Q. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle – class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement.
There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these student in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immealately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.
o Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
o Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?
Question from UPSC Mains 2021 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
Ethical Issues Involved in the Case:
- Academic Integrity: The use of unfair means during exams violates the principles of academic integrity and undermines the credibility of the education system.
- Nepotism: The involvement of the sons of a local politician and businessman raises the issue of nepotism and favoritism, which can erode public trust in the college.
- Conflict of Interest: The close relationship between the senior lecturer and the management raises concerns about conflict of interest and impartiality in decision-making.
- Pressure to Compromise: The management’s pressure to resolve the issue at any cost and the hint that the Vice Principal’s promotion depends on resolving the issue raises concerns about compromising on ethical principles.
Options Available with the Vice Principal:
- Covering Up: The Vice Principal could choose to cover up the incident and resolve the issue with the flying squad by using unethical means, such as bribing or threatening them. This option could result in temporary relief for the college, but it would compromise on ethical principles and erode public trust in the education system.
- Taking Strict Action: The Vice Principal could take strict action against the students and the senior lecturer involved in the incident, regardless of their connections and influence. This option would uphold the principles of academic integrity and send a strong message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated.
- Compromising: The Vice Principal could choose to compromise by taking partial action against the defaulters and not pursuing the matter further. This option may provide temporary relief, but it would compromise on ethical principles and undermine public trust in the education system.
- Seeking External Help: The Vice Principal could seek external help, such as the police or an independent investigating agency, to resolve the issue and ensure that justice is served. This option would uphold the principles of impartiality and transparency and send a strong message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated.
Most Appropriate Option for the Vice Principal:
The most appropriate option for the Vice Principal would be to take strict action against the defaulters and the senior lecturer involved in the incident, regardless of their connections and influence. This option would uphold the principles of academic integrity and send a strong message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated. The Vice Principal can also seek the help of external agencies to ensure that justice is served and that the investigation is impartial and transparent. This option may not be easy and may require courage and resilience, but it is the most ethical and responsible course of action in the long run. By taking this option, the Vice Principal can also demonstrate their commitment to ethical principles and build public trust in the education system.
