Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service
20 Marks
Section B
Case study
Ethics
UPSC Mains 2019
19 questions · 250 marks · Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service
20 Marks
Section B
Case study
Q2. In one of the districts of a frontier state, the narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling, and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians, as well as some senior police officers, are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point in time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. If you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (250 words)
Case Studies on ethics and governance issues
20 Marks
Section B
Case study
Q3. In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive elected people’s representatives form the political executive, and bureaucracy forms the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executives and the political executives was characterized by mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other’s domain. However, in subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executives to follow its agenda. Respect for and appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, posting, etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards the ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life have also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive. What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy? Discuss. (250 words) (20 marks)
Case Studies on ethics and governance issues
20 Marks
Section B
Case study
Q4. An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the workplace. After some time a women employee launched a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive for sexually harassing her. Faced with the companies’ indifference, in not taking cognizance of her grievances, she lodged an FIR with the police. Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the women employee to negotiate. In that, she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also to give in writing that the marketing executive was not involved in the case. Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the women employees? (250 words)
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service
20 Marks
Section B
Case study
Q5. Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of civil servants. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered the backbone of any strong organization. In the line of duty, they make various decisions, and at times some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions, are not taken intentionally and do not benefit personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty. However such decisions may, at times, lead to unforeseen adverse consequences in the long term. In the recent past, a few instances have surfaced wherein civil servants have been implicated for bonafide mistakes. They have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned. These instances have greatly rattled the moral fiber of the civil servants. How does this trend affect the functioning of civil services? What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide mistakes on their part? Justify your answer. (250 words)
Case Studies on ethics and governance issues
20 Marks
Section B
Case study
Q6. You are heading the rescue operations in an area affected by severe natural calamity, thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water, and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damaged supply routes. The local people are seeded with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of your team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis some team member pleads with you to call off the operations freeing threats to their life. In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant that will be required to manage the situations. (250 words) (20 marks)
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q7. What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?
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Explain
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q8. What does this quotation mean to you “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q9. What does this quotation mean to you “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q10. What does this quotation mean to you “An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q11. “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words)
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q12. What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (150 words)
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q13. There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Rights to Information Act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss (150 words)
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q14. Explain the basic principles of the citizens’ charter movement and bring out its importance.
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Explain
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q15. What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality? (150 words).
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Explain
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q16. “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption” Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words).
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q17. Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically e examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications. (150 words).
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q18. What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant. (150 words).
Ethics
10 Marks
Section A
Q19. What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.
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Explain