As a newly appointed senior officer in the Public Works Department (PWD), you are overseeing a hospital project currently under construction that was approved before you took office. Upon inspecting the site, you discover that the construction quality is substandard, and if completed as is, the building could collapse, risking lives and public funds. When you raise this concern with your superiors, you face significant pressure from various sources. You are reminded that the project is vital for providing critical healthcare services to the district and surrounding areas, and is also a key campaign promise of the ruling party. With elections fast approaching, there is mounting pressure to complete the project quickly. However, you realize that addressing the structural deficiencies is the only safe course of action, though it will cause a considerable delay in the project’s completion. (200 words)

c) What approach would you take as the PWD officer, and what is the reasoning behind your choice?

Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction
   • Start by acknowledging your role as a PWD officer and the importance of maintaining public safety and project integrity.
   • Highlight that your approach would be centered around ensuring compliance with safety standards and preventing substandard work that could jeopardize public welfare.
2. Assess the Situation
   • Briefly describe the project or issue at hand, identifying any concerns or structural flaws.
   • Emphasize the significance of addressing the problem early to prevent future risks.
3. Engage Experts for Structural Assessment
   • Explain the need for a technical assessment by qualified structural engineers to evaluate the severity of the issues.
   • Reference the National Building Code of India (NBC) as the standard for construction safety and compliance.
     • Fact: The National Building Code of India (NBC) provides guidelines on building design and construction to ensure safety and structural integrity, including provisions for assessing and addressing structural defects.
4. Create a Detailed Report
   • Based on the assessment, discuss preparing a comprehensive report detailing the structural issues, risks involved, and consequences if the problems are not addressed.
   • Include technical data and visuals to make the case compelling.
5. Present to Seniors and Ruling Party
   • Propose presenting the findings to senior officials and members of the ruling party, making the case for corrective measures.
   • Stress the long-term consequences of substandard construction, including potential collapse, loss of public trust, and damage to the ruling party’s reputation.
6. Propose a Solution
   • Offer a well-thought-out plan for correcting the structural issues, including a timeline, budget, and resources required.
   • Highlight the importance of immediate corrective action to avoid catastrophic failures in the future.
7. Ethical Responsibility and Last Resort
   • If internal stakeholders remain indifferent or obstruct progress, suggest anonymously sharing the findings with relevant external regulatory bodies (e.g., the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or the Central Public Works Department (CPWD)).
     • Fact: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for ensuring the quality of construction materials and processes, which could be useful in validating the report’s findings and ensuring accountability.
8. Conclusion
   • Reinforce your commitment to public safety, transparency, and ethical conduct in your role as a public servant.
   • Emphasize the need for moral courage in addressing potential ethical dilemmas and institutional pressures.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

1. National Building Code of India (NBC)
   • Fact: The NBC sets standards for building design, construction, and safety to ensure public welfare and prevent structural failures. It includes provisions for materials, structural design, and inspections.
2. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
   • Fact: BIS formulates and monitors Indian Standards, ensuring the quality and safety of materials used in construction projects.
3. Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
   • Fact: CPWD is a central government authority responsible for construction and maintenance of public infrastructure. It follows stringent guidelines for quality and safety, making it an important reference for compliance.
4. Ethical Responsibility of Public Servants
   • Fact: Public servants are entrusted with the duty to prioritize the public good and make decisions based on ethics and transparency. This involves addressing any safety concerns and standing against malpractices.
5. Risk of Structural Failure
   • Fact: A poorly constructed building or infrastructure could lead to significant risks, including collapse, loss of life, and long-term financial and social damage. Studies show that many structural failures in India occur due to non-compliance with safety standards and poor-quality construction.