JKPSC KAS Mains (GS-IV 2018-2024)

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.

3. Attitude

Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.

4. Emotional Intelligence

Concepts, utilities and application in administration and governance.

5. Contributions of Moral Thinkers

Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.

6. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service

Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and compassion towards weaker-sections.

7. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration

Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Accountability and Ethical Governance; International Relations; Corporate Governance.

8. Probity in Governance

Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency; Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture.

Case Studies (2018-2024)

JKPSC MAINS 2024

[Case Study 1] You are posted as the District Magistrate of a region that is home to a dense forest and a tribal population. The government has proposed a major infrastructure project-a highway-that promises economic development and improved connectivity. However, the proposed route would cut through a large portion of the forest, potentially displacing wildlife, affecting biodiversity, and disrupting the way of life of the tribal communities who live in harmony with nature. The project has strong political backing and is being justified on the grounds of human development and economic growth. Environmentalists and local activists argue that the project reflects a deeply anthropocentric mindset that prioritizes human convenience over ecological balance and long-term sustainability. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case above. (b) As the District Magistrate, what course of action would you take? Give justification. [JKPSC 2024, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Environment vs Development

[Case Study 2] You are appointed as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of a district where a centrally sponsored housing scheme for the rural poor is being implemented. The scheme has a clear mandate to provide pucca houses to economically weaker sections. During an inspection, you discover that several beneficiaries listed in the official records either do not exist or are financially well-off. Further, a whistleblower from your own department informs you that bribes were taken by field officers to include ineligible names. There are also allegations that local political leaders pressured junior officials to favour certain beneficiaries. There is considerable pressure on you from higher authorities to expedite fund disbursal to meet quarterly targets. However, disbursing funds without cleaning up the beneficiary list could mean reinforcing corruption. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How would you handle the conflict between administrative pressure and ethical conduct? (c) As the CDO, what concrete actions would you take against corrupt practices, and how would you protect the whistleblower? [JKPSC 2024, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 8. Probity in Governance | Theme: Corruption & Whistleblowing

[Case Study 3] You are the District Education Officer (DEO) in a rural district where a new government scheme promoting STEM education for girls is being launched. During implementation, you notice that many headmasters and local officials are discouraging girls from enrolling in science and technology courses, citing "low interest" or "cultural unsuitability." Some schools are even diverting STEM resources meant for girls to boys. You also learn that parents are hesitant to send their daughters for science workshops held outside the village due to safety and social norms. Your preliminary data suggests that this mindset is affecting enrolment, leading to the underutilisation of funds and gender disparity in educational access. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this scenario. (b) What values and principles should guide your response as a public servant? (c) What immediate and long-term steps would you take to promote gender equality in education? How would you address cultural resistance without alienating the local community? [JKPSC 2024, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 2. Human Values / 6. Aptitude (Empathy) | Theme: Gender Equality & Education

[Case Study 4] You are the manager of a reputed firm. One of your employees has just been diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer. He has confided in you about the status of his health. He has also requested to not disclose it to anyone as he is not comfortable sharing it. Over the next few months, this employee is frequently absent, especially during his radiation treatments. His absence is not a major issue for the company as he can work from home. However, some of the employees of the company feel that he is getting special treatment and planning to raise the same issue with the seniors of the company. If this happens, it would create serious issue for the employee who is suffering. (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How would you handle this situation? Suggest an appropriate course of action. [JKPSC 2024, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 4. Emotional Intelligence / 7. Ethics in Private Institutions | Theme: Work Culture & Compassion

[Case Study 5] You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a border district that has recently witnessed a rise in violent crimes and communal tensions. Intelligence reports indicate that illegal weapons are being smuggled into the region, possibly with the collusion of some local police officers and political elements. During a routine check, your team apprehends a van carrying unlicensed arms. Upon investigation, it is revealed that the weapons were destined for distribution ahead of an upcoming election. Senior political leaders are allegedly involved, and there is pressure from higher-ups to bury the investigation quietly. At the same time, whistleblowers within the department are facing threats, and your honesty is being questioned by powerful groups. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? What values should guide your decision-making as a public servant? (b) How would you deal with political pressure while ensuring justice and public safety? What steps would you take to protect whistleblowers and prevent the recurrence of such illegal activities? [JKPSC 2024, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Law & Order / Political Pressure

[Case Study 6] You are the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) in a metropolitan city. Recently, a major cyber fraud case has emerged where thousands of senior citizens were duped through fake investment apps. Preliminary investigation traces the scam to a network of tech-savvy youth, many of whom are first-time offenders from well-educated, middle-class backgrounds. Some of the arrested individuals express remorse and claim they were manipulated by anonymous handlers online. The media is sensationalising the issue, and there's pressure from political and social groups demanding strict punishment. At the same time, many victims have lost their life savings and demand justice. You must decide how to proceed with the investigation, while balancing justice, public pressure, and the future of the young accused. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) How would you ensure justice for the victims without overlooking the possibility of reform for the accused? (c) What long-term steps would you recommend to curb cybercrime and promote digital ethics? [JKPSC 2024, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Cyber Crime & Reformative Justice

JKPSC MAINS 2023

[Case Study 1] A manufacturing company provides jobs for many people in a small town where it is difficult for people to get a job. The company decided to stay in the town even though it could find workers who could take less payment elsewhere. The workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and providing them facilities required by the workers. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that for years has flown into the town river. The by-product has been considered harmless but some people who live near the river have reported illnesses. The by-product does not currently violate any anti-pollution laws. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) What options does the company have, and what should it do and why? [JKPSC 2023, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Corporate Governance | Theme: Environment vs Livelihood

[Case Study 2] Rajendra was recently posted in a village as a District Development Officer. He quickly became aware of growing tension in the rural areas of the district regarding the education of girls. The village elders expressed concerns that educating girls was leading to various issues, as they believed that girls stepping out of the household environment was problematic. They advocated for the swift marriage of girls with minimal education to maintain traditional norms. Besides, the elders argued that girls entering traditionally male-dominated job sectors were leading to unemployment among the male population. On the other hand, the younger generation emphasized the importance of equal opportunities for education and employment for girls in the contemporary era. This divide between generations and sexes has led to several debates in local bodies, panchayats, and busy crossroads. Recently, Rajendra received information about an unpleasant incident in which some girls were molested while en route to school. This incident resulted in clashes between various groups and thereby creating a significant law and order problem. Following heated discussions, the village elders collectively decided to prohibit girls from attending school and declared a social boycott against families that did not adhere to their directives. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved here. (b) Identify the stakeholders in this case. (c) What steps would you take to ensure girls' safety without disrupting their education? [JKPSC 2023, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 2. Human Values / 3. Social Influence | Theme: Gender Equality & Social Boycott

[Case Study 3] Imagine a scenario at a famous urban hospital where Dr. Shabnam, a respected and experienced physician, is faced with a challenging ethical dilemma. She has been treating a high-profile patient, and a well-known public figure suffering from a rare medical condition. This patient's health status has attracted a lot of media attention, leading to speculation and rumours about the diagnosis. While Dr. Shabnam is committed to keep the patient's details confidential, she is under immense pressure from the media, colleagues, and even hospital administrators to disclose information about the patient's health condition. (a) Discuss the ethical issues and stakeholders involved in this case. (b) How should Dr. Shabnam overcome the ethical dilemma surrounding patient confidentiality and public disclosure in a high-profile medical case? [JKPSC 2023, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Ethics in Private Institutions | Theme: Medical Ethics & Confidentiality

[Case Study 4] The number of rural residents moving to towns and cities in India is rapidly rising. Serious issues have been raised by this in both urban and rural regions. In actuality, things are getting out of control. Educated youth are trying to shift to urban areas. Landless poor people are migrating to urban slums. Even some farmers are selling off the land and trying to settle in urban areas taking petty jobs. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Could you identify the emotional, behavioural, and socioeconomic variables contributing to it after conducting a thorough analysis of this issue? (c) Suggest measures to control this serious problem in our country? [JKPSC 2023, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Socio-economic issues (Migration)

[Case Study 5] Suppose you are a CEO of a major Research & Development pharmaceutical company. A scientist working in your company finds that one of the company's bestselling veterinary drugs has the potential to cure a currently incurable liver disease which is prevalent in tribal areas. However, developing a variant of the drug suitable for human beings entailed a lot of research and huge investment. It was unlikely that your company would recover the cost as the disease was rampant only in poverty-stricken areas where people do not have much purchasing power. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case and explain under these circumstances, what will you do as the CEO? (b) Identify the various actions that you could take. [JKPSC 2023, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Corporate Governance | Theme: Corporate Social Responsibility vs Profit

[Case Study 6] Detective James is leading an investigation into a human trafficking ring in a busy city. The criminals exploit vulnerable individuals through forced labour and exploitation. After digging deeper, Detective James faces a tough ethical decision: how to swiftly bring the traffickers to justice without putting the victims at risk. Detective Reyna has key information that could dismantle the trafficking ring quickly. But doing so might harm the victims. The dilemma revolves around balancing the urgency to catch the criminals with ensuring the safety and well-being of those being exploited. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) In the context of combating human trafficking, what ethical considerations should law enforcement, represented by James, prioritize when making decisions? [JKPSC 2023, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Law Enforcement Ethics

JKPSC MAINS 2022

[Case Study 1] You are the manager of the automobile industry. One day one of the workers died on duty. His family was demanding compensation. However, the company denied compensation as it was revealed that he was drunk at the time of the incident. The workers of the industry went on strike demanding compensation for the family of the deceased. The chairperson of the management board has asked for your recommendation. (a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) What recommendations would you provide to the management? Discuss. [JKPSC 2022, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Ethics in Private Institutions | Theme: Labor Rights & Corporate Governance

[Case Study 2] Ms. Jones is 93 years old and lives in a Long Term Care residence. She was admitted to the hospital with a fragility hip fracture after being found on the floor in the middle of the night. Ms. Jones has dementia and is unable to make her own decisions. She has limited mobility and previously used a walker. Her two daughters are at her bedside. They state her health has been declining over the last few weeks, with increasing confusion, and she now rarely leaves her room. On admission, the team discovered a pleural effusion, taking up much of her right lung. Her pre-operative assessment also revealed a heart murmur; the resulting echocardiogram demonstrated a heart in very poor condition, with significant valve issues. Between her cardiac and pulmonary function, the surgery poses an increased risk of perioperative complications - she may never survive the surgery or come off of the ventilator once she is intubated. Inter-professional teams (surgery, anaesthesia, nursing) are of differing opinions. The issue at hand is very difficult. The family is informed that the risk of not having surgery will likely result in death, yet in this patient’s case, proceeding with surgery carries its own risk. The family is left with an hour to think things over. The stakeholders who are required to proceed through the decision-making process include the patient and family, the surgical team, anaesthesia, nursing staff, social work and potentially the palliative care team and bioethics team. (a) Identify the stakeholders in this case. (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved here. (c) Whether the patient should proceed with surgery or not, given her underlying medical conditions and potential for perioperative complications. [JKPSC 2022, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Bioethics/Medical Ethics

[Case Study 3] A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set up an additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to its detrimental effect on the environment. But one state government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition. The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems for human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitation thousands of people took part in, creating a law and order problem necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the factory. The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industries which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved here. (b) As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling this issue, how are you going to address it? [JKPSC 2022, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Environment vs Unemployment

[Case Study 4] Dr. X is a leading medical practitioner in the city. He has set up a charitable trust through which he plans to establish a super-specialty hospital in the city to cater to the medical needs of all sections of society. Incidentally, that of the State where the hospital is planned had been neglected over the years. The proposed hospital would be a boon for the region. You are heading the tax investigation agency of that region. During an inspection of the doctor’s clinic, your officers found some major irregularities. A few of them are substantial which had resulted in considerable withholding of tax that should be paid by him now. The doctor is cooperative. He undertakes to pay the tax immediately. However, there are certain other deficiencies in his tax compliance which are purely technical in nature. If these technical defaults are pursued by the agency, considerable time and energy of the doctor will be diverted to issues that are not so serious, urgent, or even helpful to the tax collection process. Further, in all probability, it will hamper the prospects of the hospital coming up. There are two options before you: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the above mentioned case. (b) Taking a broader view, ensure substantial tax compliance and ignore defaults that are merely technical in nature. (c) As the head of the tax agency, which course of action will you opt and why? [JKPSC 2022, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Law vs Compassion (Taxation)

[Case Study 5] You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 20,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless populations in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand there is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other hand there is the environmental concern. In the last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen an increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policy makers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? [JKPSC 2022, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Sustainable Development

[Case Study 6] We have known for several years that phthalates and BPA (Bisphenol A) both used in the manufacture of plastics, can leach from a flexible tubling, vinyl flooring, squeezable plastic toys, vinyl gloves, and carbonless register receipts. But recent studies suggest the largest source of phthalate and BPA exposure in humans is through the food supply. Canned food, processed food, meat and dairy products are exposed to BPA and phthalates during processing. It may be that most phthalate and BPA exposure in food occurs in processing and packaging before consumers bring it home. This is concerning because animal studies show that these chemicals function like hormones in our bodies and can lead to problems such as a version of attention deficit disorder, cancer, reproductive health and increased allergies. Federal regulation may be the only way to control contamination of the food supply by phthalates and BPA. (a) Should we regulate the type of plastic used in food production and storage in India? Why or why not? (b) Would you be willing to pay more for food if you knew it was safe? [JKPSC 2022, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Public Health & Regulation

JKPSC MAINS 2021

[Case Study 1] You come across a report in the newspaper wherein during the drive undertaken by a Municipality to demolish dilapidated buildings one of the government servants has been assaulted publicly by the local MLA. The MLA belongs to the ruling party in the State. The MLA has blamed the official for taking bribes to illegally demolish houses, which are in good condition on the pretext of the drive to demolish dilapidated buildings. The MLA has claimed that few families were living in the houses and that the demolition drive was at the behest of some vested interests to grab the land. (a) What are the issues involved in the case in your opinion? (b) What are the options available in your view with the relevant actors to redress their concern? [JKPSC 2021, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Politics vs Bureaucracy

[Case Study 2] Miss X is a dedicated employee in a Government office working as a supervisor. She supervises a very significant and vast infrastructure project. The project concerns building a bridge over a river that would connect a major rural area with the nearby towns and the cities. It is a prestigious project launched by the government and has been marked as the government’s flagship project. The date of inauguration has also been declared. The project has brought a lot of positivity and faith among the people towards the credibility of the government and concerned administration involved in the project. Just a fortnight prior to the inauguration of the bridge, she discovers that the material used in the construction of the bridge is of inferior quality than stated at the time of award of contract. The bridge may not be able to bear the load of the traffic that would be crossing it on a regular and continuous basis. The region often sees trucks being overloaded with materials and it is likely that overloaded trucks may harm bridge’s structural security. The inauguration cannot be cancelled nor can be postponed due to obvious reasons. But the inauguration and the subsequent usage of the bridge signals towards impending danger, the collapse of the bridge. (a) What are the ethical and administrative issues involved in the above case? (b) What options are available to Miss X. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the course of action, you would adopt. giving suitable reasons. (c) As a Civil Servant, what would you suggest to avoid such situations? [JKPSC 2021, 20 Marks] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Public Safety vs Political Pressure

[Case Study 3] A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict. [JKPSC 2021, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Disaster Management & Profiteering

[Case Study 4] You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as ‘Sarpanch’ on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head ‘only on the paper’. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat’s performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what action will you choose. [JKPSC 2021, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 2. Human Values / 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Sarpanch Pati (Proxy Leadership)

[Case Study 5] You are the head of PSU, which has recently been entrusted with construction of a new airport in metropolitan city. However, the area in the immediate neighbourhood of the proposed airport runways have large tracts of land occupied by dense slum settlements. If the airport is to be constructed, approximately 75,000 slum families will have to be humanly rehabilitated. The sheer scale of this rehabilitation, almost similar to an urban renewal, has thrown up many challenges. Foremost among these is identifying an appropriate location for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. You are faced with the following options in this regard, each of which have their own merits and demerits.

a) There is no reasonably priced land in close vicinity of the present slums. A vacant parcel of land that you have identified close-by will have to be developed afresh along with all civil amenities, and this will entail, huge cost for the PSU.

b) There is another location, which is very far-off where a factory once stood. All the required civic amenities are in place here and the factory can be converted into appropriate houses at little cost to the PSU. However, there will be loss of livelihood on relocation to this because of its distance from the current slum location.

c) There is yet another site, which can be used for rehabilitation at reasonable cost. Neither is it too far nor will it entail huge monetary cost, but exercising this option involves cutting a large number of trees, which may adversely affect the ecology of the area. This is likely to face resistance from environmental groups.

Question: Given the above options and the associated challenges, which of these sites will you choose for rehabilitation of slum dwellers? Provide adequate justification for your choice. [JKPSC 2021, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Urban Rehabilitation & Planning

[Case Study 6] Stubble (parali) burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field to sow wheat from the last week of September to November. Stubble burning is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc. It is usually required in areas that use the combined harvesting method which leaves crop residue behind. Paddy stubble burning is practiced mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana and UP to clear the fields for rabi crop sowing. The paddy crop is harvested between the first and last weeks of October in Punjab and Haryana. Then, farmers sow the wheat crop from the first week of November until the middle of December. The process of burning farm residue is one of the major causes of air pollution in parts of North India and deteriorating air quality. Along with vehicular emissions, it affects the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital and NCR. Now, the questions are : (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) What steps must be taken to address the issues of air pollution due to stubble burning? [JKPSC 2021, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 1. Ethics and Human Interface | Theme: Environmental Pollution

JKPSC MAINS 2018

[Case Study 1] You are the district collector of Buxar district. You have been made aware that sewage from septic tanks is being disposed off by the municipal authorities in the nearby villages and river Ganga. There is no treatment plant in the city. Due to high level of faecal matter in water multiple cases of diarrhoea, elifenttitis, cholera and other contagious diseases have been reported. Mortality rate is also very high. There is no direct scheme which would fund the treatment plant. The situation is very grim and you are also not willing to keep you family with you, instead you are also trying to get your posting in some other city. Question: In present circumstances how would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your policy? [JKPSC 2018, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Public Health & Dedication to Service

[Case Study 2] You are a Police commissioner of Surat city. You have been reported that there is a case of sex determination and abortion from a private hospital in your city. The case has happened with a dalit woman, who is being forced to abort her child by her family. Ethically sex determination is a crime, as well as abortion is not legal after certain period of time of pregnancy. If you intervene you will be ethical as well as logical in managing the case but you may also face public retaliation. (a) How will you tackle the situation? (b) Give your reasons for this. [JKPSC 2018, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Law enforcement & Social Justice

[Case Study 3] A certain company does research work on start ups. The firm was originally begun by one enthusiastic journalist who was passionate about the field. As her website started attracting eyeballs, she expanded her team and added more researchers to handle the workload. With more expansion, a middle management was brought in. Over time, as the company started doing well and making money, the initial hires started feeling frustrated with the setup. They felt that the management was just running operations, presenting growth strategies and progress numbers to the leadership, without really bothering to get their hands dirty with actual research and in the process, learn how the work gets done, what makes the company remain relevant and popular in the industry. Another latent issue is the appraisal structure, which focused on scale of responsibility instead of depth of work and knowledge. As a consequence, the management got better pay rises compared to the researchers on the floor. Suppose you are the CEO of the company; (a) Identify the various actions you could take; (b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each or your actions. [JKPSC 2018, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Ethics in Private Institutions | Theme: HR Management & Fairness

[Case Study 4] You have been posted as a district collector in a district of Jammu and Kashmir which is known for its apple production. In November-December last year; which is the peak wedding season in Kashmir region, early and heavy snowfall split the trunks apple trees leading to huge apple and financial losses just before the harvest season to many of the apple growers. Even if the climate remains favourable in the years to come, growers will get only 40 percent (of the apples), which they use to harvest. This year the snow had cut their income by 60 percent and bad time will last until they can replant or repair all the damage. Jammu and Kashmir State’s approximately half a million families depend on fruit for jobs and produce provides seven percent of state GDP. Local farmers (apple growers) have come to your office and protesting in adverse weather conditions. They are demanding for compensation. During the protest a farmer also tried to commit suicide, but his life was saved by timely action taken by administration. Question: Analyse the situation and explain what steps you will take to bring relief to the farmers. Arrive at the best possible solution. [JKPSC 2018, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Crisis Management (Agriculture)

[Case Study 5] Maria cleared state civil services examination and secured second position. She is very hard working girl belongs to middle income group family. Her parents are very simple and honest. After clearing the examination and getting posting of her choice, she started working as the head of district development authority. She studied all the rules, regulations, laws etc. related to her work thoroughly. She also went through all the major records. She found something unusual and identified a land mafia is very active in that region. This land mafia has been indulged in unfair practices related to land acquisition and building construction. They threaten poor people; farmers and other members of weaker section of the society. They try to grab their lands at a very low price. Some local politicians are also part of that mafia. As the district is fast gaining prominence due to mushrooming of many multi-national companies, the land rates are increasing rapidly. After thorough research and investigations Maria started taking strict actions against such illegal activities. As a result land mafia people tried to influence her directly as well as through her parents. But as nothing worked out, they started spreading ugly and indecent rumors against her and trying to malign her character. Question: Identify the elements of ethical concerns and dilemma in the above case and substantiate how you would have responded to each of such concerns and dilemma if you were Maria. [JKPSC 2018, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Integrity & Harassment

[Case Study 6] You are the Director of National Highways Authority of India (Northern region). The fourteen lane newly constructed highway between Delhi and Merrut has a bottleneck right where it begins. It came into media that permission has been given by NHAI to create pit stops for travellers to refresh themselves and sanctioned four shikanji (Indian lemonade) outlets on both sides of expressways under the Highway Nest Scheme. Though it is a very good step to provide such facilities to the travellers especially during the scorching hot summer, but commuter’s time should not be wasted due to slow traffic or traffic jams. Also it is argued that why should government spend so much of money in construction if highways are not managed and maintained properly. Question: How will you address the problem? Give implementable suggestions. [JKPSC 2018, 20 Marks, 250 words] Syllabus: 7. Public Service Values | Theme: Public Service Delivery