Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values

1. Given below are two questions to be answered in 150 words each: 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. 1 (b) "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for a public servant, highlighting its role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

2. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 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. 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.

4. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 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. 4 (b) What are the major teachings of Mahavira? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

6. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 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? 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 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?

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 In-charge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation and 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. The Minister of PWD 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 on launching an ambitious road-construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working on various modalities of the 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. Subash’s only son, Vikas, is in the real-estate business. From his own sources he is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and that an 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 there would be a quantum jump in prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He pleads with his father day in and day out to share the location of the proposed project. He assures him that he would handle the matter discreetly, as in the normal course he keeps on buying land as part of his business. Subash feels pressurised because of his son’s constant pleadings. Another significant aspect is the extra/undue interest in the above project being shown by the Minister, PWD. His nephew also has a big infrastructure-project company. In fact, the Minister has introduced his nephew to Subash and hinted that his nephew’s business interests in the forthcoming project should be taken care of. The Minister has encouraged him to act fast because early announcement and execution of the project would enhance his own status in public life and within the party. 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?

Rajesh is a Group-A officer with more than five 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 the office. He also manages office supplies and equipment. Rajesh is now sufficiently senior and expects his next promotion to the JAG (Junior Administrative Grade) in the next one or two years. He knows that promotion is based on examination of ACRs/Performance Appraisals of the last five years or so by a DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) and that an officer lacking requisite grading of ACRs may not be found fit for promotion. Losing promotion may entail financial and reputational loss and a set-back for career progression. Though he always puts his best effort into his duties, he is unsure of the assessment by his superior and is therefore putting in extra effort so that he gets a thumping report at the end of the financial year. One day his reporting officer (who writes his ACR) 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 ₹35 lakh covering all stationery items from the same vendor. As per the organisation’s GFR-based delegated financial powers, expenditure on office items exceeding ₹30 lakh requires sanction of the next higher authority (his boss in the present case). Rajesh knows his immediate superior would expect all these purchases to be done at his level and may not appreciate such ‘lack of initiative’. During discussions with colleagues he also learns of the common (but illegal) practice of splitting expenditure (dividing a large order into several small ones) to avoid obtaining sanction from higher authority. This practice is against the rules and may invite adverse audit comments. Rajesh is perturbed; he is unsure about what decision to take. (a) What are the options available to 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?

Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts in a North-East State. A few years back, the military took over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. A civil-war situation has prevailed there, especially in the last two years, and the internal situation has further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking control of populated areas near our border. Intense fighting between the military and rebel groups has sharply increased civilian casualties in recent months. One night Ashok receives information from the local police guarding the border check-post that about 200–250 people—mainly women and children—are trying to cross over to our side. About ten soldiers in military uniform, carrying weapons, are also among them. Women and children are crying and begging for help; a few are injured, bleeding profusely and need immediate medical care. Ashok tries to contact the State Home Secretary but fails, mainly because inclement weather has disrupted connectivity. (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 would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why? (d) In the present situation, what extra precautionary measures should the Border-Guarding Police take while dealing with soldiers in uniform?

There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business's environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48 % in greenhouse-gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019, mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data-centres, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders' worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both business objectives and ethical obligations.

Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big (reputed) hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospital is building with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother's company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers. (a) What should be Sneha's course of action? (b) How would she justify what she chooses to do? (c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?

With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of ground-water. Vigilance teams have been deployed to the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complains that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes. The farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt, being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed. (a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate. (b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders? (c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector?

Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan's team to expedite the trials for the drug as there is significant market for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market. During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest some shortcuts for expediting the clinical trials for the drug and for getting the requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed consent and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one's own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises meeting the targets is impossible without using these means. (a) What would you do in such a situation? (b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved. (c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?

Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in society. In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in society?

Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt, it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and the system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to the vulnerable section of the society. (Answer in 150 words)

"Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation". Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement. (150 words)

'The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.' Discuss. (150 words)

Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a healthcare scheme meant for senior citizens. The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following : (a) 60 years of age or above. (b) Belonging to a reserved community. (c) Family income of less than ₹ 1 lakh per annum. (d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary. One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple have no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of ₹ 1 lakh. The couple fulfils all the criteria except criterion ‘b’. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life. How should Rakesh respond to the situation?

Edward Snowden, a computer expert and former CIA systems administrator, released confidential Government documents to the press about the existence of Government surveillance programmes. According to many legal experts and the US Government, his actions violated the Espionage Act of 1917, which identified the leak of State secrets as an act of treason. Yet, despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his “whistle blowing” by stating that he had a duty "to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them." According to Snowden, the Government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality since more substantive issues of social action and public morality were involved here. Many agreed with Snowden. Few argued that he broke the law and compromised national security, for which he should be held accountable. Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case. (250 words)

"Social values are more important than economic values." Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. (150 words)

Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” (b) “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”

A private company is known for its efficiency, transparency and employee welfare. The company employs nearly 700 personnel and they have voluntarily decided not to form a union. One day, about 40 men belonging to a political party gate-crashed into the factory demanding jobs in the factory. They threatened the management and employees. The employees feel demoralized. It was clear that those who gate-crashed wanted to be on the payroll of the company as well as continue as active members of the party. The company maintains high standards in integrity and does not extend favours to civil administration that also includes law enforcement agency. Such incidents occur in public sector also. (a) Assume you are the CEO of the company. What would you do to diffuse the volatile situation on the date of gate-crashing with the violent mob sitting inside the company premises? (b) What could be the long-term solution to the issue discussed in the case? (c) Every solution/action that you suggest will have a positive and a negative impact on you (as CEO), the employees and the performance of the employees. Analyse the consequences of each of your suggested actions.

The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy? (150 words)

We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (150 words)

Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points: (i) In the present times, when unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may also cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can? (ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated. (iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all, in the present age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development. (iv) It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyse the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend? (250 words)

What do you understand by 'values' and 'ethics'? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (150 words)

Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification. (150 words)

(a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (i) Integrity (ii) Perseverance (iii) Spirit of service (iv) Commitment (v) Courage of conviction (b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.

Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each quotation, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) “There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi (b) “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln (c) “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.” – Aristotle