Mentors Comments:

• The question expects us to bring out the various measures in the form of laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics etc that the government has brought in order to ensure that ethical values are practised and reinforced in governance. Moreover, we also need to give suggestions regarding what more can be done to strengthen ethics in governance.
• Here your discussion should focus on bringing out the steps taken by the government to improve ethical values in governance and what more can be done in this regard. We also need to discuss the impact of such steps.
• In the introduction, explain what you mean by ethical values in governance.
• In the main body discuss the steps taken by the government to improve ethical values in governance and the impact of such steps like:
  • eGovernance and Digitisation to increase transparency and accountability along with easing paperwork
  • RTI to allow for citizen’s right to know which enhances probity in governance
  • Civil service codes and various Service Rules to ensure honesty and integrity
  • Citizen charters and citizen-oriented governance to better address feedback, grievances
  • In 2006 the department Of Personnel drafted a Public Service Bill which enumerated fundamental values of Public Services, a Code of Ethics, a Management Code etc. with the objective of developing public services. The bill didn’t make much headway and is in cold storage etc
• Discuss what more can be done
  • Effective implementation of charter
  • Removing political interference in administration and politicisation of administration
  • You can take more suggestions from the 2nd arc report on ethics in governance
• In conclusion, emphasize on why ethics in governance is important and the way forward.

Answer:

Ethical values in governance show how well the ethical values are followed in governance and its structure. This includes legality of government action, rationality in policy and decision making, evolving a sense of responsibility, ensuring accountability, strengthening work commitment, creating excellence, facilitating spirit of individual and organizational goals, developing responsiveness, showing compassion, protecting the national interests, protecting the spirit of justice, bringing transparency and elevating integrity.

The steps taken by the government to improve ethical values in governance and the impact of such steps

• eGovernance and Digitisation to increase transparency and accountability along with easing paperwork and reducing red-tapism. Example: PRAGATI, MyGov portal
• RTI to allow for citizen’s right to know which enhances probity in governance.
• Stringent laws like Prevention of Corruption Act, the presence of CVC to ensure there is no corruption.
• Civil service codes and various Service Rules to ensure honesty and integrity. Example: Civil Service Conduct Rules.
• Citizen charters and citizen-oriented governance to better address feedback, grievances. Example: CPGRAMS, Jan Sunwai.
• In 2006, the department Of Personnel drafted a Public Service Bill which enumerated fundamental values of Public Services, a Code of Ethics, a Management Code etc. with the objective of developing public services. The bill didn’t make much headway and is in cold storage etc
• Witness protection scheme to safeguard the witness from victimization.

The following steps can be taken to strengthen the ethical values

• Effective implementation of citizen charters.
• Removing political interference in administration and politicisation of administration.
• Introduction of Public Service bill and Code of Ethics.
• The Second Administrative reforms commission has suggested the following methods
• Codification of ethics will ensure the minimum standards that public servants must follow.
• Strong vigilance systems to ensure that corruption is eliminated at the root. Example: CVC, whistleblowers act, Lokpal etc.
• Social audit mechanisms must be strengthened and be made a norm.
• Digitization and e-governance is the way forward to ensure citizen-centric governance. Example: UMANG- one-stop for customers to pay all their bills.
• Values such as selflessness, honesty, integrity and objectivity if inculcated at an early age through education will lead to Ethical leadership in the future.
• Sensitivity training, Value-oriented training of public servants.
• Ethical auditing should be done.
• Delegation of work and responsibility in every organisation should be ensured similarly the standard protocols must be codified vide citizen charters.

Strengthening ethical and moral values in Governance is imperative to ensure the best service delivery and citizen-centric administration.