Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:- (i)In the present times, when unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can? (ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going t be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated. (iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all in the present age of high competition we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development (iv) It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend?
Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:- (i)In the present times, when unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can? (ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going t be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated. (iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all in the present age of high competition we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development (iv) It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend?
The case presents a critical dialogue about ethical pragmatism versus principled governance in civil services, where a friend questions the viability of maintaining ethical standards in a seemingly corrupt environment. This reflects the fundamental challenge faced by aspiring civil servants in balancing idealism with practical realities.
Stakeholders
- Primary Stakeholders: The friend (aspiring civil servant), citizens who will be served, current civil servants, family members
- Secondary Stakeholders: Political leadership, judiciary, civil society, future generations, democratic institutions
Critical Analysis of Viewpoints
Viewpoint (i): Pragmatic Approach vs Ethical Principles
- Flawed Logic: Assumes ethical conduct inevitably leads to career problems, ignoring numerous examples of successful ethical officers like E. Sreedharan, Kiran Bedi, and Armstrong Pame
- Short-term Thinking: Prioritizes immediate comfort over long-term institutional integrity and personal satisfaction
- Utilitarian Fallacy: "Doing whatever good we can" within corrupt systems often perpetuates the very problems civil servants should solve
- Constitutional Violation: Contradicts Article 311 protections and fundamental duties under Article 51A
Viewpoint (ii): Individual Impact Skepticism
- Historical Counter-evidence: Individual ethical stands have created systemic changes - Vinod Rai's CAG reports, Ashok Khemka's land deal exposures
- Ripple Effect Ignorance: Ethical behavior inspires others and builds institutional credibility over time
- Democratic Responsibility: Article 21 guarantees citizens' right to honest governance, making individual integrity constitutionally mandated
Viewpoint (iii): Ethics vs Economic Development
- False Dichotomy: Countries like Singapore, Denmark demonstrate that ethical governance accelerates economic growth
- Corruption Cost: Transparency International estimates corruption reduces GDP growth by 0.5-1% annually
- Sustainable Development: SDG 16 explicitly links good governance with development outcomes
Viewpoint (iv): Small Gratifications Rationalization
- Slippery Slope: Small corruptions normalize larger ones, as seen in various scam progressions
- System Inefficiency: Gratifications create parallel economies and delay legitimate processes
- Legal Violation: Prevention of Corruption Act 2018 criminalizes all forms of gratification without threshold limits
Advice to Friend
Philosophical Foundation
- Embrace dharmic leadership - duty-bound service regardless of external environment
- Apply Kantian categorical imperative - act only according to principles you'd want universalized
- Follow Gandhian principle: "Be the change you wish to see"
Practical Strategy
- Build Alliances: Connect with like-minded officers and civil society organizations
- Document Everything: Maintain transparent records to protect against false allegations
- Leverage Technology: Use digital platforms for transparent service delivery
- Continuous Learning: Study successful ethical leaders' strategies and adapt contextually
Career Protection Measures
- Know Legal Protections: Understand RTI Act 2005, Whistleblower Protection Act 2014
- Professional Networks: Build relationships with ethical seniors and peer groups
- Media Engagement: Maintain healthy relationships with responsible journalism
- Family Communication: Ensure family understands the nobility and long-term benefits of ethical service
Ethical governance isn't just about personal integrity; it's about fulfilling the constitutional promise to citizens. As Swami Vivekananda said, "Take up one idea, make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea." Let service with integrity be that transformative idea.
Answer Length
Model answers may exceed the word limit for better clarity and depth. Use them as a guide, but always frame your final answer within the exam’s prescribed limit.
Ethics: Case Study PYQs from 2014
- 20 MarksView Answer
In our country, the migration of rural people to towns and cities is increasing drastically. This is causing serious problems both in the rural as well as in the urban areas. In fact, things are becoming really unmanageable. Can you analyze this problem in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why – (a) educated youth are trying to shift to urban areas (b) landless poor people are migrating to urban slums (c) even some farmers are selling off the, land and trying to settle in urban areas taking , petty jobs.
What feasible steps can you suggest which will be effective in controlling this serious problem of our country? - 20 MarksView Answer
Rameshwar successfully cleared the prestigious civil services examination and was excited about the opportunity that he would get through the civil services to serve the country. However, soon after joining the services, he realized that things are not as rosy as he had imagined. He found a number of malpractices prevailing in the department assigned to him. For example, funds under various schemes and grants were being misappropriated. The official facilities were frequently being used for personal needs by the officers and staff. After some time, he noticed that the process of recruiting the staff was also not up to the mark. Prospective candidates were required to write an examination in which a lot of cheating was going on. Some candidates were provided external help in the examination. Rameshwar brought these incidents to the notice of his seniors. However, he was advised to keep his eyes, ears and mouth shut and ignore all these things which were taking place with the connivance of the higher-ups. Rameshwar felt highly disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you seeking your advice. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. How would you help him to evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?
- 20 MarksView Answer
Suppose you are the CEO of a company that manufactures specialized electronic equipment used by a government department. You have submitted your bid for the supply of this equipment to the department. Both the quality and cost of your offer are better than those of the competitors. Yet the concerned officer is demanding a hefty bribe for approving the tender Getting the order is important both for you and your company. Not getting the order would mean closing a production line. It may also affect your own career. However, as a value-conscious person, You do not want to give bribe. Valid arguments can be advanced both for giving the bribe and getting the order, and for refusing to pay the bribe and risking the loss of the order. What those arguments could be, Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits.
- 20 MarksView Answer
You are a no-nonsense, honest officer. You have been transferred to a remote district to head a department that is notorious for its inefficiency and callousness. You find that the main cause of the poor state of affairs is the indiscipline of a section of employees. They do not work themselves and also disrupt the workings of others. You first warned the troublemakers to mend their ways or else face disciplinary action. When the warning had little effect, you issued a show cause notice to the ringleaders. As a retaliatory measure, these troublemakers instigated a woman employee amongst them to file a complaint of sexual harassment against you with the Women’s Commission. The Commission promptly seeks your explanation. The matter is also publicized in the media to embarrass you further. Some of the options to handle this situation could be as follows: (i) Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action. (ii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action. (iii) Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.
- 20 MarksView Answer
Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development. Many a time, we face a direct conflict between development activity and environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the developmental process, nor it is advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival. Discuss some feasible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development.
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