UPSC Public Administration – Complete Ultimate Digital Library | Shaktimatha Learning

 

📘 Ultra Case Study 15 – AI-Based Welfare Exclusion Error Crisis

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 Situation

A newly implemented AI-based system automatically determines eligibility for a welfare subsidy. After rollout, reports reveal that thousands of genuinely eligible beneficiaries were excluded due to algorithmic errors. Public outrage grows, and trust in digital governance declines.

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📝 20-Mark Analytical Response

Immediate Relief: Suspend automated exclusion decisions temporarily and restore benefits to affected individuals through interim manual verification.

Technical Audit: Commission independent technical experts to review the AI algorithm for bias, design flaws, and data inaccuracies.

Transparency & Communication: Publicly acknowledge the issue, outline corrective steps, and provide grievance redressal channels.

Accountability Framework: Determine responsibility of vendors and administrative officials. Strengthen oversight in digital procurement processes.

Ethical Safeguards: Ensure “human-in-the-loop” decision-making in sensitive welfare schemes to prevent blind automation.

Long-Term Reform: Establish algorithmic accountability standards, periodic audits, and data protection compliance mechanisms.

Digital innovation must be guided by equity, transparency, and constitutional morality. Technology cannot replace ethical administrative judgment.

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Prepared by Shaktimatha Learning
Technology + Equity + Accountability = 18–20 Mark Contemporary Mastery