A case study like this too:
You are Arvind Kumar, a senior railway officer in charge of public safety and crisis management at the Indian Railways. A tragic stampede has occurred at the New Delhi Railway Station, leading to the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 15 others. The cause of the stampede was confusion over train schedules and the sudden rush of passengers, especially pilgrims traveling for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
As part of the investigation team, you have access to the real data on casualties. Your internal report clearly states 18 deaths and 15 injuries, including three severe cases. However, your seniors in the Ministry of Railways are concerned that this incident might severely damage the image of the government and lead to public outrage.
During a closed-door meeting, your superior orders you to underreport the deaths, stating that officially only 10 deaths should be disclosed. Their justification is that this will help maintain public confidence, avoid political backlash, and prevent further chaos at railway stations.
You are deeply conflicted:
As a public servant, your duty is to uphold truth and transparency.
However, disobeying your seniors may jeopardize your career, lead to disciplinary action, or even removal from the investigation team.
If the real numbers are not disclosed, families of the deceased may not receive rightful compensation.
If you reveal the truth, it may lead to panic and damage the publicโs trust in railway authorities.
1.Identify and analyze the ethical issues present in this case.
2. As Arvind Kumar, what course of action would you take? Justify your decision using moral reasoning and ethical frameworks.
3. What measures can be taken by public institutions to ensure crisis management is handled with integrity and transparency?
#gs4 #ethics
You are Arvind Kumar, a senior railway officer in charge of public safety and crisis management at the Indian Railways. A tragic stampede has occurred at the New Delhi Railway Station, leading to the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 15 others. The cause of the stampede was confusion over train schedules and the sudden rush of passengers, especially pilgrims traveling for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
As part of the investigation team, you have access to the real data on casualties. Your internal report clearly states 18 deaths and 15 injuries, including three severe cases. However, your seniors in the Ministry of Railways are concerned that this incident might severely damage the image of the government and lead to public outrage.
During a closed-door meeting, your superior orders you to underreport the deaths, stating that officially only 10 deaths should be disclosed. Their justification is that this will help maintain public confidence, avoid political backlash, and prevent further chaos at railway stations.
You are deeply conflicted:
As a public servant, your duty is to uphold truth and transparency.
However, disobeying your seniors may jeopardize your career, lead to disciplinary action, or even removal from the investigation team.
If the real numbers are not disclosed, families of the deceased may not receive rightful compensation.
If you reveal the truth, it may lead to panic and damage the publicโs trust in railway authorities.
1.Identify and analyze the ethical issues present in this case.
2. As Arvind Kumar, what course of action would you take? Justify your decision using moral reasoning and ethical frameworks.
3. What measures can be taken by public institutions to ensure crisis management is handled with integrity and transparency?
#gs4 #ethics
