Introduction This case study highlights the tension between upholding ethical conduct and navigating a potentially corrupt environment, echoing the dilemma faced by IAS officer Ashok Khemka. The central ethical dilemma lies in choosing between pragmatic compromise and steadfast adherence to ethical principles in public service, exemplified by the ongoing debate surrounding bureaucratic corruption in India, with deontology providing a robust framework for analysis. Deontology emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their consequences, making it relevant to this case where the focus is on the intrinsic value of ethical conduct.

Stakeholder Identification The stakeholders are the aspiring civil servant (friend), his family, the public/citizens, the government, and the overall administrative system.

Answers

(i) Career and Family Concerns vs. Ethical Conduct:

1. Choosing ethical conduct over unethical practices demonstrates courage of conviction and builds character, aligning with virtue ethics.
2. Prioritizing short-term gains (career progression, family security) over long-term ethical consequences erodes public trust and perpetuates a corrupt system.
3. While acknowledging the potential hardships, true public service demands a commitment to the common good, even at personal cost. This reflects the deontological principle of duty.
4. Whistleblowing mechanisms and legal protections can mitigate risks associated with ethical conduct.

(ii) Ineffectiveness of a Small Minority vs. Systemic Change:

1. A utilitarian approach might suggest that if widespread corruption exists, individual ethical actions are inconsequential. However, this ignores the ripple effect of ethical behavior.
2. Even a small minority upholding ethical principles can inspire others and gradually shift the culture towards greater integrity. This aligns with the concept of leading by example.
3. Focusing solely on immediate outcomes overlooks the long-term benefits of ethical conduct in building a just and equitable society.
4. The Satyendra Dubey case exemplifies the potential impact of even a single individual's commitment to ethical conduct, even if it leads to personal sacrifice.

(iii) Ethical Considerations vs. Economic Progress:

1. This viewpoint presents a false dichotomy between ethics and development. True sustainable development requires a foundation of ethical governance and transparency.
2. Corruption acts as a significant impediment to economic growth by diverting resources, discouraging investment, and undermining public trust.
3. Prioritizing ethical conduct fosters a stable and predictable environment that attracts investment and promotes long-term economic progress.
4. India's ranking in the Corruption Perception Index demonstrates the negative impact of corruption on economic development.

(iv) Small Gratifications and Favors vs. Systemic Corruption:

1. Accepting even small gratifications normalizes corruption and creates a slippery slope towards larger unethical practices. This violates the principle of impartiality in public service.
2. Such practices, while seemingly increasing efficiency in the short term, undermine the rule of law and create an environment of favoritism and inequality.
3. True efficiency is achieved through transparent processes and meritocratic systems, not through personal favors and bribes.
4. The 2G spectrum allocation scam exemplifies how seemingly small acts of corruption can escalate into major scandals with devastating consequences for the nation.

Advice to the Friend I would advise my friend to prioritize ethical conduct above all else. A career in public service is a commitment to the common good, requiring courage of conviction and adherence to principles of integrity, fairness, and transparency. While the path of least resistance may seem appealing in the short term, it ultimately leads to a crisis of conscience and contributes to the erosion of public trust. The true measure of a civil servant is not career advancement or material gain, but the positive impact they have on society.

Conclusion This case study underscores the importance of ethical decision-making in public service. The temptation to compromise ethical principles for personal gain or career advancement is a constant challenge. However, history is replete with examples of individuals who, through their courage and commitment to ethical conduct, have brought about positive change. The recent focus on strengthening anti-corruption institutions in India demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of ethical governance. Moving forward, fostering a culture of ethics in public service requires not only robust legal frameworks but also a renewed emphasis on character development and a commitment to the common good.