MPPSC Mains PYQs

Role of Audit System in Eliminating Corruption

An effective audit system is a powerful tool for preventing and eliminating corruption. It helps ensure transparency, accountability, and the proper use of public resources. Here’s how auditing contributes to reducing corruption:

1. Ensures Accountability

• Tracking Public Funds: Auditors examine how government funds are spent, ensuring they are used for their intended purposes. For example, audits can reveal if money meant for public health programs is being diverted for personal gain.

2. Detects Fraud and Mismanagement

• Identifying Irregularities: Regular audits help detect financial irregularities, such as bribery, embezzlement, or misuse of resources. An audit may uncover suspicious transactions that suggest corrupt practices.

3. Promotes Transparency

• Public Disclosure: Audits often involve public reporting, making government financial activities transparent. When citizens can access audit reports, they can hold officials accountable for any misuse of public funds.

4. Improves Compliance

• Ensuring Rules Are Followed: Auditors assess whether institutions follow laws and regulations. This discourages corrupt practices, as officials know their actions are subject to scrutiny.

5. Encourages Ethical Behavior

• Deterrence Effect: The knowledge that audits are regularly conducted serves as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers. Officials are less likely to engage in corruption if they know their actions will be reviewed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a robust audit system is essential in eliminating corruption. By ensuring accountability, detecting fraud, promoting transparency, and encouraging ethical behavior, audits act as a critical safeguard against the misuse of public resources.

Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Civil Servants in the Present Scenario

Civil servants often face difficult ethical dilemmas that challenge their personal values and professional duties. These dilemmas arise due to conflicts between public expectations, political pressures, and personal integrity.

1. Balancing Professional Judgment and Political Influence

• Conflict of Interests: Civil servants must balance their professional judgment with political pressures. For instance, a government official might be pressured to support a policy that conflicts with their ethical standards or the best interests of the public. A common example is when civil servants are asked to overlook environmental concerns for short-term economic gains.

2. Corruption and Bribery

• Temptations of Corruption: Civil servants are often offered bribes or illegal incentives in exchange for favors. Rejecting such offers requires immense personal integrity, as accepting them can lead to career advancement, but it would violate ethical standards.

3. Confidentiality vs. Public Right to Know

• Transparency vs. Secrecy: Civil servants are often faced with situations where they must decide whether to disclose sensitive information. For example, revealing corruption in their department might be morally right but could harm national security or public trust.

4. Resource Allocation

• Equitable Distribution: Civil servants must ensure resources are allocated fairly, even when political pressure demands favoritism toward certain groups or regions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, civil servants today face numerous ethical dilemmas that test their ability to maintain integrity while fulfilling their duties. Balancing these challenges requires a strong commitment to ethical standards and public service values.