PYQ-Mains - Page 11 of 72

Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The members inform him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vined that once his party comes to power, Vinod’s professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalised if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realises that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains. (a): As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod. (b): In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.

(a) Options Available to Vinod: (b) Ethical Issues Arising from the Politicization of Bureaucracy: Politicization of bureaucracy undermines its very essence, which is to serve…

At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior. She reflects on how she had asked forward to the posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it, he had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enough Justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny’s care as she had to work in the office. No, she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should take precedence over her professional responsibilities. She thinks that there should be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work, dedication to duty and selfless service. (a): Discuss the ethical issue involved in this case. (b): Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government with respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women. (c): Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions?

(a) Ethical Issues Involved in This Case: (b) Four Laws Enacted by the Government for a Healthy, Safe, and Equitable Working Environment for Women: (c)…

A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July. 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60 kilometers from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as District Magistrate of that area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations. A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and in loosing blood. You directed your medal team to examine his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know that a few blood collection bags and blood group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people of your team have already volunteered to donate blood. Being a physician who has graduated from AIIMS, you know that blood for transfusion needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank. Your team members are divided on this issue; some favour transfusing, while some others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate the delivery provided they are not penalised for transfusion. Now you are a dilemma. Your professional training emphasizes on prioritising service to humanity and saving lives of individuals. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.

(a) Ethical Issues Involved in This Case: (b) Evaluate the Options Available to You, Being District Magistrate of the Area: Recommended Course of Action: As…

You are working as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery to service. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about Rs 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to fund her. A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of 10 lakhs from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do so until it is all returned. (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) Evaluate the behavior of the bank manager from an ethical point of view. (c) How would you react to the situation?

(a) Ethical Issues Involved: (b) Evaluate the Behavior of the Bank Manager from an Ethical Point of View: (c) How would you react to the…

Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (150 words)

Social capital refers to the collective value of all social networks and the inclinations arising from these networks to do things for each other. It…

What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (150 words)

Introduction:Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, propagated several profound teachings that resonate even in today’s times. These teachings are not only spiritual but also practical,…

Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development. Discuss. (150 words)

Introduction: Probity, which means the quality of having strong moral principles, is foundational to an effective system of governance and socio-economic development. Conclusion: In essence,…

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making. Discuss (150 words)

Conscience and laws, rules, and regulations serve as guiding forces in ethical decision-making. While both have their merits, there’s a debate on which is more…

Differentiate ‘moral intuition” from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples.

Introduction:Moral intuition and moral reasoning are two fundamental concepts in understanding how individuals make ethical decisions. While they both play a role in shaping our…