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Ethical & Moral Values in Governance
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‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’ ! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha ? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?
The "Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker" principle might have been designed to promote impartiality but may also prove a boon and a bane to efficient parliamentary business management in India. Advantages: It would highly increase the impartiality of the Speaker because there would be no chance of eveRead more
The “Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker” principle might have been designed to promote impartiality but may also prove a boon and a bane to efficient parliamentary business management in India.
Advantages:
It would highly increase the impartiality of the Speaker because there would be no chance of ever returning to active party politics and, hence, any perceived or actual biases that may result from future political ambitions.
Strengthen Democratic Norms: This convention would strengthen the non-partisan character of the office of the Speaker, hence improving the democratic process and further instilling confidence in the institution among the people.
Reduced Impact of Political Pressure: Since there is no hope of political benefits in the future, the Speaker may not be under so much pressure to make political decisions but rather make impartial ones.
It may be considered a limitation of the political career of someone holding the office of Speaker, thereby discouraging men and women of good standing from holding such an office.
-Potential Not to Join Party After Term Has Been Completed: The potential not to join their party once their term has been served would reduce the incentive for highly qualified people to seek the position of Speaker.
Detachment from Political Realities: A Speaker permanently disconnected in active politics may become disoriented from the dynamic political scenario and thus would not be able to efficiently preside over the business of parliament and understand the nuances of contemporary political oratory.
Constitutional Issues: It may even attract constitutional questions because it can breach one’s right to associate oneself or oneself with political activity.
Alternative approaches to the “Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker” principle can be utilized to neutralize the office of the Speaker as follows:
-Strengthening the existing norms and conventions: It could be in focusing on strengthening existing norms and conventions governing the office of the Speaker to be directed toward non-partisanship and impartiality.
-Public awareness of the importance of the Speaker’s neutrality as well as to the need of maintaining the office dignity.
See less-Policies on periodical and clear review of conduct of the Speaker so that judgment is perceived not to be arbitrary and concerns will be addressed.
What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality?(150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Constitutional Morality — the Enabling Virtue of our Democratic Rule Introduction This has found its way into public discourse in terms of democratic governance and the rule of law in the term of constitutional morality. Speaking of which, the term was coined by B.R Ambedkar, the chief architect ofRead more
Constitutional Morality — the Enabling Virtue of our Democratic Rule
Introduction
This has found its way into public discourse in terms of democratic governance and the rule of law in the term of constitutional morality. Speaking of which, the term was coined by B.R Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution of India to understand a way of governance which includes values and principles that defines how its representatives and organisations acts that function based on a constitution. In this piece, the author contemplates what constitutional morality is, why it matters and how it can be kept.
What Is Constitutional Morality?
Constitutional morality Symbols about the Constitutional Morality. It contains a pledge by people and institutions to respect and uphold constitutional norms at the cost of self-interest and political interest. These values include democracy, rule of law, equality, justice and fundamental rights. Constitutional morality is just how we give effect to the moral value of making the constitution not just a piece of papers but a framework for the kind of society we want to live in.
Teeming with the spirit of constitutional morality
Some of the lines are based on the idea of constitutional morality: Constitutional morality is crucial for the functioning of democratic institutions. This stops those branches from exerting any power that has not been bestowed to them through the constitution, maintaining the power balance between the different branches of government.
Social cohesion: Constitutional morality promotes social cohesion and avoids conflict by the adherence to constitutional principles. It means that every citizen or resident — no matter his or her race or status — is entitled to being treated with dignity and respect, and it fosters a sense of common age and purpose.
Safeguarding Basic Rights: The constitution provides basic rights, like the freedom of speech, equality under the law, and the right to a fair trial. Which is to say, constitutional morality not only assures rights on paper but also requires observance in life.
Defending the Rule of Law: The rule of law is foundational to every constitutional democracy. It is constitutional morality which ensures fair and uniform application of laws; that no man is above law. It also provides for judicial independence and integrity.
Moral Constraints on Power: The morality of constitution does constrain the power against arbitrary exercise of that power. Journalism serves as a check and balance on the government’s exercise of its powers, looking to ensure that the government’s decision-making and actions are transparent, accountable and pursued for the public good instead of politically-motivated.
How To Preserve Constitutional Morality
Educate the Mind: The population is briefed with the knowledge of the constitution but the people of the country need to be educated about the constitution and its values. At the very least, the schools, universities and civic organizations should be the ground floor of a movement to make sure that students understand the constitutional principles — and their absolute importance to upholding them.
Judicial Integrity: The Beginning and End of Constitutional MoralityThe judiciary is the chief protector of constitutional morality. Judges should be independent, fair-minded, and devoted to interpreting the law in accordance with constitutional ideals. They must be insulated from political pressure and free to rule on the merits in any case that comes before them.
Political Accountability: Public servants need to be accountable for their actions. It [holds leaders accountable by means of strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of their performance, as well as through the media and civil society.] And without transparency and accountability, those in power can misbehave.
Constitutional Morality, Civil Society, and Social Justice Their mandate is to directly raises awareness, advocate constitutional principles and in certain cases hold the government accountable for violation of the same.
People must participate in the democratic process. This includes voting in elections, public discussions, as well as civic responsibilities. Informed and vocal citizens can go a long way toward making sure the government does the right thing under constitutional norms.
Legislative Oversight: Parliaments and legislatures should have effective oversight mechanisms to ensure that laws and policies conform to constitutional principles. This means questioning and debating the proposals and action, and holding the executive branch accountable.
Do Ethical Leadership: Those in power, the branch of leaders in government also the civil society institutions, ought to inspire the values, constitutional morality should encapsulate. They also should model the principles embodied in the constitution in their words and actions.
And they must adapt the Magna Carta also, as law of this land must flex as new challenges emerge on regular basis requiring legal reformation. Reforms should be guided by constitutional morality and emerge from the breadth of representation.
Conclusion
Constitutional morality is the foundational ethical glue providing visceral binding of the framework of a nation’s constitution. These principles must apply to every citizen, every institution, and every leader. By doing so we can continue to achieve a better society, protect our democratic institutions, and our basic rights. In B.R. Ambedkar’s words, “For the working of the constitution, a proper constitutional morality is as necessary as political morality.” And it is this emphasis on the more noble aspirations of the constitution foundations upon which we will build a more perfect union.
See lessWhat does the term 'social cohesion' mean, and why is it important for effective governance? (200 words)
Model Answer Social cohesion refers to the degree to which individuals and groups within a society are connected and support each other. It encompasses both horizontal relationships between citizens and vertical relationships between citizens and the state. In essence, social cohesion reflects the sRead more
Model Answer
Social cohesion refers to the degree to which individuals and groups within a society are connected and support each other. It encompasses both horizontal relationships between citizens and vertical relationships between citizens and the state. In essence, social cohesion reflects the strength of the bonds that unite people across different communities and ensure interdependence for the greater good.
Importance of Social Cohesion for Effective Governance
Socially cohesive societies create environments of trust, which are essential for effective governance. When citizens trust one another and their institutions, it fosters a stable environment conducive to economic growth and social well-being. For instance, the successful integration of social initiatives in Hiware Bazar village, Maharashtra, led to sustainable economic development by leveraging local ecology and fostering trust among residents.
Social cohesion enhances community involvement in governance. Citizens with strong communal ties are more likely to engage with and support government policies. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a notable example, where citizens, local authorities, and organizations collaborated to promote cleanliness and hygiene.
A cohesive society ensures fairness by minimizing inequalities and fostering social justice. Initiatives like the Kudumbashree in Kerala, which empowered women and alleviated poverty, exemplify how social cohesion leads to positive societal outcomes.
In summary, social cohesion is crucial for effective governance because it builds trust, promotes participation, and ensures social justice.
See lessDo you believe that persuasion and social influence are effective tools in public service? Provide a detailed explanation with relevant examples. (200 words)
Model Answer Introduction Persuasion and social influence are integral tools in public service, fostering behavioral and societal changes. Persuasion: A process where individuals or entities influence others' beliefs or behaviors. Social Influence: The way individuals alter their actions or ideas toRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Persuasion and social influence are integral tools in public service, fostering behavioral and societal changes.
Role of Persuasion in Public Service
1. Disaster Management
2. Healthcare
3. Economic Health
4. Conflict Resolution
Role of Social Influence in Public Service
1. Social Change
2. Policy Implementation
Conclusion
Persuasion and social influence are indispensable tools in public service, enabling officials to engage communities, resolve conflicts, and implement policies effectively. However, these tools must be used ethically and responsibly to ensure inclusive and participatory development. By leveraging these values, public servants can foster positive societal changes and strengthen governance in India.
See lessWrite short notes on the following
Model Answer (i) Crisis of conscience What is a Crisis of Conscience? Conscience is a unique cognitive process that allows individuals to evaluate the morality of their actions. It emerges when the intellect judges the goodness or badness of a specific act, serving as a practical guide for human behRead more
Model Answer
(i) Crisis of conscience
What is a Crisis of Conscience?
Conscience is a unique cognitive process that allows individuals to evaluate the morality of their actions. It emerges when the intellect judges the goodness or badness of a specific act, serving as a practical guide for human behavior. However, when one’s conscience fails to provide moral direction due to conflicting experiences or pressures, it leads to what is termed a “crisis of conscience.”
Understanding the Crisis
A crisis of conscience manifests when individuals struggle to differentiate between right and wrong in a particular situation. This internal conflict can arise from various sources, such as societal expectations, personal values, or professional duties. As a result, individuals may feel disoriented or paralyzed, unable to make a morally sound decision.
Example: The Civil Servant’s Dilemma
Consider a civil servant instructed to evict squatters who have unlawfully occupied government land. In this scenario, the official faces a significant moral dilemma: should they comply with government orders and fulfill their duties, or should they listen to their conscience, which may advocate for compassion by allowing the squatters more time to evacuate? This example highlights how external pressures can clash with personal ethics, leading to a profound crisis of conscience.
Importance of Addressing the Crisis
Confronting a crisis of conscience is essential for maintaining personal integrity and ethical standards. Individuals may experience emotional distress, guilt, or anxiety when faced with these moral dilemmas, affecting their mental well-being and decision-making capabilities. Additionally, unresolved crises can have broader implications, such as eroding trust in public institutions and diminishing morale among colleagues.
In summary, a crisis of conscience represents a critical internal struggle that arises when individuals encounter ethical dilemmas. Recognizing and addressing these crises is vital for ethical decision-making, particularly in roles that carry significant moral responsibilities.
(ii) Non-partisanship
What is Non-Partisanship?
Non-partisanship refers to the principle that civil servants must perform their duties without bias or favoritism toward any political party, regardless of their personal beliefs or affiliations. This concept emphasizes political neutrality and impartiality in public service, ensuring that government officials prioritize their responsibilities above political considerations.
Key Aspects of Non-Partisanship
Importance of Non-Partisanship
Non-partisanship is vital for the integrity and effectiveness of public administration. It fosters a culture of accountability and trust, ensuring that government actions are based on fairness and equality rather than political bias. By adhering to non-partisan principles, civil servants contribute to a stable and functioning democracy, where policies and decisions serve the public interest without undue influence from political affiliations.
In summary, non-partisanship is a cornerstone of ethical public service, requiring civil servants to uphold constitutional values and execute their duties impartially, regardless of their personal political beliefs.
(iii) Dedication to public service
What is Dedication to Public Service?
Dedication to public service refers to a deep commitment and passion for serving the community and the nation, driven by an internal urge rather than external compulsion. In the context of civil services, this dedication aligns the individual with the principles of public good and welfare, emphasizing the importance of selfless service in governance.
Key Elements of Dedication
Example of Dedication
An illustrative example of dedication to public service is the IAS officer who worked tirelessly during the Kerala floods in 2019, despite not being on official duty. This officer exemplified selflessness and a commitment to the welfare of the affected communities, showcasing how dedication transcends formal responsibilities.
Importance of Dedication to Public Service
Dedication is crucial for building trust and credibility in governance. When civil servants demonstrate a genuine commitment to public service, it enhances public confidence in government institutions and promotes a culture of accountability and transparency. Ultimately, dedication to public service is fundamental for fostering a vibrant and responsive democracy, where the needs of the people are prioritized and addressed effectively.
(iv) Coercive corruption
What is Coercive Corruption?
Coercive corruption refers to a form of corruption where citizens are victims of extortion, feeling compelled to pay bribes to receive services they are already entitled to. This type of corruption undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in government institutions, as individuals are forced to navigate a system rife with unethical practices.
Key Characteristics of Coercive Corruption
Consequences of Coercive Corruption
The impact of coercive corruption is profound, affecting not only individuals but also the broader society. Citizens who comply with corruption face immediate losses, such as wasted resources and lost opportunities. Fact: For instance, non-compliance with a government employee’s demands can lead to delays in service provision, lost wages, and increased harassment.
Importance of Addressing Coercive Corruption
Addressing coercive corruption is crucial for restoring integrity in public service. It requires a multifaceted approach, including legal reforms, public awareness, and robust enforcement mechanisms. By tackling coercive corruption, societies can promote ethical governance, enhance public trust, and ensure that citizens receive the services they are entitled to without the burden of extortion. Ultimately, combating this form of corruption is essential for fostering a just and equitable society.
(v) Participative governance
What is Participative Governance?
Participative governance is a democratic approach that enables citizens to have a voice in the formulation and implementation of policies that affect their lives. This involvement allows citizens to contribute to decision-making processes, ensuring that government actions align with the needs and preferences of the community.
Key Features of Participative Governance
Example: The MyGov Platform
An illustrative example of participative governance is the MyGov platform, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India. This digital initiative encourages citizen participation by providing a space for individuals to share their views on government policies and services. Fact: Through MyGov, citizens can contribute ideas, participate in discussions, and engage with policymakers directly, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Importance of Participative Governance
Participative governance is crucial for building trust between citizens and the government. When citizens feel that their voices matter, they are more likely to support government initiatives and comply with policies. Fact: This collaborative approach not only improves policy outcomes but also strengthens democracy by fostering a culture of engagement and accountability.
In summary, participative governance empowers citizens to influence policy decisions, creates a responsive government, and enhances democratic practices. By facilitating active citizen engagement, governments can better address community needs and promote social cohesion.
See lessWhat is virtue ethics, and why is it important for public servants? (200 words)
Model Answer Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that emphasizes the importance of character and virtues in achieving a worthy end. It focuses on cultivating virtuous habits, which become integral to a person's character. For instance, a person who embodies the virtue of honesty is consistently honeRead more
Model Answer
Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that emphasizes the importance of character and virtues in achieving a worthy end. It focuses on cultivating virtuous habits, which become integral to a person’s character. For instance, a person who embodies the virtue of honesty is consistently honest in all situations. Mahatma Gandhi is often cited as an example of this virtue, exemplifying how character influences behavior.
Importance of Virtue Ethics for Public Servants
1. Internal Moral Compass
In a diverse society with complex challenges, there are rarely standardized solutions. Virtues such as integrity, honesty, and generosity serve as internal moral compasses for public servants, guiding them to make ethical decisions in difficult situations.
2. Self-restraint
Public servants must exercise self-control over their emotions and desires when dealing with public affairs. Virtues enable them to act rationally, helping to prevent corruption and focus on the greater good.
3. Prudence
Prudence involves selecting the most appropriate means to achieve worthwhile goals. By cultivating virtues like reasoning and foresight, public servants can make informed decisions that best address the needs of their constituents.
4. Justice
Public servants are responsible for ensuring dignity and equality for all citizens. Virtues such as empathy and gratitude equip them to deliver social, legal, and economic justice effectively.
5. Fortitude
Fortitude is the ability to confront adversity with courage. Public servants often encounter significant challenges, such as illegal pressures. For example, IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal demonstrated fortitude when she bravely took on the sand mafia in Uttar Pradesh.
6. Moderation
Decision-making in public service requires rationality and balance. Public servants should avoid extremes and act judiciously, guided by virtues like compassion and objectivity.
In conclusion, virtue ethics is crucial for public servants as it fosters character development, guides ethical decision-making, and ultimately builds trust in governance, ensuring they fulfill their responsibilities to the public effectively.
See lessHow do you define empathy, and why is it important in public service? (200 words)
Model Answer Defining Empathy Empathy is the ability to understand another person's feelings, thoughts, and experiences by seeing things from their perspective. It involves imagining oneself in someone else’s position and responding with compassion. There are three types of empathy: Affective empathRead more
Model Answer
Defining Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences by seeing things from their perspective. It involves imagining oneself in someone else’s position and responding with compassion. There are three types of empathy:
Importance of Empathy in Public Service
Empathy is crucial in public service because it fosters a compassionate, helpful, and effective approach to serving the public. It helps build a connection between public servants and the communities they serve. Some key reasons why empathy is important in public service include:
Helpful Attitude
Empathy leads to compassionate actions, where public servants take proactive steps to support those in need. For instance, an IPS officer in Ludhiana provided essential support to an abandoned minor rape victim, demonstrating the power of empathy to alleviate suffering.
Social Development
Empathy motivates public servants to work toward societal improvement. For example, Telangana’s “Aasara” pension scheme, which supports vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and HIV-positive individuals, is driven by a deep understanding of social inequities.
Fulfilling Public Aspirations
Empathetic public servants are better able to address public grievances and work on issues that matter to the community. The “Fund Your City” campaign by an IAS officer in Warangal is an example of this approach, aimed at improving infrastructure in Naxal-affected areas.
Participatory Governance
Empathy fosters an inclusive environment where citizens’ concerns are heard and acted upon. Rajasthan’s “Sarkar Aapke Dwar” program, where the government took services to people’s doorsteps, is a reflection of empathetic governance.
Building Trust and Credibility
When public servants exhibit empathy, they earn the trust of the people, showing that they care about their well-being. This results in stronger public trust and the successful implementation of policies.
Conclusion
Empathy is essential for public servants to connect with the community, understand their needs, and address societal challenges effectively. By practicing empathy, public service can become more responsive, inclusive, and effective in improving governance.
See lessWhat do you understand by ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ ? How can it help companies become more lucrative and coveted by employees?
CSR also known a ‘’Corporate Social Responsibility’’ is a form of business management which ensures corporate entities manage themselves for the benefits of their stakeholders and the public society at large. The economic function refers to engaging in activities that add value to the society and thRead more
CSR also known a ‘’Corporate Social Responsibility’’ is a form of business management which ensures corporate entities manage themselves for the benefits of their stakeholders and the public society at large. The economic function refers to engaging in activities that add value to the society and the environment and not the other way round.
How CSR can make companies more lucrative and coveted by employees:
1. Stronger Brand Reputation: CSR activities can specifically enhance the image of a company brand. It can unlock value because it creates a positive social impact towards customers, investors, and talented employees.
2. Customer Loyalty: Today, consumers are selecting products by its brands’ values. Because CSR can lead to customer loyalty, the various strategies to create it can result in increased sales.
3. Attraction and Retention of Talent: CSR commitment is a way through which organizations can attract talents because majority of the employees are inclined towardsjob opportunities in organizations that undertake some contribution to the wellbeing of the society.
4. Better Employee Morale: CSR governance can also point to culture, emotion, mind, and skill, which results in an improved morale, job satisfaction and employee turnover.
5. Risk Mitigation: When more firms begin to deal with social and environmental problems, they are going to reduce their chances of facing legal and or reputational consequences that can cause their downfall.
6. Innovation and Creativity: Innovativeness and creativity – It means that through CSR practices, workers are encouraged to be creative and present new ideas in helping solve some social issues.
7. Long-Term Sustainability: The significance of CSR is that a business entity can foster long term relations with stakeholders while managing risks.
The inclusion of CSR into the development framework of a firm makes the company to take a central role in creating an impact towards society without negating economic advancement and efficiency.
See lessDo individuals have a moral obligation to act in ways that mitigate climate change, even if it requires significant personal or financial sacrifice?
One would say that, from an ethical viewpoint, people owe a moral obligation to future generations and the planet. They can make a difference to mitigate climate change by reducing their carbon footprint or conserving energy, wasting less and living styles that are more sustainable. Another importanRead more
One would say that, from an ethical viewpoint, people owe a moral obligation to future generations and the planet. They can make a difference to mitigate climate change by reducing their carbon footprint or conserving energy, wasting less and living styles that are more sustainable. Another important impact is through policy advocacy that creates room for such innovation and also holds corporations and entities accountable for the environmental damages they perpetuate.
But then, it’s equally important to realize the limit an action of an individual might take. Systemic change mostly needs collective action or change in policies. Hence, although all efforts made individually are crucial, they should accompany wider social and governmental action on proper action regarding climate change.
See lessDifferentiate between ethics and morality and explain the determinants of ethical actions. (200 Words) [UPPSC 2018]
Differentiation between Ethics and Morality 1. Definition: Ethics refers to a structured set of principles that guide behavior in a professional or societal context. It is often codified in formal guidelines and professional standards. For example, the Code of Conduct for IAS officers outlines ethicRead more
Differentiation between Ethics and Morality
1. Definition:
2. Source:
Determinants of Ethical Actions
1. Personal Integrity: Individual honesty and consistency in values play a crucial role in ethical behavior. For instance, public figures like Dr. Abdul Kalam exemplified integrity by maintaining transparency in their professional and personal lives.
2. Legal Framework: Laws and regulations set boundaries for ethical actions. Compliance with legal standards ensures that actions are not only ethical but also lawful. Recent anti-corruption laws have reinforced ethical conduct in governance.
3. Organizational Culture: An organization’s ethical climate influences behavior. For example, companies like Patagonia foster a strong ethical culture through their commitment to environmental sustainability, guiding employees to act ethically.
4. Social Norms and Values: Cultural and societal norms shape ethical behavior. Public reactions to events, such as the Me Too movement, demonstrate how evolving social values influence ethical standards and actions.
In summary, while ethics and morality both guide behavior, ethics are external and systematic, whereas morality is personal and culturally influenced. Determinants of ethical actions include personal integrity, legal frameworks, organizational culture, and social norms.
See less