Mentor’s Comments-
- Provide a brief introduction of the case-study.
- Discuss whether you have any ethical duty in the scenario with justification.
- Mention the steps to be taken by you in the scenario, with reasons.
- Conclude appropriately.
Q.4 You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views. (b) What would be your next steps and why? (20 Marks)
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2 responses to “Q.4 You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views. (b) What would be your next steps and why? (20 Marks)”
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Muskan,
Good attempt.
You have tried well to cover various dimensions.
You have addressed all the parts of the question.
Keep introduction a bit short.
Do not use extreme and harsh words like ‘I would remove all officials involved in heinous crime’. Frame moderate sentences like I would take action against them, I would set up enquiry committee. Removing officials is extreme statements. It may not be within your jurisdiction to remove an official. Avoid such statements.
Also discuss the ethical issue involved with the rights of unborn child.
You can also take help of ASHA workers.
Focus should be on behaviour change first then coercive methods.
Keep practising.