Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Definition of Probity:
- Probity refers to adherence to the highest moral standards, including honesty, integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior in both personal and professional life.
- Emphasize that probity is not limited to just avoiding corruption or dishonesty but involves actively upholding good character, transparency, and responsibility.
- Significance:
- Highlight the importance of probity in ensuring public trust, promoting justice, and maintaining integrity in governance and public service.
2. Main Body
A. Probity in Public Service
- Integrity:
- Definition: Acting with honesty, sincerity, and moral uprightness.
- Example: Satyendra Dubey, an Indian Engineering Service officer, exposed corruption in a highway construction project, demonstrating the courage to uphold integrity even at personal risk .
- Leadership:
- Definition: Ethical leadership involves taking responsibility for actions and leading by example.
- Example: Lal Bahadur Shastri’s resignation after the train accident to take moral responsibility reflects his commitment to probity in leadership .
B. Key Components of Probity
- Openness and Transparency:
- Definition: Open communication, transparency, and accessibility in decision-making.
- Example: T.N. Seshan’s reforms as the Chief Election Commissioner ensured transparency and minimized electoral malpractices .
- Selflessness and Commitment to Public Service:
- Definition: Selfless service, prioritizing the welfare of society over personal gains.
- Example: E. Sreedharan, head of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, showed probity through his efficient and transparent management practices .
C. Accountability
- Definition: Being responsible for one’s actions and decisions, ensuring that public resources are used ethically.
- Example: Vinod Rai, former Comptroller and Auditor General, exposed mismanagement in public finances, demonstrating accountability in governance .
3. Conclusion
- Recap:
- Restate that probity is a broad concept, going beyond just avoiding dishonest or corrupt behavior. It includes integrity, leadership, transparency, selflessness, and accountability.
- Importance of Probity:
- Probity is essential for the functioning of a fair, transparent, and just society, ensuring public trust in both leaders and institutions.
- Final Thought:
- Emphasize that individuals who exhibit probity in all their actions help build stronger, more ethical institutions and promote public well-being.
Relevant Facts & Examples for Answer
- Satyendra Dubey – Exposed corruption in a highway project, highlighting the importance of integrity.
- Lal Bahadur Shastri – Resigned as Railway Minister after an accident, taking moral responsibility for the failure .
- T.N. Seshan – Reformed electoral processes in India, emphasizing transparency in elections .
- E. Sreedharan – Efficiently managed the Delhi Metro, ensuring timely completion of projects, showcasing selflessness and commitment to public service .
- Vinod Rai – Brought accountability to public finances, highlighting financial mismanagement and corruption .
This roadmap provides a structured way to answer the question, integrating relevant facts and examples, and helping maintain a coherent flow.
Model Answer
Introduction
Probity refers to the adherence to strong moral principles, integrity, and decency, going beyond merely avoiding corrupt or dishonest conduct. It involves upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior in all aspects of life, particularly in public service, where it is crucial for fostering trust and transparency.
Key Aspects of Probity with Examples
Integrity is about being honest and morally upright, even in the face of challenges.
Probity in leadership means taking moral responsibility and leading with ethical principles.
Being open and transparent in actions and decisions promotes probity.
Probity also involves selflessness and commitment to public service.
Accountability ensures that those in power are answerable for their actions.
Conclusion
Probity is essential for establishing trust in public institutions and fostering a just society. It is not just about avoiding unethical conduct but about actively upholding integrity, leadership, transparency, selflessness, and accountability in all public service dealings.