Case Study You are a senior executive at a large healthcare organization that has recently implemented an artificial intelligence (AI) system to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. The system uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data, identify patterns and predict outcomes. It has been designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. However, the system has recently come under scrutiny from the media, patient groups and regulators who are concerned about the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare. There are concerns that the system may be biased, as it has been trained on data that may not represent all patient populations. There are also concerns about the potential loss of privacy and autonomy for patients, as their data is being collected and analyzed without their explicit consent. You have been tasked with addressing these ethical concerns and ensuring that the healthcare organization is operating in a responsible and ethical manner. What steps will you take to address biases in AI systems and ensure that they are transparent and accountable?

Case Study You are an experienced civil servant working in a government department responsible for infrastructure development. Your department has recently received a proposal from a well-known construction company to build a major highway that would greatly improve connectivity in a remote region. However, you have discovered through reliable sources that the company has a history of engaging in corrupt practices and bribing government officials to secure contracts. Furthermore, there are concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed highway, as it would pass through ecologically sensitive areas. As a public servant, you are faced with an ethical dilemma regarding whether to support or oppose the project. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case and outline the possible courses of action you could take. Evaluate each course of action in terms of its ethical implications and the impact on public administration.

Case Study The municipal corporation of a city approved felling of trees to develop public transport infrastructure. Amidst the concrete jungle of the district, area X is a treasured green patch. With increasing environmental awareness, people have come on the streets to spread the message of conservation and stand against the indiscriminate felling of trees. The Municipal Corporation is of the view that developing viable public transport infrastructure will dissuade people from using private vehicles and ultimately reducing the carbon footprint. Meanwhile, activists say it is the sole surviving natural floodplain of the area, whose reclamation through construction and felling of trees would lead to greater inundation during the monsoon. The state government alarmed by widespread public protest against the felling of trees has constituted a committee to look into the matter and suggest alternatives for this project. You are appointed as the chairperson of this committee, What course of action will you recommend to the government for assuaging public concern and limiting environmental impact?

Case Study You have recently been appointed as a District Labour Officer in a state where tourism plays a key role in the local economy. During a routine check, you discover that a large hotel in the area has been violating the Minimum Wages Act by not paying its workers the mandated wages. The hotel owner is a powerful local political leader with strong ties to influential officials in the state. You decide to initiate a preliminary inquiry, as you have the authority to take suo-motu cognizance of such violations. However, when you approach the workers, none of them are willing to file formal complaints, fearing retaliation from the hotel management and the loss of their jobs. At the same time, your investigation catches the attention of higher authorities, who begin pressuring you to drop the inquiry, citing the hotel owner’s political influence. This situation presents an ethical dilemma. While the violation of workers’ rights is clear, you face a conflict between your duty to uphold the law and the pressure from higher authorities to ignore the issue. The decision you make will have significant consequences, both for the workers and your career. Questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this case? (b) Evaluate the following options and suggest preferred course of action, with reasons: 1. Drop the matter as advised informally by higher authorities. 2. Persuade the hotel owner to fix the violations. 3. Submit a detailed report and seek formal directions. 4. Serve notice and begin legal action under the Minimum Wages Act. (c) What can be the recommended course of action?

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.