UPSC Mains — Previous Year Question
Question
The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is a code of conduct already in operation, whereas a code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.
Model Answer
Public administration requires two complementary normative frameworks: a Code of Conduct (a rule-based, compliance-driven framework defining specific dos and don’ts) and a Code of Ethics (a value-based, aspirational charter guiding moral discernment). While India has codified conduct rules (e.g., Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1964), formalizing a comprehensive Code of Ethics remains essential to guide discretionary authority.
Comparison: Code of Conduct vs. Code of Ethics
| Dimension | Code of Conduct | Code of Ethics |
|---|---|---|
| Underlying Philosophy | Deontological compliance; rule-bound and prohibitive. | Virtue ethics; aspirational, value-oriented, and purpose-driven. |
| Nature of Content | Specific behavioral rules (e.g., barring political alignment, gifts, or private business). | Foundational moral values (e.g., integrity, empathy, impartiality, public interest). |
| Enforcement Mechanism | Enforced through departmental inquiries, administrative penalties, and disciplinary action. | Enforced through internal conscience, peer accountability, and ethical leadership. |
| Role in Decision-Making | Specifies what a civil servant must not do. | Guides what an administrator ought to do in complex moral dilemmas. |
Proposed Model for a Comprehensive Code of Ethics
- 1. Nolan Principles as Foundational Anchors:
- Integrate the Seven Principles of Public Life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership.
- 2. Constitutional Morality and Substantive Equality:
- Mandate that public decisions uphold the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, protecting vulnerable citizens under Article 21.
- 3. Conflict of Interest Management and Recusal:
- Require civil servants to identify and disclose direct and indirect personal or familial interests in official matters, mandating formal recusal to ensure impartiality.
- 4. Institutional Protection for Whistleblowers:
- Provide safe, confidential reporting channels for officers who report corruption or institutional wrongdoing.
- 5. Public Trust and Financial Probity (Trusteeship):
- Civil servants hold public resources as trustees for citizens, requiring prudent expenditure of public funds.
- 6. Empathy and Inclusivity in Citizen Engagement (Seva Bhava):
- Incorporate empathy and active listening into frontline administration, ensuring respect for the dignity of disadvantaged communities.
- 7. Periodic Ethical Training and Appraisals:
- Integrate ethical case evaluation into annual performance appraisals and mid-career training under Mission Karmayogi.
As Kautilya emphasized in the Arthashastra, the welfare of the people constitutes the core purpose of administrative governance (Yogakshema). Supporting the Code of Conduct with an institutional Code of Ethics strengthens probity and public trust in administration.