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Que. Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash’s Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash’s only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discreetly as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew’s business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why? (250 Words, 20 Marks)

UPSC CSE : 2025

Civil servants hold the office of trust and stewardship, expected to act with integrity, impartiality (Yudhishthira, Mahabharata), and public accountability. Subash, Secretary PWD, faces a moral dilemma where personal, familial, and political pressures conflict with his duty. His decisions must balance dharma (duty), fairness, transparency, and rule of law, avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. 

Key Stakeholders

  Stakeholders
  • Subash (Secretary, PWD)
  • Vikas (Son of Subash)
  • Minister (PWD)
  • Minister’s Nephew (Infrastructure Business)
  • Public / Citizens

(a) Ethical Issues Involved

  • Conflict of Interest: Balancing the private gains of his son and political loyalty against public duty.
  • Insider Trading/Corruption Risk: Disclosure of sensitive project information violates legal and ethical norms.
  • Nepotism Pressure: The Minister’s influence to favour his nephew compromises meritocracy.
  • Integrity vs Familial Pressure: Persistent requests from son test personal virtue and self-control.
  • Professional Accountability: Upholding transparency and probity is crucial for institutional credibility.

(b) Options Available – Merits and Demerits

Options Merits Demerits
1. Share info with son -Short-term personal/familial gain (self-interest).

– Meets filial expectations.

– Immediate satisfaction.

-Violates duty, transparency, and the rule of law.

– Corruption/insider trading risk.

-Long-term erosion of public trust and institutional integrity.

2. Favour Minister’s nephew – May strengthen political ties.

-Could accelerate project approval.

– Short-term goodwill.

-Violates meritocracy, fairness, and impartiality.

– Breaches Kantian duty ethics.

– Sets precedent for nepotism.

3. Refuse disclosure & act impartially – Upholds Kantian duty ethics: act according to moral law.

– Protects public trust, integrity, and transparency.

– Aligns with the Bhagavad Gita principle of karma yoga.

-Faces pressure from son and minister.

-Potential delay in project approvals.

– Short-term personal stress.

4. Recuse from project decisions – Avoids conflict of interest.

-Ensures administrative accountability.

-Protects the reputation of PWD and oneself.

– Limits professional influence.

– Could delay project execution.

-May appear as avoidance of responsibility.

(c) Recommended Course of Action: Combine Options 3 and 4

  • Maintain impartiality: Do not disclose project information to the son or the minister’s nephew.
  • Recuse if necessary: Delegate sensitive project decisions to a neutral officer to maintain integrity and transparency.
  • Document all communications: Create a clear audit trail for accountability and future reference.
  • Communicate ethical constraints: Politely explain to son and minister about legal, ethical, and public service obligations, citing dharma, meritocracy, and rule of law principles.

Conclusion
Ethical steadfastness ensures institutional credibility, public trust, and fairness. By prioritising dharma, impartiality, and integrity, Subash protects the essence of public service, demonstrating that personal and political pressures must never override ethical governance.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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