The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination is renowned as one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. In the year 2021, the General Studies Paper 4, often referred to as GS 4, presented candidates with a diverse array of ethical dilemmas and situational questions. This paper aimed to evaluate the ethical and moral aptitude of aspiring civil servants, testing their ability to navigate complex issues with integrity and sound judgment. Through a series of case studies and theoretical inquiries, candidates were required to demonstrate their understanding of ethical principles and their practical application in governance and public administration. The UPSC GS 4 paper serves as a crucial benchmark for selecting individuals who possess not only the knowledge but also the ethical fortitude necessary to serve the nation with honesty, fairness, and dedication.
Q:7 Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentless pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from the river belt and transporting it through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation.
Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are hand in glove with them and have developed a close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to the mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia’s illegal sand mining operations in that district and may cause them irreparable damage.
The mafia turned hostile and launched a counter-offensive. The tribal muscle men and mafia started threatening him with dire consequences. His family (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscle man came to his office and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different from some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia).
- Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation.
- Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
- Which of the above, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why? (250 words)
Answer:
Approach:
- Start with a brief introduction with the context of “illegal sand mining”.
- Mention the Various stakeholders which can be identified .
- Mention The different options available with Sunil.
- Discussing the above options can have the following consequences.(Option 1, Merits , Demerits) + (Option 2, Merits , Demerits)
- Briefly mention Sunil should adopt the first option (This is owing to the following reasons).
- Conclusion accordingly.
Introduction:
- Illegal sand mining has become a significant environmental and social issue in many parts of the world, including India. It involves the unlawful extraction of sand from riverbeds, beaches, and other natural resources, often leading to severe ecological degradation and social unrest. The extraction and sale of sand without proper permits and regulations contribute to environmental damage, disrupt ecosystems, and negatively impact the livelihoods of local communities. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines in 2016, providing a framework for sustainable extraction of sand while preserving the ecological balance.
Body:
The Various stakeholders: In the given scenario, the following stakeholders can be identified:
- Sunil: Sunil is the central figure in this situation. As a civil servant, he is responsible for handling the challenging assignment and taking actions against the illegal sand mining mafia. His integrity, dedication, and safety are at stake.
- Sunil’s family: Sunil’s wife and old mother are directly impacted by the threats and intimidation tactics employed by the mafia. Their safety and well-being are crucial considerations in Sunil’s decision-making process.
- Illegal sand mining mafia: The mafia, involved in the illegal sand mining operations, is a major stakeholder. They seek to protect their illegal activities, profits, and influence in the tribal dominated district. They pose threats, engage in intimidation, and may resort to violence to maintain their operations.
- Local functionaries and corrupt officials: These individuals have developed an unholy nexus with the mafia, enabling their illegal activities. They are complicit in the sand mining operations and may actively work against Sunil’s efforts to dismantle the mafia. Their reputations, interests, and positions of power are at stake.
- Tribal musclemen: The musclemen act as enforcers for the mafia and help maintain control over the local tribal population. They are involved in bribing poor tribals, intimidating them, and ensuring their compliance. Their influence and power are threatened by Sunil’s actions.
- Poor tribals: The poor tribals who are being bribed by the mafia are also stakeholders. They are caught in a vicious cycle of exploitation and intimidation. Their lives and livelihoods are impacted by the illegal sand mining operations.
- Higher authorities and government agencies: These entities have a role to play in supporting Sunil and addressing the issue. They may provide resources, protection, and guidance to ensure the success of the operation against the mafia. Their reputations and credibility are also at stake.
- Law enforcement agencies: Police and other law enforcement agencies are stakeholders in this situation. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of Sunil, his family, and the local population, and assisting in the investigation and prosecution of the mafia.
- Local community: The local community, including residents, businesses, and other stakeholders, is indirectly impacted by the illegal sand mining operations. They may have concerns about environmental damage, safety issues, and the overall well-being of the district.
The different options available with Sunil: In the given scenario, Sunil has several options available to him to address the situation. These options include:
- Continue the raids and investigations: This option demonstrates his commitment to upholding the law and combating the issue at its core. However, it also exposes him and his family to significant risks due to the threats and intimidation tactics employed by the mafia.
- Seek external support: By involving external agencies, Sunil may receive additional resources, protection, and support to counter the threats he and his family are facing. However, this option may also lead to delays and bureaucracy, and it is crucial to ensure that the external entities can be trusted and are not compromised.
- Maintain a low profile: By keeping a low profile, he may be able to minimise the immediate risks to himself and his family. However, this option does not address the larger issue of the illegal sand mining mafia, and it may give the impression of succumbing to intimidation.
- Gather evidence discreetly: By building a strong case, he can ensure that the legal system can effectively prosecute the perpetrators, and it may deter the mafia from escalating their threats. However, this option requires careful planning, discretion, and support from trustworthy individuals to ensure the safety of Sunil and his family during the evidence collection process.
- Engage with the local community: By gaining their trust and support, Sunil can gather valuable information about the mafia’s operations, receive assistance in protecting his family, and create awareness about the negative impact of illegal sand mining. However, this option requires diplomacy, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of the local dynamics.
- Implement witness protection measures: This option ensures the safety and security of witnesses and encourages them to come forward without fear of retaliation.
- Initiate legal proceedings: By taking the matter to court, Sunil can ensure that justice is served, and the perpetrators are held accountable. However, this option requires a strong case, support from legal professionals, and adequate protection for himself and his family during the legal process.
The options can have the following consequences:
Option 1: Continue the raids and investigations
Merits:
- Demonstrates Sunil’s commitment to upholding the law and combating illegal sand mining.
- Sends a strong message to the mafia and corrupt officials that their activities will not be tolerated.
- May lead to immediate disruption of the mafia’s operations and the apprehension of key individuals involved.
- Builds a reputation for Sunil as a proactive and dedicated officer.
Demerits:
- Exposes Sunil and his family to significant risks, including threats, intimidation, and potential violence from the mafia.
- Could lead to retaliation from the mafia, endangering not only Sunil but also his colleagues, informants, and the local community.
- May require substantial resources and support from law enforcement agencies to ensure the success and safety of the raids and investigations.
Option 2: Seek external support
Merits:
- Provides Sunil with additional resources, protection, and support from higher authorities and law enforcement agencies.
- Increases the chances of dismantling the mafia’s operations and prosecuting the perpetrators effectively.
- Can offer expertise and guidance from experienced professionals who specialise in combating organised crime.
- Helps establish a network of support and solidarity, increasing the likelihood of success.
Demerits:
- Involves a degree of bureaucracy and potential delays in receiving support and action from external entities.
- Requires careful consideration of the trustworthiness and integrity of the higher authorities and agencies being approached.
- May expose Sunil’s intentions and strategies to the mafia if there are leaks or compromised individuals within the external support system.
Sunil should adopt the first option (This is owing to the following reasons): Sunil should adopt the first option, which is to continue the raids and investigations, for the following reasons:
- Demonstrates commitment and sends a strong message: By persisting with raids and investigations, Sunil showcases his dedication to upholding the law and combating the illegal sand mining mafia. This sends a strong message to the mafia and corrupt officials that their illegal activities will not go unchecked.
- Immediate disruption of operations: Continuing the raids can lead to an immediate disruption of the mafia’s operations. It can result in the apprehension of key individuals involved in the illegal sand mining activities, thus hampering their ability to carry out their operations effectively.
- Building a reputation: By taking proactive and decisive action, Sunil can build a reputation as a competent and dedicated officer. This can enhance his credibility and encourage support from higher authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the local community in tackling the issue
Conclusion:
- Hence,Controlling the illegal sand mafia requires courage and dedication.By continuing the raids and investigations, as well as seeking external support, Sunil can effectively address the issue. It is crucial for Sunil to prioritise the safety of his family and ensure meticulous planning and collaboration with trustworthy entities. When making decisions, we can look to the motto of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as a guiding principle. The motto, “Excellence in action,” emphasises the importance of ensuring that our actions can withstand legal scrutiny.
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