Case Study You are the newly appointed Principal of a prestigious government school in a small town.The school desperately needs upgrades – the science labs are outdated, the computer room has only a few working machines, and the library needs expansion. You had invited a local politician to the school for the 15th of August celebrations, during which he announced his intention to make a significant donation. However, in a private meeting afterward, he also insisted that the renovation contract and purchase of equipment be awarded to a company owned by one of his relatives. However, the company is known for supplying substandard materials. The donation would cover all these improvements and more, potentially transforming educational opportunities for the students.Some teachers and parents are opposed to accepting these funds under such conditions, while others argue that the students' needs should come first. Your decision will impact the school's future, its reputation, and the education of hundreds of students. 1. What are the key stakeholders in this situation? 2. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this situation? 3. What decision will you make regarding the donation, and what is your rationale behind it?

Case Studies Q. You are posted as the General Manager of a large public sector manufacturing unit. Recently, tensions have escalated between the management and the workers’ union. The union has raised demands regarding increased wages, better safety standards, and permanent absorption of contractual workers. While some of their demands are legitimate and align with labour welfare norms, others may have a severe impact on the company's financial health. Moreover, you discover that a few influential union leaders are instigating workers to go on an indefinite strike, even though negotiations are still ongoing. Meanwhile, a group of junior employees approaches you confidentially, expressing concern that the aggressive approach of the union may harm their career prospects and lead to a prolonged factory shutdown. At the same time, pressure mounts from the Ministry to avoid disruptions and meet production targets crucial for national supply chains. In the midst of this, a senior union leader offers to de-escalate the situation in exchange for personal favors, such as awarding contracts to firms linked to him and ensuring his relatives receive preferential treatment in job promotions. You are expected to submit a report to the Ministry suggesting a path forward that ensures industrial peace, protects workers’ rights, and prevents unethical compromises. A. Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. B. How would you balance worker welfare with organizational sustainability and public interest? C. How should you respond to the offer made by the union leader? What mechanisms should be used to ensure transparency and accountability? D. What ethical values and principles of public administration should guide your conduct?

Case Study Ananya Rao, an IPS officer serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber & Internal Security), is deeply troubled by intelligence inputs indicating a sharp rise in white-collar terrorism driven by the radicalisation of highly educated youth. Several recent incidents highlight this trend: engineering graduates developing encrypted communication tools for a banned extremist network, a finance professional funnelling cryptocurrency to foreign terror groups, and university students circulating extremist literature under the defence of intellectual debate. Although strong digital evidence implicates certain tech entrepreneurs, academics, and online influencers in facilitating these activities, Ananya’s proposal for targeted surveillance, deplatforming recruiters, and initiating UAPA-based action faces intense criticism. Civil society groups accuse her of suppressing free speech and violating privacy norms. Influential educational institutions lobby political leadership to avoid “unnecessary scandal.” Media debates portray the crackdown as ideological policing rather than a national security imperative. Parents of the accused youth argue for leniency on the grounds of immaturity. At the same time, central intelligence agencies warn that inaction may enable the growth of a covert terror ecosystem capable of cyber sabotage, financial crimes, and ideological infiltration of campuses. Ananya is torn between protecting civil liberties and addressing an urgent security threat. Her decision carries the risks of public controversy, political backlash, and potential legal challenges, but delaying action could compromise public safety and embolden extremist networks. Questions: A. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya Rao in this situation? B. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and ethical principles involved in this case. C. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Ananya and their likely consequences. D. Suggest the most ethical and administratively prudent course of action that balances civil liberties with the need to counter rising radicalisation and white-collar terrorism.

Case Study Rajiv is a Senior Engineer at a prestigious government research laboratory, overseeing the development of cutting-edge satellite technology for improved weather forecasting and disaster prediction. As project lead, he's responsible for selecting components and materials. While reviewing supplier proposals, Rajiv notices his sister's struggling startup has submitted a competitive bid with innovative solutions that could enhance the satellite's performance. Rajiv is aware that awarding the contract to his sister's company could save it from bankruptcy, but it might also raise questions of nepotism and compromise the selection process's integrity. The laboratory management fully trusts Rajiv and would support his decision. He now faces a dilemma between his professional obligations and his desire to help his sister's business, knowing that his choice could have significant implications for the project's success, his personal relationships, and the ethical standards of government contracting. 1. Who are the stakeholders involved in this situation? 2. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case? 3. What should be the course of action for Rajiv to resolve this issue?

Case Study You are the District Magistrate of a hilly region in India. The central government has proposed a high-speed rail project that would pass through your district. The project promises significant economic benefits, including job creation and improved connectivity. However, the project also faces opposition from environmental groups who argue that it will cause deforestation, disrupt wildlife corridors, and lead to increased pollution. Some environmental groups are also protesting highlighting the ecological threats of the project. Local farmers are also concerned about the acquisition of their land for the project. As the District Magistrate, you have the responsibility of maintaining law and order and addressing various stakeholders' concerns. Questions: 1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case? 2. As the District Magistrate, what are the various options available to you? Mention the pros and cons of each option. 3. Which option would you choose and why? Justify your decision using relevant ethical principles.

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.