GS4 · UPSC Mains

Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by a teacher's violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention, sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the opposition. Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani's caste marked her for isolation, both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly linked to her caste identity. Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE's core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled to engage in their children's schooling due to systemic barriers. The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika? b) List the moral values that will guide her. c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of caste-based discrimination within the urban education system? (20 marks, 250 words)

20 marks · 250 words · 6 toppers answered this

GS4 · Attitude — content, structure, function; influence & relation with thought & behaviour; moral & political attitudes; social influence & persuasion

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