Empathy and Compassion

You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Pressure and LoyaltyCivil Service Values

You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values

According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics

"We must not only tolerate others, but positively embrace them" - Swami Vivekananda.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Human ValuesIndian Thinkers

Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: 10 (iii) Strength of character

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2020

Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values

Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics

You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021

Civil Service ValuesCrisis Decision Making

What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics

What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Indian ThinkersWorld Thinkers

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

Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Civil Service ValuesImpartiality and Objectivity

Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Corporate GovernanceEmpathy and Compassion

We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education

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

A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. 20 (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are posted as a District Magistrate of a primarily rural district. Excess agricultural production has led to a continuous fall in market prices of crops in the last three years. With elections approaching soon, the opposition has decided to make this a political issue and has mobilised farmers to protest against falling prices. The protests turned violent at some point and police had to fire in self-defence, killing two people. Violence has increased since then and you yourself were attacked when you tried to pacify the protestors. The protestors have also blocked the main roads as well as railways to prevent movement of goods and people. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the key concerns that need to be addressed on a priority basis. (b) What steps will you take to address them?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. 20 (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Empathy and CompassionCrisis Decision Making

The foundational values of efficiency, impartiality, empathy, and incorruptibility are an integral part of civil services. Elaborate with relevant examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024

Aptitude for Civil ServiceImpartiality and Objectivity

You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents?

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

Empathy and CompassionRules versus Compassion

It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?

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

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

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

Educational institutions play a significant role in instilling ethical values among students. In this context, state the importance of promoting extra-curricular activities in educational institutions.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values