Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude · UPSC Notes
Probity in Governance — UPSC Ethics Notes
Free, exam-focused notes for UPSC Prelims and Mains, with Prelims tips and Mains points for every topic. 2 topics.
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Probity in Governance: Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's Charters and Work Culture
Probity means complete integrity, uprightness and honesty in public life. The GS IV syllabus lists its building blocks: philosophical basis of governance and probity, information sharing and transparency, RTI, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, citizen's charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilisation of public funds and challenges of corruption.
1. Philosophical Basis
Public office as a trust (Kautilya, Gandhi's trusteeship, Rawls's justice); legitimacy of the state depends on serving citizens honestly.
2. Code of Ethics vs Code of Conduct
Code of ethics: Broad aspirational values (integrity, impartiality, commitment to public service).
Code of conduct: Specific enforceable rules (declaring assets, restrictions on gifts, political neutrality, not joining strikes).
India has detailed conduct rules but no comprehensive statutory code of ethics for civil servants; the draft Public Service Bill (2007) proposed public service values.
For ministers: Code of Conduct for Ministers (MHA) on asset declaration and business interests; for legislators: ethics committees in both Houses.
3. Information Sharing and Transparency
RTI Act, 2005, proactive disclosure, open data portals, e-governance; transparency reduces discretion and corruption.
4. Citizen's Charter
Public commitment on service standards, timelines and grievance redress (UK 1991; India 1997); Sevottam model; Right to Services Acts make it enforceable.
5. Work Culture
Problems: Hierarchy, risk aversion, file-pushing, absenteeism, 'chalta hai' attitude.
Good work culture: Punctuality, accountability for outcomes, teamwork, innovation, respect for citizens.
Reforms: Biometric attendance, e-office, performance dashboards (PRAGATI), Mission Karmayogi, recognition of good work (PM's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration).
6. Quality of Service Delivery
Timeliness, accessibility, reliability, courtesy; single-window systems, doorstep delivery, grievance portals (CPGRAMS).
| Aspect | Code of ethics | Code of conduct |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Aspirational values | Specific rules |
| Enforcement | Moral, self-regulated | Disciplinary action |
| Example | Commitment to public interest | Declare assets annually |
| Scope | Broad, guides judgement | Narrow, lists dos and don'ts |
Prelims tips
- Probity = integrity and uprightness in public life.
- Code of ethics is broad; code of conduct is specific and enforceable.
- Citizen's Charter originated in the UK in 1991.
- PRAGATI is a platform for reviewing projects and grievances chaired by the PM.
- Ethics committees exist in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Mains points
- Probity is the ethical foundation of legitimacy—without it, even efficient governments lose public trust.
- Codes of conduct prevent wrongdoing; codes of ethics inspire right conduct—both are needed.
- Transparency and RTI shift the balance of power from officials to citizens.
- A positive work culture requires leadership by example, recognition and fair performance appraisal.
Did you know?
- The PM's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are given on Civil Services Day (21 April).
- e-Office aims to make government offices paperless.
- The word 'probity' comes from the Latin 'probus', meaning good or honest.
Corruption: Causes, Consequences and Remedies; Utilisation of Public Funds
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It ranges from petty bribes for services to grand corruption in contracts and policy capture. India's response combines laws (Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, amended 2018), institutions (CVC, CBI, Lokpal), transparency (RTI, e-governance, DBT) and ethical values.
1. Types
Petty vs grand; collusive (both parties gain) vs coercive (extortion); political corruption; policy capture; nepotism and cronyism.
2. Causes
Institutional: Excessive discretion, complex rules, monopoly of services, weak accountability, delays in justice.
Economic: Low pay in some cadres, high election costs, scarce public services.
Social: Tolerance of corruption, patronage networks, consumerism.
Personal: Greed, weak values, rationalisation ('everyone does it').
Klitgaard's formula: Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion − Accountability.
3. Consequences
Leakage of welfare funds, poor-quality infrastructure (bridge collapses), loss of investment, inequality, erosion of trust in democracy, environmental damage through illegal mining.
4. Legal and Institutional Framework
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (2018 amendment: bribe-giving an offence, Section 17A prior approval for investigation).
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013; Central Vigilance Commission (statutory since 2003); CBI; PMLA, 2002; Benami Transactions Act; Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014; Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.
International: UN Convention against Corruption (India ratified in 2011).
5. Remedies
Reduce discretion through technology (DBT, e-procurement, online land records); simplify rules; transparency (RTI, proactive disclosure); fast-track trials; protect whistle-blowers; electoral funding reform; ethics education; citizen vigilance.
6. Utilisation of Public Funds
Ethical spending means value for money and reaching intended beneficiaries; tools include PFMS, DBT, GeM, social audits and CAG performance audits.
| Institution | Basis | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Lokpal | Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 | Inquiry into complaints against public servants including the PM (with safeguards) |
| CVC | CVC Act, 2003 | Vigilance oversight; supervises CBI in PC Act cases |
| CBI | DSPE Act, 1946 | Investigation of corruption cases |
| Enforcement Directorate | PMLA, 2002; FEMA | Money laundering and forex violations |
Prelims tips
- Klitgaard: Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion − Accountability.
- CVC became a statutory body through the CVC Act, 2003.
- India ratified the UN Convention against Corruption in 2011.
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed in 2013.
- Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 criminalised bribe-giving.
Mains points
- Corruption is a governance failure as well as a moral failure; systemic reform must complement punishment.
- Technology (DBT, e-procurement) has reduced petty corruption by removing intermediaries and discretion.
- Grand corruption and policy capture require electoral finance reform and strong, independent institutions.
- Protecting honest decision-makers prevents 'policy paralysis' while punishing the corrupt.
- Changing social tolerance of corruption requires value education and visible accountability at the top.
Did you know?
- Kautilya compared detecting an official's embezzlement to knowing when a fish drinks water.
- 9 December is observed as International Anti-Corruption Day.
- Rajiv Gandhi famously remarked in 1985 that only a fraction of each rupee spent reached the intended beneficiary.