A Public Information Officer has received an application under RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees who were also party to these decisions. Disclosure of the information is likely to lead to disciplinary action with possibility of punishment against him as well as some of his colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or camouflaged disclosure of information will result into lesser punishment or no punishment. The PIO is otherwise an honest and conscientious person but this particular decision, on which the RTI application has been filed, turned out to be wrong. He comes to you for advice. The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: 1) The PIO could refer the matter to his superior officer and seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even though he is not completely in agreement with the advice of the superior. 2) The PIO could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt by his successor in office or request for transfer of the application to another PIO. 3) The PIO could weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on his career, and reply in a manner that would not place him or his career in jeopardy, but at the same time a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information. 4) The PIO could consult his other colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice. Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons.

Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.

The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci. Discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left wing extremism (LWE) affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.

The good of an individual is contained in the good of all. What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?

Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.

What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?

It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations. What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems?

A. What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service?: a) Integrity b) Perseverance c) Spirit of service d) Commitment e) Courage of conviction. B. Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.

What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?