Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer with a brief introduction of Probity.
• Write some of the measures that are taken by the government to ensure probity in governance.
• To evaluate the measures, write challenges and ways to improve these measures.
• Conclude accordingly.

Introduction:

Probity in governance refers to the adherence to ethical and moral values such as honesty, integrity, accountability and transparency in the conduct of public affairs. Probity in governance is essential for enhancing public trust, preventing corruption, ensuring efficiency and promoting good governance.

Body:

Some of the measures taken by the government to ensure probity in governance are:

• Legislative Measures:
  • The government has enacted various laws and regulations to prevent and punish corruption, such as the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014, the Right to Information Act, 2005, etc.
• Institutional Measures:
  • The government has established various institutions and mechanisms to monitor and enforce probity in governance, such as the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the Election Commission of India (ECI), etc.
• Administrative Measures:
  • The government has introduced various reforms and initiatives to improve the efficiency, transparency and accountability of public service delivery, such as e-governance, citizen charters, performance appraisal, code of conduct, etc.
  • The effectiveness of these measures depends on various factors, such as their implementation, coordination, awareness, participation and oversight.

Challenges Faced by these Measures are:

• Lack of political will and commitment to curb corruption and ensure probity in governance.
• Interference and influence of vested interests and pressure groups on the functioning of anti-corruption agencies and institutions.
• Inadequate resources, capacity and autonomy of the anti-corruption agencies and institutions.
• Low awareness and involvement of the citizens and civil society in demanding and ensuring probity in governance.

Ways to Improve these Measures are:

• Strengthening the legal framework and ensuring its strict enforcement and compliance.
• Enhancing the independence, authority and accountability of the anti-corruption agencies and institutions.
• Increasing the use of technology and innovation to reduce human discretion and increase transparency and accessibility.
• Promoting a culture of ethics and values among the public servants and citizens through education, training and awareness.

Conclusion:

Probity in governance is a key determinant of good governance. The government has taken various measures to ensure probity in governance, but they need to be improved further to address the existing gaps and challenges. A collective effort of all stakeholders is required to foster probity in governance.