General Studies 4 - Page 12 of 18

In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive elected people’s representatives forms the political executive and bureaucracy form the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executives and the political executives were characterized by mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other’s domain. However, in subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executives to follow its agenda. Respect for an appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, posting etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive. What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy? Discuss. (250 words)

The politicization of bureaucracy refers to a situation where bureaucrats are appointed or promoted based on political considerations, rather than merit or seniority. This trend…

An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the workplace. After sometime a women employee launched a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the companies’ indifference, in not taking cognizance of her grievances, she lodged an FIR with the police. Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the women employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive is not involved in the case. Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the women employee? (250 words)

Ethical issues involved in the case: Options available to the women employee: The case highlights the ethical issues involved in the workplace and the options…

Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of civil servants. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered as a backbone of any strong organizations. In the line of duty, they take various decisions, at time some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions, are not taken intentionally and do not benefit personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty. Though such decisions may, at times, lead to unforeseen adverse consequences in the long term. In the recent past, a few instances have surfaced wherein civil servants have been implicated for bonafide mistakes. They have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned. These instances have greatly rattled the moral fibre of the civil servants. How does this trend affect the functioning of civil services? What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide mistakes on their part? Justify your answer. (250 words)

The trend of implicating honest civil servants for bonafide mistakes has a significant impact on the functioning of civil services. It creates a culture of…

You are the heading the rescue operations in an area affected by severe natural calamity, thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damaged to supply routes. The local people are seeding with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of your team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis some team member pleads with you to call off the operations freeing threats to their life. In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situations. (250 words)

In a situation like this, it is essential to stay calm, composed and focused, and to have the qualities of a good leader. The first…

“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (150 words)

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s quote highlights the interdependence of character, family, nation and the world. Righteousness and beauty in character: Harmony in the home: Order…

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi

The quote by M.K. Gandhi highlights the importance of our thoughts in shaping our personality and ultimately determining our actions. Our thoughts reflect our inner…

“An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates (150 words)

The quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and introspection in leading a meaningful life. In the absence of critical self-examination, one may not…

“Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words)

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to recognize, understand, and handle one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. The statement suggests that emotional…

What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (150 words)

Probity in governance refers to the adherence to ethical principles and values by those in public office while performing their duties. It is the foundation…