Ethical concerns and dilemmas in Government Institutions

Published on 24 Nov 2025

Advancing public welfare is one of the primary objectives of government institutions. The means through which that is pursued is fraught with various ethical dilemmas. 

• Ethical dilemmas in prioritising policies: Only prioritising public welfare schemes at the cost of investment in sectors like science and technology, education and defence will not be beneficial to the country in the long run. But government cannot afford to neglect the present challenge of poverty and malnutrition.

• Examples: Should the government invest more in space sector while millions of people are deprived of bare necessities of life?, Should the government prioritise capitalism over socialism? 

• Over Regulations Vs Ease of Doing Business: Over regulation harmfully affects the private sector and the industry, which will affect the growth of the country. But removing regulation in the name of ease of doing business will result in proliferation of businesses with no concern for public safety. 

• Example: If the regulations are relaxed, a pollution causing industry might start their business without the regard for safety of the residents near the area. 

• Majority vs. Minority: While political leadership might want to appease the majority with policies suited for them, but the government should safeguard the interest of both the majority and the minority. Accommodating various voices in the society is crucial for the sustenance of democracy and social order. 

• Example: Appeasement of one section of people over the other can be seen as a reason for the Manipur violence.

• Enforcement of laws vs. public sentiment: Enforcement of laws is necessary to maintain law and order in the society but at times it appears to violate the virtues of compassion and kindness.

• Example: Anti-Encroachment Drive can be seen an unsympathetic move but lack of enforcement might encourage unlawful occupation of land.

• Permitting disruptive technologies vs. Over-regulation: The Government Institutions mostly does not have the capability to discern the ethical challenges of fast paced technology and its impact on citizens. But regulation of it may discourage R&D in the area.

• Example: Crypto currency is a highly volatile asset which poses a financial risk for people. Regulation of it defeats the purpose of the technology because it works on a decentralised ledger system.

• Environmental and Wildlife Protection vs. Displacement: The Government is mandated to protect the flora and fauna of the country but at times the tribal population of forests are forced leave their traditional habitations which is deeply connected to their lives.

• Example: A tribal area is chosen as the perfect area for a tiger conservation project. If the tribal people are displaced it will lead to their loss of culture but if they do not, they might be attacked by the tiger.

• Development vs. Displacement: A country cannot grow without development, however, development projects involve displacement of thousands of people who may not benefit from the project immediately. 

• Example: Inadequate rehabilitation measures undertaken in the Sardar Sarovar Project which  displaced over 245 villages 

• Data Privacy and Surveillance:  The ethical dilemma is between striking the right balance between surveillance measures and respecting civil liberties 

• Example: Pegasus Spyware was a malicious software allegedly purchased by the government to hack sensitive data from the phones of ministers, opposition leaders, journalists, activists, Supreme court judges etc.

Prioritising the long term and short term needs of the citizens along with strong adherence to the public service values are required to deal with the ethical concerns and dilemmas in the Government institution.

Tags:
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Keywords:
Ethical concerns and dilemmas in Government Institutions ethical dilemma Over Regulations Vs Ease of Doing Business policy Environmental and Wildlife Protection vs. Displacement Development vs. Displacement Data Privacy and Surveillance Permitting disruptive technologies vs. Over-regulation Enforcement of laws vs. public sentiment

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 4

Topics:
Public Service Values