Daily Answer Writing Challenge-22nd August

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.