Total Questions : 1
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Case Study
Q. Ashutosh, a young IAS officer, is posted as the District Magistrate in a flood-prone district. During a recent flood, his team worked tirelessly to evacuate people and provide relief. However, a journalist published a report alleging that the relief camps were inadequately managed, citing poor sanitation and insufficient medical facilities. The article gained traction on social media, leading to public criticism of Ashutosh’s administration.
Ashutosh knows that some of the allegations are exaggerated but also recognizes genuine gaps in the relief operations due to resource constraints. His immediate superior has asked for a report on the issue, while the state government has asked him to focus on controlling the narrative to avoid further public dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, he must continue coordinating ongoing relief efforts.
Ashutosh feels torn between focusing on damage control for his reputation and addressing the real challenges in relief operations. He wonders how he can balance accountability, transparency, and effective administration in this crisis.
(a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?
(b) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case.
(c) What steps can Ashutosh take to address both the immediate crisis and the systemic issues exposed by the situation?
GS Paper 4 Case Studies
