GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt. What do you understand by probity? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024

Syllabus: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

How toppers approached it

From all 3 answers · about 170 words · 100% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition3 of 3

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 3
  • Points1 of 3

Close

  • A source1 of 3
  • A summary1 of 3
  • A way forward1 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Chhaya SinghAIR 65 · CSE 2023 · 174 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Probity refers to upholding high moral and ethical standards of honesty, integrity & dedication, continuously. It ensures responsible, ethical governance.

Body · points

Diagram
Diseased Pvt virtue → corrupt Probity

(i) focus on greed, unchecked ambition → breeds corruption : arbitrary exercise of power.

(ii) increase materialism, consumerism → dissatisfaction; illegal avenues for earning.

(iii) Selfishness :- Private benefit over public benefit

eg Rewarding of contract on personal contacts & not objectivity.

(iv) Reduce integrity and courage → bow down to political pressure or bureaucratic-business nexus (Vohra comm).

(v) Laxity / laziness → "chalta hai" attitude; no citizen centricity. Overall reducing credibility of government.

Ways to inculcate As was recommended by 2nd ARC:-

(i) Training → mid career level refreshment ↳ Inculcation should ensure role play, visits etc. → to increase sensitisation.

(ii) 360° feedback → from seniors, subordinates, citizens.

(iii) Regulations → formulation of code of ethics ↳ for Public service delivery bill.

(iv) Reward - probity; punish corrupt via effective use of POCA, CVC, CBI.

Close · a summary

Probity forms the basis of good governance. Needs to be upheld as a part of "social contract"

More on Probity in Governance

The concept of public service and the philosophical basis of governance and probity, taken as the syllabus states it.

All GS4 questions on Probity in Governance