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]

Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Context: Outline the scenario where a senior officer in the Ministry is faced with an ethical dilemma regarding a mega road project.
• Key Issues: Mention the Minister’s request for realignment for personal benefit and the potential consequences of this action.

2. Immediate Actions

• Refusal to Comply: State the decision to refuse the Minister’s request.
• Justification: Emphasize the reasons for this decision, including ethical and legal obligations.

3. Evaluation of the Situation

• Impact on Farmers: Discuss the potential displacement of farmers due to land acquisition (Source: Ministry of Agriculture).
• Environmental Consequences: Highlight the implications of deforestation and loss of biodiversity (Source: Environmental Impact Assessment Reports).
• Financial Burden on Government: Note how realignment would increase costs for the government.

4. Conflicts of Interest

• Personal Gain vs. Public Good: Analyze the conflict between the Minister’s personal interests and the public interest.
• Legal vs. Ethical Responsibilities: Discuss the difference between what is legal (buying land) and what is ethical (public servants serving the public).
• Professional Integrity: Highlight how accepting the proposal undermines professional integrity and public trust.

5. Responsibilities as a Public Servant

• Prioritize Public Welfare: Emphasize the duty to act in the best interest of the community and environment.
• Maintain Transparency and Accountability: Underline the importance of making decisions that are transparent and justifiable.
• Seek Guidance from Higher Authorities: Mention the importance of consulting ethics committees or higher authorities if pressured.

6. Conclusion

• Reaffirm Decision: Summarize the importance of refusing the unethical request.
• Uphold Ethical Standards: Stress the necessity of maintaining ethical conduct in public service for the benefit of society.

Relevant Facts for Use in Answers

• Impact of Land Acquisition: “Land acquisition for public projects can lead to significant disruption in the livelihoods of local farmers.” (Source: Ministry of Agriculture).
• Environmental Concerns: “Deforestation contributes to climate change and loss of biodiversity.” (Source: Environmental Impact Assessment Reports).
• Public Trust: “Maintaining public trust is vital for effective governance and public service.” (Source: Good Governance Principles).

This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the ethical dilemma faced by the officer while highlighting key responsibilities and relevant facts.