GS4 · UPSC Mains
You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and livesability. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons. (20 marks, 250 words)
GS4 · Case studies on the above issues
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komal Punia | — | UnlockIAS | p.35 |
| Komal Punia | — | UnlockIAS | p.35 |
| Komal Punia | — | UnlockIAS | p.35 |
| Komal Punia | — | UnlockIAS | p.35 |
| Komal Punia | — | Vajiram & Ravi | p.35 |
| Dev Dudeja | — | Vajiram & Ravi | p.34 |