For his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects, relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son.Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation, (c) Which of the above would he most appropriate and why? (Answer in 250 words) 20

9. For his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects, relating to planning, designing and construction etc.

Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future.

Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son.Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life.

In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation,

(c) Which of the above would he most appropriate and why?   (Answer in 250 words) 20

 

(a) Ethical Issues Involved

1. Conflict of Interest: Subash faces pressure from both his personal (son’s interest) and professional sphere (Minister’s nephew), creating divided loyalties.
2. Insider Trading / Misuse of Information: Sharing confidential project details with his son for personal gain violates ethical and legal norms.
3. Bribery / Nepotism Risk: Minister’s request to favour his nephew’s company can compromise impartiality and fairness.
4. Professional Integrity: Upholding honesty, impartiality, and public trust as a civil servant versus succumbing to personal or political pressures.
5. Transparency and Accountability: Concealing information for private benefit undermines governance standards.

 

(b) Options Available to Subash

1. Disclose information to his son:
• Pros: Pleases family, temporary financial gain.
• Cons: Illegal, unethical, loss of credibility, risk of prosecution.
2. Favor Minister’s nephew in project execution:
• Pros: Gains Minister’s goodwill.
• Cons: Breach of duty, nepotism, unethical, damages public trust.
3. Maintain strict confidentiality and professional integrity:
• Pros: Upholds law, ethics, and public trust.
• Cons: Faces family and political pressure.
4. Report undue influence to higher authorities / seek guidance:
• Pros: Protects integrity, mitigates risk of coercion, strengthens governance.
• Cons: May strain political relations.

 

(c) Most Appropriate Option

Subash should maintain strict confidentiality, refrain from sharing information with his son, and refuse to favour the Minister’s nephew, while documenting undue pressure if necessary. This course aligns with deontological ethics, emphasizing duty and professional integrity. Upholding ethical principles ensures public trust, long-term credibility, and safeguards against corruption, outweighing short-term familial or political pressures