Comprehensive Practice Set - Ethics Theory: Probity in Governance

Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.

"Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability.

"Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent." Examine with suitable illustrations.

"The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas 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."

Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency. How will this scheme empower civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering services at grassroots level?

'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.

Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer engrossed with periphery ignoring core issues — does this lead to travesty of justice? Critically evaluate.

An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.

What is meant by 'public servant'? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.

What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three with suitable examples.

Explain the basic principles of citizens' charter movement and bring out its importance.

There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to implementation of RTI Act. Do you agree? Discuss.

"The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens' empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability." Discuss.

In spite of codes of conduct, vigilance cells, RTI, active media and legal mechanisms, corrupt practices are not under control. Evaluate effectiveness of these measures and suggest more effective strategies.

Some recent developments like RTI Act, media and judicial activism are helping in bringing transparency and accountability. However, mechanisms are misused and officers are afraid to take prompt decisions. Analyse and suggest how dichotomy can be resolved.

What do you understand by 'probity' in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?

What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.

What is meant by the term 'constitutional morality'? How does one uphold constitutional morality?

Several decisions taken by the Government are declared to have been taken in 'public interest'. What do you understand by the term 'public interest'? Can there be any objective criterion to decide what is in public interest and what is not? Explain with an example.

Why are transparency and the Right to Information adopted for the administration? Explain.

Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now afraid to take prompt decisions. Analyze this situation in detail and suggest how this dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimized.

The Right to Information Act entitles every citizen of the country to seek information from any Government entity, without giving any reason for seeking the information. This has arguably cast a huge burden on the Government departments to satisfy the information seekers. Are you in favour or against this arrangement? Justify your answer with supporting examples.

Discuss the role of citizen's charter in ensuring accountability and transparency in public service delivery. How can it be made more effective?

Examine the relationship between transparency and accountability in governance. How does the Right to Information Act contribute to this relationship?