GS4 · Practice questions
Probity in Governance
49 questions match. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 36 themesFewer themes
The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
CorruptionProbity in Governance
You, the chairperson of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), come to know that there were instances of rampant cheating in a competitive exam conducted recently by the SPSC. Your daughter, who also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it corroborates the same. However, she denies engaging in any such activity herself. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests in the case above. (b) Enumerate the options you have to handle the current situation. What will be your choice and why? (c) Suggest measures that you would take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government
"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Law and MoralityProbity in Governance
You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Probity in GovernanceCorruption
The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance
Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. (a) 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 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Quality of Service DeliveryCorruption
While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Probity in GovernanceCivil Service Values
It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Codes of Ethics and ConductConflict of Interest
An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Civil Service ValuesDedication to Public Service
What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceProbity in Governance
Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Transparency and InformationProbity in Governance
Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
CorruptionProbity in Governance
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
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
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
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
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
Discuss the menace of corruption in public life. Also critically examine the measures taken for ensuring probity in governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
CorruptionProbity in Governance
Identify the various traits of work culture associated with government organisations in India. Also, suggest ways in which a healthy work culture can be created to meet the objectives of good-governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Work CultureProbity in Governance
What do you understand by Integrity Pact? Highlight their role in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilisation of public funds in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Probity in GovernanceTransparency and Information
Identify the issues that have created barriers to a responsive grievance redressal mechanism.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Quality of Service DeliveryProbity in Governance
Probity is the synthesis of Integrity and fortitude. Examine. Does Integrity imply complete refusal to compromise?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Probity in GovernanceIntegrity
A social audit was conducted by a reputed national institution for all state funded shelter home for girls in your district. The audit has pointed towards possible sexual abuse of girls living in a particular shelter house located in posh locality near district headquarters. The shelter home is run [by] an influential person who has political connections with big politicians and has a good influence on government officials including district child protection officer. It is in the news that district child protection officer is involved in the case as an accomplice with shelter home owner. Also news is coming of involvement of politicians and government officials in the case. An FIR has also been registered by the auditing institution with the nearest police station. a. As the district magistrate, what actions will be taken by you in the case? Also provide the objective behind the actions taken by you. b. The investigating officer of the case have cited the political pressure on him due to the ongoing investigation of the case. Also as the District magistrate, you are also getting frequent calls from influential persons pertaining to investigation for removing their names from investigation. What measures will be taken by you to ensure free and fair investigation without any influence? c. Discuss the safeguards that should be put in place to make sure that such cases do not occur in the future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty