Ethics, integrity and aptitude

You are appointed as the principal of a school, which is located in a backward district. A colleague brings to your attention that a group of boys indulge in smoking during school hours within the vicinity of the school. The same group has also repeatedly been caught consuming alcohol in the school premises. No form of punishment seems to be effective while dealing with this particular group. Upon investigation, you find that the boys belong to low-income families and have picked up the habits from elders at home and neighbours. The teachers are concerned about the effect it will have on other students. You also realise that this problem has to be addressed as quickly as possible. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the factors that make young people take up such harmful habits? What is the role of educational institutions in inculcating right habits among the students? (b) How would you address the immediate issue? Analyse the options available to you in this regard. (c) How will you bring about a behavioural change among students in this case?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

How far do you agree that probity is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development? Justify.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

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

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentAccountability and Ethical Governance

A civil servant needs to be objective as well as empathetic. What do we understand by objectivity? Discuss its relation with empathy.

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

Impartiality and ObjectivityEmpathy and Compassion

What are the main causes of workplace harassment? Suggest measures to prevent it in public offices.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Civil Service ValuesWork Culture

What is an Ideal? What, according to you, shall be the highest Ideal of human life? Explain your position with due justification.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

Government employees are often considered by many as being unresponsive, insensitive and corrupt. What, according to you, are the factors that cultivate such a negative attitude towards civil servants? As a young civil servant, what would be your approach to change this attitude?

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

Probity in GovernanceWork Culture

Arushi is a young IPS officer known for her competence, integrity, and relentless dedication to challenging tasks. Recognizing her excellent track record, her superiors have chosen her to handle a sensitive assignment in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal bauxite mining. Here, the mafia mines bauxite from mineral-rich lands, transports it by truck, and sells it on the black market. This illegal operation thrives with the support of certain local officials and tribal musclemen who intimidate the local population and bribe select poor tribals to maintain control and silence. Upon assuming the new role, Arushi quickly grasps the ground realities and identifies the mafia's modus operandi, characterized by a series of devious tactics. Her inquiries reveal that several employees in her office are colluding with the mafia, forming an unholy nexus that enables these illegal operations. Determined to dismantle this network, she initiates strict actions, including raids on trucks transporting illegally mined bauxite. These actions significantly disrupt the mafia's operations, unsettling criminals unaccustomed to such resistance. Some office employees allegedly allied with the mafia inform the criminals of her determination to dismantle their operations, posing a serious threat to their profits. In response, the mafia adopts a counter-offensive strategy. Tribal strongmen and mafia operatives begin issuing direct threats to her, warning of severe consequences if the raids continue. Her family (husband and elderly mother) are stalked and placed under virtual surveillance, causing mental anguish and stress for them all. Matters assume serious propositions when a muscleman appears in her office and threatens that if she does not halt raids, etc., she will suffer the same fate as a predecessor officer who was killed by the mafia a decade earlier. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. b) Identify and evaluate the different options available to Arushi under the given situation. c) Which option should she adopt and why?

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentProbity in Governance

Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss. 10 (b) Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned? 10 (b) What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.

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

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

The District Magistrate should inform about his experience to higher authorities and take the moral responsibility by tendering his resignation as he has not only failed to streamline the public service delivery in the district but also because of him two extremists are free. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

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

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Utilisation of Public FundsEmpathy and Compassion

"Freedom for the wolves, has often meant death to the sheep." - Isaiah Berlin

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Dimensions of EthicsEmpathy and Compassion

"In a country grappling with resource constraints, the vast surplus funds held by religious institutions raise pressing ethical questions about social responsibility." Critically examine the ethical, constitutional, and socio-cultural implications of utilizing surplus funds from religious institutions for public welfare purposes such as education and healthcare?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Utilisation of Public FundsEthics in Private and Public Life

“Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.” In this context, discuss the importance of role models in inculcating values in children.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

As you started the inquiry, you realized Ajay was closely involved with the Minister and his deals. As evidence started piling up, you were shocked to notice Ajay's questionable decisions favoring the Minister and friends. Further, you found evidence of Ajay having assets disproportionately much higher than his declared sources of income. When you shared the details with the Secretary, he immediately ordered you to search Ajay's office and home as he believed Ajay was the medium through which they could catch the Minister for shady land deals. You were in a bind as you knew a search operation would tarnish Ajay's reputation and be traumatic for the family. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Select your chosen course of action after analyzing the options. (d) What must be your moral motivation in the above case? Should it be duty, care, or consequences?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentIntegrity

Explain the meaning and importance of the following civil services values with appropriate examples:

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

Civil Service ValuesIntegrity

Modern technology has the potential to not only reinforce existing social biases but also generate discriminatory outcomes. Explain with the help of suitable examples

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Technology and Ethics

Discuss the issue with social Media Head and present ethical issues

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

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

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

Adhering to high standards of transparency is often in conflict with the duty towards maintaining confidentiality. With examples, elaborate on the problems faced by public servants in effective discharge of duties during such situations. Also, discuss the ethical framework that should guide the decisions in these circumstances.

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

Transparency and InformationEthical Dilemmas in Government

It is estimated that only 3% of Indians pay income tax. How can such attitudes be changed? Also point out what steps can be taken to imbibe the spirit of nation building in the youth today?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

Information is a way to promote conduction of social audit.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Transparency and InformationProbity in Governance

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

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

CorruptionIntegrity