Ethics Or GS-4 for UPSC-CSE & APSC-CCE

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-1)

Join:https://t.me/CivilServiceSchool

General Studies 4: Ethics,Integrity and Aptitude

(These 3 words are written in bold letters in the syllabus)

Ethics: Moral principles that govern a person's behaviour and the conducting of an activity.

Synonyms: moral code,morality,moral principles,rights and wrongs,ideals,dictates of conscience etc.

Types:

1)Medical Ethics

2)Environmental Ethics

3)Professional Ethics

4)Religious Ethics etc.

Q. Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (Answer in 150 words)

UPSC-CSE 2021

Ans:  Ethical traits help a civil servant to identify between rights and wrongs. 

Five ethical traits to judge performance of a civil servant are as below.

i) Integrity: A civil servant should be honest and should have the highest moral principles ---> It will eliminate corruption + People's trust in governance + Evil Elements in the society will be afraid of him.

ii)Impartiality or Non-Partisanship: This trait helps in efficient delivery of public services without favour or ill will to anyone.

iii)Objectivity: It means reasonable & rational decision making.----> more precise & accurate decision making capability.

iv)Dedication to Public Service: Public servants are paid by the govt as agents of govt service delivery. Their dedication is important to fructify it.

v)Empathy: A public servant should always be empathetic towards socially & economically downtrodden sections of the society. Women and children should occupy a special place in their heart.

Armstrong Pame,a young IAS officer of Manipur constructed a 100 k.m. long "People's road" in one of the remotest place in India in Manipur without govt's help and with people's voluntary contribution. He did it because of his sense of empathy towards those people,sheer dedication to public service and many good traits necessary for a public servant.

(These terms are mentioned in the syllabus. You can write some terms from Nolan Committee Recommendations too. We will discuss those recommendations later.)

Objectivity: Lack of favouritism towards one side or another.(Here we gave different meaning as Non-partisanship is already written.)

****************************************************

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-2)

GS-4: Ethics (Write up-2) (Target UPSC-CSE 2023&NEXT APSC-CCE)

(Pls take out your pen and write down whatever I have written here. You will write same things with minor modification in your final exam too.)

**Meaning of terms***

1)Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Sound decision making ability. Decency in work. Non-corruptibility,Honesty,probity,morality,righteousness,uprightness,virtue or virtuousness,truthfulness

(These terms should be used in writing answers.)

E.g. I have been working as traffic controller in Indian Railway for last 3 years. Once I was offered Rs 500 by a person for confirming a wait listed ticket. I summarily rejected his offer but tried to confirm the ticket by using Emergency Quota provision for Railway Employee.

(Give examples from your life where you have shown that characteristic)

2)Aptitude: Natural ability or skill. Aptness or general suitability.

Quantitative Aptitude means talent to solve quant problems. We need administrative aptitude i.e. ability to solve administrative problems.

**Synonyms: Intelligence,Acumen

*Explanation: When you do something very good e.g. you are good at playing guitar,you are said to have aptitude for that work. Aptitude is not always inherent. You can hone your skills and increase aptitude.

*Example from my life: During my 4 years of engineering,I used to win many debate competitions in Assam. I learned debating from my seniors during the first year. Till I reach 8th semester,I was a formidable competitor for debators in Assam. I worked on my skill to increase debating aptitude. (Write examples from your life in exam. Ethics is relatively lengthy paper.)

(You take your own example from life and write in exam.)

By,Hemen Sarma 

****************************************************

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-3)

Q) Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants. 10 Marks/150 Words

UPSC CSE 2021

Ans: Approach: 1)Introduction: Why values are needed for a civil servant.

2)Answer both parts.

3)Conclusion

"Civil Service is the steel frame of India for ensuring good governance."-Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Values mould a civil servant to ensure efficient delivery of public service.

Ten essential values needed to be an effective civil servant are as follows:

1)Selflessness

2)Integrity

3)Objectivity

4)Accountability

5)Openness

6)Honesty

7)leadership

8)Compassion

9)Aptitude

10)Attitude

We will draw a flow chart like this:

Civil Service---Essential Values--->Integrity(one cursor up/dn and likewise)

             

N.B. First 7 principles are Nolan Committe recommendations. You will use these principles everywhere. Shortcut: HOLASIO.

Last 3 points,we have borrowed from syllabus.

To prevent non-ethical behaviour by public servants,following steps can be followed:

1)Accountability: They should be made accountable to both public and government. 

That can be ensured through i) Code of Conduct

ii)Social Audit: To compare official records with actual ground realities with the help of community participation.

iii)Media participation.

iv)Making people aware of their rights.

2)Awards and recommendations for good work--->encouragement to give cent percent effort.

3)Political Pressure on bureacrats should be healthy.--->It shouldn't go against the moral of the public servant.

Non-ethical behaviour from public servant brings distrust to the administrative machinery. Public servants should always be careful on this count.

3)Attitude: A feeling or emotion towards a fact or state. Positive,negative,optimistic,pessimistic etc.

Example: After completion of B.E. degree,I joined Capgemini,a MNC in mumbai. I was not happy there. I quit my job with a positive attitude that I will any govt job examination. After 1 year,I got a call to join Indian Railway.

4)Value: The beliefs people have,especially about what is right and wrong and what is the most important in life,that control their behaviour.

****************************************************

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-4)

Q)Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example.

150 Words/10 Marks UPSC CSE 2021

Ans: Approach:

1)  Intro

1)Pros-Cons or Advantages-Disadvantages 

3)Way forward or conclusion

"Data is the new oil."--Mukesh Ambani,Industrialist

In present universe,use of digital technology is inevitable.

Advantages of digital technology in rational decision making are as follows:

1)Real time dissemination of information e.g. Govt schemes,policy decisions,law and order situation etc can be conveyed directly to the mass. E.g. public grievances can be heard for a bill using My Gov platform,Facebook page,Twitter handle etc.

2)It analyses data quickly and gives an unbiased result---->Less man power needed hence reduces the risk of human error + inclusion and exclusion errors in beneficiaries list of public sector schemes can be eliminated.

E.g. Big data analysis of patients in a particular locality gives near accurate information of prevalance of a particular disease in a particular area.

Disadvantages:

1)Technology doesn't have that organic touch of a human being.---->decisions which require human interactions between different stake holders may not be accurate. e.g. A tea seller may not have data of his/her income. While giving an accomodation to him under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana,decision makers may have to interact with him/her directly.

2) Digital divide between haves and haven'ts exist in India + universalisation of high speed internet is not materialised fully yet --->universal adptation of digital technology for both the mass and administration is not possible yet.

Future lies in digitalisation of public service delivery. But rational decision making will depend upon human values,positive attitude & right conscience.(borrowed these terms from the syllabus).

**Materials for value addition**

(Give intro from the question itself)

Rational decision making by digital technology means scientific collection of data,analysing those and finding out a solution.

---

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-5)

Meaning of terms:

1)Probity: The quality of having strong moral principles,honesty and decency.(meaning same as integrity).But it is proven honesty or integrity.

2)Honesty: Refusal to lie,steal or deceive in any way.

3)Honor: Regard for the standards of one's profession or position.

***Parts of the syllabus as mentioned in UPSC-CSE advertisement.(Please read it. We will solve Q&A to get better marks in exam.)

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. 

The following broad areas will be covered :

1)Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. 

2)Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

(We have learnt definition part already. More Q&A will help us to memorise key words.)

********************************************

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-6)

***Part of the syllabus:Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and 

political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

*Moral attitude: What you think about moral issues. Attitude is what you feel about an issue. Moral issues are debated in society. E.g. Euthanasia,honor killing,Capital punishment,homosexuality etc.

*Political attitude: Attitude towards political issues. E.g. NOTA,reservation for women etc.

*Persuation: The act of pursuading someone to do something or to believe something.

Q)Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.

(Answer in 150 words)

UPSC CSE 2021

Ans: A public servant works in different domains e.g. implementation of welfare schemes,law and order,magisterial activities,Engineering,Medicine,agriculture etc.

Domain Knowledge---->In depth knowledge of a particular sector e.g. E. Sreedharan's knowledge of metro rail project

    -------->Fault detection becomes easier.

    --------->A futuristic view point

A good domain knowledge distinguishes a public servant from his peers.

Ethical dilemmas faced by a public servant are as below:

1)Favouritism: Favouring one's near and dear ones although not suitable. E.g. providing houses to known persons under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana although not eligible.

2)Nepotism: Using official power to help close relatives. E.g. Giving a govt contract to one's brother.

3)Political Pressure: Evil spirited politicians pressurise public servants to work as per his/her terms. This results in moral degradation.

4) A good listening capacity: Public servants need to listen to all kinds of advice/suggestions of people.

Etc etc.

**Innovativeness is the quality to invent something. A public servant learns from his experience and innovate better governance,way of working and ways to get rid of ethical conflicts in professional life. E.g. Supreme court's innovation that open competition is better than license raj.

**Acumen of innovativeness leads to creativity. It means understanding the problem,innovate a solution and create a model to fructify that solution.

E.g. Supreme Court created auctioning of coal block against licensing to increase revenue for the exchequer.

**Way Forward:

Ethical dilemmas in Work place can be handled by high morality,strong value system,emotional intelligence and good communication skill.

By,Hemen Sarma,Civil Service School

70024-05918(Telegram/WhatsApp)

Target Exam: UPSC CSE/APSC-CCE Mains(Ethics GS 4)

*******************************************

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-7)

Q3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you? UPSC CSE 2021

(a) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.-Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)

Ans: How to Write:

1)What is perseverance?

2)Body with Examples.

3)Conclusion.

Perseverance is the ability to stick to one's goals amidst numerous difficulties. It increases endurance and adoption of proper strategy to achieve success.

Our freedom struggle is a living example of the above statement. Since its formation in 1885,Indian National Congress persevered very hard to convey the cause Indian independence to common mass. Lots of freedom fighters got martyred in this process. Finally India saw the light of Independence in 1947.

**Difficulties in work--->more learning from failures.

------>Correction methods can be adopted.

------->best practices for same kind of problems can be formulated.

-------->Testing of endurance of all stakeholders.

-------->A futuristic approach can be taken

(This should be a hub & spoke diagram.)

During our freedom struggle,Mahatma Gandhi knew from his experiences in South Africa and hullabaloos of first world war that a violent rebellion against Britishers would not deliver much result in the face of mighty British weapons. He followed non-violence,persevered for his whole life to get stick to the basic tenants of non-violence and finally got the success. 

**Way Forward:

Success is inevitable if consistent effort is given. Some people can't clear UPSC-CSE exam even after exhausting all his/her attempts. It looks failure but in the hindsight,that person becomes a good human being or citizen with lots of knowledge,strong resilience to accept defeat and for the zeal of rising again from the ashes. Hard work never betrays in the path to success.

By,Hemen Sarma,Civil Service School

70024-05918(Telegram/WhatsApp)

Target Exam: UPSC CSE/APSC-CCE Mains(Ethics GS 4)

********************************************

**A Tribute To His Holiness The Dalai Lama**

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-8)

Q 4) (b) What does each of the quotations mean to you? 

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama                                                                          (Answer in 150 words)

Ans: Peace is a very subjective attribute where every individual feel safe in surrounding environment. A feeling of happiness succumb its/his/her mind.

(In introduction,I gave a definition of peace.)

**Siddhartha belonged to a royal family.He had every materialistic luxury of the world. He was not happy as peace didn't prevail on mankind. He left home searching for inner peace & got enlightenment i.e. the highest level of inner peace.

He introduced Buddhism so that inner peace of everyone brings collective peace to the mankind.

**Buddha was a great proponent of non-violence. If every human being espouses non-violence in his/her inner self,war wouldn't have happened on earth. E.g. expulsion of rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, Russia-Ukraine war etc.

**National Connotation: 

Internal tranquility & peace of a nation----->A nation can emphasize on global issues---->A leader in global world.

E.g. USA has been a global leader due to its internal stability. But recent gun violence within the country disturbs its internal peace. Now other nations will be hesitant to idealise USA in internal policy making.

**Way Forward: 

Article 51 of Indian Constitutions say that states shall strive for promotion and maintenance of international peace and security. This will be possible if internal security is maintained first by India. Mahatma Gandhi too started reform from himself first. Hence he said,"Be the change you want to change in the world".

N.B. Article 51 of Indian Constitution(the last article of DPSP) says that the state shall strive for the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security,just and honourable relation between nations,respect for international law & treaty obligations,as well as settlement of international disputes by arbitration.(Remember this. You can use this article in Mains answer.)

**Homework: Same question,you write following this pattern.

a) Definition of peace: Peace means a happy state of mind where there is no conflict or amicable solution to conflict or acceptance. Peace allows individuals and society to reap maximum benefit out of their potential.

b) Necessity of peace within ourselves is as given below:

Internal peace---->Mental peace--->good mental health

Internal peace----->Physical peace---->Our body can function properly.

(Draw properly)

Good mental health---->Clarity of thoughts,Consciousness,Emotional Intelligence,Objectivity in decision making,rational thinking (Draw a spoke & hub diagram)

**Give examples: home is the first learning place for children. Parents should teach no bias against any gender,respect to elders etc.

*Bigotry,misogyny,communalism etc are products of non-peaceful mind.

*Give national perspective like example above on USA's gun violence.

This way 'peace within' will transform to 'peace outside'.

c)Cons of having inner peace:

i)Complacency: what is it & give examples.

ii)Acceptance of social stigmas as normal

d)Way forward(Whatever I have written in above answer is the best way forward)

(Please write down the answer and send in group or to me to be evaluated.)

By,Hemen Sarma,Civil Service School

70024-05918(Telegram/WhatsApp)

Target Exam: UPSC CSE/APSC-CCE Mains(Ethics GS 4)

********************************************

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-8)

Q3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

(c) Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.” -Erik Erikson word        (Answer in 150 word)

UPSC CSE 2021

Ans: "Man is a social animal"---Aristotle

Life is a living state and surrounding environment helps it in living.

**What is interdependence: 

It is a linkage between various elements where everyone is essential for everyone. This way a particular ecosystem e.g. social,political etc is kept at an equilibrium.

**A newly born child is looked after by his/her parents. S/he gets lifestyle education from them and later gets institutional education. One day s/he becomes a grown up wo/man and does the same duty his/her parents once does for him/her. Life sustains through Interdependence.

(New para) In international perspective too,in present globalized world,each country needs one another symbolised by ongoing Ukraine-Russia war,where developed countries e.g. USA,UK etc are sanctioning Russia to reduce its economic prowess and on the other hand,some developing countries e.g. India,China etc are giving humanitarian aid to work torn Ukrainian citizens. An interdependence and all out effort from all stakeholders will stall the war.

***Necessity of this interdependence should be known to everyone at an early stage.

My unmarried uncle is very self-reliant as he does everything by his own. According to him,he doesn't need the help of others and hence he is reluctant to come forward when someone needs his help too. A negative attribute that life is not made for each other. He got into a bike accident recently. A good samaritan took him to hospital within the golden hour and my uncle's life was saved. Similarly my uncle could have saved many lives before if he could have thought that interdependence was the key to a good life.

(Paragraph) Constitution of India provides freedom of speech and expression as per article 19(1) but article 19(2) says that the right is not absolute rather it has reasonable restrictions. This is to ensure cooperative development of all fellow beings i.e. interdependence otherwise our democratic values,ethos and well being will be hampered.

World is a global village and welfare of this planet depends on mutual respect and cooperation.

By,Hemen Sarma,Civil Service School

70024-05918(Telegram/WhatsApp)

Target Exam: UPSC CSE/APSC-CCE Mains(Ethics GS 4)

***********************************************   

(Learn Ethics With Hemen,Write Up-9)

Q4. (a) Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the developement of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?  (Answer in 150 words)

UPSC CSE 2021

(Skeleton of the Answer)

1)definition of attitude.

2)How attitude and development of a human being is related.(with example)

3)definition of suitable attitude for a civil servant.

4)How to build it.

5)Way forward stating that a suitable attitude is the backbone of a strong civil servant.

(Write it down and sent to me for evaluation. 70024-05918-Whatsapp/Telegram)

***********************************************   

Ans: Attitude is a feeling or emotion towards a particular fact or a state. It has many dimensions e.g. positive,Negative,Optimistic,Pessimistic etc.

Attitude guides human mindset. One's opinion for a fact,problem,circumstances is determined by one's perspective. E.g. a glass is half full(positive attitude) or half empty(negative attitude). This formed perspective helps in reasonable and rational decision making,resulting in human development.

E.g. While controlling mob,a policeman/woman should be prepared for the worst possible scenario. S/he shouldn't expect that mob will be peaceful and democratic. This attitude helps in mob controlling.Similarly in disaster management too.

***Following are some attributes of a suitable attitude of a civil servant.

1)A good listener.

2)Objectivity in decision making.

3)Compassion for the downtrodden sections of society.

4)Integrity in work.

5)Politeness to people.

6)Accessibility to common people.

Etc etc.

***Following ways can help in building a suitable attitude.

1)Training for good ethical practices and values. E.g. the paper we are writing now should have practical classes in academy.

2)Power corrupts. Hence accountability of a civil servant should be fixed for wrong-doing.

3)Evaluation of performance based on social audit from people.

4)Rewards and appreciation for good work------>motivated civil servants in workplace.

5)Ethical best practices around the world should be informed to civil servants.

**Way Forward:

A civil servant once switched off his office lights and lit a candle while doing personal work in office to save govt's money from being misused. To make it a norm,rather rarity,attitudinal change in civil service is needed.

***********************************************   

By,Hemen Sarma,Civil Service School

70024-05918(Telegram/WhatsApp)

Target Exam: UPSC CSE/APSC-CCE Mains(Ethics GS 4)