Several villages in Jharkhand have resorted to Pathalgarhi – a tribal tradition of erecting stone slabs to demarcate the area of their villages’ jurisdiction, declaring their autonomy and self-rule in the areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. In these localities, no outsider including the government servants is allowed. From various sources, it has come to be known that tribals are not happy with the state and central government as they feel ignored, marginalized and have been experiencing the plunder of their resources on which traditionally they enjoyed control. They hold new laws and developmental activities responsible for their plight. Suppose you are a DM in one such affected district where this movement is going on, what strategies will you adopt to tackle the issues on short term as well as long term basis. Give justification for your strategies.

Case Study Q. You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a city where a horrific incident of gang rape and murder of an IT professional has shaken the conscience of the entire nation. Since the culprits are still at large, the public anger is mounting and the aggrieved family is refusing to cooperate in investigations because they have no faith in the local police. Earlier, when they tried to lodge a missing complaint of the victim in a nearby police station, they were turned away as the police said that the area falls outside their jurisdiction. In such circumstances when the police force is under heavy media scrutiny. (a) What will you do to dissuade the rising mistrust between the public and the police? (b) Also, bring out the long term measures to check this ever growing menace of violence against women.

Case Study 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 the 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 Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earn 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. (a) What action do you visualise 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.

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.