Pressure and Loyalty

You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Pressure and LoyaltyCrisis Decision Making

What do you understand by "integrity-based civil disobedience"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025

IntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values

You are posted as the District Planning Officer in a newly restructured administrative zone. The state government has directed you to prepare a development expenditure plan for the coming year. Your role includes recommending discretionary allocations from the United Development Fund (UDF), about 20% of the total block-level budget. After extensive consultation with field officers and data review, your team prioritizes: ● Water access and school infrastructure in several remote, underserved tribal hamlets, and ● A major repair of a collapsing rural health centre serving five panchayats. However, two senior MLAs from urbanized parts of the district strongly push for: ● Smart LED lighting, park beautification, and road tiling in their constituencies, projects with high visibility and electoral value. They warn that neglecting their proposals may "delay coordination" during implementation. You are told off-record that the projects were "assumed to be cleared" at the political level. Your superior hints that "this isn't the year to provoke conflict," and advises you to "strike a balance." At the same time, social media pages in rural areas are questioning whether the administration only serves the politically powerful. You must now submit the final plan balancing equity, visibility, fairness, and career risk. What you prioritize will set the tone for future planning cycles. 1. What are the ethical considerations involved in this budget allocation decision? 2. What are the options available to you as the District Planning Officer? 3. What would be your final recommendation, and how would you justify it? 4. How can administrators ensure equitable development while maintaining working relationships with elected representatives?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

You are posted in the Department of Mines, and one of your roles is to help your Department Head negotiate mining leases with private contractors. Recently, the state government demarcated a new mining zone and planned to invite bids for the mining blocs. You were instructed to oversee the bidding process and speed up the contract negotiations. As planned, the tenders were released, bids came in, and tenders were allocated as per the norms. All this happened at a breakneck speed. You wondered, why the hurry? But it was not your place to think and question; you quietly went about your work. As the contractors were about to start operations, you had to instruct them on environmental concerns to watch out for. And to do that, you read the environmental impact assessment report submitted by a consulting firm hired by the department. To your surprise, the report was shoddy and looked cooked up. You got suspicious and raised the issue with your Head, who politely instructed you to do what you were told, and he reminded you that the Department had revenue targets and was under pressure from the Ministry. After the meeting, you, on your own accord, did some digging and found out that the report was fraudulent and the mining activity that was about to start would lead to a massive environmental disaster which the State could not afford. (a) What are the issues and value violations you notice in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Discuss the advantage and disadvantages of each option and identify your chosen course of action. (d) Do you think that environmental considerations are sometimes overrated at the cost of development?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are posted as the General Manager (CSR) in a large public sector undertaking (PSU) in the mining sector. Your role involves evaluating and disbursing funds under the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate, especially in districts affected by mining-related displacement. Your team has shortlisted three NGOs for a major livelihood promotion initiative: • Two are small, field-tested organizations with verifiable work in the affected tribal belt. • The third is a well-connected urban NGO, recently floated by a relative of a senior PSU board member. It has flashy brochures and political backing, but no track record in the region. During internal discussions, subtle signals are sent that favour the third NGO, with phrases like "strategic alignment" and "long-term stakeholder management." The CSR committee chair even jokes, "It's just CSR, not rocket science." Meanwhile, field officers caution you that the communities need culturally rooted, decentralized interventions and the urban NGO's one-size-fits-all proposal won't work. Some colleagues suggest approving all three, dividing funds equally. You must finalize your funding recommendation this week. Technically, all three proposals have processed minimum screening, though the field evidence differs widely. Your decision will affect both ground impact and organizational politics and will set a precedent for future CSR allocations. 1. What are the ethical concerns involved in the allocation of CSR funds in this case? 2. How would you assess the competing pressures of organizational politics and public interest? 3. What decision would you take, and how would you justify it ethically and professionally?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Conflict of InterestCorporate Governance

You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

(Lack of team orientation) (Not to create internal noise)

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

IntegrityCorruption

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 posted as the District Magistrate in a tier-2 city. As part of routine administrative coordination, you recently conducted a performance review of key departments. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in your district was commended for resolving a large backlog of land dispute cases and digitizing over 6,000 property records in a high-conflict zone. Her work has improved grievance redressal and reduced local litigation. However, you soon receive an internal note from the General Administration Department, asking for your remarks on a "routine" proposal to transfer the RDO to a remote sub-division. No performance concerns are cited. Informally, you learn that the RDO's strict application of land laws has led to resistance from local political leaders. Some had interests in disputed religious landholdings and were reportedly unhappy with her refusal to accommodate "community sentiments." During a recent meeting, a senior MLA remarked that officers should be "more politically aware of local dynamics." The officer has not filed a formal complaint but appears demoralized. Your senior colleagues hint this may be a "signal" to adjust administrative behaviour. Your confidential note, due in 48 hours, will influence the transfer's fate. There is no legal bar, but tenure guidelines recommend a minimum 2-year posting, and the officer is only 10 months into the role. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case? 2. What would be your response in the official note, and why? 3. How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Pressure and LoyaltyCivil Service Values

You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report on the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressuring you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them.

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

Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are posted as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a district recently selected for implementation of a centrally-sponsored scheme aimed at digitising land records and linking them to Aadhaar. While the central government promotes the initiative as a tool for transparency and ease of ownership, several local farmers' unions have raised objections. They fear the scheme will lead to loss of land rights, exclusion of sharecroppers, and increased dependency on digital systems they don't understand. Protests begin in front of your office. Local elected representatives - including MLAs from opposition parties publicly call the scheme "anti-poor" and accuse the administration of blindly following orders. At the same time, you receive a strongly worded letter from the state secretariat directing immediate rollout with weekly progress reports. The district collector reminds you: "This is policy now. Get it done." Your own field teams report widespread confusion and poor turnout in enrollment camps. Some staff suggest quietly fast-tracking token registrations to "show progress." A few revenue officers feel the scheme is useful, but the communication has failed. You believe in the long-term potential of the scheme but are concerned that rushed implementation will damage public trust. 1. What ethical and administrative challenges are involved in this situation? 2. How should you approach implementation to balance directive compliance with stakeholder confidence? 3. What lessons can be drawn from this case for future implementation of large-scale digital reforms?

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

Kamlesh is a civil servant who has been recently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in the education department of the state. Kamlesh has a meticulous service record and is well known for his honesty, and a no-nonsense attitude. After joining the new department, the first major task before Kamlesh was to conduct the recruitments for the post of lecturers in government schools. The posts were lying vacant for a long time, and the government wanted to fill up the vacancies without further delay as it was one of the poll promises made by the present government. The recruitment process took place successfully under the supervision of Kamlesh. The concerned minister congratulated Kamlesh and informed him that the appointment letters will be allocated to the successful candidates in a ceremony which will be presided by the CM himself. Kamlesh was happy that his work was getting recognition at the highest level. One day, Kamlesh was sitting in his office when his secretary brought him a letter from a leading investigative journalist of the state. The letter dealt with the recently conducted recruitment of the lecturers. Kamlesh was shocked at the content of the letter. The investigative journalist had alleged that the question paper of the exam was leaked to a few successful candidates, who had also forged their documents to appear in the exam. The letter also highlighted a nexus of middlemen, politicians, and civil servants who facilitate such illicit practices. Moreover, the investigative journalist had also attached credible proofs. Kamlesh corroborated the facts of the letters from his own sources and found the allegations to be true prima facie. Since the matter was serious and warranted immediate action, Kamlesh brought the matter to the notice of his minister. To his surprise, the minister asked him to sit over the matter for some time. Minister reasoned that bringing out this matter will bring ignominy not only to the department but also to the government. Further, the minister reasoned that cancelling the whole recruitment process will be detrimental for the education department, schools etc; also, the sincere and honest candidates who have invested a lot of time and money for preparation may also get affected negatively. He also reminded Kamlesh that the participation of the CM has already been announced. After leaving the minister's office, Kamlesh got a phone call from Minister's Personal Secretary (PS). The PS hinted to Kamlesh that the concerned candidates were closely connected to the ruling political party, and going against them may create professional troubles for Kamlesh. On the other hand, his cooperation in this matter, the PS assured, will not go unnoticed and will be handsomely rewarded. Kamlesh had just settled in his new posting. He knows that going against the wish of the Minister may cause him his present posting. What was more, Kamlesh's father is undergoing treatment in a local hospital. A shunting out from the district would mean that his father would have to be left alone to fend for himself. Further, Kamlesh's wife Priya, also a bureaucrat, is posted in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Kamlesh realises that his actions will also have a bearing on her career as well. a) Bring out various ethical dilemmas faced by Kamlesh. b) Consider yourself in Kamlesh's position. What are the various options available to you? c) Critically evaluate each of the option listed by you. d) Which of the above option should Kamlesh adopt and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2020–2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

You are posted as the District Magistrate in a tier-2 city. As part of routine administrative coordination, you recently conducted a performance review of key departments. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in your district was commended for resolving a large backlog of land dispute cases and digitizing over 6,000 property records in a high-conflict zone. Her work has improved grievance redressal and reduced local litigation. However, you soon receive an internal note from the General Administration Department, asking for your remarks on a "routine" proposal to transfer the RDO to a remote sub-division. No performance concerns are cited. Informally, you learn that the RDO's strict application of land laws has led to resistance from local political leaders. Some had interests in disputed religious landholdings and were reportedly unhappy with her refusal to accommodate "community sentiments." During a recent meeting, a senior MLA remarked that officers should be "more politically aware of local dynamics." The officer has not filed a formal complaint but appears demoralized. Your senior colleagues hint that this may be a "signal" to adjust administrative behaviour. Your confidential note, due in 48 hours, will influence the transfer's fate. There is no legal bar, but tenure guidelines recommend a minimum 2-year posting, and the officer is only 10 months into the role. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case? 2. What would be your response in the official note, and why? 3. How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentImpartiality and Objectivity

You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutions are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress. The recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party. They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers have tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones. You recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled. One day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions: 1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition? 2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty? 3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty

Discuss the challenges a civil servant might face in maintaining objectivity and non-partisanship in a politically charged environment. How can these values be preserved while ensuring effective governance?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Impartiality and ObjectivityCivil Service Values

You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Crisis Decision MakingCivil Service Values

In the workplace, the stringent hierarchy can be the cause of poor work culture, which not only hamper efficient working but also bad political competition on favouritism and backdoor politics.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Work CultureEthical Dilemmas in Government

Asanpur is a beautiful small district in Northern part of India. It used to be the hub of stone mining activity. However, excessive mining led to environmental degradation and rapid soil erosion while cutting of stone created air pollution hazard. Due to various detrimental impacts, NGT has imposed a ban on stone mining in Asanpur. Despite this ban, the mining mafia has been able to operate with connivance of corrupt government officials and politicians. Many officers hve tried to stop this illegal mining, but the powerful mafia has either forced them to submit through force or bribed them or got them transferred through their political contacts. Last week, a DSP lost his life when he was trying to stop a truck carrying illegally mined stones. You recently got promoted and made the SP of Asanpur. Upon taking the charge, you quickly realized the gravity of the problem. Illegal mining was run by organized gangs in the district. It was also linked to other crimes in your city ranging from petty crimes like pick pocketing to serious offenses like kidnapping and murders. Illegal mining and related crime have negatively impacted socio-economic development of the district as youth are increasingly getting involved in the illegal activities and businesses are leaving the district due to high crime rates. You created a special task force and started taking stringent actions against the illegal mining in your district. In a short span of a few weeks you seized thirty dumpers carrying illegally mined stones. Public appreciated your stringent actions while the corrupt ecosystem created by illegal miners was rattled. One day, a junior officer approached you and informed you that he has been receiving threats from the illegal stone miners. He also informs you that others in the task force are also facing problems like someone in the task force is being harassed by reopening an old settled case against him while someone else has received a transfer order to a remote district. This has demotivated the taskforce and reminded them of the connections of illegal miners in the district. The same day, when you reach home, your wife tells you that she got a call from an unknown number threatening her of dire consequences if you do not stop your investigation. You fear that the call was from a member of the organized crime syndicate involved in the illegal mining activity. Your wife is worried about the safety of the family and requests you to be lenient in your work. In this situation, answer the following questions: 1) How will you motivate the task force to work with honesty in this adverse condition? 2) How would you justify putting your family at risk in line of your duty? 3) Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty

Kamal is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He has been recently transferred as the Municipal commissioner of the Kartavya Nagar Municipality. Kamal is an honest and no non-sense officer. He has been known for having a tough stance against corruption, lethargy, and indiscipline at the workplace. In his new responsibility as the Municipal commissioner, Kamal finds that the day-to-day functioning of the municipal office is in a very sorry state. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness have brought matters to such a pass that even the basic responsibilities like cleanliness of the city, upkeep of public places, redressal of grievances etc., are not fulfilled. Upon enquiring, Kamal finds that the reason for rampant indiscipline and corruption in the municipal office is primarily a group of errant employees. While they do not work themselves, they also create nuisance in the office, thereby disrupting the work of other sincere employees. Moreover, it also comes to Kamal's knowledge that these employees indulge in corrupt practices by demanding bribes from people for petty tasks. Further, Kamal has noticed that the undisciplined employees come to office late, leave early and also remain absent from work without permission. Kamal gets to know that the ringleader of these employees is a close relative of a local MLA. In order to improve the working condition of the municipal office, Kamal warns the mischievous employees to mend their troublesome ways or to face strict disciplinary actions. However, Kamal's warning has little effect on the thick-skinned employees, who continue to work in their wayward ways. Finally, Kamal issues a show cause notice to all the troublesome employees for their various acts of indiscipline. As a retaliatory measure, a woman employee amongst these troublemakers' files a complaint of sexual harassment against Kamal with the Women's commission. The commission has asked for Kamal's explanation in this matter. Also, this fabricated matter is publicised in the media to embarrass Kamal further. Moreover, the MLA begins pressuring Kamal to go soft on these employees. Some of the options before Kamal to handle this situation could be as follows: i) Give his explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action. ii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action. iii) Brief his higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly. a) Evaluate all the above courses of action and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. b) What according to you are the reasons behind poor work culture in public offices? Also, recommend measures to improve the same.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty

A four-lane concrete bridge in an eastern state in India has collapsed for the second time in just over a year. The structural failure of the bridge provides an example of how violation of ethics occurs in engineering practices. Ravi is a reputable structural engineer and has been appointed to investigate the project. After scrutinizing the plans and drawings, he finds that there was a major flaw in the design. Reporting about the flaw would save such a grave situation in the future but this would affect the recognition of the construction company. Also, Ravi found that the contractor working for the bridge is no one else but the younger brother of the MLA in that area. Thus, reporting the situation may cause some serious threat to his life. Analyse the ethical issues involved in this case. In this situation, what should Ravi ideally do? Are "errors or failures" acceptable price for human progress in all instances?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption