Ethics in Public Administration
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What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Understanding 'Crisis of Conscience' Crisis of Conscience refers to a situation where an individual's ethical beliefs and moral values come into conflict with their actions or responsibilities. It often involves a deep internal struggle about doing what is right versus what is convenient or expectedRead more
Understanding ‘Crisis of Conscience’
Crisis of Conscience refers to a situation where an individual’s ethical beliefs and moral values come into conflict with their actions or responsibilities. It often involves a deep internal struggle about doing what is right versus what is convenient or expected.
Manifestation in the Public Domain
Conclusion
A crisis of conscience is a profound ethical dilemma where personal values conflict with external demands. In the public domain, it manifests through actions like whistleblowing, judicial recusal, and moral stands in public disputes, reflecting the struggle between personal integrity and societal pressures.
See lessNon-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.(150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Non-Performance of Duty as a Form of Corruption Agreement with the View: **1. Definition and Impact a. Definition of Corruption: Corruption is often understood as the abuse of power for personal gain. Non-performance of duty by a public servant can be seen as a form of corruption if it results in peRead more
Non-Performance of Duty as a Form of Corruption
Agreement with the View:
**1. Definition and Impact
a. Definition of Corruption:
Corruption is often understood as the abuse of power for personal gain. Non-performance of duty by a public servant can be seen as a form of corruption if it results in personal or political gain, or neglects the public’s needs.
b. Impact on Governance:
When a public servant fails to perform their duties, it undermines governance and public trust. For instance, Bihar’s 2019 flood relief operations faced criticism for inadequate response, leading to severe hardships for affected people. The non-performance of duties by officials exacerbated the situation and can be viewed as a corruption of responsibility.
**2. Accountability and Consequences
a. Accountability Issues:
Non-performance often reflects a lack of accountability and commitment, akin to corruption. For example, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in some states was hampered by inefficiencies and negligence, impacting the effectiveness of the vaccination drive.
b. Consequences for Public Welfare:
Such non-performance can lead to poor public service delivery and a loss of public resources, which can be seen as corruption. It deprives citizens of their entitled services and damages the integrity of the public service system.
Conclusion:
See lessYes, non-performance of duty can be viewed as a form of corruption because it involves the misuse of entrusted power, leading to negative consequences for public welfare and governance.
What do you understand by the term ‘good governance? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words) [UPSC 2022]
Understanding 'Good Governance' Good governance refers to the effective, transparent, accountable, and participatory management of public resources and affairs. It emphasizes rule of law, responsiveness, and inclusivity in decision-making processes to ensure the welfare of the citizens and equitableRead more
Understanding ‘Good Governance’
Good governance refers to the effective, transparent, accountable, and participatory management of public resources and affairs. It emphasizes rule of law, responsiveness, and inclusivity in decision-making processes to ensure the welfare of the citizens and equitable distribution of resources.
Impact of Recent e-Governance Initiatives
Conclusion
Good governance is characterized by transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Recent e-Governance initiatives like e-Sanjeevani, PMJDY, and MyGov have substantially benefited citizens by improving service delivery, financial inclusion, and engagement in governance processes.
See lessThe Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. (150 words) [UPSC 2022]
Rules and Regulations in Civil Service: The Impact of Attitude Introduction Despite having the same set of Rules and Regulations, the performance of civil servants varies significantly. This discrepancy often arises from the officers' mindset and approach towards interpreting and applying these ruleRead more
Rules and Regulations in Civil Service: The Impact of Attitude
Introduction
Despite having the same set of Rules and Regulations, the performance of civil servants varies significantly. This discrepancy often arises from the officers’ mindset and approach towards interpreting and applying these rules.
Positive vs. Negative Mindset
Conclusion
The interpretation of rules and regulations by civil servants can significantly influence their effectiveness and the outcomes of their work. A positive mindset often leads to innovative solutions and success, while a negative approach can result in missed opportunities and failure to achieve goals.
See lessIn contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine. (150 words) [UPSC 2022]
Efficiency and Sufficiency of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 1. Scope and Effectiveness: CSR initiatives, such as reducing carbon footprints and community development projects, have demonstrated positive impacts. For instance, companies like Tata Group have invested in education and healthcarRead more
Efficiency and Sufficiency of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
1. Scope and Effectiveness: CSR initiatives, such as reducing carbon footprints and community development projects, have demonstrated positive impacts. For instance, companies like Tata Group have invested in education and healthcare, showcasing CSR’s potential to contribute to social welfare. However, CSR often lacks comprehensive impact due to limited scope and voluntary compliance, which can lead to inconsistent implementation.
2. Regulatory and Enforcement Gaps: CSR mandates, such as those under the Companies Act, 2013 in India, require firms to spend a percentage of their profits on social initiatives. Despite this, enforcement and transparency issues persist. For example, some firms engage in tokenism, investing minimally to fulfill legal requirements without genuine commitment.
3. Environmental and Social Challenges: CSR alone may not address systemic issues like climate change and environmental degradation. Recent examples, such as oil spills by major corporations and widespread deforestation, highlight the insufficiency of CSR in mitigating significant environmental impacts.
4. Need for Comprehensive Approach: To enhance effectiveness, CSR must be integrated with regulatory frameworks and sustainable business practices. Combining CSR with mandatory environmental regulations and strict accountability measures can lead to more substantial and sustainable outcomes.
In conclusion, while CSR contributes positively, it requires enhancement through rigorous regulations and deeper integration with core business strategies to effectively address global challenges.
See lessWrite short notes on the following in 30 words each: (i) Constitutional morality (ii) Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challenges of digitalization (v) Devotion to duty
(i) Constitutional Morality Constitutional Morality refers to adherence to the core principles and values enshrined in the Constitution, beyond legal compliance. For instance, upholding fundamental rights and democratic values ensures that governance aligns with constitutional ideals, as seen in theRead more
(i) Constitutional Morality
Constitutional Morality refers to adherence to the core principles and values enshrined in the Constitution, beyond legal compliance. For instance, upholding fundamental rights and democratic values ensures that governance aligns with constitutional ideals, as seen in the Supreme Court’s declaration of LGBTQ+ rights in India.
(ii) Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest occurs when personal interests interfere with official duties. For example, a public official involved in awarding contracts to a company they have a financial stake in creates a conflict, undermining ethical governance and transparency.
(iii) Probity in Public Life
Probity in Public Life means maintaining honesty, integrity, and transparency in public service. The Vijay Mallya case highlighted the importance of probity, as financial mismanagement by public figures can erode trust in institutions.
(iv) Challenges of Digitalization
Challenges of Digitalization include data privacy, cybersecurity risks, and digital divide. The data breaches in various organizations, like Cambridge Analytica, demonstrate the need for stringent cybersecurity measures and equitable access.
(v) Devotion to Duty
Devotion to Duty involves unwavering commitment and dedication to one’s responsibilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers displayed extraordinary devotion, working tirelessly under high risk to provide critical care and services.
See lessRussia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. (150 words) [UPSC 2022]
Ethical Issues in War: Russia-Ukraine Conflict 1. Humanitarian Impact Human Tragedy: War results in significant human suffering, including loss of civilian lives, displacement, and trauma. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused a massive humanitarian crisis with millions of refugees and casualties.Read more
Ethical Issues in War: Russia-Ukraine Conflict
1. Humanitarian Impact
Human Tragedy: War results in significant human suffering, including loss of civilian lives, displacement, and trauma. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused a massive humanitarian crisis with millions of refugees and casualties. The ethical question arises about the justification of actions that lead to such severe human suffering.
2. Justification for War
Legitimate Cause: Ethical considerations include whether the war is initiated for a just cause. In this case, Russia’s invasion is widely debated for its legitimacy under international law. The principle of “Just War Theory” emphasizes the need for a just cause and proper authority for launching a war.
3. Proportionality
Military Necessity vs. Civilians: The principle of proportionality demands that military actions should not cause excessive civilian harm compared to the anticipated military advantage. Recent reports indicate Russian strikes on civilian areas, raising ethical concerns about proportionality and the protection of non-combatants.
4. Accountability
War Crimes: Ensuring accountability for war crimes and violations of international law is crucial. The international community must address atrocities such as executions and attacks on non-military targets to uphold ethical standards.
Recent Example: The UN’s International Criminal Court (ICC) has begun investigating alleged war crimes in Ukraine, reflecting efforts to address these ethical issues and ensure justice.
These ethical considerations highlight the complex moral landscape of war, stressing the importance of upholding humanitarian principles and legal norms even amidst conflict.
See lessBesides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
Innovativeness and Creativity in Resolving Ethical Dilemmas Domain Knowledge alone is insufficient for public officials when addressing ethical dilemmas; innovativness and creativity are crucial. Example 1: COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution During the COVID-19 pandemic, officials faced the ethical dilemRead more
Innovativeness and Creativity in Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
Domain Knowledge alone is insufficient for public officials when addressing ethical dilemmas; innovativness and creativity are crucial.
Example 1: COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
During the COVID-19 pandemic, officials faced the ethical dilemma of equitable vaccine distribution. Standard procedures might have led to delays or unequal access. Creative solutions included innovative distribution models like leveraging technology for real-time tracking and prioritizing high-risk populations using data analytics. For instance, the “CoWIN” platform in India used digital tools to manage vaccine rollouts efficiently, showing how creativity in approach ensured fair distribution and reduced logistical issues.
Example 2: Environmental Policy Making
Addressing climate change involves ethical dilemmas around balancing economic growth and environmental protection. For example, the “Swachh Bharat Mission” incorporated innovative waste management solutions, such as converting waste into energy, rather than just focusing on traditional waste disposal. This creative approach not only addressed sanitation issues but also contributed to sustainable energy solutions.
In both cases, applying domain knowledge creatively led to effective solutions, illustrating the need for innovation in resolving ethical dilemmas.
See lessIdentify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
1. Integrity: Essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring transparency. An ethical civil servant must act honestly and avoid conflicts of interest, thus preserving the credibility of the institution they represent. 2. Accountability: This trait reflects a civil servant’s responsibility for tRead more
1. Integrity: Essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring transparency. An ethical civil servant must act honestly and avoid conflicts of interest, thus preserving the credibility of the institution they represent.
2. Accountability: This trait reflects a civil servant’s responsibility for their actions and decisions. Being accountable means acknowledging mistakes and making amends, which is crucial for effective governance and public confidence.
3. Fairness: Demonstrates commitment to impartiality and equal treatment. A civil servant must ensure that decisions are made based on merit and not influenced by personal biases, fostering a just and equitable society.
4. Transparency: Involves clear communication and openness in actions and decisions. Transparency helps prevent corruption and ensures that the public is informed about government processes, enhancing trust and legitimacy.
5. Commitment to Service: Shows dedication to the public good over personal gain. A civil servant should prioritize the needs of the community, ensuring that their work contributes positively to societal welfare.
These traits collectively measure a civil servant’s adherence to ethical standards, influencing their effectiveness and public perception.
See lessAn independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
Importance of an Independent Social Audit Mechanism 1. Ensuring Performance and Accountability An independent social audit mechanism helps in evaluating the performance and accountability of public services, including the judiciary. For instance, the Supreme Court of India has advocated for greaterRead more
Importance of an Independent Social Audit Mechanism
1. Ensuring Performance and Accountability
An independent social audit mechanism helps in evaluating the performance and accountability of public services, including the judiciary. For instance, the Supreme Court of India has advocated for greater transparency in judicial appointments and proceedings to ensure judicial accountability.
2. Promoting Ethical Conduct
Social audits ensure that public officials and institutions adhere to ethical standards. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has empowered citizens to seek transparency in government dealings, fostering a culture of ethical conduct among officials.
3. Recent Examples
Conclusion
See lessAn independent and empowered social audit mechanism is essential for ensuring performance, accountability, and ethical conduct in public services, including the judiciary. It promotes transparency, helps in identifying inefficiencies, and builds public trust.