GS4 · UPSC Mains

XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education. a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study. b) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?

20 marks · 20 words · 4 toppers answered this · seen 2023, 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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