27 November 2024 : Daily Answer Writing
Q1) The crux of ethical conduct does not lie in bold words and expressions, but in their adoption into action, in sanctions against their violations, and in promoting a culture of integrity. In this context, evaluate the measures taken to promote ethical governance in the country.
(150 Words/10 Marks)
ANS
The system of administrative measures, rules, procedures, and standards that permit the ethical management of public affairs is referred to as ethical governance. By directing the decisions and behaviours of institutions and decision-makers, ethical governance can help government become more responsive, inclusive, and citizen-centric.
Measures taken to promote ethical governance can be summarized as follows:
- Administrative: Democratic decentralization through local self-government; Mission Karm Yogi to reform civil services training; removal of deadwood (forced retirement).
- Enactment of laws such as the Right to Information Act, 2005, Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988 and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 to ensure transparent and corruption free Governance.
- Rules and regulation: Code of Conduct for Civil Servants increases the confidence of people in government by reassuring that private interests and abuse of power do not subvert government decisions.
- Institutions: Central Vigilance Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement directorate, etc bodies have been established to investigate ethical lapses.
- Technological: Initiatives like the “Digital India” Mission and JAM trinity enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and promote ethical governance.
However, despite various measures taken to promote ethical governance, there are challenges in promoting ethical governance:
- Corruption: Despite the general acceptance that corruption is unethical and strong laws against it, many people engage in it. India ranks at the 85th position in the Corruption Perception Index 2022.
- There are questions about the fairness, neutrality of investigative and watchdog bodies. E.g., CBI was termed a caged parrot, and controversies related to ED.
- Whistle-blowers Protection Act, 2014, is yet to be operationalized. Significant delay in the appointment of Lokpal, to date no conviction under the Lokpal Act.
- Bureaucratic corruption and irregularities in electoral funding highlight a lack of a culture of integrity. E.g., Land for Job scam, Sharda Chit fund scam.
- Judicial pendency; Delays in investigation and conviction provide limited deterrence from existing laws and regulations.
The following measures can be taken to overcome these challenges and promote ethical governance:
- Complementing RTI with Right to Service; providing for mechanism for the declaration of conflict of interests; strengthening CVC, Lokpal, Whistle-Blowers Protection Act, etc.
- Framing clearly defined laws, rules and regulations are not prone to misinterpretation and abuse; actionable code of conduct and code of ethics to enable transformation from a bureaucratic attitude to a democratic attitude.
- Zero tolerance policy against corruption, administrative, political, and corporate, to usher in a new era of governance.
- Empowering citizens with information and providing avenues for grievance redressal. E.g., Citizens’ charters, social audits, etc.
If governance is a ship to reach the destination of development and welfare, without ethics, it is like a ship without a rudder. Thus, ethical governance should be promoted both in word and deed.
