Home/UPSC: Codes of Ethics Codes of Conduct
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The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance. (Answer in 150 words) [UPSC 2024]
Model Answer Introduction In public administration, the establishment of a robust Code of Ethics is essential for maintaining integrity, probity, and transparency in governance. While a Code of Conduct sets procedural boundaries, a Code of Ethics provides moral guidance that is crucial for ethical dRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
In public administration, the establishment of a robust Code of Ethics is essential for maintaining integrity, probity, and transparency in governance. While a Code of Conduct sets procedural boundaries, a Code of Ethics provides moral guidance that is crucial for ethical decision-making among public officials.
Key Principles of a Code of Ethics
1. Integration of Universal Ethical Principles
The Code should incorporate Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, focusing on higher levels of moral reasoning, such as justice and fairness. This approach ensures alignment with both local and global ethical standards, promoting a universal understanding of right and wrong.
2. Engagement of Diverse Stakeholders
Involving a wide range of stakeholders during the drafting process reinforces the ethical framework’s inclusivity. For example, public consultations were integral in formulating the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which ensured that various societal values were represented (Source: Government of India).
3. Protection for Whistleblowers
The Code should include provisions from the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011, safeguarding individuals who report unethical practices. This encourages transparency and accountability by protecting those who expose wrongdoing without fear of retaliation (Source: Government of India).
4. Ethical Guidance for Complex Situations
To assist public servants in navigating ethical dilemmas, the Code should incorporate principles of moral relativism, offering contextual guidance for decision-making in complex scenarios.
5. Mandatory Ethics Education
Continuous ethics training should be mandated, based on cognitive-behavioral ethics, to ensure that public servants internalize ethical values. Regular workshops and seminars can help reinforce these principles.
6. Inclusion of Ethical Performance in Appraisals
Integrating ethical behavior metrics into performance evaluations encourages public servants to prioritize integrity. Article 309 of the Indian Constitution provides a framework for incorporating such metrics into civil service appraisals (Source: Constitution of India).
7. Transparency in Code Updates
Regular reviews and updates to the Code of Ethics are vital for maintaining its relevance. Mechanisms akin to legislative reviews can ensure that the Code adapts to contemporary governance challenges and societal expectations.
Conclusion
A well-structured Code of Ethics, complemented by an effective Code of Conduct, fosters a culture of ethical governance in public administration. As Kautilya wisely stated, “In the happiness of the people lies the happiness of the king; their welfare is his welfare.” This underscores the importance of ethical governance in protecting the well-being of society.
See lessTo what extent have the conduct rules been effective in promoting ethical behavior among civil servants in India? (200 Words)
Model Answer The conduct rules for civil servants in India, specifically the All India Services (AIS) Conduct Rules, 1968, and the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964, are designed to uphold ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality within the civil services. These rules have beenRead more
Model Answer
The conduct rules for civil servants in India, specifically the All India Services (AIS) Conduct Rules, 1968, and the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964, are designed to uphold ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality within the civil services. These rules have been effective in several ways:
Maintaining Integrity and Devotion to Duty
The rules mandate that civil servants maintain absolute integrity and devotion to their duties, prohibiting any actions that could be deemed unbecoming of a member of the service. This foundational principle aims to instill a culture of ethical behavior .
Prohibition of Political Association
By restricting civil servants from associating with political parties, the rules help ensure political neutrality, which is crucial for unbiased governance .
Restrictions on Accepting Gifts
he conduct rules limit the acceptance of gifts to prevent bribery and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the decision-making process of civil servants .
Upholding Public Interest
Civil servants are required to use their positions solely in the public interest, which is intended to prevent personal gain from their official roles .
Despite these strengths, the effectiveness of the conduct rules has been undermined by several challenges:
Enforcement Challenges
There is inconsistency in enforcing these rules, which allows unethical behavior to persist. The reliance on complaints for initiating investigations limits proactive measures against misconduct .
Vague Nature of Rules
Some provisions are ambiguous, particularly regarding ‘personal integrity,’ which can create loopholes that are exploited .
Corruption and Political Interference
Corruption scandals continue to plague civil services, with political interference in appointments and transfers eroding ethical standards. Former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan has noted the collusion between politicians and civil servants, which negatively impacts governance .
Rising Misconduct Cases
Between 2018 and 2022, the Central Vigilance Commission recommended disciplinary actions against 12,756 officers, highlighting the prevalence of ethical misconduct despite existing rules .In conclusion, while the conduct rules provide a framework for ethical behavior among civil servants, their effectiveness is hampered by enforcement issues, vagueness, and ongoing corruption. Strengthening these rules through robust enforcement, transparency, and comprehensive ethical training could enhance the integrity of civil services in India.
See lessGiving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.(150 words) [UPSC 2016]
Infosys in Mysore Approach: Community Integration and Infrastructure Development Local Engagement: Infosys invested in local infrastructure, including the construction of residential facilities and schools in Mysore, where their new campus was set up. Social Impact: They focused on improving local aRead more
Infosys in Mysore
Approach: Community Integration and Infrastructure Development
Recent Example: Infosys’s campus in Mysore, operational since 2002, led to substantial development in the area, including improved local infrastructure and services.
2. Vedanta Resources in Odisha
Approach: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Focus
Recent Example: Vedanta’s Lanjigarh refinery faced local protests in 2013 due to land acquisition issues and perceived lack of sufficient community engagement.
Conclusion: Infosys prioritized integrated development and local infrastructure, while Vedanta focused on CSR projects but faced challenges related to displacement and community consultation.
See lessDiscuss how they achieve this objective.
To effectively address the challenges and concerns associated with the establishment of a new plant in an underdeveloped area like Developmentpuri, and to align with both business goals and local community needs, the following comprehensive strategies can be implemented: 1. Inclusive Decision-MakingRead more
To effectively address the challenges and concerns associated with the establishment of a new plant in an underdeveloped area like Developmentpuri, and to align with both business goals and local community needs, the following comprehensive strategies can be implemented:
1. Inclusive Decision-Making
Objective: Ensure that local community concerns are addressed and that the project is integrated smoothly into the community.
2. Socio-Economic Planning
Objective: Minimize negative impacts on the local community and contribute positively to their socio-economic development.
3. Strengthening CSR Policies
Objective: Demonstrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) by addressing local issues and contributing to community development.
4. Transparent Communication
Objective: Maintain transparency and build trust with the local community through open and honest communication.
5. Compensation and Resettlement
Objective: Ensure that affected individuals and families are fairly compensated and resettled.
Conclusion
By adopting these strategies—inclusive decision-making, socio-economic planning, strengthening CSR policies, transparent communication, and fair compensation and resettlement—the company can effectively address the potential challenges of establishing a new plant in Developmentpuri. These measures ensure that while the project advances, it also fosters a positive relationship with the local community, contributing to mutual benefit and sustainable development.
See lessLaw and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence.
Law and Ethics as Tools for Controlling Human Conduct 1. Role of Law: Explanation: Law serves as a formal mechanism for regulating human behavior through codified rules and regulations enforced by legal institutions. It provides clear guidelines and penalties to maintain order and protect individualRead more
Law and Ethics as Tools for Controlling Human Conduct
1. Role of Law:
2. Role of Ethics:
3. Complementary Nature:
4. Recent Developments:
Conclusion: Law and ethics are complementary tools for controlling human conduct. Law provides formal regulations and enforcement mechanisms, while ethics guide personal and societal values. Together, they support a framework for promoting a just, orderly, and ethical society.
See lessDistinguish between "Code of ethics" and "Code of conduct" with suitable examples. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
Distinction Between "Code of Ethics" and "Code of Conduct" 1. Code of Ethics Definition: A Code of Ethics is a set of broad, overarching principles that guide the behavior and decision-making of individuals based on moral values and professional standards. It defines what is considered right and wroRead more
Distinction Between “Code of Ethics” and “Code of Conduct”
1. Code of Ethics
Definition: A Code of Ethics is a set of broad, overarching principles that guide the behavior and decision-making of individuals based on moral values and professional standards. It defines what is considered right and wrong in a professional context.
Example: The American Medical Association’s (AMA) Code of Ethics provides principles such as respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. It outlines the fundamental ethical obligations of physicians to ensure patient care is handled with integrity and compassion.
2. Code of Conduct
Definition: A Code of Conduct is a more detailed set of rules and guidelines that outline specific behaviors expected from individuals within an organization. It focuses on compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
Example: The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Code of Conduct specifies detailed rules regarding officials’ conduct, including protocols for handling conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and guidelines for interactions with the public and colleagues.
Conclusion: While the Code of Ethics provides broad ethical principles guiding professional behavior, the Code of Conduct details specific behavioral expectations and operational rules within an organization.
See lessIn India, there are conduct rules, which govern an officer's behaviour and conduct. These include the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 etc. Do you think there is a need for a separate Code of Ethics for civil servants in India? What important values should be part of such a Code of Ethics?
A Code of Ethics (CoE) is an assembly of institutional guidelines used to reduce ethical vagueness within an organization and serve as a means of reinforcing ethical conduct. Though there is no CoE prescribed for civil servants in India, we do have conduct rules such as Central Services (Conduct) RuRead more
A Code of Ethics (CoE) is an assembly of institutional guidelines used to reduce ethical vagueness within an organization and serve as a means of reinforcing ethical conduct.
Though there is no CoE prescribed for civil servants in India, we do have conduct rules such as Central Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 etc., which contain some general norms like ‘maintaining integrity and absolute devotion to duty’. A separate CoE is required for the following reasons:
As recommended by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its 4th report on “Ethics in Governance”, the main values by which the public servants shall be guided under Code of Ethics can be as follows:
Conduct rules do serve a purpose, but they do not constitute a CoE. Hence, there is a need for more ‘generic norms’ under the CoE to guide the civil servants. The government can consider a bill on the lines of the draft “Public Service Bill” that was proposed by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions in 2007 to establish a set of “values” for civil servants.
See lessProbity in public life is nothing but the reflection of integrity in personal life. Discuss.
Answer: Integrity is the practice of adhering to strong moral principles and values in a consistent and unwavering manner. It entails always doing the right thing, regardless of the circumstances. On the other hand, probity refers to a complete and confirmed integrity having strong moral principles.Read more
Answer: Integrity is the practice of adhering to strong moral principles and values in a consistent and unwavering manner. It entails always doing the right thing, regardless of the circumstances. On the other hand, probity refers to a complete and confirmed integrity having strong moral principles. Maintaining probity entails more than just avoiding corrupt or dishonest behavior. It entails putting values like impartiality, accountability, and transparency into practice. Probity in public life refers to the standards that society expects one to observe and maintain in the conduct of public affairs. It means upholding the highest standard of conduct in public life. It can be considered as the outcome of integrity in personal life as follows:
Probity leads to upholding the public interest and includes integrity, trust, character, justice, honesty, rectitude, and uprightness. As a result, probity becomes the superset, which includes all good qualities, including integrity.
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