Mains Practice Questions

Mr. Kunal Mehra is the District Collector of a rapidly industrialising district that has recently attracted significant private investment under the State’s ease-of-doing-business initiative. A large manufacturing unit employing over 3,000 local workers has begun operations and is being projected as a model success story.

A junior environmental engineer in the district administration confidentially approaches Mr. Mehra with documentary evidence suggesting that the company has been routinely violating pollution norms especially groundwater contamination and improper disposal of hazardous waste. The engineer admits that senior officials in the pollution control board have ignored inspection reports under pressure from political and business interests. The whistleblower fears retaliation, transfer, or career stagnation if his identity is revealed.

If Mr. Mehra orders a formal inquiry or shuts down the unit, it could lead to job losses, investor backlash, and accusations of being “anti-development.” Political executives informally convey that the matter should be “resolved internally” to avoid damaging the State’s investment image.

At the same time, local farmers have begun reporting declining crop yields and health problems, which may be linked to industrial pollution. Media interest is growing, and civil society organisations are demanding accountability and transparency.

Mr. Mehra must decide how to handle the whistleblower’s complaint while balancing environmental justice, economic development, and institutional integrity.

Questions

1. What ethical issues are involved in this case?
2. What options are available to Mr. Mehra? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.
3. What should be the most appropriate course of action for Mr. Mehra? Justify your answer with reference to ethical principles and constitutional values.

Q. “Integrity without courage becomes passive virtue, and courage without integrity becomes dangerous ambition.”Discuss in the context of public administration. (150 words)

Q. “Public service is not merely a profession but a moral commitment.” Examine the ethical foundations of civil services in this light. (150 words)

Case Study

Ms. Riya Malhotra is serving as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a backward, drought-prone block where a large section of the population depends on government welfare schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), pensions, and employment under MGNREGA.

During a routine inspection, Ms. Malhotra discovers serious irregularities in the local PDS system. Several fair price shop dealers have been diverting subsidised food grains to the open market with the alleged connivance of lower-level revenue and supply officials. Digital records show compliance, but ground verification and beneficiary testimonies indicate widespread exclusion of genuine households.

If strict action is taken immediately, such as suspension of dealers and officials, there is a risk of disruption in food supply for thousands of vulnerable families in the short term. Moreover, some of the accused officials are known to be politically well-connected, and informal messages reach Ms. Malhotra advising her to “handle the matter sensitively” to avoid controversy.

At the same time, civil society organisations and local media have begun highlighting the issue, questioning the administration’s commitment to transparency and justice. With the lean agricultural season approaching, any prolonged disruption in welfare delivery could worsen hunger and distress.

Ms. Malhotra must decide how to act in a manner that ensures justice, protects the vulnerable, and upholds administrative integrity.

Questions

1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

2. What options are available to Ms. Malhotra? Examine the merits and demerits of each.

3. What course of action should Ms. Malhotra adopt? Justify your answer in terms of ethical values, public interest, and administrative responsibility.

Q. “Attitudes are the invisible drivers of administrative behaviour.” Discuss how the attitudes of public officials influence policy outcomes. (150 words).

Q. “Can political neutrality coexist with committed constitutionalism in public administration? Examine with suitable arguments.” (150 words).

Case Study

You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a district that is home to a famous ancient temple. Every year, during a specific month, the "Maha Yatra" (Great Pilgrimage) takes place, attracting nearly 10 lakh devotees from across the country. The local economy is heavily dependent on this month-long event, with shopkeepers, hoteliers, and transport operators earning 70% of their annual income during this period.

Two weeks before the Yatra is scheduled to begin, a new, highly contagious virus strain breaks out in a neighboring state. While the mortality rate is low, the transmission rate is extremely high, and it causes severe respiratory distress in the elderly. Medical experts warn that large crowds could turn into "super-spreader" events, potentially overwhelming the healthcare infrastructure.

The sentiment in your district is volatile:

1. Religious Leaders: The temple trust argues that the Yatra has continued unbroken for 200 years and cancelling it would be "inauspicious".

2. Economic Stakeholders: The local Traders' Association warns of mass protests if the Yatra is cancelled, as they have taken huge loans in anticipation of the season.

As you deliberate, a report arrives stating that 5 cases of the virus have already been detected in your district. If the Yatra proceeds in full force, the district hospital is projected to collapse within days. If you cancel it, you risk a law and order breakdown and economic devastation for the locals.

Questions:

1. Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in this case.

2. What are the options available to you in the given situation? Discuss the merits and demerits of each option.

3. What course of action would you adopt in this situation? Justify your answer with reference to ethical principles.

Q. The ethical life of a civil servant lies at the intersection of authority and conscience. Analyse this tension in the context of democratic governance. (150 words).

Q. In public administration, legal correctness does not always ensure ethical soundness. Analyse the ethical challenges this paradox creates for civil servants. (150 words).

Case Study

Ms. Leena Chatterjee is serving as a Principal Secretary (Urban Development) in a State that has committed to ambitious climate-resilient infrastructure targets. A flagship metro rail extension project—partially funded by an international development agency—has reached an advanced stage.

An internal audit flags that while the project complies with existing environmental clearances, it falls short of newly issued climate-adaptation guidelines that recommend additional flood-resilience features. Incorporating these measures would significantly raise costs and delay completion by at least a year. The funding agency has informally indicated that continued financing depends on timely delivery, not retroactive compliance.

At the same time, climate scientists and civil society groups warn that ignoring the updated standards could expose future commuters to serious risks. Political executives emphasise the urgency of inaugurating the project before the next election cycle, while senior bureaucrats caution that reopening approvals could trigger litigation and administrative paralysis.

Questions.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
2. What options are available to Ms. Chatterjee? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each.
3. Which course of action should Ms. Chatterjee adopt to balance public interest, sustainability, and administrative responsibility? Justify your answer.

Q. While transparency and accountability are essential pillars of ethical governance, their effectiveness is limited in the absence of integrity and moral courage. Discuss with suitable illustrations. (150 words).

Q. “Ethics in public administration goes beyond personal integrity to include institutional responsibility.” Discuss . (150 words).

Case Study

You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a rapidly urbanising district. The State Government has approved a large urban infrastructure project involving construction of affordable housing and commercial complexes under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model.

One of the shortlisted private firms is owned by a close relative of your spouse. The firm has a strong technical record and offers the lowest financial bid. While the rules do not explicitly bar participation of relatives, media reports have begun questioning the transparency of the selection process.

At the same time, senior political executives informally indicate that clearing the project quickly is crucial for economic growth and employment generation. Delaying or recusing yourself may slow the project and invite allegations of inefficiency.

Your subordinates are divided, some argue that merit should prevail, while others warn that public perception of bias could damage the administration’s credibility.

Questions:

1. Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case.

2.What options are available to you as the District Magistrate?

3.Which course of action would you choose and justify your decision on ethical grounds.

4.How can institutional mechanisms be strengthened to prevent such dilemmas in public administration?

Q. Discuss the significance of impartiality and non-partisanship in ensuring ethical governance. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical challenges arising from overlapping private relationships in public offices. How can conflict of interest be institutionally addressed? (150 words)

Case Study

Dr. Ananya Rao is a senior drug regulator in a state where several pharmaceutical manufacturing units produce low-cost medicines, including paediatric cough syrups, for both domestic use and export. These medicines are widely used by economically weaker sections due to their affordability.

Recently, reports emerged that a batch of cough syrups manufactured by a local company was linked to the deaths of several children after consumption. Preliminary investigations indicated the presence of toxic contaminants due to the use of substandard raw materials and poor quality control. International media coverage has raised serious concerns about India’s pharmaceutical regulatory standards, affecting the country’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world.”

The manufacturing company claims that it complied with existing regulations and argues that stricter enforcement and frequent inspections would increase production costs, making medicines unaffordable for the poor and harming export competitiveness. Some political and industry stakeholders have informally urged Dr. Rao to avoid drastic action such as suspension of licenses, citing potential job losses, investor backlash, and diplomatic sensitivities.

At the same time, families of the affected children are demanding accountability, criminal prosecution, and compensation. Public trust in the healthcare system and drug safety mechanisms is visibly eroding.

Questions

1.Discuss the ethical dilemma between affordability of medicines, industrial growth, and the principle of ‘non malfiance’ in Bio ethics ethics.

2.What options are available to Dr. Ananya Rao in responding to this crisis? Evaluate the ethical merits and limitations of each option.

3.What course of action should Dr. Rao adopt to uphold medical ethics, accountability, and public interest while ensuring long-term credibility of the health system? Justify your answer.

Q. Public trust in administration is a function of value-based conduct rather than procedural efficiency alone. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Emotional Intelligence is often described as the “moral compass of leadership.” Critically analyse this assertion with suitable examples. (150 words)

Case Study

Suresh is a District Magistrate in a socio-economically backward region where brick kilns, stone quarries, and small manufacturing units provide employment to a large number of unskilled and migrant workers. Many of these workers belong to marginalized communities and are heavily indebted to contractors due to advances taken for medical expenses, marriages, or survival needs.

Recently, a group of social activists submitted a complaint to Suresh’s office alleging the prevalence of bonded labour practices in several work sites. Workers are reportedly forced to work long hours at extremely low wages, are not allowed to leave until their debts are repaid, and face threats and physical intimidation if they attempt to escape. Identity documents are often confiscated by contractors, and children are also made to assist their parents at work sites.

The contractors deny the allegations, claiming that workers are employed voluntarily and that advance payments are a common practice. Some local political leaders and influential business owners, who have economic stakes in these units, have informally advised Suresh to “handle the matter sensitively” to avoid social unrest and disruption of local economic activity.

Media attention is increasing after the rescue of a bonded labourer revealed inhuman living conditions and custodial violence at one of the sites.

Questions

Q1. Identify the ethical issues involved in the case from the perspectives of bonded labourers, employers, and public authorities.

Q2. What options are available to Suresh in dealing with this situation? Critically evaluate each option.

Q3. As the District Magistrate, what course of action should Suresh adopt to uphold constitutional values, human rights, and ethical governance? Justify your answer.

Q. Ethics operates at multiple levels, individual, organizational, and societal. Examine these dimensions of ethics and analyze how ethical failures at one level can undermine ethical governance as a whole.(150 words)

Q. In a society marked by growing materialism and individualism, human values often come under stress. Discuss the relevance of human values in ensuring ethical governance and inclusive development. Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Case Study

Rakesh Mehta is the Executive Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a rapidly developing district. His department is responsible for awarding contracts for road construction, public buildings, and infrastructure maintenance. Recently, the government sanctioned a major road development project aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas.

During the tendering process, Rakesh notices that the bidding conditions have been subtly modified to favour a particular private contractor. The technical eligibility criteria appear unnecessarily restrictive, effectively eliminating genuine competitors. Informally, Rakesh learns that senior officials and local political leaders are pressuring the department to ensure the contract goes to this preferred bidder in exchange for financial kickbacks and political funding.

Although the selected firm quotes a higher price and has a questionable track record, the tender evaluation committee is being influenced to overlook these issues. When Rakesh raises procedural concerns, he is advised by colleagues to “go with the system” and reminded that officers who previously opposed such practices were sidelined or transferred.

Meanwhile, local citizens and media have started raising concerns about poor quality of public works and rising costs in government projects. Rakesh now faces a moral dilemma—whether to remain silent and protect his career or uphold transparency and fairness at the risk of professional retaliation.

Questions

Q1.Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case.

Q2.What ethical dilemmas does Rakesh Mehta face as a public servant while dealing with political pressure and irregularities in the tendering process?

Q3.What should be the most appropriate course of action for Rakesh to ensure transparency, accountability, and public interest in the tendering process?

Q. How does lack of probity in public administration affect public trust and institutional credibility? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (150 words).

Q. Explain the role of empathy and compassion in strengthening ethical decision-making and improving interpersonal relationships in public service. (150 words).

Case Study

Ananya Sharma is the Deputy Manager in a large public sector organization responsible for infrastructure development. The organisation has a strong technical reputation but suffers from a toxic work culture. Senior officers often shout at subordinates during meetings, take credit for juniors’ work, and discourage dissenting opinions. Long working hours without recognition have become the norm, leading to low morale and high staff turnover.

Ananya observes that talented young officers hesitate to share innovative ideas due to fear of humiliation. Women employees, in particular, feel uncomfortable raising concerns, as informal networks dominated by senior male officers control decision-making. Although there is no explicit harassment, the environment is psychologically unsafe and demotivating.

Recently, a capable junior officer, Ravi, made a small procedural error in a project file. Instead of constructive feedback, he was publicly reprimanded by a senior officer during a meeting. Deeply demoralized, Ravi applied for transfer, citing “personal reasons.” Similar incidents have become common, affecting productivity and team cohesion.

As a mid-level officer, Ananya is respected by her team but has limited authority over senior officials. She believes that such a toxic work culture not only harms employee well-being but also compromises efficiency, innovation, and public service delivery.

Ananya now faces a dilemma: whether to remain silent to protect her own career progression or take steps—formal or informal—to improve workplace culture, promote dignity, and uphold ethical values within the organization.

Q1. Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case related to workplace culture. How do such issues affect employee morale, productivity, and organizational effectiveness?

Q2.What ethical dilemmas does Ananya face as a mid-level officer in addressing toxic workplace practices? Discuss the possible courses of action available to her, highlighting their merits and limitations.

Q3. How can ethical leadership and positive organizational culture contribute to improved governance and employee well-being? Suggest measures to promote a healthy and inclusive work environment in public institutions.

Q. How does sound corporate governance contribute to ethical business practices and long-term sustainability of organizations? Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. “Emotional intelligence is as important as intellectual ability for effective leadership.” Discuss this statement in the context of public service delivery. (150 words)

Case Study 

Ramesh Verma is the District Mining Officer (DMO) in a mineral-rich but economically backward district. The region has long struggled with illegal sand and stone mining, controlled by local contractors with strong political backing. These activities cause environmental damage, loss of state revenue, and frequent accidents involving villagers.

Soon after joining, Ramesh noticed that illegal mining continued openly at night despite repeated complaints. When he ordered surprise inspections and seizure of vehicles, he received a phone call from a local legislator, who advised him to “go slow” in the interest of maintaining social peace and employment. Informally, Ramesh was told by senior colleagues that previous officers who acted strictly were transferred within months.

Over time, a clear nexus emerged. Local politicians protected mining operators, the police avoided registering cases, and criminal groups ensured intimidation of villagers who protested. In return, illegal operators funded election campaigns and paid regular bribes to officials at multiple levels. Files related to mining violations were deliberately delayed or diluted in the district offices.

One evening, a serious accident occurred when an overloaded mining truck hit a group of villagers, killing two people. Public anger erupted, and media attention focused on the administration’s failure. Political leaders blamed “rogue elements” and pressured Ramesh to certify that the truck was operating legally.

Ramesh now faces a critical ethical dilemma. If he records the truth and initiates strict action, he risks political pressure, personal threats, and possible transfer. If he compromises, he becomes part of the political–bureaucratic–criminal nexus, undermining the rule of law, environmental protection, and public trust.

As a public servant, Ramesh must decide how to uphold integrity, legality, and accountability in an environment where institutional support appears weak and vested interests are deeply entrenched.

Q.1 Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case.

Q.2 How does the political–bureaucratic–criminal nexus affect public interest, environmental governance, and the credibility of public institutions?

Q.3 What should be the most ethically appropriate course of action in this case? Suggest both immediate administrative steps and long-term institutional reforms to prevent the recurrence of such political–bureaucratic–criminal nexuses.

Q. Accountability and transparency are foundational values of ethical governance. Analyze their ethical significance and explain how the absence of these values affects public trust in democratic institutions.(150 words)

Q. Attitude plays a critical role in shaping ethical behaviour in individuals and institutions. Examine how attitudes influence ethical decision-making in public administration. (150 words)