Ishan BhatnagarAIR 5 · CSE 2025 · 174 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
"Conflict of interest" refers to a bias introduced because a person's personal interests get into conflict with their public role as administrator or adjudicater.
Body · points
manifestations
Subject matter bias | eg a homophobic person deciding on entitlements of LGBTQIA+.
Pecuniary bias | where public servants stand to gain from decision. eg road route such that it is near property of officer.
Personal bias | eg a appointment committee headed by senior officer considering employment of his son.
Processual Bias - veto is vested with chairperson, or where other officals do not get effective say.
Addressing bias
Immediately record conflict of interest.
Recuse from decisions involving bias, where possible.
Disclose in advance → reconstitution of search committee etc.
Sensitization to reduce subject matter bias - eg gender sensitization.
Fair processes with equal voice to all.
Close · a quotation
Lord Acton said that "justice must not just be done, but seen to be done". Hence every bias - real or perceived must be duly addressed in administrative decision making.