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Home/upsc: accountability & ethical governance

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Khushi saini
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Khushi sainiLearner
Asked: June 14, 2024In:
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The moment has come for a legally binding code of ethics for government workers, one that not only outlines the moral principles they must uphold in their public life but also lays out the consequences for transgressing these principles. Discuss. ...

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Devendra Singhal
    Devendra Singhal Begginer

    Answer: A code of ethics is a set of guidelines issued by an organization to its workers and management to help them conduct their actions in accordance with the primary values and ethical standards of the organization. The fundamental tenets of a code of ethics and values in civil services includeRead more

    Answer: A code of ethics is a set of guidelines issued by an organization to its workers and management to help them conduct their actions in accordance with the primary values and ethical standards of the organization. The fundamental tenets of a code of ethics and values in civil services include integrity, empathy, objectivity, transparency, and professional competency, among others. There is no single code of ethics for civil servants in India. However, there are several conduct rules such as the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, etc., which prescribe allegiance to the Constitution, apolitical functioning, and objective decision-making. Several committees like the Santhanam Committee, Hota Committee, etc. have recommended a code of ethics for Civil Services in India. The Government of India also brought a Bill in the Parliament, which prescribed values that a civil servant should exhibit. A legally enforceable code of ethics is expected to bring the following changes in civil services:

    • Improve service delivery:
      • By helping in discharging official duties with competence and accountability; care and diligence; responsibility, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality; without discrimination, and in accordance with the law.
      • By ensuring effective management, professional growth, and leadership development.
      • By avoiding misuse of official positions or information and using public money with utmost care and economy.
      • By ensuring that the civil servants serve as instruments of good governance provide services for the betterment of the public at large and protect the interest of the poor, underprivileged, and weaker sections.
    • Avoid corruption
      • By complementing penal provisions for instances of misuse of funds and official positions.
      • By avoiding nepotism, and favoritism and instilling a sense of righteousness in civil servants.
      • It will help in strengthening the ethical framework in the civil servant and more specifically principle of transparency which is considered a disinfectant against corruption.
    • Apart from these, a legally enforceable code of ethics will bind a civil servant to display ethical values associated with civil services such as probity, compassion, empathy, neutrality, etc.

    However, to further strengthen the ethical framework, it is equally necessary that the non-observance of these rules by civil servants is met with penal provisions. Given India’s past experience with the Citizens’ Charter, it can be safely presumed that a Code of Ethics that does not punish for its violation will not be successful. In this regard, the 2nd ARC fervently pitched for a Code of Ethics and related reporting systems to keep track of the ethical conduct of a civil servant. Accordingly, the ethical conduct of civil servants should be directly linked with their annual performance review report. Along with this, strengthening the ethical framework will go a long way in ushering in ‘good governance’.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 26, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Define the concept of non-performance of duty by public servants. State your position: Agree that it is a form of corruption. Briefly mention the implications of this view. Body Justify your agreement with specific points and examples. A. Breach of Trust Point: Public ...

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The non-performance of duty by a public servant can indeed be viewed as a form of corruption. This perspective stems from the violation of accountability principles and the breach of public trust that results when public servants fail to fulfill their responsibilities. SuchRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The non-performance of duty by a public servant can indeed be viewed as a form of corruption. This perspective stems from the violation of accountability principles and the breach of public trust that results when public servants fail to fulfill their responsibilities. Such failures not only hinder the public interest but also deny citizens their rightful entitlements. Therefore, I agree that non-performance of duty constitutes a form of corruption.

    Body

    Breach of Trust

    Public servants are entrusted with specific duties to serve the public interest. When they neglect their responsibilities, it represents a breach of that trust. For example, in the Delhi gang-rape case (2012), a police officer’s failure to act promptly resulted in a significant breach of public trust, highlighting the dire consequences of non-performance (BBC News, 2012).

    Wasting Public Resources

    Non-performance often leads to the ineffective use of public resources. The Commonwealth Games scam (2010) is a stark example, where funds allocated for infrastructure were misused, resulting in cost overruns and substandard construction (The Hindu, 2010).

    Hindering Progress and Development

    Failure to perform duties can obstruct societal progress. The delayed Mumbai Metro Line 2A project exemplifies this issue, where bureaucratic inefficiencies caused significant delays, hampering essential transportation development (Times of India, 2020).

    Facilitating Corruption

    Non-performance can create an environment conducive to corruption. The Vyapam scam (2013), where government officials manipulated entrance exams, illustrates how negligence in duty can lead to bribery and irregular admissions (The Indian Express, 2013).

    Violation of Legal and Ethical Obligations

    Public servants are bound by legal and ethical standards. The 2G spectrum scam (2008) showed how officials violated regulations in allocating telecom licenses, resulting in enormous financial losses for the government (The Economic Times, 2012).

    Conclusion

    The non-performance of duty by civil servants is indeed a form of corruption, with profound implications for public trust and resource allocation. It is crucial to foster greater accountability and integrity within public service to ensure that civil servants diligently fulfill their responsibilities in serving the public interest.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 24, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Define Good Governance Definition: Explain good governance as the effective and efficient management of public resources, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. Key Components: Mention sound policies, efficient public administration, and citizen participation. 2. Body: Discuss ...

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Good governance refers to the effective and efficient management of public resources, institutions, and services to ensure that they are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the citizens. It involves a combination of sound policies, efficient public admiRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Good governance refers to the effective and efficient management of public resources, institutions, and services to ensure that they are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the citizens. It involves a combination of sound policies, efficient public administration, and active participation of citizens in decision-making processes.

    Good Governance

    Recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have greatly helped the beneficiaries:

    1. Digital Services: Initiatives like Digital India and various e-Government portals have made government services more accessible. For instance, the online portal for passport applications has streamlined the application process, significantly reducing paperwork and long waiting times.
    2. Transparency and Accountability: Online platforms have enhanced transparency in government processes. Initiatives such as e-Tendering and e-Procurement have reduced corruption and favoritism in public procurement. The use of e-Governance in public financial management has improved accountability and minimized financial irregularities.
    3. Citizen Engagement: E-Governance initiatives have provided platforms for citizen engagement. For example, MyGov.in allows citizens to contribute ideas and feedback on various policies, promoting a more inclusive approach to governance.
    4. Online Grievance Redressal: The introduction of online grievance redressal portals, such as the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), has simplified the process for beneficiaries to register complaints and seek resolutions.
    5. Efficient Service Delivery: E-Governance has improved the efficiency and speed of service delivery. Initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) enable the direct transfer of government subsidies to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and reducing leakages.

    Conclusion

    E-Governance initiatives have significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, increased transparency, reduced corruption, and enhanced citizen participation in decision-making processes. However, there is still much room for improvement, and it is essential for the government to continue investing in and expanding e-Governance initiatives to further enhance public services and promote good governance.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 26, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Definition of Social Audit: Explain what a social audit is and its importance in assessing public services. Thesis Statement: State that an independent and empowered social audit mechanism is essential across all spheres of public service, including the ...

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Social audit is a vital process that assesses, monitors, and evaluates public services and programs by involving citizens and civil society organizations. It promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance, making it essential across all spheres of public serviceRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Social audit is a vital process that assesses, monitors, and evaluates public services and programs by involving citizens and civil society organizations. It promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance, making it essential across all spheres of public service, including the judiciary.

    The Role of Social Audits in Various Sectors

    Judiciary

    An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is crucial in the judiciary to ensure performance and ethical conduct. Mechanisms such as judicial review and transparency initiatives enable public scrutiny of judicial decisions. For instance, evaluating delays in case disposal and transparency in the appointment of judges can enhance accountability. Public trust in the judiciary can be significantly improved through regular assessments of judicial conduct.

    Public Services

    In India, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) exemplifies successful social auditing. The act incorporates social audits that allow citizens and civil society organizations to verify the work undertaken, wages paid, and overall effectiveness of the rural employment guarantee scheme. This participatory approach ensures high levels of accountability and public involvement in governance.

    Healthcare

    The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) in India utilizes social audits to monitor maternal and child health services. Community participation enables citizens to assess service availability, infrastructure, and the behavior of healthcare professionals. Such initiatives lead to improved health outcomes and greater public confidence in healthcare services.

    Education

    The Right to Education Act (RTE) mandates School Management Committees (SMCs) to conduct social audits, focusing on teacher attendance, mid-day meal programs, and educational infrastructure. By involving parents and community representatives, these audits promote accountability and ensure that educational policies are implemented effectively.

    Public Infrastructure Projects

    The Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) incorporates social audits to evaluate sanitation initiatives. Community members inspect toilet construction and usage, assessing program effectiveness and identifying discrepancies, thus ensuring transparency and accountability.

    Conclusion

    Independent and empowered social audit mechanisms are essential across all public service sectors, including the judiciary. They promote the efficient delivery of services while ensuring transparency and accountability. In the judiciary, such mechanisms enhance ethical conduct and public trust in the institution, ultimately fostering a more responsible governance framework.

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Irfan Ahamad
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Irfan AhamadBegginer
Asked: June 25, 2024In:
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What does the phrase “social accountability” mean to you? Describe its importance and go over the important elements that make any social accountability program successful. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Gita Sharma
    Gita Sharma Begginer

    Social accountability is defined as an approach toward building accountability that relies on civic engagement, i.e., mechanisms in which the ordinary citizens and/or civil society organizations participate directly or indirectly in exacting accountability. It covers a broad range of actions to holdRead more

    Social accountability is defined as an approach toward building accountability that relies on civic engagement, i.e., mechanisms in which the ordinary citizens and/or civil society organizations participate directly or indirectly in exacting accountability.
    It covers a broad range of actions to hold public servants accountable, for example – participatory budgeting, public expenditure tracking, social audit, citizen advisory boards etc. These citizen- driven accountability measures complement and reinforce conventional mechanisms of accountability.
    Significance of social accountability:

    • Improved governance: Social accountability mechanisms allow ordinary citizens to access information, voice their needs, and demand accountability, thus allowing them to engage with government and increase the chances of effecting positive change.
    • Increased development effectiveness: Social accountability mechanisms promote dialogue and consultation between the policy makers, service providers and citizens, and create incentives for improved performance. Hence it can help in effective service delivery and more transparent public decision-making.
    • Empowerment: Social accountability mechanisms help provide voice to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. This empowers the poor and increases the chance of greater responsiveness on the part of the State to their needs.

    The success of any social accountability mechanism is heavily dependent on following factors:

    • Political context and culture: The feasibility and likelihood of success of social accountability initiatives are highly dependent upon whether the political regime is democratic, basic political and civil rights are guaranteed and whether there is a culture of political transparency and probity.
    • Access to information: Access to public documents is essential to hold the government accountable and thus its availability and reliability is a key determinant of the success of social accountability mechanisms.
    • The role of the media: Independent media is a leading force in informing/educating citizens, monitoring government performance and exposing misdeeds.
    • Civil society capacity: The working of Civil Society Organizations, the breadth of their membership, their capacity to effectively use media, their legitimacy etc. are all central to the success of social accountability activities.
    • State-civil society synergy: Effective interaction between civil society and the State is another critical factor as meaningful results are achieved only when citizens, politicians and civil servants all have an incentive to act in cohesion.
    • Institutionalization: While ad hoc or one-off social accountability initiatives can make a difference, experience shows that impact is greatest and most sustainable when social accountability mechanisms are “institutionalized”.

    The Government has already introduced the concept of social audits in multiple welfare schemes. It can further consider introducing the social accountability law to institutionalize the social accountability mechanism in India.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 29, 2024In:
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What is meant by “accountability” in relation to public service? What steps may be taken to guarantee public employees’ accountability, both individually and collectively? (150 words)[UPSC 2014]

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Yogesh Mukherjee
    Yogesh Mukherjee Learner

    Accountability in Public Service In the context of public service, 'accountability' means that public servants are responsible for their actions and decisions, ensuring they act transparently, ethically, and in the public’s interest. It involves being answerable to the public, lawmakers, and regulatRead more

    Accountability in Public Service

    In the context of public service, ‘accountability’ means that public servants are responsible for their actions and decisions, ensuring they act transparently, ethically, and in the public’s interest. It involves being answerable to the public, lawmakers, and regulatory bodies for the use of resources and the outcomes of their actions.

    Measures to Ensure Accountability

    1. Transparent Reporting and Documentation: Public servants must maintain detailed records of their decisions and transactions. For instance, the RTI Act 2005 in India enhances transparency by allowing citizens to access information about public administration.
    2. Regular Audits and Inspections: Independent audits and inspections help ensure compliance with laws and regulations. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India conducts audits to verify financial and operational practices in government departments.
    3. Performance Evaluations: Regular performance reviews assess the effectiveness and integrity of public servants. The Aadhaar Performance Review (2023) examined the efficiency of the Aadhaar system and its management.
    4. Ethics Training and Codes of Conduct: Training and adherence to codes of conduct ensure ethical behavior. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) provides guidelines and conducts training to prevent corruption.
    5. Public Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing grievance redressal systems allows citizens to report issues and seek resolution. For example, the Public Grievance Redressal System on the MyGov platform facilitates public complaints and feedback.

    By implementing these measures, accountability can be strengthened, promoting effective and responsible public service.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 27, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Understanding the Statement Explanation: Define what is meant by “doing a good thing” and the implications of acting within the law. Key Point: Clarify that legality does not equate to ethicality. 2. Examples in the Context of Public Servants A. ...

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The statement suggests that when public servants engage in actions deemed beneficial, they may take liberties as long as such actions are not explicitly prohibited by law. However, this raises critical questions about the definition of a "good thing" and the ethical implicaRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The statement suggests that when public servants engage in actions deemed beneficial, they may take liberties as long as such actions are not explicitly prohibited by law. However, this raises critical questions about the definition of a “good thing” and the ethical implications of actions that may not be legally restricted.

    Body

    Upholding the Law

    Public servants are entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing laws fairly and ethically. They cannot justify unethical behavior by claiming to pursue good outcomes.

    Example: The extrajudicial killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh involved police officers who acted unlawfully under the guise of maintaining public order. Their actions, justified as serving the greater good, resulted in severe legal and ethical repercussions.

    Corruption and Bribery

    Public servants must act in the public’s interest, free from corruption. Acceptance of bribes is never justified, regardless of the claimed intentions behind the actions.

    Example: In 2012, IRS officer Ashok Kumar Singh was arrested for accepting a bribe of ₹2 lakh to manipulate a tax assessment. His actions, aimed to benefit certain individuals, ultimately undermined public trust.

    Misuse of Power

    Power should be exercised within legal boundaries. Misusing authority for personal gain, even if perceived as beneficial, erodes public trust.

    Example: The Adarsh Housing Society scam involved politicians and bureaucrats who exploited their positions to secure apartments meant for war veterans, undermining ethical governance.

    Conflict of Interest

    Public servants should avoid personal interests conflicting with their duties.

    Example: Former Minister Shashi Tharoor faced scrutiny for alleged conflicts of interest during the IPL controversy, where his involvement in a bidding company raised ethical concerns while he served in a governmental role.

    Conclusion

    These examples illustrate that public servants must prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability over perceived good intentions. Upholding ethical standards and the law is essential for fostering trust and promoting good governance in society.

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Khushi saini
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Khushi sainiLearner
Asked: June 14, 2024In:
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Even if open and transparent governance is becoming more popular, do you believe that there are some good reasons to keep some information from the public? Provide examples to support your claims. (150 words)

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Devendra Singhal
    Devendra Singhal Begginer

    Answer: Transparency in administration is a sine qua non of participatory democracy and has gained prominence as a commitment of the state towards its citizens. It has the following significance for governance: Good governance: Disseminating information is crucial to good governance as it reflects aRead more

    Answer: Transparency in administration is a sine qua non of participatory democracy and has gained prominence as a commitment of the state towards its citizens. It has the following significance for governance:

    • Good governance: Disseminating information is crucial to good governance as it reflects and captures the government’s activities and processes. It also leads to accountability.
    • Participative democracy: Every citizen of the state has the right to access information under the control of public authorities and evaluate whether it is in consonance with public interest.
    • Economic and social progress: Transparency is the key not only to the architecture of good governance but also to a country’s ability to usher in rapid economic and social progress.
    • Balancing power: Transparency can empower marginalized communities to battle the circumstances in which they find themselves and help balance the unequal power dynamics that exist between them and the government.

    In this regard, the Indian government has come up with several initiatives towards open and transparent governance over the years like the Right To Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act), the National e-Governance Plan, 2006, National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy, 2012, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014, etc. Despite the importance of transparency, withholding of information from the public becomes important due to the following reasons:

    • National security: The RTI Act provides that certain sensitive information may be withheld from the public if the public authority in possession of the information thinks that the same is likely to jeopardize national interest or violate trade secrets. Also, the Official Secrets Act, of 1923 states that spying, sharing ‘secret’ information, interference with the armed forces in prohibited/restricted areas, etc. are punishable offenses.
    • Privacy: Information that unnecessarily violates the privacy and confidentiality rights of individuals should be curtailed. For instance, sensitive information like the identity of victims of sexual abuse.
    • Maintaining public order: Sometimes released information might lead to undue stigmatization of individuals or groups within the society and create issues with regard to public order. For instance, during violent upsurges, certain sensitive information is withheld to ensure peace and stability in society.
    • Preventing misinformation: Some information, if released, might lead to the spread of rumors and consequently lead to panic and chaos. For instance, the spread of misinformation was rampant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Thus, there is some merit in withholding information from the public. However, before withholding critical information, other issues must also be addressed such as reducing the misuse of RTI exceptions, broadly defining ‘national security’ and ambiguous terms used in the Official Secrets Act, 1923, etc.

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Kavita Singh
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Kavita SinghLearner
Asked: June 17, 2024In:
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The general public, in addition to public employees, is crucial in institutionalizing high norms of moral behavior and sound government. Give specifics. (150 words)

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Abhishek Singh
    Abhishek Singh Learner

    Answer: There are increasing expectations in countries across the world that the government and its various organs maintain high ethical standards and integrity in governance. In response, countries have made significant progress in terms of developing effective Civil Service Ethics, Codes of ConducRead more

    Answer: There are increasing expectations in countries across the world that the government and its various organs maintain high ethical standards and integrity in governance. In response, countries have made significant progress in terms of developing effective Civil Service Ethics, Codes of Conduct, transparency measures, Ethics and Integrity systems, and anti-corruption agencies. It is public servants’ responsibility to maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in government, by demonstrating the highest standards of professional competence, efficiency and effectiveness, upholding the Constitution and the laws, and seeking to advance the public good at all times. However, as a necessary prerequisite for internalising integrity and ethics in democratic governments and the Civil Service, it is not only public servants but also common citizens that play a key role:

    • Dealing with officials: All citizens in their official dealings with public bodies, civil servants, and public officials should observe a number of responsibilities of good citizenship. For example, honest reporting of crimes or stating facts in the courts of law etc.
    • Serving as role models: Citizens such as celebrities, sportspersons etc. also play a role in institutionalizing and guiding ethical conduct in the society. For example, Amitabh Bachchan’s contribution in eradication of Polio from the country and moving out of Pan Masala advertisements keeping the public interest in mind.
    • Grassroot empowerment: In the rising culture of Sarpanch Pati, it is the local people of the Gram Sabha itself who have to come out in protest so that women empowerment and decentralization become effective.
    • Saving precious resources: Considering the fact that India is fighting for acute resources, it is the responsibility of every citizen to come up with efficient habits. For example, replacing flood irrigation by micro-irrigation techniques, conserving electricity, using renewable sources of energy, etc.
    • Behavioural change: In the light of rising preventable deaths in India, citizenship participation becomes imperative. For instance, behavioural change is an important aspect of Swachha Bharat Abhiyan.
    • Constitutional Duties: Fundamental duties have also been created considering the argument that with rights come responsibilities. So, it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to preserve India’s integrity and uphold constitutional tenets of an inclusive and cohesive society.

    High standards of ethical conduct and good governance therefore aren’t just a prerogative of public servants alone but also require a careful balancing of citizens’ rights and duties. In the event of a citizen’s failure to comply with these requirements, a government organisation may impose an administrative penalty, usually in the form of a withdrawal of a service provided by the organisation, for a limited period of time.

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Darshan Suresh
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Darshan SureshBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing I. Introduction Define accountability: “Accountability refers to making public officials answerable for their actions and decisions to the public and other stakeholders.” Link to governance: “Accountability is a cornerstone of good governance, fostering transparency, inclusiveness, and trust between the ...

upsc: accountability & ethical governance
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer 1. Promotes Transparency Accountability enhances transparency by ensuring citizens have access to information about government programs and policies. Fact: The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers citizens to seek details about budget allocations and actual expenditures, ensuring thaRead more

    Model Answer

    1. Promotes Transparency

    Accountability enhances transparency by ensuring citizens have access to information about government programs and policies.

    • Fact: The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers citizens to seek details about budget allocations and actual expenditures, ensuring that officials remain answerable.
    • Example: RTI has been instrumental in uncovering irregularities in public schemes, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) funds.

    2. Ensures Responsibility and Answerability

    Accountability ensures that officials justify their actions and decisions to the public and higher authorities.

    • Fact: Parliamentary scrutiny through committees highlights critical details about policy implementation.
    • Example: Committees analyzed the decision-making process during demonetization, demanding accountability from government institutions.

    3. Aims to Achieve Equity and Inclusiveness

    Accountability promotes justice and inclusiveness by addressing social inequalities and protecting marginalized groups.

    • Fact: Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have exposed issues like child labor, bonded labor, and caste-based discrimination.
    • Example: PILs have led to judicial interventions to protect the rights of disadvantaged communities.

    4. Prevents Abuse of Power

    Checks and balances among state institutions ensure accountability and prevent the centralization of power.

    • Fact: Judicial review holds the legislature accountable by ensuring laws adhere to constitutional principles.
    • Example: The judiciary overturned laws that violated fundamental rights, ensuring fairness and justice.

    5. Improves Efficiency and Effectiveness

    Accountability mechanisms set clear targets and monitor government performance, enhancing efficiency.

    • Fact: The Swachh Bharat Mission includes a Monitoring and Evaluation Cell to track progress and address inefficiencies.
    • Example: Regular evaluations have led to timely course corrections in sanitation programs.

    6. Enhances Participation

    Accountability fosters civic engagement by involving citizens, NGOs, and media in governance.

    • Fact: Social Audit frameworks empower communities to oversee welfare schemes.
    • Example: Social audits of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have exposed corruption and improved service delivery.

    Conclusion

    Accountability strengthens governance by ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency in public institutions. Mechanisms like RTI, PILs, and social audits empower citizens and prevent the abuse of power, fostering trust and democratic participation. By promoting accountability, India builds a governance model that is responsive, equitable, and effective.

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