NEXT IAS GS PRE CUM MAIN FOUNDATION COURSE for CSE - 2022-23 ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE Raj Rai SirNEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 Ethics is a branch of philosophy that involves systematic study of human actions from the point of view of its rightfulness or wrongfulness. The term ‘ethics’ is derived from the ancient Greek word ‘ethos’, which means ‘custom’, ‘human character’ or ‘disposition’. Ethics is also called moral philosophy because of it is concerned with the search for a definition of right conduct and good life. ‘Asa branch of philosophy, ethics tries to investigate questions like: © What actions are right or wrong in particular circumstances? © Orhow people ought to act? ‘© What are our rights and responsibilities? ‘© What is the best way for people to live? Or how to live a good life? In practice, ethics seeks to resolve questions of human morality, by defining concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime. It is a set of moral principles by which people conduct themselves personally, socially or professionally. Ethics, as a science of morality, judges human conduct which is basically made up of human actions. Scholastic philosophy outlines a distinction between Actus Hominis and Actus Humanus i.e., ‘Acts of Man/Human’ and ‘Human Acts’ respectively. Not every act that a human being does is a typically human act. Human activities, like the circulation of blood, heartbeat, over which normal people in general have no control are not classified as human acts. Such acts which are beyond the control of humans and those which they share in common with animals are called as ‘Acts of humans’. Acts of humans, then, are involuntary and therefore, not morally responsible for them. On the other hand, a ‘Human Act’ is one which proceeds from knowledge and from consent of free will. in other words, itis an act which emanates from the will with a knowledge of the end or goal to which the act leads. The Human act is to be distinguished from acts of humans which are performed without intervention of intellect and free will. An act is termed as distinctively a human act which is voluntary in character, that is, the human person under consideration could have done it differently if s/he had so willed or chosen. It is an act which is in some way under the control or direction of the will, which is proper to humans, Such an act is performed by a person deliberately and intentionally in order to realize some foreseen end/s. Thus, one can rightly assert that a voluntary act proceeds from the will with the apprehension of the end sought, or, in other words, is put forth by the will solicited by the goodness of the object as presented to it by the intellect. Such acts, moreover, proceed from the will's own determination, without necessitation, intrinsic or extrinsic. ‘THE CONSTITUENT ELEMENTS OF HUMAN ACTS Constituent elements of the human act refer to the inner causes or the constituting elements which generate a human person to undertake a certain act. The understanding of the human act indicates that there are two essential elements which constitute a human act: 1) The Intellectual Element and 2) The Volitive Element. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page |2NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 The Intellectual Element Knowledge is one of the important qualities which distinguish humans from other sentient beings. The human act is voluntary when its different elements and its implications are sufficiently known by the agent or the doer prior to the operation of the will. This process of knowing entails certain important conditions: * Adequate knowledge of the aspired object, ‘+ Attention to the action by which the particular object is to be pursued and * Judgement on the value of the act. The fulfilment of the above elements is found to be essential, for, human cannot consciously and freely will something without having proper knowledge about what the object one is concerned with and therefore conscious of the act one is to perform in order to achieve the desired aim. Furthermore, the goodness or the badness of a particular human act is judged only under those of its aspects which are sufficiently known. For instance, a person who robs and kills a person not knowing him to be his brother, he is guilty of criminal injury but not culpable of offence of fratricide. However, from the above discussion one should not presuppose that we have full knowledge of the act and its implications every time we undertake a human act. There is still room left for mistakes. What we affirm here is that with right effort the person can have sufficient knowledge of the object and its other considerations which are essential for the making of a human act. The Volitive Element Another important characteristic which sets apart the human person from animals is that of voluntariness or what we commonly designate as free will. It is the task of the intellect to conceptualize the good, to propose it to the will as something desirable, and to judge the suitability of the means in its attainment. This awareness which is based on certain amount of reflection is very important in the analysis of the human act. It can occur in varying degrees depending on which, they can affect the morality of the act. However, just this awareness is insufficient for the production of the human act. It is required that the presented good is willed freely by the person. The volitive dimension points that the will can freely make a choice of the concrete object in which the good is sought. Thus, when we hold a person morally responsible for his/her action, we assume that the act was done freely, knowing and willingly. The idea of responsibility would seem then to connote and presuppose that of free will If a human person for some valid reason is not free to choose what he/she would like according to his/her insight and will, but has to act against one’s will, his/her action is not free and consequently such an act cannot be designated as a human act. For instance, a mentally disturbed person feels compelled to do something again and again but he/she is conscious of the object one is concerned with and also the end of the action with which the object is pursued, yet such an act will not be voluntary because its execution is done with psychic compulsion and not with free will. So, an act to be a free act and consequently a human act, it is to be done without any internal or external compulsion. The degree of compulsion determines to a large extent the voluntariness of the action and consequently the culpability of the person. For instance, a high degree of compulsion may almost render the act involuntary and subsequently reduce the degree of culpability. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 13NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 One must note that anything that is an object of the will, we call the thing willed. But not everything that is willed is necessarily an effect of the will; for e.g,, the setting of a house on fire which is not caused, but desired by someone, is something willed but is not the effect of the will. Thus, when what is willed is both the object and the effect of the will, we call it voluntary. One can conclude the discussion on the two constitutive elements of the human act: intellectual and volitive, by affirming the essential union of the knowledge and will in the generation of the human act. IMPEDIMENTS FOR HUMAN ACTS In the process of performing a human act, the individual might encounter certain obstacles which ‘though may not nullify the human act and make it involuntary but they may reduce the culpability of the individual, thereby making him less responsible for the particular act. some of the main impediments which might affect either the intellectual or the volitive constituent (or both together) of the human action. 1) IGNORANCE: This to a great extent affects the intellectual dimension of the human act. It is elucidated as lack of adequate knowledge in an individual with regard to the nature or moral quality of an act one is performing or proposes to perform. However, there are cases of willful ignorance when individuals deliberately ignore or disregard important information or facts. It cannot be an excuse for violation of ethics/ morality. For instance, a person cannot claim that s/he lacks knowledge of traffic laws, while driving a vehicle. 2) PASSION: Passion is said to be a strong tendency towards the possession of something good or towards the avoidance of something evil. The more the intensity of the emotions, the less the capability for making balanced and objective deliberation. Thus, passion is considered as an obstacle to human act. One can enumerate two main kinds of passions: Antecedent and Consequent. The former refers to passion elicited without the consent of the will. Here the person might not be fully responsible for the passion and as such the culpability is much less if not fully absent. Consequent passion is passion which is within the control of the will, therefore the agent is responsible for the arousal of the passion and as such imputable for the act. 3) HABIT: Habit is an acquired tendency for doing something as a result of repeated practice. It may be voluntary or involuntary, depending on whether it was imbibed with consent of a person or without. Habits usually do not render an act non-human, because though they exert certain coercion they can be overcome by a committed effort. 4) FEAR: It is defined as the shrinking back of the mind on account of an impending evil considered to be difficult to avoid or even impossible at times. Fear hampers the use of reason and as such destroys voluntariness. Fear in general does not fully destroy the voluntariness of action but merely reduces its gradation and as such usually lessens its culpability. Ethics is set of standards that society places on itself that helps guide Behaviours, Choice and actions. Ethics derives from Culture, Religion, Society, Family, Law, Constitution. Ethics can be described as: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 14NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 1. Derived from Greek Word Ethos 2. Character or ways of living or habits or customs, 3. Set of standard that society places on itself; 4. It helps guide Behaviour, Choices and Action 5. Prescription and Prohibition. 6. Dos and Don'ts. BRANCHES OF ETHICS 1, Meta Ethics- When there is evaluation of ethics itself, whether ethical principle is good or bad. Meta Ethics is study of what ethical terms and theories refer to. It seeks to understand the nature of ethics. E.g,, It deals with question about what is good, what is right? 2. Normative Ethics- It is Prescriptive in nature. It studies ethical theories that prescribes how people ought to act. Eg Should we use weapons of mass destruction or chemical weapons on terrorist camps. 3. Normative ethics suggest punishment when a person deviates from the path of ideals. Normative Ethic offer the moral principles to use to resolve difficult moral decisions. It tries to establish certain theories on guidelines of some norm. Eg Aristotle's Virtue Ethics, Kant’s Deontological Ethics, Mills Consequentialism. 4, Descriptive Ethics- It studies history and evolution of ethics. It gives record of certain taboos, Customs or conventions. It seeks to explanations of actual Choices made by moral agent in practices. 5. Applied Ethics- It consi ‘Animal rights or Euthanasia. It encourages use of ethics to deal with dilemma, t of analysis of specific, controversial moral issue such as Abortion, Example 1. Is abortion ethical? Pro Choice Vs Pro Life Is euthanasia ethical? Do animals have rights? Stem Cell Research- On one hand, it provides avenues of organ and tissue development, but can be used in transplantation of Human Cloning and designer babies. 5. Environmental Ethics- Cutting of trees, Carbon emission, Genetically Modified food. Moral Moral emerges from Latin word Mores that refer to tradition, Customs ete. Moral principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. It is that part of human conduct for which human has some personal responsibility. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege lsNEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 What Ethics is not? 1. Ethics is not Morality Morality can be an individual set of commitment even when they are rejected by others. Eg War, Violence, Lying Ethics is not religion- Many people are not religious but Ethics applies to everyone. Ethics is not Law- In law, a man is guilty when he violates the right of another. In ethics, he is guilty if he thinks of doing so (Kant). 4, Ethics is not Culture- Some culture might have corrupted or unethical values e.g., Slavery, Untouchability. 5. Ethics is not Science- Not based only on verifiable or empirical or objective truth, but on context. E.g,, Poverty line can’t be justified on scientific ground. CHARACTERISTICS OF ETHICS 1. Shaped by Person's environment 2. Product of Cultural System. 3. Subjective/Contextual in Nature MICRO AND MACRO ETHICS Micro ethics is concerned with individual and internal relations of a person family, society or profession. E.g,, health, safety, Integrity ete Macro ethics is concerned with the collective social responsibilities of the person’s society or profession. E.g,, Sustainable development, Nano science, human cloning etc. CONCLUSION Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that “involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behaviour”. Ethics seeks to resolve questions of human morality by defining concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime. THEORIES OF PUNISHMENT The immediate consequence that follows a criminal acts or digression from standard behaviour is known as punishment. Punishment is defined as suffering, loss, pain or any other penalty that is inflicted on a person for the crime by concerned authority, According to Aristotle and Hegel, Punishment is negative reward of criminal who acquires it by infringing moral law, hence the person must receive this negative reward. Different theories of Punishment Retributive Theory. Preventive Theory Expiatory theory Deterrent Theory Reformative Theory Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude PegeléNEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 cic theory = ae) Drury theory /4) z ) Ser a nan Cera ¥ De roy RETRIBUTIVE THEORY Retribution is the most ancient justification for punishment. This theory insist that a person deserve punishment as he has done a wrongful deed. It is based on principle of getting even with wrong doer to diminish the perceived need for street justice, revenge etc. It’s based on philosophy of regaining equality or balancing injustice. Eg “An Eye for an Eye” or “Tooth for Tooth”. Ina nutshell, Under Retributive Theory, 1) Penalty given will be equivalent to grievance caused by person. 2) Personal revenge and punishment get merged. Some purposes of official retribution include: 1) To channel the retributive sentiments of the public into the political and legal systems. The intent is to deter people from resorting to lynching's, blood feuds, and other forms of vigilante self-help. 2) To promote social solidarity through participation in the act of punishing, under the theory that "the society that slays together stays together.” 3) To prevent a situation in which a citizen who would have preferred to obey the law as part of his, civic responsibility decides that he would be a fool to not violate it, when so many others are getting away with lawlessness that the point of his obedience is mostly defeated. cRiTIcIsM. 1) Itis not necessary that criminal will, after being punished realized the mistake and feel remorse for his deeds 2) Acriminal may become even worse after punishment, 3) It does not remove the cause of crime. 4) Former Cll S. A. Bobde once observed, “Justice is never ought to be instant. Justice must never ever take the form of revenge. | believe justice loses its character when it becomes revenge.” PREVENTIVE THEORY The preventive theory is the idea of preventing the repetition of crime by disabling the offender through methods such as imprisonment, forfeiture, death punishment and suspension of the license. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page |7NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 This theory has used a restraint that an offender if repeats the criminal act is culpable for death, exile or imprisonment. The theory is based on notion that society must be protected from the criminal. Thus, punishment is for solidarity in society and its defense. The development of the institution of prison is an important outcome of the preventive theory of crime. According to this theory, the aim of punishment is used to prevent others from committing, similar offenses. criticism 1) It seems to be more idealistic than real 2) Difficult to remove the social/economic causes that leads to crime from society. EXPIATORY THEORY Expiatory theory of Punishment is based on morals. According to this theory repentance or expiration by offender itself is a punishment. If the offender expiates or repents, he must be forgiven, Expiatory theory of Punishment was prevalent in ancient Indian criminal law. According to the Modern Expiation Theory, compensation is awarded to the victim from the wrongdoer. By crimes awarding compensation from the pocket of the wrong-doer, he is punished and is prevented from doing such offenses in his remaining life. This also becomes a lesson to the remaining public. In other systems of punishment, the victim is not taken into consideration. The present criminal justice system concentrates only on punishing the criminal. cRiTICISM. 1) The expiation theory is sufficient to meet the less serious type of offenses, such as abuse, assault, defamation, trespass, torts, ete. 2) However, the expiation theory could not be a solution in cases of murder, plunders, rapes, kidnapping, thefts, etc., serious natured offenses. 3) Rich Offenders can escape imprisonment by paying money 4) The expiatory theory, being based on ethical considerations, has lost its relevance in the modern system of punishment 5) In the present age of materialism and declining moral values, expiration can hardly be effective in bringing about a change in the criminal mentality of offenders DETERRENT THEORY Deterrent means to discourage; it seeks to discourage the evil minds into treading the wrong and the illegal path. The aim of punishment is to set an example to others and to prevent from criminal tendencies. Here, the objective is to discourage someone from future wrong doing by making punishment severe enough such that benefits of crime is outweigh by punishment. It's expressed by Judges formula, “You are not punished for stealing sheep but in order that sheep may not be stolen’ Deterrence is designed to avoid future crime by discouraging it/frightening people not to do what the criminal/defendant did Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page [8NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 cRITICISM. 1) It uses offender as a means and not an end. 2) It does not affect any improvement in culprit rather made for improvement of others. 3) Itis improper as it does not seek to remove causes of crime 4) Not everyone considers a culprit as criminal so no use of exemplary punishment. REFORMATIVE THEORY According to Reformative Theory, the aim of punishment is the improvement or reform of the offenders. The objective of this theory is to transform the offender in to law abiding citizen. It is believed that experience of punishment brings changes in his/her personality, attitude and behaviour. It implies that an offender is punished for his own benefits. This theory favours the humanitarian sentiments of the age. It seeks to eliminate very cause of the crime and thereby preventing it. Under this theory, type of punishment is not very harsh and often punishment is supplemented by counselling, education and training. criTIcisM 1) It assumes the cause of limited number of crimes to be caused of all crime 1) Some habitual offender may not be reformed. CONCLUSION Thus, based on above overviews of different Theories of Punishments in detail, one can understood what are the guiding principles behind them and how are they different from one another. Punishments are imposed on the wrong doers with the object to deter them to repeat the same wrong doing and reform them into law- abiding citizens. A Punishment is a consequence of an offense. Punishment generally is a means of social control However, there is a need to understand very clearly that punishment is something which should be inflicted very carefully. As the famous saying goes that ‘Let go of @ hundred guilty, rather to punish an innocent’, one needs to understand that inflicting a punishment upon someone changes their mental, physical and social status drastically. Thus, while administering criminal justice, utter carefulness has to be executed, and balance between instant justice (leading to criticism as "Justice hurried is justice buried") and delayed Justice (leading to another criticism i.e., “Justice delayed is justice denied”) has to be ensured, else the very principles of justice would go for a toss. PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVICE VALUES AND ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: STATUS AND PROBLEMS Public service values: Public service values are a set of principles that a public service agency should adhere to in discharging duties. Some of the important Public Service values include 1) Integrity: It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It implies maintaining absolute standard of behaviour and certain moral code. It means the state of being whole and undivided. it is non-corrupt and ethical practice. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pegel9NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 2) Perseverance: It is persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. In spite of problems being faced in any act, one must continue to do work in the direction. A public servant working constantly despite non-cooperative attitude of politician, local public and subordinates towards implementation of government policy is perseverance. 3) Spirit of Service: Devotion for public duty is the spirit of service. This is relevant for civil servant as they have to keep public interest above private interest. Many people devote their lives to the service of people, in the spirit of service. 4) Commitment: Commitment is an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action. It is firm decision to perform one’s duty with full dedication without being diverted. It is the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something. 5) Courage of Conviction: Courage means taking decision fearlessly, strength in the face of pain or grief. While conviction is a firmly held belief or opinion. A civil servant should be able to courageously uphold his conviction which is based on rules and integrity. 6) Accountability: It means answerability of civil servant for his decision to public for his acts or omission. Accountability helps in curtailing corruption and increases public confidence. It will increase trust and faith of people on the system and provide a strong interface between public servant and public. 7) Fairness and justice: Fairness means impartial and just treatment or behaviour without favouritism or discrimination. Justice is the legal or philosophical theory by which fairness is administered. It means a civil servant should be fair and just in performing own duties. It is absolute necessity for maintaining unbiased system and people’s confidence in governance. IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 1) It provides accountability between the public and administration. 2) Creates standard of professionalism that co- workers can expect. 3) Timely and informative communication with the community. ‘American Society of Public Ad ration (ASPA) laid down code of ethics for public servants 1) Public servants should put public interest above self-interest, oppose discrimination. 2) They should recognize public’s right to know, involve citizen in decision making policy. 3) Respect constitution and laws, promote constitutional principles. 4) They should perform duties honestly, without favouritism. 5) They should make effort to strengthen organizational capabilities. 6) They should strive for professional excellence. STATUS OF PUBLIC SERVICE VALUES It refers to relevance of public service values in current scenario. It involves three items: 1) Traditional values that are still relevant to the present-day public service. 2) Traditional values that have lost relevance to present day public service. 3) New values that are gaining currency in present day public service. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 110NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 Traditi ional values that are still relevant 1) Honesty 2) Impartiality 3) Objectivity 4) Non-partisanship 5) Dedication 6) Legality 7) Empathy Values that have lost relevance 1) Procedural correctness: Due to change in circumstances, the procedures laid down earlier become irrelevant and thus are updated. e.g., Autopsy rule says that it should not be done after sun set since electricity was not present in previous time. Though one should deviate from procedures only when in public interest and backed by logic. 2) Hierarchy: Higher the levels, slow down the decision making, responsiveness and efficiency. Thus, now flatter organizations with short reporting structures. 3) Secrecy: Right to information; Proactive disclosures by government has brought transparency into foray. 4) Centralization and Monopoly: New age public service demands decentralization; “citizen's service centre”, thus government power is distributed across agencies. New values that are gaining ground 1) Flexibility: Freedom to adopt any means for service of public with in a broad framework. E.g,, if in a job, minimum height is 165cm and in a tribal area the tallest one is 162cm, so ci can write to make an exception. 2) Innovation: To deliver public service in a better, hassle-free manner, quick grievance redressal Some innovation can be in mode of public service delivery- minimal efforts for citizens, minimum interface with government. E.g., Aadhaar enabled Public Distribution System (AePDS). 3). Risk taking: Because of new issues arising in the present, which demand to take risk, 4) Efficiency and effectiveness: Efficiency is more output per unit of input. It deals with quantity. Effectiveness is producing quality output. It deals with quality. Both can be ensured by timely delivery of service, quality service with minimal resources. 5) Team Spirit: Useful in conducting many events like conferences, fest, sports meet etc. 6) Competition: example by awarding district based on performances like Swachh Sarvekshan Survey ete, I servant Factors that necessitated these changes in values 1) Shift in role of public servant from regulator to facilitator and thus emergence of flexibility, multi-tasking etc. 2) Shift in the role of government from regulation (only monitoring) to development (service provisioning with the welfare). Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege [42NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 3) Due to infusion of technology, there is a need of cyber and technology experts, thus specialization, technology interface type values emerge. 4) Information Technology: IT has given rise to innovation, transparency, efficiency etc. 5) New Public Management (NPM): Performance linked rewards, citizen- centric, innovation, team work, capitalism, market, merit ete. CONCLUSION In a nutshell, public service values include "pursuing the public interest with accountability and transparency" (democratic values); "serving professionally with competence, efficiency, and objectivity" (professional values); and "acting ethically so as to uphold the public trust” (ethical values). Public service values influence administrative behaviour and decision making; hence, it is importance for establishment of ethics in administration and public services. ETHICAL CONCERNS AND DILEMMAS IN GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS An ethical dilemma, ethical paradox, or moral dilemma is a decision- making problem between two possible moral imperatives, neither of which is unambiguously acceptable or preferable. The complexity arises out of the situational conflict in which obeying would result in transgressing another. Sometimes called ethical paradoxes in moral philosophy, ethical dilemmas may be invoked to refute an ethical system or moral code, or to improve it so as to resolve the paradox. Ethical concerns in government organisation 1) Asymmetric distribution and abuse of power. 2) Lack of responsibility and accountability. 3) Lack of integrity 4) Lack of proper protection to whistle-blowers. 5) Political interference a cronyism, 6) Lack of commitment, excellence, responsiveness. 7) Corruption. 8) Lack of compassion, attitude of arrogance and indifference. 9) Administrative secrecy. 10) Nepotism. Ethical concern in private institutions 1) Responsibility and accountability towards stakeholders- customers, employee, manager, shareholder, society. 2) Transparency and disclosure of information. 3) Integrity, loyalty and honesty, commitment towards goal of organisation. 4) Statutory and legal obedience to various laws. 5) Responsiveness. 6) Quality of product and services. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege |iNEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 7) Excellence. 8) Fair working conditions. Ethical Dilemma Ethical dilemmas are situations in which there is a choice to be made between two options, neither of which resolves the situation in morally satisfactory manner. An ethical dilemma ascends from a situation that necessitates a choice between conflicting sets of principles. Types of Ethical Dilemmas 1) Personal Cost Ethical Dilemmas: It rises from situations in which compliance with ethical conduct results in a substantial personal cost to the decision maker in a problematic situation, 2), Right-versus-Right Ethical Dilemmas: It arises from situations of two or more conflicting sets of bonafide moral values. 3) Conjoint Ethical Dilemmas: It develops when a careful decision- maker is exposed to an amalgamation of the above-indicated ethical dilerimas in searching for the “right-thing-to do”. Some Ethical dilemmas for public officials: - 1) Dilemma involving fairness (a) Favouring family and friends; (b) Voting in favour of a proposal of colleague who promised quid pro quo; (c) Fairness in labour negotiation with public employees; 2), Dilemma involving personal and public interest (a) Conflict of your duty of loyalty with personal interest. (e) Duty to family that may affect decision making. (f)_ Use of public resources for personal purposes? Can it be justified? (g) Should one actively engage in pressure group acting because one sympathizes with their views. 3). Dilemmas involving acting wit (a) Truthfulness in dealing with colleagues, public and media; (b) Willingness to speak truth to power; (c) Expectation of gifts for some official work; {d) Temptation to advantages of position for personal gain 4) Dilemmas involving Accountabi (a) Maintenance of public trust; {b) Comply with all public laws; {c) Conversation about public business on your private emails; Ethical dilemma in private instituti 1) Profit Vs social responsibility. 2) Profit Vs employee welfare. 3) Automation Vs employment. 4) Promoters Vs shareholders. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 113NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 RESOLVING ETHICAL DILEMMA Following course of action should be taken by a public servant in resolving dilemma 1) Constitutional/legal validity and consistency with rule of law. 2) Analysing correctness of actions. 3) Analysing consequences of actions. 4) Validating with organizational goals and code of conduct. Theoretical/Philosophical Approaches for solving Ethical Dilemmas/Issues 1. Utilitarian Approach a) Greatest good for greatest number b) It is based on principle that indicate that morally right course of action in any situation is one that produces the greatest balance of benefits over harm for everyone. €) It focuses on what benefits and what harms will each course of action produce, and which alternative will lead to the best overall consequences. d) This question answers the dilemma of which option will produce the greatest benefits and least harm Examples Capital Punishment, Building of Infrastructure projects harming ecology. 2. Rights based Approach a) The rights approach follows the belief that individuals have the ability to make their decisions freely. b) It believes that if it does not respect everyone’s moral rights, it is wrong to act. ©) The rights approach is predicated on the notion that humans have the right to choose paths which affect their destiny because they are human. d) Furthermore, humans are justified in their expectation that their rights should be respected. €) These rights include the right to the truth, the right of privacy, the right to not be injured, and the right to fulfillment of promises. f) It involves answering to questions like what moral rights do the affected parties have, and which course of action best represents those rights. 3. Fairness/Justice Approach a) This approach gives the individual the opportunity to reflect if the action is fair to the people. b) The fairness approach assumes that people should be treated equally regardless of their station in life, that is, they should not be subject to discrimination. €) It focuses on questions like which course of action treats everyone the same, except where there is a morally justifiable reason not to, and does not show favoritism or discrimination etc. d) Justice approach focuses on treating the individuals equally in the ethical dilemma. Also, if there is any difference in treatment then the difference should be justified. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude eee 114NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 4, Virtue Approach a) According to Virtue school of ethics, character of agent determines the morality of task. Thus, the government official acts according to his virtues to reach the ideals which have been set by him, b) According to Plato, these virtues can be courage, wisdom, temperance and justice. ©) The virtue approach describes an assumption that there are higher orders of goodness to which man should aspire, and that only moral actions will help us achieve that higher level d) Each of us hold internal values and morals that we strive to maintain and hold on to, e) In ethical dilemma, moral actor following virtue approach asks himself whether the decision represents the kind of person he is or he want to be. 5. Common Good Approach a) Which course of action advances the common good? b) This question helps drive our choice to decide if the action taken the community. €) It opens the door to other questions related to the type of society we want to become and how be good for ourselves and to achieve that. d) The common good approach suggests that ethical actions are those that benefit all members of the community. Eg, The trade-off between “Voluntary versus Coercive” measure such as mandatory use of masks in public places undermines the individuals’ goods or freedom to choose wearing a mask. CONCLUSION In present times, ethics in government generates great public interest. There are several unethical conducts in organizations. In dealing with ethical issues, officials are often faced with dilemmas that challenge a simple choice between right and wrong. Assessing the ethical concern of both government and private organization, it can be understood that the challenges posed by ethical dilemma sometimes make a person to be at a lost with no solution in sight. This becomes more pronounced if one is to make a choice between personal values and public values as in the case of public officials involved to provide public services. ACCOUNTABILITY AND ETHICAL GOVERNANCE Accountability is defined as the answerability of officials for their decisions and actions. It is liability to give a satisfactory account of the exercise of the power of discretion vested in some authority to which itis due, Accountability different from respon: ity 1) Responsibility is public servant's responsiveness to the public. 2) It can be shared while accountability cannot. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 145NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 3) It can be before and/or after a task while accountability comes after a task. Five dimensions in concept of accountability 1) Legal: Rule of law 2) Fiscal: Use of public funds 3) Policy and performance: meeting goals 4) Democratic: informing and consulting legislators and citizens. 5) Ethical dimension: behaving in accordance with code of ethics or general moral standards. Why accountability is needed? 1) Accountability makes a person careful in deciding/acting, hence improve quality of decision. 2) It discourages bad and inefficient work, because it fixes the responsibility. 3) It encourages good work because it recognizes good and bad work, with incentive and disincentives attach to it. 4) Accountability brings an order to any organisation's functioning because it establishes clear relationship between “act and actor” otherwise, every activity become responsibility of everyone and thus leads to chaos. 5) Accountability attempt to reduce corruption and financial malpractices. ETHICAL GOVERNANCE It is defined as the manner in which power is exercised in management of country’s social and economic resource for development. Ethical Governance requires that public officials adhere to high moral standards while serving others and promote good. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACCOUNTABILITY AND ETHICAL GOVERNANCE: Accountability promotes ethical governance. Absence of accountability could remove disincentive for unethical governance. With regard to ethical governance, accountability manifests in following ways: Accountability of public representatives to people. 1) Conduct of free and fair elections that will foster ethical governance. 2) Right to reject and recall in some democracies. 3) Public disclosure of assets and liabilities by representatives. Accountability of government servants to people. 2) RTIAct 2) Anti- corruption Ombudsman (Lokpal, Lokayukta, CVC). 3) Public disclosure of assets Accountability of executive to legislature. 1) Parliamentary standing committee (PAC, Estimates committee) 2) Parliamentary questions 3) No—confidence motion in parliament. An unethical governance always faces this threat which makes No confidence motion a very strong mechanism. Internal accountability of government servant to their high ups. 1) Calling for reports by higher authorities from lower-level functionaries. 2) Disciplinary powers like withholding incentives, suspension etc could act as deterrence. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 116NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 3) Regulators and auditors- CAG, CVC, CBI, CIC, to be keeping vigil on functioning of government servants by conducting periodic reviews and audits. CONCLUSION The accountability mechanisms today need to keep pace with developments of modern government structures particularly in the era of digitalization. There is also a need to sensitise the functionaries towards their responsibilities and duties in context of the accountability frameworks. Steps like reducing discretions, designing well defined standard operating procedures for performance of job etc. will ensure responsiveness, transparency, accountability and ethics in administration. STRENGTHENING OF ETHICAL AND MORAL VALUES IN GOVERNANCE Ethical and Moral values form the core of the governance and without them and with even one of them being compromised the very essence of the public service fails and what prevails is the corruption, anarchy and discretion, which is absolutely not acceptable and not good for the democratic society. It is a common opinion that ethical and moral values have reached to all time low. Hence, there is need to strengthen the ethical and moral values for public good. Some suggestions include: - Strengthening Ethics in politics 1) Auditing accounts of political parties. 2) Internal democracy in parties should be present. 3) Periodic public disclosure of education, criminal history of party members. 4) Bringing political parties under RTI. 5) Instill ethics in members by display of tenets of ethics on party offices. Strengthening ethics in legislature 1) Not to use foul language. 2) Parliamentary privileges must be revisited to avoid shielding unethical actions. 5, Integrity and Aptitude Page |a7NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 3) Criminal and corruption cases must be expedited against legislators. 4) Defection of legislators to other parties should be checked. 5) There should be a separate bench to hear election offences petitions. Strengthening ethics in political executive 1) Immersion programs should be conducted to inculcate values and morals. 2) Cases of corruption, criminal charges should be investigated by an independent body. 3) Mandatory periodic reshuffling of portfolios. 4) 360-degree review of ministers as well involving ethical conduct component. 5) Provisions of lodging complaints against Ministers by common public under anonymity. Strengthening ethics in permanent executive 1) Appointment should be merit based in accordance with the constitutional provision of reservation. 2) Training facilities for upgradation of their skills for ethical analysis and moral reasoning. “Ethics in governance” courses as part of induction program, 3) Public servants should know their ‘right’ and ‘obligation’ when exposing wrong doings. (whistle- blowers case) 4) Government servant must be made to sign an Integrity Pact while giving contract to an outside party. 5) Automation in processes of governance, public disclosure will reduce opaqueness. 6) Senior public servants as role models, consistent leadership. 7) There should be clear guidelines for interaction between public and private sector. 8) Grievance redressal mechanisms to be strengthened, call centres to be set up. Strengthening ethics in independent regulators 1) They should not have conflict of interest in the activity they are regulating 2) Selection mechanism should be transparent. 3) Regulation and procedures should be crisp, specific and automated. 4) Avoid post- retirement postings. Strengthening ethics in Media Journalistic ethics are the common values that guide reporters. They lay out both the aspirations and obligations that journalists, editors, and others working in the field should follow to execute their work responsibly. 1) Media is referred as fourth estate; hence it is mandatory to follow ethics in Journalism. 2) Journalists have an obligation to seek out the truth and report it as accurately as possible. 3) Journalists should avoid taking political sides and should not act on behalf of special interest groups. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 118NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 4) News organizations should listen to their audience. To enable the public to hold them accountable, journalists should write under their own by-lines and accept responsibility for their words. 5) Journalists must never plagiarise and attribute the source, where they derive content. regards, Second Administrative reforms commission has suggested the following methods 1) Codification of ethics will ensure the minimum standards that public servants must follow. 2) Strong vigilance systems to ensure that corruption is eliminated at the root like whistle blowers act etc, 3) Digitization and e-governance is the way forward to ensure citizen centric governance. 4) Values such as selflessness, honesty, integrity and objectivity if inculcated at early age through education will lead to Ethical leadership in the future. 5) Delegation of work and responsibility in every organisation should be ensured similarly the standard protocols must be codified vide citizen charters. CONCLUSION Governance is like a ship, that attempt to reach the destination of economic prosperity, equality and Justice for all. But it needs to have a captain who can steer it through obstacle of unethical acts. That captain is moral and ethical values. In order to achieve that, a public servants need to be fair and impartial; shall work to safeguard the well-being of citizens; take good care of the entrusted administrative tasks; exhibit positive characteristics such as diligence, kindness, patience, and humaneness. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DEFINITION Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a business corporation is directed and controlled. Corporate governance implies method and processes that steer a business corporation in a direction in such a way that interest of all the stakeholders (shareholders/ creditors/ lenders/ suppliers/ employees/ government customers/ public at large) are not compromised by the management. To uphold corporate governance in a business corporation, Management should conduct following operations with regards to few important stakeholders (including shareholders, government and public) 1, Shareholders- Shareholders are the real owners of the business Organizations. They contribute capital {ie Money) to the business, but do not carry out the operations of the business Some activities which might hurt the interest of shareholders are 1) Insider trading: trading stocks for a price sensitive information. 2) Adecision which might benefit few and are detriment to the others. 3) Giving reduced returns to shareholders. 4) Booking more personal expenditure in terms of perks so that profits come down. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude eee 119NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 5) Doctoring account to hide profits. 6) Misappropriation of funds. Corporate governance in terms of shareholders can be achieved by: 1) Having independent members in board. 2) Third party independent auditor to audit finances. 3) Periodically changing the auditors. 4) Disclosure of statements on websites, transparency. 5) Conduct Annual General Body meetings. Government- Government is second important stakeholder. The business management should not conduct business in a manner detrimental to the interest of government like: 6) Tax evasion. 7) Violation of ecological norms. 8) Violation of fire safety norms. 9) Violation of labour laws. 10) Violations of regulatory norms Corporate governance can be ensured here in following ways: 1) Clear laws with due consultation between all stakeholders. 2) Strict punishment for violation. 3) Strong enforcement. 4) Considering ecological norms, fire safety norms, town planning norms, labor norms etc. 5) To avert tax evasion. 3. Public- Public or society at large constitute another important stakeholder. Every action of a business affects society at large because every customer for whom a business is run constitute a part of society. Sometimes, business interest can harm public interest in following ways:- 1) Release of pollutants or industrial waste into public water bodies 2) Release of harmful gaseous substances in to atmosphere 3) Hoarding of essential goods 4) Avoiding Corporate social responsibilities and related activities. Corporate governance with respect to public/society can be ensured by: 1) Consideration towards environment (waste management, go- green initiatives). 2) Reserving profit portion for CSR. 3) Non- hoarding of essential commodities. PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The 4 Ps of Corporate Governance These are the Four Ps of Corporate Governance, the guiding philosophies behind the existence of governance and the reasons of its operations. It includes: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 120NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 1) People: People exist on every side of the business equation. They are the founders, the board, the stakeholder and consumer and impartial observer. People are the organisers who determine a purpose to work towards, develop a consistent process to achieve it, evaluate their performance outcomes, and use those outcomes to grow themselves and others as people. 2) Purpose: Purpose is the next step. Every piece of governance exists for a purpose and to achieve a purpose. The ‘for’ is the guiding principles of the organisation. Their mission statements. Every one of their policies and projects should exist to further this agenda. 3) Process: Governance is the process by which people achieve their company’s purpose, and that process is developed by analysing performance. Processes are refined over time in order to consistently achieve their purpose, and it’s always smart to take a critical eye to your governance processes. 4) Performance: Performance analysis is a key skill in any industry. The ability to look at the results of a process and determine whether it was successful (or successful enough), and then apply those findings to the rest of organisation, is one of the primary functions of the governance process. Types of bad governance practices include: 1) Companies that do not cooperate sufficiently with auditors or do not select auditors with the appropriate scale, resulting in the publication of spurious or noncompliant financial documents. 2) Bad executive compensation packages that fail to create an optimal incentive for corporate officers. 3) Poorly structured boards that make it too difficult for shareholders to oust ineffective incumbents. CONCLUSION Corporate governance consists of the guiding principles that a company puts in place to direct all of its operations, from compensation to risk management to employee treatment to reporting unfair practices to its impact on the climate, and more. A strong, transparent corporate governance leads a company to Pe ee make ethical decisions that = framework needs to reflect BUS ene toe ice Oe ee ee beqege all cf eM rkaholdars, Crecente Pater allowing the company to place eee eee a itself as an attractive option to investors Preeti tag BS ere isy healthy. Bad corporate ar eects governance leads to a breakdown ted its financials are also ii Sooner ing of a company, often resulting in scandals and bankruptcy. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 2aNEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE Probity is derived from Latin word ‘probitas’ which means “goodness” or “uprightness”. Goodness or good values in governance include honesty, accountable, integrity, compassion etc. Probity is the quality of having strong knowledge of moral principle and integrity (in personal or public relations). It includes they honesty and decency of a person or organisation in applying their moral principles in personal and public life. Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. The other requirements are effective laws, rules and regulations governing every aspect of public life and, more important, an effective and fair implementation of those laws, etc. Indeed, a proper, fair and effective enforcement of law is a facet of discipline. CONCEPT OF PUBLIC SERVICE Public services refer to a service rendered in the public interest by government. In other words, public service refers to the broad framework under which government employees extend services with the aim of advancing greater public good. As per National Government Service portal, some of public services provided by government include: - 1) Security and Maintenance of peace. 2) Education and Learning; 3) Health and Wellness; 4) Justice, Law and Grievances; 5) Transport and Infrastructure; 6) Electricity, water and Local Services; 7) Travel and Tourism; 8) Business and Self-employment; 9) Birth, Deaths, marriages and Child care; 10) Pensions and Benefits; 11) Agriculture, Rural and Environmental services 12) Youth, Sports and Cultures; 13) Citizenships, Visas and Passports; 14) Science, IT and Communication Public services need to be delivered with honesty, citizen centricity, responsiveness, particularly to the needs of the most vulnerable, Promoting greater transparency and allowing ordinary citizens to assess the quality, adequacy and effectiveness of elementary services, to voice their needs and preferences and to become involved in innovation offers. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude age [22NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS OF GOVERNANCE AND PROBITY Governance and Probity had a deep philosophical basis observed in the work of various philosophers and thinkers of India and the world. Some of it includes: - ‘+ Socrates indicated various form of governance, including (a) Tyranny (single individual rule over masses against their wishes), (b) Plutocracy (when only property class are eligible to rule) (c) Democracy (when everyone is allowed to exercise power) Socrates consider that rule by wise is best form of governance, which is above all forms of governance. * Plato indicates 5 forms of governance, including (e) Aristocracy (form of government rule by Philosopher's king, the idea developed from Socrates concept of rule by wise); (f) Timocracy (ruler belong to bronze class, who can produce and own wealth; conflict of interest is inevitable); (e) (h) Democracy (rule by poor, since power is dispersed among all individual, there is no order); ()) Tyranny (Worst form of governance, where unjust man seized the power). archy (ruled by rich class, inferior form of Timocracy, where power rest with rich); * Aristotle highlighted 6 forms of governance, including (a) Monarchy ~ Rule by one, benevolent ruler; (b) Tyranny- degeneration of Monarchy, Rule by one, malevolent ruler; (c) Aristocracy- Rule by few, benevolent rulers; (d) Oligarchy- degeneration of Aristocracy, Rule by few, malevolent rulers; (e) Pe (f) Democracy- degeneration of Polity, rule by all, malevolent rulers; /- Rule by all, benevolent ruler; ‘+ Kautilya discourse of governance, based on Saptang theory ie Seven elements of states comprising: - a) Swami (The Ruler)- A king must be just and virtuous; Rajrishi; trained in economics, polity, Vedas, warcraft. b) Amatya (The Minister)- Council of minister, tender advice to king and execute king’s instructions. ¢) Janapada (The Population): Its territory and population; territories must be abundant with forest, minerals and other resources including loyal and disciplined population. d) Durga (The Fortified Capital)- It must be build keeping security aspects in mind, usually inside dense forest or mountain etc. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 123NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 e) Kosha (The Treasury)- It’s a wheel on which the chariot of state run. Treasure must be full, and augmented with taxes and resources. f) Danda (The Army}- It must be well motivated, well paid and loyal army, that is ready to sacrifice life for king. g) Mitra (Ally and Friend)- Neighbouring King, should be treated well and sent gift and pleasantries. ‘* Social Contract theory propounded by thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and J.J Rousseau highlighted that public service is the contractual obligation of government as the people have surrendered some of their rights and resources to them in return for certain basic services. Hence, public servants are bound to serve the people. ‘+ Epics like Ramayana also indicate the philosophical basis of governance and probity and act as a model of ideal good governance. Its reflections found in Gandhian viewpoints of public services, democracy, decentralization of power and dignity of people. Hence, the Philosophical basis of governance underscored the importance of benevolent administrators as guardians of the administrative state. They were expected to honour public trust and follow the principle of Justice, wisdom, prudence and fortitude. CITIZEN CHARTER DEFINITION Citizen Charter refers to written commitment of the government to citizens about the quality of public service delivery. The concept of Citizens’ Charter enshrines the trust between the service provider and its users. Citizens' Charters initiative is a response to the quest for solving the problems which a citizen encounters, day in and day out, while dealing with the organizations providing public services. Six principles of the Citizens Charter movement: 1) Quality: Improving the quality of services. 2) Choice: Wherever possible 3) Standards: Specify what to expect and how to actif standards are not met 4) Value: For the taxpayer's money 5) Accountal individuals and Organisations 6) Transparency: Rules/Procedures/Schemes/ Grievances. ‘A comprehensive Citizen Charter should cover following points: 1) Clear statement of vision of the organization which reflects objective of an organization and manner in which it tends to seek it. 2) Mission statement: specific objectives which propel organization in tune with vision. 3) Clearly specify services provided by the organization and briefly about description/details of business transacted by organization. 4) Time limit for service delivery. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude eee 124NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 5) Identification of various levels providing specific services, allocation of responsibilities and authorities. 6) Clearly mention client group/stakeholders/ users. 7) Specification of service quality standards. 8) Specification of service delivery standards such as timeliness, accuracy, reliability, affordability, responsiveness, fairness, sensitivity, courtesy. 9) Providing information about Grievance Redressal Mechanism) if service not delivered. 10) Information about time frame for public grievance redressal. BENEFITS OF CITIZEN CHARTER: 1) It acts as a guide for citizens to hold employees accountable for not delivering service and thus improved service delivery. 2) Greater responsiveness of officials towards public. 3) Greater public satisfaction with the services. 4) Improved quality of service, since delivery in less time and with less hassles to the citizens. 5) In presence of citizen charter, bribe cannot be demanded very easily, so curb corruption. 6) Citizen charter act as a yardstick to assess an organization's performance to evaluate employees as well. 7) Better organization management: Peter Drucker once said, “You cannot manage what you cannot measure.” KEY POINTS FOR AN IDEAL CITIZEN CHARTER 1) It should be concrete and specific rather than abstract expressions. E.g., “Organization shall strive to deliver service as early as possible”, in place of this it should provide exact time frame. 2) It should lay down services offered in measurable (quantitative terms) e.g., how much (Jal board shall provide 30lped water with 3mg sodium), in how much time it will be delivered: how much compensation, if not given (if water supply not restored in 3 days, 40 rupees fine per day). 3) It should be realistic, deliverable practically. If ambitious commitments made and are not delivered, then organization may lose its credibility 4) Resource availability should be taken into consideration while committing time. 5) Provision for compensation (It can be deducted from the salary of the person who did not deliver the service). 6) For a realistic citizen charter, front line functionaries should be consulted. (e.g., Patwari works ‘on the ground foot). 7) Process reengineering to precede citizen charter. 8) Process reengineering refers to changing existing workflows in a way that time and effort for ‘outcome is minimized. 9) Objective of citizen charter is to provide best quality service to the public, so irrelevant steps could be removed. Duties of a civil servant with regard to citizen charter 1) Carry out the process reengineering to remove unwanted steps, simplify procedure Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude ee 125NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 2) Formulate realistic, measurable concrete citizen charter after consultation with stakeholders. 3) Provide for compensation, if service remain undelivered. 4) Create awareness about citizen charter. 5) Ensure it is displayed at all government offices. 6) A robust Grievance Redressal Mechanism (toll free number for registering complaint, a counter, account on social media etc.) 7) Setting up a monitoring system. E.g., Andhra Pradesh citizens apply for services through "Mee- Seva” portal and portal shows the services pending with each government functionary. 8) Rewards who perform well 9) Punish the ones who did not perform well 10) Consider the special needs of physically challenged, transgender etc. in framing of citizen charter. Recommendations of 2nd ARC report 1) One size does not fit all. 2) Citizen’s Charter should be prepared for each independent unit under the overall 3) umbrella of the organization's charter. 4) Wider consultation which should include civil society in the process. 5) Firm commitments to be made. 6) Internal process and structure should be reformed to meet the commitments given in the Charter. 7) Redress mechanism in case of default 8) Periodic evaluation of Citizen's Charters. 9) Benchmark using end-user feedback. 10) Hold officers accountable for the results. SAMPLE CITIZEN CHARTER Government General Hospital, ABC District Introduction ‘+ The hospital provides medical care to all patients who come to the hospital according to the availability of resources. The Deputy Director is the Head of the Institution. ‘+The Resident Medical Officer is in charge of the day-to-day function of the hospital. The hospital has 25 doctors (9 specialists Doctors and 16 General Duty Medical Officers including one Dental Surgeon and one Ayurvedic (Physician), ‘The present bed strength is 171 out of which 142 beds are in oper: aprons and Nurses are in white uniform. n. Doctors wear white Casualty and Emergency Service ‘© Emergency medical services are given for 24 hours on all days by General Duty Medical Officer. On an average 100 to 120 patients are attending the casualty. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 126NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 ‘* Resident Medical Officer is available during fore-noon sessions. Specialist Doctors Viz. Medicine, T.B, Surgery, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Ortho, E.N.T, Anaesthesiology and Gynaecology will be available on call ‘+ The decision to call a specialist is that of the treating doctor. Emergency cases are attended promptly. Facilities for emergency X-ray/E.C.G/Lab. Investigations are available. ‘* In serious cases, if the treatment cannot be managed in this hospital, they are referred to higher referral Institutions at XYZ. ‘© The decision rests with the treating doctor. The Casualty Telephone No. is 332243. A Public telephone is available at the entrance of casualty for use of patients and their attendants. Outpatients Departments ©.P.D Registration Timings ‘© 7.30a.m to 10.30 am on all working days ‘* 7.30a.m to 9.30 a.m on Saturdays. * 8.00a.m to 9.00 a.m on Sundays and Holidays (Patients are issued O.P. tickets indicating the O.P. Room Nos. to be consulted.) O.P. Sections Pe een fees Surgery 14 2 Gynaecology 9 Ayurvedic 7 Eye 10 Pharmacy 5 ENT 16 Laboratory 4 Ortho 6 Dressing 2 Paediatric 8 Injection 3 Clinic Days & Timing Hypertension & Diabetic Friday Well Baby clinic Thursdays Antenatal clinic Tuesdays & Saturdays Asthma clinic Wednesdays Monday (Night 8.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.) Wednesday of every month. 8.00 am to 2.00 P.M on all working days except Saturday 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon on Saturday Sundays and Holidays are closed. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude eee 127NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 ‘investigations are done on all days at any 8.00 a.m, to 200 p.m. © Emergency X-rays are taken on all days at any time. Health Programs implemented by this institution through Para- Met ‘* Child Survival and Safe Mother-Hood Program, ‘+ Reproductive Child Health Program. Leprosy Eradication Program. * National Malaria Eradication Program © Universal Immunization Program. ‘* Filaria Control Program. «Family Welfare, Maternity & Child Health Program, ‘Mass Education and Media Program. * School Immunization/Student Health Program: Complaints and Grievances If the patients/public have any complaint or grievance, the same may be brought immediately to the notice of the Deputy Director or Resident Medical Officer in person or in writing. The genuine complaint/grievances will be settled immediately. A suggestion/complaint box is also provided at the 0.P.D. block of the hospital. . X-ray facilities are available on working days from INFORMATION SHARING AND TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT Defi Information Sharing refers to proactive disclosure of information pertaining to government policies and functioning by the government to public at large. Transparency refers to designing government processes such that government actions and decisions are not hidden from the public view. Information sharing promotes Transparency and engendering transparency necessitates more and more information sharing. Giving access to government functioning to public would bring down misdeeds in the government system. This is information sharing and transparency in the government Necessity of Information Sharing and Transparency in government 1) Democratic government is answerable to public. Public have a right to know what government is doing. 2) It will keep a check on favouritism and will ensure that government treat every citizen alike. 3) If the accounts, financial and other financial information is put in public domain, it will keep a check on frauds. E.g,, in a ration shop if a transparent system displays the stock availability, the dealer cannot siphon off the commodities. 4) It would reinforce accountability of government to public. It means liability of the government to answer the questions about its actions and decisions. 5) If there is free flow of information from government to the public, then everyone will have an equal opportunity to receive the public service. E.g., Reserved seats for economically and weaker sections children in private schools: if such a notification is available to public then will provide equal opportunity to receive public service. ‘ion Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 128NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 CHECKS ON INFORMATION SHARING ANDTRANSPARENCY Some checks on information sharing and transparency in governance are required to promote probity. These are: a) Security b) Privacy SECURITY 1) Information that harms any individual should not be disclosed 2) Information that harms the law and order should not be disclosed 3) Information that disturbs the security should not be disclosed. E.g., CBI investigating high profile murder case, name of the witness should not be revealed as this may lead to his life in danger (witness protection). 4) Whistle blower protection. 5) If enemy countries/ anti- social elements grab the information of strategic ammunitions, they can misuse it PRIVACY It refers to guarding one’s personal life from others. Some rules of observing privacy in information sharing are as follows: 1) Information that is not relevant w.r.t. public interest should not be disclosed. 2) Information that causes embarrassment in public should not be disclosed 3) Information that hurts one’s dignity should not be disclosed. Some Examples * For instance, A women being molested and complained to the police. Her credentials should not be disclosed in the name of transparency. ‘Even section 8(1) of RTI states that- “notwithstanding anything in this act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen.....j) information which relates to personal information, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public interest or which cause unwarranted invasion of privacy of an individual, unless CPIO or SPIO is satisfied that larger public interest justifies disclosure. * Section 11 of RTI act 2005: “Information involving third party- CPIO invite third party to make a submission in writing/orally, whether information should be disclosed.” Some salient features of RTI Act, 2005: RT! means right to: 1) Access information held by public authority; 2) Inspect government records; 3) Take copies of government record; 4) Take sample of any material with public authority. 5) Every government document should be properly indexed/catalogued which 6) Makes it easy for retrieval. 7) As much information as possible should be proactively disclosed to public. 8) Designate an officer as public information officer (PIO). 9) Person seeking information need not to give reason. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 129NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 10) Information sought to be provided within 30 days from date of receipt of application. (If it pertains to life and liberty, then should be provided within 48 hours). 11) Information can be rejected by giving proper reason and reason must be related 12) to security of nation and individual and privacy. 13) If applicant not satisfied, he can appeal to officer senior to PIO. Second appeal also lie to Central Public Information Commission or State Information Commission. Benefits of RTI 1, Transparency: It ensures the right of the citizens to acquire as much information they want regarding the governmental activities, rules and regulations, etc. This creates a room for better communication between the public authorities and the citizens. 2. Citizen-centric approach: Due to the enforcement of this Act, the authorities are sure to let out information as asked for by the citizens and this made the authorities to think more before taking any random step. 3. Availability of Information: RTI created an easy form of letting out information to the person concerned thus resulting in accessibility of information relating to governmental activity to the person who seeks for such information. 4, Reduction in Corruption: As all the information is accessible, the graph to that of corruption has taken a down-curve. 5. Government-public relation: The Act also ensures the strengthening of government-public relation due to the increase in communication. 6. Greater Accountability: The act encourages greater answerability of public servants. SUCCESS STORIES OF RTI 1, Adarsh Society Scam: The applications filed by RTI activists like Yogacharya Anandji and Simpreet Singh in 2008 were instrumental in bringing to light links between politicians and military officials, among others. The 31-storey building, which had permission for six floors only, was originally meant to house war widows and veterans. Instead, the flats went to several politicians, bureaucrats and their relatives. 2. Public Distribution Scam in Assam: In 2007, members of an anti- corruption non-governmental organization based in Assam, the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, filed an RTI request that revealed irregularities in the distribution of food meant for people below the poverty line. The allegations of corruption were probed and several government officials arrested. 3. Appropriation of Relief Funds: Information obtained through an RTI application by an NGO based in Punjab, in 2008 revealed that bureaucrats heading local branches of the Indian Red Cross Society used money intended for victims of the Kargil war and natural disasters to buy cars, air-conditioners and pay for hotel bills — among other things. Local courts charged the officials found responsible with fraud and the funds were transferred to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. 4, IIM’s Admission Criteria: Vaishnavi Kasturi, a visually-impaired student, in 2007 was denied a seat in the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, despite her impressive score at the entrance examination. She filed an RTI application to request the institute to disclose their selection process. Although she failed to gain admission to the institute, her RTI application Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 130NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 meant that lIM had to make its admission criteria public. It emerged that the entrance exam, the Common Admission Test, actually mattered little compared to Class 10 and 12 results. CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING RTI: Issues faced on the demand side (challenges faced by the public in filin 1) Low public awareness on how to file an RTI. 2) Inconvenient payment channels for submission of application fees 3) Lack of assistance in filing the application. 4) Non-friendly attitude of the PIOs. 5) Poor quality of information provided. 6) Constraints faced in inspection of records. CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING RTI: Issues faced on the supply side (challenges faced by the government in supplying information): 1) The current record management guidelines at Centre and in most states are not geared to meet the requirements specified under the RTI Act. 2) There is lack of any electronic document management system in any of the Departments. 3) Inadequate trained PIOs and First Appellate Authorities. 4) Attitude of government staff to withhold information. 5) Lack of motivation among PIOs. Challenges /Issues faced at Information Commissions: 1) Perception of being “lenient” towards POs, 2), Lack of Monitoring and Review mechanism, 3) High level of pendency. 4) Variation in assumption of role by SIC and State Governments. Steps by a civil servant to promote the spirit of RTI 1) Proactive Information disclosure. 2) Public access to files 3) Information day 4) Public Awareness 5) Dedicated RTI Section 6) E-RTI Misuses of RTI 1) Sensitive Personal information about a third party is often sought for harassing or embarrassing third party. 2) Sometimes, information sought is not readily available at a government office 3) Sometimes information is sought just to embarrass the government, 4) Repeated RTI request sometimes makes public servants hesitate to take any risky decision. 5) RTlis also used as a pressure tactic to force government employees to do a few things favouring RTI Applicant. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 132NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 CONCLUSION Information sharing and Transparency are the core element of democratic society. It is the foundation on which trust and faith can be formed. It is only when the people know about the functioning of the government that they can trust the authorities. Thus, there has been an emphasis. on sharing information and transparent governance. WORK CULTURE DEFINITION Every organization have certain ways of interaction, behaviour and functioning. This is instilled and sometimes imposed on members of organization. These interactions, behaviour collectively represent Work Culture of that organization. Constituents of Work Culture ©’ Reilly, J. Chatman and DF Caldwelll laid down seven items that constitutes work culture: 1) Innovation and Risk taking: Whether organization encourage new ideas, tolerate the failures ete 2) Attention to detail: Whether members should be specific for every minute thing. 3) Outcome orientation: Whether concerned about results or about methods involved in getting results. 4) People orientation: Organization worries about impact of its decisions on members of organization. 5) Team Orientation 6) Aggressiveness: Whether members are competitive. 7) Stability: Whether organization believes in status quo or in growth. If all the members share same opinion about organization and its principles, then strong Work Culture. Hallmarks of an Ethical Workplace 1) Employees feel genuinely cared for and respected. 2) Employees, regardless of rank or role, put the work at hand and the interests of others above themselves. 3) Leaders live by clear standards and self-transcending principles when conducting the organization’s business, modelling a drive for excellence both in what they do and in how they doit. 4) Employees feel empowered and energized to reach for ethical and technical excellence in serving customers, clients and each other. 5) Employees hold themselves and their managers accountable to uncompromising standards of conduct. 6) People at all levels move toward, not away from, ethical dilemmas and conflicts to address and resolve them in light of self-transcending ideals 7) The ethical lessons learned during conflicts alter the organization's practices, setting in motion a virtuous cycle of improvement. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 132NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 Merits of work culture 1) Distinguish one organization from other. 2) Gives an identity to an organization. 3) Motivates employees to go beyond self — interest and work for organizational development. 4) Predicts attitude and behaviour of members De-merits of Work Culture 1) If work culture becomes deep rooted, then employees become rule bound and follow procedures even when they are irrelevant. 2) Itacts as a barrier to change. 3) It discourages hiring members who do not fit in existing work culture principles, prevent innovation. How Work Culture gets created 1) Seeds are sown by the founders e.g., Vikram Sarabhai built up the work culture of ISRO. 2), Founders indoctrinate employees to their way of thinking. 3) Founders act as role models. 4) Rewards the behaviour which is in tune with work culture. 5) Hires the ones who share value consistent with that of the organization. 6) Through induction, training, socialization techniques can instil values of work culture. How to impart Work Culture 1) Induction Training where vision, mission and values are being taught. 2) Role Model which employees try to imitate. 3) Posters and slogans at places remind employees often and then to inculcate organizational values in their behaviour. 4) Rewards/ incentives aimed at positive reinforcement of organizational values e.g. 5) Award for innovation etc. 6) Punishment to discourage undesirable behaviour. Action points by a civil servant to build an ideal work culture 1) Modifying interiors of an office so as to make it pleasant. It impacts the morale of the employees. 2) Periodical meeting with the staff to understand their attitude and clarify doubts, 3) Congratulate and appreciate performers. E.g., “employee of the month” award Place an “opinion box” /” suggestion box” in office. 4) Periodic assessment of skill sets and providing training 5) “uote of the day", “Joke of the day” can be put up on the board. 6) Enlist birthdays of employees. 7) Informal bonding amongst family of employees: get- together parties; felicitation program; outdoor tours. WORK CULTURE AT GOOGLE 1) Google is an American multinational technology company specializing in Internet- related services and products. 2), These include online advertising technologies, search, cloud computing, software, and hardware. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 138NEXT IPS | G5 Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 3) Google was founded in 1996 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were Ph.D. students at Stanford University, in California. 4) itis Headquartered at Googleplex, Mountain View, California, U.S 5) Google had an informal work culture 6) The founder’s wanted to make Google a fun place to work. 7) Google has a flat structure, which means they have minimal middle and upper-level management. 8) This structure allows for more creativity. Innovat n and problem- solving skills are encouraged. 9) Employees have the ability to make more decisions on projects. UNIQUE ASPECTS 1) Google showers its employees with various perks. 2) Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The organic food is chef-prepared 3) Google believes that its employees should not have to go more than 150 feet for food. Therefore, it has food stations placed everywhere within the 150 feet for the employees. 4) Google has a real job profile named “Chief Cultural Officer” who is responsible to retain Google's cultures Fun Work Environment Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 134XT IBS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23, Encourage Creativity many products that came out of this 20% idea 6) Googlers can ride company provided bicycles around the Googleplex. 7) Google provides its employees with comprehensive health coverage that also covers their families’ health care requirements. 8) Google employee can request to work anywhere for a change of mood. They do not have to go and sit in their cubicles every day. CONCLUSION Work culture of an organization is also reflection of mindset of people working in it. If it is not progressive, merit oriented and sensitive toward gender, it might impact overall work efficiency of organization. Hence, it is in long term interest of organization to make work culture more inclusive and compatible for its own goods. UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS PUBLIC FUNDS Public funds are funds mobilized by the government for various public purposes. It includes: tax receipts; non-tax receipts (license fee, royalty, interest, profit on investment); grant-in-aid from international institutions; loans. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude zee 138NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 Principles of utilization of funds: 1) Transparency: implies sharing the information related to all expenditure/works conducted, freely and openly with the public also proactively disclosing information 2) Accountability: implies there should be a mechanism to question the agency about prudence of fund utilization. It can be done through an audit by the third party, even RTI has also brought it. 3) Efficiency: It is output to input ratio. Efficiency is when more output from same or less input or same output from less input. public services like transport, metro rail etc. should make profit to keep them afloat 4) Method of expenditure should also be considered, for instance, awarding contracts to one who quotes lower price for same work. E.g., now government has launched GeM which is Amazon equivalent for government procurement ensuring transparency through online bids. 5) Equitability: it implies preferential treatment to weaker section. This could be in the form of preferring MSME sectors, SC/ST entrepreneurs etc. in procurement of government. Or in terms of beneficiaries- allocating more funds to SC, ST etc. 6) Outcome evaluation: outcome indicate the qualitative benefits emerging out of the expenditure, even though material return is zero. E.g., even if one voter is in an electoral area, booth will be setup and officers will be sent. How should a public servant utilize public funds: Effective utilization of funds is one of the key tenets to ensure social and economic justice and meet developmental goals. However, as former Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi had remarked, “only 15 paise for every 1 rupee spent on public welfare actually reaches to the masses”, thereby highlighting, the gravity of ineffective utilization of funds in our country. Public servants are the trustees of the hard-earned public funds; therefore, it becomes their moral and legal responsibility for their effective utilization. Some of suggestions for effective utilization of public funds include: - 1) Ensuring that he/she is competent authority for spending. 2) Funds spent for the purpose for which allocated. 3) Fair and equal opportunity to all interested contractors/vendors. 4) Wide publicity to tender notifications. 5) To prevent cartelization, a market survey could be done beforehand and if found high price then tender may be cancelled and a fresh tender may be notified 6) Submission of proper bills/vouchers. 7) Audit by an honest officer from another department. Implications of Non-Utilization of public funds 1) Social: Violation of the rights and entitlements of the masses. It leads to social problems like inequality, illiteracy, poor health and sanitation, increased animosity among different communities etc. 2) Political: Misallocation and underutilization has led to unequal development in the country, increased corruption and inequality within different states. This has created the problems of sub-nationalism, left wing extremism, and separatism Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 136NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 3) Economic: India’s continuous struggle with poverty and inability to build on its demographic dividend has been the major impact. Inspite of having a potential of double-digit growth, our growth story still revolves around 7%, along with inadequate improvement in infrastructure, human indices, employment etc. 4) Ethical: Breach of ‘Doctrine of Public Trust’ which lays responsibility on public servant for judicious use for the benefits of the masses. CONCLUSION No matter how good the policy is framed, its impact drastically depends on the allocation and effective utilization of funds. Therefore, to realize the ethical and moral duty incorporated in Directive Principles of States Policy of Indian Constitution i.e., to maximize welfare measures and prevent concentration of wealth in few hands, it is important to take appropriate policy measures to realize the goals of national development. QUALITY OF SERVICE DELIVERY DEFINITION OF QUALITY Quality means difference between standard and reality. If they are close then it is called high quality. Assessing quality involve following points: 1) Find out parameters that constitute quality. 2) Set up standard performance metric for each parameter. 3) Measure actual performance. 4) Comparing actual with the standard performance to find out variation. Less the variation, better the quality. When we apply these points to service delivery, we get quality of service delivery. Quality of service delivery involve following points: Determining parameters constituting quality: These parameters are- time taken for delivery; number of times a citizen has to follow up for a service; number of alerts sent to citizens; metric to compensate deviation from standards. Set up standard performance: 1) Seta realistic standard time for delivery of service. 2) Fix standard number of times a citizen has to personally take interest. 3) Set the standard time, alerts sent to service keeper. 4) Standard metric to compensate: E.g. government has set 20 rupees per day for delay in caste certificate and it can be deducted from the salary of the employee. 5) Measuring actual performance of these parameters. It can be made easy by e- governance. 6) Finding variations and if variation is less than good quality. Sevottam model The Sevottam model has been developed with the overarching objective of improving the quality of Public service delivery in the country. It is a combination of two words Seva (service), Uttam (excellence). It provides a framework for organizations to asses and improve the quality of service Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Pege 137NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 delivery to citizens. The model was suggested by 2nd ARC in its 12th report Citizen centric administration. Components of Sevottam model erreny ores Ceretciuy Model rors ed a ey The Sevottam model prescribes seven steps: 1) Define services and identify clients. 2) Set standards and norms for each service. 3) Develop capability to meet the set standards. 4) Perform to achieve the standards. 5) Monitor performance against the set standards 6) Evaluate impact through an independent mechanism. 7) Continuous improvement based on monitoring and evaluation. Intended Outcomes of Implementing Sevottam INTEGRATED APPROACH “aay as defined by User fan NOT Deliveror ofthe Services Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page 138NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 Steps by a public servant t prove qui 1) Automate processes involved in service delivery. E.g. submitting documents online for admission reduce delay. 2) Reengineer process and remove steps that are redundant and irrelevant. 3) Training to staff and upgrade their skills. 4) Robust monitoring mechanism, which will make employee involved in service 5) delivery more responsible. 6) Linking compensation for inferior quality to the salary of concerned employee. CONCLUSION In conclusion, it can be argued that there is great importance of service quality for an organisation and the difficulties in measuring it. Service quality can be defined as the customers’ perception of how well a service satisfies their needs and wants; and it is extremely vital in government organisation to deliver its citizen a good service quality. of service delivery: CODE OF ETHICS Code of ethics is a broad framework of principles and standards acceptable to society. Principles enunciated in C.O.£. guide the actions in C.0.C. Many such code of ethics prescribed for public servants and ministers exist. One very famous codification is done by Nolan Committee. Nolan Principles The Seven Principles of Public Life 1, Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. 2. Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties. 5, Integrity and Aptitude Page 139NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 3. Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit. 4, Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office. 5. Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands. 6. Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest. 7. Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example. Ethics codified in Buddhism 1) Abstaining from killing. 2) Abstaining from stealing. 3) Abstaining from sexual activity. 4) Abstaining from telling lies. 5) Abstaining from intoxicating drinks and drugs. 6) Abstaining from eating after noon. 7) Abstaining from entertainment and beautifying the body. 8) Abstaining from using luxurious furniture. The Ten Commandments 1) You shall have no other Gods but me. 2) You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it. 3) You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. 4) You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy. 5) Respect your father and mother. 6) You must not commit murder. 7) You must not commit adultery. 8) You must not steal. 9) You must not give false evidence against your neighbour. 10) You must not be envious of your neighbour's goods. You shall not be envious of his house nor his wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbour. Quran: some moral stipulations 1) Be kind, humble and honourable to one’s parents. 2) Do not engage in “mercy killings”. 3) Do not commit adultery. 4) Do not kill unjustly. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page [40NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 5) Care for orphaned children. 6) Keep one’s promises etc. Judaism: seven laws of Noah. Taoism: ten precepts of ethical conduct. Lord Krishna in Bhagavata Gita: He outline 26 qualities of a gentleperson. Some of them are like - clean, simple, sober, respectful, humble, compassionate, merciful, obedient etc. Some values simplified are as under: 1) Allegiance to constitution and laws. 2) Apolitical functioning. 3) Impartiality, fairness, equitability, objectivity, diligence. 4) Integrity, courteousness, transparency. 5) Accountability. 6) Effectiveness. 7) No misuse of official position. 8) No breach of trust. 9) Utmost care in use of public money. No discrimination in work place. 10) Promote communication, cooperation. CONCLUSION ‘An ethical code is a listing of principles, values and aspirations based on desired conduct. It is more than a set of polite rules or an excuse for promoting self-interest. Codes serve as a touchstone by which all members of a profession can judge the acceptable parameters of behavior and is the basis for self-regulation. CODE OF CONDUCT Definition and purpose It implies systematic documentation of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour (or set of DO's and DONT's). It serves following purposes: 1) Act as a guiding light whenever a person is in a dilemma as to what behaviour to choose. 2) Since Code of Conduct is same for all members, it promotes uniformity of behaviour and thus promotes discipline. 3) Code of Conduct customizes moral principles for benefit of members. 4) Promote privacy of clients who deal with members upon whom Code of Conduct applies. 5) Code of Conduct prescribes the members to deliver service compulsorily in event of emergency. E.g., doctor bound to treat each and every person in case of an emergency. 6) It intends to promote societal good. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude age [atNEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 Code of Conduct for ministers: 1) Disclose assets and liabilities. 2) No interest in any business. 3) Not receive any contribution from anyone. 4) Not raise funds except for a registered society or a political party. 5) Not receive valuable gifts 6) Seek permission from PM before receiving award from foreign agencies. Code of Conduct for All India Service officers Code of Conduct for All india Service officers codified in AlS(Conduct) rules, 1969 prescribe: 1) To ensure highest standards of integrity and devotion towards duty. 2) To participate in media only after clarifying that views expressed are his/her own and not of government. 3) Shall not associate with any political party. 4) Shall not criticize government action. 5) Shall not accept lavish hospitability from person having official dealing with the government. 6) Shall not give or take or abet giving or taking of dowry. 7) Shall not sublet or lease of government accommodation allotted to him. Code of Conduct for Judges 1) Judge must not contest election to any office, society, club. 2) Judge must not maintain close association with bar members. 3) Judge must not hear cases involving family. 4) Judge must not accept gifts from all except family. 5) Judge must not use official residence for work of family. CODE OF ETHICS Vs CODE OF CONDUCT aay a CODE OF ETHICS coDE oF conpucT COMPARISON Meaning An aspirational document, _A directional document issued by the board of containing specific practices directors containing core and behavior, that are ethical values, principles and followed or restricted under ideals ofthe organization isthe organization is Code of Code of Ethics Conduct Nature General Specific Scope wide Narrow Governs Decision making Actions Length Short Comparatively longer Disclosure Publicly disclosed. Employees only Focused on Values or principles Compliance and rales Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude ace 142NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 CONCLUSION Code of Conduct is actually extracted from the Code of Ethics. Therefore, the latter concept is wider than the former. Moreover, these codes are beneficial for businesses of any size and nature as the codes lays down direction which is helpful for employees, to behave in a particular manner and also making a public image of ethical behaviour. CHALLENGES OF CORRUPTION Definition of Corruption Corruption implies using public office for private gain. CVC list out certain activities, which can be understood as acts of corruption. These are: 1) Accepting / demanding gratification other than legal remuneration in an official act. 2) Obtaining valuable thing without consideration from a person with whom likely to have office dealings. 3) Obtaining valuable thing for oneself by illegal means or abusing his position. 4) Possess assets disproportionate to income. 5) Cases of misappropriation, forgery, cheating, similar criminal offence etc. Example of corruption Mr A approached by a trader to settle his sales tax case favourably. Mr A told him that case is being handled by Mr B, another officer. The trader refers to Mr A’s friendship with Mr B and ask Mr A to intercede with Mr B, finally matter got settled. Though Mr A directly didn’t help the trader but used his influence. This is, guilty of a corrupt practice. SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES OF CORRUPTION Systemic challenges include Obstacles within the government machinery that poses challenge to prevent corruption. These are: influence peddling”. So 1) Lack of transparency: though RTI has been enacted, it is a reactive mechanism to bring transparency. Proactive disclosure is still not universal. 2) Monopoly: no competition in many services provided by the government, thus leaving no alternative to citizens and thus creates scope for demanding bribe. 3) Complex processes: this complexity forces citizens to be dependent on government servant for availing services. Example: earlier in filing of IT returns, complexity was involved so dependency on IT officials. But now due to simplification of return filing process, scope of corruption reduced. 4) Weak institutions: anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal at Centre not yet been setup. Alll states do not have Lokayukta and even where it exists, appointments of lokayukta not made regularly. Neither they are provided with forensic expert or evidence gathering tools, 5) Poor prosecution: prolong prosecution due to loopholes in system encourage corrupt practices and probability of punishment is also less. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page [43NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 NON- SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES OF CORRUPTION Non- systemic means outside the government. These are: 1) Displacement of values like honesty, integrity, selflessness. Now money has become predominant value. 2) Political-businessman nexus (crony capitalism). 3) Cash transaction flourish corruption, since leaves no footprint. 4) Meek protection to Whistle-blowers: Though Whistle blower protection Act came in 2014, an amendment proposed in 2015 created some gaps and faced criticism from RTI activists and anti- corruption crusaders like- unless the complainant discloses his identity, then no action will be taken against any public interest disclosure by competent authority. 5) No penalty against public servant who may be victimizing the complainant. 6) Nowitness protection during investigation and trial. 7) Private sector not covered. 8) No time limit prescribed for discreet enquiry. 9) Whistle-blowers would be entitled to official protection only if certain conditions are met. Examples of Whistle-blowers 1) Satyendra Dubey (engineer in NHAl) highlighted corrupt practices in highway project and was shot dead in 2003. 2) Karnataka cadre IAS Anurag Tiwari exposed the scam in food and supplies. 3) RTI activist Satish Shetty, against grabbing a huge land by a real estate firm. Thus, there is a need to strengthen the Whistle-blower protection act. MEASURES TO CURB CORRUPTION: SYSTEMIC AND NON- SYSTEMIC 1) Systemic reforms like use of ICT, simplification of procedures. 2) Strengthening of institutions. 3) To speed up departmental proceedings. 4) 2nd ARC recommended: simplify procedures; rely on documentary evidence mainly; create an appellate mechanism within the department. 5) Delay in giving sanctions for prosecuting government servant should be 6) Speeding up trials under Prevention of Corruption Act: special judge can try the cases and in day-to-day basis. 2nd ARC recommended: time limits for trials to be fixed at various stages; special judges which are not loaded with another work; Supreme Court and High Court lay down guidelines to preclude unwarranted adjournments. 7) Confiscation of properties illegally acquired by corrupt mean: Though provision exist in Prevention of Corruption Act, but it had no impact because: - a) Can forfeit only after conviction; b) Procedure for attachment can start only after court has taken cognizance of the offense; ¢) State or union government has to authorize filing of request seeking attachment. imized. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page [4aNEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 8) Benami Transaction(prohibition) amendment act,2016: special court should conclude trial within 6 months; imprisonment of 1-7 years; appellate tribunal. 9) Protection to Whistle-blowers. 10)2nd ARC recommended that article 311(provides for procedural safeguards to government servant against arbitrary dismissal/removal) and doctrine of pleasure contained article 310 should be repealed. 11) Civil society activism: (a) They can mobilize people against corruption. (b) Citizen Charter to be properly implemented. 12) 2nd ARC recommended a law on model of US False Claims act (it empower any person having knowledge of a fraud to file a law suit on behalf of federal government, if fraud is established then person committing fraud is penalized) to be passed. 13) Social Audit: It is through people’s participation, to ascertain true State of affairs of welfare program/scheme. 14) Strict code of conduct implementation and prescribe high ethical values for moral guidance (training programs). \n — Accountability. 15) Induce competition by allowing private agencies as service providers. To strengthen regulatory bodies, e.g., TRAI, SEBI to check malpractices. 16) Streamlining procedures: {a) One stop service center e.g., E- seva model of Andhra Pradesh which offers payment of bills, death and birth certificate, property tax, train and bus reservation, passport application etc. {b) Using ICT e.g., Gyandoot project of Madhya Pradesh is a local youth run kiosk which provide services such as agricultural produce auction centre rates, copy of land records, online public grievance redressal. 17) Integrity Pacts: It is an agreement between bidders/vendors and government procuring agency committing person/officials of both sides not to resort to any corrupt practice in any aspect of contract at any stage. They can be induced in public contracts to reduce corruption. 18) Reducing discretion of government, specially at lower levels. 19) Effective Grievance Redressal Mechanis (a) Government established CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring system), {b) PRAGATI (Pro Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform. {c) E- Nivaran launched by Central Board of Direct Taxes for online redressal of tax payers. {d) Nivaran, an online system for redressal of service-related grievance of serving and former railway employees by Indian Railways. 20) Criminalization of politics should be reduced: cleansing elections; reforms in political funding; Publication of accounts by political parties etc. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Page [45NEXT IAS | Gs Pre Cum Main Foundation Course for CSE-2022-23 CONCLUSION In this way, it can be argued that corruption has acquired the form of a predatory octopus, whose tentacles had spread in every organ of governance. Corruption erodes political legitimacy and the protection of rights. Corruption causes inefficiency and inequity. It is a symptom that the political system is operating with little concern for the broader public interest. The impact of corruption goes beyond the corrupt individuals, the innocent colleagues who are implicated, or the reputation of the organisations they work for. In a nutshell, Corruption hurts everyone and need to eradicated from its roots. goga Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude eee 146