As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road construction projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with minimum land acquisition from private parties. Compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area. Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20 acres farm house. He also suggests that he would facilitate purchase of a big plot of land in your wife’s name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural land has to be acquired, thereby causing considerable financial burden on the government, and also displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees, denuding the area of its green cover.
a. Faced with this situation, what will you do?
b. Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what are your responsibilities as a public servant. (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
Addressing Conflicts of Interest and Responsibilities as a Public Servant
1. Identifying Conflicts of Interest
In this scenario, several conflicts of interest are evident:
2. Responsibilities as a Public Servant
As a senior officer, your primary responsibilities are:
3. Recent Examples and Practical Application
Recent examples, such as the Delhi-Ambala Expressway realignment controversy, highlight the negative outcomes of political influence on infrastructure projects. Realignments based on personal interests can lead to increased costs, environmental damage, and public dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
You must maintain a firm stance against unethical practices, prioritize public welfare over personal gain, and ensure that all decisions adhere to ethical and legal standards. Your role as a public servant is to protect the integrity of public projects and serve the interests of the community, not personal or political agendas.
Model Answer
Introduction
The case presents a moral and ethical challenge faced by a senior officer in the Ministry tasked with overseeing a mega road construction project. The Minister’s request to realign the road for personal gain raises severe ethical concerns, particularly regarding the potential harm to the public interest and environmental sustainability.
Body
a. Immediate Actions
Faced with the situation, the first step is to refuse the Minister’s request. Aligning the road closer to the Minister’s farmhouse would lead to significant negative consequences, including:
b. Conflicts of Interest
c .Responsibilities as a Public Servant
Conclusion
In this scenario, refusing the Minister’s unethical request and prioritizing public interest is paramount. Upholding ethical standards is crucial in a senior officer’s role, ensuring that decisions benefit society rather than individual agendas. If necessary, further support from higher authorities should be sought to maintain integrity in public service.