Raghav Jhunjhunwala: GS4 answer copy

The questions

1. Q1(a)Do you agree that ethical governance encompasses more than just clean administration, it involves inclusive, participatory, and value-driven governance? Suggest implementable measures to institutionalise ethical governance in India.10 marks
2. Q1(b)Administrative ethics often involve tension between legality and morality. As a public administrator, how would you handle a situation where legal compliance contradicts moral responsibility? Illustrate with an example. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks With the growing reliance on digital governance and AI systems, concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability have intensified. Are the foundational values of public service sufficient to address these challenges, or do we require new ethical frameworks for the digital era? Explain with an example. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks Ethical guidance in public administration stems from various sources, laws, rules, regulations, and personal conscience. These sources may not always align. In such cases, what ethical approach should a public servant adopt to resolve the conflict? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks "In a deeply unequal world, ethical foreign policy is not idealism, it is realism with conscience." Do you agree? Discuss the ethical responsibilities of a nation-state in its conduct with other states and international bodies. Use examples from global practice.10 marks
3. Q2(a)In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance.10 marks
4. Q2(b)Q2.(b).
5. Q3(a)Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly regarded as essential for effective public service. Do you agree that EI enhances ethical decision-making and administrative performance, especially in high-pressure sectors such as policing or disaster response? Support your answer with a relevant example.10 marks
6. Q3(b)Q3.(b).
7. Q4(a)Public servants often operate within environments shaped by political expectations, peer norms, and public opinion. How do moral and political attitudes influence ethical decision-making? How can civil servants maintain independence without becoming socially or politically detached?10 marks
8. Q4(b)Q4.(b).
9. Q5(a)"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas." In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life?10 marks
10. Q5(b)Q5.(b).
11. Q6(a)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) "How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others." Adam Smith10 marks
12. Q6(b)"Power ought to serve as a check to power." Montesquieu,10 marks
13. Q6(c)"Service without humility is selfishness and egotism." Dr. B.R. Ambedkar10 marks
14. Q7Reena is the Ethics and Compliance Officer at a government-owned IT firm with a strong reputation for delivering time-bound tech solutions. One morning, she receives a formal complaint from a female software engineer alleging repeated verbal harassment and intimidating behaviour by the Regional Operations Head, a senior officer widely regarded for saving two failing national e-governance projects. The complaint includes screenshots of inappropriate late-night messages and statements from two interns who were witnesses to an incident. During her initial inquiry, Reena finds that some team members view the senior officer as demanding but they deny seeing direct harassment. Others seem reluctant to speak openly. The HR Head, a long-time colleague of the accused, privately tells Reena, "Don't escalate this. We'll fix it quietly. He's too valuable to lose." The Managing Director also expresses concern: "Let's protect the company's image, we've had a clean record so far." There's also pressure to shift the complainant to another team as a "practical compromise." As the Ethics & Compliance Officer, Reena had to take an immediate call before the situation escalated. 1. Identify the ethical and administrative issues confronting Reena. 2. What are her possible options? Which is the most appropriate and why? 3. Suggest systemic safeguards to address workplace harassment in public institutions.15 marks
15. Q8You are an Assistant Accounts Officer in the State Urban Development Department. Your team is finalizing the Utilisation Certificate (UC) for a 12 crore project on Smart City Infrastructure, which is due for a state audit next month. During reconciliation, you discover that 2 crore was shown as "fully utilised" in records, but the actual implementation is pending. You raise the discrepancy with your Section Head, who responds: "That amount was reallocated temporarily for an emergency drainage project. It'll be covered next quarter. Just adjust the note, you will be taken care of." You check internal emails: there's no official order for reallocation. The senior is well-connected and known to side-line juniors who "don't cooperate." A colleague warns you: "If you raise this, expect a transfer." You now face a critical decision. The UC will go to the audit team and potentially to the legislature. Filing it as-is would technically be misinformation; flagging it may trigger an internal inquiry against your superior and land you in professional isolation. You find yourself in a bind. 1. What are the ethical issues and ethical dilemmas the officer is facing? 2. Examine the available options and identify which one aligns best with public service values. 3. What internal institutional checks can prevent such misuse of financial reporting in government departments?15 marks
16. Q9Q.9 आप जिला समाज कल्याण अधिकारी हैं और राज्य पेंशन योजना के लिए नई AI-संचालित पात्रता प्रणाली के रोलआउट (शुरुआत) की देखरेख कर रहे हैं। इसका लक्ष्य मैन्युअल त्रुटियों का समाप्त करना तथा धनराशि का समय पर वितरण सुनिश्चित करना है। पहले दो महीनों के भीतर, आप लाभार्थी अस्वीकृतियों में अचानक वृद्धि देखते हैं, ज्यादातर ग्रामीण और आदिवासी क्षेत्रों से। कई बुजुर्ग नागरिक अस्वीकृति पत्र लेकर आपके कार्यालय आते हैं। उनमें से कुछ लोग वर्षों से पेंशन प्राप्त कर रहे थे। उनका कहना है कि उनके नाम गायब हैं या "डेटा मेल नहीं खा रहा है।" आप अपनी टीम से बैकएंड की समीक्षा करने के लिए कहते हैं। यह प्रणाली एक निजी विक्रेता द्वारा विकसित की गई थी और दावों को सत्यापित करने के लिए स्वचालित आधार-मिलान और आय अनुमान एल्गोरिदम का उपयोग करती है। सॉफ्टवेयर इंटरफेस के भीतर अपील का कोई विकल्प नहीं है, और अस्वीकृतियां स्वचालित रूप से संसाधित होती हैं। आपके तकनीकी सलाहकार कहते हैं, "यह डिजाइन के अनुसार काम कर रहा है। गलत सकारात्मक परिणाम (False positives) अपरिहार्य हैं, लेकिन कुल मिलाकर, यह मैन्युअल समीक्षा की तुलना में अधिक कुशल है।" हालाँकि, फील्ड रिपोर्ट बढ़ती परेशानी को दर्शाती हैं। कथित तौर पर एक अस्वीकृत लाभार्थी की आत्महत्या से मृत्यु हो गई। आप रोलआउट को रोकने और मैन्युअल समीक्षा चरण जोड़ने का प्रस्ताव करते हैं, लेकिन विभाग के सचिव द्वारा आपको "सुधार को धीमा करने" से बचने के लिए कहा जाता है। एक मीडिया आउटलेट ने अस्वीकृतियों पर डेटा माँगा है, लेकिन विक्रेता गोपनीयता पर जोर दे रहा है। अब आप तकनीकी दक्षता, सुभेद्य नागरिकों (vulnerable citizens) और सफलता दिखाने के संस्थागत दबाव के बीच फंस गए हैं। 1. इस मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे और प्रशासनिक जोखिम क्या हैं? 2. अधिकारी के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों की आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। 3. इस संबंध में सबसे अच्छा कदम क्या होगा? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। 4. लोक कल्याण योजनाओं में एआई-आधारित प्रणालियों का उपयोग करते समय अपनाए जाने वाले सुरक्षा उपायों का सुझाव दीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) 15 अंक15 marks
17. Q10You are posted as the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in a coastal district prone to flooding. During the monsoon season, rising river levels have led to early warnings from the disaster management unit. While reviewing preparedness files, you come across an internal report marked "confidential", generated by a recent IIT study. It identifies five low-lying zones that could face severe flash floods due to poor drainage and encroachment, including two residential clusters never marked as high-risk before. You ask the Disaster Management Officer (DMO) why this wasn't part of the public advisory. He says, "If we release this now, people will panic. Plus, there are real estate interests in those areas. Let's wait till there's a visible threat." You raise the issue with the District Collector, who replies, "We've alerted key departments. The public warning system is already stretched. We'll evacuate if needed." That evening, a local journalist sends you a Right to Information (RTI) query asking whether flood zone mapping has been updated. The DMO suggests you say "study still under review." You're conflicted. Sharing the report could save lives and push preventive action, but may trigger panic, disrupt the local economy, and place you at odds with senior officers. Delaying could lead to loss of life, for which you may later be blamed. 1. What are the competing ethical principles and administrative risks the ADM must consider in this case? 2. How should the ADM respond to the situation, balancing duty, protocol, and public interest? 3. Suggest three institutional practices that can improve transparency and responsiveness in disaster-prone districts.15 marks
18. Q11You 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
19. Q12You are the District Information Officer (DIO) responsible for managing the official social media handles of the district administration. These accounts are used to disseminate updates, engage with citizens, and provide emergency alerts. During a routine update on a COVID booster drive in a minority-dominated ward, the post attracts a barrage of comments, some hostile, some blatantly communal. Several users accuse the administration of "pampering one community." Others post hate symbols, slurs, and conspiracy theories. You immediately report the worst comments to the platform, but they remain visible for hours. Your junior team suggests turning off comments, but a senior colleague warns: "We don't want to appear like we're silencing citizens, let it run its course." The District Collector advises: "Don't escalate. The post will fade by tomorrow. Don't engage directly, we've been seen worse." The local press begins reporting the online hate as part of "growing digital communalism." Civil society activists tag the district handle, demanding action. Meanwhile, public trust is eroding, and more citizens, especially from the targeted community, have stopped engaging with the administration's page. You are seriously looking for a way to do damage control. 1. What are the ethical issues and administrative responsibilities involved in this case? 2. How should the DIO respond to this situation in a way that upholds public values and protects institutional credibility? 3. Suggest digital communication protocols that can guide public officials in handling hate speech on official platforms.15 marks

The answers