Ethics, integrity and aptitude

Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017

Quality of Service DeliveryEmpathy and Compassion

You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister's marriage. Surender's parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marriage. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can't do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already doing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents' decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentRules versus Compassion

You have recently been appointed as the District Collector of an impoverished district, which has been witnessing drought for the last couple of years. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. The district also faces the problem of diminishing resources of drinking water. Despite, the gravity of the problem, the response from the central and the state government is lackadaisical. Moreover, the media coverage of the problem is also dismal. To make matters worse, the younger members of the community are migrating in search of work to the urban areas without much success, leaving the elders, women, and children behind to fend for themselves. (a) As the District Collector what would be your priorities for solving the problem? (b) How would you tackle the situation? (c) What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Crisis Decision MakingCorruption

A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly poor tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance. You, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district headquarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain. In the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage. Your team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without proper approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol. As the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma. a) What are the options available to you? b) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you. c) What option would you adopt and why? d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are a Secretary, in a government department. Your Minister has proposed an unemployment grant, which is expected to cost the public exchequer heavily. Having already taken the decision, he asks you to come up with research to support the scheme. Despite your best efforts, you fail to find socio-economic benefit in it. You approach the Minister with relevant facts and studies and ask him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he asks you to suppress the negative impacts and actively promote the scheme through mass media as the percieved social impacts are more important than economic impacts. Elections are due in a short time and the political party currently in power is expected to win. You are also due for promotion at the same time. You are expected to fully cooperate in the situation and make the scheme a success, however flawed its foundations may be. (a) List the different stakeholders in the above situation and mention their prospective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemma which you face in this situation. (c) Some of the alternatives for you to handle the situation could be: • Do as asked by the Minister.. • Insist on publication of results and let the public decide whether it wants the scheme. • Call a press conference and brief the media about the results and the callous attitude of the Minister. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local political party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?

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

Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty

Cultural diversity has made emotional intelligence crucial for Indian administration. Comment.

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

Emotional IntelligenceCivil Service Values

Industrial licence was allocated on the basis of vested interest in the pre-liberalisation era.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Conflict of InterestCivil Service Values

Many of the present social conflicts arise due to prejudices and discrimination. Illustrate. What can be done to curb discrimination and handle prejudices?

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

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

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

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

Information is a way to promote conduction of social audit.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Transparency and InformationProbity in Governance

While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.

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

CorruptionTransparency and Information

You are a young IAS officer posted as SDM of a flood prone sub-division. There is an old dam in your area which protects about 2 dozen villages from floods. Though the dam is weak, it is expected to hold up as repair works are being carried upon by the villagers. One day you receive a call that the villagers in the area had abandoned repairs and were running away from the work site because the dam was about to collapse as the force of water was building up. You quickly reach the site and see the fear and panic induced villagers. Systematised evacuation will take 2 days and if the dam collapses now, there will be great loss of life and property. You noticed several geo-bags (synthetic bags which are used to protect hydraulic structures and river banks from severe erosion) lying at a construction site near the dam which could hold the dam for some time. You realized that all you needed now was manpower to place these bags on the dam in such a way as to prevent water from entering the village. But the people are fear stricken and are preparing to flee. 20 Based on above information, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the qualities of a civil servant that are essential in such circumstances. (b) What options do you have to handle this situation? Evaluate each of them with their merits and demerits.

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

Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion

Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgement. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service?

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

Emotional IntelligenceCivil Service Values

In one of the government primary school in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together. After taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests. Marpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight. a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. b) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why? c) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?

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

Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values

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

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

"Academic freedom is the bedrock of scholarly inquiry and intellectual progress." Examine the ethical issues that arise when educational institutions yield to political, social, or economic pressures and compromise academic freedom.

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

Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics

Discuss the ethical issues involved in product endorsements. (b) Explain the role of attitudinal and behavioral change in maintaining cleanliness in India. Q2. (a) Do you think that the poor in our country are excluded from mainstream due to the moral choices of the rich? Discuss. (b) What are the ethical issues involved in commercial surrogacy? Discuss. Q3. (a) What are the ethical challenges faced by journalists in contemporary times? (b) What are the sources that help determine the correctness of an action? How can these provide guidelines in public life? Q4. (a) When is it ethically justified for an employee to leak information about their organization? Support with an example. (b) 'Competition is good for society, but it also has a dark side.' Discuss.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Dimensions of EthicsAttitude

What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture? 10 (b) There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?

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

Work CultureLaw and Morality

"A man's conscience and his judgement is the same thing and as the judgement, so also the conscience, may be erroneous."

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

Dimensions of EthicsSources of Ethical Guidance

You get your first posting as a District Collector in a predominantly rural area. Recently, the office of Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages registered an inter-caste marriage of a young couple. On hearing the news, villagers and family members of the married couple attacked the Registrar's office and are holding their respective children in captivity. One group also enjoys immense political power in the state and have warned you against taking any action. 20 Based on the above information, answer the following questions. (a) What is/are the ethical dilemma(s) that an administrator faces in such situations? (b) Enumerate your priorities and steps that you will take to handle the situation. (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors at play? What will be your role in bringing about a change in these?

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty