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Ethics Paper IV (Section A) Solution 2025

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

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Introduction

In today’s digital era, social media has become a powerful medium for expression, information exchange, and citizen engagement. While it democratizes communication, it also raises multiple ethical concerns. Ethical dilemmas arise when the values of freedom of speech, privacy, transparency, accountability, and public interest clash with issues like misinformation, hate speech, trolling, and misuse of personal data.

Body: Key Ethical Dilemmas

  1. Freedom of Expression vs. Hate Speech
    • Dilemma: Protecting the right to free speech while preventing online abuse.
    • Example: Offensive comments against women leaders often cross ethical lines but removing them may be seen as censorship.
  2. Privacy vs. Public Interest
    • Dilemma: Platforms collect personal data for customization, but excessive surveillance violates privacy.
    • Example: Cambridge Analytica scandal highlighted misuse of social media data for elections.
  3. Authenticity vs. Virality
    • Dilemma: Misinformation spreads faster than facts, leading to ethical conflict between speed and truth.
    • Example: Fake news on WhatsApp leading to mob lynching incidents in India.
  4. Transparency vs. Profit Motives
    • Dilemma: Algorithms prioritize engagement (to maximize ad revenue) over authenticity, thereby promoting divisive content.
  5. Equality vs. Digital Divide
    • Dilemma: While social media empowers many, rural and marginalized communities remain excluded, deepening inequality.
  6. Anonymity vs. Accountability
    • Dilemma: Anonymity encourages whistleblowing and dissent but also allows cyberbullying and trolling.
  7. National Security vs. Open Platforms
    • Dilemma: States must safeguard security without unduly suppressing citizen rights.
    • Example: Restrictions on certain apps citing sovereignty concerns.

Conclusion

Social media is a double-edged sword: a tool for empowerment as well as manipulation. Ethical governance of digital platforms requires balancing individual freedoms with societal well-being. Civil servants, policymakers, and citizens must embrace values like responsibility, accountability, empathy, and integrity in the online space. Ultimately, ethical use of social media is not just a legal challenge but a moral responsibility to preserve harmony and democratic values.

 

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 public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration. (Answer in 150 words)

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Introduction

The idea of constitutional morality means following the values, principles, and procedures given in the Constitution—like equality, liberty, secularism, fraternity, and rule of law. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said that constitutional morality is not something that comes naturally; it has to be taught, practiced, and internalised through civic education and consistent adherence to law. For public servants, it acts like a guiding compass that goes beyond personal morality and ensures that decisions are not arbitrary but rooted in constitutional principles.

Body

1. Why constitutional morality is needed

  • India is a diverse society with many religions, castes, and languages. Personal morality can differ, but the Constitution provides a common moral framework for governance.
  • Example: A police officer may personally dislike certain groups, but constitutional morality requires treating every citizen equally, without discrimination.

2. Key elements of constitutional morality

  • Adherence to rule of law – decisions must follow due process, not personal whims.
  • Equality before law – no bias on caste, religion, gender.
  • Accountability and transparency – power should be exercised responsibly.
  • Respect for rights – upholding Fundamental Rights of citizens while performing duties.

3. Significance for a Public Servant

  • Ensuring impartiality:
    Example – In public distribution of ration, an officer cannot favour his own caste or village; constitutional morality requires fair delivery to all beneficiaries.
  • Preventing misuse of power:
    Example – If a minister pressures a civil servant to bypass environmental clearance for a project, constitutional morality requires the officer to uphold laws and procedures.
  • Balancing majority and minority rights:
    Example – During a communal clash, constitutional morality guides police to protect vulnerable minorities, even if majority opinion demands otherwise.
  • Strengthening accountability:
    Adherence to constitutional values makes public servants answerable for their actions through institutions like CAG, CVC, judiciary.
  • Promoting good governance:
    • Transparency (RTI Act as an instrument of constitutional morality).
    • Responsiveness (timely grievance redressal).
    • Ethical leadership (IAS officer Armstrong Pame building a road in Manipur with community participation – inspired by constitutional duty of service).

4. Examples from Indian context

  • Kesavananda Bharati case (1973): Basic structure doctrine—reminds civil servants that even Parliament cannot act against constitutional morality.
  • Navtej Singh Johar case (2018): SC decriminalised Section 377, showing how constitutional morality protects minority rights against majoritarian morality.
  • E.g., Election Commission – officers enforcing Model Code of Conduct even against ruling party leaders, showing loyalty to Constitution, not political masters.

Conclusion

Constitutional morality acts as the ethical backbone of Indian democracy. For public servants, it means working with integrity, neutrality, and accountability while upholding the spirit of the Constitution. It ensures that governance is not just efficient, but also just, inclusive, and rights-oriented. Ultimately, constitutional morality helps transform power into public service, ensuring that democracy is not reduced to mere majoritarian rule but is guided by justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

 

 

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

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Introduction

Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian military theorist, famously remarked—“War is a continuation of diplomacy by other means.” This means when peaceful negotiations fail, states often resort to war to pursue the same political objectives. In the contemporary world, however, with nuclear deterrence, economic interdependence, and global institutions, this statement requires a critical relook. Today, diplomacy and war are interlinked, but the cost of conflict makes the ethical, political, and humanitarian dimensions far more complex.

Body

1. War as diplomacy in practice

  • Russia–Ukraine conflict (2022–ongoing): Diplomatic negotiations over NATO expansion failed, leading Russia to invade Ukraine—an example of using war when diplomacy broke down. Yet, global diplomatic forums like UN, G20, and sanctions are still at play, showing both means coexist.
  • Israel–Palestine tensions: Failure of peace talks leads to recurrent wars, with both sides using conflict as leverage in negotiations.

2. Changing nature of war in contemporary times

  • Hybrid warfare: Instead of open battle, states use cyber-attacks, disinformation, drones, and economic coercion. (e.g., cyber intrusions between US–China, India–Pakistan propaganda wars).
  • Proxy wars: Major powers avoid direct conflict but fund/arm groups (e.g., Syrian civil war, Afghanistan in 1980s).
  • Economic sanctions as “silent wars”: US–China trade war, sanctions on Iran/Russia—tools of coercion, replacing traditional warfare.

3. Ethical dilemmas involved

  • Civilian suffering: Clausewitz’s idea overlooked humanitarian consequences. Modern wars displace millions (Ukraine refugees, Gaza crisis).
  • Just War Theory vs Realpolitik: Morality of war (self-defense, proportionality, last resort) often conflicts with realpolitik interests.
  • Accountability: Non-state actors and terrorism blur state responsibility. For instance, Pakistan’s use of terror groups complicates the war–diplomacy link.

4. Relevance for public servants and governance

  • Foreign policy analysis: Civil servants in MEA or Defence must weigh diplomacy, sanctions, and conflict in decision-making.
  • Peacebuilding role: Administrators contribute to reconstruction, humanitarian aid, refugee management—where ethics meets policy.
  • National security vs individual rights: Balancing surveillance, internet shutdowns, or counter-terror operations with constitutional morality and rights.

Critical Analysis

  • Clausewitz’s idea holds true: War still serves political ends (e.g., Russia seeking buffer zone).
  • But in the nuclear and globalised era, diplomacy has primacy—war is too costly. Hence, states increasingly prefer economic warfare, cyber tools, and strategic coercion instead of full-scale wars.
  • Ethical governance now demands peaceful resolution, humanitarian considerations, and multilateralism—not mere use of force.

Examples for Ethics Paper IV

  • Positive example: India’s handling of the Doklam standoff (2017)—instead of escalating militarily, India used diplomacy backed by credible deterrence.
  • Negative example: Iraq invasion (2003) by the US—pursued political goals without UN sanction, causing humanitarian crisis and loss of legitimacy.

Conclusion

Clausewitz’s statement captures the realism of international politics: states seek power and survival, whether by diplomacy or war. But in today’s interconnected world, war cannot be seen as simply an “extension” of diplomacy—it is often a failure of diplomacy. For ethical governance and good administration, the priority must be conflict prevention, cooperative security, and humanitarian responsibility. Thus, the modern ethos should shift the maxim to—“Peace is the highest form of diplomacy, and war is its tragic breakdown.”

 

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

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Introduction
Border areas in India are both strategically important (for national security) and ecologically sensitive (Himalayas, Northeast, Western Ghats). Building roads, tunnels, dams or defence infrastructure here often sparks debates. On one hand, the army needs quick mobility and logistics to counter threats; on the other, reckless construction can harm fragile ecosystems, rivers, and tribal livelihoods. This clash creates ethical dilemmas for administrators and policymakers.

Key Ethical Dilemmas

  1. Security vs Environment
  • Building wide highways in Uttarakhand helps troops reach the China border faster, but blasting hills causes landslides and floods.
  • Dilemma: Should short-term security override long-term ecological security?
  1. Development vs Sustainability
  • Hydropower dams in Arunachal Pradesh can generate electricity and strengthen border economy. But they submerge forests, displace tribal communities, and disturb river ecosystems.
  • Example: Subansiri dam controversy.
  1. Human rights vs National interest
  • Local tribal communities depend on forests, rivers and grazing land. Defence projects often acquire these lands quickly.
  • Ethical dilemma: Protecting local rights vs serving larger national security needs.
  1. Transparency vs Secrecy
  • Defence projects may bypass environmental public hearings citing “national interest.”
  • Dilemma: Should secrecy for security compromise the democratic process of consent?
  1. Intergenerational Justice vs Immediate Needs
  • Cutting forests for today’s security weakens natural protection (glacier stability, flood control), harming future generations.
  • Example: Char Dham highway project debated in Supreme Court—army mobility vs fragile Himalayan ecology.
  1. Accountability vs Expediency
  • Emergency clearances for defence often skip proper environmental assessments. If disasters strike (e.g., floods, flash landslides), who is accountable—the military, bureaucracy, or policymakers?

Illustrative Examples

  • Char Dham Project (Uttarakhand): Roads widened for faster troop movement to the Indo-China border. Supreme Court allowed strategic roads but also flagged ecological risk (landslides, Kedarnath floods memory).
  • Arunachal Hydropower Dams: Support defence logistics and local development but threaten Brahmaputra ecology and tribal displacement.
  • Rohtang Tunnel (Atal Tunnel, Himachal): Strategic military advantage with eco-sensitive construction. Example of balancing: project used controlled blasting, waste management, and slope stabilization.

Ethical Analysis (Easy Lens)

  • Utilitarian view: Greatest good—strong borders protect millions, but if environmental collapse causes recurrent disasters, net harm increases.
  • Rights-based view: Tribals and locals have a right to life, clean environment, and participation in decisions.
  • Virtue ethics: Officers must show prudence, foresight, and empathy—not just focus on short-term targets.
  • Gandhian principle: Means (ecological respect, local consent) are as important as ends (security).

Conclusion

The ethical challenge is not “security versus environment” but “security through sustainable environment.” For public servants, the role is to ensure:

  • Strategic projects with minimum ecological footprint (eco-friendly tech, tunnels instead of wide cuts).
  • Compensatory afforestation and disaster-mitigation plans.
  • Consultation with locals while protecting confidentiality of sensitive details.
  • Long-term vision where environment itself is national security, since landslides, glacial lake bursts, and floods can weaken borders more than enemies.

Thus, constitutional morality and ethical governance require balancing national defence with ecological stewardship—because both are essential for a safe and sustainable India.

 

 

3.(a) “Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” – Thiruvalluvar (Answer in 150 words)

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Introduction
The Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar in the Thirukkural said: “Those who in trouble untroubled are, will trouble trouble itself.” This highlights the ethical strength of equanimity—the ability to remain calm and balanced in the face of crisis. For a public servant, who faces emergencies, political pressure, public criticism, or administrative crises, this teaching is a reminder that inner composure is a moral virtue and an administrative necessity.

Body

1. Ethical meaning of the quote

  • Equanimity: One who does not panic in adversity weakens the power of the problem itself.
  • Courage and resilience: Challenges lose their sting when faced with calm confidence.
  • Ethical strength: A disturbed mind leads to rash, unfair, or biased decisions; a balanced mind promotes fairness and justice.
  • Virtue ethics: Aligns with Aristotle’s concept of “sophrosyne” (temperance), and Gandhian ideal of self-mastery.

2. Relevance for public servants

  • Crisis management: During disasters like floods, pandemics, or terror attacks, panic spreads quickly. A composed officer instills confidence among citizens and colleagues.
    Example: During the Kerala floods (2018), district officials who stayed calm coordinated timely rescue and relief, reducing casualties.
  • Decision-making under pressure: In situations of protests or communal tension, rash orders can escalate violence. Calm evaluation leads to ethical, proportionate action.
    Example: An SP choosing dialogue and crowd control instead of immediate firing demonstrates equanimity.
  • Dealing with criticism & media pressure: Administrators are often criticised by politicians, media, or public. Responding without defensiveness protects integrity and neutrality.
  • Personal integrity & resilience: Officers facing corruption pressure or transfer threats must remain undisturbed, upholding rule of law.

3. Ethical dilemmas

  • Balance between urgency and patience: Sometimes, calmness may be misinterpreted as inaction. The challenge is to combine equanimity with timely responsiveness.
  • Empathy vs detachment: Officers must stay composed but not emotionally cold; they must show compassion while avoiding panic.
  • Personal cost vs duty: Staying calm under threats to one’s career/family demands deep moral conviction.

Conclusion
Thiruvalluvar’s teaching remains timeless: a calm mind in adversity can “trouble the trouble itself.” For public servants, equanimity is not passive endurance but active moral courage—the ability to act ethically, lawfully, and compassionately without being shaken by crisis. By embodying this virtue, officers ensure good governance, public trust, and ethical accountability even in the toughest times.

 

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

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Introduction
William James, often called the father of modern psychology, reminds us that the biggest shift in life does not always come from outside circumstances but from within ourselves. His quote means: our thoughts and attitudes shape how we see the world, how we respond to challenges, and ultimately what kind of life we live.

Explanation in simple terms

  • If you believe life is hopeless, you will see obstacles everywhere.
  • If you believe improvement is possible, you will notice opportunities, put in effort, and change your circumstances.
  • Attitude is like the “lens” through which we view the world. By cleaning or changing the lens, the same world looks different.

Examples

  1. Civil Services preparation:
    Two aspirants may face the same setback (failure in Prelims). One feels defeated and quits. Another takes it as feedback, changes strategy, and eventually succeeds. The difference lies in attitude.
  2. Public administration:
    A District Magistrate facing floods may panic and blame limited resources. Another with a positive, problem-solving attitude mobilises volunteers, NGOs, and tech-based solutions to save lives. Same situation, different outcomes.
  3. Personal life:
    A person with a growth mindset sees criticism as a chance to learn, while another with a fixed mindset sees it as an insult. The first person grows, the second stagnates.

Relevance to Ethics (Paper IV)

  • Integrity and optimism: An officer with a constructive attitude maintains integrity under stress.
  • Empathy: Attitudes of respect and compassion improve public trust.
  • Accountability: A proactive attitude ensures timely redressal instead of excuses.
  • Resilience: Positive mindset reduces burnout and helps in crisis situations.

Conclusion
William James highlights a timeless truth: outer change begins with inner change. For a public servant, this is especially important because attitude directly impacts governance, justice, and citizen welfare. Thus, cultivating a positive, problem-solving, and empathetic attitude is not just self-improvement—it is an ethical duty to society.

 

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

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Introduction
Swami Vivekananda’s line—“The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people”—reminds us that written codes are only as effective as the ethical spirit of those who live under them. Laws are external compulsion; morality is internal compass. A society of dishonest or apathetic citizens will find loopholes in every statute, while a morally upright society often needs fewer laws because people act justly out of conscience.

Body

1) Meaning of the Quote

  • Law as skeleton, morality as soul: Laws can prohibit corruption, theft, or violence, but if people lack honesty, compassion or civic duty, enforcement collapses.
  • Voluntary compliance vs forced compliance: A morally conscious society obeys laws willingly; without morality, fear alone cannot ensure order.
  • Social capital: Trust, fairness, and empathy bind citizens together more strongly than penal codes.

2) Ethical Analysis

  • Deontological (Kantian) view: Moral duty must guide action, not just fear of sanction.
  • Virtue ethics: Civic virtues like honesty, tolerance, courage sustain society beyond written law.
  • Utilitarian lens: Morality lowers enforcement costs and reduces harm, increasing collective happiness.
  • Indian ethos: “Dharma rakshati rakshitah”—when people uphold dharma (righteous conduct), it sustains both State and society.

3) Examples (Indian context)

  • Freedom struggle: Gandhian satyagraha showed the power of moral courage and non-violence over colonial law.
  • RTI Act & transparency: Law exists, but real impact comes when citizens use it responsibly for accountability, not harassment.
  • Traffic discipline: Countries with strong road safety culture see compliance even without police presence; in India, moral laxity often requires heavy policing.
  • Swachh Bharat Mission: Beyond laws against littering, success came when citizens’ attitude toward cleanliness changed.
  • Disaster response: During floods, people voluntarily sheltering strangers or donating essentials shows morality at work beyond any statute.

4) Implications for Public Administration

  • Laws, rules, and codes (Conduct Rules, CVC guidelines, PoCA) are necessary—but without moral conviction among officers, compliance may be superficial.
  • Public servants with high integrity foster citizen trust; trust then reduces the need for excessive regulation.
  • Administrators must therefore model morality (probity, empathy, transparency) so citizens internalize similar values.

Conclusion
A society stands strongest when morality makes laws almost redundant. As Vivekananda stressed, the real guarantee of justice, harmony and progress lies in people’s conscience, not only in statutes. For administrators, this means cultivating and promoting ethical values—integrity, compassion, fairness—so that governance is not just legal, but also morally legitimate. Laws are the guardrails; morality is the driver. Without the latter, even the best-constructed laws remain lifeless.

 

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

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Introduction
Welfare schemes—like MGNREGA, PM-Kisan, Ayushman Bharat—aim to re-engineer society by reducing poverty, improving health, and creating opportunities. But rolling them out is not just a matter of money or rules. A civil servant must think critically, weigh alternatives, and act ethically so that the schemes bring real change instead of leakages, corruption, or exclusion.

Why Reason and Critical Thinking are needed

  1. Evidence-based design: Instead of copying old models, officers must study local data and ask: Who are the poorest? What are their actual needs?
    • Example: In tribal areas, rather than pushing fertilizer subsidy, investing in minor irrigation or millet procurement may yield better results.
  2. Problem-solving mindset: Many schemes fail due to middlemen or wrong beneficiary lists. Officers need to analyse root causes and innovate solutions.
    • Example: Use of Aadhaar-based DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to plug leakages in PDS.
  3. Balancing competing interests: Critical thinking helps in resolving conflicts between limited funds and wide demands, or between short-term populism and long-term sustainability.
  4. Monitoring & evaluation: A thinking officer asks, Are outcomes matching objectives? and corrects course if needed.
    • Example: In Swachh Bharat, some villages reported toilets built but not used; behaviour change campaigns were then emphasised.

Why an Ethical Framework is essential

  • Integrity: Prevents misuse of funds, ghost beneficiaries, inflated bills.
  • Objectivity: Ensures decisions are based on merit, not political pressure.
  • Empathy: Understands the ground reality of vulnerable groups (widows, disabled, landless).
  • Accountability: Civil servants must answer for outcomes, not just outputs.
  • Transparency: Disclosing beneficiary lists, social audits, grievance redress mechanisms.

Example: In MGNREGA, an ethical officer ensures wages reach women workers directly into their accounts, resisting local elite capture.

Illustrative Example
Suppose a flood-hit district receives funds for housing under PM Awas Yojana.

  • An officer using only mechanical rules may distribute funds equally, leading to complaints from poorest households who lost everything.
  • A critical and ethical approach would mean: verifying damage through ground surveys, prioritising widows and landless, ensuring quality construction, and maintaining transparency through public dashboards.

This not only rebuilds homes but also builds trust between citizens and government.

Conclusion
Successful social re-engineering is not possible by blind rule-following or mechanical fund distribution. It needs the head of reason and the heart of ethics. A civil servant who combines both ensures that welfare schemes become genuine instruments of empowerment and justice, not just statistics in reports.

 

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

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Introduction
Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, preached a simple yet profound path of self-discipline, non-violence, and truth. His teachings are not just religious but ethical guidelines for individuals and society. In today’s world of conflict, consumerism, and ecological crisis, his principles remain highly relevant.

Major Teachings of Mahavira

  1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
    • Not harming any living being—by action, speech, or even thought.
    • Example: Avoiding cruelty towards animals, controlling anger towards others.
  2. Satya (Truthfulness)
    • Always speaking what is true, beneficial, and non-hurtful.
    • Example: In public life, a civil servant giving clear, transparent, and honest information.
  3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
    • Not taking anything that is not willingly given.
    • Example: Corruption, plagiarism, or exploiting public resources violates this principle.
  4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy / Control over desires)
    • For monks, celibacy; for laypersons, discipline and loyalty in personal relationships, moderation in desires.
    • Example: Controlling excessive consumerism, living a balanced life.
  5. Aparigraha (Non-possession / Non-attachment)
    • Limiting possessions to what is necessary; avoiding greed and hoarding.
    • Example: Minimalist lifestyle, reducing waste, sustainable consumption.
  6. Syadvada & Anekantavada (Doctrine of Multiple Perspectives)
    • Truth can have many sides; respect for different opinions.
    • Example: In democracy, accepting diversity of views, promoting dialogue instead of intolerance.

Relevance in the Contemporary World

  1. Peace & Harmony
    • Ahimsa is crucial for reducing violence, terrorism, communal hatred. Gandhi drew from this to lead India’s freedom struggle.
  2. Environmental Ethics
    • Aparigraha teaches us to consume less, conserve nature, and fight climate change. Jainism’s respect for all life aligns with sustainable development.
  3. Public Administration & Governance
    • Satya and Asteya guide civil servants towards honesty, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption.
  4. Mental Health & Simplicity
    • Limiting desires (Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) reduces stress, competition, and materialistic anxieties.
  5. Conflict Resolution
    • Anekantavada helps handle political, social, and international disputes through dialogue and respect for multiple viewpoints.
  6. Global Relevance
    • In a globalised, consumer-driven, and conflict-prone world, Mahavira’s teachings offer a universal moral compass for individuals and institutions.

Conclusion
Mahavira’s message is timeless: live simply, think compassionately, and act truthfully. For today’s administrators, policymakers, and citizens, these teachings provide a moral framework for ethical governance, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence. His principles can guide us in balancing personal desires with social good, thereby strengthening both individual character and societal harmony.

 

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

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Introduction
The statement means that when a person honestly performs his or her duty, it not only benefits society but also gives the individual a sense of purpose and inner satisfaction. For a civil servant, devotion to duty is both a professional obligation and a path to personal fulfilment.

1) Duty and sense of responsibility

  • A civil servant’s duty is to serve the public with integrity, impartiality and accountability.
  • Being devoted to duty means working sincerely, even when no one is watching, and making decisions guided by the Constitution and ethics rather than personal gain.
  • Example: During a flood, an officer who coordinates relief camps, ensures fair distribution of food, and prioritises the vulnerable shows true responsibility.

2) Duty and personal fulfilment

  • When duties are performed well, citizens benefit and the officer feels a sense of accomplishment and pride.
  • It creates inner peace and self-respect, as the officer knows he has contributed to nation-building.
  • Example: A district collector who reduces malnutrition rates through proper implementation of ICDS schemes experiences joy and meaning in work beyond salary or promotions.

3) Ethical dimensions

  • Karma philosophy (Gita): One should focus on performing duties without attachment to rewards; this leads to perfection.
  • Virtue ethics: Regular performance of duty develops virtues like patience, courage, compassion.
  • Consequentialism: Good performance of duty leads to maximum welfare of people, fulfilling the ethical purpose of governance.

4) Real-life illustrations

  • E. Sreedharan (Metro Man): His devotion to duty in infrastructure projects transformed public transport in India and gave him lifelong respect.
  • IAS officer Armstrong Pame: Built a 100-km “People’s Road” in Manipur by mobilising community support—showing how personal responsibility towards citizens created deep personal fulfilment.
  • Everyday examples: A school headmaster ensuring mid-day meals are served properly, or a police officer patiently counselling a family in distress—these are small duties, but they bring dignity to both the public and the officer.

Conclusion
For a civil servant, duty is not just a job but a sacred trust. When one carries it out with honesty and commitment, it fulfils both sides: society gains good governance, and the individual gains inner satisfaction, respect, and a sense of higher purpose. Thus, devotion to duty indeed leads to the highest perfection in life.   

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

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Introduction
In today’s governance, a civil servant is expected not just to control or regulate people’s behaviour but to enable and facilitate growth. This means helping citizens, communities and businesses to realise their potential by providing opportunities, reducing hurdles, and ensuring fairness. Holistic development—economic, social, environmental and cultural—comes when the State acts like a partner, not just a policeman.

Measures for a civil servant to act as an enabler & facilitator

1. Citizen-Centric Governance

  • Move from “permissions and controls” to single-window clearances and e-governance portals.
  • Example: Online building approvals, time-bound services under Public Service Delivery Acts.
  • Impact: Saves citizens’ time and builds trust in the system.

2. Capacity Building of Communities

  • Train local communities, SHGs and youth to take ownership of welfare programmes.
  • Example: In Jal Jeevan Mission, train villagers to test water quality and manage local pipelines.
  • Impact: Builds sustainability and reduces dependency.

3. Public–Private–People Partnerships (PPPP)

  • Encourage collaboration between government, private sector and civil society.
  • Example: Skill India training centres run jointly with industry partners to ensure job placements.
  • Impact: Better employability and faster economic growth.

4. Use of Technology as Enabler

  • Leverage IT for transparency, efficiency, grievance redressal.
  • Example: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to reduce leakages in subsidies.
  • Impact: Citizens get benefits directly and fairly.

5. Inclusive Policies

  • Ensure that schemes reach women, SC/ST, minorities, persons with disabilities and remote areas.
  • Example: Accessible digital platforms for the disabled, gender budgeting in programmes.
  • Impact: Growth becomes equitable, not skewed.

6. Simplification of Rules and Procedures

  • Remove outdated regulations that create bottlenecks.
  • Example: Abolishing unnecessary affidavits and replacing them with self-declarations.
  • Impact: Citizens feel empowered and trusted.

7. Promoting Innovation and Local Solutions

  • Encourage start-ups, SHGs, and community innovations by reducing red tape.
  • Example: Supporting local eco-friendly products under schemes like ODOP (One District One Product).
  • Impact: Boosts local economy and cultural identity.

8. Ethical Anchors

  • Accountability: Publish dashboards for scheme progress.
  • Transparency: RTI compliance, open-data portals.
  • Empathy: Listening to citizen grievances with respect and prompt redressal.
  • Sustainability: Ensure projects do not harm the environment or future generations.

Mini Case Example
Suppose a district officer faces frequent complaints of farmers about loan delays.

  • A regulator mindset would mean more verification, stricter norms, and penalties for defaults.
  • An enabler mindset would mean: simplifying forms, arranging financial literacy camps, digital kiosks in villages, and coordinating with banks for quicker approvals.
  • Result: Farmers get timely credit, productivity rises, and trust in administration improves.

Conclusion
Holistic development is not possible if governance remains only about controls and penalties. A civil servant must blend reason, empathy and technology to reduce hurdles, empower communities, and create opportunities. By acting as an enabler and facilitator, the officer ensures that growth is not only faster but also inclusive, sustainable, and just.

 

 

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

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Introduction
A code of ethics by itself is not enough; it must be lived in daily work. To create an ethical work culture, a civil servant needs to put systems in place that combine value-based orientation (what is the “right thing”) with compliance-based safeguards (ensuring rules are not broken). This balance prevents both arbitrariness and moral drift.

A) Measures to Ensure a Value-Based Work Culture

  1. Ethical Induction & Training
    • Begin every posting with a short module on values—integrity, empathy, impartiality, transparency.
    • Use case studies (e.g., disaster relief, procurement, citizen grievances) to practice ethical reasoning.
  2. Role-Modelling by Leadership
    • Officers demonstrate punctuality, openness, zero tolerance for bribes, courtesy in citizen interface.
    • “Walk the talk” builds credibility—junior staff follow what they see, not what they hear.
  3. Recognition of Ethical Conduct
    • Acknowledge employees who go beyond rules for fairness (e.g., helped a differently-abled citizen complete a form).
    • Annual “Ethics Champion” awards motivate positive behaviour.
  4. Open-Door & Whistle-Blower Mechanisms
    • Encourage staff to report dilemmas and misconduct without fear.
    • Anonymous reporting channels with protection ensure people act on conscience.
  5. Ethical Nudges in Daily Routine
    • Display values and citizen charters in offices.
    • Use reminders: “Every file note must answer—Is it fair, legal, and transparent?”

B) Measures to Ensure a Compliance-Based Work Culture

  1. Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    • Checklists for procurement, recruitment, inspections reduce discretion.
    • Every decision backed by a speaking order (reason + rule).
  2. E-Processes & Transparency
    • e-Procurement, e-Tenders, online grievance tracking, public dashboards.
    • Reduces human interface and scope for corruption.
  3. Audit & Vigilance Systems
    • Periodic internal audits, random inspections, social audits for welfare schemes.
    • Surprise checks discourage unethical shortcuts.
  4. Conflict of Interest Declarations
    • Mandatory disclosures for officers handling contracts or sensitive postings.
    • Ensures impartiality in decisions.
  5. Time-Bound Grievance Redressal
    • SLAs for service delivery (e.g., RTI, pensions, certificates).
    • Automatic escalation if deadlines are breached.

C) Integration of Both Approaches

  • Value-based + compliance-based ensures neither “moral preaching without systems” nor “rule-worship without fairness.”
  • Example: In welfare delivery, compliance ensures ration is distributed strictly as per eligibility; values ensure that a genuine beneficiary is not denied due to biometric error.

D) Illustrative Example (Answer-Ready Caselet)

Scenario: A widow’s pension application is pending due to minor documentation errors.

  • Compliance-only approach: Reject file strictly, citing rule.
  • Value-only approach: Sanction pension informally, risking audit objections.
  • Balanced ethical approach: Help her complete documentation with facilitation desk, approve through proper channel, record reasons.
    This respects law (compliance) and compassion (value) together.

Conclusion
An ethical work culture grows when values inspire behaviour and compliance ensures discipline. As a civil servant, I would adopt ethical training, transparent systems, recognition of integrity, digital monitoring, and citizen-friendly grievance mechanisms. Together, they make governance not just lawful, but also humane and trustworthy.

 

 

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

Tap here for Answer

Introduction
India’s march to becoming the third-largest economy will depend not only on growth policies but also on how public money is used. Leakages, under-utilisation, and mis-utilisation of funds dilute impact, breed distrust, and slow development. For a civil servant, ensuring accountability means embedding transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric checks into the spending cycle.

A) Planning Stage – Right allocation, right purpose

  1. Evidence-based budgeting: Link allocations to outcome indicators (learning levels, crop yield, job placements) rather than just expenditure history.
  2. Participatory planning: Gram Sabhas, ward committees, and local consultations ensure funds meet real needs, reducing idle balances.
  3. Medium-term expenditure frameworks: Align 3–5 year priorities with annual budgets to avoid knee-jerk spending.

B) Implementation Stage – Prevent leakages and mis-use

  1. E-Procurement & E-Tendering: Standardised bid documents, open access to tenders, auto-publication of bids and winners.
  2. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Cash transfers into Aadhaar-seeded accounts to eliminate ghost beneficiaries.
  3. Outcome-linked fund release: Disburse in tranches only when measurable milestones are achieved.
  4. Geo-tagging & digital dashboards: Assets created (roads, schools, hospitals) must be geo-tagged, photos uploaded, visible online.
  5. Convergence with technology: Use PFMS (Public Financial Management System) to track every rupee—from release to end-user—real-time.

C) Monitoring Stage – Detect gaps early

  1. Social audits & Jan Sunwais: Community verification of muster rolls (MGNREGS), PDS lists, or beneficiary rosters.
  2. Third-party audits: Independent empanelled agencies auditing high-value projects.
  3. Citizen dashboards: Publish expenditure vs. outcome data in plain language; e.g., “₹10 crore sanctioned → 1,000 classrooms completed.”
  4. Red flag analytics: Use AI/data mining to detect suspicious patterns (e.g., same contractor winning repeatedly, inflated unit costs).
  5. Grievance redressal SLAs: Helplines, online portals, time-bound disposal, escalation if pending.

D) Accountability of Institutions – Clear roles and consequences

  1. Fixing responsibility: Each stage (sanction, release, implementation, audit) must have named officers accountable.
  2. Performance-linked incentives: Reward officers/units for achieving outcomes with integrity (not just spending).
  3. Penalties for misuse: Strict action on misappropriation—blacklisting vendors, disciplinary proceedings, criminal prosecution.
  4. Legislative oversight: Strengthen PAC (Public Accounts Committee), CAG audits, and timely action on their reports.
  5. Whistle-blower protection: Encourage reporting of leakages with safeguards against retaliation.

E) Sector-specific checks

  • Infrastructure: Time-cost overruns tracked via project monitoring portals (e.g., PRAGATI).
  • Social schemes: Biometric attendance for Anganwadi/health workers; nutrition quality checks.
  • Education: Link fund utilisation to teacher attendance and learning outcomes, not just building classrooms.
  • Health: Rational procurement of drugs, e-aushadhi tracking, expiry monitoring.

F) Ethical Anchors (GS-IV linkages)

  • Integrity: No tolerance for fudged utilisation certificates.
  • Transparency: All fund flows visible publicly unless security-related.
  • Accountability: Duty of explanation by spending officers.
  • Empathy & Justice: Ensure marginalised groups are not excluded due to digital/linguistic barriers.
  • Sustainability: Funds used must not solve today by harming tomorrow (e.g., short-term projects ignoring environmental risks).

Mini Caselet (Answer-ready)
Scenario: ₹100 crore allocated for rural roads; only 50% used; villagers allege poor quality and ghost billing.

  • Steps an officer can take:
    • Mandate geo-tagged photos at 3 stages (foundation, mid, completion).
    • Publish tender winners and unit costs online.
    • Conduct randomised third-party quality audits.
    • Organise Jan Sunwai to verify road usability.
    • Release final tranche only after independent clearance.
      Outcome: Leakages plugged, villagers trust restored, and roads actually serve mobility.

Conclusion
For India to rise to the third-largest economy, growth must be matched by governance. Accountability in fund use requires technology (PFMS, DBT, dashboards), transparency (social audits, citizen charters), and ethical leadership. When every rupee is traceable and tied to outcomes, leakages close, trust rises, and development accelerates sustainably.

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