Q.4. Describe the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: (a) Ethical governance (b) Probity in public life.

In the context of civil services, both ethical governance and probity in public life are of paramount importance:

(a) Ethical Governance: Ethical governance refers to the infusion of high moral standards and behavior in the governance process. It is based on values such as integrity, compassion, empathy, responsibility, and social justice. Ethical governance is crucial for establishing trust and mutual cooperation between citizens and public servants. It ensures that public officials serve the people with a sense of duty and altruism, making decisions that prioritize public interest over personal gain. The key elements of ethical governance include:

• Upholding the rule of law to eliminate corruption and reduce bureaucratic delays.
• Ensuring that public servants are accountable for their actions.
• Promoting a culture of decency and integrity in public life.

(b) Probity in Public Life: Probity in public life signifies the adherence to the highest ethical standards and principles in the conduct of public affairs. It stands for integrity, good character, honesty, and decency. Probity is essential in civil services for several reasons:

• It ensures the efficient use of public resources for the betterment of the public.
• It prevents corruption and abuse of power by public officials.
• It maintains public trust in public institutions and officials, which is fundamental for a functioning democracy.

Both ethical governance and probity in public life are interrelated and reinforce each other to create a civil service that is not only effective but also fair, transparent, and accountable to the public. They are essential for a healthy democratic society and for the socio-economic development of the nation.