Relevance in Civil Services

a. Ethical Governance

Relevance: Ethical governance ensures transparency, accountability, and integrity in public administration. It fosters trust between the government and citizens, reducing corruption and promoting effective service delivery. For example, the e-Governance initiatives and RTI Act have significantly enhanced transparency in India, enabling citizens to access information and hold officials accountable. These measures have been crucial in exposing and addressing issues like the Madhya Pradesh ‘Vyapam’ Scam, where ethical governance led to administrative and legal reforms.

b. Probity in Public Life

Relevance: Probity in public life refers to maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in all public dealings. It is essential for building public trust and ensuring that officials act in the best interests of the public. The Supreme Court’s judgment in the ‘2G Spectrum Case’ underscored the importance of probity, leading to reforms in telecom policy and administrative practices. High-profile cases like these illustrate how probity helps uphold the rule of law and enhances the credibility of public institutions.

Conclusion

Both ethical governance and probity in public life are critical for maintaining integrity, enhancing public trust, and ensuring effective governance in civil services.