GS4 · UPSC Mains

You are a CEO of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). Your district received a ₹12 crore allocation under a central scheme for promoting rural micro-enterprises. As per guidelines, funds are to be disbursed to trained Self-Help Groups (SHGs) after business plans are vetted and support structures (mentors, credit linkages) are in place. However, due to a delayed rollout at the state level, only 20% of SHGs have been trained. The district resource team is understaffed, and bank linkage is pending in many blocks. With only six weeks left in the financial year, you receive pressure from the district Collector and the state nodal officer to "ensure 100% utilization." You're told that underutilization may lead to reduced allocations next year, and your district may lose "performer" status. Some colleagues suggest that funds can be routed through "mature" SHGs regardless of readiness, and regularization can be "managed" later. A few NGO partners and field officers express concern: without full preparation, many SHGs may misuse or waste funds, leading to debt cycles, failed businesses, and audit objections. However, some local representatives argue that delaying funds will disappoint communities and "punish them for bureaucratic delays." No formal wrongdoing has occurred yet, but the pressure to release funds quickly is mounting — even if institutional capacity is clearly not in place. Question (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues in this case? (b) What are your options available? Evaluate them in the light of Ethical Governance and prudent public fund management. (c) What action will you take and why? Justify it in the context of civil service values, accountability and long-term programme integrity. (Answer in 250 words)

20 marks · 250 words · 2 toppers answered this

GS4 · Aptitude & foundational values for civil service — integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication, empathy, tolerance & compassion GS4 · Laws, rules, regulations & conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability & ethical governance; strengthening of ethical & moral values in governance

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