What is Probity ?
Probity (called ‘Satya Nishtha’ in Hindi) is the quality of having strong moral principles, i.e. incorruptibility. Probity, which descends from the Latin word probus, meaning “honest,” implies tried and proven integrity. Integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility.
- Probity represents the maximalist approach to life in which a person adheres to the highest ethical principles and ideals rather than simply avoiding corrupt or dishonest personal and public relations practices.
Examples of Probity are never cheating in exams despite risk of failing, never lying despite it often being disadvantageous etc.
- It is more than merely having financial honesty. It includes an uncompromising attitude towards one’s moral principles. Probity includes uprightness, integrity, and strictly following the code of ethics and propriety in dealings.
For example, A Civil servant who has high Probity will never take bribes, always keep the public interest first even when faced with adverse consequences/threats, and tackle matters with the same diligence whether they are related to a common citizen or a mighty politician.
What is Probity in Governance?
Probity in governance refers to the existence of strong ethical and moral norms in the governance processes.
Probity and Good Governance
Good governance and Probity are interlinked and interdependent.
The concept of good governance is extended to the idea of ethical governance, which forms the basis of Probity. Ethical governance is one step ahead of good governance; it seeks to realise a number of ethical values, such as responsibility, integrity, compassion, probity, justice, the rule of law, and so on. This form the basis of Probity in governance.
These principles are essential for an efficient and effective system of administration and socio-economic development, effectively meeting the needs of target groups. Thus, where there is probity and ethical governance, the governance is efficient and ‘good’.
Concept of Good Governance |
In 1989, for the first time, the World Bank used the term ‘good governance’, which aimed at action-oriented programmes to curb corruption in countries across the world. For instance, the importance of good governance can be gauged from the fact that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, before granting their aid, put preconditions for the recipient countries to undertake good governance practices.
Good governance aims at providing public services which effectively, efficiently, and equitably meet the needs of the citizens.
The concept of Good Governance has been prevalent in India since ancient times. The highest duty of the king was Raj-dharma, and the King was bound by ‘Raj-dharma’. For instance, Ramayan speaks of ‘the Ramrajya’. |
Essential Pre-requisits for Probity
Probity not only includes upholding ethical principles, but also maintaining procedural uprightness.
- An essential requisite for ensuring Probity in governance is the complete absence of corruption.
- Upholding Ethical Principles: For example, Former Supreme Court Judge Kurian Joseph was a member of the bench trying two Italian marines for allegedly shooting two fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2012. He showed high Integrity and Probity when, during his visit to the Vatican, he skipped the dinner that comprised senior officials of the Italian government to avoid a perceived conflict of interest.
- Procedural Uprightness: It requires adherance to laws, rules, and regulations governing various aspects of public life and, more importantly, effective and fair implementation of those laws.
In India, it was first emphasized by the Santhanam Committee. The committee recommended enhancing Probity in public life. Due to this, the Central Civil Services Conduct Rules were amended and enlarged in 1964, and CBI was empowered.
In the recent times, the Nolan Committee has been popularised worldwide for its recommendations on Standards in Public Life. We can idealise its principles to establish probity in Public Life.
Nolan Committee or Committee on Standards in Public Life |
The Nolan Committee was established in the U.K. to improve standards of behaviour in public life. It submitted its first report in 1995, in which it gave seven principles for promoting Probity in Public life, i.e. Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership. Following are some foundational principles that form the basis of Probity in Governance. |
Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity
Since ancient times, a number of great philosophers and leaders provided their views on how probity in governance can be achieved to ensure good governance.
Probity in Indian Philosophy
The idea of ethical governance is emphasized in several Indian scriptures and treatizes such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Buddha Charita, Arthashastra, Panchatantra, Manusmriti, Kural, Shukra Niti, Kadambari, Raja Tarangani and Hitopadesh.
- Bhagwat Geeta emphasizes the values of Non-inclined action (action done without desire for fruit) and Karma (performance of one’s duty without favour and fervour).
- According to Kautilya, the king (whom he called Rajrishi) is the servant of the state. He should harbour no personal likes. In the happiness of the subject lies the king’s happiness. The king should surrender his individuality and personal happiness in the interest of his duties towards his subjects. Kautilya’s king acts in concert with the seven organs of the state and values their advice.
Views of Kautilya over Good Governance and Probity in Governance |
Famous ancient Indian philosopher Kautilya or Chanakya, in his treatise ‘Arthashastra’, gave detailed views on the issue of maintaining probity in governance:
An ‘ideal leader’ or the Rajarishi (the sage-like king), who has conquered the six internal enemies, gained control over the senses, cultivated his intellect, kept a watchful eye by use of spies, ensured security and well-being of subjects by energetic activity, maintained the observance of his subjects’ duties by carrying out his own duties and has discipline. Kautilya mentions 21 things that a king should not do to ensure good governance in his kingdom, which leads to the happiness of the people (praja-sukhe).
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Probity in Western Philosophy
- In his work “The Republic,” Plato gave the idea of philosopher kings. Plato’s philosopher king, unlike Kautilya’s Rajrishi, had absolute power. However, he argued that rulers should have a deep understanding of what is good for society. He emphasized the role of wisdom and moral virtue in governance.
- Aristotle differentiated between good and bad forms of government. As per Aristotle, the main purpose of the state is to cultivate virtues in its citizens.
- In “The Prince,” Machiavelli adopted a practical approach to government, emphasizing the efficient use of authority. His strategy, which is sometimes interpreted as supporting a kind of moral relativism in politics, is encapsulated in the phrase “The ends justify the means.”
- The political theory presented in John Locke’s “Two Treatizes of Government”. He supported the notion of a social contract between the government and the governed. He also favoured the protection of life, liberty, and property.
- Immanuel Kant heavily emphasized responsibility and moral law in his philosophy, particularly in his notion of the “categorical imperative. A Categorical imperative establishes universal laws of morality, defining an act as moral if it is universal, impartial, and rational.
- Max Weber, in his theory of Bureaucracy, gave the importance of rational-legal authority to ensure good governance. He believed in a well-structured system of governance based on written rules and procedures. As per Weber, “The ethic of conviction and the ethic of responsibility are not opposites; they are complementary to one another.”
The modern philosophy of probity in governance emerged in the post-Cold War era, as exemplified by the World Bank, IMF, OECD, and other global institutions. Good governance is associated with efficient administration, which adheres to a democratic framework. It should be citizen-friendly, effective, and ethical. Moreover, the governing process must be just, reasonable, fair, empathetic and based on a strong constitutional framework.
Quotes on Probity in Governance |
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Conclusion
Overall, probity in governance cannot be achieved by governments alone. Rather, it depends on the cooperation and participation of all the citizens and organizations. Precisely, probity in governance is based on political and institutional processes and outcomes that are necessary for achieving the goals of development. Therefore, Probity in governance should be applicable to all sections, i.e. government, legislature, judiciaries, the media, the private sector, the corporate sectors, the cooperatives, societies registered under the Society Registration Act and NGOs.
PYQs on Probity in Governance |
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