Ethical Dilemmas in Government

As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values

You are working as a Manager who handles critical projects in a private firm. You have recently been issued a notice by the Human Resource department that categorically highlights gender imbalance in your team and instructs you to recruit more females. Realizing the importance of this matter you decide to roll out vacancy requirements on an urgent basis and close it within a week. You receive several applications and start interviewing female candidates. However, you realize that the top four candidates are married and two of them are expecting their child. During the interviews the candidates commit on their priority for the project, till it finishes and show willingness to work from home, afterwards. What is the course of action that you will take? Explain the factors that you will take into account and justify the merits of the course of action.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Civil Service ValuesWork Culture

Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) 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? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

There have been widespread agitations both in favour of and against extending reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You have been appointed as the chairman of a high level committee, constituted by the government to examine the matter and make recommendations. So far, the committee has found no compelling reasons to extend reservation to this section. While the report of the committee is pending finalization, you get an impression through the media that the government is inclined to accept the demand for extending the reservation, regardless of the findings of your committee. Some members of the committee are also inclined to support the government stand. (a) Discuss the dilemma, if any, that you face in this situation. (b) What course of action would you take? Give reasons for the same. (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentImpartiality and Objectivity

You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making

You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the officer-in-charge responsible for monitoring allotment of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System to BPL families in a given district. A group of BPL families in the district claim that they have been denied ration from fair price shops due to non-linking of Aadhar card with their BPL cards. They remark that the government and officers concerned are not empathising with their situation and stage a silent protest. Further, the incident is also being linked to similar instances in other areas of the country where people were denied access to PDS benefits due to similar reasons. The government receives a lot of criticism for this incident on social media networks. You are now in a conundrum, as you are aware that the BPL families need to get foodgrains on time. However, as a government officer, you also need to follow the prescribed rules. Media scrutiny has further aggravated the situation and you realize you need to tread carefully. 20 Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) List the issues in the given situation that the parties involved are facing. (b) What step(s) will you take in the situation to ensure that the demands of the aggrieved persons are met without violating the rules? (c) In this context, briefly discuss how the poor in the country currently face digital exclusion and its consequence(s).

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Rules versus CompassionEmpathy and Compassion

You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government

Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making

You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019

Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion

Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of this leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

Identify the options available to you. 2. Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your options.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

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

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

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

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

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

Explaining what an ethical dilemma is, discuss how it reflects not merely a choice between competing interests and values but also a test of strength of one's character.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics