While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services? Explain your position with suitable examples.

Linked PYQ

Rajesh Kumar, a senior public servant known for honesty and forthrightness, heads the Budget Division in the Finance Ministry, busy organizing budgetary support to states — four going to polls within the financial year. The annual budget allotted Rs. 7,830 crores for the National Housing Scheme (NHS), a centrally sponsored social housing scheme for weaker sections; Rs. 775 crores drawn till June. The Commerce Ministry long pursued a Special Economic Zone in a southern state; after two years of Centre-State discussion the Union Cabinet approved it in August and land acquisition began. Eighteen months ago a leading PSU projected a large natural gas processing plant in a northern state for the regional gas grid (land already with the PSU, essential for national energy security); after three global bidding rounds it went to MNC M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons, first payment due in December. The Finance Ministry was asked for timely additional allocation of Rs. 6,000 crores for these two developmental projects — decided to be re-appropriated entirely from the NHS allocation; the file reached the Budget Department. Rajesh Kumar realizes re-appropriation may inordinately delay the much-publicized NHS, while fund denial would cause SEZ financial loss and national embarrassment over delayed international payment. Seniors convey the politically sensitive situation needs immediate processing; diversion could raise difficult parliamentary questions. Discuss: (1) ethical issues in re-appropriating funds from a welfare project to developmental projects; (2) given proper utilization of public funds, options available to Rajesh Kumar; (3) is resigning a worthy option?