GS-4 · Case Studies Based on Public Sector Ethics

Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner in the Transport department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of the City Transport Department. A case of a strike by the drivers’ union of the City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision. He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving a middle-aged man. It was found that there was an altercation between the bus driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to a fight and the bus driver gave him a blow. A lot of passersby had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The bus driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged car driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come to the spot and an FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There was an exchange of blows between them. The City Transport Department management is considering not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved, depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age and was survived by his wife and two school/college-going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and, when the management refused, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was twofold: first, full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty, and secondly, employment for one family member. The strike has continued and a deadlock remains. 1) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation? 2) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh. 3) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh? 4) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation?