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Q1. Probity is an indispensable condition of good governance. Explain with suitable illustrations. (150 Words 10 Marks) .
Answer:
Probity is “the quality or condition of having strong moral principles, integrity, good character, honesty, decency”. It is the act of adhering to the highest principles and ideals.
Probity principles:
- Transparency: The procedure is transparent so that each stakeholder can have faith in the consequences. Example: ARC-II says RTI is the Master Key of Good Governance.
- Accountability: It is the responsibility with a view to give an explanation for or account for the manner duties were achieved. Example: Vertical Accountability is ensured by institutes like CVC, and CBI.
- Confidentiality: All public servants or other employees are under a general responsibility of confidentiality to their corporation. Example: Before Budget making to avoid speculations in the economy, the Halwa ceremony is held and all officials involved in Budget making are isolated.
- Conflict of interest: This is wherein the general public responsibility and private interests of a Board or staff member can be in conflict which results in their personal interest unreliably influencing their duties and needs. Example: Chanda Kochar ICICI and Videocon case
- Impartiality: People and companies interacting with an employer are predicted to be independent at every level of the method.
Relevance to Good governance:
- The legitimacy of the system: It builds trust in the institutions of the state and a belief that the actions of the state will be for the welfare of the beneficiaries. Example: Kudumbshree involves SHG Women.
- Objectivity: It provides for an objective and independent view of the fairness of the process. It reduces corruption and Nepotism. Example: Sevottam Model
- Checks and balances: It helps in checking the abuse and misuse of power by various organs of government such as administration, the police and all other providers of public service e.g. PWD, health, education, etc.
- Equitable and sustainable development: It is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Example: Narhari Singh IAS in MP State, made collectorate office infrastructure PWD friendly.
- Serve the constitutional cause: Probity in Governance is required to serve the motto of the Constitution. i.e. to provide Social, Political and economic justice to all. It enhances faith in governance.
- Reduced politicization of bureaucracy: It helps address nepotism, Favouritism, and Political partisanship. It leads to avoidance of sub-optimal outcomes, corruption and poor perception
It is a shared belief that the adoption of standards like “accountability”, “transparency” and “responsiveness” will lead to clean and efficient governance. However, standards do not, by themselves, ensure ethical behaviour: which requires a robust culture of integrity and probity in public life.
