As the Secretary of Minister of Sports in India, you introduced a ground breaking initiative called the Podium Scheme to enhance the country’s performance in international events like the Olympics.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. As the Secretary of Minister of Sports in India, you introduced a ground breaking initiative called the Podium Scheme to enhance the country’s performance in international events like the Olympics. The scheme aimed to provide athletes with financial support, access to specialized training, and world-class resources. Its purpose was to nurture talent and ensure athletes could focus solely on their preparation without financial constraints. Initially, the scheme was widely praised by athletes, the media, and the public for its potential to elevate India’s standing in global sports. Over time, however, complaints began to surface, particularly from junior athletes. They alleged that the scheme disproportionately favoured senior athletes with prior international exposure. These senior athletes, already backed by numerous sponsors, were accused of misusing the benefits. Reports emerged of some senior athletes availing funds for foreign coaches and extravagant facilities but neglecting rigorous training. Junior athletes, on the other hand, argued they were being overlooked despite consistent performances at national-level events. They claimed the scheme’s focus on international achievements created a hierarchy, denying deserving young athletes the opportunity to benefit from the resources critical for their growth. A group of junior athletes brought these concerns to your attention, requesting a revision of the scheme. They proposed that beneficiaries should be selected based on recent performance at both national and international levels, ensuring meritocracy and equitable access. As the Sports Ministry Secretary, you are now faced with a dilemma. (20 M)
• Identify the ethical issue involved in the case. What are the consequences of giving priority to senior athletes while ignoring junior athletes? How will you balance the needs of junior athletes with the expectations of senior players without undermining the scheme’s original purpose?
• Identify the ethical issue involved in the case.
• What are the consequences of giving priority to senior athletes while ignoring junior athletes?
• How will you balance the needs of junior athletes with the expectations of senior players without undermining the scheme’s original purpose?
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the question The case reflects ethical dilemmas in public administration involving fairness, meritocracy, accountability and inclusive policy implementation in welfare schemes. Key Demand of the question The question requires identifying the core ethical issues in resource allocation, analysing the consequences of biased prioritisation, and suggesting an ethical and administrative framework to balance equity with performance goals. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly highlight the tension between excellence-driven policy and distributive justice in sports governance. Body Ethical issues involved: Indicate one core value conflict such as fairness versus hierarchy in allocation of public resources. Consequences of prioritising seniors: Mention one major institutional or moral consequence such as demotivation and erosion of trust among junior athletes. Balancing mechanism: Suggest one principled approach such as transparent merit-based criteria combined with accountability safeguards to preserve both equity and excellence. Conclusion End with a value-based statement linking ethical governance with sustainable talent development and public trust.
Why the question
The case reflects ethical dilemmas in public administration involving fairness, meritocracy, accountability and inclusive policy implementation in welfare schemes.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires identifying the core ethical issues in resource allocation, analysing the consequences of biased prioritisation, and suggesting an ethical and administrative framework to balance equity with performance goals.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly highlight the tension between excellence-driven policy and distributive justice in sports governance.
• Ethical issues involved: Indicate one core value conflict such as fairness versus hierarchy in allocation of public resources.
• Consequences of prioritising seniors: Mention one major institutional or moral consequence such as demotivation and erosion of trust among junior athletes.
• Balancing mechanism: Suggest one principled approach such as transparent merit-based criteria combined with accountability safeguards to preserve both equity and excellence.
Conclusion End with a value-based statement linking ethical governance with sustainable talent development and public trust.