Civil Services Prep

What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?

Model answer

  1. What does this quotation mean to you “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 10 marks
  2. What does this quotation mean to you “An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates 10 marks
  3. What does this quotation mean to you “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi 10 marks
  4. What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant. (150 words). 10 marks
  5. “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption” Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words). 10 marks
  6. Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of civil servants. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered the backbone of any strong organization. In the line of duty, they make various decisions, and at times some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions, are not taken intentionally and do not benefit personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty. However such decisions may, at times, lead to unforeseen adverse consequences in the long term. In the recent past, a few instances have surfaced wherein civil servants have been implicated for bonafide mistakes. They have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned. These instances have greatly rattled the moral fiber of the civil servants. How does this trend affect the functioning of civil services? What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide mistakes on their part? Justify your answer. (250 words) 20 marks