SECTION A

1.(a) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction.  However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.  (Answer in 150 words) 10    

Approach Introduction: Discuss social media’s transformative role and the ethical challenges it creates. Body: Analyze key ethical dilemmas with examples. Conclusion: Suggest a balanced, multi-stakeholder framework promoting responsible and ethical digital use.

Introduction

Social media platforms allow instant global communication, making information sharing faster and more accessible than ever. While this digital revolution empowers free expression and civic participation, it also creates ethical tensions and challenges that affect users, platforms, and governments.

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Key Ethical Dilemmas in Social Media

• Privacy vs Accessibility: Social media demands user data for functionality and targeted ads, often compromising privacy. Personal information is collected and sometimes exploited without informed consent. 
• For example, the Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed misuse of millions of users' data for political profiling, violating the right to privacy as upheld in the K.S. Puttaswamy case (Article 21).​
• Freedom of Expression vs Regulation: These platforms uphold free speech under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, allowing users to express themselves. Yet unchecked speech fuels hate, trolling, and misinformation campaigns that disrupt social harmony, such as WhatsApp forwards that have aggravated communal riots in India. 

• Truth vs Virality: Algorithms prioritize sensational content to maximize engagement, often spreading misinformation instead of verified facts.  The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this, with false vaccine rumors undermining public health efforts globally. 

• The ethical dilemma lies in choosing between integrity and profit-driven popularity.​

• Accountability vs Anonymity: Anonymity can protect whistleblowers and dissenters, supporting democratic expression. However, it also facilitates cyberbullying, harassment, and abuse, creating challenges for enforcing accountability while preserving user safety and expression rights.​

• Capitalism vs Social Responsibility: Social media companies seek profit through ads and user engagement. This comes at the expense of mental health, evidenced by rising cases of anxiety and depression among youth due to addictive app designs. 

• The dilemma is whether companies should prioritize economic gains or uphold ethical responsibilities towards users’ well-being.​

• Cultural Homogenization vs Diversity: Global platforms impose universal content standards that sometimes marginalize local cultures and values. This threatens cultural diversity and calls for balancing global connectivity with respect for local contexts, especially in culturally rich countries like India.​
• Surveillance vs Security: Governments monitor social media for national security but risk infringing civil liberties. Striking a balance between security and privacy rights remains critical amid increasing digital surveillance.​

Guiding Ethical Principles for Social Media Regulation

• Freedom of Expression: Regulation must protect free speech (Article 19(1)(a)) while applying reasonable limits (Article 19(2)) against hate, defamation, and violence. Moderation should not silence dissent or satire; the Supreme Court’s striking down of Section 66A of the IT Act affirmed this balance.
• Privacy Protection: Platforms must secure personal data and seek informed consent. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 enforces transparency and accountability.
• Accountability and Transparency: Platforms and users must own responsibility for content and curb misinformation or abuse. The IT Rules 2021 mandate grievance redressal, timely compliance, and algorithm transparency to strengthen public trust.
• Digital Literacy and Ethical Use: Authorities and platforms should promote digital literacy so users can detect fake news, respect others, and protect privacy.
• Security and Civil Liberties: Regulators must safeguard national security without arbitrary censorship. Section 69A of the IT Act allows blocking only under defined, lawful grounds, maintaining the balance between security and freedom.

Conclusion

Social media's ethical dilemmas require multi-stakeholder governance involving legal frameworks, ethical technology design, and digital literacy. Balancing freedom with responsibility ensures social media serves democratic values, protects human dignity, and promotes overall well-being in the digital age.​

1.(b) "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherance of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.  (Answer in 150 words) 10 

Approach Introduction: Define constitutional morality and its relevance to public servants. Body: Explain its development, significance in governance, examples, and accountability mechanisms. Conclusion: Summarize how constitutional morality ensures ethical, inclusive, and accountable administration.

Introduction

Constitutional morality refers to the commitment to uphold the fundamental values embedded in the Constitution—justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, and rule of law. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stated, "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated",

through civic education and commitment to constitutional norms. For public servants, constitutional morality means acting in accordance with constitutional principles rather than personal or political interests.​

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Constitutional Morality as Product of Civil Education and Rule of Law

Civil Education Foundation

• Constitutional morality develops through civic education, not inherent understanding. The National Education Policy 2020 integrates constitutional values into curricula, while the Election Commission’s SVEEP program promotes political participation and informed voting.
• Civic education instills constitutional ethics, civic duty, and democratic spirit, empowering citizens to challenge arbitrary state actions. For public servants, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration trains them in constitutional principles from the start.

Rule of Law Framework

• The rule of law forms the backbone of constitutional morality, ensuring governance stays within constitutional limits and prevents arbitrary actions. It creates a legal framework for ethical conduct, holding everyone, including government officials, accountable under the law.
• The judiciary applies constitutional morality to protect fundamental rights. In Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court prioritized constitutional principles over societal prejudice, decriminalizing consensual same-sex relations.

Significance for Public Servants in Promoting Good Governance

Integrity and Impartiality

• Constitutional morality guides public servants to act within the law and avoid arbitrariness. It directs civil servants to prioritize constitutional values over personal or political interests.
• E. Sreedharan, the "Metro Man of India," exemplified this principle. He maintained high ethical standards, delivered projects efficiently, and resisted political pressure, showing how constitutional values boost effectiveness and public trust in administration.

Social Justice and Inclusivity

• Constitutional morality demands inclusive governance that shields marginalized groups from discrimination. Public servants uphold social justice by implementing schemes like PM Poshan and reservation policies, ensuring equitable access to services.
• The Sabarimala judgment reinforced this principle, with the Supreme Court ruling that exclusion based on menstruation violated Articles 14, 15, and 25, emphasizing that constitutional morality requires equal treatment despite traditional practices.

Probity and Transparency

• Constitutional morality prevents nepotism, corruption, and opacity, building public trust. The Right to Information Act (2005) enforces Article 19(1)(a) by requiring public servants to maintain records transparently.  
• Mission Karmayogi (2020) promotes constitutional morality by training civil servants for ethical, competent, and future-ready public service. Its 70-20-10 model ensures continuous learning through on-the-job experience (70%), collaboration (20%), and formal training (10%).

Democratic Values Protection

• Public servants uphold constitutional values during crises like communal violence or political misuse of power. During elections, the Model Code of Conduct ensures they act impartially and prevent political exploitation.
• IAS officers like Ashok Khemka (Haryana) demonstrate ethical courage by canceling controversial land deals despite repeated transfers. Such actions show how constitutional morality helps public servants resist political pressure and serve the public interest. 

Ensuring Accountability in Public Administration

Transparency Mechanisms

• Constitutional morality strengthens accountability through mechanisms like the RTI Act, social audits, and CAG reports. Public servants guided by these principles proactively disclose information instead of concealing it. For example, MGNREGA social audits in Andhra Pradesh show that institutionalized transparency builds public trust and curbs corruption.
• However, recent changes threaten transparency. The RTI (Amendment) Act 2019 allows the executive control tenure and pay of Information Commissioners, raising concerns about independence. The DPDP Act 2023 amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, expanding exemptions for personal data, which could limit accountability.

Institutional Accountability Systems

• The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 created mechanisms to investigate corruption against public servants. The Lokpal oversees the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, MPs, and Group A–D officials of the Union Government. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Annual Report to Parliament promotes transparency in vigilance administration, though it remains mainly advisory.

Professional Ethics and Resistance to Corruption

• Constitutional morality requires probity and ethical leadership in public life. IAS U. Sagayam of Tamil Nadu, the "people’s collector," exemplified this by exposing granite mining scams and returning bribes, prioritizing institutional integrity over personal gain.
• While the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 regulate conduct, constitutional morality goes beyond rule compliance to demand ethical commitment.  

Conclusion

Constitutional morality guides public servants to act as custodians of justice, equality, and public welfare. By internalizing these principles, they ensure governance is efficient, equitable, and accountable, transforming administration into a tool that upholds democracy, protects citizens’ rights, and reflects the true spirit of the Constitution.

2.(a) Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means."  Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. (Answer in 150 words) 10 

Approach  Introduction: Clausewitz’s idea that “war is diplomacy by other means” explains how states use military force when diplomacy fails. Body: Contemporary conflicts—like Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas, India-Pakistan strikes, and hybrid or economic warfare—show that military actions aim to achieve political objectives when negotiations stall. Modern tools, nuclear risks, and international institutions complicate, but do not negate, this principle. Conclusion: War remains a tool of policy, but its application now demands global complexities.

Introduction

Carl von Clausewitz, the Prussian military theorist, declared that “war is merely a continuation of policy by other means” in his book "On War". He framed military conflict not as independent violence but as an instrument of state policy used when diplomacy fails. In 2025, this idea gains renewed relevance as nations increasingly rely on military force, hybrid warfare, and pressure tactics when traditional diplomacy cannot achieve political objectives.

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Contemporary Case Study

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The Russia-Ukraine war illustrates Clausewitz's principle in modern practice. Russia's invasion reflects failed diplomacy, as negotiations could not prevent NATO expansion or secure influence over former Soviet territories. Strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure aim to weaken civilian morale and force diplomatic settlements, demonstrating that war serves broader strategic objectives beyond territorial conquest.
• Israel-Hamas Conflict: In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, and Israel responded militarily to achieve broader political goals: deterrence, regional power balance, and influencing Israeli-Saudi relations. This conflict shows how military actions pursue diplomatic objectives even while disrupting other negotiations.
• India-Pakistan Surgical Strikes: India’s surgical strikes after the Uri attack in 2016 and Operation SINDOOR after Pahalgam attack in 2025, have achieved diplomatic objectives: deterring terrorism, signaling responsibility to the international community, and addressing domestic political pressure. These limited operations used military force to send clear messages without triggering full-scale war.

Modern Adaptations: Beyond Traditional Warfare

• Hybrid Warfare and Gray Zone Operations: Modern states combine cyber attacks, disinformation, economic pressure, and limited military actions to achieve political goals. China’s Taiwan strategy combines military incursions, cyber attacks, economic coercion, and diplomatic isolation to pursue reunification without full-scale invasion. Russia’s hybrid tactics against NATO, including infrastructure sabotage and weaponized migration, show Clausewitz’s principle applies even as warfare evolves.
• Economic Sanctions as Diplomatic Warfare: States also employ economic sanctions when diplomacy fails. Sanctions against Russia, Iran, and others demonstrate that economic pressure can serve as a continuation of diplomacy. However, sanctions can strengthen hostile regimes, harm civilians, and sometimes escalate conflicts.

Limitations and Criticisms

• Nuclear Deterrence and Escalation Risks: Nuclear weapons challenge Clausewitz’s framework. Military action risks catastrophic escalation, making war an irrational continuation of policy. India-Pakistan, US-Russia, and China nuclear dynamics force careful calibration, and nuclear threats often distort Clausewitz’s original idea.
• Multilateral Diplomacy and International Institutions: Organizations like the UN, G20, and regional bodies curb war as a policy tool. While these institutions provide alternative dispute resolution, conflicts in Syria and Yemen reveal their limitations. UN peacekeeping and multilateral diplomacy show mixed success in preventing conflicts.
• Proxy Wars and State Fragmentation: Modern conflicts increasingly involve proxies. The Syrian war demonstrates how states pursue objectives through non-state actors, reflecting Clausewitz’s principle at multiple levels, with military force compensating for failed diplomacy.

Counter-Arguments: When War Contradicts Policy

Military actions sometimes backfire. US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Russia in Ukraine, and Israel in Gaza show war can undermine political objectives. Civilian casualties, international backlash, and the fog of war can make military force counterproductive.

International law and human rights norms constrain military action. Global public opinion and reputational costs often outweigh short-term political gains, challenging war as a diplomatic tool.

Conclusion

Clausewitz's "war is diplomacy by other means" still holds. Conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan Strait, and Indo-Pak tensions demonstrate force when diplomacy fails. However, nuclear weapons, global institutions, economic ties, and communication complicate this. Hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, and sanctions are evolved applications of Clausewitz's principle. Military action serves political goals, requiring leaders to navigate diplomacy, economics, law, and public opinion. Success demands military strength and understanding interconnected strategic dimensions.

2.(b) Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.  (Answer in 150 words) 10  

Approach  Introduction: Start by defining the central conflict between national security imperatives and environmental protection.  Body: Analyze the key ethical dilemmas—using specific examples like the Char Dham project and Arunachal Pradesh hydropower initiatives. Conclusion: Conclude by advocating for an integrated framework that balances strategic needs with constitutional environmental duties and community rights.

Introduction

India's 15,106 km of international borders cross ecologically sensitive regions, from Himalayan biodiversity hotspots to the Western Ghats. These zones are critical for national defense while supporting millions of people and countless species. Recent developments have intensified ethical dilemmas. The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) covers 457 blocks across 117 districts in 18 states and union territories, reflecting massive development pressure on these sensitive areas.

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Ethical Framework: Core Dilemmas in Border Development

Security vs Environmental Sustainability

• The main ethical tension lies between immediate security needs and long-term environmental protection. The Char Dham Highway project exemplifies this, as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) fragmented the 825 km project into 53 sections under 100 km each to bypass mandatory environmental clearances while meeting strategic objectives.
• The Gangotri-Dharasu stretch, within the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone, required clearing 17.5 hectares of forest. Despite a Supreme Court-appointed committee recommending detailed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and mitigation measures, the BRO argued that clearance was unnecessary. The Defense Ministry secured court approval for 10-meter-wide pavements to transport heavy military hardware despite environmental concerns.

Development vs Community Rights

• Hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh show ethical challenges regarding indigenous rights. The 2,220 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project will require diversion of 750 hectares of forest land, and around 43 hectares will be submerged, tribal members' concerns during public hearings were dismissed.  
• Similarly, in Himachal Pradesh, the Bajoli-Holi Hydropower Project displaced Gaddi tribal communities despite years of resistance. Shifting the project from the barren right bank to the populated left bank of the Ravi River prioritized costs over welfare.

Utilitarian vs Deontological Ethics

• Utilitarian logic favors infrastructure development, arguing strategic roads and power projects serve the greater good. The Hydropower initiative in Arunachal Pradesh aims to generate 19,000 MW by 2035, securing borders against Chinese expansion.
• Deontological ethics challenge this, asserting absolute duties to protect the environment and respect indigenous rights. Article 51A(g) mandates citizens to "protect and improve the natural environment," questioning whether strategic benefits justify violating environmental duties.

Transparency vs Secrecy

• National security often limits public consultation, creating tensions with democracy. The National Board for Wildlife approved 11 defense projects in Ladakh in 2025, including telecom networks, ammunition storage, and battalion camps, without environmental clearance transparency.
• The secrecy extends to decentralized solar microgrids along the LAC. While justified by operational and cyber-security needs, it undermines informed consent and participatory governance. 

Contemporary Challenges and Institutional Responses

• Supreme Court Interventions:  The 2025 Vanashakti judgment permanently barred ex-post facto clearance, emphasizing that “development cannot come at the cost of environmental degradation” and invoking Articles 14 and 21.
• Regulatory Evolution: In 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change cleared 519 projects, showing continued development pressure. However, the 2025 Supreme Court ruling now mandates prior environmental clearance for projects exceeding 20,000 square meters, eliminating prior exemptions.
• Border-specific challenges persist. Clearance delays, sometimes over years, slow strategic progress.

Pathways for Ethical Resolution

• Integrated Assessment Frameworks: Ethical solutions require moving beyond security vs environment binaries. The Oju project received conditional clearance, requiring glacial lake outburst flood simulations and early warning systems, balancing security and environmental safeguards.
• Community-Centric Approaches: Tribal consultation and benefit-sharing can address displacement. The Forest Rights Act provides legal protection for indigenous lands. Compensation mechanisms preserving cultural heritage while enabling strategic development offer a middle path.
• Technological Solutions: Green infrastructure, environmentally friendly construction, renewable energy integration in military installations, and biodiversity offsets reconcile security and environmental objectives.

Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas in border-area environmental clearances reveal tensions in governance. National security remains paramount, but the 2025 Supreme Court interventions prioritize environmental compliance. The way forward requires integrated approaches that respect constitutional environmental duties while safeguarding strategic interests.  

Q3.  Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?  

3.(a)  "Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself." - Thiruvalluvar  (Answer in 150 words) 10

Approach  Introduction: Start by explaining Thiruvalluvar's quote, defining equanimity as the ethical strength to master internal emotions to overcome external challenges. Body: Analyze the core lessons from the quote, such as emotional mastery and resilience, and then demonstrate their contemporary relevance with specific examples. Conclusion: Conclude by reaffirming that for leaders and civil servants, cultivating inner composure is the most effective and ethical too.

Introduction

The Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, in Tirukkural, wrote: "Those who in trouble untroubled are, will trouble trouble itself." This underlines equanimity—remaining calm, composed, and resilient in adversity. Mastering inner emotions weakens external troubles. It calls for ethical courage, emotional intelligence, and moral strength, transforming how challenges impact individuals and leaders.

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Core Lessons from the Quote

• Emotional Mastery as True Power: True strength lies in maintaining self-control during hardship, not reacting impulsively. Calm leaders prevent crises from worsening and become sources of collective strength. For example, during the 2013 currency crisis, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan’s composed approach stabilized investor confidence without panic.
• Resilience as a Moral Strength: Resilience signifies firmness of spirit amidst chaos. Gandhiji’s non-violent resistance succeeded on unshaken composure despite oppression, personifying moral resilience. Staying untroubled in trouble is an ethical stance grounded in dignity and steadfastness.
• Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Equanimity sharpens clarity and decision-making. Composed individuals convert crises into growth opportunities. Nelson Mandela’s 27-year imprisonment strengthened his leadership, enabling him to guide post-apartheid South Africa with forgiveness and vision.
• Neutralizing the Grip of Suffering: Suffering loses control when met with calmness. Buddhist upekkha (equanimity) and Bhagavad Gita’s sthitaprajna (steady wisdom) teach mental steadiness against adversity.
• Ethical Victory Through Commitment: Ethical victories arise by staying firm in principles, not overpowering others. Whistleblowers tolerating hostility while upholding truth exemplify this, "troubling the trouble" through steadfastness.

Contemporary Relevance

• Equanimity in Civil Administration: Civil servants face riots, disasters, and political turmoil. Remaining calm and impartial ensures ethical governance. During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, officers coordinated relief effectively, saving lives and maintaining accountability.
• Emotional Intelligence for Leaders: Regulating emotions and responding calmly is crucial in stress-filled situations. Frontline health workers during Covid-19 stayed composed amid fear, inspiring collective hope and effective action.
• Building Public Trust: Society respects individuals who display ethical maturity under pressure. Doctors during the pandemic maintained composure despite misinformation, enhancing trust and setting moral examples.
• Ethical Resistance and Social Reform: Reformers like B.R. Ambedkar maintained dignity amidst caste prejudice, advancing change through constitutional, non-violent means. Ethical endurance inspired social transformation.
• Composure in Global Diplomacy: Calm diplomacy de-escalates conflict and promotes peace. India’s measured response during the India-China standoff demonstrated strategic restraint and emotional steadiness, effectively "troubling the trouble" of conflict.

Conclusion

Thiruvalluvar highlights that ethical strength lies in mastering oneself, not overpowering adversity. Those who remain untroubled transform challenges into growth, justice, and service. Civil servants and leaders must display dignity under pressure, courage without aggression, and wisdom without arrogance. Cultivating resilience, emotional balance, and moral clarity is both ethical and practically necessary in the complex world.

3.(b) "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." - William James  (Answer in 150 words) 10 

Approach  Introduction: Introduce William James's quote to establish that attitude is the primary architect of one's life and ethical conduct. Body: Analyze the quote's core significance, explaining how attitude shapes reality, drives moral action, and builds resilience. Demonstrate its contemporary relevance by showing how a proactive attitude enables public servants to promote ethical governance and navigate administrative challenges. Conclusion: Conclude by reaffirming that intentionally altering one's attitude is the most powerful catalyst for personal transformation and societal progress.

Introduction

William James, father of American psychology, stated, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” This highlights how internal mindset, more than external factors, shapes ethical choices, emotional resilience, and personal growth, making attitude the unseen architect of life and ethical conduct.

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Significance of the Quote

• Attitude Determines Reality: James asserts that perception shapes experience, not just external events. A positive outlook transforms challenges into growth. For example, a disadvantaged student thrives by focusing on learning. Psychological research supports that event interpretation affects emotions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Internal Change is Key: True transformation starts with introspection, not blaming circumstances. A corrupt officer adopting integrity changes his future through an internal moral shift, proving that ethical transformation begins within.
• Capacity for response is an inherent human ability: We cannot control all events, but we control our responses. Viktor Frankl, in a concentration camp, chose meaning over despair by consciously shaping his attitude, exemplifying human agency under extreme adversity.

•  Resilience and Growth Fueled by Attitude: Difficulties become stepping stones when approached with courage and optimism. A failed entrepreneur seeing failure as learning, not defeat, shows how attitude drives resilience and perseverance.

• Attitude Drives Moral Agency: Ethical behavior flows naturally from a just, responsible mindset. Gandhi’s belief in truth and non-violence arose from a deeply ingrained ethical attitude, showing mindset as the foundation of moral action.
• Attitude Influences Decision-Making and Innovation: A proactive attitude promotes problem-solving. Leaders and public servants with a solution-oriented mindset implement reforms efficiently rather than reacting defensively.

Contemporary Relevance of Attitude in Governance

• Ethical Decision-Making in Civil Services: A positive attitude drives citizen-centric innovation. For example, an IAS officer in a flood-prone region proactively implements water storage solutions rather than attributing issues solely to climate change, thereby exemplifying solution-oriented governance.
• Cultivating Workplace Ethics and Leadership: Leaders' attitudes significantly influence an institution's ethical framework. An officer who consistently supports honest staff promotes a motivated, value-driven team culture.
• Navigating Public Scrutiny and Political Pressure: A steadfast attitude enables civil servants to maintain objectivity and commitment. Officers like Ashok Khemka have demonstrated ethical resolve by remaining upright despite frequent transfers, highlighting the role of attitude in upholding integrity.
• Sustaining Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: In demanding roles, a resilient mindset is vital for mental health. Officers who view setbacks as integral to public service can sustain self-worth, motivation, and productivity.
• Empowering Citizens and Driving Behavioral Change: Societal attitudes are core values to effective governance. The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission in improving sanitation, with over 12 crore toilets constructed by 2025, illustrates how shifting public mindsets can catalyze behavioral change.
• Promoting Ethical Governance: Public servants with an appropriate attitude promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, thereby strengthening democratic principles and public trust.

Conclusion

William James's ethical truth—changing attitude changes life—is vital. Transformation starts mentally, shifting helplessness to action, fear to resolve. For civil servants, this right attitude is nation-building through inner change. An ethical mindset builds resilience, ethical conduct, citizen-centric governance, and societal progress. A directed mind is a powerful change agent, empowering individuals and communities to thrive with integrity and ethical resolve.

3.(c)   "The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people." - Swami Vivekananda  (Answer in 150 words) 10  

Approach  Introduction: Introduce the core idea by contrasting external laws with internal morality. Body: Analyze how morality functions as a preventive force that builds social trust and guides governance beyond mere compliance. Illustrate this principle with concrete examples. Conclusion: Conclude by reaffirming that cultivating citizens' internal moral character is essential for building a strong and just society.

Introduction

Swami Vivekananda's statement, "The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people," highlights a fundamental truth: laws establish order, but a society's true resilience and power come from the moral uprightness of its citizens. This concept is demonstrably true in numerous aspects of Indian society, where moral bravery and ethical governance have driven significant progress.

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Essence of the Quote

• Morality: The Foundation of Society: While laws represent external regulations, morality functions as an internal compass guiding principles such as fairness, empathy, and responsibility. For instance, genuine honesty, even in the absence of observation, underlines a moral strength that transcends the mere avoidance of legal repercussions.
• Laws Mirror Morality: Effective legal frameworks frequently emanate from the collective moral values of a community. The eradication of untouchability, for example, originated from a moral awakening before its enshrinement in Article 17 of the Indian Constitution.
• Morality Prevents, Law Punishes: Laws intervene subsequent to a transgression, whereas morality operates as a preventative force at the genesis of wrongdoing. An ethical taxpayer voluntarily discharges their obligations, driven by principle rather than solely by the desire to evade penalties.
• Trust in Moral Conduct: A morally upright society fosters trust and cooperation beyond mere contractual obligations. Scandinavian nations, for instance, exhibit elevated levels of social trust, largely attributable to their robust civic moral consciousness.
• Moral Citizens: The efficacy of laws combating corruption or injustice is constrained if citizens lack moral courage. A whistleblower who upholds truth can be more instrumental in exposing wrongdoing than any statutory code.

Role of Morality in Governance and Society

• Moral Leadership: Civil servants with strong moral compasses can uphold constitutional values even in the absence of explicit legal directives. For example, an officer who prevents caste-based discrimination in school meal programs acts on moral principles, transcending mere legal compliance.
• Combating Ethical Decay: An over-reliance on legal loopholes can lead to actions that, while technically legal, are ethically questionable. Tax avoidance through technical means, for instance, highlights how morality ensures actions align with the public good, even when laws can be circumvented.
• Value-Based Education: Instilling ethical values from an early age cultivates responsible, law-abiding citizens. The inclusion of value education in curricula, such as CBSE, promotes civic morality beyond simple adherence to rules.
• Strengthening Institutions: The integrity of institutions is built on moral behavior, not just compulsory adherence. An honest judiciary or police force earns public trust and respect through its moral conduct, rather than solely its legal authority.
• Moral Vigilance: A vigilant and morally aware citizenry is a more effective check on power misuse than laws alone. The active involvement of RTI activists and informed citizens is crucial for transparent and accountable governance. 

Challenges and Limitations

• Moral Frameworks Implementation Gaps: Despite constitutional and institutional commitments, moral frameworks face hurdles. The Whistleblower Protection Act 2014 remains largely ineffective due to bureaucratic resistance, insufficient backing, and fear of reprisal.  
• Overburdened Legal System: Current institutions struggle with accountability demands. RTI commissions face huge backlogs, pending cases and some states experiencing multi-year appeal resolutions. This backlog breeds cynicism about legal recourse and discourages those seeking transparency.
• Disparities in Social Trust: While some communities are socially cohesive, others are fragmented, hindering collective moral action. Building social trust demands sustained efforts in education, economy, and inclusive governance, challenges not solvable by law alone.

Path Forward: Strengthening Moral Foundations

• Comprehensive Ethics Education: Education should prioritize moral development, integrating values education in teacher training, community, and assessments. Teaching constitutional values creates citizens who uphold democracy.
• Institutional Design for Ethical Behavior: Organizations should incentivize ethical behavior and deter corruption through transparent hiring, ethics training, whistleblower protection, and swift accountability for violations.
• Civil Society Strengthening: Supporting civil society groups that champion transparency, accountability, and ethical governance builds networks of moral actors, strengthening democratic values. These groups connect institutions with citizens, promoting social capital and enhancing collective ethical capacity.

Conclusion

Swami Vivekananda believed strong societies are built on citizens' moral character, not just laws. Moral conviction drives trust, cooperation, innovation, and inclusive development. Cultivating moral foundations through education and institutions reduces corruption, enhances trust, and improves governance, proving morality's societal impact.

4. (a) "For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework."  Justify this statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 

Approach  Introduction: Define social re-engineering and directly link the success of welfare schemes to the competence and character of civil servants. Body: Detail how welfare schemes catalyze social change by empowering the marginalized and dismantling systemic inequities. Analyze how a civil servant’s reasoned judgment and ethical framework translate these policies into impactful, on-the-ground realities. Conclusion: Conclude by reinforcing that dedicated civil servants, who combine reason with ethics, are the true engines of social transformation.

Introduction

Social re-engineering aims to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Governments utilize welfare schemes as key instruments for achieving this, addressing injustices, empowering marginalized communities, and ensuring broad access to progress. The effectiveness of these policies depends not on their financial allocation, but on the capability and integrity of the civil servants implementing them. Without the sound judgment and moral commitment of these individuals, even meticulously planned initiatives risk failing to deliver on their promises.

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Welfare schemes: engines of societal change, not just aid.

• Dismantling Economic Disparities: MGNREGA is crucial for rural poverty. The government improved it by focusing on durable assets and, during crises like COVID-19, launched programs like PM Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan for immediate migrant worker employment, demonstrating adaptive policy.
• Rectifying Historical Wrongs: Beyond foundational policies like reservation, modern schemes apply this corrective principle in new ways. The Stand-Up India scheme, for example, is designed to promote entrepreneurship among women and members of Scheduled Castes and Tribes by facilitating bank loans.  
• Nurturing Dignity and Self-Reliance: The "Lakhpati Didi" initiative aims to empower over two crore women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with skills such as plumbing, LED bulb making, and drone operation, enabling them to earn at least ₹1 lakh annually and become key contributors to the rural economy. This marks a shift in SHG focus from micro-credit to wealth creation.
• Building an Inclusive Nation: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Health and Wellness Centres) complement Ayushman Bharat by providing preventive, primary healthcare, including non-communicable disease screenings, to communities.

Critical thinking enables civil servants to transform policy into effective solutions.

• From Mechanical to Meaningful Implementation: Instead of generic asset creation, reasoned implementation focuses on specific national goals. The Amrit Sarovar Mission, launched in 2022, exemplifies this. Civil servants were tasked with developing or rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district, by converging funds from MGNREGA and other schemes. 
• Resisting the Lure of Populism: A thinking officer champions long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Instead of focusing solely on subsidies, they would promote initiatives like the PM-PRANAM scheme, which incentivizes states to reduce their consumption of chemical fertilizers.  
• Upholding Fairness in Delivery: Technology is now central to ensuring unbiased implementation. In the PM Awas Yojana, the use of geo-tagging for under-construction houses and fund transfers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system ensures that the money goes directly to the intended beneficiary for the specified purpose, reducing leakages and corruption.
• Marrying Efficiency with Empathy: A system must be both efficient and humane. The "One Nation, One Ration Card" (ONORC) scheme is a powerful example. It uses a technologically efficient platform to allow migrant workers to access their subsidized food grains from any fair price shop in the country.  
• Forging Public Trust: Transparency in public spending is crucial for building trust. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal has revolutionized public procurement. By requiring government departments to purchase common goods and services through an open online platform, ensuring fairness and reducing corruption.

Reason and ethics are crucial traits that must be cultivated in civil servants.

• Training for a Modern India: The Mission Karmayogi aims to shift the bureaucracy from a "rules-based" to a "roles-based" approach, focusing on building specific competencies for different jobs through a continuous online learning platform (iGOT Karmayogi).
• Governing with the People: The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a massive outreach campaign. Officials travel to villages to demonstrate scheme benefits and enroll unenrolled citizens on the spot, ensuring last-mile delivery, gathering direct feedback, and representing a proactive model of participatory governance.
• Embracing Data-Driven Governance: The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a digital platform integrating 16 ministries for large-scale infrastructure planning. It utilizes satellite imagery and geospatial data, enabling civil servants to make informed decisions and prevent project delays and cost overruns.
• The Power of Principled Leadership: IAS officer Tina Dabi's "Jaisan Shakti" campaign in Jaisalmer exemplifies how proactive, ethical leadership can empower women through improved education, social standing, and economic opportunities via targeted interventions and awareness, driving significant social change.

Conclusion

Social re-engineering is not possible through money and schemes alone—it requires reasoned judgment and ethical critical thinking by civil servants. By combining rational analysis with compassion, welfare programs can become instruments of justice, empowerment, and inclusive nation-building, truly reflecting the vision of the Constitution.

4. (b)  What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words) 10  

Approach  Introduction: Introducing Mahavira teachings provides an ethical framework for humanity. Body: Explain the foundational Jain philosophical concepts of the Soul, Karma, Triratna, Anekantavada, and Syadvada. Analyze each of the five great vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and demonstrate their direct relevance to contemporary global challenges. Conclusion: Conclude by affirming that Mahavira's comprehensive philosophy acts as a timeless moral compass.

Introduction

Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism, was a transformative spiritual figure in ancient India. He laid out a rigorous ethical path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death, emphasizing self-discipline, non-violence, and truth. His teachings extend beyond religious dogma, offering a deep moral philosophy that remains relevant today.  

Body

Foundational principles of Jain philosophy

• The Eternal Soul and Karma: Living beings possess an eternal soul with infinite knowledge, perception, power, and happiness. This soul is veiled by karmic particles, subtle matter accumulated through intentional actions driven by passions such as anger, greed, and ego. This karma traps the soul in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). The ultimate goal is to purify the soul and attain moksha (liberation) by detaching from these karmic bonds.
• The Three Jewels (Triratna): To achieve liberation, Mahavira prescribed a three-fold path:
• Right Faith (Samyak Darshana): This signifies a rational and unwavering conviction in the teachings of the Tirthankaras and the true nature of reality, guiding the path to liberation.
• Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana): This involves a comprehensive and accurate understanding of Jain scriptures, the soul, karma, and the universe.
• Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): This refers to ethical behavior that aligns with Right Faith and Right Knowledge, primarily expressed through the five great vows.
• Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism): Anekantavada asserts that truth has multiple facets, meaning no single viewpoint can completely grasp reality. This principle promotes intellectual humility and tolerance, which are crucial for dialogue, understanding, and respecting diverse perspectives, all essential for resolving conflicts in a highly polarized world.
• Syadvada (Theory of Conditional Predication): Syadvada, stemming from Anekantavada, asserts that the truth of any statement depends on a specific perspective. It requires qualifying assertions with "syad" (perhaps or in a certain respect) to recognize the inherent partiality of human understanding, thus promoting a nuanced approach to knowledge and belief and countering dogmatism.

The Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas) of Jainism and Their Modern-Day Relevance

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)

• Core Teaching: Advocating for non-harm in thought, word, and deed. It emphasizes the inherent sacredness of all sentient life and the interconnectedness of all beings, promoting compassion and respect for every form of existence.
• Contemporary Relevance:
• Conflict Resolution: Provides a framework for promoting peace and non-violent approaches in a world marked by conflict.
• Environmentalism: Offers an ethical basis for environmental protection and sustainable living, advocating for the preservation of all life, no matter how small.
• Animal Rights: Aligns with modern movements for animal welfare and veganism, recognizing the sentience of non-human beings.
• Mental Health: Encourages self-compassion and the avoidance of self-destructive thoughts, contributing to overall mental well-being.

2. Satya (Truthfulness)

• Core Teaching: It mandates speaking truth that is both pleasant and beneficial, and advises silence if the truth would cause undue harm. 
• Contemporary Relevance:
• Media and Information Ethics: Underlines the need for integrity and responsibility in journalism and online communication.
• Corporate and Government Transparency: Promotes honesty and accountability in business and governance, combating corruption and building public trust.
• Personal Integrity: Encourages authenticity and sincerity in personal relationships, promoting trust and mutual respect.

3. Asteya (Non-stealing)

• Core Teaching: Prohibits taking anything that has not been freely given. This principle extends beyond physical theft to include intellectual property, data, and the unauthorized use of another's time or resources.
• Contemporary Relevance:
• Business Ethics: Provides ethical guidelines against corporate espionage, plagiarism, and labor exploitation, promoting fair trade and equitable economic practices.
• Digital Piracy: Addresses the modern issue of unauthorized downloading and distribution of copyrighted intellectual material.
• Resource Management: Raises awareness about the disproportionate consumption of natural resources, viewing it as a form of deprivation against less developed nations and future generations.

4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity)

• Core Teaching: For monastics, Brahmacharya means complete abstinence from sensual pleasures. More broadly, it signifies self-restraint and disciplined control over the senses to conserve energy for spiritual advancement.
• Contemporary Relevance:
• Combating Consumerism: Encourages mindful consumption and liberation from the endless pursuit of pleasure, reducing stress and dissatisfaction in hyper-consumerist societies.
• Digital Wellness: Relevant to managing digital addictions, such as excessive social media use and online gaming, through the cultivation of self-restraint.

5. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness/Non-attachment)

• Core Teaching: Limiting material possessions and cultivating detachment from worldly wealth. Mahavira taught that attachment leads to suffering and perpetuates the soul's cycle of rebirth.
• Contemporary Relevance:
• Sustainable Lifestyles: Directly supports modern minimalism and sustainable living practices, crucial for addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
• Economic Equality: Challenges excessive wealth accumulation and greed, advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources.
• Mental Well-being: By reducing attachment to material objects, it lessens anxiety, envy, and the fear of loss, thereby promoting inner peace.

Conclusion 

Mahavira's teachings offer a comprehensive and enduring guide for a meaningful life. This ethical system addresses modern challenges such as social division, environmental degradation, and psychological stress. By promoting non-violence, truth, and self-restraint, Mahavira's philosophy remains a moral compass, leading humanity toward a more empathetic, equitable, and sustainable future.

5. (a) "One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life."  Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant. (Answer in 150 words) 10  

Approach  Introduction: Define selfless duty (Nishkama Karma) in public service. Body: Analyze philosophical foundations like societal harmony (Loka-sangraha) for an officer's moral duty. Use case studies to show how this principle leads to effective governance. Conclusion: Reaffirm that a civil servant's true achievement is unwavering, integral public service, not rank.

Introduction

The statement, “Devotion to duty is the highest form of perfection,” reflects the Bhagavad Gita’s principle of Nishkama Karma — selfless action without attachment to rewards. For a civil servant, this ideal turns public service into a moral calling rather than just a profession. It means performing one’s responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and impartiality, not for personal gain but for the greater good of society.  

Body

Understanding the Core Philosophy

• Moral Excellence Through Duty: Consistent commitment to duty refines character. When actions stem from responsibility rather than personal gain, decisions are rooted in virtue, purifying intentions and strengthening moral fiber.
• Harmony Between Self and Society: Performing one's duty offers dual benefits. For society, dedicated civil servants ensure state functionality, uphold justice, and promote welfare, creating social order. For the individual, aligning action with purpose brings inner peace and fulfillment, linking personal growth to public good.

• Perfection Achieved Through Perseverance: Perfection is a continuous process built on consistency and resilience. Unwavering diligence in performing duties daily, often without recognition, builds quiet strength, credibility, and institutional trust over time.
• Freedom Found in Responsibility: Focusing on the action (duty) rather than the outcomes (rewards/punishments) liberates individuals from anxiety. This detachment frees them from fear of consequences, enabling courageous, objective, and ethical choices, even under immense pressure.

The Civil Servant's Ethos: Responsibility and Fulfillment

• Public Resources as a Sacred Trust: A responsible officer perceives their authority not as a personal privilege, but as a sacred trust held on behalf of the public, especially the most vulnerable. This perspective shifts the focus from entitlement to dedicated service.
• Accountability Builds Credibility: Devotion to duty requires owning one's decisions and being answerable for them. A civil servant who meticulously documents their reasoning and proactively shares information fosters institutional legitimacy and public trust.
• Fulfillment Beyond Quantifiable Metrics: True personal fulfillment for an officer seldom comes from achieving statistical targets or clearing files. Instead, it stems from witnessing the tangible, positive impact of their work on people's lives.
• Resilience Amidst Adversity: A robust internal compass, guided by a sense of duty, provides stability in a career marked by political pressure, arbitrary transfers, and systemic crises. It forms the bedrock of moral courage.

Challenges on the Path to Perfection

• Political Pressure: Immense pressure from political superiors to bend rules for partisan or corrupt ends is the most significant challenge, creating a direct conflict with an officer's constitutional duty.
• Rule-Book Bureaucracy vs. Discretionary Justice: A rigid adherence to rules can sometimes lead to injustice (red tape). The challenge lies in knowing when to use discretion compassionately without violating the law.
• The Anonymity Paradox: Civil service anonymity is designed to ensure credit goes to the political executive. While this promotes selfless work, a lack of recognition for extraordinary effort can sometimes be demoralizing.
• Short-Term Postings vs Long-Term Impact: Frequent transfers often prevent officers from seeing their initiatives through to completion, which can be frustrating and hinder a sense of lasting fulfillment.
• Moral Injury and Burnout: Repeatedly witnessing injustice or being forced to implement policies that conflict with one's conscience can lead to deep psychological distress, and burnout.

Cultivating Devotion to Duty

Devotion is not automatic; it must be cultivated.

• Developing a Strong Moral Compass: Regular introspection, reading philosophical and ethical texts, and reflecting on the constitutional values one has sworn to uphold.
• Connecting with the "Last Mile": Spending time in the field, listening to the grievances and aspirations of ordinary citizens, helps keep the purpose of service alive and prevents disillusionment in a file-bound job.
• Seeking Mentorship: Learning from senior and retired officers who have maintained a reputation for integrity can provide guidance and strength during ethical dilemmas.
• Embracing Lifelong Learning: Continuously updating one's skills and knowledge not only improves administrative competence but also reinforces the commitment to serving the public effectively.

Conclusion

For civil servants, "devotion to duty is the highest form of perfection" signifies a commitment to continuous excellence through dedicated and selfless service. This philosophy elevates their work to a noble vocation, where each duty is a sacred trust, and their impact is measured by the public's trust and positive influence gained through consistent, discreet dedication to their responsibilities and the welfare of those they serve.

5. (b) To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator.  What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal? (Answer in 150 words) 10  

Approach   Introduction: Define the concept of a civil servant as an enabler and facilitator for holistic development. Body: Propose specific, actionable measures categorized into different aspects of governance, explaining how each measure shifts the civil servant's role. Conclusion: Summarize the impact of these measures on governance.

Introduction

In modern governance, the civil servant's role extends beyond merely enforcing rules; they must become active partners in national progress. This involves empowering citizens, promoting trust, and facilitating inclusive growth. The shift required is from a rigid, rule-based administration to a flexible, role-based system, where civil servants act as catalysts for positive change, collaborating with communities to co-create solutions.

Body

Civil servants act as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator.

• Streamlining Bureaucracy: Instead of creating more rules, an enabling civil servant simplifies processes and establishes efficient pathways, such as single-window clearance systems for new businesses. This ensures essential services are delivered promptly and development goals are met effectively.
• Shifting from Colonial Mindset to Partnership: Modern civil servants shed the legacy of control by adopting a facilitator's approach. They promote participatory planning, allowing local communities to design their own development projects and treating citizens as equal partners rather than passive recipients.
• Addressing Complex Challenges through Collaboration: Modern issues like climate change and public health crises require multi-stakeholder collaboration. An enabler brings together experts, community leaders, and private entities to co-design adaptive solutions that a top-down regulatory approach cannot achieve.
• Catalyzing Economic Growth: By clarifying and simplifying regulations, an enabling civil servant improves the 'Ease of Doing Business'. This attracts investment and generates employment, acting as a market catalyst rather than a stifling force.
• Fostering Innovation: An enabling civil servant cultivates an ecosystem of innovation. They support entrepreneurs by establishing startup hubs or regulatory 'sandboxes', allowing new ideas to be tested with fewer bureaucratic hurdles and fostering a problem-solving culture.
• Building Public Trust: By regularly holding open public hearings or "people's forums," an enabling civil servant becomes a listener and problem-solver. This transforms public perception of the government from a controller to a valuable partner, building trust and strengthening engagement.
• Deepening Democratic Engagement: An enabler strengthens grassroots democracy by empowering local bodies, educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities, and creating platforms for public consultation. This makes governance a lived reality, ensuring democracy is more resilient and meaningful.

Strategies to Shift from Regulator to Enabler

• Embracing a Growth Mindset: The fundamental change begins internally. Moving away from a "fixed mindset" that enforces established norms, an enabler adopts a "growth mindset," continuously seeking improvements and asking, "How can we do this better?" This psychological shift from setting limitations to exploring possibilities is crucial for promoting facilitation.
• Adopting Principle-Based Governance: Instead of rigidly adhering to rules, an enabler focuses on the underlying principles and objectives of regulations. This allows for flexible, common-sense solutions that prioritize public interest over outdated procedures.
• Streamlining Procedures and Reducing Administrative Burdens: Civil servants should lead procedural reforms, such as establishing "one-stop" citizen service centers. These centers efficiently deliver various government services under a single roof, making governance more accessible and user-friendly.
• Prioritizing Outcomes over Inputs: While regulators often focus on budget spent (inputs) and outputs (e.g., kilometers of road built), enablers prioritize the actual impact on people's lives (outcomes). This requires integrating feedback mechanisms and impact assessments into every project to ensure tangible benefits, such as reduced travel time or improved market access for farmers.
• Building Capacity in Citizens and Local Institutions: Effective enablers empower individuals and communities to become self-reliant. This can involve facilitating the creation of farmer-producer organizations or skill development centers, which sustainably uplift local economies and promote community-led development.
• Cultivating Collaborative Governance and Partnerships: Recognizing that the government cannot solve problems in isolation, enabling civil servants must actively lead Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCPs). These partnerships combine government resources with private sector efficiency and the deep local knowledge of community organizations.

Conclusion

When civil servants embrace the role of enabler and facilitator, they transform governance from a top-down imposition into a shared responsibility. This proactive and empathetic approach blends reason with compassion and ethical leadership.  

6. (a) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place ?  (Answer in 150 words) 10  

Approach  Introduction: Start by establishing the distinction between following rules and cultivating a genuine, value-based ethical culture. Body: Highlight the need for a formal Code of Ethics to serve as a moral compass, foster accountability and transparency, and build public trust, supported by continuous training and visible ethical leadership. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing that the integration of these ethical values is essential for transforming an organization.

Introduction

A strong ethical work culture is crucial for effective governance and organizational excellence. While rules and laws dictate actions, a well-defined code of ethics guides the intentions and behaviors behind them. Leaders must champion an explicit ethical framework to ensure all individuals make decisions with integrity, accountability, and fairness, moving beyond mere legal compliance to a genuine commitment to doing what is right.

Body

Role of Code of Ethics for organization 

• A Moral Compass: Rules cannot cover every complex situation. A code of ethics offers clear guiding principles, empowering employees to navigate ambiguous situations with integrity. For example, a conflict-of-interest policy helps officials act impartially when a family member's company bids for a government contract.
• Promoting Accountability and Transparency: An explicit code sets clear behavioral standards for everyone, establishing a benchmark for all actions and preventing the misuse of authority. Strong internal policies protecting whistleblowers reinforce that accountability is a shared responsibility.
• Promoting Public Trust and Legitimacy: Consistent ethical behavior builds public trust. When an organization visibly adheres to its code, it signals reliability to clients and citizens. A national scientific agency, for example, earns global respect through transparent project management and meticulous peer-review processes, demonstrating unwavering integrity.
• Ensuring Fairness and Equity: A robust ethical code champions fairness and respect for all. Institutionalizing these values creates a safe and inclusive workplace. Clear and consistently enforced anti-harassment policies, for example, protect employees from bias and injustice.
• Preventing Organizational Drift and Moral Decay: Without a strong ethical anchor, organizations can lose their way. Pressure to meet targets can lead to moral compromises. Major corporate accounting scandals, where profits were inflated through deception, highlight the catastrophic financial and reputational costs of an unethical culture.

Cultivate a Value-Based Work Culture

• Clearly underline Core Values: Leaders must collaborate with their teams to draft a concise and practical Code of Ethics. This document should express the organization's core values understandably.  
• Invest in Continuous Training: Organizations must commit to regular, interactive ethics training. These sessions should use real-world case studies to build "moral muscle." For example, training programs for new managers should include workshops where they role-play complex ethical dilemmas.
• Design and Implement Transparent Systems: Leaders must engineer systems that make ethical behavior the default. This can be achieved by implementing digital procurement platforms that make all bids and contract awards public, reducing opportunities for discretion and corruption.
• Establish Grievance Mechanisms: Safe and confidential channels are essential for employees to report misconduct without fear of reprisal. In public works, involving communities in social audits of local projects empowers citizens to directly highlight irregularities, creating a powerful external accountability mechanism.
• Ethical Leadership: Employees take their cues from leaders. When a new leader publicly refuses to engage in a common but unethical industry practice, such as offering bribes to secure contracts, they send a powerful signal that the old way of doing business is over, shaping the culture more effectively than any rulebook.

 Conclusion

A value-based culture, built on a code of ethics, is cultivated by leaders who bridge legal requirements with individual conscience, transforming rules into shared habits. Organizations achieve this by combining a clear ethical framework with visible leadership, comprehensive training, transparent systems, and meaningful accountability. This foundation of trust and fairness drives sustainable success and excellence in public service.

6. (b) India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future?  (Answer in 150 words) 10  

Approach  Introduction: Start by mentioning the duality of India's strong economic growth coexisting with persistent developmental challenges. Body: Highlight the need for a robust ethical framework to guide development, addressing key dimensions. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing that integrating the ethical values is essential to transform economic growth into genuine, sustainable, and inclusive prosperity for all citizens.

Introduction

India's economy is growing, accumulating reserves, and increasing its global influence, but it still faces significant challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. Therefore, India's progress needs to be measured beyond just economic factors. It is crucial for leaders, businesses, and citizens to embed a strong ethical framework into the national development strategy to ensure that rapid growth leads to sustainable and inclusive prosperity for everyone.

Body

Consequences of Unethical Economic Growth 

• Commerce Without Morality: An economy focused solely on profit can generate immense wealth but fail to meet basic human needs, highlighting a lack of distributive justice. For example, India's food self-sufficiency coexists with high rates of child malnutrition, demonstrating a disconnect between market efficiency and moral responsibility.
• Violation of Intergenerational Justice: A growth-centric model treats natural resources as endless commodities for present consumption, neglecting our duty as environmental stewards. Rapid industrialization, leading to the depletion of vital resources like groundwater or the irreversible pollution of rivers;  borrows prosperity from the future, accumulating an ecological debt.
• Wealth Concentration Over Trusteeship: Ethical traditions emphasize that the wealthy should act as trustees for societal benefit. However, economic policies can lead to extreme wealth concentration. This inequality is a moral failing that strains the social fabric and undermines the democratic ideal of shared opportunity.
• Sacrifice of Labor Dignity for Competitiveness: The pursuit of growth can marginalize the rights and dignity of the workforce. This results in precarious employment, particularly in the "gig economy" and informal sectors, where workers lack job security, fair wages, and social safety nets. Prioritizing low costs over human dignity creates an economy that is efficient in theory but exploitative in practice.
• Neglect of Environmental Ethics: Viewing nature solely as a resource to be exploited ignores its intrinsic value and life-support functions. Urban expansion that causes severe air and water pollution directly infringes upon citizens' fundamental right to a healthy life.  
• Corrosion of Democratic Institutions by Wealth: Extreme wealth concentration poses a direct threat to democracy. It can lead to "regulatory capture," where powerful corporate lobbies influence policy-making to serve their own interests, at the expense of the public good. When money, rather than the will of the people, dictates policy, the ethical foundation of the state itself erodes.

Principles of Ethical Governance and Sustainable Development:

• Ethical Integration in Business and Finance: Businesses should move beyond basic corporate social responsibility and embed ethical considerations within their core strategies. This involves implementing robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, ensuring ethical supply chains, and investing in community well-being through health and education initiatives.
• Governmental Resource Trusteeship: Governments have a fundamental duty to act as trustees of national resources. This necessitates national policies promoting renewable energy, mandating circular economy practices to minimize waste, and safeguarding vital forest ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots.
• Championing Distributive Justice and Social Security: Policymakers must design inclusive growth, strengthening social safety nets through universal healthcare, high-quality public education, and comprehensive pension schemes. Progressive tax policies are crucial to ensure equitable contributions from the wealthiest to national development.
• Upholding the Dignity of Labor: Economic advancement must translate into improved working conditions for all. This requires reinforcing labor laws to protect every worker, including those in the informal sector, guaranteeing fair wages, and promoting safe working environments. Dignified work is the bedrock of a developed economy.
• Adopting the Precautionary Principle for Environmental Protection: Both government and industry must adopt a proactive and cautious approach to environmental stewardship. This entails implementing stringent and transparent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all major projects and obligating developers to invest in compensatory afforestation and ecological restoration.
• Strengthening Independent Accountability Institutions: To combat corruption and regulatory capture effectively, independent institutions must be empowered. This involves ensuring the autonomy of the judiciary, national auditors, anti-corruption agencies, and regulatory bodies, allowing them to operate free from political interference. These institutions are essential safeguards for ethical governance.

Conclusion

India's ascent to developed nation status hinges not solely on economic prowess, but equally on its moral compass. While economic indicators impress, they offer an incomplete picture. True success will be measured by India's capacity to uplift its most vulnerable and uphold democratic values. Sustained economic growth and global leadership are contingent upon building a future that is not only prosperous, but also just, equitable, and sustainable for all.

SECTION 'B' 

Q7. Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People's houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother.   

(a) What are the options available with Vijay? 

(b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay?  

(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.  

(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?  (Answer in 250 words) 20  

Approach  Start by introducing the situation as a fundamental conflict between an individual's personal duties and their professional responsibilities. Highlight the need for a critical evaluation of the competing ethical dilemmas, such as emotion versus rationality and short-term versus long-term consequences, by weighing the pros and cons of each available option. Conclude by justifying the most ethically sound course of action that best upholds professional integrity and moral principles.

Introduction

A civil servant's ethical integrity is tested when personal crises collide with professional duties.  Vijay, a Deputy Commissioner, who faces his mother's sudden death while leading disaster relief efforts. His decision at this critical juncture will not only shape his leadership but also illuminate how he balances the fundamental human need for empathy and familial duty with his sacred commitment to public service.

Body

Stakeholders Involved

• Vijay Himself: He is both a grieving son, experiencing immense personal loss, and a public servant, burdened with the responsibility for thousands of lives.
• Vijay’s Deceased Mother and Relatives: He owes familial, cultural, and religious duty to his mother, and his relatives in Kerala expect his presence to perform the last rites.
• The Disaster-Affected Citizens: Their survival, safety, and recovery depend directly on Vijay's effective leadership and the uninterrupted functioning of the relief operations.
• His Administrative Team: His subordinates and colleagues rely on his direction, coordination, and leadership to maintain morale and operational efficiency during a high-stress crisis.
• The General Public and Media: They are observing his conduct, which will shape public perception of the civil service's commitment and humanity.
• The State and Central Governments: They depend on Vijay for the effective execution of the disaster response at the district level and for upholding the integrity of the administration.

The Ethical Dilemmas Vijay Faces

Vijay is caught in a web of conflicting duties and values, forcing him to navigate several acute ethical dilemmas:

• Personal Duty vs Public Responsibility: He grapples with a core dilemma: the sacred filial duty to perform his mother's last rites versus his professional responsibility as a Deputy Commissioner to safeguard human lives. Grief urges him towards family, but his sense of duty compels him to remain and protect thousands.
• Emotional Impulse vs Rational Decision-Making: He must navigate his intense personal grief and emotional upheaval to make rational, clear-headed decisions crucial for the well-being of a large populace. Emotional responses in this situation could lead to disastrous relief efforts.
• Cultural Expectations vs. Constitutional Role: His community and culture place a high value on fulfilling filial duties; performing last rites. However, his constitutional role demands that the welfare of the public takes precedence, especially during an emergency.
• Short-Term Needs vs Long-Term Consequences: He must balance his immediate, short-term need for family time with the long-term impact his absence could have on relief efforts, public confidence, and his professional reputation.

Evaluation of Vijay's Options

 Option 1: Immediately Abandon His Post and Travel to Kerala

• Action: Vijay prioritizes his personal duty, drops everything, and leaves for his mother's funeral.
• Pros: This enables him to meet his moral and cultural duties as a son. It offers him personal closure and an environment to mourn with his family, which is vital for his mental health.
• Cons: Prioritizing this option comes at a cost to public safety. His sudden departure creates a leadership vacuum during the most critical phase of the disaster, leading to chaos, delayed relief efforts, and loss of life. Such an action would erode public trust in the administration.
• Verdict: Given the public servant's role, this option cannot be ethically justified.

Option 2: Stay at His Post and Delegate Funeral Rites to Relatives

• Action: Vijay prioritizes his professional duty completely, suppresses his personal grief, and remains in the district to lead the operations, asking relatives to handle all the funeral rituals.
• Pros:  This commitment and self-sacrifice for the public good ensure unwavering and consistent leadership, which, in turn, optimizes the efficiency of relief efforts and saves the maximum possible number of lives.
• Cons: This decision carries significant personal consequences. Vijay would be compelled to disregard a deeply held personal obligation, leading to intense and enduring feelings of guilt, regret, and condemnation from his community. Suppressing such emotions could also adversely affect his future judgment and overall well-being.
• Verdict: Although well-intentioned, this option is overly extreme. It overlooks the leader's inherent humanity, which is an integral aspect of effective leadership.

Option 3: Take a Brief, Well-Planned Leave After a Structured Handover

• Action: He first ensures immediate stability, then gathers his senior team, including the Additional District Magistrate. He clearly delegates tasks and sets up a strong communication strategy. Only after these measures, pre-arranged short leave for the funeral.
• Pros: This choice reflects mature, ethically sound leadership. Vijay can fulfill his responsibilities to his mother while upholding his public duty. A seamless transition minimizes disruption and fosters team empowerment by demonstrating trust.
• Cons: Even a brief, pre-planned absence presents inherent risks. The on-ground situation could deteriorate unexpectedly, and the subordinate may not possess the necessary authority or experience for crucial decisions. 
• Verdict: This option presents the most ethically sound and practical approach, effectively balancing both public and personal responsibilities.

Option 4: Request a Formal Replacement from the State Government

• Action: Vijay formally requests the state government to appoint a temporary replacement.
• Pros: Ensures a designated leader for the district during Vijay's absence.
• Cons: The slow and bureaucratic process is unsuitable for a rapid disaster. It would create a leadership gap, as finding and deploying a replacement would take days. A new officer would also lack Vijay's local knowledge, hindering relief efforts.
• Verdict: Impractical and unresponsive to the urgent nature of the crisis.

The Most Ethical and Appropriate Course of Action

Vijay should opt for a brief, well-planned leave, but only after a structured handover of his responsibilities. This approach represents the most ethically sound choice for several reasons:

• Demonstrates Balanced and Mature Leadership: This decision showcases a leader's ability to navigate both personal and professional duties responsibly, rather than making a false choice between them. Vijay acknowledges both his human and public servant roles, fulfilling them in a thoughtful manner.
• Upholds Primary Duty to the Public: By stabilizing the ongoing relief operations and ensuring a seamless transition before his departure, Vijay guarantees the continued effectiveness of life-saving efforts. This action ensures his paramount responsibility to protect lives remains uncompromised.
• Sets a Powerful Precedent: This decision establishes an example of value-based leadership. It illustrates that while public service demands significant sacrifice, it does not require a complete negation of one's humanity. It proves that responsibility and compassion can, and indeed must, coexist.

Conclusion

Public service involves a deep human element, with the most challenging decisions often being moral rather than purely administrative. Vijay's decision to temporarily withdraw, but only after ensuring a seamless transfer of command, exemplifies ethical leadership. Truly mature leaders do not simply choose between personal and public duty; instead, they demonstrate the wisdom, foresight, and moral clarity to uphold both. Such actions not only elevate the individual and the institution but also the fundamental principles of public service.

8. In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs "Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)" for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society. 

The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. 

Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government's duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order.   

(a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless ?  

(b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development ?  

(c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected ? (Answer in 250 words) 20  

Approach  Introduction: Start by framing the issue as a direct conflict between the fundamental need for housing and the critical imperative of forest protection. Introduction: Critically evaluate the ethical dimensions of deforestation, using principles like intergenerational justice and trusteeship, and to propose sustainable alternatives and policy interventions that address the core socio-economic and administrative challenges. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing that the most ethical path forward lies in a commitment to sustainable development.

Introduction

This case study highlights a core conflict in modern governance: balancing human development with environmental protection. The Indian Constitution, through its Directive Principles of State Policy, mandates social welfare, including universal housing. Article 48A and the expanded Right to Life (Article 21) require environmental protection. A proposal to clear a sensitive forest for housing thus creates a dilemma where the right to shelter clashes with the right to a healthy environment. This necessitates a decision-making process that prioritizes dignity, sustainability, and justice for all.

Body

Stakeholders Involved

• Vulnerable Populations: This includes the homeless and economically weaker sections, who are the intended recipients of basic human rights like shelter, safety, and dignity. Also included are tribal and forest-dwelling communities, whose lives, culture, and identity are deeply intertwined with the forest ecosystem.
• Environmental Entities: Wildlife and biodiversity represent the non-human inhabitants facing potential habitat destruction.
• Government and Administration: The District Administration and Government are tasked with balancing social welfare initiatives with environmental law enforcement.
• Advocacy Groups: Civil Society and NGOs passionately champion different causes, ranging from the rights of the homeless to forest conservation.
• Public and Judiciary: These bodies serve as independent observers and upholders of constitutional values, ensuring accountability in decision-making.
• Future Generations: They are crucial stakeholders who will bear the long-term consequences of current decisions.

(a) Ethical Evaluation of Deforestation for Social Welfare

Arguments Supporting Deforestation (Human Welfare Perspective)

• Upholding Human Dignity and Rights: Shelter is a basic human right. Providing housing directly restores dignity, ensures safety, and enhances the well-being of vulnerable populations.
• Fulfilling Constitutional Duty: The Directive Principles of State Policy mandate the state to ensure adequate housing. Supporters argue that this is a constitutional obligation to advance social justice, not merely a policy choice.
• Utilitarian Framework Application: From a utilitarian standpoint, clearing a limited forest area could be seen as providing "the greatest good for the greatest number." The immediate, tangible benefit of housing thousands of families might outweigh the less visible, long-term ecological costs.

Arguments Opposing Deforestation (Environmental and Social Justice Perspective)

• Respecting Nature's Intrinsic Value: Forests are not just resources for human exploitation but complex, living ecosystems with an inherent right to exist. Rooted in ecological ethics, which rejects the commodification of nature.
• Adhering to Constitutional Environmental Mandates: The Constitution also contains environmental safeguards. Article 48A (state's duty to protect the environment) and Article 51A(g) (citizens' fundamental duty to protect wildlife and forests) provide a strong counter-obligation to the welfare mandate.
• Ensuring Intergenerational Equity: Current generation acts as a trustee of the planet for future generations. Destroying a sensitive forest is an irreversible act, depriving future generations of its ecological benefits and resilience.
• Protecting Vulnerable Groups' Rights: A project intended to assist one vulnerable group (the homeless) could inadvertently harm another (tribal communities). Displacing these communities from their ancestral lands violates their rights under laws like the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

(b) Multifaceted Challenges in Balancing Conservation and Development

Socio-Economic Challenges

• Poverty vs Conservation: Many rural poor rely directly on forests for their livelihoods (fuelwood, fodder, medicinal plants). Development projects that clear forests exacerbate the very poverty they aim to alleviate.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human settlements expand into forest areas, conflicts between humans and wildlife increase, leading to losses for both.
• Equity and Displacement: Marginalized populations often bear the disproportionate burden of development, being displaced first and benefiting last.

Administrative Challenges

• Conflicting Policy Mandates: Administrators face pressure from government departments with opposing objectives—e.g., housing ministries advocating for land while forest ministries are tasked with protection.
• Inter-Departmental Silos: A lack of coordination among departments (revenue, forest, tribal welfare, housing) results in inefficient, contradictory, and unfair decisions.
• Enforcement Gaps: Illegal encroachments and the influence of powerful lobbies (e.g., timber or real estate mafia) undermine the effective enforcement of environmental laws.

Ethical Challenges

• Human Welfare vs Environmental Ethics: Choosing between the immediate, tangible needs of the homeless and the long-term, intrinsic rights of nature.
• Utilitarianism vs Deontology: Administrators must weigh the utilitarian aim of serving the majority against the deontological imperative to uphold non-negotiable duties, such as protecting the rule of law and the rights of minorities (like tribal groups).
• Intergenerational Justice: Leaders have a responsibility to act as trustees for future generations, a duty often overlooked amidst immediate political and social pressures.

(c) Substantial Alternatives and Policy Interventions

• Prioritize Non-Forest Land: The initial and most crucial step is a comprehensive land audit using geospatial technology to identify and utilize wastelands, degraded lands, or underutilized government-owned land for housing projects.
• Promote Vertical and Green Housing Models: To minimize land consumption, the government should encourage the construction of low-cost, high-density vertical housing in nearby urban or semi-urban areas. These projects must incorporate green building principles like rainwater harvesting, solar power, and green spaces.
• Strengthen Participatory Governance: All decisions must involve the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of affected forest-dwelling communities, as mandated by the Forest Rights Act. Empowering Gram Sabhas in decision-making ensures democratic and just development.
• Conduct Robust Social and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEIAs): The administration must conduct comprehensive SEIAs that go beyond Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). These assessments should transparently evaluate the long-term impacts on livelihoods, biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience, with mandatory public hearings.
• Implement a Strong "Mitigation Hierarchy": If, after all other options are exhausted, a very small, non-critical portion of forest land must be used, the administration must adhere to a strict mitigation hierarchy: first avoid impact, then minimize it, then restore the affected area, and finally, offset the loss through credible and verifiable compensatory afforestation programs.

Conclusion

Ethics in public policy is not about making a tragic choice between people and the planet; it is about the creative and moral responsibility to devise solutions that respect both. Justifying deforestation in the name of welfare is an ethically short-sighted choice, especially when sustainable and inclusive alternatives exist. The way forward lies in collaborative governance, robust scientific assessment, and value-based development, promoting a world where the rights of the poor and the rights of the Earth are upheld in tandem, not in opposition.

Q9.  Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects relating to planning, designing and construction etc. 

Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. 

Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister.  Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. 

Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD.  His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. 

In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action.  

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.  

(b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation.  

(c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why? (Answer in 250 words) 20  

Approach  Introduction: Start by framing the situation as a direct conflict of interest. Body: Critically evaluate the available options, weighing the temptation to yield to nepotism and misuse of influence against the duty to resist such pressures and employ institutional safeguards. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing that the only ethical course of action is to actively resist undue influence and uphold the principles of integrity.

Introduction

Public servants are expected to uphold integrity, impartiality, and the public interest above all else. This case study examines an ethical challenge faced by Subash, a Secretary. He encounters two major conflicts of interest: his son's demand for insider information for financial gain and his Minister's attempt to secure a contract for his nephew's company. This scenario highlights the difficulties civil servants face in maintaining objectivity, probity, and impartiality—fundamental principles of ethical governance.

Body

Stakeholders Involved

• Subash: As a senior officer, he faces a difficult choice between his personal affection for his son, his professional ethics, and intense political pressure.
• Vikas (Subash's son): Involved in real estate, he seeks confidential government information for financial benefit, creating an ethical predicament for his father.
• The Minister of PWD: This political figure attempts to unduly influence the project to benefit his nephew's company.
• The Minister's Nephew: His real estate and infrastructure interests are directly tied to the project, benefiting from the Minister's influence.
• The General Public and Taxpayers: As the ultimate beneficiaries of public works, they expect transparency, fairness, and efficient use of their funds.
• Other Civil Servants and Project Team Members: Subash's decision sets a precedent, impacting the morale, ethical standards, and operational integrity of his colleagues.
• Government Institutions: The credibility and effectiveness of the entire administrative framework depend on ethical conduct in such high-stakes situations.

(a) Ethical Issues Involved

Subash's situation reveals several critical ethical breaches and dilemmas:

• Conflict of Interest: Subash's family ties clash with his duty to protect confidential project information. His son's request to leverage this information for private financial gain in real estate creates a direct conflict.
• Nepotism and Cronyism: The Minister's demand to favor his nephew's company exemplifies nepotism (favoring relatives) and cronyism (favoring friends), undermining principles of fairness, meritocracy, and impartiality essential for good governance.
• Abuse of Authority and Public Office: Both the son's appeal and the Minister's directive represent attempts to exploit Subash's official position, power, and access to confidential information for personal and familial benefits, rather than serving the public interest.
• Integrity vs Emotional Pressure: Subash is caught between upholding his professional integrity and succumbing to emotional pressure from his son.
• Public Interest vs. Private Gains: The situation highlights the tension between Subash's primary duty to protect the public interest (ensuring fair, transparent, and merit-based project execution) and the temptation to facilitate insider profiteering for private or familial advantage.
• Violation of the Rule of Law and Transparency: Any unauthorized disclosure of insider information or favoritism in contract awards directly violates the rule of law, transparency, and merit-based competition, thereby eroding public trust and creating an unfair playing field.
• Breach of Fiduciary Duty: As a public servant, Subash holds his office in trust for the citizens. Betraying this trust for familial or political gain constitutes a severe violation of his fiduciary duty—the legal and ethical obligation to act solely in the best interest of the public.

(b) Options Available to Subash

 Option 1: Compromising Integrity for Personal Gain

• Action: Subash provides confidential project details to his son and overtly or covertly favors the Minister's nephew during the contracting process.
• Pros: This approach maintains immediate family harmony and avoids direct conflict with the Minister, protecting his career and creating opportunities for future personal or business advantages.
• Cons: This constitutes a misuse of insider information, a clear act of corruption, and nepotism. It erodes public trust, violates ethical standards and service regulations, and could lead to vigilance inquiries, legal action, and irreparable damage to his credibility and reputation.
• Verdict: This option is unethical, illegal, and unacceptable for a public servant, directly undermining constitutional morality and good governance.

Option 2: Passive Complicity in Unethical Practices

• Action: Subash refrains from sharing information with his son but accedes to the Minister's request to favor his nephew's company in the contracting process, ensuring the project progresses without overt conflict.
• Pros: He avoids direct confrontation with the Minister, thereby preserving political goodwill and ensuring career stability. The project might proceed without immediate public repercussions.
• Cons: This represents passive complicity in unethical behavior. Subash compromises his integrity and autonomy through inaction, becoming an enabler of corruption. It violates accountability and establishes a dangerous precedent for subordinates.
• Verdict: While seemingly less confrontational, this option still constitutes a significant ethical failure. It sacrifices integrity for convenience and undermines impartial public service.

Option 3: Upholding Integrity and Resisting Pressure

• Action: Subash respectfully but firmly informs his son that sharing confidential information is illegal and unethical. He also directly and respectfully resists the Minister’s attempts at nepotism, ensuring all contracts adhere to transparent, competitive bidding processes.
• Pros: He upholds his professional ethics, protects public interest, and safeguards his impeccable reputation. This action strengthens institutional integrity and reinforces transparency and fairness.
• Cons: This path risks straining his relationship with his son, leading to familial discord. It also invites conflict with a powerful Minister, which could lead to administrative repercussions such as punitive transfers, sidelining, or career stagnation.
• Verdict: This is the most ethically sound and practically responsible option, demonstrating moral courage and prioritizing constitutional morality over personal and political expediency.

(c) The Most Ethical and Appropriate Course for Subash

The most ethically sound and legally compliant option for Subash is Option 3: He must take a firm ethical stand, resisting both personal and political pressures, and actively upholding integrity.

Why this option is the most appropriate:

• Aligns with Constitutional Morality: This option directly supports constitutional principles of equality, fairness, probity, and public service, demanding public servants act without fear or favor.
• Upholds Public Service Ethics: It adheres strictly to the Code of Conduct for Civil Servants and aligns with recommendations from bodies like the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) on Ethics in Governance, which emphasize integrity, impartiality, and accountability.
• Embodies Virtue Ethics and Deontology: Subash's decision embodies the Virtue Ethics (Aristotle) of moral courage, prudence, and integrity, acting as a virtuous public servant. From a Deontological (Kantian) perspective, he performs his duty irrespective of personal or political consequences, recognizing his moral obligation as a supreme law.
• Protects Institutional Integrity: By resisting corruption and undue influence, Subash not only safeguards his own reputation but also strengthens the credibility and integrity of the entire government institution, setting a precedent for his subordinates.
• Serves as a Trustee of Public Resources: This choice reaffirms the civil servant's role as a trustee of public resources and power, not as an agent for family or political interests.

Conclusion

Subash faces an ethical dilemma where personal feelings and political demands conflict with his professional code of conduct. By resisting improper influence and adhering strictly to constitutional and ethical duties, he not only preserves his integrity but also upholds the integrity of the civil service. Genuine leadership in public service is evident not in convenience, but in the steadfast resolve to maintain principles when the pressure to compromise is most compelling.

Q10. Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of service. He is posted as Administrative Officer in an Oil Public Sector undertaking. As an Administrative Officer he is responsible for managing and coordinating various administrative tasks to ensure smooth functioning of office. He also manages office supplies, equipment etc.

Rajesh is now sufficient senior and is expecting his next promotion in JAG (Junior Administrative Grade) in the next one or two years. He knows that promotion is based on examination of ACRs/Performance Appraisal of last few years (5 years or so) of an officer by a DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) and an officer lacking requisite grading of ACRs may not be found fit for promotion. Consequences of losing promotion may entail financial and reputational loss and set-back for career progression. Though he also puts his best efforts in official discharge of his duties, yet he is unsure of assessment by his superior officer. He is now putting extra efforts so that he gets thumping report at the end of financial year. 

As Administrative Officer, Rajesh is regularly interacting with his immediate boss, who is his reporting officer for writing his ACR. One day he calls Rajesh and wants him to buy computer-related stationery on priority from a particular vendor. Rajesh instructs his office to initiate action for procuring these items. During the day, the dealing Assistant brings an estimate of Rupees Thirty Five Lakhs covering all stationery items from the same vendor. It is noticed that as per delegated financial powers, as provided in the GFR (General Financial Rules) as applicable in that Organisation, expenditure for office items exceeding Rupees Thirty Lakhs requires sanction of the next higher authority (boss in the present case). Rajesh knows that immediate superior would expect all these purchases should be done at his level and may not appreciate such lack of initiative on his part. During discussions with office, he learns that common practice of splitting of expenditure (where large order is divided into a series of smaller ones) is followed to avoid obtaining sanction from higher authority. This practice is against the rules and may come to the adverse notice of Audit.  

Rajesh is perturbed. He is unsure of taking decision in the matter. 

 (a) What are the options available with Rajesh in the above situation ?  

(b) What are the ethical issues involved in this case ?  

(c) Which would be the most appropriate option for Rajesh and why? (Answer in 250 words) 20  

Approach  Introduction: Start by framing the situation as a direct conflict between personal career concerns and the duty to uphold financial propriety as mandated by the General Financial Rules (GFRs). Body: Critically analyze the available options, weighing the pressure for conformity and career progression against the principles of integrity, transparency, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing that the most ethical course of action is to prioritize unwavering compliance with the GFRs.

Introduction

Public service frequently tests an officer's integrity, not through major crises, but through the everyday professional dilemmas they encounter. Rajesh, an Administrative Officer in a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), faces a common ethical conflict: his personal career goals, specifically a promotion tied to a positive performance review, directly oppose his professional obligation to maintain financial propriety and resist pressure from a superior. His choice will ultimately demonstrate his character and dedication to ethical governance.

Body

Stakeholders Involved

• Rajesh: He is the central figure, caught between his ambition for career advancement and his duty to maintain integrity.
• The Reporting Officer (His Superior): This individual has significant power over Rajesh's career through the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) and is attempting to misuse that power.
• The Vendor: This external party stands to benefit from the circumvention of fair procurement rules.
• The PSU and its Employees: The organization's financial health, operational integrity, and ethical culture are all at stake. Rajesh's subordinates are watching him to see what kind of behavior is deemed acceptable.
• The Public and Taxpayers: As the ultimate funders of the PSU, they have a right to expect that their money is spent transparently and in accordance with the law.
• The Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC): This body relies on the honesty and accuracy of the ACR system to make fair decisions about promotions. A compromised ACR undermines the entire merit-based system.

(a) Evaluation of Rajesh's Options

 Option 1: Follow the Superior's Suggestion

• Action: Rajesh splits the procurement order to keep it below the Rs. 30 lakh threshold and approves it himself, thereby securing a favorable ACR.
• Pros: This is the path of least resistance. It ensures a smooth relationship with his superior and likely secures his immediate promotion prospects.
• Cons: This action constitutes breach of the General Financial Rules (GFRs) and demonstrates professional dishonesty. It establishes a hazardous precedent, compromising his integrity and exposing both himself and the Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to future audit objections and potential vigilance inquiries. This is a short-sighted approach, sacrificing long-term integrity for immediate benefit.
• Verdict: This option is ethically indefensible.

Option 2: Outright Refuse and Escalate the Matter

• Action: Rajesh flatly refuses his superior's suggestion and immediately reports the undue pressure to higher authorities or the vigilance department.
• Pros: This action showcases remarkable moral courage and a steadfast adherence to regulations. It directly challenges unethical conduct and aims to resolve it systematically.
• Cons: This is a highly confrontational approach that will almost certainly antagonize his superior, leading to a hostile work environment. While principled, it can be a high-risk strategy that could lead to professional isolation.
• Verdict: While ethically pure, this option may be practically counterproductive and unnecessarily escalates the conflict without first attempting a professional resolution.

Option 3: Comply with Rules, Document Decisions, and Communicate Professionally

• Action: Rajesh demonstrates firm but professional adherence to regulations. He correctly prepares the procurement file as a single order exceeding Rs. 30 lakhs and forwards it to the appropriate higher authority for sanction, as mandated by the General Financial Rules (GFRs). He professionally and respectfully explains the necessity of this action to his superior, citing the rules, and meticulously documents every step of the process.
• Pros: This approach maintains financial discipline and adheres to the rule of law without being overly confrontational. By documenting everything, he creates a clear, defensible record, safeguarding himself from false accusations and demonstrating professional maturity and integrity.
• Cons: His superior may still be displeased, and this may still result in a subtly biased ACR. However, the risk is mitigated by the strong documentary evidence of his proper conduct.
• Verdict: This is the most balanced, ethical, and professionally sound option.

(b) Ethical Issues Involved

• Conflict Between Personal Interest and Public Duty: Rajesh's personal interest lies in securing a good ACR and a promotion, which seems to depend on pleasing his superior. His public duty, however, is to safeguard public funds and adhere strictly to the General Financial Rules (GFRs).
• Misuse of Authority and Coercion: The reporting officer is abusing his position of power. By linking a favorable ACR to Rajesh's willingness to bend the rules, he is engaging in a form of professional coercion, which violates the principles of fairness and probity.
• Procedural Integrity vs. Informal Pressure: Rajesh is being pressured to abandon formal, transparent procedures (as laid out in the GFRs) in favor of an informal, unethical shortcut (splitting the order). This choice pits the rule of law against the "way things are done" under pressure.
• Fear of Retaliation in Performance Appraisal: The situation highlights a systemic ethical weakness. When an honest officer fears that upholding the rules will lead to a vindictive and biased performance review, the entire ethical climate of the organization is threatened. It discourages upright conduct.
• The Responsibility to Set a Precedent: His decision will send a powerful signal to his subordinates and colleagues about what is considered acceptable behavior within the organization. A compromise here could help institutionalize unethical shortcuts.

(c) The Most Appropriate Course for Rajesh

The most appropriate course of action is unequivocally Option 3: Complying with the rules, documenting the decision process, and ensuring transparency through professional communication.

This option is the most ethical for the following reasons:

1. It upholds the Rule of Law: Rajesh's primary duty is to the constitution and the rules enacted under it, such as the GFRs. This action honors that duty above all else.
2. It Reflects Integrity and Accountability: By following the correct procedure and documenting it, he embodies the core civil service values of integrity and accountability. He creates a transparent record that is defensible against any future scrutiny.
3. It is a Mature and Non-Confrontational Way to Resist Pressure: Instead of starting a conflict, Rajesh uses the rules themselves as his shield. He is not saying "no" to his boss in a personal capacity; he is simply stating what the official rules require of him.
4. It Provides a Defense Against Retaliation: Should his superior record adverse remarks in his ACR, Rajesh will have a strong, fact-based case to appeal to the Review Committee, supported by his impeccable documentation.

Conclusion

Ethical leadership emerges from daily choices, particularly when convenience conflicts with conscience. Rajesh's steadfast adherence to rules, even under pressure, demonstrates courage, reinforces institutional values, and establishes a strong precedent for honest governance. In public service, the correct decision is often the more challenging one, yet it is essential for building long-term credibility, promoting self-respect, and genuinely serving the public interest.

Q11.  Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program, MGNREGA was earlier known as National Rural Employment Scheme, NREGA. It is an Indian Social Welfare Program that aimed at fulfilling the 'Right to Work' provisions made in the Constitution. MGNREGA was launched in 2006 under Rural Employment Sector by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Main objective of the program is to give legal guarantee of wage employment to the adult members of rural households who are willing to do unskilled manual labour work subject to a maximum of 100 days per year for every household. Every rural household has the right to register under the scheme, job card is issued to the registered, Job Card holder can seek employment; State Government shall pay 25% of minimum wage for the first 30 days as compensatory daily unemployment allowance to the families and of wage for remaining period of the year. MGNREGA work was undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You have been appointed as an Administrator Incharge of the District.

You have been given the responsibility of monitoring MGNREGA work undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You are also given the authority to give technical sanctions to all MGNREGA works.

 In one of the Panchayats in your jurisdiction, you notice that your predecessor has mismanaged the Program in terms of :  

(i) Money not disbursed to actual job-seekers.  

(ii) Muster Rolls of the Labourers not properly maintained.  

(iii) Mismatch between the work done and payments made.  

(iv) Payments made to fictitious persons. 

(v) Job Cards were given without looking into the need of person. 

(vi) Mismanagement of funds and to the extent of siphoning of funds.  

(vii) Approved works that never existed. 

(a) What is your reaction to the above situation and how do you restore the proper functioning of MGNREGA Program in this regard?  

(b) What actions would you initiate to solve the various issues listed above?  

(c) How would you deal with the above situation ?   (Answer in 250 words) 20  

Approach  Introduction: Start by framing the mismanagement in MGNREGA as a direct breach of public accountability and a fundamental violation of social justice. Introduction: Highlight the need to take immediate corrective action by launching audits and strengthening grievance redressal, while simultaneously implementing technology-driven solutions like biometric muster rolls and geo-tagging to prevent future lapses. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing that sustainable reform requires actively involving Gram Sabhas in social audits and building the capacity of officials to reinforce a culture of transparency.

Introduction

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is not merely a government initiative; it is a constitutional Right to Work, designed to uplift dignity among rural poor. The discovery of its systematic subversion in my district through corruption, mismanagement, and leakages represents a grave ethical and administrative failing. As the District Administrator, immediate and decisive action is crucial. My primary duty is to restore public trust in governance, ensure accountability, and vigorously safeguard the rights of rural households dependent on this essential program.

Body

Stakeholders Involved

The mismanagement of MGNREGA impacts a diverse group of stakeholders, each with significant interests:

• The Rural Poor and Job Seekers: These are the primary and most vulnerable, directly denied their legal right to work and receive wages.
• Gram Panchayats and Local Officials: As on-the-ground implementers, they are implicated in the mismanagement through either active corruption or negligence.
• The Previous Administrator: They bear considerable responsibility for the existing situation, having either allowed or failed to prevent the corruption.
• District-Level Officers and Audit Teams: My own team is accountable for oversight failures and must now become integral to the solution.
• The State and Central Governments: The credibility of social security policy is at stake.
• Taxpayers and Civil Society: They expect and demand transparent and efficient use of public funds to achieve the program's social justice objectives.

(a) My reaction to the above situation: Immediate Response and Initial Steps

My immediate reaction is deep concern and a strong sense of moral responsibility. This situation is a grave violation of public trust and a direct assault on the dignity of the district's most vulnerable citizens. I will not be a passive observer; I will take prompt and decisive actions.

• Halt and Secure: I will immediately order the suspension of all new work approvals and payments under MGNREGA in the affected areas. This is crucial to stop the misuse of public funds and prevent further irregularities.
• Initiate a Time-Bound, Fact-Finding Inquiry: I will establish a multi-departmental team, independent of current scheme officials, to conduct a swift and thorough inquiry. Its mandate will be to quantify the extent of mismanagement, identify specific irregularities, and collect evidence.
• Direct Community Engagement: I will personally visit affected Panchayats and conduct open public hearings (Jan Sunwais). This will allow me to hear directly from aggrieved workers and whistleblowers, while also signaling to the public that a new, accountable leadership is in place.
• Collaborate with Independent Auditors: I will immediately involve the district's Social Audit Unit and invite credible local NGOs to participate in a joint, transparent audit of the scheme. This collaboration ensures an unbiased assessment and promotes community participation.

(b) My actions to solve the above listed issues: Comprehensive Action Plan for Rectification

Once the initial inquiry provides a clear understanding of the problems, I will implement a systematic and technology-driven action plan to address each specific issue:

• For Payments to Fictitious Persons and Pending Wages for Genuine Workers:
• I will immediately freeze all suspicious bank accounts linked to ghost beneficiaries and initiate proceedings to recover siphoned funds.
• With the help of the Gram Sabha, I will launch a drive to verify all job cards and identify genuine workers whose wages have been denied.
• I will ensure all pending wages are paid directly into these verified workers' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
• For Improper Muster Rolls:
• I will mandate the use of technology-based attendance systems, such as AI, biometric or facial recognition, at all worksites.
• This will be supplemented by a system of real-time, geo-tagged photographs of workers at the site, uploaded to a public portal for complete transparency.
• For Mismatch Between Work Done and Payments Made:
• I will enforce a strict "measure-before-pay" protocol, meaning no payment will be released until a third-party technical team has physically verified and measured the completed work.
• All assets created under MGNREGA will be geo-tagged, and their progress monitored using satellite imagery to ensure payments correspond to actual work on the ground.
• For Improper Issuance of Job Cards:
• I will order a complete revalidation of all existing job cards. This will be a participatory process, conducted publicly in the Gram Sabha, enabling community members to help identify and remove ineligible or fake cardholders.
• We will cross-verify the job card database with other official records like Aadhaar and ration card data to further eliminate ghost beneficiaries.
• For Siphoning of Funds and Non-Existent Works:
• For every instance of fund diversion or "ghost projects," I will initiate a formal departmental inquiry to assign individual responsibility.
• I will suspend complicit officials, and will hand over all cases of criminal corruption to state vigilance authorities and law enforcement for prosecution.
• I will also blacklist any contractors or vendors found to be involved in the scam.

(c) How I would deal with the situation: Strategy for Long-Term Systemic Reform

Addressing immediate problems is just the beginning. To prevent recurrence, I will focus on establishing a resilient and ethical system:

1. Institutionalize Transparency and Community Ownership: I will make social audits a mandatory and regular feature of MGNREGA implementation, conducted by trained community members. I will also mandate the creation of a "transparency wall" at every Panchayat Bhavan, publicly displaying all details of sanctioned works, funds received, and wages paid.
2. Build Administrative Capacity: To address errors arising from insufficient knowledge, I will implement intensive training and capacity-building workshops for all Panchayat-level officials. These workshops will cover essential areas such as accurate record maintenance, sound financial management, and the ethical foundations of the scheme.
3. Demonstrate Ethical Leadership: I will lead by example through transparent, decisive, and fair actions. I will maintain an open-door policy for grievances and regularly report on the progress of the cleanup and reform process to the public. This will set the tone for the entire district administration.
4. Uphold the Rule of Law with Fairness: While acting swiftly and firmly against the corrupt, I will ensure all actions are taken in accordance with due process. This maintains the administration's credibility and ensures just and defensible decisions.

Conclusion

As a public servant, my primary duty is to uphold constitutional morality and protect the rights of the most vulnerable. MGNREGA is a lifeline of dignity for rural India, and I will not allow it to be corrupted. Through a combination of decisive action, technological intervention, participatory governance, and unwavering ethical leadership, I will transform MGNREGA implementation in my district. I will ensure this powerful program serves its true purpose: empowering the rural poor through justice, transparency, and the guaranteed right to a dignified life.

Q12. Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent past. In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about 200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather.  

(a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation?  

(b) What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok ?  

(c) Which of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?  

(d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform?  (Answer in 250 words) 20  

Approach  Introduction: Start by framing the core dilemma as a direct clash between the humanitarian duty to save lives and the sovereign responsibility to protect national security. Body: Critically evaluate all available options, navigating the ethical conflicts between compassion and law, and refugee rights versus national sovereignty. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing that the most ethical path requires a balanced and immediate response.

Introduction

Divisional Commissioner Ashok faces a critical border situation: a large, vulnerable group, including women, children, and the injured, seeks entry from a conflict-ridden nation, accompanied by armed soldiers. With no immediate higher guidance, Ashok must swiftly decide, balancing humanitarian concerns, national security, and legal principles, while upholding constitutional morality. His decision will reflect his ethical commitment.

Body

Stakeholders Involved

• Ashok (Divisional Commissioner): Decision-maker, responsible for humanitarian and security outcomes.
• Refugees (Civilians): Vulnerable, seeking safety, medical attention, and refuge.
• Soldiers in Uniform: Potential combatants, national security risk.
• Border Guarding Police: Initial responders, execute Ashok's orders, manage ground situation.
• State and Central Governments (MHA, MEA): Responsible for border security and foreign policy; Ashok's actions have political/diplomatic implications.
• Local Indian Communities: Safety, resources, and social harmony impacted by influx.

(a) Evaluation of Ashok's Options

Ashok must carefully consider several courses of action, each with its own ethical and practical implications.

Option 1: Unconditional Entry for All

• Action: Prioritize humanitarian concerns by allowing everyone, including armed soldiers, to cross the border without conditions.
• Pros: This is the most compassionate and immediate response, offering quick relief and projecting a humane image of the nation.
• Cons: This poses an unacceptable national security risk. Armed foreign soldiers could be spies, introduce conflict, or threaten local communities. It also sets a dangerous precedent.
• Verdict: Reckless and an abdication of the duty to protect national security.

Option 2: Complete Border Seal and Denial of Entry

• Action: Prioritize national security by preventing anyone from crossing the border.
• Pros: Completely eliminates security threats from armed soldiers and upholds border sovereignty.
• Cons: Ethically indefensible, as it means turning away injured children and desperate families, potentially leading to their death and violating the principle of non-refoulement.
• Verdict: Inhumane and ethically unjustifiable.

Option 3: Provide Aid at the Border Without Formal Entry

• Action: Establish a temporary relief camp at the border to provide medical aid, food, and water to civilians, without allowing formal entry into national territory.
• Pros: A temporary, compassionate measure that offers immediate aid while maintaining the legal integrity of the border and allowing time to seek higher authority instructions.
• Cons: Not a sustainable long-term solution. Civilians remain precarious, and it fails to address their fundamental need for refuge, merely deferring the core ethical decision.
• Verdict: Insufficient to resolve the crisis, though preferable to outright denial.

Option 4: Differentiated and Balanced Approach (Recommended)

• Action: Implement a two-pronged strategy: immediately allow vulnerable civilians (women, children, injured) to cross, while stopping, disarming, and detaining armed soldiers separately.
• Pros: The most ethically balanced and practically sound approach. It addresses the humanitarian crisis and neutralizes the security threat, upholding both compassion and security duties.
• Cons: Logistically complex and potentially dangerous. Separating soldiers from civilians could provoke confrontation, demanding high professionalism and courage from border guards.
• Verdict: The most appropriate and responsible course of action.

(b) Ethical and Legal Dilemmas Facing Ashok

• Humanitarian Duty vs National Security: The central conflict lies between the moral imperative to save innocent lives suffering before him and his solemn duty to protect his nation from potential threats.
• Compassion vs The Rule of Law: His conscience urges him to help, but the law strictly regulates the entry of foreign nationals, especially armed personnel. India's lack of a formal refugee law adds another layer of legal ambiguity.
• Immediate Action vs. Hierarchical Compliance: The urgency of the situation demands an immediate decision. Waiting for orders from the capital could result in loss of life. Ashok must decide whether to act autonomously or await bureaucratic processes.
• Neutrality vs Political Implications: His decision will have diplomatic ramifications. Allowing soldiers to enter could be interpreted by the neighboring country's government as India taking sides in their internal conflict.

(c) Ashok's Most Appropriate Course of Action

The most ethical and appropriate choice for Ashok is Option 4: A Differentiated and Balanced Approach. Why this is the best option:

• Upholds the Right to Life: This action aligns with the spirit of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity.
• Balances Competing Duties: It exemplifies ethical balancing, fulfilling the deontological duty to protect human life while also upholding the duty to protect national sovereignty.
• Utilitarian: It produces the greatest good for the greatest number by saving civilian lives while preventing potential harm from armed soldiers.

(d) Extra Precautionary Measures for the Border Guarding Police

To execute this plan safely and effectively, Ashok must instruct the Border Guarding Police to implement the following specific measures when dealing with the soldiers:

• Immediate and Professional Disarmament: The first and most crucial step is to confiscate all weapons and ammunition from the soldiers at the point of entry. This must be done firmly but respectfully to avoid escalating the situation.
• Thorough Frisking and Verification: Each soldier must be thoroughly checked for hidden weapons or communication devices. Their identities, ranks, and unit affiliations must be recorded for intelligence and documentation purposes.
• Strict Segregation: The detained soldiers must be held in a secure location completely separate from civilian refugees. This prevents any possibility of intimidation, violence, or attempts to blend in with the civilian population.
• Prompt Handover to Security Forces: Once disarmed and processed, the soldiers should be handed over to the Indian Army or the appropriate central paramilitary force for further interrogation and handling as per established protocols for foreign combatants.
• Enhanced Border Vigilance: Ashok must order a heightened state of alert along the entire border sector to prevent any further attempts at infiltration by other armed elements who might try to use the refugee crisis as a cover.

Conclusion

Ashok's situation illustrates the complex realities of public service. The most ethical path lies not in making a simple choice between two competing values, but in finding the wisdom and courage to integrate them. By demonstrating compassion for the vulnerable while enforcing strict control over potential threats, Ashok upholds the highest ideals of governance: protecting human dignity without ever compromising national security.