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UPSC Ethics Simplified | Impartiality : the caselet

Will the Principal's partiality towards selected students win over ethics and integrity? Let's learn from Nanditesh Nilay in the caselet today. Don't miss the Express Input and points to ponder.

The lessons of impartiality are not just to be taught in schools but also to be practiced. A student taught this lesson to his Principal in our caselet today. Let's learn more. (Image credits: Abhishek Mitra)

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UPSC Ethics Simplified draws your attention to a case of impartiality in the form of a caselet. This caselet is an extension of the concept discussed on July 23 (Impartiality — the concept). It is advisable to revisit the concept article before reading the caselet below.

Relevance: The topic is a part of UPSC CSE General Studies Paper-IV Ethics syllabus. Caselets are particularly relevant in the Case Study section. Aspirants will also find the article useful for their Essay paper and situation-based questions in personality tests. Moreover, the essence of the article will help aspirants in their professional lives or in life in general.

Nanditesh Nilay writes for UPSC Ethics Simplified fortnightly on Sundays. The first article will be a concept while the second article will be a caselet based on the concept. Don’t miss the Points to ponder and Express Inputs below.

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THE CASELET

“Sir, what to do now? Adivitya and Abhinandan both have secured equal marks and are toppers in their class. Now between the two only one person can be sent to BSRO for a six months long project. Whom to pick?” The Vice Principal was perplexed. But the Principal was certain. He asserted, “Adivitya! Where is the doubt? He is the son of our ADM madam. And even his father is also an ADM in another district. Now go and announce the result.” But the Vice Principal was not looking at peace. He was not at all satisfied with the response and attitude of his school head. Abhinandan was the son of a teacher. A brilliant child and even very good in debates, discipline, and sports. And on the other hand, Adivitya and Abhi were good friends.

ALSO READ | UPSC Ethics Simplified — Impartiality: the concept

The ADM couple visited the school and were extremely glad about the result. The Principal said, “In the class, Adivitya is the topper and the second topper is another boy, Abhinandan.” Both husband and wife didn’t pay attention to another name or even didn’t seem concerned. They hugged Adivitya and thanked the principal. The Principal was happy, “Madam, we need your help with the construction of our new building and bus services.” Madam assured and later both husband and wife left the chamber. In the meantime, the Vice Principal was also moving from there. He rushed towards the couple and said, “Adivitya is the topper. But there is another boy who is topper in all categories. His name is Abhinandan. I can not say officially but this is the fact. Even your son is a good friend of Abhi.” However, the ADM couple didn’t receive the statement positively and said, ” Mr. Vice Principal. Don’t try to become a whistle-blower. We know the truth.”

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In the school function first, the name of Adivitya was called and he received the award. Later Abhinandan was given the award of second topper. All went well. Adivitya congratulated Abhinandan and said, ” You are better than me my friend. I don’t deserve this award. You are the real topper. Please take it.” All were surprised and so was the school Principal. But ADM madam was furious. However, Adivitya was not at all nervous. He whispered, “Principal sir, I am right. My class teacher had taught me Values. Please don’t get frightened by my parents. Abhinandan deserves it. See that board at reception. Integrity is defined and so is impartiality. Please announce the award again and honour my friend. And sorry Mom, sorry Dad.”

Post Read Questions:

1. Distinguish between the values and qualities of the Principal, Vice Principal and Adivitya as reflected in the above caselet.

2. In your opinion what should have been the coarse of action of the Vice Principal in the above situation? Justify.

3. What did Adivitya mean by mentioning:

(a) Integrity and Impartiality

(b) My class teacher had taught me Values.

EXPRESS INPUT

This caselet is unique as it doesn’t leave you with a problem or an incomplete story. The caselet, in fact, wants you to dive deep into the concepts you have learnt so far and connects the theory with the practical. You may consider the following points while answering the above questions.

1. The Principal, the Vice Principal and Adivitya represent three different value sets where the Principal and Adivitya are two extremes where as the Vice Principal is standing at a crossroad.

The Principal

The Vice Principal

Adivitya

Biased, partial, morally corrupt, not a good leader, lacks integrity and honesty, unjust etc.

Moral but lacks wisdom, indecisive, fair but not competent, honest but lacks integrity, fails to be a good leader, caught in an ethical dilemma.

(Try yourself remaining close to the caselet)

The Principal should have played a role of a true leader and should have been impartial. In not doing so he failed in the test of equality too- treating every student equally.

He failed to overcome the conflict of interest as he was more interested to take favours from the ADM.

A clear case of an ethical bias as his act contravened the professional/ethical code of conduct. It shows abuse of his power and authority.

His decision should have been based on objective criteria and not any prejudices, biases or self interest.

Although he wanted favours for the school and not himself, he failed on the grounds of integrity and duty towards his students. Choose between the infrastructure of the school and ethical conduct for the students– what will be your answer?

(You may add more substantial points here)

(Try yourself remaining close to caselet)

( Try yourself remaining close to the caselet)

2. The Vice Principal

You may choose to have the following thought process:

There was a risk of compromising the impartiality. The Vice Principal, ideally, should have not agreed and accepted the instructions. The Vice Principal may be better not to accept the instruction. The Vice Principal should have made an attempt of explaining the situation to the Principal and helping him to take a right decision. Teachers and Principals are role models for students. Their words and actions have impact in the lives of students who are the future of tomorrow.

But how far do you agree with our thought process? Write to us/ suggest in the comment section if you have better inputs.

3. (a) Impartiality and Integrity

You may frame your answer by following this thought process:

Begin by defining both terms.

Impartiality can only act if Integrity is acting as a root. Integrity is the quality of having uncluttered moral convictions and an iron will to abide by these in conduct at all levels and interactions in life.

And certainly, a person with impartial conduct creates an image of the highest form of integrity and can act as a role model and provide proper leadership.

But it only makes sense if you connect it well to the caselet.

(b) My class teacher had taught me Values

Thought Process: What is the role of a teacher in shaping the character of a student. Will it be good to show here a contrast with the Principal’s conduct?

NOTE: Do let us know how would you approach the different questions of this caselet?

Points to ponder: How can we educate youth as unbiassed leaders of tomorrow?

(Answer in the comment box or through your emails)

(The writer is the author of ‘Being Good and Aaiye, Insaan Banaen’. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (Concepts and Caselets) fortnightly.)