UPSC Mains Case Study Discussion | Ethical Dilemma of a Young Civil Servant Facing the Sand Mafia

In this engaging video, we explore a previous UPSC Mains case study focused on Sunil, a dedicated civil servant tasked with tackling illegal sand mining in a tribal-dominated district. Sunil’s commitment and integrity are tested severely as he confronts a powerful mafia with deep-rooted influence and the backing of local functionaries. The stakes rise when his family’s safety is threatened, pushing Sunil into a difficult ethical dilemma.  What You’ll Learn:

• How to critically evaluate options when faced with a high-pressure situation.

• The ethical considerations Sunil must weigh while balancing duty, safety, and integrity.

• Strategic approaches a civil servant can take when combating corruption and organized crime.

Join us as we explore different strategies Sunil can adopt:

• Continue the crackdown despite threats.

• Seek police protection and engage higher authorities.

• Reassess his approach and pause raids temporarily.

We’ll analyze the merits and demerits of each option through the lens of ethical theories like deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics. The discussion will help you develop a strong framework for tackling similar dilemmas in the UPSC Mains exam.