Secure Synopsis compilation for April-2025

General Studies-4
Table of contents
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-
human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human
Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and
administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. -- 3
Q. Trust is the foundation of ethical relationships in society. Evaluate the ethical
consequences when trust is deliberately breached. (10 M) ------------------------------------------------ 3
Q. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context? (10 M) ------------- 5
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have
much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.”
- Franklin Roosevelt 5
Q. Explain how conflicts of interest can arise between personal and public obligations.
Illustrate how ethical leadership can address such conflicts. (10 M) ----------------------------------- 6
Q. What are the key human values exemplified in the leadership of Abraham Lincoln?
Explain how such values can shape ethical civil services. (10 M)---------------------------------------- 8
Q. Examine how ethical minimalism, as practised by Vinoba Bhave, promotes sustainable
governance. In what ways can these values address present-day climate and consumption
crises? (10 M) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9
Q. Value systems often collapse not due to lack of education, but due to failure in moral
upbringing. Comment. (10 M) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and
behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. -------------------13
Q. Attitudes are not just internal dispositions but tools of moral and political influence.
Discuss. How do they mediate between value systems and public conduct? (10 M) -------------- 13
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-
partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion
towards the weaker-sections.---------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Q. Examine how non-partisanship in public office upholds the values of fairness and justice in
a democracy. (10 M) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and
governance. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16

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 Q. Emotional intelligence (EI) strengthens institutional empathy. Examine its role in handling
citizen grievances. Suggest ways to train civil servants in EI. (10 M) --------------------------------- 16
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world. --------------------17
Q. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context? ---------------------- 17
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it unless
it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense”.----------------------------------------- 17
Gautam Buddha ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Q. “Plato’s notion of justice seeks harmony in the soul before order in the state”. Examine.
How is this idea relevant to leadership ethics today? (10 M) -------------------------------------------- 19
Q. Discuss Socrates’ moral courage as a form of dissent. How can such courage be cultivated
among today’s civil servants? (10 M) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems;
ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules,
regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical
governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in
international relations and funding; corporate governance. ------------------------------------22
Q. “The pursuit of economic efficiency must not eclipse the ethical obligation to preserve
human dignity.” In light of burnout in the IT sector, discuss the ethical limits of productivity-
driven corporate culture. (10 M) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Q. Examine the ethical dimensions of conflict of interest when police personnel are allowed to
investigate offences committed by their colleagues. Also, discuss how strengthening external
oversight mechanisms can uphold integrity and public trust in such investigations. (10 M) -- 23
Q. Transparency in international funding mechanisms is critical to global justice. Analyse the
ethical concerns arising from conditional aid. How can donor nations uphold ethical
responsibility in such engagements? (10 M) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 25
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and
probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information,
Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service
delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. ---------------------------------27
Q. Institutional integrity is compromised not merely by individual misconduct, but also by
institutional resistance to lawful scrutiny. Comment. (10 M) ------------------------------------------- 27
Q. Public officials often operate in environments where institutional inefficiencies and
procedural lapses go unchecked. Discuss the ethical implications of such inaction and the role
of proactive vigilance and moral courage in upholding public interest. (10 M) ------------------- 28
Q. Probity without accountability is an incomplete ideal in public service. Discuss. Highlight
measures to institutionalize accountability. (10 M) --------------------------------------------------------- 30
Q. “A Code of Ethics provides a compass; a Code of Conduct provides a map”. Discuss the
distinction and their complementary roles in ethical governance. Examine their relevance in
handling ethical dilemmas in public service. (10 M)-------------------------------------------------------- 31
Q. Petty corruption may seem benign, but it corrodes public trust far deeper than grand
scandals. Examine the moral implications and remedies. (10 M) -------------------------------------- 33

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Case Studies on above issues.--------------------------------------------------------------------------34
Q. Jayanth, a respected manager at a leading tech company known for his dedication and
high ethical standards, is facing a grave accusation of sexual assault. -------------------------------- 34
Q. Due to recent heavy rains, the district has experienced severe rainfall. As the District
Commissioner, Manav imposed vehicle movement restrictions along the ghat section road
that connects two major cities in the state. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 36

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and

consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics;
ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values -
lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers
and administrators; role of family society and educational
institutions in inculcating values.
Q. Trust is the foundation of ethical relationships in society. Evaluate the ethical
consequences when trust is deliberately breached. (10 M)
Introduction
Trust binds the moral fabric of society, ensuring human interactions remain grounded in
honesty and responsibility. Its deliberate breach corrodes ethical relationships and damages
social cohesion irreparably.

Body

Ethical significance of trust in society

1. Trust sustains ethical human relationships: Trust nurtures honesty and moral
accountability, enabling individuals to rely on each other for mutual respect and
dignity.
 Eg: Joint family systems in India uphold social cohesion based on deep
trust, ensuring ethical responsibility.
2. Trust reinforces social solidarity: It strengthens cooperation among citizens, helping
diverse communities to pursue collective welfare through ethical engagements.
 Eg: Swachh Bharat Mission achieved success by building collective trust for
sanitation goals (MoHUA report 2024).
3. Trust reduces moral anxiety and fear: Ethical environments based on trust
encourage genuine moral choices without relying on fear of punishment.
 Eg: Self-help groups work effectively on peer trust, empowering rural
communities (Rural Development Ministry 2024).
4. Trust cultivates ethical citizenship: High-trust societies promote civic virtues like
honesty, responsibility, and active participation in public affairs.

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  Eg: Record voter turnout in 2024 elections reflected citizens’ trust in
democracy (Election Commission report 2024).

Ethical consequences of breaching trust

1. Erosion of moral integrity in society: Breaching trust spreads dishonesty,

weakening moral responsibility and ethical standards across relationships.
 Eg: PNB scam 2018 destroyed public confidence in banking ethics, shaking
depositors’ trust deeply.
2. Normalisation of unethical conduct: Repeated breaches of trust make dishonesty
appear routine, lowering the moral bar for acceptable behaviour.
 Eg: MGNREGA fake attendance scams 2024 exposed normalised misuse of
welfare schemes (CAG report 2024).
3. Marginalisation of vulnerable groups: Trust breaches exploit those with fewer
safeguards, aggravating the ethical injustice faced by the weak.
 Eg: Chit fund scams in West Bengal defrauded poor households, flagged in
SEBI Committee Report 2024.
4. Rise of scepticism and moral cynicism: Systematic trust breaches cultivate public
suspicion, leading to breakdown of social cooperation.
 Eg: Data privacy violations 2024 led to rising citizen scepticism towards
digital platforms (MeitY report 2024).

Ethical safeguards to uphold trust

1. Cultivating personal virtues of integrity: Individuals must consciously practise

honesty and moral consistency to reinforce trustworthiness daily.
 Eg: CBSE honesty pledges 2024 nurture integrity in students, as promoted
under the NCERT framework.
2. Ethics education for moral grounding: Introducing ethical reasoning in education
fosters trust-centred thinking from young ages.
 Eg: NCF 2023 integrated dedicated ethics modules, promoting values-based
learning among students.
3. Promotion of ethical leadership: Trustworthy leadership inspires citizens to adopt
ethical behaviour and maintain moral standards.
 Eg: E Sreedharan’s leadership in Delhi Metro earned public trust, ensuring
project success (Metro Man of India).
4. Strengthening legal-ethical frameworks: Robust laws and enforcement mechanisms
ensure accountability and uphold public trust.
 Eg: Prevention of Corruption Act (amended 2018) enforces penalties
against ethical misconduct, safeguarding trust.

Conclusion

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Trust is the invisible capital of an ethical society, and its preservation calls for moral
vigilance by both individuals and institutions. Sustaining trust will build an inclusive,
harmonious, and ethically resilient future.

Q. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context? (10
M)
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those
who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.”
- Franklin Roosevelt

Introduction
The soul of ethical governance lies in creating a society where dignity is preserved for all,
and the vulnerable are not left behind in the race for prosperity.

Body

Understanding the core message of the quotation

1. Justice and equity: The quotation calls for distributive justice, ensuring fair
allocation of resources to uplift the marginalised.
 Eg: Article 39(b) & (c) of the Constitution directs the State to ensure
equitable distribution of material resources.
2. Ethical leadership and moral obligation: Leaders must prioritise welfare of the
deprived, reflecting compassionate public service ethics.
 Eg: Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy emphasised service to the poor as
service to God.
3. Utilitarianism and common good: Ethical decision-making aims at the greatest good
for the greatest number, benefiting those with little.
 Eg: Ayushman Bharat - PMJAY, benefits over 50 crore people, improving
health equity.
4. Human dignity and rights-based approach: True progress safeguards dignity and
rights of the poor as ethical imperatives.
 Eg: Supreme Court in PUCL v. Union of India (2001) recognised right to
food as part of Article 21.
5. Probity in governance: Transparent, accountable systems prevent exclusion of the
needy from welfare entitlements.
 Eg: DBT system, reduced leakages in subsidies, ensuring benefits to genuine
beneficiaries.

Relevance in the present context

1. Ethical duty towards the vulnerable: Governance is a moral responsibility to secure

welfare of the least advantaged.

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  Eg: NITI Aayog Multidimensional Poverty Index (2023), 24.8 crore
Indians lifted out of poverty since 2015 .
2. Inclusive welfare schemes: Targeted policies demonstrate ethical commitment to
inclusion and justice.
 Eg: National Food Security Act, 2013, provides subsidised food to over 80
crore people.
3. Social security for informal workers: Extending dignity and protection to the
unorganised sector.
 Eg: e-Shram portal, over 28 crore workers registered, aiding in social
protection delivery.
4. Ethical governance through technology: Technology as an enabler of fair,
accountable welfare delivery.
 Eg: Aadhaar-enabled DBT, credited with savings of ₹2.73 lakh crore since
inception.
5. Empowerment of women and vulnerable sections: Ethical imperative of ensuring
gender and social equity.
 Eg: Stand-Up India Scheme, sanctioned loans to over 1.5 lakh women
entrepreneurs by 2023.

Conclusion
Ethical governance transforms economic growth into human development. By embedding
compassion, equity, and justice in our policies, India can rise as a truly inclusive and
morally accountable society.

Q. Explain how conflicts of interest can arise between personal and public
obligations. Illustrate how ethical leadership can address such conflicts. (10 M)

Introduction
Public officials constantly navigate personal interests and public duties, where any overlap
risks compromising impartiality and weakening institutional trust.

Body

How conflicts of interest arise between personal and public obligations

1. Nepotism and favouritism: Personal ties can bias appointments or decisions,

undermining meritocracy and fairness in public office.
 Eg: In 2023, the Chhattisgarh PSC recruitment scam revealed manipulation
of selection lists in favour of relatives, eroding public trust.
2. Financial interests influencing public decisions: Personal financial stakes in sectors
under official jurisdiction create bias in policymaking.
 Eg: Allegations in the Ashok Lavasa case pointed to potential conflict as
family business interests overlapped with regulatory responsibilities.

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 3. Social obligations over constitutional duty: Pressure from caste, kinship or local
community can skew public decisions away from constitutional morality.
 Eg: PRS reports highlighted instances where local leaders promoted caste-
based quotas ignoring broader equity frameworks.
4. Post-retirement allurements compromising current neutrality: Prospects of future
appointments can influence present impartiality in governance.
 Eg: Experts flagged concerns where regulators take lenient stances towards
corporates, anticipating post-retirement positions.
5. Political allegiance overriding public interest: Personal loyalty to political parties
may undermine rule-based functioning of the office.
 Eg: Election Commission reports cited misuse of sectarian appeals under
Section 123 of RPA during campaigns, prioritising party wins over electoral
integrity.

How ethical leadership addresses such conflicts

1. Strict adherence to conduct rules: Institutional codes of ethics create clear

boundaries to separate personal interests from public duties.
 Eg: The All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, require officials to
disclose assets and avoid conflict-prone situations.
2. Transparency and mandatory disclosures: Proactive declarations of interests pre-
empt hidden biases and ensure accountability.
 Eg: SEBI mandates disclosure of interests by board members to prevent
conflict during corporate governance.
3. Demonstrating ethical role-modelling: Leaders set behavioural benchmarks for
ethical integrity within organisations.
 Eg: E. Sreedharan, known as the Metro Man, consistently rejected personal
favours, building public trust in Delhi Metro projects.
4. Institutional checks and independent scrutiny: Oversight bodies detect and correct
conflicts before they escalate.
 Eg: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, empowers authorities to
investigate corruption and conflict of interest in public offices.
5. Ethics capacity building and sensitisation: Regular training equips officials to
recognise and manage ethical dilemmas effectively.
 Eg: The LBSNAA Ethics Training module (2024) incorporates simulated
conflict of interest scenarios for civil servants.

Conclusion
A conflict-free governance culture rests on ethical leadership that not only resists personal
temptations but actively cultivates institutional integrity for public good.

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Q. What are the key human values exemplified in the leadership of Abraham
Lincoln? Explain how such values can shape ethical civil services. (10 M)

Introduction
Abraham Lincoln’s ethical leadership exemplified how values like justice, integrity, and
empathy can be harmonised with statecraft. His life offers a moral template for civil servants
navigating dilemmas in governance.

Body

Key human values exemplified in Lincoln’s leadership

1. Moral courage and conviction: He demonstrated firm adherence to justice over

popular or political pressures, showing ethical consistency.
 Eg: Emancipation Proclamation (1863) declared slaves free in Confederate
states despite fierce resistance, reinforcing moral absolutism over
utilitarianism.
2. Empathy and human dignity: Lincoln appealed to emotional intelligence and treated
both friends and foes with compassion.
 Eg: In his Second Inaugural Address, he emphasised “malice toward none,
charity for all”, promoting forgiveness over vengeance.
3. Integrity in public office: His personal honesty and incorruptibility fostered public
trust.
 Eg: Refused to postpone the 1864 elections, believing democracy must be
upheld even in war, highlighting accountability to constitutional values.
4. Accountability and humility: Lincoln accepted responsibility for failures and
decisions, setting a standard for ethical leadership.
 Eg: Took blame after the Union Army’s defeat at Fredericksburg (1862),
reinforcing the principle of answerability in office.
5. Commitment to long-term ethical vision: He balanced realism with enduring moral
goals.
 Eg: Championed the 13th Amendment (1865) to permanently abolish slavery,
aligning law with universal human rights.

How these values shape ethical civil services

1. Justice and fairness in governance: Civil servants must prioritise rule of law and
equality.
 Eg: Supreme Court’s Shayara Bano case (2017) echoed Lincoln’s legacy by
upholding constitutional justice over social orthodoxy.
2. Empathy in service delivery: Bureaucracy must understand grassroots realities and
respond humanely.
 Eg: Jharkhand’s ‘Sakhi Mandal’ self-help group model empowers tribal
women through welfare with dignity and compassion.
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 3. Integrity and non-partisanship: Ensures impartial execution of laws and curbs
corruption.
 Eg: Integrity Index (2022) by CVC assesses departments on transparency and
ethical conduct.
4. Ethical decision-making under crisis: Encourages balancing law, morality and
people’s interest.
 Eg: E. Sreedharan’s leadership in Delhi Metro showed ethical rigor under
high-stake infrastructure execution.
5. Upholding constitutional morality: Promotes duty to values above political
influence.
 Eg: S.R. Bommai case (1994) reinforced federalism and secularism—values
civil servants must uphold under pressure.

Conclusion
Lincoln’s life proves that ethical leadership does not weaken authority but deepens its
legitimacy. For India’s civil services, such values offer an enduring compass to deliver
governance that is just, humane, and constitutionally anchored.

Q. Examine how ethical minimalism, as practised by Vinoba Bhave, promotes

sustainable governance. In what ways can these values address present-day
climate and consumption crises? (10 M)

Introduction
Vinoba Bhave’s ethical minimalism was grounded in self-restraint, moral conviction, and
voluntary renunciation. It provides a value-based lens for public servants to practice
justice, sustainability, and intergenerational responsibility in governance.

Body

Ethical minimalism and sustainable governance

1. Promotes moral self-regulation over legal coercion: Focuses on voluntary ethical

action rather than punitive control.
 Eg: Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan Yatra (1951–74) relied on non-coercive land
donation, not legislation.
2. Encourages equitable redistribution as moral duty: Upholds distributive justice as
a civic ethic, not merely economic policy.
 Eg: Gramdan movement created villages governed on the basis of collective
ownership, fostering ethical governance.
3. Advocates duty over entitlement: Frames governance as an obligation to serve the
last person first.
 Eg: Inspired Gandhian Trusteeship, now echoed in CSR mandates under
Companies Act, 2013.

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 4. Inspires minimalist lifestyle among public servants: Models ethical restraint in
personal conduct influencing official integrity.
 Eg: IAS officer Armstrong Pame built a road in Manipur through public
donations, reflecting voluntary simplicity and ethical leadership.
5. Builds decentralised, morally anchored institutions: Values-driven systems reduce
bureaucratic detachment and foster community trust.
 Eg: Fifth Report of 2nd ARC on Ethics in Governance (2007) emphasised
values-based decentralisation.

Application to present-day climate and consumption crises

1. Addresses ethical roots of overconsumption: Reframes climate issues as a result of

moral failure, not just policy gaps.
 Eg: LiFE Mission (2022) draws on Vinoba’s ideal of individual
responsibility in conserving resources.
2. Strengthens intergenerational justice: Embeds sustainability as a moral
responsibility to future citizens.
 Eg: Justice P.N. Bhagwati’s PIL jurisprudence (1980s) linked Article 21
with environmental ethics.
3. Combats ethical blindness in development: Prioritises values over GDP-centric
growth.
 Eg: GNH (Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index) aligns with Bhave’s
ethical governance vision.
4. Reinforces ethical consumption norms: Counters conspicuous consumption through
conscious austerity.
 Eg: CAG’s 2023 report on government wasteful expenditure called for
ethical minimalism in public procurement.
5. Encourages moral innovation for sustainability: Promotes frugal, human-centric
solutions to ecological crises.
 Eg: MittiCool clay fridge innovation by Mansukhbhai Prajapati reflects
sustainable ethics rooted in minimalism.

Conclusion
Vinoba Bhave’s life offers civil servants an enduring ethical framework where restraint,
equity, and service drive governance. In a world of rising ecological anxiety, his minimalist
values are not just relevant—they are revolutionary.

Q. Value systems often collapse not due to lack of education, but due to failure in
moral upbringing. Comment. (10 M)

Introduction

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Education informs the mind, but upbringing forms the conscience. Ethical values like
compassion, truthfulness, and integrity often stem not from syllabi but from one’s earliest
moral ecosystem—family, society, and immediate institutions.

Body

How moral upbringing shapes enduring values

1. Formation of ethical intuitions: Early socialisation builds core moral instincts such
as empathy and fairness.
o Eg: Lawrence Kohlberg’s moral development theory highlights how pre-
conventional morality is shaped by parental and societal influence.
2. Value internalisation through role models: Children learn values by observing
actions, not words.
o Eg: Gandhiji credited his mother’s truthfulness and sacrifice for shaping
his ethical convictions.
3. Moral courage beyond rules: Upbringing teaches when to do what is right even
when rules allow otherwise.
o Eg: Satyendra Dubey’s ethical decision to report corruption in NHAI despite
being an IIT graduate reflected deep moral conditioning, not just education.
4. Accountability to conscience, not just law: Families instil shame, guilt, and
responsibility—core emotional drivers of ethical conduct.
o Eg: Aarushi Talwar case reflected failure of moral maturity in a highly
educated setting, raising questions on emotional ethics.
5. Resistance to ethical erosion in adulthood: Moral upbringing anchors public
servants against professional temptations.
o Eg: The 2nd ARC (2007) noted that ethical conduct in bureaucracy is more
sustained when values are internalised from childhood, not imposed by
training.

Why formal education alone cannot sustain value systems

1. Values remain theoretical: Ethics taught as information lacks behavioural

reinforcement.
o Eg: NCERT textbooks contain moral stories but do not evaluate students
on values demonstrated in real life (NCERT Review 2021).
2. Competitive mindset undermines cooperation: Systems reward achievement, not
altruism.
o Eg: IIM Bangalore (2022) found that over 70% MBA students admitted to
bypassing ethics for placements, despite formal ethics modules.
3. Delayed ethical exposure: Schools and colleges start moral education too late.
o Eg: UNICEF India reports value formation peaks before age 7, while formal
moral lessons begin much later in school.
4. Moral disconnect in pedagogy: Teachers often fail to demonstrate values they teach.

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 o Eg: ASER 2023 noted that teacher bias and absenteeism reduce credibility of
moral instruction in classrooms.
5. Absence of ethical context: Education often lacks discussion on real-world ethical
dilemmas.
o Eg: Civil service exam preparation focuses heavily on case study tactics, not
deeper ethical character formation.

Measures to ensure moral values are rooted early

1. Ethics through emotional learning: Include compassion, empathy, and non-violence

in early childhood education.
o Eg: NEP 2020 recommends value-based foundational education integrated
from pre-school stage.
2. Family-school ethical partnership: Bridge formal and informal moral learning
systems.
o Eg: Delhi SCERT’s ‘Parenting for Values’ (2022) aligns home and
classroom value teaching.
3. Experiential ethics modules: Use real-life service activities to instil values.
o Eg: CBSE’s ‘SEWA’ program requires students to participate in
community service as part of internal evaluation.
4. Early identification of moral lapses: Ethical counselling and reflection at school
level.
o Eg: Karnataka’s ‘Moral Quotient’ pilot introduces moral feedback in
student report cards (2023).
5. Ethics role-modelling in civil services: Officers must act as value exemplars.
o Eg: LBSNAA's mentorship model (revamped 2021) pairs probationers with
ethical senior officers for conduct-based mentoring.

Conclusion

Moral strength cannot be outsourced to the classroom alone. Only an integration of ethical
upbringing with value-based education can create leaders with both knowledge and
conscience in public life.

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Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation
with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social
influence and persuasion.
Q. Attitudes are not just internal dispositions but tools of moral and political
influence. Discuss. How do they mediate between value systems and public
conduct? (10 M)

Introduction
Attitudes are mental predispositions shaped by values, but they also guide leadership styles,
influence mass behaviour, and sustain ethical governance in democratic societies.

Body

Attitudes as tools of moral and political influence

1. Framing ethical leadership: Attitudes shape how leaders respond to moral

challenges in public life.
o Eg: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's service-mindedness instilled ethical
inspiration among youth and civil servants.
2. Mobilising civic participation: Political attitudes can transform moral concerns into
democratic action.
o Eg: 2011 Anti-Corruption movement channelled widespread moral
discontent into support for the Lokpal Bill.
3. Setting institutional tone: Ethical attitudes in top officials influence entire systems.
o Eg: T.N. Seshan’s assertive attitude as CEC brought electoral discipline and
citizen confidence in the 1990s.
4. Combating polarisation: Constructive political attitudes reduce ethical toxicity in
discourse.
o Eg: Manmohan Singh’s parliamentary decorum reflected a value-driven
attitude promoting institutional respect.
5. Expressing symbolic resistance: Moral attitudes are externalised through ethical
public gestures.
o Eg: Gandhi’s Salt March (1930) used non-violence as an attitudinal message
of protest against colonial injustice.

Mediating between value systems and public conduct

1. Converting values into action: Attitudes provide the behavioural link between
internal ethics and decision-making.
o Eg: IAS officer Armstrong Pame’s road project in Manipur showed
proactive public service rooted in empathy.
2. Safeguarding moral consistency: Strong attitudes ensure conduct remains value-
aligned under pressure.

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 o Eg: Ashok Khemka’s repeated resistance to illegal orders reflects
integrity-driven administrative conduct.
3. Aligning roles with constitutional ethics: Attitudes help officials act in sync with
their moral and legal duties.
o Eg: Police officers ensuring fair trial processes during riots embody
Article 21–based ethical attitudes.
4. Influencing institutional culture: Ethical attitudes at the top inspire wider ethical
compliance.
o Eg: E. Sreedharan’s punctuality in Delhi Metro created a disciplined work
ethic among subordinates.
5. Bridging formal and informal ethics: Attitudes fill moral voids when law is silent or
delayed.
o Eg: Post-violence in Manipur (2023), community elders adopted peace-
building attitudes to restore trust.

Conclusion
Attitudes are the behavioural scaffolding of value-based conduct. Cultivating them in public
institutions is vital for ethical resilience in governance and society.

Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity,

impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to
public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the
weaker-sections.
Q. Examine how non-partisanship in public office upholds the values of fairness
and justice in a democracy. (10 M)

Introduction

Non-partisanship in public office is the ethical cornerstone of democracy, ensuring decisions

remain rooted in constitutional values rather than political biases. It preserves institutional
integrity and enhances public trust in democratic processes.

Body

Significance of non-partisanship in public office

1. Ensures allegiance to constitutional values: Upholding the Constitution over

political interests preserves democratic sanctity.
o Eg: Article 159 mandates Governors to uphold the Constitution without fear
or favour.
2. Promotes ethical use of discretionary power: Neutrality prevents misuse of power
for political gains.

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 o Eg: S.R. Bommai case (1994) stressed non-partisan use of Article 356 to
prevent misuse of President’s Rule.
3. Strengthens public confidence in institutions: Non-partisan conduct fosters trust in
public decision-making.
o Eg: Election Commission of India, through the Model Code of Conduct
(2024), ensures neutrality in elections.
4. Prevents erosion of federal principles: Neutrality respects state autonomy and
federal balance.
o Eg: Supreme Court judgment (April 2025) on Tamil Nadu Governor
directed timely assent to Bills to uphold federal integrity.

How non-partisanship upholds fairness in democracy

1. Guarantees equality before law: Neutral conduct ensures unbiased treatment of all
citizens.
o Eg: Article 14 provides for equality before law, applied uniformly by
impartial authorities.
2. Eliminates favouritism in governance: Neutrality curbs preferential treatment based
on political alignment.
o Eg: Second ARC (2008) recommended a politically neutral civil service to
ensure fair policy implementation.
3. Safeguards ethical policymaking: Neutral officers base policies on merit, not
partisan preferences.
o Eg: Supreme Court (2024) reminded constitutional offices to act as trustees
of public interest in legislative matters.
4. Fosters inclusive governance: Non-partisanship ensures policies cater to diverse
societal groups.
o Eg: National Commission for Minorities (2024 report) advocated for
neutral decision-making to protect minority rights.

How non-partisanship upholds justice in democracy

1. Upholds rule of law: Neutrality ensures justice is delivered based on law, not
political expediency.
o Eg: Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) declared rule of law a part of basic
structure doctrine.
2. Enables timely justice delivery: Neutral conduct avoids delays caused by political
calculations.
o Eg: Supreme Court (April 2025) set 1–3 month deadline for Governors on
Bills to prevent "justice delayed".
3. Protects rights of the marginalized: Neutrality shields vulnerable groups from
partisan neglect.
o Eg: Shah Bano case (1985) upheld minority rights, despite prevailing
political pressures.

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 4. Aligns with constitutional morality: Neutral public officers ensure decisions uphold
justice over politics.
o Eg: Justice Dipak Misra (2018) emphasised constitutional morality to guide
public decision-making.

Conclusion

Non-partisanship transforms public office into a pillar of justice and fairness, empowering
democracy to serve every citizen equally. Upholding this ethical value will ensure India's
democracy remains vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.

Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and

application in administration and governance.
Q. Emotional intelligence (EI) strengthens institutional empathy. Examine its
role in handling citizen grievances. Suggest ways to train civil servants in EI. (10
M)

Introduction
Emotional intelligence (EI) empowers civil servants to understand, manage, and respond to
human emotions in a way that builds trust, enhances fairness, and ensures dignity in
administrative processes.

Body

Role of emotional intelligence in handling citizen grievances

1. Fosters empathetic engagement: EI allows officials to listen actively and validate

citizens’ emotions, improving grievance handling.
o Eg: The Samvedna initiative (2023) by Delhi Police trains officers in
empathy to better deal with complainants.
2. De-escalates emotionally charged situations: Emotionally intelligent responses
calm tensions and avoid adversarial outcomes.
o Eg: Chhattisgarh Police Mediation Cells resolved 300+ family conflicts in
2022 through EI-based conciliation.
3. Builds institutional trust and legitimacy: Citizens are more likely to approach
emotionally aware institutions.
o Eg: The Sutharyam project (Kerala, 2022) used empathetic video replies in
grievance redressal, enhancing public satisfaction.
4. Reduces adversarial litigation: EI encourages early resolution through dialogue and
understanding.
o Eg: Lok Adalats succeed in part due to conciliators trained in emotional
regulation, per NALSA protocols.
5. Strengthens ethical sensitivity: EI guards against moral disengagement during
service delivery.

16
 o Eg: The Justice Verma Committee (2013) stressed emotional intelligence
training in sensitive public interactions.

Ways to train civil servants in emotional intelligence

1. Formal training in service academies: EI modules should be embedded in both

foundational and mid-career programs.
o Eg: Mission Karmayogi (2020) includes emotional competencies via the
iGOT platform.
2. Use of simulation and role-play methods: Replicating grievance scenarios improves
empathetic behaviour under pressure.
o Eg: The Tamil Nadu Civil Services Academy adopts scenario-based
emotional learning.
3. Reflective practices and mentoring: Group discussions and guided feedback
sessions enhance emotional regulation.
o Eg: The UK Civil Service Toolkit uses structured peer mentoring for
emotional development.
4. Psychometric evaluations and feedback loops: Profiling EI levels helps tailor
personal growth plans.
o Eg: Rajasthan’s DARPAN project (2021) included EI-based assessments for
public-facing officers.
5. Stress and mindfulness workshops: Building inner awareness is critical for
sustaining EI in high-pressure roles.
o Eg: Maharashtra Police (2023) saw decline in staff burnout after regular
emotional wellness sessions.

Conclusion
A grievance-handling system infused with emotional intelligence transforms public service
into a platform of dignity and justice. Institutionalising EI can create an empathetic
bureaucracy fit for a participatory democracy.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and

world.
Q. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context?
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have
said it unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense”.
Gautam Buddha

Introduction
In an age of overwhelming information, the quote inspires us to anchor our beliefs in rational
thinking and moral discernment, not passive acceptance.

17
Body

Understanding the essence of the quotation

1. Primacy of personal reasoning: Ethical living begins with trusting one’s own
rationality over external commands or beliefs.
o Eg: Supreme Court in Sabarimala case (2018) upheld constitutional
reasoning over customary practices.
2. Guarding against blind conformity: Prevents falling prey to dogmas and ensures
mindful choices.
o Eg: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was overcome by rational public health
communication (Ministry of Health, 2021).
3. Ethics rooted in self-awareness: Ensures moral actions align with inner conscience,
not societal pressures.
o Eg: Kant’s deontological ethics emphasises acting from moral duty grounded
in reason.
4. Cultivation of critical faculties: Enables individuals to question, evaluate, and
uphold truth in a complex world.
o Eg: NEP 2020 fosters critical inquiry over rote learning to build analytical
citizens (MHRD).

Relevance in present context

1. Fighting misinformation and fake news: Rational thinking is essential to counter

manipulated narratives.
o Eg: PIB Fact Check Unit (2023) actively verifies misleading claims and viral
hoaxes (Source: PIB).
2. Strengthening participatory democracy: Informed choices by citizens ensure the
health of democracy.
o Eg: SVEEP programme (2024) improves voter literacy and rational electoral
participation (Source: ECI).
3. Advancing scientific temper: Aligns with Article 51A(h) to foster inquiry and
evidence-based thinking.
o Eg: Vigyan Jyoti scheme (2024) promotes scientific thinking among young
girls (Source: DST).
4. Empowering civil activism: Rational citizenry questions unjust laws and policies
effectively.
o Eg: Farmers' protest (2020-21) led to repeal of laws through reasoned,
peaceful advocacy (Source: News reports).

Lessons for ethical public service

1. Preventing ethical blindness in bureaucracy: Civil servants must apply personal

judgement to uphold ethics over orders.

18
 o Eg: K. Subramanian Committee (2004) recommended ethics modules for
public officials.
2. Building moral courage against unethical orders: Reasoning empowers officials to
resist wrongful directives.
o Eg: Ashok Khemka case, where the officer exposed land irregularities despite
political pressure (Source: News18, 2023).
3. Ensuring accountability in governance: Rational decision-making upholds
transparency and public trust.
o Eg: RTI Act, 2005 enables citizens to demand justifications for administrative
decisions.
4. Promoting evidence-based policies: Ethical governance rests on rational, data-driven
policymaking.
o Eg: Aspirational Districts Programme (2024) uses data analytics to monitor
development progress (Source: NITI Aayog).

Conclusion
Rationality and ethical conscience are the twin pillars of responsible living. In public service
and citizenship alike, nurturing these ensures resilience against manipulation and moral
decay.

Q. “Plato’s notion of justice seeks harmony in the soul before order in the state”.
Examine. How is this idea relevant to leadership ethics today? (10 M)

Introduction
Plato viewed justice not as a legal norm but as a moral order rooted in individual self-
mastery. His idea finds enduring relevance in shaping ethical leadership and governance.

Body

Plato’s conception of justice as internal harmony

1. Tripartite soul and functional justice: Justice exists when reason guides spirit and
desire within the soul.
o Eg: Plato’s Republic Book IV defines justice as the harmonious functioning
of reason (wisdom), spirit (courage), and appetite (moderation).
2. Inner virtue as the foundation of just rule: Only self-regulated individuals are fit to
lead society ethically.
o Eg: Philosopher Kings in Plato’s ideal state are selected after decades of
training in ethics, logic, and dialectics.
3. Justice as harmony, not legalism: Focus on moral alignment over legal punishment
or retribution.
o Eg: Norway’s rehabilitation-oriented justice reforms (2023) reflect
restorative justice, consistent with Platonic thinking.

19
 4. Moral education as a civic prerequisite: Justice requires a value-oriented education
system.
o Eg: Plato advocated for paideia, a system of moral and intellectual
education essential for future rulers.
5. Justice begins in the soul, not the state: An unjust person cannot create a just
system.
o Eg: Corruption in democratic states often stems from personal moral
failure, not institutional gaps.

Relevance to leadership ethics today

1. Moral integrity before authority: Personal ethical clarity is a prerequisite for public
responsibility.
o Eg: 2023 CAG report on environmental clearance scams showed how
bureaucrats compromised due to inner ethical collapse.
2. Ethical self-regulation in decision-making: Leaders rooted in moral discipline resist
populism and pressure.
o Eg: E. Sreedharan, known for integrity during the Delhi Metro project,
balanced public duty with personal rectitude.
3. Virtue-based training for civil servants: Ethics education must nurture the inner
moral compass.
o Eg: 2nd ARC Report (2007) recommended a Code of Ethics rooted in
selflessness, objectivity, and integrity.
4. Inner harmony strengthens ethical resilience: A leader with emotional balance
withstands unethical temptations.
o Eg: DoPT’s 2022 initiative introduced psychological counselling for
probationers to enhance moral resilience.
5. Justice in leadership demands ethical introspection: Power must rest on internal
moral scrutiny, not external control.
o Eg: Jacinda Ardern’s 2023 resignation cited loss of personal ethical drive,
reflecting Plato’s idea of internal dissonance leading to just exit.

Conclusion
Plato’s vision offers more than ancient wisdom—it’s a contemporary tool. In a world of
moral noise, ethical leadership demands inner clarity to create outer justice.

Q. Discuss Socrates’ moral courage as a form of dissent. How can such courage
be cultivated among today’s civil servants? (10 M)

Introduction

Socrates’ fearless ethical inquiry in 5th century BCE Athens reflects moral courage rooted in
reason, not rebellion. His life remains a timeless example of principled dissent in public life.

20
Body

Socrates’ moral courage as a form of dissent

1. Unflinching pursuit of ethical truth: Socrates questioned unjust norms using

rational dialogue despite hostility.
o Eg: Plato’s Apology documents Socrates confronting public opinion at trial
without compromise.
2. Conscience above self-interest: He chose death rather than renounce his ethical
convictions.
o Eg: In 399 BCE, he rejected exile and stood firm, stating “the unexamined life
is not worth living”.
3. Non-violent rational dissent: He resisted authority through logic, not aggression.
o Eg: His conduct later influenced Gandhi’s satyagraha, where moral truth
was the weapon.
4. Civil obligation over blind obedience: He refused compliance with immoral orders
from rulers.
o Eg: Socrates disobeyed the Thirty Tyrants’ order to arrest an innocent man,
valuing justice over legality.
5. Legacy in modern democratic ethics: His moral reasoning inspired movements for
justice.
o Eg: Martin Luther King Jr., in his Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963),
invoked Socratic methods to justify civil disobedience.

Cultivating such courage among civil servants

1. Ethics training through moral thinkers: Embed Socratic reasoning in public service
ethics curriculum.
o Eg: DoPT 2023 module incorporates case-based ethical training in LBSNAA
foundation course.
2. Legal safeguards for whistle-blowers: Moral courage grows under institutional
protection.
o Eg: Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 remains pending full enforcement
(Source: PRS India, 2023).
3. Fixed tenures and merit-based postings: Autonomy reduces fear of reprisal for
ethical action.
o Eg: TSR Subramanian Committee (2014) stressed fixed tenures to insulate
officers from political pressure.
4. Celebration of ethical role models: Promote stories of morally upright officers to
inspire peers.
o Eg: Ashok Khemka’s opposition to land irregularities in Haryana
showcases Socratic civil courage.
5. Incentivising ethical conduct in appraisals: Align career growth with ethical
bravery.

21
 o Eg: DARPG 2021 guidelines recommend inclusion of integrity metrics in
Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).

Conclusion

Democratic institutions need public servants who dare to question wrongs without fear.
Nurturing Socratic courage can anchor governance in reason, not submission.

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration:

Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in
government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and
conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and
ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in
governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding;
corporate governance.

Q. “The pursuit of economic efficiency must not eclipse the ethical obligation to
preserve human dignity.” In light of burnout in the IT sector, discuss the ethical
limits of productivity-driven corporate culture. (10 M)

Introduction
When profit-driven structures strip away humane considerations, burnout becomes
institutionalised. The Indian IT sector today reflects an ethical crisis in the name of
efficiency.

Body

Ethical concerns in productivity-centric culture

1. Compromise of human dignity: Treating workers as output units violates intrinsic

human worth.
 Eg: Blind Survey (Mar 2025) revealed 83% burnout in Indian IT, with 1 in
4 working over 70 hours/week (Source: The Hindu, Mar 31, 2025).
2. Breach of constitutional rights: Article 21 ensures right to life with dignity, not
mere survival
 Eg: K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) affirmed dignity as central to Article 21 and
human liberty.
3. Failure of ethical leadership: Leaders endorsing extreme hours reflect ethical
insensitivity.

22
  Eg: In 2023, Narayana Murthy advocated 70-hour workweeks, drawing flak
from public health experts.
4. Blurring work-life boundaries: Excessive digital connectivity invades personal
space.
 Eg: 68% IT workers admitted to handling work messages post-hours,
normalising overwork (Blind Survey, 2025).
5. Neglect of emotional well-being: Overemphasis on output devalues employee mental
health.
 Eg: EY employee’s suicide (2024) due to work stress triggered nationwide
debate on corporate burnout.

Ethical limits and institutional safeguards

1. Adherence to constitutional morality: Article 38(1) mandates securing social

justice in economic structures.
 Eg: M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986) asserted humane working
conditions as part of constitutional governance.
2. Respect for global ethical standards: International frameworks place human dignity
above economic returns.
 Eg: ILO Convention No. 1 (India ratified) sets a 48-hour/week limit to
protect workers’ rights.
3. Duty of care by employers: Organizations have a moral duty to ensure safe and
humane conditions.
 Eg: Tata Code of Conduct emphasizes employee well-being as a core value,
promoting work-life balance.
4. Institutional policy audits: Ethical performance metrics must accompany economic
metrics.
 Eg: SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
requires disclosures on employee welfare.
5. Committee recommendations on work ethics: Recognizing overwork as a systemic
issue, reforms are needed.
 Eg: Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) recommended
ethical HR management in governance and private sector.

Conclusion
When dignity is sidelined, efficiency becomes exploitation. Ethical progress lies in making
compassion central to corporate culture—not optional.

Q. Examine the ethical dimensions of conflict of interest when police personnel

are allowed to investigate offences committed by their colleagues. Also, discuss
how strengthening external oversight mechanisms can uphold integrity and
public trust in such investigations. (10 M)

23
Introduction
Conflict of interest in police investigations corrodes the ethical bedrock of justice, risking
partiality, institutional shielding, and public disillusionment with law enforcement.

Body

Ethical dimensions of conflict of interest in peer investigations

1. Compromised impartiality: Personal camaraderie among officers creates bias in

investigations against colleagues.
 Eg: Badlapur custodial death case (2024), magistrate report flagged clear
bias; HC intervened (Bombay High Court, April 2025).
2. Violation of rule of law: Article 14 ensures equality before law, compromised when
internal investigations shield officers.
 Eg: Prakash Singh vs Union of India (2006) emphasised impartial structures
for police accountability.
3. Erosion of public trust: Public perception of internal cover-ups undermines faith in
the justice system.
 Eg: CHRI 2023 Status of Policing Report showed 67% people distrust
internal police probes.
4. Moral conflict in duty: Officers face ethical dilemmas between allegiance to
colleagues and justice principles.
 Eg: Second ARC (2007) highlighted internal culture of silence in police
forces affecting accountability.
5. Undermining natural justice: "Nemo judex in causa sua" principle is violated when
police act as judge in their own cause.
 Eg: Law Commission of India 277th Report (2018) recommended
independent probes in custodial crimes.

Strengthening external oversight

1. Ensuring institutional integrity: Independent bodies uphold integrity by separating

personal interest from public duty.
 Eg: Supreme Court (Prakash Singh case, 2006) recommended Police
Complaints Authority to maintain institutional integrity.
2. Promoting accountability and answerability: External scrutiny enforces
answerability of officers to public conscience.
 Eg: NHRC 2023 advisory mandates FIR and independent probe in custodial
deaths, promoting accountability.
3. Safeguarding impartiality and objectivity: External probes eliminate inherent bias
in internal investigations.
 Eg: Bombay High Court (April 2025) dismissed internal inquiry and ordered
SIT for objective investigation.

24
 4. Enhancing public confidence in justice system: Visible external action reassures
citizens of ethical justice delivery.
 Eg: Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2023) emphasised visible,
credible action in custodial crimes to restore trust.
5. Upholding courage of conviction in decision-making: External oversight empowers
ethical decision-making over internal pressure.
 Eg: Second ARC (2007) recommended protecting officers from internal
institutional pressures via independent mechanisms.

Conclusion
Robust external oversight reinforces ethical governance, ensuring justice triumphs over
institutional bias and public confidence in the rule of law is restored. public trust in the rule of
law.

Q. Transparency in international funding mechanisms is critical to global justice.

Analyse the ethical concerns arising from conditional aid. How can donor nations
uphold ethical responsibility in such engagements? (10 M)

Introduction
Ethical funding in international relations must uphold moral universality and dignity, but
conditional aid often reflects donor-centric control, undermining justice and reciprocity.

Body

Ethical concerns arising from conditional aid

1. Violation of recipient autonomy: Imposing rigid conditions breaches Kantian

ethics, treating recipient states as means, not ends.
 Eg: IMF’s conditional aid to Sri Lanka (2022) mandated subsidy cuts,
restricting the nation’s ability to protect vulnerable groups (IMF Article IV
Report).
2. Pursuit of geopolitical interests: Aid tied to foreign policy goals violates
deontological neutrality and erodes ethical intent.
 Eg: US military aid to Egypt continues despite human rights concerns, reflecting
strategic over ethical prioritisation (CSIS Analysis, 2023).
3. Paternalistic imposition of values: Conditions often stem from ethical relativism,
disregarding local cultural and moral contexts.
 Eg: EU's aid suspension to Uganda (2023) over LGBTQ+ laws was criticised
for ignoring local legislative sovereignty (Chatham House, 2023).
4. Distortion of distributive justice: Allocation based on alignment rather than need
undermines Rawlsian fairness in global justice.
 Eg: USAID's disproportionate funds to strategic allies like Israel over poorer
African states lacks equity (USAID FY 2022 Budget Review).

25
 5. Opaque agreements and elite capture: Lack of transparency in aid agreements
violates procedural ethics and invites misuse.
 Eg: Kenya’s Eurobond funding (2021) faced public outcry over missing
disclosures and suspected diversion (Kenya Auditor General Report).

How donor nations can uphold ethical responsibility

1. Participatory conditionality: Aid terms must be co-developed, respecting

Habermasian ethics of dialogue and consent.
 Eg: OECD DAC Guidelines (2021) recommend collaborative frameworks
involving civil society and host governments.
2. Alignment with local priorities: Donors should respect recipient-defined goals,
upholding subsidiarity and moral pluralism.
 Eg: Japan’s ODA model supports nationally designed development plans
without intrusive conditions.
3. Transparency and informed disclosure: Ethical funding demands public access to
terms and usage.
 Eg: International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) publishes donor-
recipient data, ensuring accountability.
4. Consequentialist approach to justice: Aid must be judged by outcomes for the
poorest, not strategic returns.
 Eg: India’s Lines of Credit to Africa focus on roads and hospitals, delivering
measurable grassroots impact.
5. Institutionalising ethics in diplomacy: Donors should train personnel in virtue
ethics—justice, empathy, humility—for ethical conduct.
 Eg: UNDP Ethics Office conducts mandatory ethical capacity-building for aid
officers globally.

Conclusion
For aid to be ethical and just, it must shift from transactional imposition to transformative
partnership, grounded in mutual respect, fairness, and shared responsibility.

26
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical
basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and
transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of
Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture,
Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges
of corruption.
Q. Institutional integrity is compromised not merely by individual misconduct,
but also by institutional resistance to lawful scrutiny. Comment. (10 M)

Introduction
Institutional ethics demand more than absence of corruption—they require active facilitation
of transparency and accountability. Resistance to scrutiny signals ethical decay at a
systemic level, not just individual lapses.

Body

Why institutional resistance is more damaging than individual misconduct

1. Breach of public trust: Institutions derive legitimacy from public confidence, which
is eroded by non-cooperation.
o Eg: TASMAC’s resistance to ED despite DVAC FIRs (April 2025) reflects
ethical failure at the organisational level.
2. Violation of duty-based ethics: According to deontological ethics, institutions must
uphold duties like cooperation with lawful agencies.
o Eg: CBI’s delayed action in the Syndicate Bank bribery case (2015) due to
internal resistance eroded faith in enforcement.
3. Promotes organisational moral disengagement: Justifying resistance as protection
of institutional image promotes ethical blindness.
o Eg: Air India’s systemic denial in mid-air harassment cases (2017–2022)
worsened public outrage.
4. Erodes constitutional morality: Articles 14, 38, and 51A(h) require equality, justice,
and the development of a scientific temper—resisting oversight contradicts these
principles.
o Eg: Delhi Jal Board’s resistance to CVC-led inquiry (2023) stalled reform.
5. Obstructs internal ethical learning: Institutions that resist audits lose the chance to
introspect and reform.
o Eg: Nirav Modi PNB fraud (2018) exposed how internal resistance to RBI
alerts enabled systemic corruption.

How institutional integrity can be preserved under scrutiny

1. Embedding integrity systems: Strong internal controls and ethics committees

prevent systemic drift.

27
 o Eg: Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct enforcement
mechanism is a best practice in institutional self-regulation.
2. Kantian ethics and transparency: As per Immanuel Kant’s principle of
universality, if institutions expect honesty from citizens, they must model it.
o Eg: SC in Vineet Narain case (1998) emphasized institutional independence
and moral uprightness of agencies like CBI.
3. Encouraging moral courage in leadership: Heads of institutions must act as ethical
role models and enable scrutiny.
o Eg: CAG Vinod Rai’s audit reports (2010-12) on coal and telecom set
standards in institutional transparency.
4. Use of ethical audit tools: Regular ethics audits help identify and correct deviations
from public service values.
o Eg: DoPT’s introduction of Ethics Audit Framework (2022) for civil
services helps track integrity indicators.
5. Safeguarding whistleblowers: Whistle-blower protection signals institutional
openness to correction and fosters internal accountability.
o Eg: IL&FS whistleblower (2018) flagged inflated project valuations,
prompting massive financial overhaul.

Conclusion
Systemic integrity is not built on avoiding wrongdoing but on embracing ethical
accountability. Only when institutions lead by example can they cultivate a culture where
scrutiny is a norm, not a threat.

Q. Public officials often operate in environments where institutional inefficiencies

and procedural lapses go unchecked. Discuss the ethical implications of such
inaction and the role of proactive vigilance and moral courage in upholding
public interest. (10 M)

Introduction
Unchecked inefficiencies are not just administrative failures but ethical betrayals of public
trust. A morally upright public official must act as a custodian of public interest, not a
silent spectator.

Body

Ethical implications of unchecked institutional inefficiencies

1. Breach of ethical duty and public trust: Public servants are morally obliged to act
under deontological ethics and uphold the Constitutional oath.
o Eg: BSNL’s failure to enforce billing on RJIL (2014–2024) led to ₹1,757
crore loss (CAG Report 2025), violating ethical duty.
2. Violation of constitutional values: Inaction erodes Article 38 (social justice),
Article 51A(h) (scientific temper), and Article 21 (right to life and dignity).

28
 o Eg: Oxygen crisis in Delhi (2021) reflected state apathy, violating right to life
(SC observations).
3. Institutionalization of ethical complacency: Repeated lapses create normalization
of deviance, reducing moral sensitivity within the system.
o Eg: PNB–Nirav Modi fraud (2018) stemmed from years of unchecked
SWIFT violations and lax oversight.
4. Utilitarian harm to the public: Utilitarian ethics demand the greatest good for the
greatest number—inaction causes large-scale societal loss.
o Eg: Non-application of escalation clause by BSNL led to ₹29 crore loss
(CAG 2025), harming taxpayer interest.
5. Failure of probity in governance: Passive conduct contradicts principles of
transparency, responsiveness, and accountability in public life.
o Eg: 2nd ARC (2007) on Ethics in Governance emphasizes active
responsibility and avoidance of moral indifference.

Role of proactive vigilance and moral courage in upholding public interest

1. Acting with moral courage under pressure: Ethical officials embody virtue ethics
by standing up for public interest despite risks.
o Eg: Ashok Khemka IAS resisted political pressure in land scams and upheld
procedural integrity.
2. Institutionalizing ethical checks: Administrative vigilance ensures oversight of
contracts, agreements, and implementation.
o Eg: CVC Circular (2021) emphasized regular audit and enforcement of long-
term public-private contracts.
3. Whistleblowing as an ethical obligation: Reporting internal inefficiency is essential
for ethical resistance against system failure.
o Eg: Manjunath Shanmugam (2005) exposed adulteration in IOCL; his
actions led to structural reforms in internal vigilance.
4. Leadership in ethical culture-building: Ethical leaders reinforce systems of
internal accountability and set precedence for action.
o Eg: E. Sreedharan (‘Metro Man’) enforced strict vigilance and transparency
in Delhi Metro project.
5. Legal and institutional duty to act: As per Vineet Narain case (1997), public
servants are duty-bound to act against wrongdoing and cannot cite hierarchy as
excuse.
o Eg: SC held that “independence of investigative function” is key to
institutional ethics.

Conclusion
Ethical governance is not defined by rule-following alone but by the courage to act when it
matters most. Inaction in public life is not neutral—it is ethically irresponsible and must be
addressed with vigilance and integrity.

29
Q. Probity without accountability is an incomplete ideal in public service.
Discuss. Highlight measures to institutionalize accountability. (10 M)

Introduction

Public service demands not just ethical integrity (probity) but also a system of answerability
(accountability) to prevent misuse of power. In the absence of accountability, probity
becomes a hollow virtue.

Body

Why probity without accountability is incomplete

1. Enforcement of ethical conduct: Internal morality alone cannot prevent misconduct

without external checks.
 Eg: Satyam Scam (2009) showed that individual integrity without regulatory
accountability mechanisms failed to prevent corporate fraud.
2. Democratic legitimacy: Accountability ensures that power is exercised on behalf of
citizens and not personal whims.
 Eg: Vineet Narain case (1998) emphasized that public office is a trust,
demanding transparency and accountability.
3. Systemic deterrence: Visible accountability mechanisms deter potential ethical
violations.
 Eg: RTI Act, 2005 made government processes more transparent, reducing
arbitrary decisions.
4. Maintains public trust: Accountability complements probity to enhance citizen
confidence in institutions.
Eg: 2024 Lokpal Reports showed a rise in public complaints addressed
against civil servants, restoring public faith.

Measures to institutionalize accountability

1. Strengthening legal frameworks: Enact robust laws mandating disclosures,

independent investigations, and whistleblower protection.
 Eg: Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to shield
those exposing corruption.
2. Independent oversight bodies: Ensure bodies like CVC, CAG, Lokpal have
operational autonomy and timely appointments.
 Eg: T.S.R. Subramanian Committee (2014) recommended fixed tenure and
independent appointments to key oversight posts.
3. Citizen empowerment: Promote tools like RTI, social audits, and public hearings to
directly involve citizens.
 Eg: Social audits under MGNREGA (2023 update) exposed leakages in
wage payments across several states.

30
 4. Ethics training and codification: Institutionalize regular ethical orientation
programs and clear codes of conduct.
 Eg: Second ARC Report on Ethics in Governance (2007) recommended
induction and mid-career ethical training for civil servants.
5. Use of technology: Integrate real-time monitoring and grievance redressal platforms
to enhance transparency.
 Eg: CPGRAMS Revamp 2024 introduced AI-based tracking of grievance
redressal timelines across ministries.

Conclusion

In an era of rising citizen awareness, ensuring that probity is reinforced through strong
accountability frameworks is not optional but necessary. A vigilant system blending ethics
with enforceability will strengthen the spine of public governance.

Q. “A Code of Ethics provides a compass; a Code of Conduct provides a map”.

Discuss the distinction and their complementary roles in ethical governance.
Examine their relevance in handling ethical dilemmas in public service. (10 M)

Introduction
While the Code of Ethics guides what is morally right, the Code of Conduct enforces
what is institutionally permissible. Both are essential in steering public officials through
complex governance landscapes.

Body

Distinction between code of ethics and code of conduct

1. Moral versus legal nature: Ethics is based on values; conduct is rule-bound and
enforceable.
o Eg: AIS Conduct Rules (1968) restrict civil servants from participating in
politics; UN Ethics Code promotes integrity, impartiality, and dignity.
2. Scope and abstraction: Ethics is universal and idealistic; conduct is specific and
prescriptive.
o Eg: WHO’s Global Ethics Framework applies broadly to all medical staff,
while CVC Guidelines address precise misconduct like bribery.
3. Intent versus behaviour: Ethics governs internal intent; conduct controls observable
actions.
o Eg: A public official may refuse a bribe (conduct), but also treat the poor
with dignity (ethics) even if not codified.
4. Sanction mechanism: Violating conduct invites penalties; breaching ethics affects
credibility.

31
 o Eg: SEBI’s Code of Conduct entails fines or debarment; ethical breaches by
NGOs impact donor trust but not legal standing.

Complementary role in ethical governance

1. Reinforcing accountability: Ethics motivates integrity; conduct ensures discipline.

o Eg: Second ARC (2007) stressed adopting both to strengthen ethical climate
in civil services.
2. Guidance across spectrum: Ethics offers value clarity; conduct ensures procedural
compliance.
o Eg: The ICAI Code uses ethics to shape behaviour, and conduct norms to
regulate professional actions.
3. Holistic governance framework: Together, they foster ethical, responsive and rule-
bound systems.
o Eg: Citizen’s Charters combine ethical promises of fairness with standards
of conduct for timely delivery.
4. Ethical institutional culture: Ethics humanizes governance; conduct formalizes it.
o Eg: LBSNAA’s training modules emphasise both—moral reasoning and rule
adherence—to shape ethical officers.

Relevance in handling ethical dilemmas

1. Navigating ambiguity: Ethics helps in morally grey zones where conduct rules are
silent.
o Eg: During COVID triaging, doctors used ethical prioritisation as no conduct
protocol existed initially.
2. Role conflict resolution: Ethics balances competing obligations beyond black-letter
rules.
o Eg: A DM halting illegal eviction of tribals cited constitutional morality
over administrative pressure.
3. Empowers moral courage: Ethics supports just decisions even when unpopular or
risky.
o Eg: Ashok Khemka’s stand against politically sensitive land deals reflected
ethical strength despite adverse transfers.
4. Checks legalistic misuse: Ethics ensures legality is not misused to justify unethical
acts.
o Eg: VIP hospital access may be legal under discretion, but unethical under
principles of equity.

Conclusion
In ethical governance, codes of conduct provide structure, but it is the ethical compass
that lends soul to public service. Civil servants must internalize both to uphold the public
trust in a morally complex world.

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Q. Petty corruption may seem benign, but it corrodes public trust far deeper
than grand scandals. Examine the moral implications and remedies. (10 M)

Introduction
Everyday corruption at the grassroots level appears minor, but it silently nurtures a deep
moral decay that weakens public trust and institutional legitimacy over time.

Body

Moral implications of petty corruption

1. Normalisation of unethical conduct: Routine bribery makes corruption socially

acceptable and ethically tolerable.
 Eg: Bribes for FIR registration or hospital admission in Uttar Pradesh
(2023) were accepted as “unofficial service charges”.
2. Erosion of public trust: Citizens begin to distrust state machinery when access to
entitlements requires informal payments.
 Eg: Azim Premji Foundation Survey (2022) found that 45% of rural
households paid bribes for welfare scheme access.
3. Disempowerment of the vulnerable: The poor internalise moral subordination,
losing confidence in their legal rights.
 Eg: In Jharkhand, elderly widows had to pay ₹50–₹100 bribes to claim
pensions, deterring applications.
4. Ethical distortion in youth: Exposure to daily corruption teaches that manipulation
is more effective than merit.
 Eg: Admission agents in Delhi schools offered “guaranteed entry” with
informal payments, legitimising unethical shortcuts.

Remedies to address petty corruption

1. Ethics-based public service training: Sensitising officials to values of integrity and

public accountability.
 Eg: LBSNAA's post-2022 training modules include simulations of ethical
dilemmas for new IAS officers.
2. Digital process re-engineering: Reducing human interface to eliminate opportunities
for bribe-seeking.
 Eg: Faceless Income Tax assessments (2021) led to a 40% fall in complaints
of coercion (CBDT).
3. Grassroots social audits: Community monitoring fosters transparency and bottom-up
accountability.
 Eg: Rajasthan’s MGNREGA social audits (2023) unearthed ₹8 crore in
irregularities through local vigilance.
4. Speedy grievance redressal and deterrence: Ensuring citizens have accessible
channels to report corruption.

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  Eg: Delhi’s 1031 Anti-Corruption Helpline led to 650+ convictions
between 2015–2023.
5. Ethical role modelling by leadership: Integrity shown at the top percolates down the
administrative chain.
 Eg: Bidar DC (2022) publicly rejected bribes and began weekly open
grievance forums to foster trust.

Conclusion
Petty corruption silently dismantles ethical governance. Combating it requires not just digital
tools and legal deterrence, but also a culture of ethics, vigilance, and citizen empowerment.

Case Studies on above issues.

Q. Jayanth, a respected manager at a leading tech company known for his
dedication and high ethical standards, is facing a grave accusation of sexual
assault.
Ananya, a 28-year-old junior marketing executive who recently joined the firm, is at the
center of this controversy. Shortly after joining, Ananya and Jayanth had a serious
dispute regarding her performance at work. Jayanth penalized Ananya for alleged
neglect, which resulted in a significant financial loss for the company. HR intervened to
mediate the conflict and temporarily resolved the issue, but tensions remained high.
Weeks later, Ananya accused Jayanth of sexual assault. She claims that during a late-
night meeting intended to discuss a critical project, Jayanth made unwanted advances
towards her. Despite her clear objections and requests to stop, Jayanth allegedly
continued his behavior, culminating in an act of sexual assault. However, Jayanth has
denied the allegations, asserting that Ananya’s claims are retaliatory. He contends that
the accusations are a form of revenge due to their earlier dispute. The accusation has
led to widespread unrest within the company, with employees demanding a thorough
investigation and questioning the firm’s commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical
work environment.
In the given circumstance, answer the following:
a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case.
b) What are the ethical issues involved in the case?
c) If you are the HR department head, what course of action would you take to
resolve the issue?
d) What measures can be implemented to enhance workplace safety and prevent
such incidents in the future? [20M]
Introduction:
This case study highlights some of the issues that women face in the workplace and in the
legal system. It also shows how such practices exist despite The Sexual Harassment of

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Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 coming in
force.

Body:

a) Stakeholders involved in the case are

1. Jayanth: The accused manager, whose reputation, career, and integrity are at stake.
2. Ananya: The junior marketing executive who has made the allegations, facing
emotional, psychological, and professional consequences.
3. HR department: Responsible for handling the investigation, ensuring fairness, and
maintaining workplace safety.
4. Other employees: Their morale, trust in management, and sense of workplace safety
are affected by the case.
5. Company leadership: Concerned with upholding the company’s reputation, ethical
standards, and legal responsibilities.
6. Legal authorities: If the case escalates, law enforcement and legal bodies may
become involved.
7. Clients and stakeholders: Their trust in the company’s ethical practices may be
impacted.

b) Ethical issues involved in the case are

1. Sexual harassment and assault: The allegation itself raises serious ethical concerns
about respect, consent, and the safety of individuals in the workplace.
2. Retaliation: If Jayanth’s claim of retaliation is true, it suggests a misuse of serious
accusations for personal vendettas, which is ethically reprehensible.
3. Bias and Fairness: Ensuring that the investigation is conducted impartially, without
bias towards either party, is crucial to upholding ethical standards.
4. Confidentiality: Handling the case with discretion and maintaining the privacy of
both the accuser and the accused is an ethical responsibility of the HR department.
5. Workplace safety and culture: The case raises broader ethical issues about the
company’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

c) My course of action as HR department head are

1. Immediate response:
o Suspend Jayanth from his duties pending investigation to prevent any
influence on witnesses or tampering with evidence.
o Provide support to Ananya, including counselling services, and ensure she
feels safe within the workplace.
2. Conduct a thorough investigation:

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 o Form a neutral internal committee or hire an external agency to investigate
the claims, ensuring that all relevant evidence, including communication
records, witness statements, and any available CCTV footage, is reviewed.
o Ensure the investigation is confidential, unbiased, and conducted swiftly to
minimize workplace disruption and emotional stress on both parties.
3. Report findings transparently:
o Once the investigation is complete, communicate the findings to both parties
and take appropriate action based on the results. This might include
disciplinary action, legal consequences, or reinstatement of Jayanth if the
allegations are unfounded.
o Inform the workforce about the outcome in a manner that maintains
confidentiality but reassures them of the company’s commitment to justice and
workplace safety.

d) Measures to enhance workplace safety and prevent future incidents are

1. Regular training and awareness programs: Implement regular training sessions on

sexual harassment, workplace ethics, and respectful communication for all employees,
including management.
E.g. #MeToo movement.
2. Strengthen reporting mechanisms: Establish clear, accessible, and confidential
channels for reporting harassment, ensuring employees know how and where to report
issues without fear of retaliation.
E.g. Open door policy.
3. Revise policies and procedures: Update the company’s sexual harassment policy to
include detailed guidelines on handling such cases, along with clear consequences for
violations.
E.g. POSH act 2013.
4. Promote a culture of respect and inclusivity: Foster a workplace culture that
emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and zero tolerance for harassment.
E.g. Inclusive policy like in TCS.

Conclusion:
The legislation to prevent, protect and redress sexual harassment at the workplace is only a
first step. To improve the Gender-equity in society, we need proper enforcement of the
legislation, good child-rearing practice and other much-needed steps.

Q. Due to recent heavy rains, the district has experienced severe rainfall. As the
District Commissioner, Manav imposed vehicle movement restrictions along the
ghat section road that connects two major cities in the state.
Unfortunately, a truck driver was involved in an accident on this road. Upon hearing
this, Manav rushed to the spot and saw a large heap of mud that had fallen down the

36
cliff into the river below. He was informed that the truck driver was still stuck inside
the vehicle. On further inquiry, Manav learned that the driver came from a poor
background, had two young children, and an elderly mother, and was the sole
breadwinner for his family. Due to the heavy load of mud, the driver's body couldn't be
retrieved in time. The driver’s family raised concerns that the administration was not
showing enough interest in recovering the body. Manav was working tirelessly, even
though his wife was in the hospital due to labor. His subordinates, initially working day
and night to recover the body, felt demoralized as their efforts went unrecognized by
the public and the media. Additionally, the neighboring state government accused the
state administration of not doing enough to recover the truck driver's body.

Given this situation, answer the following:

a) Identify the stakeholders involved in this case.
b) What ethical challenges does Manav face as a public office holder?
c) If you were in Manav's position, how would you motivate your subordinates to
continue working in these challenging conditions?
d) What steps would you take to address the concerns of the driver’s family and the
public while ensuring the morale of your team remains high? [20M]

Introduction:
The case reflects a challenging situation similar to the Karnataka landslide incident, where a
truck driver was tragically trapped and died. It highlights the complexities faced by
administration in such dire circumstances and the critical need for effective persuasion and
leadership skills.

Body:

a) Stakeholders involved in the case are:

1. Truck driver's family: They are directly affected by the accident and are concerned
about the recovery of the body.
2. District commissioner (Manav): The public official responsible for managing the
situation and ensuring the welfare of all involved parties.
3. Subordinates and team members: The administrative team working to recover the
truck driver's body, whose morale is low due to lack of public and media recognition.
4. Public and media: They play a role in shaping public opinion and scrutinizing the
actions of the administration.
5. Neighboring State Government: Criticizes the state's efforts, adding to the pressure
on the District Commissioner and his team.
6. Manav's family: Particularly his wife, who is in the hospital, creating a personal
ethical dilemma for Manav.

b) Ethical challenges faced by Manav are:

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 1. Duty vs. Personal life: Manav faces the ethical dilemma of balancing his duty to the
public with his responsibilities to his family, particularly with his wife in labor.
2. Public perception and accountability: The challenge of maintaining transparency
and trust with the public while facing accusations from the neighboring state
government.
3. Team morale: Ensuring that his team's efforts are recognized and appreciated,
thereby keeping their morale high despite external criticism.
4. Justice and compassion: Balancing the need to recover the truck driver's body with
the operational challenges and resource constraints, while showing compassion to the
driver's family.
5. Public trust: Upholding the public's trust in the administration's ability to manage the
crisis effectively.

c) I would motivate subordinates in challenging conditions using:

1. Communicate the larger purpose: Regularly remind the team of the vital role they
play and the long-term impact of their work on public safety and welfare.
E.g. Maslow’s theory of hierarchical needs seek for self-actualisation.
2. Highlight impact stories: Share specific stories of how their efforts have positively
impacted the community, reinforcing the significance of their contributions.
E.g. Kerala 2018 flood story “Everyone is Hero”
3. Empower decision-making: Allow team members in choosing the most effective
approaches to complete their tasks, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
E.g. Decentral decision making.
4. Provide positive feedback: Recognize and celebrate milestones achieved, no matter
how small, to boost their confidence and sense of competence in managing the crisis.
E.g. Incentive theory providing monetary rewards.
5. Set achievable milestones: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable goals that can
be regularly achieved, providing a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
E.g. Locke’s goal setting theory.
6. Promote team spirit: Foster a sense of unity and teamwork by encouraging
collaboration, mutual support, and shared responsibility.
E.g. Tuckman linear model for group development.

d) I would take the following steps to address the concerns of the driver’s family and the
public while ensuring the morale of my team remains high:
1. Regular updates: Provide the driver’s family and the public with frequent updates on
the progress of the recovery efforts, ensuring transparency and building trust.
2. Personal outreach: Meet with the driver’s family personally to express empathy and
assure them that every effort is being made to recover the body with dignity.

38
 3. Increase workforce: If necessary, allocate additional manpower and resources to
expedite the recovery process, showing that the administration is doing everything
possible to address the situation.
4. Coordinate with other agencies: Engage with neighboring states or other relevant
authorities to collaborate on recovery efforts, ensuring a more efficient response.
5. Emotional and practical support: Provide psychological support to the team, such
as counselling services, and ensure they have the necessary tools and resources to
continue their work effectively.
6. Encourage rest and recovery: It acknowledge that sustained efforts require physical
and emotional well-being to remain effective in the long run.

Conclusion:
In Winston Churchill’s words, “To each, there comes a special moment when they are
offered the chance to do something unique to them.” Manav’s role in this crisis is such a
moment, where his leadership and empathy can turn tragedy into a testament to effective
public service and moral responsibility.

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