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:8 You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle – class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during an annual examination the flying squad from the university caught two students red-handed involving unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these students in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was the son of a local politician who was responsible for getting the college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was the son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with the flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incidents will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politicians and businessmen are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given a hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with the flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimidated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.
- Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
- Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why? (250 words)
Answer:
Approach:
- Start with a brief introduction of the administrator of a college.
- Mention various stakeholders involved in the case.
- Mention the Ethical dilemmas involved.
- Mention the Options available as a Vice Principal.
- Mention which option will be adopted along with reasons.
- Conclusion accordingly.
Introduction:
- “Enlightening Minds,Nurturing Souls-Unveiling the Wisdom of Ancient India’s Education.”As an administrative leader, they are responsible for maintaining the smooth functioning of the college, implementing policies and regulations, and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence. The administrator plays a vital role in shaping the college’s vision, mission, and overall direction. The administrator’s leadership, decision-making skills, and commitment to the institution’s values are instrumental in steering the college towards success and achieving its goals.
Body:
Various stakeholders: In the given case, the various stakeholders involved are:
- Vice Principal (myself): Responsible for overseeing the functioning of the college and ensuring ethical conduct.
- Senior lecturer: Involved in assisting students in unfair means during the examination.
- Students: Caught red-handed involved in unfair means during the examination.
- Local businessman: Donated maximum funds for running the college.
- Local politician: Responsible for getting the college affiliated to the reputed university.
- Flying squad: Sent by the university to conduct surprise inspections and maintain the integrity of examinations.
- College management: Responsible for the overall administration and decision-making of the college.
- Administrative officer: Provides administrative support and information to the Vice Principal.
- Student union members: Protesting against the senior lecturer and the students involved in the unfair means incident, demanding strict action against them.
The Ethical dilemmas :
The ethical dilemmas involved in the given case include:
- Integrity and Honesty: The senior lecturer’s involvement in assisting students in unfair means challenges the principles of integrity and honesty in the education system.
- Impartiality and Fairness: The involvement of the senior lecturer, who is close to the management, raises concerns about impartiality and fairness in conducting examinations. Showing favouritism to certain students undermines the principles of equal opportunity and fairness to all students.
- Conflicting Interests: The presence of the local politician and businessman as influential figures within the college creates a conflict of interest. The management’s desire to protect their reputation and maintain their support may conflict with the need for taking appropriate action against the unfair means incident.
- Professional Conduct: The Vice Principal’s ethical dilemma lies in choosing between prioritising personal career advancement (promotion to Principal) or upholding principles of justice, probity, and impartiality. This creates a conflict between self-interest and professional integrity.
- Student Welfare: Taking strict action against the students involved may have consequences for their future, potentially jeopardising their education and opportunities. Balancing the welfare of the students with the need for accountability poses an ethical challenge.
- Public Perception: The actions taken by the Vice Principal and the college will impact the perception of the institution in the eyes of the students, community, and society at large. Upholding ethical standards and addressing the unfair means incident appropriately is crucial to maintain the college’s reputation.
The Options available as a Vice Principal: As the Vice Principal, there are several options available in handling the situation:
- Option 1: Follow the management’s directive and resolve the issue with the flying squad without taking any action against the students and senior lecturer involved in unfair means.
- Pros: Potential benefits such as continued funding for the college, preservation of the college’s image, and increased chances of promotion to Principal.
- Cons: Unfair treatment to other students, compromise on procedural integrity, potential harm to the college’s long-term reputation, and escalation of student protests.
- Option 2: Take strict action against the students and senior lecturer involved, regardless of the influence or importance of the local politician and businessman.
- Pros: Upholding fairness, integrity, and moral principles in the education system, maintaining credibility in the long run, discouraging similar behaviour in the future, and sending a strong message about ethical conduct.
- Cons: Potential financial issues for the college, impact on the future of the students involved, potential strain on recent admissions, and reduced chances of promotion to Principal.
- Option 3: Seek a middle ground by addressing the issue with the flying squad while also implementing appropriate disciplinary measures against the students and senior lecturer.
- Pros: Striking a balance between maintaining the college’s relationships and reputation, while still ensuring accountability and fairness.
- Cons: The effectiveness of this option depends on the severity of the disciplinary measures and the level of transparency involved.
- Option 4: Engage in open dialogue with the management, discussing the ethical implications and long-term consequences of the situation, and urging them to prioritise ethical conduct and the integrity of the education system.
- Pros: Encouraging the management to reconsider their stance and aligning their decisions with ethical principles.
- Cons: The success of this option depends on the willingness of the management to reconsider and prioritise ethical considerations
Option will be adopted along with reasons: The option that will be adopted is Option 2: To let the authorities take strict action.
Reasons for adopting Option 2:
- Upholding Ethical Standards: It emphasises the importance of ethical behaviour and sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.
- Maintenance of Credibility: It demonstrates the college’s commitment to upholding high ethical standards and ensures that the examination process is fair for all students.
- Discouraging Future Misconduct: It reinforces the importance of professional conduct and discourages any temptation to compromise on ethical values.
- Fair Treatment for All: Treating the students involved in unfair means with accountability promotes an environment where honest students are not disadvantaged and their efforts are duly recognized.
- Quelling Student Protests: By demonstrating that the college takes misconduct seriously and is committed to maintaining a fair academic environment, the protests are likely to subside.
Conclusion:
- Hence, when faced with the ethical dilemmas involved in the case as a Vice Principal, it is essential to prioritise principles of integrity, honesty, and fairness.Gandhi Ji emphasised the importance of truth, probity, and justice in all aspects of life, including education. In his book “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” Gandhi Ji highlighted the significance of upholding moral principles and acting in accordance with one’s conscience. He believed in the power of truth and righteousness, even in the face of adversity and personal ambition.
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