MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Discuss the essential elements of probity in governance and how important they are for promoting moral and open administration.
GS IV – Ethics-related issues
Introduction:
- In governance, probity is the practice of conducting public affairs with honesty, integrity, and ethical behaviour. It is essential to guaranteeing accountable and transparent administration.
Several essential elements of probity in governance include:
- Being honest entails avoiding all forms of deceit and manipulation as well as acting and speaking with sincerity and truth.
- Accountability entails taking responsibility for one’s choices and deeds as well as owning up to the fallout.
- Integrity is the quality of acting morally and consistently, as well as abiding by a set of values.
- Being compassionate is having empathy and concern for others, particularly the weaker and more marginalised groups in society.
The role that probity in governance plays in promoting moral and open administration:
- It strengthens the legitimacy and credibility of the governing system and aids in maintaining public confidence in the government and its institutions.
- In addition to guaranteeing that public resources are used properly and efficiently for the benefit of the public, it aids in the prevention and battle of corruption, fraud, and maladministration.
- It guarantees that the government system is inclusive, representative, and people-centered while also aiding in the advancement of democratic, human rights, and social justice ideals.
- It guarantees that the governance system is in line with the interests and ambitions of the country and the world while also assisting in the achievement of social welfare and sustainable development goals.
- Together, the essential elements of probity in governance create a foundation for moral, open, and responsible management. Governments may foster good governance, increase public trust, and establish a long-lasting relationship with their constituents by adhering to these principles.
Q2. Examine how important a person’s conscience is in influencing moral behaviour and decisions made by public employees and administrators.
GS IV – Ethics-related issues
Introduction:
- Conscience acts as a person’s internal moral compass, helping them to make moral decisions in the challenging field of public administration. It influences decisions that are in line with a higher ethical norm by appealing to one’s personal values, ideals, and sense of right and wrong.
Importance of a person’s conscience in determining moral behaviour:
- Internal Moral Guide: Based on firmly held beliefs and ideals, administrators and other public officials make judgements and take actions guided by their conscience, which acts as an internal moral guide. It provides ethical instruction that goes beyond following the letter of the law.
- Making Decisions in Complex Ethical Dilemmas: When faced with difficult ethical decisions, administrators can rely on their conscience to guide them towards decisions that are consistent with their moral compass. It is essential for resolving unclear situations in which there may not be a clear ethical course provided by the law.
- Examining Moral Implications: Administrators are compelled by conscience to take into account both the moral and legal ramifications of their choices. It promotes a heightened consciousness of the wider societal implications, underscoring the significance of choices that advance public welfare and moral governance.
- Personal Integrity and responsibility: Personal integrity and responsibility are influenced by a matured conscience. By ensuring that administrators maintain moral standards not only for compliance but also as a demonstration of their dedication to moral behaviour, it builds public confidence.
- Managing Subjectivity and Organisational Structure: It’s critical to navigate each person’s subjective conscience. Maintaining consistency and coherence in ethical behaviour in the context of public service requires striking a compromise between one’s personal ethical views and the overall ethical framework.
- For administrators and other public officials, the conscience is an essential ethical guide that directs decision-making towards higher moral norms. Its critical function in fostering an ethical governance culture is demonstrated by its role in fostering personal integrity, guaranteeing responsibility, and resolving ethical quandaries.
