Q.13. Explain the ethical dilemmas faced by the public servant. Will conscience be helpful in their solution? Discuss.

Public servants often encounter ethical dilemmas that challenge their integrity and decision-making abilities. Some of the common ethical dilemmas include:

• Administrative Discretion vs. Rule of Law: Balancing the need for flexibility in decision-making with the obligation to follow laws and regulations.
• Corruption: Resisting illegal or unethical practices, especially when they are normalized within the organization.
• Nepotism: Avoiding favouritism towards friends or family, which can conflict with merit-based decisions.
• Administrative Secrecy vs. Transparency: Deciding when to maintain confidentiality and when to share information in the interest of transparency.
• Information Leaks: Handling sensitive information responsibly to prevent unauthorized disclosure.
• Public Accountability: Ensuring actions and decisions are transparent and accountable to the public.
• Policy Dilemmas: Making policy decisions that may benefit one group at the expense of another.

In resolving these dilemmas, conscience can be a valuable asset. Conscience is the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct or motives, urging one towards the right action. It involves two key aspects:

• Ethical Awareness: The ability to recognize ethical values and principles.
• Ethical Decision Making: The capacity to make decisions informed by ethical values and principles.

A well-formed and well-informed conscience can guide public servants through complex ethical landscapes by providing a moral compass to judge the appropriateness of their actions. It helps them to:

• Reflect on the moral implications of their decisions.
• Align their actions with their core values and the public good.
• Resist pressures that may lead to unethical behaviour.

However, reliance on conscience alone may not be sufficient. Public servants also need a supportive ethical framework, including clear policies, training, and leadership that models ethical behaviour. Combining personal conscience with institutional ethics creates a robust approach to resolving ethical dilemmas in public service.