Utilisation of Public Funds

Under the ambitious interlinking of rivers programme, one state Chief Minister on the occasion of inauguration mentioned that khus grass should be laid in and around the confluence of the two rivers to promote tourism. Mr A is a sincere, honest and dedicated senior district forest officer. On the basis of the CM wishes, he issued tender for this grass and eventually, over Rs. 15 lakh was spent to buy 5 lakh ton grass and they were planted in around the confluence. Since due to flood, the grass planted were swept away, the department again started efforts to lay down the grass then it was found that there were irregularities and corruption. It has been reported that on paper, the quantity of grass shown is different from the quantity planted. Proper labourers were not also employed rather passers' by were given the task but interestingly, bill vouchers for wages have been issued. Suppose you are the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of the state and you have been given task to take appropriate steps then how do you view the following questions a) Whether the issues in the case study are more about corruption rather than administrative efficiency? b) Although Mr A has dedication towards service but lacks work culture ethics. c) The issues are not about efficient utilisation of public fund but rather about quality of service. d) In your view, what should be the most appropriate action against Mr A? Give proper justification.

25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

CorruptionUtilisation of Public Funds

Mr. A is a senior public servant who has worked in two State public service departments over a twenty-year period. In the course of performing his duties, involving primarily monetary and budgeting issues, Mr.A becomes aware that public revenue is being used inappropriately. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns about the channelling of funds from one part of the budget to another to Mr.B, the Head of Division. Mr.A learns that not only is Mr.B aware of this practice, but also that he condones it. Not long after, Mr.A is summoned to talk to Mr.B and to the Director-General about the issue. Due to the politically sensitive nature of the issue, Mr.A is told that the matter is not within his jurisdiction and therefore he should 'keep his nose out of it'. This advice is based on the fact that the incumbent government will not tolerate questions about how it puts its budget together but that it also faces electoral defeat if the matter were to be made 'public'. After much soul searching, Mr.A decides to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. (a) Discuss the possible reasons behind Mr.A decision. (b) Suppose you were Mr.A then what possible options you could have taken? Discuss their merits and demerits and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty