Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Define social capital. Briefly explain its significance in fostering community cooperation and support. Body Understanding Social Capital Components of Social Capital: Networks: Explain how interconnected relationships enhance community bonds. Norms: Describe the rules and values that guide social interactions. Sanctions: Discuss the rewards and ...
Administrative Reforms Commission and Ethics in Governance The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established by the Government of India in 2005, stressed the importance of ethics in governance. This commission was headed by M. Veerappa Moily and played a crucial role in recommending vaRead more
Administrative Reforms Commission and Ethics in Governance
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established by the Government of India in 2005, stressed the importance of ethics in governance. This commission was headed by M. Veerappa Moily and played a crucial role in recommending various reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and ethical standards of governance in India.
1. Overview of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission
- Establishment: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission was constituted in 2005.
- Chairperson: The commission was chaired by M. Veerappa Moily, a prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka.
- Objective: The primary aim was to suggest measures for enhancing the effectiveness of the administrative system and improving governance.
2. Focus on Ethics in Governance
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission placed significant emphasis on ethics in governance. The key aspects highlighted were:
- Integrity and Transparency: The commission emphasized the need for high ethical standards among public officials to ensure transparency and integrity in public administration.
- Anti-Corruption Measures: It recommended various strategies to curb corruption and ensure accountability in the functioning of government institutions.
- Strengthening Institutions: Suggested reforms included strengthening institutions like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Lokpal to enhance oversight and address corruption.
- Recent Example: The recommendations of the Second ARC influenced the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which established the Lokpal as an anti-corruption watchdog to oversee and address corruption in high public offices.
3. Key Recommendations by the Second ARC on Ethics
The Second ARC’s report, titled “Promoting Ethics in Governance”, included several critical recommendations:
- Ethics Code for Public Servants: Recommended the formulation of a comprehensive code of ethics for public servants to guide their conduct and decision-making.
- Training and Education: Emphasized the need for regular training programs to promote ethical behavior and integrity among government officials.
- Public Accountability: Advocated for mechanisms to ensure greater public accountability and transparency in government operations.
- Recent Example: The establishment of ethics committees and training programs in various government departments and public sector enterprises reflects the ARC’s emphasis on ethical conduct. For instance, the Ethics Committee of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) plays a role in promoting and enforcing ethical standards among its members.
4. Impact and Implementation
The recommendations of the Second ARC have had a significant impact on:
- Policy Reforms: Many of the commission’s recommendations have been integrated into government policies and procedures to enhance ethical governance.
- Institutional Changes: Reforms have led to the strengthening of institutions responsible for overseeing ethical practices and combating corruption.
- Recent Example: The Digital India initiative and the introduction of various e-Governance platforms are aimed at increasing transparency and reducing opportunities for corruption, reflecting the ARC’s emphasis on ethical governance.
Conclusion
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission was instrumental in stressing the importance of ethics in governance. Its recommendations focused on enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability within the public administration system. The influence of the Second ARC is evident in recent legislative and institutional reforms aimed at promoting ethical practices and combating corruption. The emphasis on ethics continues to shape governance policies and practices, ensuring a more accountable and transparent administrative system.
See less
Model Answer Introduction Social capital refers to the collective value of trust, cooperation, and mutual support within a community, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing. For instance, neighbors helping each other during crises exemplifies how social bonds foster resilience and cooperatiRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Social capital refers to the collective value of trust, cooperation, and mutual support within a community, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing. For instance, neighbors helping each other during crises exemplifies how social bonds foster resilience and cooperation.
Understanding Social Capital
Components of Social Capital
Social capital comprises three integral components:
These components are interlinked; for example, volunteer networks can establish norms like environmental responsibility, with non-participants facing social sanctions, thereby enhancing both practices and community unity.
Reinforcing Relationships
The dynamics between social capital’s components are crucial for its sustainability. In closely-knit neighborhoods, regular gatherings and mutual assistance develop strong networks, promoting norms of community support and unity.
Role of Social Capital in Enhancing Good Governance
Trust and Accountability
Social capital fosters trust among citizens and between citizens and their government. In India’s Panchayati Raj system, community trust helps hold elected representatives accountable, enhancing governance.
Civic Engagement
High social capital encourages civic engagement, as individuals actively participate in political processes. The Gram Sabha exemplifies this, facilitating informed decision-making through community participation.
Social Cohesion
Social capital promotes collective efforts to address challenges and foster inclusive policies. Sports teams, for instance, demonstrate how social networks can achieve common objectives, reinforcing community bonds.
Conflict Resolution
Communities with high social capital promote peaceful conflict resolution through negotiation and mediation. This stability is vital for good governance, as seen in property dispute resolutions that avoid lengthy legal processes.
Reducing Corruption
Strong social networks act as a deterrent to corruption. Self-help groups, for instance, enhance transparency and accountability in financial transactions, thereby reducing corruption at the grassroots level.
Inclusivity
Social capital ensures marginalized groups have a voice in governance. Cooperative societies empower farmers to collectively influence policies, improving access to resources.
Conclusion
Social capital is essential for effective governance. Successful policies in India, such as self-help groups and community-driven initiatives, underscore the importance of cultivating social capital. Investing in social capital-building is vital for achieving equitable and effective governance in society.
See less