Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Moral courage is the ability to act ethically and stand by one’s principles, even when faced with adversity. For bureaucrats, this often involves a conflict between institutional loyalty upholding organizational norms and commands and the public interest, which prioritizes societal welfare.

Body

Institutional Loyalty and Public Interest

• Institutional Loyalty: Faithfulness to the rules, policies, and directives of the organization.
  • Example: A bureaucrat adhering strictly to government orders despite personal reservations.
• Public Interest: Actions aimed at maximizing societal welfare and ensuring justice, fairness, and transparency.
  • Example: A civil servant exposing corruption in a government scheme to safeguard public resources.
• Conflict between the Two: Ethical dilemmas arise when institutional loyalty contradicts the welfare of the public.
  • Example: Whistleblowing on institutional malpractices despite the risk of professional consequences.

Challenges in Choosing Public Interest Over Institutional Loyalty

• Risk of Professional Repercussions: Acting against institutional orders can lead to suspension, demotion, or harassment.
  • Example: Satyendra Dubey, an engineer in the National Highways Authority, was targeted for exposing corruption.
• Pressure from Superiors: Bureaucrats may face intense pressure to conform to orders, even if unethical.
  • Example: The Watergate scandal revealed ethical conflicts within the administration.
• Ambiguity in Rules: Institutional frameworks may not always clearly define ethical boundaries, complicating decision-making.
  • Example: Lack of whistleblower protection often deters ethical actions.
• Social and Political Consequences: Acting against institutional norms may attract political or societal backlash.
  • Example: Public protests or criticism against perceived “anti-establishment” actions.

Importance of Moral Courage in Bureaucratic Ethics

• Safeguarding Public Resources: Upholding public interest prevents misuse of public funds and resources.
  • Example: Ashok Khemka’s efforts to expose irregularities in land allocation in Haryana.
• Promoting Transparency: Ethical actions ensure accountability and inspire public trust in institutions.
  • Example: IAS officer Armstrong Pame crowd-funded a road project for tribal welfare despite institutional delays.
• Strengthening Democratic Values: Acting in public interest reinforces fairness, justice, and equality.
  • Example: Ensuring marginalized communities receive their entitlements under welfare schemes.
• Setting Precedents: Acts of moral courage inspire future bureaucrats to prioritize ethics over compliance.
  • Example: E. Sreedharan’s commitment to professional integrity in the Delhi Metro project.

Balancing Institutional Loyalty and Public Interest

• Ethical Training for Bureaucrats: Incorporating case studies on resolving ethical dilemmas into training programs.
• Strengthening Whistleblower Protection: Ensuring safeguards for those exposing institutional malpractices.
• Fostering Ethical Leadership: Encouraging leaders to align institutional goals with public welfare.
  • Example: Good governance practices in Scandinavian countries.
• Creating Transparent Mechanisms: Institutional reforms to ensure decisions align with public interest without penalizing dissent.

Conclusion

Moral courage in bureaucracy often demands difficult choices between institutional loyalty and public interest. Ethical bureaucrats must navigate this tension by prioritizing public welfare while striving to reform institutional systems from within. By fostering moral courage, governance can truly serve the greater good.