IASBABA’S UPSC CSE MAINS CSE 2020 – GENERAL STUDIES 4 ANALYSIS & APPROACH

General Studies 4 (Ethics) Overview

The pattern of the paper remains the same as previous year. Section-A is for 130 marks and
Section-B consisting six case studies is for 120 marks.

Regarding Section-A

The marking pattern in Section-A remains the same. Question number 6 has three sub
questions which are quotes given by moral philosophers/thinkers which is on similar lines of
the previous year question paper. Many of the questions in this section demands only a basic
understanding of the terms mentioned in the syllabus. However, many questions have two
parts, with the second part generally demanding the application of the understanding.

Regarding Section-B

The case studies were lengthy compared to the previous year. Only in one case study the
examiner is asking about the options available.

Most of the case studies demand for mentioning ethical issues and suggesting some measures
with respect to the major issue in that particular case. This requires a strong hold on the
Syllabus.

For example, if we see the last case study (Q.12), the case mentioned above will not help
much in answering the questions given below. In order to answer these questions, we need
to know the institutional measures regarding the issues mentioned.

Similarly, Q.10 is asking about the consequences of politicization of bureaucracy. This cannot
be answered just by reading the case study. It requires prior knowledge on the same.

Even in Q.8 the second part of the question needs to be answered with prior knowledge. Like
measures to be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide
mistakes on their part.

To sum up, we can say that UPSC is checking your theoretical knowledge and solution-
oriented bureaucratic thinking by explaining the context of the question in the case studies.

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Q.1.(a) Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major
components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP)viz. human capital, soft power
(culture and policies) and social harmony. (150 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

This is a direct question where a candidate needs to write how ethics and values can enhance
a nation’s Comprehensive National power. This is related to concept of International ethics
from syllabus. The focus should be based on three key terms mentioned which are 1)Human
capital,2) Soft power(culture and policies) and 3) Social harmony .

The Concept of Comprehensive National Power is a term used in International relations which
was particularly popularised by China. Here the focus is on the essence of the quote “Peace
is not merely an absence of war. It is also a state of mind.” - Jawaharlal Nehru.

Thus in international relations, a country is not only recognised by its military might but also
other essential attributes of the national power, which includes :

• Human capital - which means the skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by an
individual or population, viewed in terms of their value or cost to an organization or
country. Ethical values linked to this are scientific temper, achievement oriented
society, competitive spirit and essential focus on humans trough gender equality, lack
of discrimination in health and education.
• Soft power - This term was Coined by Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, the term "soft
power" means the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without
force or coercion. This will include the how the culture and policies which are adopted
by a country work towards enhancing it. Ethical values linked to this are emphasis on
cooperation, growth of culture, focus on ideas like Panchasheel rather than real
politicking in international affairs.
• Social harmony - This a necessary attribute for a nation as a nation mired by lack of
social harmony lacks effective international say. For example, Countries like Pakistan
and Sudan are have less power to influence other nations as compared to countries
like Japan, India and USA. Ethical values linked to are Empathy, compassion, tolerance.

In short contextualise these terms to India and world for value addition.

IASBABA REFERENCE:
[Link]
tolerance-in-the-context-of-a-secular-democratic-country-like-india-why-is-it-an-
important-virtue-to-have-as-a-nation-examine/

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[Link]
questions-8th-december-2017-day-15/

Q.1.(b) “Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round
development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education
Policy,2020(NEP,2020)in light of the above statement.(150 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

This question needs one to have hold over the concept from GS paper 2 that is topic of
education. The basic demand of question is to explain how the role of education is not
injunction (education through authorities orders) but rather it needs to focus on a person’s
all round development which will lead to individual and social transformation simultaneously.
The candidate needs to analyse this statement in the light of important attributes of the New
Education Policy (2020).

Here the candidate first can explain the basic meaning of injunction and need of a better
learning for enabling a student to achieve his/her own potential rather than forceful or
coercive teaching.

Then Link the attributes of New Education Policy (2020) to individual and social
transformation.
• Transformation in examination system by focusing on learning outcomes rather than
rote learning and objective based questions.
• Education in mother tongue will enable better understanding and exploration of ideas
by students from all sections of society
• Inclusive education with concepts like three language formula, support for weaker
sections and use of digital technology to reach the untouched areas.
• Multidisciplinary in nature by allowing flexibility in choosing subjects and setting up a
multidisciplinary college in every district.
• Focus on imparting critical thinking.

Thus, link all these features to how it can transform the individual and society of India in near
future. While doing so add values an ethical term in arguments.

IASBABA REFERENCE:
[Link]
curricula-of-schools-and-colleges-to-inculcate-values-in-students-suggest/

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[Link]
upsc-mains-answer-writing-general-studies/

Q.2. (a) ‘ Hatred is destructive of a person‘s wisdom and conscience that can poison a
nation’s spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (150 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

This is a very direct question and there is nothing here to disagree with the statement given
as hatred is a strong negative emotion which can be destructive of both Individual wisdom
and a nation's spirit.

Here first one needs to describe of how hatred is a negative emotion which is irrational,
subjective and far beyond a normal dislike of a thing or subject. Further explain with examples
of how this is threat to a person's wisdom and conscience, here you can use examples such
as infamous figures like Hitler and Mussolini where both had strong hatred towards certain
communities and institutions.
Further you can write that, when this hatred becomes all pervasive in a society it can destroy
a nations spirit and could further hurt social capital and cooperation among citizens. This can
be explained as how the hatred of Hitler for Jews led to corrupting of majority of German
citizens which had devastating effects on the German nation and its conscience.

This statement needs to be contextualised to present Indian context and how the hatred on
social media, on roads and mob behaviour on incidents such as lynching is ethically wrong
and in long run can affect both the Individual’s and nation.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]
progress-and-growth-do-you-agree-substantiate/

Think Learn Perform (TLP) Plus Test-6 Synopsis Question 1.(b)(2020)

Q.2. (b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ?Can they be learned?
discuss.(150 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

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This is basic question which is based directly on the point mentioned in syllabus that is
Emotional intelligence. The candidate needs to explain here what are the different
components of Emotional Intelligence and can these components be learned.

Here the candidate can start by definition of Emotional intelligence given by David Goleman
that Emotional intelligence is a person's ability to manage his feelings so that those feelings
are expressed appropriately and effectively.

According to Goleman, emotional intelligence is the largest single predictor of success in the
workplace.

Components of Emotional intelligence:

• Self-awareness - A person has a healthy sense of emotional intelligence self-

awareness if they understand their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as how
their actions affect others. A person with emotional self-awareness is usually
receptive to, and able to learn from, constructive criticism more than one who doesn't
have emotional self-awareness.
• Self-regulation - A person with a high emotional intelligence has the ability to exercise
restraint and control when expressing their emotions.
• Motivation -People with high emotional intelligence are self-motivated, resilient and
driven by an inner ambition rather than being influenced by outside forces, such as
money or prestige.
• Empathy- An empathetic person has compassion and is able to connect with other
people on an emotional level, helping them respond genuinely to other people's
concerns.
• Social skill - People who are emotionally intelligent are able to build trust with other
people, and are able to quickly gain respect from the people they meet.

After explaining the components of E.I., you can take any of the three stands related to second
demand of the question.

• Emotional intelligence can be learned and write how it can be learned like there are
training and courses for a child in school and officers in academy.
• Emotional intelligence cannot be learned as it is a predisposition in attitude of a
person to act in certain manner and it is not possible to inculcate these components.
• A balanced view after taking both in consideration for a middle path.

Add examples on some officers of how they need and have used Emotional intelligence in
past and current context for value addition.

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IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]
through-training-examine/

[Link]
upsc-mains-answer-writing-general-studies/

Q.3. (a) What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.(150 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

This question is based on the moral philosophers. Here the candidate needs to know what
are the basic teachings of Buddha which are most relevant today. This further needs to be
answered as why these teachings are relevant today with help of relevant examples.

Gautam Buddha was a moral thinker who lived in 6th century B.C in ancient India. He after
attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya propounded his vision. This includes the concepts or
teachings which are relevant even today That are :

• Equality - In today’s world where there discrimination based on class, caste and creed
this value remains essential for Humanity even today.
• Detachment - According to Buddha attachment which leads to desire is the basic
reason for suffer therefore a person should not be attached to things which are purely
material and ephemeral in nature. This can help in current context to fight climate
change which is direct outcome of materialistic and consumeristic society. Also it can
help in controlling suicides by youngsters due to failure in relationships.
• Rationality - This value imbibes scientific temper and in current context can overcome
hate and bigotry in general and communalism in particular. Also it can lead to growth
of nation.
• Middle path (Madhyam Marg) - This concept can help individual, community or
nation to a valid extreme end of arguments and to accommodate diverse views for a
better society.

A candidate can refer to some specific issues of India for value addition such as communalism,
lack of scientific temper, violence on migrants (Son of soil theory), climate issues.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

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[Link]
air-ias-upsc/

[Link]
among-various-religions-of-india-discuss/

Q.3. (b) ‘The will to power exits, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and
principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of international relations.
(150 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

This question is again related to ethics in international relations. Here the candidate needs to
write how each and every nation wants to exercise power but this exercise of power to be
ethical should be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.

Here one needs to write, how power is not exercised in isolation but rather it also has a moral
duty attached to it. Therefore the exercise of power should be :

Rational - It cannot be whimsical or arbitrary in use rather power needs to be exercised based
on sound cognition and empirical evidence. For example, in international relations there are
conventions, treaties and customary rules which guide actions of a nation and these principles
are based on rationality. Thus a nation do not just explode a nuclear bomb based on
irrationality or subjective disposition but rather its guided by overall rationality of the action.

Moral duty - The exercise of power needs to attain the basic ethical principles of equality,
integrity, empathy and compassion. For example, there are conventions like Geneva
Convention for avoiding bombing of cities during war or, a nation cannot exit a treaty
whenever it wants. Like when USA exited the Paris climate treaty it came into force a year
later to make it accountable and answerable to people.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

Think Learn Perform (TLP) Plus Test-6 Synopsis, Question no. 8

Q.4.(a) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.
(150 words).

LINE OF THOUGHT/ REFERENCE:

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Here, one needs to define what rules and laws are.

Also differences need to be written in manner like laws are codified with power of
enforcement.
Important demand here is how ethics help them. So, ethics provide it fixed framework of
wrong and right to rules and laws.

Q.4.(b) A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant

who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes a positive
attitude in person.? (150 words).

LINE OF THOUGHT / APPROACH:

Here one needs to write how positive attitude is helpful for civil servant. Because civil servant
has to work under pressure/ stress. They are accountable to people, political executive/
seniors etc. Family and work balance has to be taken care of, and likewise. Next part is what
contributes positive attitude - meditation, good value system motivation etc.

Conclusion can be how to inculcate it.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]
of-positive-thoughts-events-and-outcomes-it-is-a-catalyst-and-it-sparks-extraordinary-
results-elucidate/

Q.5.(a) What are the main factors responsible for gender responsibility in India? Discuss the
contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. (150 words).

LINE OF THOUGHT / APPROACH:

Here student need to apply basic knowledge about factors responsible for gender inequality.
Factors mainly related to ethics are stereotype, prejudices, attitude. Values system of
patriarchy, male dominance. Further to it education, family teaching etc.
And in addressing it how Savitribai Phule worked. She led by an example. Courage of
conviction she had shown.

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Q.5.(b) The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which
are in conflict with traditional values. Discuss. (150 words).

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

It is an application-based question. Internet penetration and therefore social media brings

values like individualism, materialism, consumerism, attitude of consumerism, quietly
narcissism. They are in opposition to collectivism, cosmopolitan culture of Indian traditional
values.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]
and-morality-have-taken-a-backseat-do-you-agree-critically-examine/

Q.6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?

Q.6.(a) "Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand do so. If not fold your hands,
bless your brothers and let them go their own way." - Swami Vivekanand (150 words).

LINE OF APPROACH/THOUGHT:

This quotation-based question is about not opposing, disturbing anyone if we can't uplift /
help them. Examples are must here. Let's consider women empowerment, LGBTQ rights
movement, helping differently abled persons etc.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]
and-ideas-of-swami-vivekanand-how-do-you-apply-them-in-your-daily-life/

Q.6.(b) "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others." Mahatma
Gandhi (150 words).

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

The famous quotation of Gandhiji which is much relevant in civil servants’ life. The Second
Administrative Reforms Commission also emphasis it with value of dedication to duty. It looks
for selflessness, devotion to duty. Here examples are must for illustration - IAS in Tripura built

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road with public cooperation., [Link] IAS working for manual scavengers are good examples
among others.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]
upsc-mains-answer-writing-general-studies/

Q.6.(c) "A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is mere illusion, a
thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true." - Socrates.
(150 words).

LINE OF THOUGHT/ APPROACH:

A very good question which demands interlinking of concepts like emotional intelligence and
morality. It's says morality full of emotions would not always be helpful. Morality should be
rational, logical. Example from administration, leaders, social reformers life are must to
illustrate.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

Question 2.A and 2.B can be linked to quotation in question:

[Link]
tlp-phase-2-upsc-mains-answer-writing/

Section B

Q.7) Rajesh Kumar is a senior public servant, with a reputation of honesty and
forthrightness, currently posted in the Finance Ministry as the Head of the Budget Division.
His department is presently busy in organizing budgetary support to the states, four of
which are due to polls within the financial year.

This year’s annual budget had allotted Rs 8300 crores for the National Housing Scheme
(NHS), a centrally sponsored social housing scheme for the weaker sections of society. Rs
775 crores have been drawn for the NHS till June.

The Ministry of Commerce had long been pursuing a case for setting up a Special Economic
Zone (SEZ) in a southern state to boost exports. After two years of detailed discussion

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between the centre and state, the Union Cabinet approved the project in August. Process
was initiated to acquire the necessary land.
Eighteen months ago a leading Public Sector Unit (PSU) had projected the need for setting
up a large natural gas processing plant in a northern state for the regional gas grid. The land
is already in possession of the PSU. The gas grid is an essential component of the national
energy security strategy. After three rounds of global bidding the project was allotted to an
MNC, M/sXYZ Hydrocarbons. The first tranche of payment to the MNC is scheduled to be
made in December.

Finance Ministry was asked for a timely allocation of an additional Rs 6000 crores for these
two developmental projects. It was decided to recommend re-appropriation of this entire
amount from NHS allocation. The file was forwarded to the Budget Department for their
comments and further processing. On studying the case file, Rajesh Kumar realized that this
re-appropriation may cause inordinate delay in the execution of NHS, a project much
publicized in the rallies of senior politicians. Correspondingly, non-availability of finances
would cause financial loss in the SEZ and national embarrassment due to delayed payment
in the international project.

Rajesh Kumar discussed the matter with seniors. He was conveyed that this politically
sensitive situation needs to be processed immediately. Rajesh Kumar realized that
diversion of funds from the NHS could raise difficult questions for the government in the
Parliament.

Discuss the following with reference to this case:

a) Ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the
development projects.
b) Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available
to Rajesh Kumar. Is resigning a worthy option? (250 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

We can introduce the case study with the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved;
Here the ethical issues bog down to - priority between housing to the poor and economic
development of the nation; socialism versus capitalism;

In the philosophical part we can include “rising tide lifts all boats” John F Kennedy
“Trickledown effect”, etc.

In the action part we can - strike a balance like:

• Using CSR of the companies for the housing project.
• Can allocate a part of profit the SEZ makes to building the houses.

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• Extra budgetary support can be solicited

For Solution part - Deeper analysis of the question can lead to some practical solutions like -
a contract for the SEZ is already made and for the NHS land acquisition is just initiated. As the
land acquisition takes time, the officer can allocate the fund for the SEZ. The funds for NHS
can be catered later.

In the resignation part - it is a clear ‘no’ because “winners won’t quit and quitters won’t win”

IASBABA REFERENCE:

Case regarding Resignation:

IASbaba TLP PLUS Test 19

Q. 11. You are heading the operations division in a big pharmaceutical company. Your
boss regards you for your hard work and dedication and there are high chances of
you getting promoted in a couple of months. You have an outstanding team of
employees who are equally passionate for their work. But, the standout start
the performer in your team is Rashmi. She has been serving the company for the past
three years and her outstanding contribution has ensured great rise to the
organization. You know that without Rashmi, your team won’t have performed so
well. However, one day, a teary eyed Rashmi comes to you and gives her resignation
letter. You are surprised by her sudden decision to quit the organization. Upon
probing, she tells you that your boss had made unwelcome sexual advances towards
her last week.
What are the options available with you in this situation? If Rashmi leaves the
company, your team will underperform and your chances of promotion will become
bleak. If she stays, your boss will take it as an acceptance of his behavior. What will
you do? Discuss. (250 words) (20)

Political and Social Pressure:

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IASbaba TLP PLUS Test 6

Q. 12. You are serving as the secretary in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of
the Government. Your office has been receiving many complaints against the online
streaming platforms for showing abusive, violent and sexual content. The parents are
concerned that the shows being streamed are having a bad influence on the
impressionable minds of their children. While there are safeguards available in the
form of parental control of the content that kids can watch, they aren’t effective. Kids
do find a way to watch the content of their liking by using proxies or even stealing the
login credentials. Pressure is mounting on you to regulate the content and put a ban
on shows streaming adult content. However, the proponents of the rights of the
entertainment industry are quite vociferous about the creative freedom of directors/
producers of online shows. They are in complete opposition to any regulation of the
content being streamed. They give examples of many western countries where
censorship of content is hardly done.
As a senior servant and policymaker, what decision would you take and why?
Substantiate your views. (250 words) (20)

Q.8) The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the
Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India.
He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed
BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first
generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to designing and producing state of the art
ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation
with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban
on export of military weaponry.
To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director General, Ministry
of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMs as
there is a probability of exporting the same to a friendly country. The Director General
wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff in Delhi next week.
Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double
the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing
the development and manufacturing of indeginious weapons in the country. He also stated
that all indeginious arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of international
arms trade.
As the Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points?
a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues
involved in arms trade?

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b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign
governments. (250 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

We can introduce the case with stakeholders and the ethical issues involved; the ethical issues
here include;
violence versus peace, debate between armament and disarmament, and the economic and
strategic power of the nation versus Indian philosophy of Ahimsa.

Here we can also include Bharatha and Bahubali, Ahoka’s Dhamma Yuddha, Gandhiji’s Truth
and Ahimsa - 5th dimension of warfare, etc.

In the 2nd sub question we can include deterrence, world’s armament race, unequal
treatment between veto and non-vote regarding the nuclear armament in the UN, etc.

Solution part- we can mention that we sell the armaments as per international convention,
adherence to no first use policies, condition of not using it on its own public, and condition of
using it as a last resort.

However it is better to conclude, by arguing in favour of world peace and tranquility - “Peace
cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding” Albert Einstein.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]
value/

[Link]

Q.9) Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme

backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population,
though it is subsistence due to the very small land holdings. There is insignificant industrial
or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the
tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states
to supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded
by labour contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The
soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton. The inadequate living
and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls.

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NGOs in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have
not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area.

You are appointed as the District Collector of Rampura. Identify the ethical issues involved.
Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your
district and to improve the overall economic scenario in the district (250 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

Introducing the question with the stakeholders involved; we can bring in various ethical issues
here like - empathy, concerns towards undeveloped masses, gender bias, ethicality of NGOs,
stone hearted cotton farm managers, etc.

Socio-ethical issues like - migration, agriculture the only means of livelihood, landless labour,
unreached welfare programs, poor working conditions, ill health, etc.

We can bring in examples of immigration of people from Bihar to Maharashtra.

Also examples of child labours working in brick kilns of Odisha.

Saying an outright no to child labour;

We can bring in steps like

• Gender bias -suspicion that why only minor girls are required, why not minor boys
who also have soft hands - Ex: Anything like Bihar shelter house scandal being
suspected.
• Action on NGOs under FCRA act.
• Corporate social responsibility of Cotton firms.
• Wielding Prevention of Child labour act - pressurising the Cotton farms to employee
adult workers.
• Better implementation of schemes like - Sarva Shiksha ABhiyan, Kasturba Balika
Vidyalay, Poshan Abhiyan, MGNREGA, One ration One ration card for the migrants etc.

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]

[Link]
addressing-the-vulnerabilities-of-rural-landless-labourers-examine-their-efficacy-and-
limitations/

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Case related to Gender Bias:

IASbaba TLP PLUS Test 6

Q. 11. You are posted as the block development officer in a district. Menstruation is a
taboo in one of the villages of the district and people hardly talk about it. In fact,
menstruating women aren’t even allowed to enter temples and are forced to sleep on
the floor. Women use clothes as they can’t afford sanitary napkins or are too shy to
buy it from the general store. When a renowned NGO attempted to spread awareness
towards hygiene during menstruation by talking to the local women, the villagers
created ruckus and forced the representatives of the NGO to leave. Further attempts
by the NGO to approach the women was thwarted by the Gram Panchayat. The
women of the village have been warned by their family members to stay away from
such discussions and maintain their dignity.
The NGO brings the issue to your notice and asks for your support. Now answer the
following questions:
What in your opinion is the main reason behind villagers protesting?
What steps would you take to address the issue? (250 words) (20)

Q.10) You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, having the reputation of a very
honest and upright officer. A huge multipurpose mall is under construction in your city in
which a large number of daily wage earners are employed. One night, during monsoons, a
big chunk of the roof collapsed causing instant death of four labourers including two
minors. Many more were seriously injured requiring immediate medical attention. The
mishap resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the government to institute an enquiry.

Your preliminary enquiry has revealed a series of anomalies. The material used for the
construction was of poor quality. Despite the approved building plans permitting only one
basement, an additional basement has been constructed. This was overlooked during the
periodic inspections by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. In your enquiry,
you noticed that the construction of the mall was given the green signal despite encroaching
on areas earmarked for a green belt and a slip road in the Zonal Master Plan of the city. The
permission to construct the mall was accorded by the previous Municipal Commissioner
who is not only your senior and well known to you professionally, but also a good friend.

Prima facie, the case appears to be of a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal
Corporation and the builders. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the
enquiry. The builder, who is rich and influential, happens to be a close relative of a powerful
minister in the state cabinet. The builder is persuading you to hush up the matter, promising

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 IASBABA’S UPSC CSE MAINS CSE 2020 – GENERAL STUDIES 4 ANALYSIS & APPROACH

you a fortune to do so. He also hinted that if this matter is not resolved at the earliest in his
favour there is somebody in his office who is waiting to file a case against you under the
POSH act.

Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. What are the options available to you in this
situation? Explain your selected course of action. (250 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

Ethical Issues involved are:

1. Corruption
2. Public Trust on authority
3. Institutional Morality
4. Courage and Fortitude
5. Probity and Incorruptibility

The builder is both persuading with fortune and threatening with the POSH Act.

Accepting the fortunes offered by builder is ethically wrong and practically dangerous (sooner
or later your wrong actions will be caught)

About threatening with POSH Act-- Maybe it is an empty threat. Also since I already have a
reputation of being an honest and upright officer, nobody in the office would believe such
fake cases. Even if the case is filed, I would not worry about such accusations and will fight it
in Court of Law

My selected course of actions

1. Inform the higher ups about the situation as it allegedly involves political leaders
2. Give the previous Municipal Commissioner who is a good friend a benefit of the doubt
and talk to him. If he has committed the mistake deliberately, then he will seize to be
a friend and appropriate action will be taken.
3. Complete the inquiry
4. Let higher authorities take the decision in consultation with me.

Q.11) Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has a rocky terrain that is not suitable
for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land.
The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its
administrative centre, is a medium sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an
Industrial Training Institute and some privately owned skill training centres. It has all the
facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately 50 kilometers

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from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry
therein. The state government offers a 10 year tax holiday as an incentive to new industry.

In 2010 Anil, an industrialist, decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW)
in Noora village, about 20km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the
required key labour and got them trained at the skill training centres at Amria. This act of
his made the key personnel very loyal to APW.

APW started production in 2011 with the labour drawn fully from Noora village. The
villagers were very happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the
key personnel to meet the production targets with high quality. APW started making large
profits, a sizeable portion of which was used to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016,
Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised with the
local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The government also
opened a primary health care centre and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed
by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s self-help groups, subsidize primary
education to the village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employeed and
the needy.

In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW. It was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols
were in place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using
electricity in excess of its authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due
to nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production fell for four months. Anil decided
that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant trees and improve
the village habitat.

APW had developed a reputation of high quality production and a motivated workforce.

Critically analyse the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider
APW as a role model for development of backward areas? Give reasons. (250 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

Ethical issues
1. Corporate Governance/ Corporate social responsibility
2. Sustainable Development: Environmental Concerns is taken care of company
3. Local Culture is taken care of by company (Temple construction)
4. Compassion for the Locals: Coordinating with Local authorities to set up Healthcare
and Education (which is not his work)
5. Accident is not an ethical issue as fire protocols were in place and was immediately
rectified

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6. Emotional Intelligence as even during tough times (lockdown), employees were taken
care of.

Yes, APW can be considered as a role model for the development of backward areas. There is
nothing wrong both ethically and legally with Industry led welfare and growth.

Q.12) Migrant workers have always remained at the socio-economic margins of our society,
silently serving as the instrumental labour force of urban economics. The pandemic has
brought them into national focus.

On announcement of a countrywide lockdown, a very large number of migrant workers

decided to move back from their places of employment to their native villages. The non-
availability of transport created its own problems. Added to this was the fear of starvation
and inconvenience to their families. This caused, the migrant workers to demand wages
and transport facilities for returning to their villages. Their mental agony was accentuated
by multiple factors such as a sudden loss of livelihood, possibility of lack of food and
inability to assist in harvesting their rabi crop due to not being able to reach home in time.
Reports of inadequate response of some districts in providing the essential boarding and
lodging arrangements along the way multiplied their fears.

You have learnt many lessons from this situation when you were tasked to oversee the
functioning of the District Disaster Relief Force in your district. In your opinion what ethical
issues arose in the current migrant crisis? What do you understand by an ethical care giving
state? What assistance can the civil society render to mitigate the sufferings of migrants in
similar situations? (250 words)

LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH:

Ethical Issues
1. No empathy and compassion towards the weaker section of the society as nobody
realized that they would be impacted by lockdown. (they weren’t visible until
pandemic brought them into national focus)
2. Duty of the State towards the citizen

Ethical Caregiving State means

1. Care to All without discrimination
2. Care in time
3. Care that is adequate
4. Care that comes without asking

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Role of Civil Society (NGOs, Community based Organisations, Private sector and people in
general) on how they can help hand in hand with government to provide the following:
1. Some kind of temporary shelters along the way
2. Food and drinking water facilities at regular intervals
3. Medical facilities at regular intervals
4. Toilet facilities at regular intervals

IASBABA REFERENCE:

[Link]

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resulting-economic-slump-have-brought-in-focus-the-need-to-create-robust-institutions-
that-can-handle-such-crises-with-more-deft-and-compassio/

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