(Model Answers - GS - IV) : Upsc Cse 2015 Exam

Highly Exam Relevant Model Answers
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM co

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(Model Answers – GS - IV)
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UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
(Model Answers – GS -IV)
Q 1(a) What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any
one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics.
Introduction:
Environmental ethics is the branch of ethics that studies the moral and ethical relationship of
human beings with the environment. This branch believes that the environment is a very
important part of human life, thus it becomes important to study the relationship among them.
Principles Of environmental ethics:
● Anthropocentrism: This principle suggests that human beings are most important and
other living beings play a passive role.
● Non - Anthropocentrism: This principle goes value to every object in the
● Biocentrism: It is a philosophy that considers every living being as an important entity
for proper balance of the planet.
● Holism: Holism considers environment systems as a whole rather than being individual
part of something. This principle believes that every element of this earth is important.
● Psychocentrism: According to this principle human beings hold more value in the
environment due to their mental capacities which are far more developed then others.
Importance of Study of Environmental Ethics:
● For preservation and conservation: This emphasis on the fact that just like earth gives
humans resources , humans need to help give back resources o nature and ecosystem.
● Securing environmental justice: Environmental ethics ensure that justice is done with
every element of this environment.
● Ensure Solidarity and participation: This study helps in building solidarity among civil
society to fight against environmental concerns.
● Decision making: Study helps in making decisions to the question like. Is killing of
endangered species should be allowed?’
● Policy making: This study helps policy makers to make rules regarding conservation of
environment.
● Societal importance: This ethics helps in generating awareness among members of the
society regarding environment conservation.
Environmental Issue:
● Climate change: Climate change has brought many problems like frequent disasters, sea
level rise, increased global temperature etc.
● Causes: This problem is being created due to negligence of environmental ethics by
human beings. The anthropocentric approach towards resource utilisation threatens the
existence of many other species as well as promotes human beings to gain resources at
the cost of the environment.
● Solution: Environmental ethics suggest that holism should be the approach, when we go
for resource utilisation. It emphasises the importance of every component of the earth and
asks human beings to preserve them.
Conclusion:
Environmental ethics has potential to deal with the problem of unsustainability of the human
resources and prevent the destruction of the environment.
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UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
Q.1 (b) Differentiate between the following ( 200 words)
(i) law and Ethics
(ii) Ethical management and Management of ethics
(iii) Discrimination and Preferential treatment
(iv) Personal ethics and Professional ethics
(i) Law and Ethics
Law Ethics
1. Definition Law is a system of rules created These are the moral principles
and enforced through legislative that govern a person’s behaviour
institutions to regulate its subjects. in the society.
2. Purpose To ensure order and justice in the To create morally right people in
society. society.
3. Instruments to Those who break the law are Social isolation of the people who
make it effective punished by the government. go against ethics.
4. Example The Prevention Of Cruelty To To speak the truth and respect
Animals Act,1960 elderly is the ethics of our society.
(ii) Ethical Management and Management of ethics

Ethical management Management of ethics
1. Meaning  Ethical management is when ethics  It is the discipline that deals with
comes into action in working of a what is good and bad, or right or
firm. wrong , or with moral duty and
obligation in management of a firm.
2. Purpose  To ensure no willful wrong is  To ensure social responsiveness of a
done. firm.
 To ensure a good work culture in  To guide individual managers in
the organisation. their work.
3. Other  Ethical management presumes  It deals with continually managing
already known and set ethics. the ethics.
 It helps in setting code of conduct for  Management of ethics is the previous
firms. step of ethical management.
(iii) Discrimination and Preferntial treatment

Discrimination Preferential treatment
1. Meaning  It refers to treatment of another  It refers to giving someone
person with a degree of biasness. priority over others.
2. Criteria  Criteria is based on bias, prejudice  Criteria is based on vulnerability
and nepotism. of the person
3. Character  It is negative in character.  It is both positive and negative in
character.
4. Examples  Discrimination with female child  If a white employee is promoted
vis-a-vis male child. over a minority employee based
 Discrimination based on caste. on a perceived work ethics.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
(iv) Personal ethics and Professional ethics

Personal Ethics Professional Ethics
1. Meaning  Personal ethics refers to an  Professional ethics refers to a person’s
individual's personal morals and values and principles that are introduced
code of conduct. to an individual in a professional
organisation.
2. Origin  These are instilled generally,  These are developed during working in
during childhood, by your parents , organisation.
family , school and friends.
3. Example  I will always speak the truth.  Punctuality: To visit the office on time.
 I will respect all those who are  Work performance: To provide for best
elder to me. optimal performance in work.
Q.2 Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring
out what it means to you in the present context: m
(a) “ The weak can never forgive ; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
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Introduction:
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The above quote is given by Mahatma Gandhi. According to this forgiveness refers to the process of
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letting go of feelings of hatred, bitterness , anger and vengeance toward someone who we believed has
done wrong to us. According to Gandhi this can be practised by only mentally strong people.
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Meaning in the Present Context:

● Individual life: In my individual life I forgave my friend who had stolen my notes during exams .
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This helped him in realising his mistake and also the continuation of our friendship.
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● Society: In our society the upper caste people can seek forgiveness from dalits for historical
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atrocities , and dalits can forgive them. This will help in building communal harmony in the society.
● Politics: Canada’s President asked for forgiveness towards the Komagata Maru incident,
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which happened in pre pre-independence era.

● Environment: We can resolve the problem of environmental pollution by dealing with
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developed countries in mutually forgivable terms.

● International context: If Russia and Ukraine forgive each other then it will help in
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normalising the threatening situation in the world.

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Conclusion:
The concept of “Michhami Dukkadam” in Jainism also deals with the idea of forgiveness to
everyone. These ideals should guide us in our day to day life.
Q. 2 (b) We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is
when men are afraid of the light.”
Introduction:
The above quote is given by Plato. According to this, the real threat is not when an innocent
person is afraid of taking any action but when a knowledgeable person knowingly refrain from
taking any action.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
Meaning in the present context
● Vaccine hesitancy: Vaccine hesitancy during COVID-19 among educated classes due to
misinformation , shows how real tragedy is created when men make decisions without
knowing the complete truth.
● Terrorism: The fear of Afghanistan government against Taliban and their withdrawal
cause army to surrender without any fight. This has created a situation of threat in
Afghanistan where people refrain to speak against terrorism.
● Nazism: During Nazism in Germany many people due to fear of punishment didn't come
forward to help dying Jewish people. This shows that these people were afraid of the right
path of humanity.
● British rule: During British rule many Indians considered British rule as a blessing,
despite being highly educated and knowing the nuances of foreign rule.
Conclusion:
Therefore men should not be afraid if dark rather fought bravely in every situation with fortitude
and conviction.
Q.3 (a) “ A mere compliance with law is not enough , the public servant also has to have a
well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties.” Do you
agree? Explain with the help of two examples , where (i) an act is ethically right, but
not legally and (ii) an act is legally right, but not ethically.
Introduction:
Public servants often face situations in which there is a conflict between ethics and law. Laws
are the legal codes written in the rule books of a country and ethics is the moral code of conduct
established by the society.
According to the principles Of Public administration, a public servant has to use emotional
intelligence to deal with the issue when law and ethics are in contrasting situations. Being a
public servant the first duty of an officer is to serve the public.
Do you agree: Yes I do agree with the above statement, as the values of emotional intelligence,
equity , justice, probity etc. suggest one to sensibly deal with ethical issues for effective
discharge of duties.
Examples
● An act is ethically right,but not legally
- Providing ration to pregnant women is ethically right but according to law books
public servants can’t differentiate between the public. In such a situation the
compassion towards pregnant women guides us to give her preference.
- An officer providing shelter home to an old person having a lack of documents is
ethically right but legally wrong.
● An act is legally right , but not ethically
- Death sentence under Indian Penal Code is legally right but ethically wrong. As it
takes away the life of a person convicted of crime.
- In the pre-independence era punishing someone for making salt was legally right
under Salt law, but it was ethically wrong to prevent someone from fulfilling his bare
minimum necessity.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
Conclusion:
Therefore it becomes necessary for a public servant to use sensibility and emotional intelligence
to deal with the dilemmas of ethics and legality.
Q.3 (b) How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public
service? Explain with examples.
Introduction:
Trustworthiness is a moral value considered to be a virtue. A trustworthy Person is someone in
whom we can place our trust and feel assured that the trust shall not be betrayed.
Fortitude can be defined as value of displaying courage and valour in times of great adversity & pain.
Trustworthiness Get Manifested in Public Servants
● Ways: Trustworthiness is developed by the way of training, code of conduct of public service
and work culture of a public servant.
● Current example: In order to gain the trust of tribals of Adilabad, Telangana , IAS officer
Divya Devarajan learned their language and resolved their decades old problems by
consulting them. The villagers developed such a deep connection with her that they named a
village ‘Divyaguda’ in her name.
● Other example: The constructive work of IAS officer Armstrong Pame, helped him in
building trustworthiness. That’s why more and more people come in front to donate for road
construction in Manipur.
Fortitude Get Manifested in Public Servants
● Ways: The attitude of a person towards difficulties in life , training as well as work place
conditioning.
● Current example: IAS Ashok Khemka courage to fight against malpractices in
administration despite having frequent transfers.
● Other example: IPS Sanjukta Parashar, with her fortitude was able to fight severa military
operations in Sonitpur district of Assam.
Conclusion:
The values of trustworthiness and fortitude helps in building an efficient public administration.
Q.4 (a) “Social values are more important than economic values.” Discuss the above
statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.
Introduction:
Social values are the ideals that govern as well as guide the society. On the other hand economic
values are the values which guide us for economic competition, revenue maximisation and
business growth etc.
Example in context of inclusive growth of a nation
● Social inclusion: Economic values can increase employment in the society but it cannot
create social cohesion. For social cohesion social values like brotherhood and harmony
are more important.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
● Economic inclusion: From economic inclusion GDP of a nation can be enhanced but it
cannot ensure equitable distribution of wealth. This leads to inequality in society.
● Nature of values: Social values are permanent while economic values change with time.
Like economic values of mercantilism, capitalism and communism varies with time.
● Sectional inclusion: Social values ensure that all sections of society like children, women,
elders etc. get benefits of development. While economic values create discrimination based on
the productivity of every section.
● Political inclusion: Economic values promote powers in the hands of the wealthy corporate
class. While social values ensure power in the hands of apt leadership. Eg. Election of Donald
Trump was based on economic values.
But we can’t undermine the role of economic values in the growth of a country , which in turn
promotes inclusive growth. Economic values can help in dividing the pie and social values can
help in equal division of the pie.
Conclusion:
Therefore for the growth of a nation social values should become the foundational stone of
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growth and then only we should move towards economic growth.
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Q.4 (b) Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial
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activism, etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and
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accountability in the functioning of the government. However , it is also being

observed that at times the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that
the officers are now afraid to take prompt decisions.
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Analyse this situation in detail and suggest how this dichotomy can be resolved.
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Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimised.

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Introduction:
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The introduction of RTI act, media and judicial activism has helped in strengthening public
administration in our country on one hand but on the other hand it created hurdles in the efficient
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working of the officers , due to misuse of the mechanism.

Misuse
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● Irrelevant queries: People use RTI to ask for unnecessary details therefore diverting the
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attention of officers towards unnecessary things.

● Personnel benefit: RTI is being used for personnel benefit rather than greater public
good.
● Create fear: Media houses use the media as well as RTI to threaten the officers. Due to
corporatisation of media it has become a tool in the hands of the rich. They use it against
the officers who refuse to work according to them.
● Judicial activism: It creates a sense of fear among officers and they abstain from taking
creative decisions.
● Dilemma: RTI creates a situation of dilemma among officers when it creates a confusion
regarding disclosure of information having security repercussions. For example the
information regarding details of Rafale were sought from the Ministry of Defence.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
How to Minimise the Negative Impacts
● Legislative measures: A law should be made on media activism and judicial activism, so
that they guide their work.
● Administrative measures: Digitization of records of all departments, will help an officer
from unnecessary questions on his working.
● Social measures: Public should create awareness regarding proper working of RTI, so
that the provisions cannot be used for personal gains.
● Political measures: Various ministries should pre actively disclose the relevant
information on public portals, so that transparency is created.
● Judicial measures: Judiciary should ensure that judicial activism can’t be used to hinder
the decision making power of the officials.
● Criteria demarcation: Proper criteria should be refined regarding what subjects come
under RTI Act
Conclusion:
The misuse of provisions can be best resolved when the public as well as government come
together with the aim of development of the whole nation.
Q.5 Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servant towards their work have
been identified as the bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude.
(a) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits.
(b) Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster
development of our country?
Introduction:
Bureaucratic attitude refers to the attitude of a public servant based on the idea of hierarchical
discipline, implicit obedience to orders, top down instructions and rule bound approaches.
Democratic attitude refers to an attitude based on the democratic ideals of decentralisation, rule
of law and equality etc.
Differences
Attitude Democratic Bureaucratic
Merits  Increase participation of the public in  Strict adherence to laws ensures
democracy. objectivity in decision making.
 Promotes rational and creative decision  Quick decision making due to lack
making among civil servants. of participation of the public.
 Helps in compassionate and subjective  Ensure unbiased attitude in decision
decision making. making.
Demerits  Due to public participation this attitude  Destroy rational thinking among
creates delays in decision making. bureaucrats.
 Lack of defined criteria, creates a  Give rise to red tapism as a lot of
situation of confusion in decision power is in the hands of bureaucrats.
making.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
(b) Balance the bureaucratic and democratic attitude
Yes the two can be balanced in following ways:
● Defining the areas: There are some areas like security needs bureaucratic decision
making and other areas like pds which need democratic decision making . So proper
demarcation of fields can help in achieving faster development of our country.
● Time limits: Setting the time limits for decision making as well as execution can help in
balancing the two attitudes. This will help in quick decision making as well as faster
development of our country.
● Training: Training bureaucrats in both bureaucratic and democratic attitudes can help in
taking the best out of the two approaches.
● Digitization: Enhanced digitization will help in increasing transparency and reducing red
tapism. This will quicken the implementation process and fast development of our
country.
Conclusion:
Talisman of Gandhiji should act as a guiding light to a bureaucrat when he has to choose among
bureaucratic and democratic attitudes.
Q.6 Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct,
setting up vigilance cells/ commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal
mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control.
(a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications.
(b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.
Introduction: India ranks 85 among 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of
Transparency International. This shows that despite several measures we are unable to curb the
practice of corruption in our country.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of these Measures
● Code of conduct: Despite prescribing code of conduct, various offices haven’t made
these codes based on public consultation as well as are taking no steps to create
awareness regarding these among the public. This makes them ineffective in dealing with
corruption.
● Vigilance cells: Vigilance cells are made to keep an eye on the public department, But they
themselves come under question due to lack of transparency. Ex. CBI came under question due
to malpractice in the appointment process.
● RTI: The denial of information on the ground of public interest hinders the agenda of
RTI Act. Therefore it’s far beyond its potential in curbing corruption.
● Active media: The corporatisation of media, Godi media and use of media just for the
sake of increasing trp rating , has reduced its effectiveness in bringing out cases of
corruption.
● Strengthening of legal mechanism: Despite enacting several laws against corruption ,
ineffective implementation of laws has prevented them from working at full efficiency.
(b) More effective strategies to deal with this menace
● Ethical Code of Conduct: Setting up an ethical code of conduct based on public
consultation can help in dealing with the issue of corruption in administration.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
● Strict punishment: There should be strict punishment for collusive corruption, so that
both bribe giver as well as taker could be punished.
● Education: Moral values which prevent one person from indulging in corruption should
be taught in schools, colleges as well as training institutes.
● Digitization: Digitization of practises like land bidding, where there are more chances of
corruption can help in curbing corruption in these fields.
● Legal measures: The law should be made free of loopholes, which help a corrupt person
in evading judicial scrutiny.
Conclusion:
For the development of India in the 21st century we need to ensure that cancer of corruption can
be diminished from the roots in the country.
Q.7 At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on
the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest
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of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can
ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.
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Introduction:
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It’s said that international relations are guided by the idea of national interest rather than on the
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ideas of ethics. This view is called realism in international relations.

Conflict and tension among nations due to lack of ethical considerations
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Example of Conflicts and tensions among nations: If both nations give priority to their own
national interest then it gives rise to wars.
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 Example 1: During the Vienna Conference , when the winning nation avoided the
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interest of defeating power it paved the way for World War 2.

 Example 2: Economic interest of America and China, has given rise to a trade war among both
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the nations. Thus has created instability creating a situation like Cold War 2.0.
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 Example 3: The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, due to mutual disrespect of
each other’s interest is an example of tension due to lack of ethical consideration in
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international relations.
 Example 4: The current situation of war between Russia and Ukraine, is also due to
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negligence of other nation’s interest at the cost of one’s own interest.

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Ethical Consideration as solution

● Economic ethics: The values of mutual benefits can help in preventing conflicts due to
economic disparities. This will also help in strengthening global economic institutions
like the World Bank and IMF.
● Humanity: The value of humanity helps in giving importance to every human being, over
shallow national interest. This helps in preventing wars as wars are cause of loss of humanity.
● Soft power: Values of cultural integration helps in dealing complex problems in a
smoother manner. E.g. Use of Yoga by India has helped in developing good relations
with other countries.
● Justice: Ethical value of justice helps in preventing one country to do injustice with
weaker countries. Therefore reducing the chances of conflicts.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
Conclusion:
The idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ i.e. the whole universe is one family, should guide
nations in dealing with other nations.
Q.8 Public servants are likely to confront with the issues of ‘Conflict of Interest’. What do
you understand by term ‘Conflict of interest’ and how can does it manifest in the
decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation,
how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples.
Introduction:
Conflict of interest is a situation in which there is a mismatch between personal interest and
professional interest of a public servant. In such a situation it becomes hard to make any decision.
Manifestation in Decision Making by Public Servant:
● Example 1: ICICI bank head Chandra Kochar had alleged for allocating funds to his
relatives, as for her personal interest.
● Example 2: When an IAS officer has to deal with the concern where on one hand his
native place is in question vis-a-vis the interest of the nation. It creates a situation of
conflict of interest.
● Example 3: When an officer wants to buy a property on a land which he comes to know
that in future will be taken by the government for a developmental project.
● Example 4: Conflict of interest is also faced by a public servant when he has to choose
between his personal benefit like promotion vis-a-viz working against the wrong orders of
his senior.
How to Resolve such Situation:
● Objectivity: If objectivity becomes criteria in decision making then conflict of interest
can be reduced, as he will make decisions based on the facts.
● Public service: The sole motto should be the welfare of the maximum number of people
while making any decision.
● Rule of law: Every public servant should keep the Constitution as guiding light while
making any law.
● All India Services Conduct Rule, 1964: They should be implemented in letter and spirit
to deal with the situation of conflict of interest.
Conclusion:
The training module of Mission Karmayogi needs to be strengthened so that a public servant can
effectively deal with the situation of conflict of interest.
Q.9 A private company is known for its efficiency, transparency and employee welfare. The
company though owned by a private individual has a cooperative character where
employees feel a sense of ownership. The company employs nearly 700 personnel and
they have voluntarily decided not to form union.
One day suddenly in the morning, about 40 men belonging to political party gate
crashed into the factory demanding jobs in the factory. They threatened the
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
management and employees, and also used foul language. The employees feel
demoralized. It was clear that those people who gate crashed wanted to be on the
payroll of the company as well as continue as the volunteers/members of the party.
The company maintains high standards in integrity and does not extend favors to
civil administration that also includes law enforcement agency. Such incident occur in
public sector also.
(a) Assume you are the CEO of the company. What would you do to diffuse the volatile
situation on the date of gate crashing with the violent mob sitting inside the company
premises?
(b) What can be the long term solution to the issue discussed in the case?
(c) Every solution/action that you suggest will have a negative and a positive impact on you
as (CEO), the employees and the performance of the employees. Analyze the
consequences of each of your suggested actions.
Introduction:
The above case deals with the issue of discrepancy created by men of political parties in the
working of a well efficient, transparent and Employee welfare oriented party. The company does
not extend favors to civil administration yet is threatened to do so.
Stakeholders:
Me as the CEO, Party workers, Employees, Government at large.
Steps taken to diffuse the volatile situation on the date of gate crashing:
● Enhance security: By engaging all the guards on the gate on which protesters are
crashing.
● Police help: Contacting the police for providing protection to the employees of the
company.
● Consultation: Being a CEO, I would hold consultation with the leader of the political
party and assure them to do necessary enquiry to understand their demands.
● Morale upkeep: I’ll also ensure that my employees don't feel threatened due to the men
crashing in the factory.
Long term solution to the issue:
● Solution 1: To employ the persons belonging to a political party in the company.
● Solution 2: To deny them jobs in the company straight forward.
● Solution 3: Hold consultation with political parties and take the relevant steps.
● Solution 4: Amend the policy of employment of the company in order to deal with the
challenges based on consultation with employees.
( c) Negative and Positive impact of the solutions:
Negative Positive
Sol. 1.  Will impact the integrity and  The protest could be stopped.
efficiency of the company.  The threat of security to the employees could
 Will lead to an increase in such also be prevented.
demand in future.
Sol. 2.  Further the protest by the people  Work culture and efficiency would not be
belonging to political parties. compromised.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
 Can have negative repercussions  Integrity of the company would be maintained.
for the working of the company.
Sol. 3.  This will help in calming the  It’ll promote political biases in the transparent
protesters. working of the company.
 Political leaders will provide  May lead to an increase in such protests in
political favors. future.
Sol. 4.  This will help in paying heeds to the demand of
the protesters.
 A consensus based approach will prevent
compromise on the part of efficiency in the
working of a company.
Conclusion:
In future the government should ensure that political interference should be stopped in the
working of political parties. Also political parties should also ensure that its members don't
indulge in such kinds of activities.
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Q.10 You are the Sarpanch of a Panchayat. There is a primary school run by the
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government in your area. Midday meals are provided to children attending the school.
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The headmaster has now appointed a new cook in the school to prepare the meals.
However, when it is found that cook is from Dalit community, almost half of the
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children belonging to higher castes are not allowed to take meals by their parents.
Consequently the attendance in the schools falls sharply. This could result in the
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possibility of discontinuation of midday meal scheme, thereafter of teaching staff and

subsequent closing down the school.
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(a) Discuss some possible strategies to overcome the conflict and to create the right
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ambiance.
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(b) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create
positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?
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Introduction:
Discrimination against dalits has remained a cause of concern since long time in India. The
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formation of Harijan Sevak Sangh by Gandhiji and Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha by Ambedkar was
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based on idea of elimination of caste based discrimination in India. Post independence

government has taken many measures to deal with these practices yet the case above depicts a
different picture.
Stakeholders:
Me as Sarpanch of the Panchayat , Children , Headmaster, New cook belonging to Dalit
coounity, Parents, Teaching staff etc.
Feasible Strategies to Overcome the Conflicts and to Create Right Ambiance are:
Short term strategy:
● Setting an example: Me being as Sarpanch would eat mid-day meal prepared by the
Dalit community.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
● Education based Strategies: Teaching the values of equality to students in school
and creating an ambiance of equality in schools.
● Behavioual nudge: through nukkad natak, dramas and puppet shows villagers should
be taught lessons against discrimination based on caste.
● Home outreach: Teachers should be requested to reach the house of every student
and talk to their parents about ill effects of such discrimination.
● Religious outreach: Local community leaders could be requested to talk to parents,
so that they don’t teach such practices to their children.
Long term strategy:
● Economic strategy: By utilizing government schemes and providing employment the
community should be empowered economical terms.
● Social Strategy: By increasing social cohesion among different communities on the
basis of the spirit of Nationalism. This will help in developing the spirit of equality.
● Political Strategy: Increasing reservation for Dalits in local elections along with intra
party reservation for Dalits.
● Create conducive environment: For overall development of Dalit community.
● Legal Measures: For people spreading negative feelings toward Dalits, strict laws
should be enacted.
Responsibility of different social segments:
● Children: To convey the message of equality to their parents and society at large.
● Parents: To teach good moral values based on the idea of truth, equality and justice
to their children.
● Teachers: To teach the ideals of Constitutionalism and Fundamental Rights to their
students.
● Society: Society should prevent such practices. It’s the duty of the society to ensure
that nobody is discriminated against on the basis of caste.
● Leaders: They should setan example like Mahatma Gandhi himself cleaned toilets
and took food with Dalits.
● Government: To ensure legislation and strict enforcement of laws like Prevention of
Atrocities against SCs and STs.
Conclusion:
21st century India should be based on progressive ideas of communal harmony and respect for
human dignity. This will help in elimination of such practices in India.
Q.11 One of the scientists working in the R&D laboratory of a major pharmaceutical
company discovers that one of the company’s bestselling veterinary drugs has the
potential to cure a currently incurable liver disease which is prevalent in tribal areas.
However, developing a variant of the drug suitable for human beings entailed a lot of
research and development having a huge expenditure to the extent of Rs. 50 crores. It
was unlikely that the company would recover the cost as the disease was rampant only
in poverty stricken areas having very little market otherwise.
If you were the CEO, then
(a) Identify the various actions that you could take
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
Introduction:
The Scientist community adds a lot of value to human lives. In recent times there is a debate
going on regarding whether the researcher should go for profit maximisation or for the larger
goal of humanity. The case above depicts such a scenario.
Stakeholders:
Me as CEO, Tribal people, General public, Pharmaceutical company
Actions I could take as a CEO:
● Action 1: Going for profit maximisation.
● Action 2: Analysing the situation and discussion with team members: First of all, I'll
objectively read about every piece of data regarding the research and find out the
measures for cost reduction. Being a leader I'll actively listen to the opinion of my
teammates and chart out relevant strategies to deal with the situation.
● Action 3: Government help and philanthropy: If we're not able to recover our losses, I
would request the Ministry of Health to help the company in funding. In order to prevent
losses for my company I would ask for donations and philanthropic help.
● Action 4: Larger Public interest: The ultimate aim of any company is to protect the larger
public interest, therefore I would go for research despite profit so that people in poverty
stricken areas should be benefitted.
Pros and Cons of Each of Action
Action Pros Cons
1  No revenue loss for the  Against the voice of conscience of me as
company. human beings.
 Prevent unnecessary hurdles  Against the responsibility of scientific
community towards society
2  Consensus will be developed  If the consensus develops against the
over the situation continuation of research then the poor people
 Objective evaluation will help will not be benefited.
in removing subjectivity  Also in ethical matters subjectivity also plays
an important role.
3  Funding from the government  But if these resources are not available or they
and Philantropher would help refuse to help then the company will go in loss.
in reducing the cost of the  Also research for such disease would be
company. hampered.
4  Help in preventing crises of  Profit maximisation should not come in the way
conscience. of societal responsibility
 Create a good image of the  Though in the short term the company will
company among stakeholders. suffer from losses but in the long term good
 will enhance the customer image of the company will help it in fetching
base of the company. more funds.
Conclusion:
There is a need to bring the perspective of the poor in focus in all occupations. The utmost
priority should be given to public interest while balancing profit and loyalty towards the
company.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
Q.12 There is a disaster prone state having frequent landslides, forest fires, cloudbursts,
flash floods and earthquakes, etc. Some of these are seasonal and often
unpredictable. The magnitude of the disaster is always unanticipated. During one of
the seasons a cloudburst caused devastating floods and landslides leading to high
casualties. There was major damage to infrastructure like roads, bridges and power
generating units. This led to more than 100000 pilgrims, tourists and other locals
trapped across different routes and locations. The people trapped in your area of
responsibility include senior citizens, patients in hospitals, women and children,
hikers, tourists, ruling parties, regional presidents along with his family, additional
chief secretary of the neighbouring state and prisoners in jail.
As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you
would rescue these people and why?
Introduction:
This case represents a similar situation as was faced by India during Uttarakhand floods of 2014.
There was an ethical dilemma among rescuers to choose the priority of relief operations among
different victims.
My Criteria as a civil service officer:
m
co
I would go by the objective criteria of ‘degree of vulnerability and equal human dignity’. My selection
would be guided by the ethical principles of equality, justice, respect to human dignity etc.
l.
ai
Order of rescue:
The above criteria would be the foundation of my decision regarding the order of rescue of
gm
people.
1. Patients in hospitals: Since they are the most vulnerable of all due to their medical
2
conditions, they need to be rescued first in order to save their lives and continue their medical
treatment.
ik
2. Senior citizens: Due to their physical weakness they’ll not be able to withstand long periods
al
of disturbance. Therefore they need to be rescued at second place.

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3. Women and Children: The women are the care-takers of their children and they need to be
rescued so that they can help children in distress. Children are not physically strong enough
ha
to deal with disasters so they need to be rescued in priority.

4. Tourist: It’s the responsibility of the administration to ensure the safety of the tourists as they are
is
guests in our territory.

5. Additional Chief Secretary of the neighbouring state: The post is of high responsibility,
am
his availability is vital for the neighbouring state so he needs to be rescued.

6. Regional presidents of the ruling party: They will be rescued based on their vulnerability &
capability. As they are public servants, they have to ensure public safety first.
7. Prisoners in jail: They should be protected as they are going for reform in prisons and they
have equal human rights with respect to other strata of the society.
8. Hikers: In comparison to other sections, they know techniques for survival in difficult
circumstances. So they can sustain for long periods and can be rescued at last.
Conclusion:
In order to deal with such a dilemma one should be guided by the principle of vulnerability
assessment and public service as sole most criteria among others. Also in future we should ensure
that we can prevent such tragedies from happening.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
Q.13 You are heading a district administration in a particular department. Your senior
officer calls you from the State Headquarters and tells you that a plot in Rampur
village is to have a building constructed on it for a school. A visit is scheduled during
which he will visit the site along with the chief engineer and the senior architect. He
wants you to check out all the papers relating to it and ensure that the visit is
properly arranged. You examine the file which relates to the period before you
joined the department. The land was acquired for the local panchayat at a nominal
cost and the papers showed that clearance certificates are available for the two of
the three authorities who have to certify the site’s suitability. There is no
certification by the architect available on file. You decide to visit Rampur to ensure
that all is in the order as stated on file. When you visit Rampur, you find that the
plot under reference is a part of Thakurgarh fort and that the walls, ramparts, etc.,
are running across it. The fort is well away from the main village, therefore a school
here will be a serious inconvenience for the children. However, the area near the
village has potential to expand into a larger residential area. The development
charges on the existing plot, at the fort, will be very high and the question of heritage
site has not been addressed. Moreover, the Sarpanch, at the time of acquisition of
the land, was a relative of your predecessor. The whole transaction appears to have
been done with some vested interest.
(a) List the likely vested interest of the concerned parties.
(b) Some of the options for action available to you are listed below. Discuss the
merits and demerits of each of the options:
(i) You can await the visit of the superior officer and let him make a decision.
(ii) You can seek his advice in writing or on the phone.
(iii) You can consult your predecessor/ colleagues, etc, and then decide what to do.
(iv) You can find out if any alternate plot can be got in exchange and then send a
comprehensive written report.
Can you suggest any other option with proper justifications?
Introduction:
The above case deals with the issues of fraudulent acquisition, misuse of funds, destruction of
heritage sites and vested interests. This case represents corruption in Public policies.
Stakeholders:
Me as head of district administration, Senior officials, Sarpanch, Government, Public and other
vested interests.
(a) Likely vested interest of the concerned parties are
Me: My interest lies in ensuring that proper facts are represented in front of the visiting
senior officials. Aling with this public welfare in the project should be priority without any
corruption and malpractices.
Constructor: They are benefited due to the high development cost of the project.
Village Panchayat: As they acquired the plot at a very nominal cost and have potential for
the profit.
Options And their merits and demerits:
i) Wait For The visit of the superior officer and let him take a decision:
● Merits
- Prevent unnecessary hustle on my part.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
- I will benefit from the experience of my superior.
● Demerits
- It will represent a tendency towards proactive decision making.
- Delay the project implementation process.
ii) Seek his advice in writing or on phone
● Merits
- Necessary information could be discussed.
- Timely implementation or modifications in the project can be started.
● Demerits
- Vested interest can manipulate the opinion.
- There will be chances of approval of projects despite several irregularities.
iii) Consult your predecessor and then decide what to do:
● Merits
- Help me in making the decision.
- Helps in understanding the exact facts and conditions of the contract.
● Demerits
- There are chances of manipulation by predecessor as he was the relative of the
sarpanch.
- The information might get circulated among vested interests and they can use tactics to
hamper my working.
d) find out an alternative plot in exchange and then send a comprehensive report:
● Merits
- Help in protecting heritage sites.
- Protect Right to Education of children.
- Prevent as well as present the faces of people doing corruption in front of police.
Other Options:
● Holding meetings with the villagers and collecting their opinion: This will help in
promoting active participation of citizens in public works.
● Holding Enquiry: In the contract so that vested interests can be punished and then
continue with the project in the best suitable manner.
Conclusion:
In the larger term we need to ensure e-bidding and e-approval of the projects so that greater
transparency and accountability can be ensured.
Q.14 You were recently posted as district development officer of a district. Shortly
thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your
district on the issue of sending girls to schools.
The elders of the village feel that many problems have come up because girls
are being educated and they are stepping out of the safe environment of the
household. They are of the view that the girls should be quickly married off with
minimum education. The girls are also competing for jobs after education, which
have traditionally remained in boys’ exclusive domain, adding to unemployment
amongst male population.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
The younger generation feels that in the present era, girls should have equal
opportunities for education and employment, and other means of livelihood. The
entire locality is divided between sexes in both generations. You come to know that
in Panchayat or in other local bodies or even in busy crosswords, the issue is being
acrimoniously debated.
One day you are informed that an unpleasant incident has taken place. Some
girls were molested, when they were en route to schools. The incident led to clashes
between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen. The elder after
heated discussion have taken a joint decision not to allow girls to go to school and to
socially boycott all such families, which do not follow their dictate. (250 words) (25
Marks)
(a) What steps would you take to ensure girls’ safety without disrupting their
education?
(b) How would you manage and mould the patriarchal attitude of the village elders to
ensure harmony in the inter- generational relations?
Introduction:
m
The given case deals with the issue of girls' education and difference in thinking of generations.
co
It also depicts the unfortunate incidents like molestation happening with the girls in present
times.
l.
Stakeholder:
ai
Me as district development officer, Girls of the area, Elders, Younger generation and Several
gm
groups in the village.

What steps would you take to ensure girls safety without disrupting their education:
2
Short term measures:

ik
● Punishing the molesters: I would take the help of police to file cases against molesters
and ensure strict punishment for them.
al
● Complete justice: Victim girls would be provided with compensation and well as
m
psychological support so as to come out of trauma.

● Increase security: I’ll ensure that security in the areas surrounding the educational
ha
institute would be increased, so that girls feel safe.

Medium term measures:
is
● Educational reforms: Gender sensitization in education is necessary so that crime

am
against women can be reduced.

● Meeting of Gram Sabha: I’ll hold a meeting of Gram Sabha to know about the
difference of opinion. Later on I'll address all of their concerns.
● Establishing Kishor Vahini: A girls led girls own squad would be established to help all
the girls in the village.
● Attitude change: By establishing role models as well as use of dramas, movies and other
modes to change the attitude of elders.
Long term measures:
● Political measures: Increasing political participation of women by reservation, can help
in increasing the role of women in policy making.
● Economic measures: Providing vocational education and jobs to girls will increase their
role in the community and will help in eradicating evil practises.
UPSC CSE 2015 EXAM
● Social reforms: In order to change the thinking of society they should be educated about
the benefits of education and the great role played by women in different parts of the
world.
(b) How to manage and mould patriarchal attitude of the village elders:
● Behavioural nudge: Use methods like example setting in order to prompt the
importance of girls' education among elders.
● Holding interactive sessions: Regular meetings would be held among the young
generation and elders so that both can understand each other's opinion and a common
consensus emerges between them.
● Activities: Special fairs and festivals are held which focus on neutralising the patriarchal
attitude by throwing a positive light on girls' education.
● Educational apparatus: Elderly would themselves be promoted to take part in education
so that they can understand the importance of education as well as the concept of gender
neutrality.
Conclusion:
Girls education is very important for a society, because if we educate a boy we educate a person
but if we educate a girl we educate a generation. So attitude of elderky needs to be changed
toward the idea of girl’s education.
*******

(Model Answers - GS - IV) : Upsc Cse 2015 Exam

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(ii) Ethical Management and Management of ethics

(iii) Discrimination and Preferntial treatment

(iv) Personal ethics and Professional ethics

Meaning in the Present Context:

which happened in pre pre-independence era.

developed countries in mutually forgivable terms.

normalising the threatening situation in the world.

accountability in the functioning of the government. However , it is also being

Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimised.

working of the officers , due to misuse of the mechanism.

attention of officers towards unnecessary things.

ideas of ethics. This view is called realism in international relations.

interest of defeating power it paved the way for World War 2.

negligence of other nation’s interest at the cost of one’s own interest.

Ethical Consideration as solution

possibility of discontinuation of midday meal scheme, thereafter of teaching staff and

based on idea of elimination of caste based discrimination in India. Post independence

of disturbance. Therefore they need to be rescued at second place.

to deal with disasters so they need to be rescued in priority.

guests in our territory.

his availability is vital for the neighbouring state so he needs to be rescued.

groups in the village.

Short term measures:

psychological support so as to come out of trauma.

institute would be increased, so that girls feel safe.

● Educational reforms: Gender sensitization in education is necessary so that crime

against women can be reduced.

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