Priya an assistant accounts manager at a city based private educational trust that runs several low fee schools for underprivileged children has always been known for her integrity and diligence. One day she learns that her close colleague and friend Arjun a sincere employee and a widower struggling to raise his two young daughters alone has been facing a harrowing situation. Arjun's younger child was diagnosed with a severe brain condition requiring urgent surgery costing nearly Rs. 70 lakh. With no health insurance little savings and no family support to fall back on Arjun was on the verge of losing hope. Priya wanted to help but her own financial situation with elderly dependent parents and modest savings left her heipless and burdened with guilt for not being able to stand by her friend in his time of dire need. A few weeks later when Priya visits Arjun to check on his situation she is relieved to see his child recovering well. In a quiet conversation Arjun reveals that their senior administrator Mr. Kulkarni known for his kind but discreet ways had quietly arranged Rs. 70 lakh from an old scholarship fund that had been lying unused for years. He did so on the condition that Arjun would repay the sum slowly through deductions from his salary without anyone else finding out. Grateful but uneasy Arjun confides that Mr. Kulkarni has helped other staff members in similar personal emergencies in the past using small dormant funds without formal approvals to prevent suffering and distress among the staff who often have no safety net. A few days later while finalizing quarterly accounts Priya overhears a conversation in the accounts office that an external audit of all scholarship and welfare funds is scheduled for next month. She realizes that this means the unauthorized diversions might come to light. Priya deeply sympathizes with Arjun's situation and admires Mr. Kulkarni's humane intentions but she also knows that misusing designated funds however noble the cause violates trust policy and legal norms. If discovered it could lead to severe consequences for Mr. Kulkarni jeopardize the trust's reputation and even risk the schools' funding. (a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas faced by Priya in this situation. (b) Discuss the ethical dimensions of Mr. Kulkarni's actions. Do you think his conduct can be justified? Give reasons for your answer. (b) What are the options available to Priya at this point?.Analyze the merits and demerits of each option. (20 marks 250 words)

Topper: Shiksha Pathak · AIR 453 · 2025 · Page 31