Q. 14 An activist files a petition in your office stating that there have been irregularities in choosing beneficiaries by your staff in office. You decide to initiate an enquiry and then come to know that the activist has taken money from your staff in office.The next day the activist again comes to your office with a petition to withdraw the previous petition. He argues that he received wrong information from the beneficiaries. You know that initiating an enquiry will damage the reputation of your office and also demoralize your office staff.

Now, answer the following questions: ——————————————————————————————- An activist files a petition in your office stating that there have been irregularities in choosing beneficiaries by your staff in office. You decide to initiate an enquiry and then come to know that the activist has taken money from your staff in office.The

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January 11, 2025

Q.15 There are situations where a public servant faces dilemma between what is written in the law and what her empathy and compassion call for. How should a public servant resolve this dilemma? What should she prioritise? Discuss with suitable example.

Public servants often face dilemmas where legal mandates conflict with empathy and compassion, raising questions about balancing rule of law with humanitarian ethics. This challenge is particularly significant in India, where justice and welfare of the people are enshrined as constitutional values. Mahatma Gandhi aptly said, “The best way to

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January 11, 2025

Q.16 You are posted as a Circle Officer of X Revenue Circle’ in Y district. There is a public complaint filed against one of your Lat Mondals for demanding bribe in a mutation case. The Deputy Commissioner orders you to enquire and submit a report. When you begin the enquiry, you get evidence that the Lat Mondal did in fact demand bribe. However, the Lat Mondal is connected to a senior officer in the government who starts pressurising you to give clean chit to the said Lat MondaI.

In this context, answer the following questions : (a) What are the ethical dilemmas that you are facing? (b) What are the various actions you can take in this case? (c) Discuss the ethical implications of each action. (d) Which action will you

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January 16, 2025

Q.17 You are HOD of a government department. Mr. A is a very efficient employee in your office. He comes to office on time, leaves after everyone has left and never says no to any work you assign to him. One day, one woman by the name of Mrs. B comes to your office. She alleges that she is the first wife of Mr. A and that A has married a second time without informing her. She says that she does not want to complain against him, but needs your intervention in ensuring that A gives a monthly maintenance. Upon enquiry, you find that A has indeed married a second time without divorcing Mrs. B. A has also informed you that the marriage with Mrs. B broke down due to irreconcilable differences and that A had offered to give her maintenance which she refused. A has further stated that Mrs. B demanded a much higher maintenance-nearly half his salary-which A refused as he now has children from his second wife and also a home loan. You know that it is illegal for a government servant to marry second time without divorcing the first.

Now, answer the following questions: (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you? (b) How would you tackle the above situation? As the Head of Department (HOD), my responsibility extends beyond ensuring efficient operations to upholding ethical conduct and adherence to the rule of law within the department. The

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January 16, 2025

Q.18 What is the importance of discretion for a civil servant? Discuss some of the areas where you as a civil servant might have to exercise discretion. Do you think that discretion also increases the possibility of corruption? Critically examine.

Discretion is an essential aspect of a civil servant’s role, enabling them to make decisions in complex and dynamic situations where rules may not provide clear guidance. However, unchecked discretion can lead to abuse of power, inefficiency, and even corruption, making it a double-edged sword. Insights from thinkers and recommendations

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January 16, 2025

Q.19 “Corruption is more of a social problem than a legal problem.” In the light of recent incidents of officials apprehended for taking bribes, critically examine the above statement. Also, explain the steps taken by the government in recent years to reduce corruption. Do you think the Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act will help honest officials in discharging their duties?

Corruption, as a violation of integrity and accountability, undermines public trust and hampers governance. While legal frameworks address corruption through punitive measures, its persistence indicates deeper social and systemic roots, including normalization of unethical behavior, socio-economic disparities, and institutional weaknesses. Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The world suffers a lot, not

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January 16, 2025

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APSC Mains 2022 GS4 Solved Paper | Detailed Answer Key & Solutions

Q.15 There are situations where a public servant faces dilemma between what is written in the law and what her empathy and compassion call for. How should a public servant resolve this dilemma? What should she prioritise? Discuss with suitable example.

Q.18 What is the importance of discretion for a civil servant? Discuss some of the areas where you as a civil servant might have to exercise discretion. Do you think that discretion also increases the possibility of corruption? Critically examine.