Q. Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work.
He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects, relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash’s Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash’s only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew’s business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action.
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
(b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation.
(c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why?
UPSC Mains 2025 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
(a) Ethical Issues Involved
The case presents multiple ethical challenges:
• Conflict of Interest: Personal family demands versus professional obligations to maintain confidentiality
• Insider Trading: Son seeking privileged information for land speculation (like Harshad Mehta scandal)
• Nepotism: Minister pushing nephew’s business interests undermining fair competition
• Breach of Public Trust: Potential misuse of official position for private gain
• Erosion of Integrity: Testing adherence to civil service values of impartiality and objectivity
b) Critical Examination of Options
Option 1: Comply with both requests
Would please family and Minister but constitutes criminal breach under Prevention of Corruption Act, destroying career and reputation.
Option 2: Refuse son, help Minister
Avoids family scandal but still involves nepotism, compromising project quality and public resources (like 2G spectrum case).
Option 3: Help son, refuse Minister
Maintains official propriety but insider trading remains illegal and makes him vulnerable to blackmail.
Option 4: Refuse both politely but firmly
• With son: Explain legal ramifications and counsel ethical business practices
• With Minister: Frame transparency as protecting government credibility, document all interactions
This upholds integrity but risks professional relationships and possible punitive transfer.
(c) Most Appropriate Course of Action
Option 4 is most appropriate because it:
• Upholds constitutional values and civil service ethics
• Ensures legal compliance through transparent bidding process (following CVC guidelines)
• Protects long-term interests of all stakeholders including the Minister
• Demonstrates true leadership by guiding others toward ethical conduct
• Fulfills paternal duty by teaching moral values over material gain
Subash should document all interactions, suggest committee-based decisions, and if pressure persists, approach Chief Secretary. This approach balances emotional intelligence with unwavering commitment to public service values.
Conclusion:
Integrity in critical moments defines a civil servant’s legacy and strengthens democratic governance.
