Riju Shrivastava: GS4 answer copy

The questions

1. Q1(a)What do you understand by following terms, in the context of public service?10 marks
2. Q1(b)While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant.10 marks
3. Q3(a)Differentiate between the following: (10 marks, 150 words) Q.3) What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom"-Thomas Jefferson10 marks
4. Q3(b)Ethical competence of civil servants goes beyond complying with the law, and extends to satisfying their individual conscience. Examine. b) "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln.10 marks
5. Q3(c)"It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of our dodging of responsibilities." - Josiah Stamp10 marks
6. Q4(a)Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.10 marks
7. Q4(n)Evaluate the role of citizen's charter in making governance citizen centric. Also, recommend some measures to make citizen's charters more effective.10 marks
8. Q5(a)Differentiate between the following: (10 marks, 150 words) (i) code of conduct and code of ethics (ii) Accountability and responsibility In a system where there is no overarching global authority, national interests invariably dominate international relations. Discuss the statement and critically examine the utility of ethical principles in international relations.10 marks
9. Q6(a)Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to make the governance process transparent and accountable, however, the sunshine legislation is beset with several challenges. Analyse.10 marks
10. Q6(b)What do you understand by 'Nishkam Karma'? Discuss the importance of 'Nishkam Karma' in the life of a civil servant.10 marks
11. Q7You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells you that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company?20 marks
12. Q8You are the General manager of a chemical company, XYZ, located in Panchnagar. Panchnagar is situated on the banks of the river Panch, which is a tributary of one of the major rivers of the country. XYZ was established in Panchnagar with active policy support from the government 20 years ago. XYZ is a major source of employment for the people of Panchnagar. XYZ is involved in various social activities. XYZ has built a primary hospital to attend to the health requirements of the people. It has also built a school in Panchnagar, and gives scholarships to the needy and meritorious children. Though XYZ is making a tremendous contribution to the social and economic growth of Panchnagar, your executive director is not happy with the profits incurred by XYZ in the last quarter. He has exhorted you to cut unnecessary costs and improve the revenue of the company. One day, you receive a letter from an NGO working for environment conservation. The NGO appreciates your company's work for the development of Panchnagar. However, the NGO has cautioned you about certain negative environmental and social impacts associated with the functioning of XYZ. The letter appraises you that a highly toxic chemical is being discharged into the Panch river by the XYZ. According to the studies conducted by the NGO, the toxic chemical may be carcinogenic and may adversely impact the health of people who depend on the river for their water needs. Further, the river is endemic to several endangered species. The release of the chemical waste into the Panch river may be a reason for the declining population of these species. The letter also informs you about a new filtration technology that has been effective in filtering out the toxic waste in question. The NGO's letter exhorts you to take corrective steps to rectify the issue by deploying the new filtration technology. After reading the letter you approach your executive director and brief him about the release of the possibly carcinogenic chemical into the Panch river. You also advise him to install the new filtration technology to ensure that toxic chemical is not discharged into the river. The executive director informs you that he is aware of the new technology which, in his opinion, is not only very expensive but also has a high recurring maintenance cost. The executive director tells you that XYZ is a law-abiding company and all its waste discharges are in compliance with relevant statutory and environmental guidelines. He further reminds you that XYZ is already contributing substantially to the socio-economic development of Panchnagar. Also, the executive director is of the view that the NGO is working in its own vested interests and should not be taken seriously. a) What arguments can you advance to show that doing nothing about the possibly carcinogenic chemical is not morally correct? b) What alternatives do you have in order to ameliorate the situation under the given circumstances?20 marks
13. Q8(null)NGO द्वारा किए गए अध्ययनों के अनुसार जहरीला रसायन कार्सिनोजेनिक हो सकता है और उन लोगों के स्वास्थ्य पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाल सकता है जो अपने पानी की जरूरतों के लिए नदी पर निर्भर हैं। इसके अलावा, नदी कई लुप्तप्राय प्रजातियों के लिए स्थानिक है। पत्र नदी में रासायनिक कचरे का छोड़ा जाना इन प्रजातियों की घटती आबादी का एक कारण हो सकता है। पत्र आपको एक नई निस्पंदन तकनीक के बारे में भी सूचित करता है जो प्रश्न में जहरीले कचरे को रोकने में प्रभावी रही है। NGO का पत्र आपको नई निस्पंदन तकनीक को लागू करके समस्या को सुधारने के लिए सुधारात्मक कदम उठाने का आह्वान करता है। पत्र पढ़ने के बाद आप अपने कार्यकारी निदेशक से संपर्क करते हैं और उन्हें पत्र नदी में संभावित कैंसरकारी रसायन के छोड़े जाने के बारे में जानकारी देते हैं। आप उसे यह भी सलाह देते हैं कि नई निस्पंदन तकनीक स्थापित करें ताकि यह सुनिश्चित किया जा सके कि जहरीले रसायन को नदी में नहीं छोड़ा जाए। कार्यकारी निदेशक आपको सूचित करता है कि वह नई तकनीक से अवगत है, जो उनकी राय में, न केवल बहुत महंगी है, बल्कि उच्च आवर्ती रखरखाव लागत भी है। कार्यकारी निदेशक आपको बताता है कि XYZ एक कानून का पालन करने वाली कंपनी है और इसके सभी अपशिष्ट निर्वहन पालन वैज्ञानिक और पर्यावरणीय दिशानिर्देशों के अनुपालन में हैं। वह आगे आपको याद दिलाता है कि XYZ पहले से ही पंचनगर के सामाजिक-आर्थिक विकास में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दे रहा है। साथ ही, कार्यकारी निदेशक का विचार है कि NGO अपने निहित स्वार्थों में काम कर रहा है और इसे गंभीरता से नहीं लिया जाना चाहिए। a) आप यह प्रमाणित करने के लिए कौन से तर्क दे सकते हैं कि संभावित कार्सिनोजेनिक रसायन के बारे में कुछ नहीं करना नैतिक रूप से सही नहीं है? b) दी गई परिस्थितियों में स्थिति को सुधारने के लिए आपके पास क्या विकल्प हैं? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)20 marks
14. Q9Prashant is an IAS officer who was recently posted as the new health secretary of Nav Pradesh. Nav Pradesh is a backward state with a large population living below the poverty line. After assuming the charge as the health secretary, Prashant found that the state-run hospitals of Nav Pradesh are in poor condition and are unable to cater to the high incidence of diseases among people. Every year seasonal diseases like dengue, malaria etc., cause havoc in the state. In order to improve health indicators of people, especially in the backward areas, a multi-speciality hospital was being constructed in Nav Pradesh. The contract for the construction of the hospital was awarded to a private construction firm (Swati constructions Pvt. Ltd.) As the state's new health secretary, Prashant wanted to expedite the construction of the hospital. On a surprise inspection of the hospital site, Prashant found several on-ground irregularities. He saw that the construction material was of very poor quality. Further, the pace of construction was also very slow. On enquiring upon the slow pace of work, the site manager informed him that adequate number of people are not hired in order to save cost. Also, he found that many children were working on the construction site. Prashant was surprised by these facts, and he at once started a review of the project. Upon enquiring, Prashant found that project was approved two years earlier by Prashant's predecessor, who was later promoted to the post of chief secretary. Prashant found grave irregularities in the process by which the project was awarded to Swati constructions Pvt. Ltd. It also came to Prashant's notice that the land acquisition for the construction of multi-speciality hospital was done without proper due-diligence. Also, the price quoted by Swati constructions was relatively high than what was quoted by other bidders at the time of the bidding process. On further enquiry, Prashant came to know that the proprietor of Swati constructions was a close relative of the health minister of the state. Moreover, past records of Swati constructions had not been meticulous. Swati constructions was accused by many of its former clients with regard to poor construction quality and delayed completion of projects. Further, Swati constructions was also entangled in a legal suit related to a land fraud, wherein some farmers alleged that Swati constructions had forcibly acquired their agricultural lands. An honest and upright official, Prashant immediately appraised the chief secretary about these facts. However, the chief secretary told him that it is common for the construction companies to breach the stipulated time limit, and it is not a big issue. Also, he assured Prashant that the pending case against Swati constructions was a fabricated one and lacked any merit. He informally told Prashant that his act of approving the bid of Swati constructions was in a way responsible for his promotion. He also told him that his cooperation in this matter will be well appreciated with not only a promotion but also a posting of his choice. The chief secretary also hinted that it will be unwise for Prashant to upset the minister in charge of his ministry, as it might sabotage his professional growth. Moreover, the chief secretary explained to Prashant that if he hindered the process of the construction of the hospital, then it would not only be an economic loss for the exchequer but also be counter-productive for the poor health situation in the state, as the whole process would have to be started again. Prashant was in a state of dilemma with respect to his future course of action. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Prashant? b) Examine the merits and demerits of various courses of actions available to Prashant. c) If you were in Prashant's shoes, which course of action will you choose and why?20 marks
15. Q9(a)a) उपर्युक्त सभी प्रारूपों का मूल्यांकन करें और इसके लिए अपने कारण बताते हुए कार्यवाही का सबसे अच्छा विकल्प सुझाएं। b) आपके अनुसार सार्वजनिक कार्यालयों में खराब कार्य संस्कृति के क्या कारण हैं? साथ ही इसमें सुधार के उपाय सुझाएं। (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)20 marks
16. Q9(b)b) आपके अनुसार सार्वजनिक कार्यालयों में खराब कार्य संस्कृति के क्या कारण है? साथ ही इसमें सुधार के उपाय सुझाएं।
17. Q10You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) at the home ministry. On a daily basis you receive several applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. On gathering the information for a particular query you find that the information is related to some decisions which were taken by you. You took the decision in good faith which appeared correct at the time of decision making. The immediate impact of your actions was in line with your expectations. However, in hindsight the long term impacts of the decisions were counterproductive, and the decision seems to be made with malafide intentions. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of the solicited information, may lead to disciplinary actions. There is a possibility that you and some of your colleagues, who were involved in the decision-making process, may also be punished. You know that a non-disclosure, delayed disclosure, part-disclosure or a camouflaged disclosure will lead to a lesser punishment or even no punishment at all. You are aware of several cases in your department where non-disclosures have virtually gone unnoticed. Moreover, concealing the information will also save you, your colleagues, and the department itself from huge embarrassment. You know that it is your lawful mandate to disclose complete information in a proper and timely manner. In your years of service, you have been a sincere, dedicated, honest, conscientious officer. However, this time, you are well aware that the complete disclosure of information may cause harm to not only your career but also that of your colleagues. Moreover, your colleagues are pressuring you to withhold the information. Further, you have recently taken a huge education loan to fund the college education of your son. As the sole breadwinner of the family, you shoulder the responsibility of catering to the needs of your elderly parents, which involves their recurring medical costs. In these circumstances, any disciplinary action against you may also negatively affect you and your family's financial well-being. Now, you are in a state of dilemma over your future course of action. a) What are various ethical dilemmas in the above case study? b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of various courses of action available to you. Also, which course of action will you choose and why?20 marks
18. Q12Rohan was a new intern at ABC computers, a company that deals in assembling and sales of desktops. ABC computers is a leading company in its field, and it was a dream come true for Rohan to get an opportunity to intern at the company. Rohan is an ethical and upright person who does his duty with utmost sincerity and dedication. Rohan's hard work at ABC computers was well recognized and his superiors were satisfied with his performance. One day, Avinash, Rohan's team leader, gave him a file and instructed him to deliver it to Mr. Manoj, the General Manager of XYZ Chemicals, a Public Sector Unit (PSU). Avinash told Rohan that the contents of the file were confidential as it contained the company's quotation for a tender of 100 computers required by XYZ chemicals. Rohan felt encouraged that Avinash had chosen him for this important task. As instructed, Rohan reached the office of XYZ chemicals on time. While waiting for his turn to meet the General Manager, Rohan noticed the citizen's charter of the XYZ chemicals on the wall. Apart from explicit provisions for transparency and checking corruption, there was a dedicated section for grievance redressal in the citizen's charter. Rohan mentally appreciated the initiative of having a citizen's charter at public offices. On his turn, Rohan greeted Mr. Manoj and presented him with his company's quotations. Mr. Manoj looked visibly satisfied with the quotations, however, he asked Rohan as to what incentives there were for him personally, for approving the quotations. Rohan was shocked by this question, and before he could say anything, Mr. Manoj himself hinted that he expects 10% of the quotation value to be delivered to him, as a token of gratitude for approving the quotation of ABC computers over the quotations of other companies. A man of scruples, Rohan was offended at the proposition of Mr. Manoj, who was directly demanding a bribe for doing his stipulated duty. He requested Mr. Manoj to consider the quotations on their competitive merit, and to not embarrass him by demanding a bribe. Mr. Manoj asked Rohan to leave and also told him that his attitude may become a problem for him and his company in the future. Rohan felt harassed by the threats of Mr. Manoj. While leaving XYZ chemicals, Rohan remembered the grievance redressal section in the citizen's charter. He wrote a detailed application of complaint against Mr. Manoj on the letter head of ABC computers, and submitted it with the grievance redressal authority of XYZ chemicals. On returning to his office, he appraised Avinash about all that transpired at XYZ chemicals. Rohan expected his company to initiate an official complaint against Mr. Manoj. However, he was shocked with the response of his company. Avinash blamed Rohan for spoiling the relations of the company with a long-time client. He also questioned Rohan's authority for writing a complaint on the company's letterhead without consulting his superior. He further belittled Rohan's actions by telling him that Mr. Manoj has always ensured that ABC computers got preferential treatment over its competitors. Furthermore, Avinash asked Rohan to apologise to Mr. Manoj, and take back his complaint. He also hinted that if he refused to comply, his internship in the company will be ended with immediate effect. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Rohan considers you a wise person and seeks your advice. As a friend of Rohan, what advice will you give him under these circumstances? c) What are the reasons for the acceptance of this kind of corruption? What steps can be taken to tackle the same?25 marks
19. Q12(case study)ABC कंप्यूटर के एक अधिकारी रोहन ने एक सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र की इकाई (PSU) के लिए आपूर्ति की निविदा (tender) देखी। निविदा में कंपनी के लिए सख्त नियम थे। निविदा के अनुसार, रोहन समय पर XYZ रसायनों के लिए एक निविदा जमा करने के लिए गया था। निविदा के जमा करने की प्रक्रिया के दौरान, श्री मनोज, XYZ रसायन के एक विपणन प्रबंधक ने उसे अन्य प्रतिस्पर्धी निविदाओं के विवरण दिखाए और भ्रष्टाचार की टीम के लिए उसकी प्रशंसा की। रोहन ने दीवार पर लगे कंपनी के 'सिटिज़न चार्टर' को देखा, जो कि एक निविदा का स्पष्ट प्रमाण था। रोहन ने सार्वजनिक कार्यालय में सिटिज़न चार्टर होने की पहल की प्रशंसा की। तभी श्री मनोज का अभिवादन किया और उन्हें अपनी कंपनी के भाव विवरण प्रस्तुत किए। श्री मनोज भाव विवरण से संतुष्ट दिख रहे थे, हालांकि उन्होंने रोहन से पूछा कि भाव विवरण को मंजूरी देने के लिए व्यक्तिगत रूप से उन्हें क्या प्रोत्साहन था। मनोज ने खुद संकेत दिया कि उन्हें उम्मीद है कि अन्य कंपनियों के भाव विवरण पर ABC कंप्यूटर के भाव विवरण को मंजूरी देने के लिए कृतज्ञता के प्रतीक के रूप में भाव विवरण मूल्य का 10 प्रतिशत उन्हें दिया जाएगा। मिस्टर मनोज के प्रस्ताव पर रोहन नाराज था, जो सीधे तौर पर अपने निर्धारित कर्तव्य को करने के लिए रिश्वत की मांग कर रहा था। उन्होंने श्री मनोज से उनकी प्रतिस्पर्धा योग्यता के आधार पर भाव विवरण पर विचार करने और रिश्वत की मांग करके उन्हें शर्मिंदा न करने का अनुरोध किया। श्री मनोज ने रोहन को धमकी दी कि वह उसके और उसकी कंपनी के लिए एक समस्या बन सकता है। श्री मनोज की धमकियों से रोहन परेशान महसूस कर रहा था। रोहन ने XYZ केमिकल छोड़ते समय सिटीजन चार्टर में शिकायत निवारण खंड को याद किया। उन्होंने ABC कंप्यूटर के लेटर हेड पर श्री मनोज के खिलाफ शिकायत का एक विस्तृत आवेदन लिखा, और इसे XYZ रसायनों के शिकायत निवारण प्राधिकरण के पास जमा कर दिया। अपने कार्यालय लौटने पर, उन्होंने अविनाश को XYZ केमिकल में होने वाली हर चीज से अवगत कराया। रोहन को उम्मीद थी कि उनकी कंपनी श्री मनोज के खिलाफ आधिकारिक शिकायत शुरू करेगी। हालांकि, वह अपनी कंपनी की प्रतिक्रिया से हैरान थे। अविनाश ने रोहन पर लंबे समय से क्लाइंट के साथ कंपनी के संबंध खराब करने का आरोप लगाया। उन्होंने रोहन के अपने कार्यालय के लेटरहेड पर अपने वरिष्ठ से परामर्श किए बिना शिकायत लिखने के लिए रोहन के अधिकार पर भी सवाल उठाया। उन्होंने रोहन के कार्यों को और भी कम करके बताया कि श्री मनोज ने हमेशा यह सुनिश्चित किया है कि ABC कंप्यूटर को अन्य प्रतिस्पर्धियों पर अधिमान्य उपचार मिले। इसके अलावा, अविनाश ने रोहन से मिस्टर मनोज से माफी मांगने और उसकी शिकायत वापस लेने को कहा। उन्होंने यह भी संकेत दिया कि अगर उन्होंने अनुपालन करने से इनकार किया, तो कंपनी में उनकी उपस्थिति तत्काल प्रभाव से समाप्त कर दी जाएगी। a) इस केस अध्ययन में कौन से नैतिक मुद्दे शामिल हैं? b) रोहन आपको एक बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति मानता है और आपकी सलाह लेता है। रोहन के मित्र होने के नाते इन परिस्थितियों में आप उसे क्या सलाह देंगे? c) इस तरह के भ्रष्टाचार को स्वीकार करने के क्या कारण हैं? इससे निपटने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं? (25 अंक, 250 शब्द)25 marks

The answers