Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Contextual Background: Explain the significance of the Code of Conduct and the need for a Code of Ethics in public administration. Thesis Statement: Emphasize the importance of establishing a Code of Ethics to enhance integrity, probity, and transparency ...
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.
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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.
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