In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in the civil services. These are as follows:
1. Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services,
2. Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servant and
3. Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services.
Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues. (250 words) (20 marks)
Answer:
India has recognized the importance of developing effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies to promote ethical values and integrity in civil services. There are three specific areas that require attention to internalize integrity and ethics in civil services. These areas are anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity, strengthening the ethical competence of civil servants, and developing administrative processes and practices that promote ethical values and integrity in civil services. Institutional measures to address these areas are:
- Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity:
- a. Independent oversight agencies should be established to monitor and investigate corruption allegations, and to protect whistleblowers.
- b. A risk assessment framework should be developed to identify potential areas of vulnerability to corruption and unethical practices.
- c. Training programs should be designed to educate civil servants about the risks of unethical practices and how to avoid them.
- Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servants:
- a. Training programs should be developed to enhance the ethical competence of civil servants.
- b. Civil servants should be encouraged to participate in ethics training and should be recognized for their participation.
- c. Codes of conduct should be developed for civil servants, which should be periodically reviewed and updated.
- d. Senior civil servants should be trained to provide ethical leadership and to promote a culture of ethical behavior.
- Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services:
- a. Procedures for procurement and contracting should be transparent and competitive.
- b. Performance evaluation systems should be developed to promote ethical behavior and integrity.
- c. Sanctions should be imposed for misconduct and unethical behavior.
- d. Administrative reforms should be undertaken to simplify procedures, reduce discretion, and enhance transparency.
![The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining to still prevalent in the border district of the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone mining masia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia working with blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him. [2022]](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
