Case Study Ritika, an IAS officer posted as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in a state department, has been facing mounting challenges due to widespread mismanagement in handling RTI requests. Citizens frequently report delays exceeding statutory limits, incomplete disclosures, and arbitrary denials citing vague exemptions. Several RTI applications relate to public procurement, environmental clearances, and fund utilization, raising concerns about corruption and administrative opacity. Despite repeated reminders and follow-ups, the backlog of pending RTI cases has grown substantially. Some senior officials in the department discourage timely compliance, fearing that disclosure might expose irregularities and implicate influential contractors or political patrons. A few junior officers have expressed fear that strict adherence to the RTI Act could attract harassment, transfers, or litigation. Meanwhile, civil society organizations and media outlets demand transparency, timely responses, and public accountability. The state government, concerned about negative publicity and political fallout, has subtly instructed Ritika to “avoid unnecessary disclosure” and focus on maintaining departmental harmony. At the same time, the Central Information Commission and local courts are actively monitoring compliance, with some PILs filed questioning delays and partial disclosures. Questions: A. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Ritika in this situation? B. Evaluate the options available to her and their possible consequences. C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Ritika based on administrative accountability and citizen-centric governance. D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to improve RTI implementation, reduce backlogs, and protect officials from retaliation while ensuring transparency and participatory governance.

Case Study: As the Sarpanch of a village Panchayat, you oversee a government-run primary school that provides midday meals to its students. Recently, a new cook was appointed as per government norms, following due process and eligibility criteria. However, it emerges that the cook belongs to a Scheduled Caste community. A section of parents, influenced by caste prejudices, begins to prevent their children from consuming the meals. As a result, school attendance drops, raising concerns about the continuity of the midday meal scheme, teacher retention, and even the functioning of the school itself. This situation threatens not just the education of children but also social harmony, inclusion, and the credibility of public welfare programs. Questions: 1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Sarpanch? 2. What steps can the Sarpanch take to resolve the caste-based conflict and restore school attendance? 3. How can different stakeholders support inclusive practices in public services?

Case Study You are working as a senior officer in a public sector company. One day, a junior colleague, who is known for her diligence and commitment, approaches you in a distressed state. She informs you that her younger brother, a final-year engineering student, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness requiring urgent treatment costing Rs. 8 lakh. Being the sole breadwinner in her family, she is struggling to arrange the funds, as her meager salary barely covers her household expenses. You sympathize with her situation but are unable to provide financial assistance personally. A month later, you notice her spirits have improved, and upon inquiry, she reveals that the treatment is underway, thanks to an advance payment facilitated by the head of the department using discretionary funds allocated for emergency employee welfare. She also shares that she has committed to repaying the amount in monthly installments, which she has already begun. However, on reviewing the company's guidelines, you realize that the discretionary fund is meant strictly for official purposes and not for personal use under any circumstances. The department head's action, though well-intentioned, bypassed standard procedures and could attract legal and disciplinary consequences if discovered. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) As a senior officer aware of the situation, what course of action will you take? (c) Suggest broader organizational measures to prevent misuse of discretionary funds.

Case Study Q . Ashutosh, a young IAS officer, is posted as the District Magistrate in a flood-prone district. During a recent flood, his team worked tirelessly to evacuate people and provide relief. However, a journalist published a report alleging that the relief camps were inadequately managed, citing poor sanitation and insufficient medical facilities. The article gained traction on social media, leading to public criticism of Ashutosh’s administration. Ashutosh knows that some of the allegations are exaggerated but also recognizes genuine gaps in the relief operations due to resource constraints. His immediate superior has asked for a report on the issue, while the state government has asked him to focus on controlling the narrative to avoid further public dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, he must continue coordinating ongoing relief efforts. Ashutosh feels torn between focusing on damage control for his reputation and addressing the real challenges in relief operations. He wonders how he can balance accountability, transparency, and effective administration in this crisis. (a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation? (b) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (c) What steps can Ashutosh take to address both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues exposed by the situation?

Case Study Rohit has aided a businessman by speedily paying the bills for the goods he had provided to the government. The payment was sizable and it enabled the merchant to avoid a cash shortage. The businessman was so moved that he gave Rohit gifts as a token of his gratitude. Rohit turns them down. Soon after, Rohit visits a hill station with his family where the businessman owns a hotel. He conveys in advance to the businessman that he would like to stay in his hotel and checks into that hotel. The hotel management, on instructions from the businessman, treats Rohit and his family as guests and refuses to accept payment from Rohit. Even Rohit does not insist on making payment. Q.1 Discuss the ethical issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the case. Q.2 How would you have behaved if you were at Rohit’s place? Suggest the way-out.

Case Study Arjun is an IAS officer posted as District Magistrate (DM) in a backward district. The district has recently been declared as an “Aspirational District” and is receiving special funds for education, health, and infrastructure development. During a routine review, Arjun discovers that a large portion of the education funds have been diverted by middle-level officials to construct a new VIP Guest House. The justification given is that frequent visits of ministers and senior bureaucrats require better accommodation facilities, which indirectly helps the district by attracting more attention and projects. Arjun confronts the officials, but they argue that: i. The project has political backing and halting it will upset powerful leaders. ii. The guest house is “technically within public interest.” iii. Exposing the misuse might delay other ongoing schemes due to political retaliation. At the same time, Arjun receives a complaint from local civil society groups that several schools lack even basic facilities like toilets, clean drinking water, and teachers. He realizes that continuing the misuse of funds will directly harm the education of children, worsening inequality. If he resists, he risks straining relations with political leaders, possible transfer, and jeopardizing his ability to work in the district. If he complies, the basic rights of children will be sacrificed. Questions (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Arjun in this case? (b) If you were guiding young civil servants on this case, what ethical principles and leadership qualities would you emphasize for handling such dilemmas in public life? (c) Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Arjun, balancing administrative pragmatism with ethical responsibility.

Case Study You are a district collector of a drought-prone area where farmers are suffering from crop failure and debt. You have been allocated funds by the state government to provide relief measures such as food grains distribution, loan waivers and employment generation schemes. However, you find out that some local politicians and officials are involved in diverting these funds for their personal gains. They have also threatened some honest staff members who tried to expose their corruption. You have evidence against these corrupt people but you also know that they have strong political connections and influence in the area. Q. What will you do in this situation?