Ethics, integrity and aptitude

There have been widespread protests both in favour of and against advancing reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You are the chairman of a high level commission that was constituted to look into the matter. The commission has found no compelling reasons to provide reservation to this section and is about to submit its final report to the government. Meanwhile, the government takes the decision to extend reservation to the section, turning the commission's findings inconsequential. You have also been requested to ensure that the final report supports the government's decision. (a) Discuss the dilemma that you face in this situation? (b) What course of action would you adopt and why? (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentIntegrity

You are a young recruit to the IAS. Upon the completion of your training you have been posted in a subdivision of a district where industrial development has been lagging. The area has large reserves of minerals and a significant tribal population. The government has identified the area for a large thermal power plant and also adequate expansion of mining. This announcement has seen a rise in land prices in the area as well as unrest among the local population about possible land acquisition. As part of routine examination of records you observe large land purchases in recent years that are linked with the family of the local politician, who is also a member of the state cabinet. You also recognise that much of this land is around the site of the proposed industrial area. Further, one of your staff members also informs you that the family has been buying in the name of drivers, cleaners as well as domestic helps. You feel that having been aware of the policy decision the politician has played a role in these purchases. Incidently your relations with the politician have been cordial and he is a popular figure in the area. (a) As the official responsible for acquisition of land and payment of compensation for the land acquired, what are the ethical issues that you face in the given situation? (b) What will be your response to a suggestion that in view of these benami land transfers a freeze on land sale in the area should be enforced? (c) What is the course of action that you would take? Justify with reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Conflict of InterestCorruption

You are the District Magistrate of a district that is known for making combustible substances such as match boxes and fire crackers. As per the The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of children in such hazardous activities is prohibited. In this regard, government has also released a notification that owners of these manufacturing units need to report on the profiles of their employees annually as child labour has been prevalent in these industries. These manufacturing units, abiding by the directives of the government, publish such reports annually and claim to have successfully put an end to employment of child labour. However, it has been brought to your notice that these companies are taking advantage of a loopholes in the law. They have been outsourcing their hiring to independent contractors who engage families in the business. The families have been continuing to use child labour to supplement their income and also keep the cost of labour competitive so as to bag more such contracts and since they are not officially on the payroll of the companies, they are absolved of the legal liabilities. (a) Identify the ethical issues in this case. (b) How would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your action?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

CorruptionRules versus Compassion

Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being?

Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories

You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations

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

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

Differentiate between the following: (a) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability (b) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

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

Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCodes of Ethics and Conduct

Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: (iii) Strength of character

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Aptitude for Civil ServiceImpartiality and Objectivity

Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Technology and EthicsAttitude

You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state? (b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes has meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Probity in GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics

What steps should be taken by the government for increasing the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?

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

Quality of Service DeliveryCitizens Charters

You are DM of of a very poor district in the hinterland of India. It has come to your notice that manual scavenging is widely prevalent in the district even though the new law prohibits manual scavenging in any form. Upon enquiry, you have found that the number of manual scavengers has been reported to be very low, however, hundreds of dry latrines in the district depict a different picture. You have also noticed two more important trends: first, most of the manual scavengers are Dalits, and second, in many of the cases they themselves go to the houses and request the owners to clean their toilets manually, as it would provide monetary benefits. The entire district administration has been criticized by the media and there is political pressure on you to manipulate the data in a way that it shows less number of manual scavengers in the district. Based on the given information answer the following: 1. Identify the ethical issues associated with manual scavenging. 2. List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. 3. Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to control this serious problem.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentIntegrity

"Man by nature is a political animal". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in the life of the society.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

World Thinkers

What does 'publicness' of public sector indicate? Comment on the blurring of lines between public and private sector in the wake of increasing role of private sector to deliver services to the public.

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

Civil Service ValuesCorporate Governance

As the District Labour Officer (DLO) in the state, it is my duty to strike the proper balance between economic development and social and human rights development, permeating social justice to all private parties and labourers equally.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

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

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

Corporate GovernanceEthics in Private and Public Life

You are working as a Block Development Officer (BDO) in a state and the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. Two months prior to the elections, a mega rally of a leader from the political party ruling the state is being organized in the neighboring district. All BDOs have received an oral order from the Chief Development Officer directing them to make sure that five buses full of people from their block be sent to the rally. The only direction is to ensure maximum participation and make suitable arrangements in pursuit of the same. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) As a civil servant, what values should guide your response in such a situation? (b) Identify the various options that are available to you? (c) What course of action would you choose and why?

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

Impartiality and ObjectivityCivil Service Values

Explain the importance of probity in governance. What measures have been undertaken for ensuring probity in governance in India?

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

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

Explain the main elements of Integral Humanism by Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and highlight its contemporary relevance.

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

Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics

As tourism is important for any state, following steps would be taken:

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

Quality of Service DeliveryWork Culture

What steps should be taken by the government for establishing an effective grievance redressal mechanism?

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

Quality of Service DeliveryCitizens Charters

What are the problems arising out of declining ethical standards among public servants? Suggest certain strategies to address the same.

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

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance