The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination is renowned as one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. In the year 2013, 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.
Q13. As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have a far-reaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has done a lot of quality work for the Government and is known to be close to your immediate superior, who asks you to disclose this information to the said builder. (250 words 20 Marks)
(a) What are the options available to you?
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.
Tags: Case Studies
Case Summary: I am a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, and I have access to some of the confidential information about policy decisions of the Government which are likely to have a sweeping impact on the housing and construction industry. In case builders get access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders is known to be close to my immediate superior, who asks me to disclose this information to the builder.
Stakeholders: Me, My Department, Builders.
Ethical Issues/Ethical Dilemmas: Disclosure of information, impartiality, loyal
Answers:
Options:
(i) disclosing the information:
Merits –As the builder has done so much for the department, so quid pro quo for his work.
Demerits –By disclosing the information, my ethics as a Government servant will be compromised.
(ii) say directly No to my senior.
Merits- I will not be further pressurized to disclose the information.
Demerits -This option can hurt my senior’s ego and strain my relationship with him.
b) It is preferable to refuse to reveal the information right away.
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