Civil Service Values

Identify the various traits of a healthy work culture for a bureaucracy in a modern society. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created in India to meet the objectives of good-governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Work CultureAccountability and Ethical Governance

Even though the incidents of wars are detrimental to all, it is the women who have been the worst sufferers of all forms of human conflicts. Historical evidences from throughout the globe have highlighted the skewed vulnerability of women to violence in all its manifestations. In the medieval period, the situation of women remained particularly vulnerable; treated as second class citizens in comparison to men, their condition became particularly deplorable during wartime excesses. Invariably, women were considered as part of the plunder, leading to their sexual and psychological exploitation. Similarly, during the second world war, the then Imperial Japanese Army exploited women, pushing them into sexual slavery. These women were euphemistically termed as comfort women. The objectification of women as a commodity for comfort made their exploitation complete and absolute. Issue of comfort women, one of the largest incidents of human trafficking, continues to be a diplomatic flash point between South Korea and Japan. In contemporary times too, we get to see the manifestation of various social crimes against women. Dharmendra, a young District Magistrate, posted in Khainom, capital of Ranipur recently became witness to such an incident. Ranipur is one of the North Eastern states of India. Ranipur has a rich ethnic diversity consisting of both tribal and non-tribal population. Issues such as access and ownership over resources, settling of outsiders (non-tribals) in tribal areas, dominance/ influence over government appointments etc., have remained the bone of contention between the tribal and non-tribal people. However, the matters came to a head when the demands from the non-tribal community for being recognized as tribals started gaining force. These demands were fiercely opposed by the tribals fearing that it will reinforce the positions of non-tribals; allow them to buy land in tribal areas and therefore will marginalize the already backward tribal community in the state. Within no time the situation took a communal turn. Khainom was particularly worst hit. In addition to the incidents of plunder and loot, Khainom gained global attention when a video of a tribal girl being sexually assaulted by non-tribal men surfaced in the social media. The video clearly depicted a group of 20-25 men molesting a tribal girl in front of entire village. A police car, and few police personnel were also visible in the video. The passivity of armed police personnel towards safeguarding the women was being severely criticised across all quarters. Even though this particular incident came into public domain, it was by no measure an isolated happening. Many such occurrences of targeting women from both the communities were reported throughout Ranipur. The political leadership of the state has taken cognizance of the events in Khainom. Dharmendra has been instructed to prepare a holistic plan to avoid such incidents in the future. a) What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

Civil servants, who are themselves honest, but do nothing to save the institution from corruption, do greater damage to the system. Elucidate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

CorruptionProbity in Governance

Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Civil Service ValuesCorporate Governance

While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Civil Service ValuesImpartiality and Objectivity

You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientific-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty

Explain the difference between end-oriented values and means-oriented values. In your opinion, which is more important for a public servant?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Aptitude for Civil ServiceDimensions of Ethics

The ideals of ‘Dhamma’ by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values

You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentRules versus Compassion

In context of the relationship between political executive and civil servants in India, highlight the significance of neutrality in the civil service.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Impartiality and ObjectivityCivil Service Values

Grander Neobar Island is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. Covered by thriving rainforest, the Island hosts a vast diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic in nature. The Island is also known for being home to some of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For years, the region has been preserved for its ecological and cultural importance. Besides its environmental richness, the Grander Neobar is also particularly unique for its geo-strategic importance. The position of the Island in the Indian Ocean makes it ideal for gaining strategic leverage over the country's adversaries in the region. Grander Neobar Development Project (GNDP) is a security and infrastructure project proposed for the southern tip of the island. The project is important for economic benefits, such as logistics, commerce, industry, and coastal tourism. GNDP includes an international container transhipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, township development, and a gas- and solar-based power plant together occupying over a large area in the island. Though touted as vital for country's economic growth and strategic presence in the region, some NGOs have been protesting against the project for its high environmental cost. The NGOs claim that the project would require cutting down of more than 900,000 trees of the rainforest biome, which are a prime source of carbon sequestration. Further, the loss of tree cover will not only affect the flora and fauna on the island, but it will also lead to increased runoff and sediment deposits in the ocean, impacting the coral reefs in the area. Also, the influx of outside population is expected to impose a significant ecological pressure on the island and its surroundings. The PVTGs residing in the Island for centuries may lose their traditional rights over land, and may also face undue interference in their culture and practices. As per some experts, as PVTGs are secluded from mainland since time immemorial, a sudden contact with outside population may pose grave health risks in forms of various infections. It is also being highlighted that the project is in contradiction to the government's vision to promote a sustainable world and a climate friendly lifestyle. However, the supporters of the project firmly believe that the project is essential, given its strategic importance for the country. The supporters of the project reason that since, other countries also host several military bases in the region, India cannot afford to remain absent from this strategic backyard. Further, as per the advocates of the project, presence of a robust security infrastructure can check the oft-occurring incidents of piracy, cementing the country's role as the net security provider in the region. Moreover, the proponents of the development project argue that Grander Neobar is located close to one of the busiest choke points in the global trade route, and neglecting its development may run counter to country's trade and security interests. Also, as per a government think tank's report, the proposed port will allow Grander Neobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment and a delay in the same may have the effect of losing the competitive advantage. a) What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district where literacy rate is very low and level of poverty quite high. The government has decided to go ahead with the first phase of mass vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic and being the DM it is your responsibility to ensure its successful implementation in the district. However, some people with vested interests have raised concerns against the vaccine. They have not only questioned the efficacy of the vaccine but have also spread rumors of it being harmful for human health. They have also initiated a whisper campaign to the effect that vaccination will lead to impotency and that it is the hidden agenda of the government to control population. There have also been reports in local newspapers of the vaccine being approved for mass vaccination even before completion of the last phase of trials. This is further adding to the confusion and apprehension prevalent among people in the district. The situation was tense even before the initiation of the mass vaccination programe, and once it started you received reports that very few people are turning up to get themselves vaccinated. Given the situation: (a) Discuss various issues involved in the case. (b) What will be your course of action to ensure that the vaccination program becomes a success?

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

Social Influence and PersuasionCrisis Decision Making

A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affect a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases?

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

Aptitude for Civil ServiceAttitude

Ashmita is a respected doctor who runs her own maternity clinic in a small town. She is a mother of two and her husband is also a doctor. Ashmita handles multiple cases of child delivery every day and is known for her compassionate treatment of patients. Her clinic enjoys a good reputation in town. Among other expecting mothers, Shikha, daughter-in-law of an MLA, was admitted to Ashmita's maternity clinic for child birth. The MLA met Ashmita and expressed his confidence in her skills. He requested her to personally take extra care of Shikha, to which Ashmita agreed happily. Shikha unexpectedly went into labour in the early hours the next day. During this time, Ashmita was performing an emergency surgery on another patient, so she could not attend to Shikha. Shikha was taken care of by other qualified doctors and hospital staff. The MLA was visibly unhappy that Ashmita did not attend Shikha herself. Once the emergency surgery was completed, Ashmita joined her staff and attended Shikha. However, Shikha passed away due to excess bleeding from Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is unpredictable heavy bleeding and Ashmita did everything that she could have done to try to save Shikha's life. The MLA blamed Ashmita for Shikha's death. Ashmita was beaten by the MLA and his staff. When her husband tried to save Ashmita, he was dragged out of the hospital and thrashed. A police complaint was also lodged against Ashmita accusing her of murder due to negligence. For many days after the incident, she and her family faced constant harassment by police and supporters of the MLA. Ultimately, Ashmita could not take any more humiliation and committed suicide. The news of suicide by the doctor spread like wildfire. Indian Medical Association took cognizance of the case and warned of a nationwide strike of doctors if appropriate actions in this case were not taken. The state government has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and recommend suitable actions. You are the Chairperson of this committee. In this scenario, answer the following: a) Why do doctors face violence in the country? b) Identify various moral-ethical and administrative lapses in this case. c) What would you recommend in this case? Give rationale behind giving those recommendations.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

Administrative decision-making is an art that involves careful examination of the situation in order to produce just outcomes. Explain with the help of an example.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthical Theories

You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing "solvers" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?

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

Conflict of InterestCorruption

Kautilya’s teachings for running an effective administration and achieving welfare goals remain relevant even today. Justify with suitable illustration.

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

Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values

ABC Ltd is a leading Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the country. You have been newly appointed as the Assistant Director (Administration) responsible for the overall management of the internal affairs of the enterprise. One day you get requests from two Officers serving in your department about giving them postings at places different from where they have been recently transferred. The rules stipulate that the individual requests are not to be entertained for postings except under two circumstances- the first being when the Officer has already served for more than three years at the same station, and the second when the Officer is faced with some genuine exigency justifying his request. The Director (Administration) has the final say in such cases. The concerned officials approach you in the matter and apprise you of their problems. One of the officers, Officer X, claims to be close to the Director, and says that he wants the posting of choice because he feels that the place where he has been transferred is not 'suitable enough'. He even subtly hints that in case his request is not accepted, he will approach the Director and inform him about your 'inappropriate behavior'. The second officer, Officer Y, informs you of the deteriorating health of his mother and produces a number of medical records to back his claims. He requests for leniency on the ground of his mother's ill health since he being the only child is responsible for the upkeep of his aged, widowed mother. (a) How do you plan to handle the cases of the two officials? (b) Give suitable logic for your course of action.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEmpathy and Compassion

Why do you want to be a civil servant? What attributes, do you believe, a civil servant ought to possess? Justify your answer with illustrations.

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

Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values

Even though the incidents of wars are detrimental to all, it is the women who have been the worst sufferers of all forms of human conflicts. Historical evidences from throughout the globe have highlighted the skewed vulnerability of women to violence in all its manifestations. In the medieval period, the situation of women remained particularly vulnerable; treated as second class citizens in comparison to men, their condition became particularly deplorable during wartime. Invariably, women were considered as part of the plunder, leading to their sexual and psychological exploitation. Similarly, during the second world war, the then Imperial Japanese Army exploited women, pushing them into sexual slavery. These women were euphemistically termed as comfort women. The objectification of women as a commodity for comfort made their exploitation complete and absolute. Issue of comfort women, one of the largest incidents of human trafficking, continues to be a diplomatic flash point between South Korea and Japan. In contemporary times too, we get to see the manifestation of various social crimes against women. Dharmendra, a young District Magistrate, posted in Khainom, capital of Ranipur recently became witness to such an incident. Ranipur is one of the North Eastern states of India. Ranipur has a rich ethnic diversity consisting of both tribal and non-tribal population. Issues such as access and ownership over resources, settling of outsiders (non-tribals) in tribal areas, dominance/influence over government appointments etc., have remained the bone of contention between the tribal and non-tribal people. However, the matters came to a head when the demands from the non-tribal community for being recognized as tribals started gaining force. These demands were fiercely opposed by the tribals fearing that it will reinforce the positions of non-tribals; allow them to buy land in tribal areas and therefore will marginalize the already backward tribal community in the state. Within no time the situation took a communal turn. Khainom was particularly worst hit. In addition to the incidents of plunder and loot, Khainom gained global attention when a video of a tribal girl being sexually assaulted by non-tribal men surfaced in the social media. The video clearly depicted a group of 20-25 men molesting a tribal girl in front of entire village. A police car, and few police personnel were also visible in the video. The passivity of armed police personnel towards safeguarding the women was being severely criticised across all quarters. Even though this particular incident came into public domain, it was by no means an isolated happening. Many such occurrences of targeting women from both the communities were reported throughout Ranipur. The political leadership of the state has taken cognizance of the events in Khainom. Dharmendra has been instructed to prepare a holistic plan to avoid such incidents in the future. a) What recommendations should Dharmendra make to create a safe environment for the women? b) What are the factors that have led to victimization of women, especially during conflicts?

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

Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values

What do you understand by conformity, compliance and obedience? Discuss their relevance in the context of civil services in India.

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

Social Influence and PersuasionCivil Service Values

Recently, the government has enacted certain legislations, which have led to largescale protests from various farmer and trade union bodies in the country. This protest has witnessed various events such as blocking of public roads, destruction of public property and even mass wasting of crops by some farmers. On one hand, the farmers and traders have accused the government of crony capitalism and on the other hand, the government has pointed out that the protests have been orchestrated by those whose vested interests have been hit by the legislations. Various experts are divided on the issue and there is no one concrete view emerging on it. The negotiations that have taken place, have also not yielded any results so far. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Discuss the ethical concerns with such protests and how they should be tackled in your opinion.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentSocial Influence and Persuasion

Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expediate rescue operations of all concerned.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

Discuss the standards of behavior expected from civil servants in carrying out their role of developing and implementing government policies and delivering public services.

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

Civil Service ValuesDedication to Public Service