2013 GS-IV Civil Service Values & Ethics in AdministrationVerbatim · UPSC

It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.

Paper

GS-IV

Question

Marks

10M

Word Limit

150W

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Practice Answer Writing

Word limit: 150 wordsMarks: 10MSuggested time: 7 min

How to approach this question

Directive: Justify

Give sound reasons and evidence in support of the position.

Structure (10 marks · about 150 words)

Introduction: define the core term or set the context in two or three lines.
Body: two to three dimensions, each backed by an example, data point or case.
Conclusion: a balanced, forward-looking way ahead.

This sub-point (Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions) has been asked 13 times since 2013

20132025

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Real evaluated answer copies where a topper tackled this question (or a very close one). The learnings below are drawn straight from their actual answer, not a model answer.

Abhigyan Khaund handwritten UPSC Mains answer to "Impact of political attitude on ethical governance" (GS4, Rank 187, CSE 2025)

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Abhigyan KhaundRank 187CSE 2025

Answered a closely related question

Their question: “Impact of political attitude on ethical governance”

The 2013 PYQ debates whether politics and ethics can coexist; Abhigyan's answer on political attitude shaping ethical governance (politicization vs Nolan principles, triple chain of accountability) gives concrete material for that debate.

Key learnings from their answer

›Almost every sub-point carries a circled 'Eg' tag pointing to one named, specific anchor rather than a vague gesture - Paramanand Katara judgement and Article 21 for hospital care (Q2a), Navtej Johar and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act for dignity (Q3a), Delhi LG 2023 'triple chain of accountability' for political attitude (Q4b), Vaccine Maitri and DPI-to-Africa-at-G20 for ethics in global flux (Q5a) -> attach a concrete proper-noun example (judgement, scheme, article, data point) to each point you make so the examiner sees applied knowledge, not assertion.

What they cited: Delhi LG case 2023 (triple chain of accountability); VK Pandian/Odisha politicization; Nolan principles (Q4b)

See Abhigyan Khaund's answer copies View the full evaluated copy →

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About This Question

Paper

GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

Subject

Civil Service Values & Ethics in Administration

Subtopic

Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions

Section

A (Theory)

Source

Official UPSC 2013 paper, Q8 (verbatim)

Official UPSC syllabus: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

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2025GS-IV Q6

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 ?

2025GS-IV Q5

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 ?

2025GS-IV Q4

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 ?

2025GS-IV Q3

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 ?

2025GS-IV Q2

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 ?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is UPSC Mains 2013 GS-IV Question 8 about?▼

This is a verbatim UPSC Mains 2013 GS-IV question from the "Civil Service Values & Ethics in Administration" area of the official syllabus. It carries 10 marks with a 150-word limit.

How should I approach this UPSC Mains question?▼

For a 10-mark question with a 150-word limit, decode the directive verb first, then structure your answer with a crisp introduction, 2–3 substantiated body points, and a forward-looking conclusion within the limit.

It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.

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It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.

Practice Answer Writing

How to approach this question

Learn from a topper's answer

About This Question

Related Questions

Students Also Practiced

Frequently Asked Questions