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.