GS4 · Practice questions
Probity in Governance
31 questions match. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 36 themesFewer themes
Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 19 toppers · CSE 2017–2020
Conflict of InterestProbity in Governance
Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 19 toppers · CSE 2017–2020
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceProbity in Governance
A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Probity in GovernanceCorruption
India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Civil Service ValuesWork Culture
While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government
Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Transparency and InformationProbity in Governance
Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCivil Service Values
You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, where many large factories and commercial establishments are located. One such factory is owned by one of your close friends. You visit each other's home frequently and are often seen in public together. Recently, media reported about poor working conditions in your friend's factory. Upon enquiry with the labor office, you come to know that the factory has witnessed frequent labour unrests in the past as well. However, the labour officer told you that he was hesitating to take any action due to your proximity with the owner of the factory. With reference to the facts of the case, answer the following questions: (a) Identifying the stakeholders and public cause, discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the District Magistrate, what appropriate course of action will you take? Give reasons for the same.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Conflict of InterestImpartiality and Objectivity
Transparency in government organisations is an essential pre-condition for good governance. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance
You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district of a state where alcohol prohibition has been imposed recently. The District Excise department has conducted many raids and seized liquor in large quantities, for which it has received state-wide public appreciation. A few months later reports surface in the media that in this district, hundreds of seized bottles of illicit liquor are missing from the government malkhanas or stores. As a result, the government is left red-faced. You are asked by the DM, who is the overall in-charge of the district excise setup, to investigate the matter. Upon investigation, you unearth a nexus of politicians and government officials who smuggled seized liquor and sold it through spurious means both inside and outside the state. In this context, evaluate these options: 1. Report your findings to the DM and seek instructions for further actions, stating clearly the criminal offences committed prima facie. 2. Charge all accused under legal provisions and let the law take its own course. 3. Being aware of the seriousness of the matter, discretely put the detailed investigation report in the public domain and expose the nexus. Also, suggest, without restricting yourself to the given options, the final course of action that you would prefer.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Probity in GovernanceCorruption
What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Quality of Service DeliveryCivil Service Values
Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance
Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
CorruptionSocial Influence and Persuasion
Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020
Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government
In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance
Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Civil Service ValuesProbity in Governance
The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
CorruptionProbity in Governance
"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Law and MoralityProbity in Governance
You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
Various practices and policies are implemented to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within administrative systems, encompassing both advantageous and disadvantageous aspects for the stakeholders involved and the overall administrative framework. Explore the ethical considerations that arise from the design and implementation of these administrative practices aiming to foster effective governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceProbity in Governance
What are the administrative challenges that you face in such a situation to restore the credibility of the administration? (b) Given the resources and command of the government, what short-term and long-term measures can be taken to earn back the trust of the people and their willing cooperation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentProbity in Governance