← All questionsGS4 · 2022 · Case Studies — Public Sector ·Ramesh and the Infiltration Report (Case)
QUESTION 8
GS4
20 marks

Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential report, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy.1) What are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State?2) What option should Ramesh adopt and why?3) Critically evaluate each of the options.4) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?5) What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighboring country?

WRITE IN
14 min
250 words

What the examiner wants

Ramesh exposes infiltration with the connivance of border personnel and forged Aadhaar, ration and voter cards; seniors order him to withdraw the report or lose his posting and promotion, while his mother is under cancer treatment in the capital. Answer all five parts.

Case studyName the stakeholders and the issues, weigh the options, and say what you would do and why.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Options: withdraw the report; quietly dilute it; refuse and stay firm through proper channels; escalate to the Chief Secretary/Home Secretary in writing or to central agencies (MHA, IB) given the security angle≈40 words
  2. 2Critical evaluation of each option: career and family security vs national security, rule of law, integrity≈40 words
  3. 3Recommended: refuse to withdraw, ask for written instructions, escalate through proper channels, keep evidence; accept transfer if needed while seeking humane consideration for his mother's treatment≈40 words
  4. 4Dilemmas: integrity vs career, family duty vs public duty, obedience vs conscience, humane treatment of migrants vs law≈40 words
  5. 5Policy measures: border fencing and CIBMS, accountability of border personnel, biometric verification of documents, Foreigners Tribunals process, coordination with neighbouring country, local intelligence≈40 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Stakeholders and factsOptionsEvaluate eachRecommended courseDilemmasPolicy measuresConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Not answering all five numbered parts
  • Recommending withdrawal 'to protect family' without weighing the national security stakes

Draw this

  • Option table: option → integrity → career → national security → verdict

Value addition

  • PrincipleCivil servants should seek written orders when given oral instructions they consider improper.Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, Rule 3(3)
  • LawForgery of identity documents attracts the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (earlier IPC) and the Aadhaar Act, 2016 penalties; illegal entry falls under the Foreigners Act, 1946 (now Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025).Aadhaar Act 2016; Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025

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