2 December 2024 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Our probity is not less at the mercy of fortune than our property. What do you mean by probity in governance? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.

(150 Words/10 Marks)

ANS

Probity is the quality of having strong moral principles and abiding by them. Probity is a crucial feature of governance which enables public officials to act ethically and perform their duty as per the norms. It is vital for an inclusive governance system as:

1. Probity in public officials reinstates the public confidence in the governance process. E.g., a welfare state with a proven record of its probity can achieve mainstreaming of Naxals, insurgents etc.
2. It is seminal to maintaining integrity in public services, which in turn is a condition for good governance. E.g., A public official with high probity will act in a fair and transparent manner, minimizing corruption and discretion.
3. Probity is important to ensure accountability in the governance process through unflinching adherence to rules, norms, procedures etc.
4. It ensures that not only the right thing is done but it is also done in the right way. E.g., scientific investigation leading to the preservation of the rights of all the stakeholders.

Inculcation of probity in public life can be done through developing private virtues as well as institutional strength, as can be seen from:

1. Moral education of an individual can aid in developing personal virtues like honesty, integrity, compassion, and trust, augmenting professional probity. E.g., an honest officer will not accept bribes.
2. Social institutions like family and schools can help in building personal virtues like truthfulness, respect for diversity, an affinity for teamwork etc., inculcating probity. E.g., impartial behaviour of a public official towards all irrespective of caste, gender, religion, etc.
3. Social audits, feedback 360-degree reviews etc., can aid in imparting probity in public officials by ensuring accountability. E.g., provision of social audit in MGNREGA.
4. Measures like e-governance initiatives, RTI Act, 2005 etc., are prudent steps for ensuring probity in public life by enhancing transparency. E.g., Direct benefit transfer has limited the element of discretion in the implementation of welfare schemes.
5. In addition to a code of conduct, a code of ethics can ensure ethical behaviour in public life. E.g., going beyond the call of duty to help the needy and vulnerable.
6. Institutional measures:
7. a) Strengthening anti-corruption measures. E.g., implementation of Lokpal and Lokayukts Act, 2013 in letter and spirit; citizen’s charters etc.
8. b) Capacity building of citizens and civil society groups to exact executive accountability.
9. c) Measures for assessment and monitoring of the day-to-day work of public officials. E.g., Pragati portal.
10. d) Voluntary disclosure of income of public officials and their dependents may deepen the paradigm of transparency and probity.
11. e) Training modules for public officials for developing ethical behaviour and emotional intelligence.

Probity is a vital ingredient of ethical and inclusive governance. In this light, there is a need to check the hindrances to probity and ensure its inculcation among public officials.