QUESTION 6(a)
GS4
10 marks
On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Assess whether genuine compassion can justify an individualized administrative exception influenced by a subordinate’s personal request.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Empathy: hardship and continuity of support for the child≈30 words
- 2Rule compliance: transfer policy, fairness and institutional consistency≈30 words
- 3Conflict-of-interest/favouritism risk from the PA–teacher–DM relationship≈30 words
- 4Ethical path: neutral exception criteria, alternative support and documented reasons rather than ad hoc favour≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Human hardshipFairness/rule concernsConflict-of-interest riskNeutral accommodation
Where marks usually go
- Ignoring the personal relationship behind the request
- Applying rules mechanically without exploring lawful disability-sensitive accommodation
Value addition
- Empathy→neutral criteria→rule legitimacy
→ Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.
Verified value additions
These are verified official-source additions selected for this exact PYQ. Use only the point that strengthens your argument.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.