Ethics, integrity and aptitude

"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits." Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? Do you think values such as “tyaga,” (renunciation) “seva,” (service) “daanam,” (Charity) “damah,” (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not?

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

Corporate GovernanceCivil Service Values

Do you think companies should also accept responsibility for the social problems of the region where they operate? Why/why not?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Corporate Governance

Explain the statement "Wisdom is the acceptance of truth".

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers

In tandem with the individual merits of employees, the work culture of an organization also plays an important role in harnessing positive outcomes. Discuss the statement in light of the work culture in government organizations.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Work CultureCivil Service Values

Answer the following in about 150 words each 2 x 10 = 20 (a) Probity in public life is the key to stability and growth of India. Examine.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

Sometimes shaming of bad practices is also required. Eg: publishing data of millionaires using government subsidies

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Probity in GovernanceTransparency and Information

You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Arijit, a recent graduate from a top marketing institute, has joined a prominent multinational corporation (MNC) in the "personal care and wellness" sector. The MNC is globally known for its commitment to eco-friendly, natural, and sustainable products, which was a major reason for Arijit being drawn to the job. He sees this as a chance to work on campaigns that promote health-conscious and environmentally sustainable choices worldwide. Arijit enjoys the organization's work culture and the nature of his new job. Within just a month, his creativity and fresh approach have earned him praise from his manager. Soon, he is assigned a high-stakes project to design an international campaign for the MNC's new skincare product—a role typically reserved for more experienced team members. Excited, Arijit begins researching for the campaign but soon discovers an uncomfortable truth. Despite its "100% natural" branding, the product contains a significant percentage of synthetic ingredients, some of which are known to harm the environment and may also pose risks to human health. Arijit feels this contradicts the brand's supposed commitment to environmental and health standards. When Arijit raises these concerns, his manager rebukes him and sternly instructs him to follow the company's approved messaging. The manager emphasizes that the product meets all regulatory standards and that similar claims were widely used by other competitors in the market. Arijit is told to focus on his marketing responsibilities and avoid scrutinizing the product's formulation. However, he still feels this is a manipulative practice that could mislead environmentally and health-conscious consumers into believing they are choosing a completely natural product. Arijit worries that pressing the issue further could harm his career prospects, especially since he is still on probation. As the sole breadwinner with a large education loan to repay, he can't afford to lose his job. He tries to reason that this might simply be "how business is done" and considers dropping the matter. However, his conscience continues to urge him to take action. a. Analyze the conduct of the MNC from an ethical point of view. b. What are the options available to Arijit under the given situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the best course of action.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." — Muhammad Ali

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

Human ValuesEmpathy and Compassion

Persuasion involves deliberate efforts to shape attitudes through reasoned argument, whereas social influence often operates subtly through conformity, peer pressure, or cultural norms. Both play a critical role in decision-making and public behavior. How can civil servants ethically employ both to bring about positive behavioural change in society?

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

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

How should a public servant reconcile legal mandates with humanitarian obligations in contexts of informal urban settlements?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentRules versus Compassion

Under the Mid- Day Meal (MDM) scheme, children are served cooked food in their school. It has been revolutionary in not only improving the nutritional status of children but also increasing the retention ratio in schools. However, the quality of food has been a cause of concern. In one of the unfortunate incidents, two students lost their lives and over thirty children fell ill after eating the MDM in their school. The district administration was quick in its action and fired the cook (bhojan-mata) of the concerned school. The bhojan-mata, who belongs to a backward caste, is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband passed away. In an TV interview related to the incident, Bhojan-mata claimed that she is being made a scapegoat and being targeted only because she belongs to a backward caste. This created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties picked up the issue of social discrimination and started state-wide protest demanding justice for the bhojan-mata. The protest found resonance with masses and the ruling party was severely criticized. To win back the confidence of the public, the government has constituted a commission to investigate the matter in an impartial manner. You are a joint secretary level officer and have been appointed as a member of the commission. During the investigation, you found that bhojan-mata was indeed not at fault. It was the contractor who was supplying poor quality raw materials to the school that caused the food poisoning in children. You also found that the food contractor was the brother of a powerful cabinet minister. You suspect that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the contractor and they connived to implicate bhojan-mata and exonerate the contractor. You brought these findings before the head of the commission. To your surprise, the head of the commission informs you that he was already aware of these facts. He informs you that the minister has asked him to make a report that vindicates the bhojan-mata and reinstates her in order to subdue the opposition led agitations. He asks you to find someone else who can be blamed to ensure that the government is able to save its face as declaring the brother of a sitting cabinet minister responsible would push the government further in trouble. He also tells you that helping the ruling dispensation would ultimately help you, subtly giving hints of a 'plum posting' and also warns you that going against the wish of the minister can attract the wrath of the minister that can be disastrous for your career. 1) What are the various ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation? 2) What are the different courses of action that you take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants.

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

Indian ThinkersEthical Dilemmas in Government

Jajantara, one of the districts in Eastern India has emerged as a hotspot of voice phishing activity. Voice phishing, also known as 'vishing', is the use of fraudulent phone calls to trick people into giving money or revealing personal information. Vishing fraudsters often use modern VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features such as caller ID spoofing and automated systems (IVR) to impede detection by law enforcement agencies. Vishing is typically used to steal credit card numbers, banking details or other information for identity theft and related crimes. The promise of earning huge amount of money in shorter span of time is used to lure unemployed and educated youth into this scam. The entire vishing racket is being run like an organised crime. The networks that run these scams have also started feeding other crimes like arms smuggling, money laundering, and gang wars. The system is on the verge of collapse and the common people are losing faith in the capability of administration to improve law and order in the district. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as some senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the phishing mafia. The poor reputation of the district has started to reflect in international headlines. The youth from the area are stigmatised and face hurdles in gaining employment due to the negative perceptions about the district. You are a police officer who is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the same.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

CorruptionCrisis Decision Making

Reasons behind apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal affecting the larger interests of the society?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

Mr. A is a senior public servant who has worked in two State public service departments over a twenty-year period. In the course of performing his duties, involving primarily monetary and budgeting issues, Mr.A becomes aware that public revenue is being used inappropriately. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns about the channelling of funds from one part of the budget to another to Mr.B, the Head of Division. Mr.A learns that not only is Mr.B aware of this practice, but also that he condones it. Not long after, Mr.A is summoned to talk to Mr.B and to the Director-General about the issue. Due to the politically sensitive nature of the issue, Mr.A is told that the matter is not within his jurisdiction and therefore he should 'keep his nose out of it'. This advice is based on the fact that the incumbent government will not tolerate questions about how it puts its budget together but that it also faces electoral defeat if the matter were to be made 'public'. After much soul searching, Mr.A decides to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. (a) Discuss the possible reasons behind Mr.A decision. (b) Suppose you were Mr.A then what possible options you could have taken? Discuss their merits and demerits and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

What are the key principles of public service delivery? Discuss the challenges associated with providing effective public service delivery in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Quality of Service DeliveryProbity in Governance

In a region of a northern state, the distribution of an old-age pension system has been criticised in a report, and it was found that there were inconsistencies in the process. According to the report, the procedure for identifying beneficiaries was not carried out correctly. The recipients of benefits provided by the programme were not ascertained in a manner that was stipulated by the procedure. The allowances were granted to people belonging to higher caste or those who had not completed the age of 60 years. According to the terms of the programme, they are ineligible to participate. A significant number of complaints were received regarding the withdrawal of funds by individuals who were not eligible to do so. You are the Divisional commissioner in the state responsible for its implementation through District Social Welfare Officer. Government seeks details of action taken by you to root out such practice in future and also disciplinary actions against the responsible officials. Some of the options to handle this situation could be as follows: a) Summon the District Social Welfare Officer, seek clarification on the report and suspend him. b) Suspend the District Social Welfare Officer and order an enquiry. c) Recommend the disciplinary action against the District Social Welfare Officer on the basis of enquiry. d) Take the stock of the situation personally by interacting with local people and then act accordingly. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest the best course of action you would like to take, giving reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

CorruptionUtilisation of Public Funds

You are Anita Verma, a successful social activist. You are married to Rajesh, who is a senior executive in a leading company. Recently, you discovered that Rajesh is involved in discriminatory hiring practices against women in his firm, despite his vocal support for gender equality in public. Your NGO works to promote gender justice. Rajesh has asked you not to reveal this, as it could ruin his career and affect your family life. What are the ethical issues involved and what will be your course of action?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Conflict of InterestEthics in Private and Public Life

"The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be either good or evil." - Hannah Arendt

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

Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it"

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

To enhance tourism and revenue, the state government proposed Project Z, which includes a tiger safari and a specialized zoo within an Indian national park. Ajay, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in charge of the park, was assigned to oversee and approve infrastructure development for the zoo and safari. Well-regarded as a liberal officer, Ajay was approached by local friends and a nearby MLA with a plan for a high-tech tourist resort adjacent to the park. Believing the project would not harm the park’s core area, Ajay approved it, overlooking the details and the environmental impact. Weeks later, an activist filed a complaint alleging illegal deforestation and unauthorized construction related to the resort. Upon reviewing the complaint, Ajay discovered that the resort project, which he had approved, had indeed felled over 500 trees and built structures without proper administrative clearances. Ajay was dismayed to realize he had been misled by his friends and the politician. This situation highlights a troubling case of collusion between a politician and a forest officer, resulting in significant environmental damage for political and commercial gain. In the given situation answer the following: a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the potential long-term consequences of such laxity for environmental governance and public trust? c) What are the options available to Ajay in the given situation? What should be his course of action? [20M]

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Crisis Decision MakingConflict of Interest

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

Talk of empowerment of women when all institutions run by ideology of patriarchy discriminate against women on various grounds.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Ethics in Private and Public LifeFamily, Society and Education