Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Define probity as confirmed integrity and incorruptibility.
• Briefly state its relevance in governance and public service.

2. Significance of Probity in Governance

• Legitimacy and Trust:
  • Explain how probity fosters public confidence in government actions.
  • Fact: Trust in public institutions is crucial for effective governance (Source: World Bank).
• Ethical Outcomes and Transparency:
  • Discuss how probity ensures decisions are made based on ethical principles and promote transparency.
  • Fact: Transparency is linked to reduced corruption (Source: Transparency International).
• Accountability and Checks on Power:
  • Describe how transparency enhances accountability among officials and institutions.
• Upholding Constitutional Values:
  • Mention the role of probity in maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights.
• Reduced Politicization of Bureaucracy:
  • Explain how probity minimizes nepotism and political bias.

3. Role of Leadership in Promoting Probity

• Promoting Social Justice and Development:
  • Illustrate with Gandhi’s focus on non-discrimination and grassroots development.
• Fostering Transparency and Accountability:
  • Use T.N. Seshan’s electoral reforms as an example of promoting accountability.
• Creating Resilient Systems:
  • Cite Dr. Varghese Kurien’s success in the milk revolution as an example of leadership integrity.
• Success Amid Adversities:
  • Discuss Narayana Murthy’s perseverance with Infosys and commitment to ethical culture.
• Establishing People-Centric Systems:
  • Highlight Kiran Bedi’s reforms in Tihar Jail as a model for ethical governance.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the importance of probity and leadership in governance.
• Emphasize the need for laws and a culture free of corruption to promote probity in public service.

Relevant Facts for Use in Answers

1. Legitimacy and Trust: Trust in public institutions is crucial for effective governance (Source: World Bank).
2. Ethical Outcomes and Transparency: Transparency is linked to reduced corruption (Source: Transparency International).
3. Accountability: Increased transparency helps hold public officials accountable for their actions.
4. Upholding Constitutional Values: Probity supports the rule of law and individual rights.
5. Gandhi’s Social Justice: His commitment to grassroots development exemplifies ethical leadership.
6. T.N. Seshan: His reforms in the electoral system reflected transparency and accountability.
7. Dr. Varghese Kurien: His leadership contributed to a resilient milk supply chain.
8. Narayana Murthy: His ethical approach led to Infosys’s success despite early setbacks.
9. Kiran Bedi: Her reforms in Tihar Jail highlight the importance of prioritizing public interest.