| Paper | GS Paper 4 |
| Word Limit | 150 words |
| Syllabus Topic | Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions |
Model Answer
Conflict of interest arises when a public servant’s private interest can influence, or appear to influence, official duties. It threatens impartiality and public trust.
Actual vs Potential Conflict
- Actual: Exists now and is linked to a present decision. Example: An officer evaluating tenders where her brother’s firm has bid.
- Potential: Not yet, but may arise later. Example: An officer whose spouse holds shares in a company that may come under his regulation.
- Perceived: Accepting a costly gift from a party with a pending file.
How to Manage
- Disclose assets; the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 mandates asset declaration.
- Recuse from related decisions.
- Follow the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 on gifts and private business.
- Apply a cooling-off period after retirement.
Conclusion
Actual conflict needs recusal; potential conflict needs disclosure. As the 2nd ARC report “Ethics in Governance” stressed, rules and personal integrity must go together.
Related PYQs
- Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when official duties, public interest, and personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example. (2017)
- Public servants are likely to confront with the issues of ‘Conflict of Interest’. What do you understand by the term ‘Conflict of Interest’ and how does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation, how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples. (2015)
Also read: Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct | Definitions of Keywords in Ethics Syllabus
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