Q. Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service.
Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy.
(a) What are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State?
(b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why?
(c) Critically evaluate each of the options.
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?
(e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country?
Question from UPSC Mains 2022 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
(a) Options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State:
Withdraw the report as instructed by the Additional Home Secretary and continue with his duties as the Director of the Home Department.
Refuse to withdraw the report and face the consequences of being posted out from the State capital and putting his promotion in jeopardy.
Report the matter to the higher authorities or the Chief Minister of the State.
Take legal action against the Additional Home Secretary for pressurizing him to withdraw the report.
(b) Option Ramesh should adopt and why:
Ramesh should report the matter to the higher authorities or the Chief Minister of the State. Illegal migration poses a serious threat to the security and integrity of the nation. Ramesh, as the Director of the Home Department, has a responsibility towards the nation and should not compromise on the issue of national security. Moreover, he has caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. This is a serious matter and needs to be dealt with urgently. Therefore, Ramesh should not withdraw the report and instead report the matter to the higher authorities or the Chief Minister of the State.
(c) Critical evaluation of each of the options:
Withdraw the report: If Ramesh decides to withdraw the report, he would be compromising on the issue of national security. Moreover, it would set a bad precedent and encourage further illegal migration. Therefore, this option is not desirable.
Refuse to withdraw the report: If Ramesh refuses to withdraw the report, he might face consequences like being posted out from the State capital and putting his promotion in jeopardy. However, this option would ensure that the issue of illegal migration is brought to the notice of the higher authorities and appropriate action is taken.
Report the matter to the higher authorities or the Chief Minister of the State: This is the most appropriate option as it ensures that the issue of illegal migration is brought to the notice of the higher authorities and appropriate action is taken.
Take legal action against the Additional Home Secretary: This option should be considered only if all other options fail. Legal action should be taken only after consulting a legal expert.
(d) Ethical dilemmas faced by Ramesh:
Ramesh is faced with the ethical dilemma of whether to compromise on the issue of national security or to stand up for the truth and report the matter to the higher authorities. He also needs to consider the consequences of his actions on his career and his family.
(e) Policy measures to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighboring country:
Strengthen border security by deploying more personnel and using modern technology like drones, sensors, and cameras.
Increase coordination between the central and state agencies to ensure effective monitoring and surveillance of the borders.
Establish a system for the identification and deportation of illegal migrants.
Increase awareness among the public about the dangers of illegal migration and the need to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Strengthen the legal framework to punish those involved in illegal migration and those who facilitate it.