Vaibhav Rawat: GS4 answer copy

The questions

1. Q1(a)The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility?10 marks
2. Q1(b)Write short notes on the following:10 marks
3. Q2(a)Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society.10 marks
4. Q2(b)What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements.10 marks
5. Q3(a)Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss.10 marks
6. Q3(b)"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will." - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance?10 marks
7. Q4(a)Various practices and policies are implemented to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within administrative systems, encompassing both advantageous and disadvantageous aspects for the stakeholders involved and the overall administrative framework. Explore the ethical considerations that arise from the design and implementation of these administrative practices aiming to foster effective governance.10 marks
8. Q4(b)Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants.10 marks
9. Q5(a)The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities.10 marks
10. Q5(b)Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles?10 marks
11. Q6(a)What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) "When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion" - Abraham Lincoln.10 marks
12. Q6(b)"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.10 marks
13. Q6(c)"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values." - Ayn Rand.10 marks
14. Q7Jiya is a first-year student studying political science in a metropolitan city. Jiya belongs to Viddhi, a village located in the state of Satya Pradesh. Even though Jiya is very fond of her ancestral home, she has limited knowledge about the socio-cultural aspects of the region. One day, while talking to her father, Jiya expresses her desire to visit her ancestral place. Her father readily agrees, and advises Jiya to inform her paternal uncle, Suresh, who lives in Viddhi, about her travel plans. On the destined day, Jiya arrives at her village to a grand welcome organised by her uncle. Later in the day, Suresh informs Jiya that in the evening they were all to attend a marriage function in the village. At the function, while having dinner, Jiya noticed that a separate seating arrangement was being made for some people. Unlike others, these people were waiting for their meals sitting on the floor, at a substantial distance from the main dining area. This made Jiya curious. On enquiring, Alakh, a 15-year-old boy, told Jiya that the members of his communities were not allowed to sit on chairs in any public occasion in the village. Alakh also told Jiya that even though he did not like the idea of sitting down in front of his friends, his mother and father, both advised him to follow the norm. Jiya asked him as to why different treatment was meted out to some people despite belonging to the same place. Alakh informed Jiya that even though they all belonged to Viddhi, members of his communities lived in separate habitations; had separate wells; and even worshiped in separate places. He also told her that various prohibitions were put on them like they were not supposed to ride a horse as part of their wedding procession, not allowed to wear turbans, which was a common head gear for others etc. Upon returning from the function, Jiya talked to her uncle about the matter. Suresh told Jiya that it is an accepted practice in the region and it is not wise to question the age-old traditions. Next day, while going to the market with her aunt, Jiya passes by the local government school. She at once recognized Alakh in the school uniform. To her surprise, instead of studying inside with other students, he, along with some other students, was sweeping the school corridor. While Jiya was perplexed, her aunt passed it off as a routine affair and told her that it was not out of ordinary for the likes of Alakh to do such jobs. Though Jiya left for her home in a few days, the incidents in Viddhi left an indelible mark on her psyche. As a political science student, Jiya realised that such practices and traditions were a blatant violation of an individual's rights. However, what she did not understand was the reasons behind overt acceptance of such practices by the society. The things witnessed by Jiya at Viddhi are not isolated incidents, but a part of larger systematic cycle of exclusion, and marginalisation. Such incidents are commonplace in many parts of the country even today. a) Discuss the role of various stakeholders in checking such biases and building an egalitarian order. b) Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society?20 marks
15. Q7(a)a) ऐसे पूर्वाग्रहों को रोकने और समतावादी व्यवस्था के निर्माण में विभिन्न हितधारकों की भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिए। b) समाज में ऐसी भेदभावपूर्ण प्रथाएँ क्यों जारी हैं?
16. Q7(b)a) ऐसे पूर्वाग्रहों को रोकने और समतावादी व्यवस्था के निर्माण में विभिन्न हितधारकों की भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिए। b) समाज में ऐसी भेदभावपूर्ण प्रथाएँ क्यों जारी हैं?20 marks
17. Q8Pratap is a data engineer working in ABC Infocom. Pratap is a sincere employee who is liked equally by his superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. One day, during the lunch hour, a few colleagues were discussing a news item. There was a rally/parade in support of the LGBTQIA+ community which was to be held on the coming Sunday. While the news item was a matter of intrigue and fun for all, Pratap was sensitive about the issue. He explained to his colleagues the importance of understanding the demands of the LGBTQIA+ for equal civil rights as enjoyed by others. Kamal, a colleague of Pratap, believed such tendencies are not in the favour of the traditional values of the society. Another employee, Sushma, said that she has heard some experts on various news channel talking about how the demands being raised by the LGBTQIA+ community are against the laws of nature. Bhanu, the sales team manager, too agreed with the majority opinion; Bhanu said that his parents believe that the inclinations of LGBTQIA+ people are a manifestation of mental illness. Pratap's reasoning in favour of equal rights for all was of no consequence to his colleagues who seemed to have a rigid attitudinal build up against the community as a whole. On the designated day when the rally was to take place, Kamal was watching the coverage of the parade live from his home. To his astonishment, he saw Pratap in the LGBTQIA+ rally. Next day at the office, when Kamal told Pratap that he saw him participating in the parade, Pratap agreed, and told Kamal that he was gay. After this incident Pratap began to see visible changes in the behaviour of not only his colleagues and subordinates but also the management of the office. While earlier all pestered Pratap to be present for various official and personal occasions, now he increasingly felt unwanted. Even his colleagues started taking their lunch separately. Pratap was earlier respected and revered by all for his sincerity and dedication. But now his professional qualities were overlooked and he became an object of amusement for all. He noticed that people started calling him by different names which he realized were a slur on his personality. Matters came to head when Pratap was overlooked for promotion. Earlier, Pratap's superiors on various occasions had told him that his good work has benefitted the organization immensely and he was due for promotion after the next appraisal. Therefore, this supersession came as a rude and disappointing shock to Pratap, and he fell into a mire of self-doubt and loathing. The conditions came to such a pass that, Pratap, who was earlier a happy go lucky, caring, and a self-aware person, started remaining depressed. a) What are the qualities lacked by the colleagues and superiors of Pratap? b) What could be the possible reasons behind the negative attitude of office employees towards LGBTQIA+ community? c) As a friend of Pratap, what advice will you give him?20 marks
18. Q9Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way. However, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribes, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance. The problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath. The Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors. a) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study. b) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area? c) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.20 marks
19. Q9(a)a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या है?
20. Q9(b)b) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों को इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे?
21. Q9(c)a) उपरोक्त केस स्टडी में विभिन्न परस्पर विरोधी हित क्या हैं? b) जिस जिले में प्राचीनमठ पड़ता है, वहां के डीएम के रूप में आप लोगों का इलाका खाली करने के लिए कैसे मनाएंगे? c) भविष्य में ऐसी स्थितियों से बचने के लिए हम क्या कर सकते हैं?20 marks
22. Q10Bihar is a state in the Northern part of the country. Prohibition laws in the state completely ban the storage, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in any form. Despite the ban, the liquor mafia in the state has succeeded in supplying spurious liquor through various illegal dens. The activities of liquor mafia flourish under the nose of both the civil administration and the police department. Many Civil Society Organizations, women organizations etc., on numerous occasions complained to the authorities about the illegal production, sale, and consumption of liquor, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and no substantial action was taken by the government to curb the menace. As fate would have it, one day there was an unfortunate incident when a large group of fifty construction labourers died after consuming spurious liquor from an illegal den being operated by the mafia. Many of the victims were sole bread winners of their families. While the state was clear on its position that consuming liquor in the state was an illegal activity that warrants no sympathy or compensation (for the next of kin) from the government, families of the victims and also many CSOs were demanding compensation for the families of the deceased construction labourers. The incident got both national and international coverage in print, electronic as well as the social media. The pressure on the state government was mounting to amicably resolve the issue. Anjali is posted as the Joint Secretary in the Secretariat. The CM has asked her to create a detailed report on how should the state government handle this crisis. a) Under the given circumstances, what measures should Anjali recommend to handle the above crisis. b) Critically evaluate the decision of state government to not compensate the victims of spurious liquor.20 marks
23. Q11Kamlesh 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
24. Q11(case study)एक दिन, कमलेश अपने कार्यालय में बैठे थे, तभी उनका सचिव उनके लिए राज्य के एक प्रमुख खोजी पत्रकार का पत्र लेकर आया। यह पत्र हाल ही में आयोजित व्याख्याताओं की भर्ती से संबंधित है। पत्र का मजमून देखकर कमलेश हैरान रह गये। खोजी पत्रकार ने आरोप लगाया था कि परीक्षा का प्रश्नपत्र कुछ सफल उम्मीदवारों के लिए लीक कर दिया गया था, जिन्होंने परीक्षा में शामिल होने के लिए अपने दस्तावेज भी जाली बनाए थे। पत्र में बिचौलियों, राजनेताओं और सिविल सेवकों के गठजोड़ पर भी प्रकाश डाला गया है जो इस तरह की अवैध प्रथाओं को बढ़ावा देते हैं। इसके अलावा, खोजी पत्रकार ने विश्वसनीय सबूत भी संलग्न किए थे। कमलेश ने अपने स्रोतों से पत्रों के तथ्यों की पुष्टि की और आरोपों को प्रथम दृष्टया सही पाया। चूँकि मामला गंभीर था और तत्काल कार्रवाई की आवश्यकता थी, इसलिए कमलेश ने मामले को अपने मंत्री के संज्ञान में लाया। उन्हें आश्चर्य हुआ जब मंत्री ने उनसे मामले को कुछ देर बैठने के लिए कहा। मंत्री ने तर्क दिया कि इस मामले को उजागर करने से न सिर्फ विभाग बल्कि सरकार की भी बदनामी होगी। इसके अलावा, मंत्री ने तर्क दिया कि पूरी भर्ती प्रक्रिया को रद्द करना शिक्षा विभाग, स्कूलों आदि के लिए हानिकारक होगा; इसके अलावा, सत्यनिष्ठ और ईमानदार उम्मीदवार जिन्होंने तैयारी के लिए बहुत समय और पैसा निवेश किया है, उन पर भी नकारात्मक प्रभाव पड़ सकता है। उन्होंने कमलेश को यह भी याद दिलाया कि सीएम के शामिल होने की घोषणा पहले ही हो चुकी है। मंत्री के कार्यालय से निकलने के बाद, कमलेश के निजी सचिव (पीएस) का फोन आया। पीएस ने कमलेश को संकेत दिया कि संबंधित उम्मीदवार सत्तारूढ़ राजनीतिक दल से निकटता से जुड़े हुए हैं, और उनके खिलाफ जाने से कमलेश के लिए पेशेवर समस्याएं पैदा हो सकती हैं। दूसरी ओर, पीएस ने आश्वासन दिया कि इस मामले में उनके सहयोग पर किसी का ध्यान नहीं जाएगा और उसे भरपूर इनाम दिया जाएगा। कमलेश अभी-अभी अपनी नई पोस्टिंग पर आए थे। वह जानते हैं कि मंत्री की इच्छा के विरुद्ध जाने पर उन्हें अपनी वर्तमान पोस्टिंग से हाथ धोना पड़ सकता है। और तो और, कमलेश के पिता का स्थानीय अस्पताल में इलाज चल रहा है। जिले से बाहर जाने का मतलब यह होगा कि उसके पिता को अपनी देखभाल के लिए अकेला छोड़ दिया जाएगा। इसके अलावा, कमलेश की पत्नी प्रिया भी एक नौकरशाह है, जो मुख्यमंत्री कार्यालय (सीएमओ) में तैनात है। कमलेश को एहसास होता है कि उसकी हरकतों का असर उसके करियर पर भी पड़ेगा। a) कमलेश द्वारा सामना की गई विभिन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं को उजागर करें। b) अपने आप को कमलेश की स्थिति में समझें। आपके लिए विभिन्न विकल्प क्या उपलब्ध है? c) आपके द्वारा सूचीबद्ध प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें। d) कमलेश को उपरोक्त में से कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना चाहिए और क्यों? (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)20 marks
25. Q12XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and on behalf of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education. a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study. b) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?20 marks
26. Q12(a), b)संयोग से, जोसेफ का छोटा भाई, फ्रैंक भी XYZ कोचिंग का छात्र है। वह उस दिन कोचिंग में मौजूद नहीं था। XYZ कोचिंग का मालिक जोसेफ के पास जाता है और उससे जांच रिपोर्ट में नरमी बरतने का अनुरोध करता है। उनका प्रस्ताव है कि फ्रैंक के अच्छे ट्रैक रिकॉर्ड को देखते हुए वे न केवल उसकी कोचिंग फीस, बल्कि देश के किसी भी कॉलेज से स्नातक की पढ़ाई के लिए भी उसे छात्रवृत्ति देने को तैयार हैं। वे यह भी वादा करते हैं कि चूंकि फ्रैंक एक ईमानदार छात्र है, इसलिए वे यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए अपने शीर्ष संकाय को समर्पित करेंगे कि फ्रैंक आगामी स्नातक प्रवेश परीक्षा में अच्छे अंक लेकर आए। जोसेफ को पता है कि उसका भाई पहले भी प्रवेश परीक्षाओं में बार-बार असफल हुआ है और विशेष फोकस से उसे काफी मदद मिलेगी। इसके अलावा, जोसेफ स्वयं एक ऋण के अधीन था, जिसे वह अभी भी अपने वेतन से छोटी किस्तों में चुका रहा था। हाल ही में शादी हुई और एक गरीब परिवार से आने के कारण, जोसेफ हमेशा अपने भाई की शिक्षा के वित्तपोषण के बारे में चिंतित रहता है। a) मामले के अध्ययन में विभिन्न नैतिक चिंताओं की पहचान करें। b) आप जोसेफ के मित्र हैं। जोसेफ सलाह के लिए आपके पास आता है। आप जोसेफ को क्या सलाह देंगे और क्यों?20 marks

The answers