A recent engineering graduate is hired by a prominent chemical company. She enjoys her work. Additionally, the pay is good. But after a few months, she unintentionally learns that a highly dangerous waste is being surreptitiously dumped into a neighboring river. The communities downstream who rely on the river for their water needs are experiencing health issues as a result of this. She is upset and expresses her worry to her coworkers who have worked for the company longer. They tell her to be quiet because anyone who brings up the subject gets instantly shrugged off. Since she is the only provider for her family and must take care of her sick parents and siblings, she cannot risk losing her work. Initially, she believes that if her
a. What arguments can you advance to show her that keeping quiet is not morally right?
b. What course of action would you advise her to adopt and why?(250 words) [UPSC 2016]
a. Arguments Against Keeping Quiet from a Moral Perspective
**1. Ethical Responsibility to Protect Public Health: Keeping quiet about the illegal dumping of hazardous waste is a direct neglect of the ethical responsibility to safeguard public health. The toxic waste is causing health problems for the communities who rely on the river. Ignoring this issue compromises the well-being of these vulnerable populations. For instance, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy illustrates the severe consequences of corporate negligence and the importance of addressing such issues proactively.
**2. Legal and Environmental Obligations: The company’s actions violate legal and environmental obligations. In India, the Environment Protection Act, 1986, mandates the proper disposal of hazardous waste. By staying silent, she would be complicit in the violation of environmental laws. The Supreme Court’s intervention in cases like the Ganga pollution issue demonstrates how adherence to environmental regulations is critical for legal and public health.
**3. Moral Integrity and Conscience: Maintaining moral integrity involves taking action against unethical practices. Her conscience is already troubled by the situation, indicating a conflict between personal values and professional expectations. The example of Frances Haugen, who exposed unethical practices at Facebook despite significant personal risks, highlights the importance of aligning actions with personal and professional ethics.
**4. Potential for Positive Change: Addressing the issue could lead to positive change. Reporting the illegal dumping can prompt the company to adopt proper waste management practices and prevent further harm. Volkswagen’s emission scandal shows that exposing corporate wrongdoing can lead to significant reforms and enhanced corporate accountability.
**5. Whistleblower Protections: There are legal protections for whistleblowers that can mitigate risks. In India, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 provides safeguards against retaliation for reporting illegal activities. Understanding and utilizing these protections can help in reporting the issue without jeopardizing her job.
b. Recommended Course of Action
**1. Seek Legal Advice: She should first seek legal advice to understand her rights and the protections available under the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014. This step will help her navigate the legal implications and safeguard her interests while reporting the wrongdoing.
**2. Report to Relevant Authorities: She should report the issue to regulatory bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or National Green Tribunal (NGT). These bodies are responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and can take appropriate action against the company.
**3. Explore Whistleblower Channels: Utilize internal whistleblower channels if available within the company. Reporting through these channels might offer some level of protection and help in addressing the issue internally before escalating it.
**4. Seek Support from Environmental NGOs: Engage with environmental NGOs like Greenpeace or Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). These organizations can provide support, raise awareness, and offer a platform for addressing environmental violations.
**5. Document Evidence: It is crucial to document all evidence related to the illegal dumping. This documentation will support her case and provide a solid foundation for any legal or regulatory action.
Conclusion: Keeping quiet is not morally right due to the ethical responsibility to protect public health, legal obligations, personal integrity, and the potential for positive change. By seeking legal advice, reporting to authorities, exploring whistleblower channels, and engaging with NGOs, she can address the issue responsibly while safeguarding her interests.
Model Answer
Introduction
An engineering graduate faces a critical ethical dilemma: should she prioritize her job security or the health and well-being of downstream communities affected by the illegal dumping of toxic waste? This situation demands careful consideration of her moral responsibilities and the potential repercussions of her actions.
Body
(a) Reasons Against Keeping Quiet
(b) Recommended Course of Action
Conclusion
In navigating this ethical dilemma, it is imperative for her to prioritize both her safety and the health of the affected communities. By following these steps, she can expose the harmful practices while minimizing risks to herself and her family. Ultimately, making the moral choice can lead to a positive impact on both the community and the environment.