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UPSC Previous Year Papers: 2021

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Significance of UPSC Previous Year Paper

Understanding exam pattern : By going through the previous year's papers, aspirants can understand the exam pattern, question format, and the distribution of marks for different topics. This knowledge helps them tailor their preparation strategy accordingly.

Identifying important topics : Analyzing previous year papers helps candidates identify the recurring themes and important topics that have been frequently asked in the exam. It allows them to prioritize their study areas and focus on high-yield topics.

Practicing time management : Solving previous year papers under timed conditions simulates the actual exam environment and helps aspirants practice time management. This is crucial as the UPSC CSE is known for its lengthy papers and requires candidates to answer a large number of questions in a limited time.

Assessing readiness and performance : Attempting previous year papers allows candidates to assess their preparation level and performance. It helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to work on areas that need improvement.

Enhancing problem-solving skills : The UPSC questions often require critical thinking and analytical skills to answer. Regular practice with previous year papers hones the problem-solving abilities of aspirants and prepares them for the challenging questions in the actual exam.

Gaining familiarity with question types : Going through past papers exposes candidates to a variety of question types, including objective, subjective, and case-study based questions. This familiarity can boost their confidence and reduce anxiety during the actual exam.

Learning from mistakes : Attempting previous year papers allows candidates to learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them in the actual exam. It is an essential part of the learning process and helps in continuous improvement.

Staying updated with current trends : By analyzing recent UPSC papers, candidates can stay updated with the current trends in the examination, such as the focus on specific topics, changing question patterns, and evolving demands of the syllabus.

Revision and reinforcement : Revisiting previous year papers aids in reinforcing the concepts and information studied during preparation. It helps candidates consolidate their learning and retain the knowledge better.

Boosting confidence : Scoring well in previous year papers gives candidates a sense of confidence and motivation to perform well in the actual exam. It instills belief in their preparation and increases their chances of success.

GS SCORE brings you all GS UPSC previous year questions essential for the examination all in one place for free to help you save time and focus on the preparation rather than going on a paper-finding mission. The UPSC previous year questions have also been segregated year-wise to make it easy for IAS aspirants.

• UPSC IAS Mains 2021 General Studies (Paper – 3) Download
• UPSC IAS Mains 2021 General Studies (Paper – 2) Download
• UPSC IAS Mains 2021 General Studies (Paper – 1) Download
• UPSC IAS Prelims 2021 GS Paper 1 With Solution Download
• UPSC IAS Prelims 2021 Question Paper GS 2 (CSAT) Download

UPSC Previous Year Papers:

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UPSC 2021 Mains Essay Question Paper

• January 7, 2022
• Mains , Questions , UPSC

UPSC 2021 Mains Essay Question

Essay writing is a crucial topic, from an exam point of view. While you can read and learn about the various disciplines and topics, it is hard to develop a good style of writing merely by reading books. Thus, writing practice has its own importance, that flows through each and every paper, that needs descriptive answers.

Write TWO Essays, choosing ONE from each of the Sections A and B, in about   1000-1200 words each. (125×2-250)

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to “best practices”.

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GS Paper 4 UPSC 2021 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on January 9, 2022 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC conducted the  General Studies Paper 4 , as part of the  Civil Services Main Exam 2021  on 09-01-20221.

There were 12 questions split into two sections – A and B.

Case studies were included in Section B. Many questions had sub-sections.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 4 UPSC 2021: Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• There are 12 questions divided into two sections and printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.
• All questions are compulsory.
• The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it.
• Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.
• The content of the answer is more important than its length.

General Studies Paper 4 Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2021

Qn1 . a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (Answer in 150 words)

b) Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants. (Answer in 150 words)

Qn2. a) Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)

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b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)

Qn3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

a) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later” – Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words) b) “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves” – Dalai Lama (Answer in 150 words) c) “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that it is better for us all” – Erik Erikson (Answer in 150 words)

Qn4. a) Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human beings. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? (Answer in 150 words)

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b) In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical and moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)

Qn5. a) “ Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face prosecution or human rights violation.” Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society. (Answer in 150 words)

b) Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)

Qn6. a) An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including the judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)

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b) “Integrity is a value that empowers the human being’’. Justify with suitable illustration. (Answer in 150 words)

Qn7. Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentlessness in pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from river belts and transporting it through trucks and selling them in the black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation.

Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are in hand and glove with them and have developed close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of the movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such strong steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to the mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia’s illegal sand mining operations in that district and may cause them irreparable damage.

The mafia turned hostile and launched a counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia started threatening him with dire consequences. His family (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscleman came to his office and threatened him to stop raids etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different than some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia)

a) Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending this situation

b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.

c) Which of the above, do you think, would be most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why?

(Answer in 250 words)

Qn8. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. The principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during the annual examination, the flying squad which came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these students in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was the son of a local politician who was responsible for getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was the son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with the flying squad at any cost. They further said that such an incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and the businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with the flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimidated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident are demanding strict action against defaulters.

a) Discuss the ethical issue involved in the case.

b) Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?

Qn9. An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in the next two years by 30 June 2021, since the project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by the inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that a minimum of three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of the inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack that will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered you to overlook the observation of the inspecting team and continue working with the same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the Chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is a far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you a hint that your further promotion as an additional chief engineer is under consideration by the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier in the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor.

a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?

b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?

c) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?

d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?

Qn10. The coronavirus disease ( COVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries.

As of May 8th, 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1.35 billion had difficulty in controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India raised awareness about this outbreak and to take all necessary actions to control the spread of COVID -19. Indian Government implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout the country to reduce the transmission of the virus. Schools and colleges had shifted to alternative modes of teaching-learning-evaluation and certification. Online mode became popular during these days.

India was not prepared for a sudden onslaught of such a crisis due to limited infrastructure in terms of human resources, money and other facilities needed for taking care of this situation. This disease did not spare anybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion on one hand and ‘have and have not’ on the other. Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, hospital staff and crematorium were the most crucial aspects.

You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital at the time when coronavirus had attacked a large number of people and patients were pouring into the hospital day in and day out.

a) What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients knowing fully well that it is a highly infectious disease and resources and infrastructure are limited?

b) If yours is a private hospital, whether your jurisdiction and decision would remain the same as that of a public hospital?

Qn11. A reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for domestic consumers with almost the same quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in the Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by the inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products that were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company.

a) What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in the domestic market?

b) What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation?

c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

Qn12. Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of the routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being a difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of the boss’s style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating him publicly. It became apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in the loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even at home. Rather without any reason, he would lose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive of him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus, it damaged his physical and mental health.

a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope up with the situation?

b) What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing, peace, tranquillity and a congenial environment in the office and home?

c) As an outsider, what are your suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?

d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for officers at various levels in the government offices?

GS4 Question Paper Analysis

GS Paper 4 deals with Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude . This is a dynamic paper – with multiple dimensions.

The paper really checked the quick-decision making skills and overall aptitude of the candidate for the job of a future civil servant.

Regarding case studies, most were connected to an ethical angle. However, it was not easy to satisfactorily answer case studies within the time constraints.

Important Take-Aways from the GS Paper 4 UPSC 2021 (Mains) – Question Paper

This paper stressed the importance of conceptual understanding in certain crucial areas like Ethics, Values, Aptitude etc.

Many questions focused on seeking examples from candidates – rather than theory. Examples will be the game-changer.

We recommend all aspirants go through the ClearIAS online notes on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude .

Read the UPSC syllabus and previous year question papers multiple times. Prepare self-notes on every keyword (Eg: Crisis of conscience – which got repeated again).

There are no major surprises this year for those candidates who had carefully analysed the  previous year UPSC question papers . This year paper followed more or less the previous year trends.

The Ethics paper should be taken seriously to score high. It needs a different kind of preparation. Along with conceptual knowledge, the right practice and time managment are also crucial for success.

What do you think of this year’s General Studies Paper 4 questions? What are your comments about this paper?

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UPSC Mains 2021 Question Papers

The UPSC Mains Examination has been scheduled to be conducted from 7th January 2022 to 16th January 2022. The candidates who have cleared the Preliminary exam 2021 which was held on October 10, 2021, would appear in the next level of the recruitment process, that is, Civil Services (Main) Examination. 

It is to be noted that the marks obtained in the IAS Exam Prelims by the candidates will not be counted for determining their final order of merit. 

The Civil Services (Main) Written Examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional essay type in the subjects out of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature. The marks obtained for all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VII) and Marks obtained in the Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.

The aspirants can download the UPSC IAS 2021 Mains question papers PDF from this page. 

Note – The exams are yet to take place. The PDFs will be available shortly.

Meanwhile, to download the 2020, 2019 UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers , visit the linked article.  

Download UPSC CSE 2021 Mains GS Question Papers PDF

The candidates can download the IAS Mains 2021 GS papers from the following links. The link will be activated once the question papers are officially released by the commission on the official website. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

The candidates would be required to write essays on multiple topics. The candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. The essay paper is not just qualifying in nature but will be counted for the merit ranking. 

Therefore, the aspirants can download the Essay Paper and Compulsory English Language Paper from below:

• UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Language Papers

• UPSC Mains 2021 Compulsory English Paper

The aspirants can download the compulsory Indian language papers from the links below:

For more information, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Indian Language Papers from the linked article. 

Download UPSC 2021 Mains Optional Papers PDF

The candidates have to choose any one of the optional subjects from amongst the list of subjects prescribed by the commission. 

The candidates can also choose Literature of any one of the following languages as their optional subject. 

Also, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Optional Paper from the linked article.

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | LEGACY IAS

Home » UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | LEGACY IAS

• January 7, 2022
• UPSC CSE MAINS 2021

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | UPSC Civil Services  IAS Mains 2021

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER – SECTION A

1) The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2)  Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

3) Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4)  The real is rational and the rational is real

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER – SECTION B

1) Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

2)  What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

3) History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

4)  There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

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[UPSC Mains 2021] ESSAY PAPER- UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM (CSE) 2021

• January 7, 2022

Important Updates , UPSC MAINS 2021 QUESTION PAPERS

1) The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2)  Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

3) Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4)  The real is rational and the rational is real

1) Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

2)  What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

3) History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

4)  There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

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• Essay Paper 2021 , UPSC Mains Essay paper 2021 , UPSC Mains-2021: ESSAY PAPER- UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM 2021

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[Download pdf] UPSC IAS Mains 2021 – Essay Question Paper

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Dear Friends,

UPSC Mains 2021 has been commenced today and the essay paper has been completed. You can view the UPSC IAS Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper in the text format and in the picture given below that.

UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper – Download pdf

The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

The real is rational and the rational is real.

Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

There are better practices to “best practices”.

UPSC IAS Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper 

To access Previous Year Question Paper – Click Here 

Previous Year UPSC Mains Papers

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[ GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 4 ] : UPSC MAINS CIVIL SERVICES IAS EXAM 2021 QUESTION PAPER

DOWNLOAD ESSAY QUESTION PAPER : UPSC CSE MAINS 2021

DOWNLOAD GENERAL STUDIES QUESTION PAPER – 1 (UPSC IAS CIVIL SERVICES MAINS 2021)

DOWNLOAD GENERAL STUDIES QUESTION PAPER – 2 (UPSC IAS CIVIL SERVICES MAINS 2021)

DOWNLOAD GENERAL STUDIES QUESTION PAPER – 3 (UPSC IAS CIVIL SERVICES MAINS 2021)

UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 4 MAINS 2021

GENERAL STUDIES

Q1. (a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (Answer in 150 words)

(b)   Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe                 the /ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the pubic servants. (Answer in 150 words)

Q2. (a)   Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is          debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)

(b)  Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high                 order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)

Q3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

(a) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.-Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)

(b) “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama                                                                          (Answer in 150 words)

(c) Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.” -Erik Erikson word        (Answer in 150 word)

Q4. (a) Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the elopement of human              How to build a suitable needed for a public servant?  (Answer in 150 words)

(b) In case of crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same             without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to  follow? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)

Q5. (a) “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution          or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension          being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.    (Answer in 150 words)

(b)    Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make         a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.  (Answer in 150 words)

Q6. (a) An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every        sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance,  accountability and        ethical conduct. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)

(b)  “Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable illustration.  (Answer in 150 words)

Q7. Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentness pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from river belt and transporting through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation.

Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are in hand and glove with them and have developed close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia’s  illegal sand mining operations in that the district and may cause them irrepairable damage.

The mafia turned hostile and launched counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia srted threatening him with dire consequences. His family  (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscleman came to his office  and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different than some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia).

• Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation.
• Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
• Which of the above, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)

Q8. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle – class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad came from the university caught two students red-hande3d involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these student in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immealately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.

• Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
• Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)

Q9. An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in next two years by 20 June, 2021, since this project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that minimum three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack which will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered  you to  overlook the observation of inspecting team and continue working with same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you hint that your further promotion as additional chief engineer is under consideration with the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier of the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor.

• Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?
• What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager?
• What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?
• What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team? (Answer in 250 words)

Q10 The coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries. As on May 8th, 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1-35 billion had difficulty in controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India raised awareness about this outbreak and to take all necessary actions to control the spread of COVID-19. Indian Government implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout the country to reduce the transmission of the virus. Schools and colleges had shifted to alternative mode of teaching- learning-evaluation and certification. Online mode became popular during these days. India was not prepared fora sudden onslaught of such a crisis due to limited infrastructure in terms of human resource, money and other facilities needed for taking care of this situation. This disease did not spare anybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion on the one hand and have and have not’ on the other. Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, hospital staff and crematorium were the most crucial aspects You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital at the time when coronavirus had attacked large number of people and patients were pouring into hospital day in and day out.

• What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients knowing fully well that it is highly infectious disease and resources and infrastructure are limited?
• If yours is a private hospital, whether your justification and decision would remain same as that of a public hospital? (Answer in 250 words)

Q11. A Reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost sane quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company.

• What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in domestic market?
• What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation?
• Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.    (Answer in 250 words)

Q12. Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’s style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publically. It became apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even t home. Rather without any reason he would loose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus it damaged his physical and mental health.

• What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation?
• What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquillity and congenial environment in the office and home?
• As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?
• In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for at various levels in the government offices? (Answer in 250 words)

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