Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer by briefly introducing the case.
• Discuss various stakeholders involved in the case.
• Discuss ethical issue involved in the case.
• Discuss the course of action that should be taken by Sudharshan

Introduction

• The case revolves around Sudarshan, a civil engineer in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, who is overseeing a major road construction project that has been awarded to a private company named Rudra Inc. He becomes aware of unethical practices by the company, including use of sub-standard materials, overcharging, and bribing government officials.

Body

• Stakeholders involved:
  • Mr. Sudarshan - Civil Engineer, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • Rudra Inc. - Private Company.
  • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • Government Officials such as Mr. Bhushan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • The public - who will use the road once it is constructed.
  • The environment - the construction of the road may have an impact on the environment.
  • Society at large.
• Ethical issues involved:
  • Integrity
  • Responsibility
  • Fairness
  • Confidentiality
  • Public Interest
• Sudarshan should consider the following ethical principles that should guide his decision-making process:
  • Responsibility: Sudarshan has a responsibility to the government and the citizens to ensure that the road project is constructed to the highest standards using quality materials.
    • He also has a responsibility to report any unethical practices being carried out by Rudra Inc.
  • Honesty: Sudarshan must act with integrity and honesty in his dealings with Rudra Inc. and the government officials.
    • This means that he must report the unethical practices being carried out by Rudra Inc. truthfully and without any bias.
  • Transparency: Mr. Sudarshan should act in a transparent manner, ensuring that all his dealings with Rudra Inc. and the government officials are open and honest.
  • Confidentiality: Sudarshan should ensure that any information he receives about the unethical practices being carried out by Rudra Inc. is kept confidential and not shared with anyone outside of the government.
  • Fairness: Sudarshan should act in a fair and impartial manner, ensuring that he does not show any bias towards Rudra Inc. or the government officials.
  • Objectivity: He should first confirm that whether the allegations of corruption and using poor material are true or just rumors.
• Based on these ethical principles, Mr. Sudarshan should take the following course of action:
  • Investigate the matter: First of all, he should conduct investigate the matter. This will involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing documents related to the project like practices, including any receipts or invoices that support his claims.
    • The findings of the investigation could then be used to support any criminal or civil proceedings against Rudra Inc. or its employees.
  • Refuse to be a part of mal-practices: He should refuse to participate in or condone any unethical practices carried out by Rudra Inc. or government officials and take a stand against such activities.
  • Report to matter: He should report the mal-practices being carried out by Rudra Inc, to the appropriate authorities, such as the seniors in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
    • If his initial report to the senior officials in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is ignored, then he should escalate the matter to the Minister.
    • And if the Minister also fails to address the situation, then he should write to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for a thorough investigation.
  • Follow proper procedures: Furthermore, he should follow the proper procedures when reporting the unethical practices, ensuring that all the necessary evidence is gathered and that the authorities are made aware of the situation.
  • Adhere to his principles: He should make his decisions based on ethical principles, such as integrity, accountability, transparency, and responsibility.
    • He should ensure that he is acting in a manner that is consistent with these principles and that his actions are not motivated by personal gain or benefit.
  • Consider the consequences: Sudarshan should consider the potential consequences of his actions, such as the impact on the construction project, his reputation, and the impact on his career. He should weigh the potential consequences against the benefits of taking action.

Conclusion

Mr. Sudarshan should act in accordance with the ethical principles of responsibility, honesty, transparency, confidentiality, and fairness when dealing with the situation involving Rudra Inc. and the government officials. By taking the right course of action, he can help to ensure that the road project is constructed to the highest standards and that the unethical practices are brought to light.