IASbaba's Flagship Course: Integrated Learning Programme (ILP) - 2024 Read Details
SYNOPSIS GS Paper 4 FULL MOCK[8th October,2020] : IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing
1.a) Describe ‘Kant’s Deontological Theory’. (150 words) (10)Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to write details of Deontological Theory as propounded by Kant.
Introduction:
Immanuel Kant, the foremost philosopher of Deontology, proposed a moral law called “categorical imperative” stating that morality is derived from rationality. According to Kant there are “categorical imperatives” which are in nature of absolute commands and need to be obeyed without exception for action to be judged as ethical.
Body:
According to Kant, ethics based on the consequences is based up on hypothetical imperative and do not have moral sanction. The lack of absoluteness in consequential approach makes them a matter of desire.
The advantages of 'Deontological approach' are innumerable. However, due to its theoretical perspective it has some of the drawbacks' as mentioned below:
Conclusion:
Judging a person's behaviour on the basis of a single absolute imperative is likely to produce undesirable situation. Hence, the rigidity of Deontology can be tackled by using threshold deontology where the decision is based on the nature of situation.
1. (b) Define the following virtues and describe their significance in civil services:(200 words) (10)
(i)Goodwill
(ii)Altruism
(iii)Dispassion
(iv)Objectivity
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to define and state the significance of the aforesaid virtues in civil services.
(i)Goodwill
Definition: A benevolent interest or concern for others is known as goodwill. Goodwill is an important virtue to affirm the dignity and respect of individual.
Significance: Active participation of citizens is essential for the effective implementation of public policy on ground. Goodwill ensures the civil servants are true to the service of citizens and this virtue when recognized by citizens can help persuade them in bringing changes
by acting on the sheer goodwill of the bureaucrat.
Example: Kerala’s Kannur became India’s first plastic-free district, that too in just five months through efforts of District Collector, Mir Mohammed Ali who initiated a focused campaign towards phasing out plastic carry-bags and disposables.
(ii)Altruism
Definition: Altruism or selflessness is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures and a core aspect of various religious traditions and secular worldviews.
Significance: Altruism has deep roots in human nature because helping and cooperation promote the survival of our species. Altruism ensures a civil servant works for the welfare of the people and it is the core value that derives one towards effectively performing their duty.
Example: It was the virtue of altruism which inspired Baba Amte to establish Aanandvan for the welfare of destitute.
(iii)Dispassion
Definition: Rational and Impartial decision making are the true elements of a person having dispassion.
Significance: Dispassion helps civil servants be upright and not be swayed either in
case of conflicts of interest, or political pressure, or ethical dilemmas and help them make the right choice based on the merits of the situation.
Example: Religious prejudices may hamper the decision of a civil servant to take impartial decision. Hence, the virtue of dispassion helps her/him to take rational decision.
(iv)Objectivity
Definition: Objectivity in governance means adherence to rationality, legality and to proven standards, procedures and norms in institutions by the public authorities. It implies that the governance decisions should be taken based on merit and after rigorous analysis of evidence.
Significance: Objectivity is considered one of the most fundamental values in governance because it helps the public authorities to make correct decisions on the merit of evidence. It compliments other values like Integrity, impartiality, non partisanship, empathy, tolerance and compassion in governance.
Example: Preparing a Statistical analysis on situation of farmers in India by Swaminathan Committee based on certain parameters and drawing conclusions based on it is Objective evaluation of farmers situation.
2. Given below are two quotations. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context:
(a) “We should never forget that everything Adolph Hitler did in Germany was “legal” and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was “illegal”.” (150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to highlight the inter linkage between ethics and laws and the possible conflicts which may arise from it.
Introduction:
Legality or illegality of an action is defined as per the prevalent laws. An action that is
legal in one country might be illegal in another, legality, is thus subjective to the
place where it is being enforced.
Body:
Laws are based on the deliberation, discussion and debate in the society. Violation of law amounts to penalty or punishment that is acceptable to the society at large.
Likewise, revolutions and uprisings often come up against the state and the laws. These are mostly illegal but not always unethical. In 1956, thousands of Hungarians took to the streets demanding a more democratic political system and freedom from Soviet oppression. These protests were considered as illegal and thus were severely crushed by the Soviets. But one has to understand that the act of these people was not unethical for they were demanding for better welfare measures in a peaceful manner
Conclusion:
Hence, it becomes imperative to make distinction between "just laws" and "unjust laws". Some laws in Germany during the times of Hitler were no laws at all as they were based on wrong notion. Hence, One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.
2. (b) “Many emotions are products of evolutionary wisdom, which probably has more intelligence than all human minds together.” (150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to write about the fundamentals of emotions. It also expects to draw parallels betw
Introduction:
Emotions are common to all individuals however, they vary in extent. They are dependent upon thoughts and feelings, physiological changes, expressive behaviours, and inclinations to act.
Body:
Irrational/ Impartial actions/decisions are based on the well knowledge of their consequences. In this irrational and impartial decision making emotions play a pivotal role.
Conclusion:
Hence, it can be said that, emotions which comes from the masses has made more harm than good. However, the evolutionary wisdom have made the world more beautiful than it was earlier.
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to define conflict of interest. It also expects to write a strategy about handling situation of conflict of interest.
Introduction:
Conflict of interest situation arises when there is an actual or apparent conflict between public duty and private interest of a public official. In such a situation, an official's private interests could improperly influence the performance of official duties.
Body:
Conflict of interest reduces public trust and confidence in the integrity and impartiality of public functionaries. Public servants face conflict of interest due to the nature of their work.
As a civil servant, one has to adhere to the standards of civil service values like impartiality, efficiency, integrity and must show exemplary behaviour. Thus, civil servants need to properly handle such conflicting interests and situations. This can be done by adopting strategy as mentioned below, if such a situation arises:
Conclusion:
Therefore, the moral obligation on public officials requires that the authority entrusted to them be exercised in the best interest of the people or in ‘public interest’. Thus conflict of interest is a situation in which personal and professional interest clashes and it might lead to corruption. The best strategy to avoid conflict of interest and its negative outcome is to make a self-disclosure and build the moral fabric of persons in power.
3. (b) What do understand by ‘cooling off period’ in the Indian administrative context? How does it help in reducing corruption? Discuss. (150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to write in detail about the 'cooling off period' in the Indian Administrative context. It also expects to write about its usability to reduce corruption.
Introduction:
Officials who retire from sensitive positions are barred from accepting any other appointment for a period of time, normally two years. These cooling-off periods in posts are premised on the snapping off of the nexus between previous incumbency and new appointment by the interposition of a sufficient time gap.
Body:
Cooling off period in Indian administrative context refers to the situation in which a person or officer cannot take position of responsibility so as to avoid favouritism and conflict of interest or corruption during his terms of services to the nation.
The rationale behind cooling off period as it helps in reducing corruption is as mentioned below:
Conclusion:
Several appointments to administrative bodies require a cooling-off period for individuals so as to eliminate the possibility or suspicion of a conflict of interest or quid pro quo. This cooling-off period must be extended to Indian officials as there is no provision of cooling off period of one year for re-employment of retired Government officials.
Q4. (a) What are the changes to public services in the contemporary era? (150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
It demands from the candidates to reflect upon the changing nature of public services along with the changing socio-economic and political structures. It is expected to enumerate few changes as the suitable examples.
Introduction:
The contours of Public services/civil services has transformed keeping in line with the changing nature of demands by the citizens in democratic societies. Public services are considered essential to modern life for moral reasons that their universal provision should be guaranteed. Public service is a service which is provided by government to people either directly (through the public sector) or by financing provision of services. It is the public good i.e. being non-rivalries and non-excludable. As the concept of governance is advancing, it is demanded from public services to become more inclusive, transparent, accountable, outcome oriented and cost-effective, keeping in mind the improved well-being of the people.
Body:
Conclusion:
The quality of public services affects economic growth via its impact on poverty alleviation, human capital formation and corruption. Efficient delivery of public services has direct and indirect bearing upon the performance of the country on Human Development indicators. The content and the contours of public services are constantly evolving, yet there is a long way to go in curbing the corruption and reaching to the last man.
4. (b) Probity is a much broader concept than merely ‘honesty’ or ‘financial rectitude’. Do you agree? Substantiate. (150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
The question demands precise understanding of the term ‘probity’. It expects from the candidates to differentiate between Probity and ‘honesty’ or ‘financial rectitude’.
Introduction:
Probity refers to the unexceptionable conduct that is honest and sincere. It means adherence to or compliance with the highest principles or ideals and the uprightness of character. It is an unwavering commitment to ethical standards.
Body:
Conclusion:
Probity is one of the most important social construct that needs to be imbibed in society to ensure the members of society are upright. It is particularly important for public office bearers. Laws are there to curb what society considers as unethical conduct. But laws are not enough especially when it comes to behaviour public office bearers. Ex British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said “when men are pure, laws are useless; when men are corrupt, laws are broken”. Probity ensures the highest level conduct.
Q5. Given below are two statements. Bring out their significance in the present context. (150 words) (10)
(a) “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”
Demand of the question:
It expects the candidates to define the concept of transparency, its importance in today’s context. Also discuss what transparency or lack of it results into.
Introduction:
In democracy the legitimacy of the state arises from the trust of the people in the state. Erosion of trust results into the weakening of the democratic institutions. And to ensure the trust of the public it is important that government machinery functions in more and more transparent and open manner.
Body:
Conclusion:
It is suggested that government officers need to promote transparency towards (a) citizenry; (b) within their own ranks; and between (c) different administrative branches. They should diligently follow the RTI Act.
In modern times, democracy ensures the government ‘of the people’, while good governance ensures the government ‘for the people’. Transparency incentivises good governance in positive manner. (b) “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.”
(b) “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.”
Demand of the question:
Candidate needs to address the importance of the role of the father, the mother and the teacher in cultivating values in individual. Address the importance of the informal leanings along with the formal education.
Introduction:
This quote is taken from the book Wings of Fire by DR. APJ Abdul Kalam. It seeks to emphasise the importance of the role played by the father, the mother and the teacher in making a virtuous person and ultimately the ethical and happy society, which will be able to curb the menace of corruption and will ensure the wellbeing for all.
Body:
In early formative years, a child grasps many things by merely seeing. A child acts on what s/he sees. Influence in early formative years remains visible throughout the person’s lifetime. A value a person picks at this stage has deeper impact on developing the behaviour.
Conclusion:
A child’s mind is like clay and parents along with teachers are the potters who can give the shape in a way only they want.
‘Matrudevobhavpitrudevobhav, acharyadevobhava(Respects to mother, father and the teacher, for they are the forms of God.) centuries ago this verse from Taittriya Upanishad tried to emphasise the importance of parents and teachers. It remains relevant even today as rightly expressed in the words of Dr.Kalam to make our nation a better place.
Q6.What are the institutional mechanisms available in India to ensure proper utilisation of public funds? Discuss. (150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
Question demands to enumerate various institutions and their roles in regulating and scrutinising the fund utilisation.
Introduction:
Public fund is meant for public services. Public funds have the potential to transform society, if used properly. Effective utilization of funds for welfare services is one of the key tenets to ensure social and economic justice and meet developmental goals. It includes avoiding under-utilization of funds, over-expenditure leading to fiscal deficit and preventing corruption. Public funds, like any other resource, are scarce and hence their misallocation or misappropriation should be avoided.
Body:
Constitutional and statutory bodies are given authority to monitor and check the government spending. There are the mechanisms which make government accountable to the people via legislative bodies.
Institutional mechanisms to ensure proper utilization of public funds:
Conclusion:
No matter how good the policy we frame, its impact drastically depends on the allocation and effective utilization of funds. Therefore, we need strong and independent institutions to ensure the funds are utilized for public welfare.
Q7.Don’t you think a legal and not an ethical compliance mechanism for corporate governance is more suited in the India case? Critically comment.(150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
The Candidate is expected to differentiate between legal and ethical compliances, bring out the deficiencies in legal framework. Need to critically reflect upon the limitations of legal compliances, also mention the importance of free trade and healthy competition.
Introduction:
Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, conventions and processes by which a firm is directed and controlled. Corporate governance essentially involves balancing the interests of a company’s many stakeholders, such as shareholders, senior management executives, customers, suppliers, financiers, the government, and the community at large.
Body:
Companies are bodies incorporated under the Companies Act. Companies are set up by entrepreneurs or promoters. They run on the principle of corporate democracy where one share equals one vote. The affairs of the company are managed by a board of directors.
Corporate have profits as the as the prime motive for their functioning. Sometimes it comes in conflict with stakeholders like consumers, shareholders or even community at large.
Corporate frauds are usually financial and involve cooking of accounts or ‘creative accounting’. But they also include other types of frauds where statutory laws related to Environmental compliances, labour laws etc. are not followed properly.
Frauds mainly happen because of unethical conduct on the part of corporates and also on the part of officers representing regulating agencies.
Legal compliance is more suitable in India’s case because of the following reasons:
To address some of these issues The Companies Act, 2013 has been enacted.:
Also, the recommendations of various committees like UdayKotak Panel, Narayana Murthycommittee and Kumarmangalam Birla committee needs to be followed.
Conclusion:
Laws are the regulation from above, while Ethics refers to the regulation from within. In case of corporate governance we should encourage the latter one. But as the prime motive from within remains profit-making, regulatory bodies are required to legally put check on their wrongdoings. Yet government should avoid old days of license Raj where regulatory bodies had entered deeper into the day-to-day functioning of the corporate. It is necessary that laws are made with clear and simple provisions with no scope for getting around them.
Q8.Define attitude and expand upon the tri-component model of attitudes.(150 words) (10)
Demand of the question:
Question expects candidates to explain the concept of attitude and how the three components viz. Cognitive, affective and behavioural component affects shaping of the attitude.
Introduction:
Attitude refers to the mental make-up of the person towards a particular object. It may be positive or negative. It may change from person to person for a particular object. Attitude is subjective individual interpretation of objective outside world. Object includes people, things, events, and issues. Attitudes reflect in the feelings and the beliefs of persons and that shape their behaviour.
Body:
The three components that shape attitude are namely the Cognitive, the Affective and the Behavioural component (CAB).
Out of the three components of attitudes, only the behavioural component can be directly observed. One cannot see another person’s beliefs (the Cognitive Component) and his feelings (the Affective component). These two components can only be inferred.
Conclusion:
Our attitude influences our actions. It helps shape our goals. It ensures how we perceive, view and approach the different aspects of life. It shapes one’s work culture, interpersonal relationships, and political opinions. Attitude remains the most influencing factor in shaping the personality.
SECTION – B
Q9. Your younger brother has got influenced by a radical religious outfit that promotes hatred for the minority and aspires to build a nation based not on territoriality but on religion. You have tried to make him understand the fallouts of such thinking and even reprimanded him for joining such groups. However, the conviction with which he debates and counters your arguments has forced you to rethink about your own notions. He presents gory details of the atrocities committed in the past by the minority community and also gives an account of the appeasement policy pursued by various governments since independence. He argues as to why can’t the majority assert its identity in its own country. He seems perturbed by the fiction that the minority community is trying to outnumber the majority in the near future by exploding a population bomb and also through forced conversions. You get to realise that even though his fears are real, their basis is rather absurd and illogical. In a situation like this, how would you convince your brother to abandon the path of radicalism? (250 Words) (20)
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to first spell out the number of stakeholders involved and effect on them along with explaining the validation/invalidation of the arguments put forth by brother. It also expects to mention the way in which you will convince your brother to abandon the path of radicalism.
Introduction:
Radicalism is set of beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform. Radicalisation refers to the process of an individual’s transformation from a moderate, law-abiding citizen into an active, anti-state, violent extremist.
Body:
The urge to take revenge on the present innocent people for the sins committed by ancestors along with Politicization of religion have led some groups to chose the path of radicalism. The aforesaid situation is complex and involves the following stakeholders:
The arguments put forth by brother are valid to an extent. However, blindly following them amounts to culmination in to radicalisation. Hence, it becomes my moral as well as social responsibility to convince him about how absurd and illogical his notions are and why he should do away with such kind of notions. I will present following arguments to convince my brother to abandon path of radicalism.
Conclusion:
While addressing all his absurd and illogical arguments I will reason them on above mentioned grounds. I will also take help of my family members, religious scholars, elders and friends in our locality to help him to understand the grim reality of the situation. True knowledge is real power, hence there is a need to de-radicalise these kind of youths, so that their true potential can be utilized to build a truly tolerant society which lives in peace and harmony.
Q10.You are posted as the block development officer in a district. Menstruation is a taboo in one of the villages of the district and people hardly talk about it. In fact, menstruating women aren’t even allowed to enter temples and are forced to sleep on the floor. Women use clothes as they can’t afford sanitary napkins or are too shy to buy it from the general store. When a renowned NGO attempted to spread awareness towards hygiene during menstruation by talking to the local women, the villagers created ruckus and forced the representatives of the NGO to leave. Further attempts by the NGO to approach the women was thwarted by the Gram Panchayat. The women of the village have been warned by their family members to stay away from such discussions and maintain their dignity.
The NGO brings the issue to your notice and asks for your support. Now answer the following questions:
(i)What in your opinion is the main reason behind villagers protesting?
(ii)What steps would you take to address the issue? (250 Words) (20)
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to address this issue on two grounds. First one is, it expects to opine about what might be the reason behind villagers protesting. Second one being it expects to write about what steps you as a block development officer will take to address the issue.
Introduction:
Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to girls. However, it has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. Following are the main stakeholders in this issue:
Body:
(i)The main reason behind villagers protesting:
Taboos about menstruation present in many societies impact on girls’ and women's emotional state, mentality and lifestyle and most importantly, health. It can't be certainly said that there is only one reason due to which villagers are protesting. A combination of specific reasons can be attributed behind protest of villagers:
(ii) Steps to address the issue:
The challenge, of addressing the socio-cultural taboos and beliefs in menstruation, is further compounded by the low girls’ knowledge levels and understandings of puberty, menstruation, and reproductive health. Thus, there is the need to follow a strategic approach in combating these issues as mentioned below:
Conclusion:
With this kind of Multi-dimensional approach we can remove out the taboo from the minds of villagers. Menstruation is nothing but a very normal biological phenomenon, and adolescent girls and women should be helped to understand that they have the power of procreation only because of this virtue. Once this is this done, it will not just help a woman to have an empowered life but it will also help to have well developed society too.
Q11. You have just been posted as the SP of a district known for its rich mineral resources. However, the abundance of natural resources also invites illicit trade and associated crimes. On the very first day of your induction, you are told by your superiors that the local mining mafia is really powerful there and you must be careful in your dealings with them. As disturbing the scenario in the district might be, you are more perturbed by the fact that no one seems to come up with a solution. You start getting the sense that the wrongdoings of the mining mafia largely go unnoticed as many senior bureaucrats and politicians are hand in gloves with them. The mafia enjoys heavy clout in the political circles as they are the prime source of electoral funding for the political parties. Similarly, bureaucrats enjoy their cut in the money that is extorted by the mafia from various stakeholders. Government regulations and institutional control don’t seem to exist in your district. Environmental norms are flouted, innocent and honest people are targeted if they don’t comply and crime is on the rise as the nexus of lawlessness and money power breeds criminals.
Being the determined officer you are, you start tightening the noose around the mafia. You start streamlining the systems hitherto kept in abeyance by your predecessors. You start a consultation process with the local landholders whose rights have been compromised to get a close view of the ground reality. You get to know that the youth in your district is largely jobless and gets infatuated by the money on offer by the mafia and take to criminal activities easily. Hardly any of the miners possess a valid license to operate and yet mining activities continue unabated. Immediately, you start a closure drive on the illegal mines and within a week, only licensed and authorised mine operators are running the mines in your district. You also convince the youth to stay away from criminal activities and rather participate constructively in the drive launched by the police to make the district a safer and better place. The local newspapers are praising your courage and dedication. There doesn’t seem to be a problem and you start wondering- why was it so difficult in the past?
However, within a week, you and your family start receiving death threats from the mafia. Calls start pouring in from senior bureaucrats and politicians to turn a blind eye to the situation in your district. In fact, your office stops receiving the monthly allowance to maintain the police force. You are forced to spend from your pocket to fund the diesel that goes into patrolling the disturbed areas of your district. The situation turns worse when your salary is stopped for a frivolous reason. All of a sudden, you find yourself alone. Everyone is against you- the colleagues in the department, the political masters and of course the mafia. You start thinking about the safety of your family and send them to your parents in your home state. All your good work has been rewarded with threats and fear.
Now, answer the following questions:
(i) Does there remain any motivation for you to work for the betterment of the society?
(ii) Don’t you think such things happen in reality? How do you suggest one deals with it?
(iii) Can a person single handily change a system? Critically analyse. (250 Words) (20)
Demand of the question:
The case study is well elaborative and Candidates needs to identify various stakeholders and their interests. Also candidates need to identify the ethical values involved along with the proper role expected to be played by the officer according to the rulebook in letter and spirit.
Introduction:
Stakeholders involved in this case study
Values Involved here are:
Body:
The given situation is very critical one and candidate needs to address following questions keeping in mind the said situation.
(i) Does there remain any motivation for you to work for the betterment of the society?
The prime motive for honest Public Servants remains the core conscience of a person to serve the society. They are neither driven by the external rewards as the primary source of motivation nor are they discouraged by the obstacles in their path. If it is the external source of motivation that drives a person then in such critical situations one is bound to get de-motivated. In fact throughout the life of the public servant there comes many instances that they can be forced to quit or accept wrongdoings. One will be able to take stand only when one has the clear purpose of betterment of society in mind and unabated commitment to the ethical framework prescribed for the civil servants. If a person lacks such a sense of purpose and commitment to the values then s/he will succumb to the notions that system itself is corrupted and cannot be changed. Civil Servants should realize that the primary duty of civil servants is to serve without expecting anything in return but with a vision to build a stronger India. A civil servant needs to recollect his Oath of Office which says that one has to abide by Constitution without fear or favour. Integrity of a civil servant must not be related to the motivation or demotivation that comes from the day-to-day happenings.
(ii). Don’t you think such things happen in reality? How do you suggest one deals with it?
Yes, there are many instances to suggest that such things happen in reality. It puts the career of the civil servant in jeopardy. We hear the news often that many upright officers face the brunt of the politicians and get transferred frequently. Sincere officers get many hurdles in carrying the day-to-day job.
Yet the civil servant also has the protection from these things. Indian constitution and laws have provided several ways to deal with such situations to protect honest civil servants:
Honest officer should always keep in mind that there is no way of using wrong means for the right ends. Means and ends both needs to right. A public servant should adhere to all legal rules and regulations, and maintain procedural integrity, particularly in such critical conditions.
(iii). Can a person single handily change a system? Critically analyse
A public servant should not consider himself/herself as the sole torchbearer of honesty and integrity. There are many honest public servants are working in the system.
In given condition everyone seems to be going against the one honest officer. Here he will have to hold on to his ethical stand.
It is certainly possible to single handily change the system. History is the proof to show that nothing is impossible if a person is determined and focused. He can single handily bring about a change. If everyone thinks that the system cannot be changed, then the society would not evolve & progress. It would stagnate and deteriorate. Every change in society will start with some or the other person. That single person is able to persuade &convince the fellow community members to rectify their wrong beliefs/actions. Thus, one needs to have a positive frame of mind and a conviction to bring about the change in system for the betterment of people, even if one is alone during the initial days of difficult journey.
Conclusion:
One needs to believe that if there is truth in our beliefs/actions people will eventually recognize the efforts and the system will change. The motto of our emblem “SatyamevaJayate” inspires us to continue our fight to change the system.
You can give examples of Gandhiji, Ambedkar, JyotibaPhule, Basavanna, Adi
Shakaracharya, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Aung San SuuKyi etc. who were all determined to bring changes in the system especially when at times they were lonely in their fight.
(It should be noted that above mentioned historic personalities were fighting the system which was absolutely alien to the people and which was highly exploitative. In given case study the concerned SP has the right procedural means to reform the system. Hence he should adhere to. It is difficult to cope up with the given condition, but He has legal authority and constitutionally assigned duty. Here it is correct talk in terms of reforming the given system to make it better rather than changing the system altogether.)
Q12. As an agent of the secret service of the armed forces, you have the responsibility of spying over the enemies and pass on vital strategic information to the government of your country. You have been trained and nurtured in a manner that you won’t even hesitate to kill an innocent person if he/ she becomes an obstacle in your duty even unknowingly. For you, your country comes first and you regard your duty as the foremost service one can render to one’s motherland.
One one occasion, you intercept a message that the enemy country is planning to bomb the pilgrimage base camps stationed at various locations in the bordering state. In fact, troops have been mobilised to give effect to the plan and it is a matter of hours that heavy bombings would start. It is not even possible to launch a counter offensive at such a short notice as major battalions of the army have already been sent to provide relief in the flood hit areas of the country. Waiting for the army to take command would mean severe loss of lives in the base camps.
When your commanding officer comes to know about the scenario, he chalks out a plan and deputes you to give shape to it. However, you are shocked to know his plans. In order to avoid the bombings, he wants you to immediately bomb a school in the enemy territory which lies in close proximity to the border. By doing this, the attention of the enemy would get diverted to the school and they might divert their troops to the school for immediate relief. This would buy some time for the armed forces of your country and they would be able to evacuate the base camps and also take positions to retaliate in case of eventual bombings.
What options do you have in this situation. Which one would you choose and why? Examine the pros and cons of each of the alternatives. (250 Words) (20)
Demand of the question:
Candidates are supposed to elaborate on all the alternative options and the core ethical dilemma before stating what option one should choose
Introduction:
Given case provides a scenario where a secret service agent who is likely to face the sharp ethical dilemma in line of his/her duty.
While profession demands the completion of the committed duty i.e. protecting the citizens of one’s own country, the basic humanity in person is likely to pose a question, ‘at what cost?’ Why innocent children and their parents have to be victimised?
Body:
Agent’s inaction would cost lives of innocent civilians while the action suggested by the commanding officer also puts lives of innocent civilians of another nation in jeopardy. There seems a clear conflict between his professional commitment and a personal value.
Stakeholders involved:
Options available to the agent:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Best option in this scenario would be option 4. Though option 3, much like option 4 helps overcome professional duty vs personal value dilemma, but it risks lives of both pilgrims and locals force involved. And there is also uncertainty that bombing school will divert actions of enemy troops. They might still proceed with their plan. So when our plan of action is based on probable outcome, it would be better to carry out bombing on strategic location or other infrastructure rather than on schools. This might give time for armed forces to save pilgrims.
Conclusion:
To conclude one need to express that all aspects are uncertain as far as possibilities of outcomes is considered. Hence one needs to choose the option that is likely to result into the least possible casualties.
Q 13. It is said that a doctor performs the noblest profession. Doctors are considered God by many in different parts of the world. You were always attracted to this profession and wanted to become the best doctor in your area so that you also could save lives and feel good about it. You were lucky that your parents supported your aspirations. With their support and your hard work, you cracked the medical entrance examination, attended one of the most reputed medical colleges in the country and finally became a doctor. You joined a government hospital and it was nothing less than dream come true for you. You were ready to serve the people with all those life saving skills that you had learnt in the college. Meanwhile, you got married to a beautiful girl and had two lovely kids with her.
Work- life balance was going smooth until one day, the news of a new viral strain spreading in the southern most coastal state of the country broke out. The strain was so severe that even many doctors and nurses had succumbed to the infection and died. The situation had become so worse that no doctor was ready to treat the dying patients.
This troubled you a lot and you felt that the time had come to serve the people in the truest sense. You decided that you would visit the state and render your services to the ailing patients. However, your parents, wife and children are strictly against this decision. They fear that even you would get affected by the virus. You tried to convince them by telling them that the foremost duty of a doctor was to save lives no matter what and if you didn’t go, the guilt of turning your back towards the needy would haunt you forever. But your family members aren't ready to let you go. After all, you are the sole breadwinner and caretaker of the family. How can they simply let you be in danger? They love you so much and can’t afford to lose you.
Now, you were in a complex situation that demanded a reasoned yet moral action from you. What would you have done in this situation? Examine the alternatives available to you and comment on the pros and cons of each one of them. Also, which alternative you would have chosen and why? (250 Words) (25)
Demand of the question:
It expects candidates to look for all probable options which he/she can take. It tests decision making capability of the candidate in emergency situation. It also expects that candidate should take decision only after considering all probable options.
Introduction:
Personal and professional values often conflict each other for public servants where they have a responsibilities towards the committed duty on the one hand and responsibilities as the family member on the other. The ethicaldilemma that emerges out of the conflicting situation is difficult to resolve especially in contemporary age which requires dynamism.
Body:
Stakeholders involved in the given scenario-
Issues-
There goes the saying that “Duty is the death of love”. But being doctor is a kind of a profession where the value of the love is required to be adopted while performing the duty beyond loving one’s own family.
Options available
I have always dreamt to be a doctor but that was before I was married. After marriage I am also a father. Moreover, my parents are old and dependent on me now, if something happens to me then there is no one to take care of them.
Pros:
Cons:
I started this medical journey because I wanted to serve people, now when the time is there I cannot run away. It is like a soldier on duty, he cannot run away when his country needs him, especially during war.
This stand can be also supported by the principles of utilitarianism as well as deontology, as by treating those patients I will be serving humanity as well as fulfilling my duties.
Pros:
Cons:
I can take help of government in this case, since no one is willing to go and I am ready to risk my life. I can ask for the following aid from the government.
Pros:
Cons:
I can take help of social media, NGOs to get like-minded individuals and to know more about the virus before jumping in. I will take an informed decision as to how will I go about it because simply going and losing my life won’t do any good, if I can find a cure or at least help in the research, it will help humanity a lot. I can also ask for crowd-funding to support my family if my insurance amount is not proper. Getting public support will also help me in convincing my family and changing their attitude.
Pros:
Cons:
My solution
As Buddha advises that SamyakMarg is the best way out of a dilemma, moreover the principle of golden mean also says that wisdom lies in choosing between two extremes. Since going there without preparation amounts to foolishness and I might infect others too. It is important to gather information and take government help before going to serve the patients. The research will also help me in convincing my family as well as other doctors to join me. The support of government and public willalso give a boost to my family. It is my duty to serve people especially during this time of crisis and I cannot run away from it. Getting insurance for my family and arranging for the financial needs will help me in fulfilling the personal duties and responsibilities as well.
Conclusion:
One cannot shy away from his duties owing to the personal reasons as it is akin to cowardice. I have chosen this profession to serve patients and nation, not doing that will not be fair to me personally and to the principles I hold dear. However it doesn’t mean that one should completely ignore the personal duties. An emotionally intelligent person will try to find a balance between both rather than choosing one over the other.
Q14. You are the founding member of a political party that was born out of an agitation against corruption in the country. Even though you and your partners never wanted to contest elections, the circumstances were such that you were forced to enter the very same political system that you abhorred for its disconnect and corruption. But then, someone has to cleanse the system after all.
Your decision to form a political party has been welcomed by many and your supporters are eagerly waiting to witness the transformation that your party would bring about in the political discourse. However, as the days pass by, reality dawns at you and your partners. It is getting difficult to run the party and pursue its agenda without adequate money. Donations have thinned and the party workers are demotivated. A sense of despondency has creeped in wherein everyone believes that it is impossible to bring about a change without money and muscle in Indian politics.
While you are deeply worried about the party and its followers, a business tycoon accompanied by a famous media honcho visits your party office. They have an offer. If you agree to twist the tender and procurement rules in the favour of the businessman after you come to power, they are ready to fund your party and become a mouthpiece of your ideology and agenda through various media.
This appears to be an offer that you can’t resist. What are you going to lose? Literally nothing! Rather a symbiotic relationship with the gentlemen would ensure the revival of your party and also a genuine shot at power. Your partners and party workers are infatuated by this offer and they insist that you accept it. Even though it would mean a compromise with the fundamental ideals of your party, sometimes stepping down from the moral plank can give you enough leeway to fulfil your aspirations.
Now answer the following questions:
(i) What options do you have in this situation?
(ii)Of all the options available to you, which one will you choose and why? Elaborate. (250 Words) (25)
Demand of the question:
These kinds of questions demand to test the accurate decision making capability of candiadate according to situation. Hence, this questions demands that candidate has to take decision while balancing his/her fundamentals along with reality of situation.
Introduction:
Probity and integrity are the most important characteristics which define the character of an individual. It is about adhering to best moral principles even in the worst of the times. It is about doing what you believe in, to be consistent in what you believe in, and in what you say and what you do. Political integrity is even more difficult because the lust of power tends to make people corrupt in various forms. Politicians are tempted to adopt an unethical path. The given case study is also about the tussle, an easy path to power or to struggle with your values and ideals.
Body:
Since the origin my political career is from an agitation against corruption and the offer given by the businessman is nothing short of a corruption, accepting the offer is like turning my ideals upside down. Ethics and morality are a set of standards which one follow and choose the rights and wrong. It is the moral values and ideals which generates the trust. In politics money can give short-term shot to power but in the Long-run ideology and strong fundamentals survive.
The kind of corruption in the form of quid pro quo suggested in the given case has been at the heart of the dis-functioning, non-responsive democracy. It hampers the spirit of democracy and betrays the faith of the common people in the democratic procedures. Money power overwhelms the free and fair functioning of our democracy where ‘one-person-one-vote’ loses its meaning in front of ‘one-rupee-one-vote.’
(i)Options available to me:
1.Accept the offer – Practically it will help my party since we are short offunds and the motivation of party workers is also dying. It is gettingdifficult to run the party and if there is no party left who will spread ourideals. However it means moving down from the committed principles.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
3.Reject the offer and approach public to get funding, increase social media campaigning and asking individuals to join the revolution. As compromising with the ideas will degrade the image of party in public and thus in longer run it might not even survive. Not accepting the corrupt money might slow down the movement but it will help us in the longer run.
Pros:
Cons:
(ii) Of all the options available to me, as discussed above, I will choose the third option because compromising with the ideals as well as the funds is wrong for the party and the movement. I cannot accept the offer because it is like a deal with the devil, moreover it is a betrayal to the trust of many who joined the movement and have shown faith that we are going to do something good to the nation. Accepting the money can boost the party in the shorter run but in the long term it is going to tarnish the image, as I will also be seen as a corrupt and opportunist who just wish to get power.
As Gandhiji during India’s freedom struggle said to the congressman when they were eager to enter politics and assume power after Government of India Act 1935, that you should hold the chair lightly and not tightly. He advised them not to compromise with their ideals and not to fall into the vicious trap of power. India has changed but the political ideals are still the same.
Conclusion:
Politics is a game of power but playing it dirty serves no purpose as it is against the basic principle of serving the masses. Politics is for welfare of masses where power has to be used for service not to rule. Compromising with the ideals and ideology means that the party is not based on ideals and ethics but it is based on opportunistic tendencies where the party can do anything wrong to come to power.
As rightly put, Politics without principles is a sin.
Not merely the ends but means to the right end also needs to be right.
TLP HOT Synopsis_FULLMOCK_4 PDF