Q7.What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?

Conscience is an inner moral compass guiding an individual's actions towards what is right, based on deeply held values and principles.

A crisis of conscience is an intense internal moral conflict arising when an individual's deeply held values clash with external demands, duties, or perceived unethical actions. It stems from ethical dilemmas, pressure from superiors, or competing public values.

• Civil servants face pressure to compromise integrity, e.g., corruption, favoritism, or bending rules for vested interests.
• Dilemma between following an unjust or illegal order and upholding constitutional values or public interest.
• May lead to actions like whistleblowing, seeking transfer, resignation, or moral paralysis/inaction.
• Often involves a struggle between personal ethics and the demands of the organizational or political system.

Addressing such crises requires fostering an ethical work environment and upholding constitutional morality in public administration.