Ethical Dilemma: Accident & Interview

Immediate Response & Prioritization

My immediate reaction would be to prioritize the well-being of my mother and child. The principle of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ – the welfare of all – guides my decision. I would immediately stop and assess their condition. Calling for emergency medical assistance (ambulance – 102/108) would be the first step. I would utilize my knowledge of basic first aid, if any, to provide immediate relief until professional help arrives.

Balancing Duty and Personal Responsibility

Simultaneously, I would inform the UPSC authorities about the unavoidable delay. Honesty and transparency are paramount. I would explain the situation concisely and request their guidance. I believe a responsible candidate would not attempt to conceal such a critical event. The UPSC, being a fair and understanding institution, would likely accommodate the situation, potentially rescheduling the interview.

Justification of Action – Ethical Framework

My decision is rooted in several ethical principles:

• Duty to Preserve Life: The most fundamental duty is to protect human life. My relatives’ immediate need for medical attention overrides other considerations.
• Empathy and Compassion: As a human being, and particularly as someone aspiring to serve society, I have a moral obligation to help those in need, especially family members.
• Integrity and Transparency: Informing the UPSC demonstrates honesty and respect for the process. Attempting to proceed with the interview while concealing the incident would be a breach of trust.
• Professional Ethics: A future IAS officer must demonstrate the ability to make quick, ethical decisions under pressure. This situation provides an opportunity to showcase that capability.

Potential Consequences and Mitigation

There are potential consequences to delaying the interview. However, these are outweighed by the moral imperative to assist my injured relatives. I would proactively communicate with the UPSC, expressing my commitment to the interview process and willingness to reschedule at their earliest convenience. I would also prepare a concise explanation for the interview board, demonstrating my ethical reasoning and decision-making process.

Alternative Scenarios & Considerations

If the injuries appeared less severe and immediate medical attention wasn’t urgently required, I might have briefly ensured their safety and arranged for assistance from bystanders before proceeding to the interview, minimizing the delay. However, given the description of “badly injured,” immediate action was the only ethical course.

Legal and Administrative Framework

While there isn’t a specific law governing this scenario, the principles of ‘duty of care’ and ‘good Samaritan’ laws (though not uniformly implemented across India) support the idea of providing assistance to those in need. Furthermore, the Code of Conduct for Civil Servants emphasizes integrity, compassion, and public service.