UPSC Mains 2026 GS4 Q6a: model answer
On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.
What the question wants
Analyse the act: empathy for a child with special needs vs rules on transfers, conflict of interest, and fairness. Show how empathy can be exercised lawfully.
How to structure it
Intro: the dilemma. Body: empathy side; compliance side (conflict of interest, favouritism); proper way. Conclusion.
- 1Empathy side
- 2Compliance side (conflict of interest, favouritism)
- 3Proper way
Model answer
The DM's action looks kind, but it is kindness done through the wrong channel.
The empathy side
- A child with a learning disability benefits from a familiar, trained teacher. Continuity matters.
- The RPwD Act, 2016 asks the State to support such children.
The compliance side
- Conflict of interest: the teacher serves the PA privately; stopping his transfer benefits a subordinate's family.
- Private tuition by government teachers is barred under Section 28 of the RTE Act.
- Fairness: other teachers and the receiving school's students lose out; transfer policy loses credibility.
- It sets a precedent that access to the DM decides outcomes.
Right course
- Let transfers follow policy, or route any hardship request through the normal committee, open to all.
- Help the PA's daughter through proper means: special educators under Samagra Shiksha, school counsellors.
- Act on the teacher's private tuition as per rules.
Empathy is a public-service value, but it must be impartial. Compassion shown to one person through favour is injustice to others.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
conflict of interest impartiality RTE Section 28 institutional empathy precedent
Where most answers lose marks
- Supporting the DM because of the child's condition
- Missing the private tuition violation
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP-CSM-26-010926-GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-IV.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.