Total Questions : 1
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Case Study
Meera Sharma is a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district where a large highway expansion project has been approved by the government. The project is expected to improve connectivity, promote regional trade, and generate employment opportunities.
However, the project requires acquisition of agricultural land from several villages. While many landowners have accepted the compensation determined under the law, a group of small and marginal farmers is strongly opposing the acquisition. They argue that although the compensation is legally fixed, it does not adequately compensate for the long-term loss of livelihood, as farming is their primary and sometimes only source of income.
During a public consultation meeting, local activists accuse the administration of prioritizing economic development over the welfare of vulnerable farmers. Some villagers have also started organizing protests.
At the same time, higher authorities are pressuring Meera to complete the land acquisition process quickly, as the project has strict deadlines and political importance.
Meera realizes that delaying the project may lead to administrative criticism and financial losses, but proceeding without addressing the farmers’ concerns may lead to social injustice and unrest. Meera now faces a difficult ethical dilemma.
Questions
Q1. What are the ethical issues involved in this situation?
Q2. What options are available to Meera in this situation? Evaluate them.
Q3. What course of action should Meera adopt in this situation? Justify your answer.
GS Paper 4 Case Studies
