GS4 · UPSC Mains

Utkarsh is a dedicated and experienced Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of a major Indian city. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of the city's infrastructure. One of his critical responsibilities is managing the safety and welfare of the PWD workers. A sudden strike by the workers' union of the PWD erupted over the issue of compensation to a construction worker who died while repairing a major bridge in the city. The case was brought to Utkarsh's attention for resolution. The deceased worker, Shyam Lal, was part of a team tasked with repairing a crucial bridge that connected two busy parts of the city. During the repair, an unfortunate accident occurred where a section of the bridge collapsed. Shyam Lal fell from a significant height, suffering severe injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Shyam Lal was 45 years old and the sole breadwinner for his family, which included his wife and three young children. The initial investigation revealed that Shyam Lal had not been wearing the mandatory safety harness at the time of the accident. The management, upon learning of this, is considering not providing extra compensation to Shyam Lal's family, citing negligence on his part. The PWD workers' union was outraged by this decision, arguing that the lack of proper training and supervision were the primary cause of the accident. They demanded full compensation for Shyam Lal's family, like what other workers receive who die in the line of duty, and a job for one family member. With no satisfactory response from the management, the union went on strike, halting all ongoing maintenance and construction projects in the city. The strike has continued for two weeks, causing significant disruption to the city's infrastructure projects and leading to public outcry. Utkarsh is now tasked with finding a resolution to this deadlock. a) What are the options available to Utkarsh to meet the above situation? Critically examine each of the options identified by him. b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Utkarsh? c) What course of action should Utkarsh adopt to diffuse the above situation?

20 marks · 20 words · 7 toppers answered this · seen 2025

GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Public/civil service values & ethics in public administration — status & problems; ethical concerns & dilemmas; conflict of interest

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