22 September 2014
A retired IAS officer is arrested by the CBI on charges of corruption in coal block allocation when he was a Secretary in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. In his friends’ and colleagues’ circle he was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He was also the youngest recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration. His son, who owns a solar panel manufacturing unit had made huge losses in his previous business ventures. He had requested his father to white-list his company in the list of authorised manufacturers for supplying solar panels under various schemes implemented by the ministry. If not, his son had threatened him that he would commit suicide as he could not any more bear failures in his life. Even though, his son’s company didn’t meet required standards, the company was officially empanelled to supply materials. This was done by the IAS officer just few days before he was about to retire from the service. This was also done with the Minister’s knowledge.
1) Explain what options did the arrested IAS officer had when his son requested him for a favour? (150 Words)
2) Which ethical issues do you see in this case study? Explain any two of them. (200 Words)
