A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q10. A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set upon the additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to the detrimental effect on the environment. But one state government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition.
The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitation thousands of people took part, creating a law and order problem necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the factory.
The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industries which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it.
As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling these issues, how are you going to address it? (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case Study
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to write a case summary.
- In Body,
- Mention the stakeholders involved.
- Address and discuss the issues.
- Discuss your take on the prevailing issues.
- In Conclusion, try to write a way forward.
Answer:
Case Summary:
A big corporate house, engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals proposed to set additional units but rejected the proposal by many states. One state government has allowed the plant to be set up despite opposition.
Pollution caused by this plant was affecting land, water and crops and it gave rise to agitation of thousands of people, creating a law and order problem.
The state government ordered the closure of the factory, which resulted in the unemployment of many associates.
And I as a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling these issues.
Stakeholders involved in the case:
- A big corporate house.
- State Governments.
- Local people and employees of the organization.
- Society at large.
Addressing the issue:
- As a senior civil servant my concern will not be just maintaining law and order or putting a stop on economic activities which lead to pollution and other harmful consequences, but trying to find better arrangements to keep the businesses going with least adverse effect on natural resources as well as people.
- Civil servants are seen as administrators and agents of socio-economic change and law and order enforcers. In this spirit, I will not resort to linear and straight solutions in favor of either the businesses or people; a good solution to this problem does not warrant a one-sided solution.
- Businesses create wealth and generate employment, but these also lead to pollution and destitution if these units do not follow the principle of Corporate Social Responsibility and corporate ethics.
Therefore, as a responsible officer, I would like to suggest the following steps:
- First response will be to uphold the law and order situation with judicious use of persuasion and force.
- After social order is in place, channels of communication should be opened to all stakeholders and disseminating information regarding closure of Industry.
- Closure of Industry should not be abrupt but phase wise shifting in a time bound manner.
- Set up of an enquiry committee for proper assessment of environmental and health damage caused due to toxic waste generated by chemical factories.
- Based upon the assessment report, Just compensation should be provided to those who are affected by chemical Unit and bioremediation of affected areas through CSR and other provisions of environmental Laws.
- Multi-stakeholder approach should be adopted bringing all parties to discussion and deliberation to find a new site.
- I will ensure detailed SIA and EIA of the new site are conducted as per EPA 1986.
- Tax holiday and other support provisions can be Provided to small ancillary units so that they can shift to newer areas while maintaining their competitiveness and viability.
- I will also ensure from now onwards, chemical units have strict compliance and better regulation, so that the problem may not resurface again.
- I will make a detailed report of the entire case and submit it to the Secretariat level so that effective policy could be made on a Pan India basis.
Looking at the case issue, I will seek experts’ opinions to find a workable solution that allows the chemical industry to run. Such solutions may take time and may be difficult to negotiate with different stakeholders. Even then I would not fall victim to ‘knee-jerk’ reactions or ‘quick fixes’; there are times when trampling on difficult paths yields a complete solution to a problem, and so I will do the same. I will try to put all my efforts and might into reaching a solution that makes development possible with the least real externality while maximizing income, output, and employment.
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