Q12. You are heading a leading technical institute of the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the post of professors. A few days before the interview, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government functionary seeking your intervention in favour of the selection of a close relative of the functionary for this post. The PS also informs you that he is aware of the long-pending and urgent proposal of your institute for grant of funds for modernization, which are awaiting the functionary’s approval. He assures you that he would get these proposals cleared.
(a)What are the options available to you?
(b)Evaluate each of these options and choose the one you would adopt, giving reasons. (250 words; 20 marks)
The head of an educational institution must display the highest level of honesty, courage and ethical standards while discharging his duties. The role of educational institution is extremely important in shaping the right ethical value in the students. If teachers are appointed in an institute not on the basis of merit but on the basis of recommendation, it may have serious consequences for the future generation of citizens who are educated in the institute.
The different options in this case are as following.
1. Accept the request of PS: This is the easier option. It appears to be in the interest of the institute because the PS would help in the clearance of many important proposals of the institute. However, the damage to the institution would be long-term as the professor would be appointed for decades, providing inferior education to the students.
2. Decline the request of PS: The other option is to straightway say no to the PS. This is not advisable. How do you know that the relative of the functionary is not deserving even before taking his interview? He may actually be the best choice even without the recommendation. We must not get prejudiced against a person if his name is recommended.
3. Explain to the PS: Discuss the matter with the PS and tell him that the selection can be made on merit. You can assure him that you would try to help him achieve his best. If the candidate has merit, select him. If he does not have merit, reject him and select the best candidate for the job. This in the best option. (269 words)