discussing the ethical issues that journalists face on a regular basis, examine the causes of increased sensationalism in news media in recent times.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

World ThinkersHuman Values

"A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury". Explain the statement giving one example each from personal and public life.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life

Write short notes on the following in 75 words each: (i) Role of Intellectual Integrity in administrative decision making. (ii) Role of Citizen Charter in good governance.

10 marks · 75 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

IntegrityCitizens Charters

In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021

Technology and EthicsCorporate Governance

Giving examples, examine the relationship between personal and professional ethics of civil servants.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2020

Ethics in Private and Public LifeCivil Service Values

Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020

Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government

"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona." Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Ethics in Private and Public LifeIntegrity

Values that guide public administrators can often compete with each other, owing to their relative importance to the larger public interest. Discuss with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values