Hi aspirants, hope you will be fine. Here are 10 previous years’ questions and their model answers of Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. Have a look at these model answers and try to do some value addition with the help of your real-life examples. If you see any news related to ethics in your newspaper or anywhere in your day-to-day life, keep on writing those points in your notebook of ethics. One day you will have a decent collection of real-life examples. Keep trying, and keep moving ahead every single day.
Q.) What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant. (UPSC ETHICS 2019, 10 markers).
Ans.) The term ‘public servant’ refers to an individual employed by the government to serve and fulfill the needs of the public. Public servants play a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of government institutions and the delivery of public services. Their primary responsibility is to act in the best interests of the citizens they serve, upholding the values of integrity, impartiality, and accountability.
The expected role of a public servant involves executing their duties with transparency, fairness, and diligence. They are entrusted with making decisions that prioritize the welfare of the public over personal gain or interest. Public servants are also expected to exhibit a high level of professionalism, maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, public servants should promote and protect the rule of law, administer resources efficiently, and remain responsive to the needs of the people. They must foster trust and cooperation between the government and the citizens, working towards the overall development and well-being of society. Upholding ethical conduct, respecting diversity, and being accountable for their actions are integral aspects of the role of a public servant.
Q.) What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality? (UPSC ETHICS 2019, 10 markers).
Ans.) Constitutional morality refers to the adherence and respect for the principles and values enshrined in a constitution. It goes beyond legal compliance and encompasses a deep understanding and commitment to the foundational ideals of the Constitution, such as democracy, justice, equality, and individual rights.
Upholding constitutional morality involves several key aspects. Firstly, individuals must abide by the laws and provisions of the Constitution, ensuring that their actions are in line with its spirit and intent. Secondly, citizens and public officials should actively participate in democratic processes, such as elections and civic engagement, to ensure the preservation of constitutional principles.
Additionally, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their background, is essential. This includes promoting social justice and equality while refraining from discrimination. Being accountable, transparent, and promoting the rule of law are further ways of upholding constitutional morality.
Finally, citizens should actively engage in dialogue and discourse about constitutional values, encouraging open discussions and debates to ensure that the Constitution remains a living and relevant document that reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of the society it serves.
Q.) What is meant by ‘crises of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? (UPSC ETHICS 2019, 10 markers).
Ans.) ‘Crises of conscience’ refer to ethical dilemmas or conflicts that individuals experience when their moral values and beliefs clash with external pressures or demands. These situations pose challenges where individuals must navigate between their ethical principles and the expectations of society, peers, or institutions.
In the public domain, crises of conscience manifest when public servants, leaders, or citizens find themselves torn between upholding their integrity and fulfilling their professional duties. For example, a public servant might face such a crisis when asked to engage in corrupt practices or compromise on transparency. Journalists might experience it when pressured to publish misleading information.
These situations highlight the tension between individual values and external influences. How individuals address such crises reflects their moral courage and commitment to ethical behavior. Some may choose to stand firm in defense of their values, even at personal cost, while others might succumb to pressure. Public discussions and ethical guidelines can help individuals navigate such challenges while upholding their principles in the face of external expectations.
Q.) Hatred is destructive of a person’s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (UPSC ETHICS 2020, 10 markers).
Ans.) Yes, I agree with the view that hatred is destructive to an individual’s wisdom and conscience, and it can indeed poison a nation’s spirit. From a civil servant’s perspective, maintaining social harmony and unity is paramount for the overall development and progress of a nation. Hatred fosters division, hampers cooperation, and impedes rational decision-making.
A civil servant’s duty involves promoting the welfare of all citizens without bias or prejudice. Hatred clouds judgment, leading to discrimination and unfair treatment, which undermines the principles of justice and equality. It obstructs open dialogue, hindering the resolution of conflicts and the formulation of inclusive policies.
Furthermore, nurturing a society driven by mutual respect and understanding encourages citizens to collaborate for collective growth. By addressing the root causes of animosity and promoting tolerance, a civil servant contributes to a healthier social environment conducive to constructive dialogue, innovation, and progress. Thus, a civil servant should actively work to counteract hatred, fostering an atmosphere of unity and cooperation that strengthens the nation’s spirit and well-being.
Q.) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. (UPSC ETHICS 2020, 10 markers).
Ans.) Laws and rules are both regulatory mechanisms, but they differ in their scope and authority. Laws are formal regulations established by a governing authority, typically through a legislative process. They have legal backing and enforceability, often carrying penalties for non-compliance. Rules, on the other hand, are more specific guidelines or directives that help implement laws. They may be set by administrative bodies or organizations to ensure the effective execution of broader legal frameworks.
Ethics play a crucial role in formulating both laws and rules. Ethical considerations guide the content of laws, ensuring they align with societal values, fairness, and justice. Ethical principles help lawmakers weigh conflicting interests and make decisions that maximize the common good. Similarly, ethical considerations influence the creation of rules, ensuring they are just, reasonable, and practical.
Ethics also guide the enforcement of laws and rules. Officials must exercise their authority fairly and impartially, upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. Ethical behavior fosters public trust in the legal and regulatory systems, leading to greater compliance and respect for the established norms.
In essence, ethics act as a moral compass in the formulation, implementation, and enforcement of both laws and rules, ensuring that they serve the best interests of society while upholding fundamental values.
Q.) Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behavior in public servants. (UPSC ETHICS 2021, 10 markers).
Ans.) Ten essential values for an effective public servant include integrity, accountability, transparency, impartiality, empathy, professionalism, commitment to public service, respect for diversity, leadership, and humility.
To prevent non-ethical behavior in public servants, several measures can be implemented. First, a comprehensive and clear code of conduct should be established, outlining expected ethical standards. Regular training and workshops on ethics can raise awareness and help public servants navigate ethical dilemmas.
Second, a robust system of checks and balances should be in place, with strong oversight mechanisms to monitor actions and decisions. Whistleblower protection encourages reporting of wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. Transparent processes in recruitment, promotions, and transfers ensure fairness and prevent favoritism.
Third, nurturing a culture of ethical behavior through leadership examples and rewards for ethical conduct fosters a positive environment. Implementing a system of rewards and penalties based on ethical behavior reinforces the importance of adherence to values.
Lastly, promoting a strong public grievance mechanism allows citizens to voice concerns about unethical behavior they encounter. This fosters accountability and trust between public servants and the community they serve. In combination, these approaches create an ecosystem that discourages non-ethical behavior and supports the development of virtuous public servants.
Q.) 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. (UPSC ETHICS 2021, 10 markers).
Ans.) Certainly, along with domain knowledge, the ability to be innovative and creative is crucial for public officials when facing ethical dilemmas. Ethical situations often require unique solutions that go beyond conventional approaches. A public official’s innovativeness enables them to navigate complex situations while upholding ethical principles.
For instance, consider a scenario where a government agency needs to allocate limited resources for two critical projects, both of which have strong ethical justifications. A public official with a high degree of innovativeness might propose a hybrid solution that combines elements of both projects, optimizing the resource allocation to maximize benefits for all stakeholders. This innovative approach not only demonstrates creativity in problem-solving but also highlights a commitment to ethical decision-making by considering the well-being of all parties involved.
In such cases, innovativeness allows public officials to break free from rigid frameworks and explore unconventional yet ethical alternatives that balance competing interests effectively. This approach not only enhances the quality of governance but also reinforces public trust in the system’s ability to address ethical complexities in innovative ways.
Q.) “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human rights violation.” Examine the statement concerning the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society. (UPSC ETHICS 2021, 10 markers).
Ans.) The statement emphasizes a fundamental ethical principle regarding the treatment of refugees: nonrefoulement. This principle, enshrined in international law, dictates that refugees should not be forcibly returned to a country where they face a credible threat of persecution or human rights violations. Nations claiming to be democratic with open societies should adhere to this ethical dimension to uphold human rights and compassion.
If such a nation turns refugees back into a perilous situation, it violates its ethical responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals. This action contradicts the principles of justice, empathy, and respect for human dignity that underlie democratic values and open societies. By failing to provide refuge to those in need, the nation’s claim of being democratic and open is undermined, revealing a disconnect between rhetoric and action.
Upholding the ethical dimension involves ensuring fair and thorough refugee status determination processes, providing humanitarian assistance, and cooperating with international organizations to find solutions. By aligning their actions with their professed values, democratic nations can demonstrate a true commitment to ethics and contribute to a more just and humane global society.
Q.) 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. (UPSC ETHICS 2021, 10 markers).
Ans.) Indeed, an independent and empowered social audit mechanism is essential across all realms of public service, including the judiciary. Such a mechanism plays a vital role in upholding performance, accountability, and ethical conduct.
In the context of the judiciary, a social audit mechanism would enable citizens and stakeholders to assess the efficiency and fairness of court proceedings. It would enhance transparency by scrutinizing the allocation of resources, case backlog management, and adherence to due process. By involving the public, this mechanism promotes public trust and prevents corruption or undue influence.
Furthermore, an empowered social audit mechanism ensures accountability. It allows for the identification of areas where judicial processes might be lacking, leading to corrective actions. This accountability discourages complacency and encourages continuous improvement within the judiciary.
Ethical conduct is also bolstered by such a mechanism. It helps identify instances of bias, discrimination, or favoritism, ensuring adherence to the principles of impartiality and justice. This transparency leads to a higher standard of ethical behavior among judicial personnel.
Incorporating social audit across public services, including the judiciary, reinforces the democratic process, maintains public confidence, and strengthens the overall governance framework, ultimately contributing to a more accountable, just, and ethical society.
Q.) The Rules and Regulations provided to all civil servants are the same, yet there is a difference in performance. Positive-minded officers can interpret the Rules and Regulations in favor of the case and achieve success, whereas negative-minded officers are unable to achieve the goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. (UPSC ETHICS 2022, 10 markers).
Ans.) The disparity in performance among civil servants despite having the same Rules and Regulations stems from their differing mindsets and interpretations. Positive-minded officers approach challenges with optimism, seeking solutions within the framework of rules. Negative-minded officers, however, focus on limitations and obstacles, often misinterpreting rules to avoid taking initiative.
For instance, consider two officers presented with a project requiring swift execution. The positive-minded officer studies the Rules and Regulations thoroughly and identifies a provision that allows expedited processes for urgent matters. They interpret the rules favorably and successfully expedite the project, achieving the goal.
On the contrary, a negative-minded officer might fixate on bureaucratic procedures and assume that any deviation is unacceptable. Their interpretation inhibits them from recognizing the provision for urgency, leading to delays and inefficiencies in the project’s execution.
This difference in mindset illustrates how officers’ attitudes shape their approach to rules. Positive-minded officers leverage Rules and Regulations to achieve desired outcomes, viewing them as tools for effective governance. In contrast, negative-minded officers are hindered by their interpretation bias, impeding performance.
Therefore, fostering a positive and solution-oriented mindset among civil servants through training, leadership examples, and a supportive work environment can significantly impact their ability to interpret and apply Rules and Regulations effectively for achieving goals.
Good luck! Have a good day.🤘👍🙂