Q. Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years.
His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters.
A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres.
Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes he Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power, Vinod’s professional growth would be assured.
Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains.
(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.
(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.
Question from UPSC Mains 2023 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
Options Available to Vinod:
1. Expose the Chairman: Vinod has the option to expose the Chairman using the evidence provided by the Board Member. This would fulfill his duty as an honest and sincere civil servant. However, this could lead to negative repercussions such as a possible transfer or other penalties.
2. Refrain from Exposing the Chairman: Vinod could choose to not expose the Chairman to avoid any potential backlash. However, this would go against his principles as an honest civil servant and would allow the alleged corruption to continue.
3. Report to Higher Authorities: Vinod could report the alleged corruption to higher authorities such as the Chief Minister or the Central Vigilance Commission. This would allow for an investigation to be conducted without directly involving him.
4. Seek Legal Advice: Vinod could consult with a legal advisor to understand the best course of action. This would ensure that he is making an informed decision that is in line with the law.
Ethical Issues Arising Due to the Politicization of Bureaucracy:
1. Conflict of Interest: The politicization of bureaucracy can lead to conflicts of interest, as seen in Vinod’s case. The Board Member is trying to use Vinod for his own political gains, which could compromise Vinod’s ability to perform his duties objectively.
2. Corruption: Politicization can lead to corruption, as politicians may use their power to influence bureaucratic decisions for their own benefit. In this case, the Chairman, a powerful politician, is allegedly involved in financial irregularities.
3. Inefficiency: The frequent transfers of Vinod, an experienced and knowledgeable officer, indicate inefficiency in the bureaucracy. This could be due to political interference, which disrupts the smooth functioning of the bureaucracy.
4. Threat to Impartiality: The politicization of bureaucracy can threaten the impartiality of civil servants. If Vinod decides to expose the Chairman in hopes of gaining professional growth when the Opposition Party comes to power, it would compromise his impartiality.
Example: The infamous coal scam in India is an example of the negative impact of the politicization of bureaucracy. The scam involved politicians and bureaucrats who allegedly conspired to underprice coal deposits, leading to a loss of billions of dollars to the government. This case highlights the ethical issues that can arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy, including corruption, conflict of interest, inefficiency, and a threat to impartiality.