Ethical Dilemmas in Government

Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observers wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics

With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

Ways to tackle slums & encroachments in Urban areas A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud being committed was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

Case Study 6: You are an IAS officer recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. Your responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of various rural development schemes and ensuring their efficient execution. During an audit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds, you discover substantial irregularities. It appears that a significant portion of the funds allocated for rural employment projects has been siphoned off by senior officials within the ministry through fraudulent invoices and fake beneficiary lists. The funds meant for the rural poor have been diverted to personal accounts. You are faced with an ethical dilemma. Reporting this corruption could lead to severe repercussions for you as the implicated senior officials are politically influential and have strong connections. You have also received subtle threats implying that your career progression could be jeopardised if you proceed with the disclosure. On the other hand, ignoring the corruption would mean perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and depriving the rural poor of their rightful benefits. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? 2. What are the options available to you? 3. Identify and explain your chosen course of action after evaluating the merits and demerits of each option.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

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 scientfic-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 2022–2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making

Do you think the organizational culture of giving freedom to the sales force led to the issue or was the individual's corrupt nature that led to the problem? Discuss.

Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Work CultureCorruption

What do you mean by ethical political leadership? Do you think it is on a declining trend in India? If so, highlight the socio-political causes responsible for its decline.

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

Civil Service ValuesCorruption

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

A very famous Chip manufacturing company is located in Hyderabad. It employs a large number of women employees and is seen as a leader in providing equitable access to employment opportunities by providing gender Justice. However, the company is facing loss in sales due to multifarious reasons. The company's management decides to hire a reputed marketing executive, whose concerted efforts and planning led to increase in the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the work place. After sometime, a woman employee lodged a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the company's indifference in not taking cognizance of her grievance, she lodged an FIR with the Police. Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the CEO of the company called the woman employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive is not involved in the case. Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the woman employee?

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

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

Sudha Bharadwaj and her son Pankaj are planning to attend a symposium on Disability Rights being held at Mumbai. Pankaj is an especially abled child with cognitive and developmental challenges. Both of them reached the Ranchi airport through an onerous travel made via public transportation of the state government which wasn't disabled friendly and not accessible. By the time they had gone through the security check and reached the gate (almost an hour ahead of boarding), Pankaj seemed to be in the throes of hunger, thirst, anxiety and confusion. He had become visibly distressed due to the tiresome procedures and extra compliance from his side. His mother, obviously knew how to handle his meltdown - with patience, some cajoling, some stern-ness, many hugs etc. And the other passengers were stopping by to ask if they needed any help or support. This also caught the attention of some of the fellow passengers traveling by the same flight. Some of the fellow passengers approached Vamika Oberoi, who happens to be the Airline manager. These passengers informed Vamika that the distressed child is in a state of panic and they are not overly comfortable in flying with him as he seemed unfit to travel and could jeopardize the safety of the airplane. Under the aforementioned circumstance, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case? What course of action should be taken by Vamika?

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

Empathy and CompassionCivil 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 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

A reputed Automobile company based in India developed an Electric Vehicle(EV) for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approval. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost same quality and safety features. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in the Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the automobile company was not only selling electric vehicles which were not meeting the stipulated safety standards of the country but also selling the rejected export vehicles in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the automobile company. (a) What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the automobile company for violating the laid down Domestic Vehicle Safety Norms and selling rejected export products in the domestic market? (b) What course of action is available with the automobile company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation? (c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

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

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

The onslaught of the Covid-19 Pandemic resulted in loss of many lives. Many families were left without anyone to take care of children and many parents lost their beloved children. This situation left an environment of misery. Taking this situation into consideration, the Chief minister of a state declared a scheme under which Rs 5 Lac will be provided to a family who had suffered a loss of life during the Covid-19 onslaught. Vikram Singh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under the declared scheme. The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following: (a) Aadhar card of the deceased. (b) Belonging to a reserved community. (c) Family income of less than 1 lakh per annum. (d) Valid death certificate which mentions Covid as Primary cause of Death. One day, an old couple visited Vikram's office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man informed Vikram that his Son has died due to the Covid. His son was the sole breadwinner and after his demise they have been left helpless as there is no income and now he has to provide for the future of his three grandchildren. Whatever money has been left with them, they are using it to fund children's education and other expenses and are hopeful that the recently declared scheme would benefit them greatly. The Old couple fulfills all the criteria except criterion 'a' and 'd'. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life. How should Vikram Singh respond to the situation?

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

Rules versus CompassionEmpathy and Compassion

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

Bhuvan-ultra is a famous real estate developer engaged mostly in housing projects. It has a very good track record of timely delivery of housing projects and enjoys a high level of trust among buyers. One of the ongoing projects of Bhuvan-ultra is a housing project with six residential towers. The construction has been in full swing for the last four years. Given the good record of the builder, all the flats have already been sold. Four out of six towers are complete and people have started living in these towers. Two other towers are near completion and it is expected that these would be ready in the next few months. Satish lives in a rented house and he daily crosses through this project on his commute to office. Satish always wanted to buy a flat in one of these towers. One day while reading the newspaper Satish came across a news article on the ongoing project of Bhuvan-ultra. Through the news article, he came to know that Bhuvan-ultra had permission to construct only four towers and it has illegally constructed two more towers in the project. The two illegal towers were standing on ground which was supposed to be a wetland. The entire conundrum points toward massive corruption and negligence by state development authorities. The matter went into the court and the court has ordered demolition of the two illegal towers. However, as the two illegal towers lie in close proximity with the other four legally constructed and inhabited towers, demolishing them is not only expensive but also a risky affair. Further, as all the six towers share a common basement, demolition of two towers can have implications for structural integrity of other four towers. Satish sits there thinking about the pain of the people who have invested their life's savings in the project and questioning whether he should ever invest in a residential property. He is also questioning himself whether demolition of a residential apartments in a country where lakhs of people are homeless, is justified or not. On the basis of above case study, answer the following: a) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study. b) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

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

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

Universal Sisterhood of Dreams (USD) is an NGO run by Ms. Anuradha Sen, a popular celebrity. The NGO champions the cause of woman and child rights including issues like trafficking of women and children, bonded labor, child labor, underpaid-forced labor etc. USD has won multiple awards for running a shelter and a rehabilitation programme for victims of human trafficking. Due to the good work and direct involvement of a famous personality like Ms. Anuradha, USD receives substantial donations from corporate houses and philanthropists. Ms. Anuradha also owns a clothing brand ‘Sensation’ and uses the profits from Sensation for funding USD. The manufacturing of the merchandise sold under the brand has been outsourced to a thirdparty vendor located in a country named Taba. Taba is an under-developed country with weak labor protection laws. The textile industry in Taba is infamous for sweatshops. In these sweatshops working conditions are miserable, labors are paid meager wages for long working hours, child labor and bonded labor is rampant and workplace safety is absent resulting in frequent industrial accidents. Recently, there was a huge fire in a textile factory manufacturing goods for Sensation. Seventeen people including nine children were killed in this fire. After the industrial accident, the issue of exploitation of laborers in Taba became a matter of global debate. Sensation is facing heat and bad publicity on social media because of the use of sweatshops for manufacturing of its products. Ms. Anuradha and her NGO USD are becoming victims of online trolls. This entire fiasco has negatively impacted the image of her NGO. Many former donors and philanthropists have preferred to disassociate themselves from the USD resulting in fund shortage in the NGO. Ms. Anuradha discusses the entire situation with her financial and legal team. Her legal team tells her that all the relevant laws in Taba were followed by her contractor and the wage paid by it was above the minimum wages prescribed by law. Sensation has done nothing illegal and has no legal liability in this case. But Ms. Anuradha decided that she will ensure that her contractors are paying adequate wages and providing good working conditions to their employees. This can help in not only rebuilding her own reputation and image of USD also re-attract donors. However, her financial team advises her against this move as it will involve substantial cost for the company. This can lead to a profitable brand turning into a loss-making brand. Further, it will also negatively impact the finances for USD which is already facing a resource crunch. Lack of resources can lead to closure of the shelter home and rehabilitation programme run by her NGO. Now, Ms. Anuradha is in a dilemma about her future course of action. a) Bring out and discuss various ethical dilemmas faced by Ms. Anuradha in this case. b) If you were in her position, how would you approach the problem and what would be your course of action? Justify your choices.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance

You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?

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

Ethics in Private and Public LifeEthical Dilemmas in Government

How to seperate personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How to deal with situation?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Ethics in Private and Public LifeEthical Dilemmas in Government

Mr. Gopal Mahto is the sitting Chief Minister of one of the most populous states in India. He is a young and dynamic leader, popular not just in his state but across the country. Many political analysts opine that he has the potential to become Prime Minister of India in future. One day, the CM was taking a review meeting of law-and-order situation in the state, with senior officials in the state capital. Suddenly he felt a light pain in his abdomen. The CM had been feeling such bouts of pain since a long time, but like always he neglected it this time too, and continued with the meeting. However, in the next few weeks, the intensity of pain increased and the CM was forced to see a doctor. After initial examination, the doctor gave some medicines and prescribed few tests. After few days, the report came and it showed that the CM is suffering from 'Liver Cirrhosis.' It was in the advanced stage and posed a threat to the life of Mr. Mahto. The doctor told that the only option was the liver transplant without any further delay. In apprehension that it may create chaos among the general public, particularly the supporters of the CM and his party, it was decided to not make the news public. Only very few senior functionaries at the centre and state along with medical staff were aware of the situation. Meanwhile, the Health Minister of the State directed the State's Health Secretary to take necessary actions, coordinate with medical staff and arrange for liver transplant for the CM. The next day, the Health Secretary called the State Director General (DG), Health, who is the competent authority, dealing with the matters related to organ transplantation in the state. The DG, Renuka was informed of the situation and directed to make immediate arrangement for liver transplant. However, Renuka told the Secretary that there is a laid down Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding organ transplantation. She informed him that there is already a patient named Sunil at first position in the waiting list, who also requires urgent liver transplant. The health secretary is also informed that Sunil is left with a very short time window for a successful transplantation. Sunil is 35 years old, a father of two, and the sole bread winner of the family of six that also includes his wife and aging parents. Sunil's family is of limited means and often found it rather difficult to cater even for their needs. Also, various medical costs associated with Sunil's conditions have further worsened the financial condition of the family. Renuka further informs the secretary, as per SOP, the CM would be at the second position in the waiting list. As a matter of chance, Renuka receives a phone call from one of her subordinates. She informs Renuka that a liver has been donated by family of an old person, who died his natural death. After relevant tests, it was found that the available liver is fit for Sunil. Incidentally, the liver also fits the medical profile of the CM. Renuka immediately intimates the secretary about this development. Even though all the facts with regard to the SOP are explicitly clear, the secretary still tries to persuade Renuka for bending the rule in favor of Mr. Gopal Mahto. He explains that if anything untoward happens to the CM, it may lead to chaos and instability in the State. It may also require fresh elections which will be a drain on state exchequer and a drag on the governance process. He also hinted that if Renuka 'bent' the rule, this will be favorable for her career growth in the future. Further, to ease Renuka's conscience, the health secretary assured her that her actions are in larger interest of the state as well as the country. He also reasoned that if Sunil fails to receive a healthy liver in time, he will personally ensure that Sunil's family is well taken care of, and an eligible member of his family is accorded with a government job. Meanwhile, the time is running out for both Sunil and the CM. a) What are the ethical concerns associated with the above case study? b) What are the options available with Renuka? Analyse the merits and demerits of the options? c) If you were at the place of Renuka, which option would you choose and why?

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentRules versus Compassion

You are a Sub-Divisional Magistrate of a large city, having the reputation of a very honest and upright officer. A huge hospital in your city is working day and night to ensure Emergency services are carried out because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One night, during monsoons, fire engulfed the Covid ward causing instant death of 20 patients including 10 minors. Many more were seriously injured requiring immediate medical attention. The mishap resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the government to institute an inquiry. Your preliminary enquiry has revealed a series of anomalies. The material used for the cables was of poor quality. Despite the approved building plans permitting only one basement, an additional basement has been constructed which required more power demand causing stress on the system. This was overlooked during the periodic electrical inspections by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. In your enquiry, you noticed that the hospital has more demand of power than sanctioned by the electricity department. Apart from this you also noticed many irregularities in compliance to the fire safety guidelines. There were no proper exit routes indications and many other technical irregularities with respect to fire safety. The permission to have higher load demand and No Objection Certificate for fire safety was accorded by the previous Sub-Divisional Magistrate who is not only your senior and well known to you professionally, but also a good friend. Prima facie, the case appears to be of a widespread nexus between officials of the district administration and the hospitals. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the enquiry. The previous SDM happens to be a close relative of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. The previous SDM is persuading you to hush up the matter, promising you a fortune to do so. He also hinted that if this matter is not resolved at the earliest in his favour there is somebody in his office who is waiting to file a case against you under the POSH Act. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you in this situation? (c) Explain your selected course of action.

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

CorruptionPressure and Loyalty

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