Multiple choice

You are a senior government servant who is known for his uprightness and integrity. You are approached by an NGO which is taking out a procession against the government on the issue of corruption. They want you to support the movement and actively participate in it as you are also known to be against corruption. But you know that the government Conduct Rules prohibit any government servant form criticising government policies, or, from participating in demonstrations, etc. Which are against the government. In such a situation what would be the most appropriate course of action for you?

  1. Lend support and participate in the procession, as the issue of corruption is very important

  2. Refrain from participating in the procession but convey moral support on the issue of corruption. Explain the provision of Conduct Rules which prohibit you from doing so

  3. Resign from the service and actively participate in the movement. This way you will fight against corruption and be free from violating Conduct Rules

  4. Discourage the NGO from taking out a procession against corruption as it would be a wrong means to attain a noble end
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

2.5 marks for Option (b) 1.5 marks for Option (c) 0 marks for Options (a) and (d) Rationale/ Reasoning (b) The issue of raising one’s voice against corruption is a very important one. But it is equally important that honest and upright officers continue to be a part of the civil-services and fight the malaise from within. As the government’s Conduct Rules prohibit civil - servants from participating in demonstration, etc. where government/ policies are criticised, it is prudent to express support or solidarity with the issue in a manner which is not seen to be violative of Conduct Rules. As such Option (b) is the best course to adopt. (c) Resigning from the service for the sake of participating in a procession against corruption shows how strongly you feel about the issue. But as mentioned earlier, presence of honest and upright officers in the system is equally important to cleanse the system from within Option (c). (a) Participating in the procession may be seen as a violation of conduct rules. Besides, as an honest and upright officer, your conduct should be in conformity with the government rules and norms, both in letter and spirit. As such Option (a) would not be the right course of action. (d) Discouraging the NGO from taking out the procession would be improper. Fight against corruption is an important issue in the present day society. Besides, the Constitution does permit peaceful assembly and demonstration. Principle/ Value Tested Ability to strike a balance between seemingly contradictory courses of actions.

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