ETHICS & HUMAN

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INTERFACE
ˆ Since time immemorial Ethics was practised the gruesome bounty. For four days, the three
by several personalities across ancient men fed on the body and blood of the cabin
India such as Buddha’s Ashtanga Marga and boy and then help came. Dudley describes
Ashoka’s realisation after the Kalinga war. their rescue in his diary, with staggering
euphemism: “On the 24th day, as we were
ˆ But Ethics became more relevant after the
having our breakfast,” a ship appeared at
Industrial Revolution started when man
last. Upon their return to England, they were
became greedy and started exploiting
arrested and tried. They freely confessed
nature, colonization, imperialism and rich
that they had killed and eaten Parker. They
becoming richer, poor becoming poorer,
claimed they had done so out of necessity.
crime and discrimination started every nook
and corner of the society. ˆ Suppose you were the judge, How would
you rule? To simplify things, put aside the
ˆ As a civil servant, he has to go through
question of law and assume that you were
various critical circumstances in his service.
asked to decide whether killing the cabin
Therefore, it’s important to study Ethics and
boy was morally permissible. Very Often,
inculcate those values into administration. It
our moral judgements are based on the
is not only helping him in decision making
opinions that are mere reflections of our
but also gives him an opportunity to uplift
experiences, moral commitments and the
the weaker sections of the society.
moral framework that we use to evaluate
ˆ In the summer of 1884, four English sailors these questions. But to qualify the test of
led by Capitan Thomas Dudley were stranded fairness, this moral framework has to be
at sea in a small lifeboat since their ship had duly reasoned.
gone down in a storm. They were left with ˆ In order to develop a reasoned moral
only two cans of preserved turnips and no framework, it is a prerequisite to have
fresh water. Within a few days, they were left availability of various options for us to make
with nothing to eat. One of the crew was an a choice that might be against the prevailing
orphan boy, Richard Parker who against the system of morality. This moral reasoning is
advice of crew members drunk seawater and the very essence of Ethics, which is possible
became ill, appearing to be dying. Dudley because we can act against our nature, based
suggested drawing lots to determine who on our conscience. This moral reasoning
would die so that the others might live but stops us from simply describing what is likely
Brooks, one of the crew, refused. Next day, to happen, and allows us to make judgments
Dudley told Brooks to avert his gaze and about what should happen. Of all the ways
motioned to Stephens that Parker had to be you might act, which is the best? Of all the
killed. He offered a prayer and then killed the possibilities, which one should be brought
cabin boy with a penknife. Brooks emerged into reality? That’s the question ethics seeks
from his conscientious objection to share in to answer.

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 he will be unable to defend his beliefs derived
Definition and Nature of Ethics
from upheld morality by rational argument.
According to Mackenzie, Ethics is the study of He will feel lost and bewildered if others
what is good or right in conduct. contradict his beliefs based on rational
arguments. This will compel him to deny all
ˆ According to William Lillie, “Ethics is a
morality and end up living a life of Amoral.
normative science of the conduct of human
beings living in societies which judges this ˆ We have seen the drawbacks of being
conduct to be right or wrong, good and bad.” indifferent to ethics and ethical reasoning.
Now, it’s high time to decode the nature
ˆ Ethics is the philosophical study of morality
of ethics for better understanding of the
which is the set of beliefs concerning right concept. Let’s understand with the following
and wrong, good and bad etc. These beliefs characteristics of ethics;
can be our personal judgments and upheld
 Attributes of Ethics – Some of which are
values or principles which guide our actions,
universalistic (Practice of non-violence)
define our values and give us reasons for
and others are relative (Adultery in
being the persons we are. Ethics attempts to
marriage) in nature. It may be specific
address the powerful question that Socrates
to a particular task, profession or area
formulated years ago –
of responsibility, for instance, Ethics of
ˆ Undermining personal freedom – If you a doctor.
directly accept and never question the moral
 Cultivation of Ethics – Ethics can’t be
beliefs handed to you by your culture, then
cultivated in isolation but requires
those beliefs are not really yours—and they, involvement of society in order to
not you, control the path you take in life. Only develop social codes of conduct. This
if you critically examine these beliefs and is being used to promote and elevate
decide for yourself – you can enjoy freedom acceptable behavior as a social value
in a real sense. and reject and condemn unacceptable
ˆ Inability to deal with ethical dilemma – The behavior. For instance, Allowing
no-questions-asked approach increases love birds to roam around freely and
the chances that your responses to moral condemning the Bajrang dal, for their
dilemmas will be incomplete, confused conduct of beating these love birds on
Valentine day.
or mistaken. Sometimes in real life, moral
principles conflict with one another. Solving  Sense of responsibility – Ethics cannot
these problems requires a moral framework be maintained or sustained by merely
to critically evaluate existing moral beliefs. accountability to some external
agency but also to something within.
ˆ Halt on intellectual moral growth – To not do
For instance, Corruption in Public life
ethics is to stay locked in a kind of intellectual
can’t be dealt with merely by being
limbo where exploration in ethics and
law abiding public servants (Virtue of
personal moral progress are barely possible
Honesty and Integrity) but it requires
ˆ May end up living a life of Amoral – If stubborn commitment to expose
someone blindly embraces societal morality, corrupt activities (Virtue of Probity).

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  Variability – It may vary between cultural more important than the actual activity.
and ethnic groups (For e.g. Consumption For example, a good painter is one who
of Non- veg meals) but there tends to can paint beautifully whereas a good
be broad agreement within national man is not one who can but one who
communities on what is right and what acts rightly.
is wrong. Thus, it is best understood in
context of moral standards prevailing in EVALUATION OF ETHICS
particular societies.
Evaluation of Ethical conduct means to
 Normative science instead of Positive respect the rights of participants and ensure
science – Ethics differs from positive minimisation from the potential harm. It can be
science which is concerned with facts done on the basis of:
and explains them by their causes, but ˆ Free Will: A choice is evaluated for ethical or
ethics deals with values. It evaluates unethical, when it is chosen from available
standards or norms (Normative options freely. If someone has only one
Science) by which we can judge human choice, we cannot term it as ethical or
action to be right or wrong. unethical.
 Science of Character – According to ˆ Knowledge: We cannot exercise free will in
Intuitionists, Ethics is the science of an ethical manner, unless and until we have
right and it ought to be obeyed under knowledge of its consequences. Example-
all circumstances. Thus, it reflects the Baby’s action of destroying something is not
moral character of a person in the sense unethical, because the baby does not have
– whether there exists consistency or knowledge of it.
not in the conduct of a person based on
ˆ Fear: If someone tries to kill you and you kill
moral principles.
him in self-defense, you’re acting under fear
 Ethics and practical science – Ethics for your life. So, it’s subject to legal scrutiny
is not like practical science which is a but not ethical scrutiny.
means for the realization of an end. For
ˆ Pathological Status: Husband suffering
example, medical science is a means to
from schizophrenia mistreats his wife. This
remove the causes of disease but ethics
is not subject to ethical scrutiny because he’s
tries to see what the ultimate goal of life
suffering from a mental disorder so he lacks
is and how this goal can be reached.
the knowledge and free will.
 Ethics and Art – Art depends upon result
ˆ Habit: Since childhood, Japanese are trained
while ethics is based on motive. As
to apologize profusely even for slightest
Mackenzie described, in art the ultimate
mistake or discomfort caused to another
appeal is to the work achieved whereas
human.
in morals the ultimate appeal is to the
inner harmony. Further, he argues that ˆ Value System: A fallen Samurai would prefer
virtue implies activity i.e. virtuous men to commit ritual suicide rather than suffering
actually practices morality whereas torture by his enemies. Because it is part of
in case of art the possession of skill is his Bushido honor code.

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 or nation also helps to determine the conduct
DETERMINANTS OF ETHICS
of their followers or admirers is ethical.
ˆ Person: Depends on the mental make-up ˆ Constitution: The Constitution of various
of the individual. It depends upon how the countries also is a way to establish the moral
person has internalized personal attitudes disposition of their society.
and values regarding ethical behavior.
ˆ God & Religion: Every religion and god
ˆ Place: It refers to the external environment advocate universal peace and ethical
which includes family, school, etc. For practices. Religious textbooks teach how
example, as kids we were told by our parents one should behave in a society and how the
and teachers not to steal things. As we society should be.
grow up we tend to carry such knowledge ˆ Conscience & Intuition: A person who
and apply it to the real world. Similarly, the follows his conscience & Intuition feels that
workplace teaches us ethics of teamwork, what is good is good because it is good and
punctuality, responsibility, etc. what is bad is bad because it is bad. Intuition
ˆ Time: Different individuals, societies and doesn’t need any justification while following
cultures have different sets of moral codes its actions. But conscience is justified based
at different times. It was once considered on his actions because of its moral nature
ethical to own a slave. But today such a and it has reasoning and justification.
practice is unethical. ˆ Family: Family is the first interaction where
ˆ Object: It is unethical to lie despite any a children personality develops since his
circumstances, purpose or intention. Telling birth. Today’s Children are tomorrow’s
a truth to intentionally harm a person is also citizens. Therefore, it’s of utmost importance
unethical as the intention of telling a truth is that Family environment teaches what is
not pure. ethically correct.

ˆ Circumstances: Stealing is unethical. But IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS

a poor person stealing to feed her children
Provides Moral Map: Ethics provides us with a
reduces the act. Such situation ethics bring
moral map, a framework that we can use to find
subjectivity as it often makes morality
our way through difficult issues.
subjective.
ˆ Help to Resolve Moral Issues: Ethics does
ˆ End purpose: To give a donation to a poor
provide good tools for thinking about
person is good but if such donation is to lure
moral issues. It doesn’t always show the
poor person to do something for you, then it
right answer to moral problems, but it can
becomes immoral.
eliminate confusion and clarify the issues.
ˆ Culture: Culture has a profound effect on ˆ Ensures Individual as well as Social
shaping individual values. As western culture Good: Ethics is an attempt to guide human
surrounds individualistic and Indian culture conduct and it is also an attempt to help
based on universalism. man in leading a good life by applying moral
ˆ Role Models / Celebrities / Famous principles. It aims at individual good as well
Personalities: The leadership or role models as social good, the good of mankind as a
and celebrities of a society or an organization whole

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 E.g. honesty, For instance,
integrity, Homosexuality
empathy, might be
courage, moral from an
dedication, individual’s
compassion etc. perspective.
But it might be
unethical from a
society’s point of
view.

BELIEF
Attainment of Highest Good: “Summum Bonum” ˆ A belief is the most common term used
(The Highest Good - The Definitive Happiness) is to explain the behavioral component of
the goal of an ethical system. a person. It is an internal feeling that
ˆ Resolves Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical something is true, even though that belief
values such as honesty, trustworthiness, may be unproven and irrational.
responsibility help guide us along a pathway ˆ E.g. My belief is that God plays an important
to deal more effectively with ethical role in success and achievements in life.
dilemmas.
ˆ E.g. Gandhiji believed that swaraj can be
ˆ Frees from Bias and Prejudices: Application attained within one year of launching a non-
of moral principles and ethical values in cooperation movement.
our life helps to deconstruct the wrong
ˆ Belief can be peripheral (weak) and core
conceptions, attitude and helps to avoid bias
(strong). Beliefs which are formed by direct
and prejudices.
interaction are generally strong.
ˆ Effective Decision Making: Ethics guides us
ˆ Belief is also referred to as cognition.
to make right, just and inclusive decisions
aimed at personal as well as societal interest Essence of Ethics
ETHICS, VALUES AND MORALS ˆ At the heart of ethics is a concern about
something or someone other than ourselves,
Ethics Values Morals our own desires and self-interest. Ethics is
Ethics are Values can Morals are concerned with other people’s interests, with
standards of be defined as principles
human conduct qualities that are of right and
the interests of society, with the ‘ultimate
that society instrumental to wrong held by good’. Thus, when people think ethically
adopts for itself. us. Values are an individual.
Ethics are a set benchmarks Unlike ethics,
they are giving some thought to something
of dos and don’ts or standards morals are beyond themselves. The essence of ethics
that govern on which the standards
human conduct desirability of of behavior
can be understood as follows:
in a social an action can pertaining to
setting. be measured. an individual
 The scope of ethics includes only
Values act as an and not social voluntary human actions. This means
internal compass conduct.
which help a Morals arise
the actions done by humans consciously,
person evaluate from personal deliberately and in view of an end. It is
different choices experience,
of conduct and character,
concerned about that part of human
behavior. conscience and conduct for which humans have some
so on.
personal responsibility.

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  It is a set of standards that a society Determinants of Ethics in Human Action
places on itself and which helps in The actions performed by human beings cannot
guiding behavior, choices and actions of be genuinely called human actions, if any of the
its members.
aforesaid conditions, i.e., ignorance, passion or
 It is concerned about what is right, fair, violence, are present. This action is not human
just or good, about what we ought to do, and hence cannot be subjected to scrutiny in
not just about what is most acceptable ethics.
or expedient.
However, when there is reason or knowledge
 It endeavors to analyze and evaluate involved, when the acts are voluntary, it can be
the principles embodied in various determined whether a given human act is good
alternatives for conduct and social
or bad. As per moral theologians there are certain
order.
determinants of the moral quality of our actions.
ˆ It includes study of universal values such These are:
as essential equalities of all men and
ˆ It includes study of universal values such
women, human or natural rights, obedience
as essential equalities of all men and
to the law, concern for health and safety
and, increasingly, also for the natural women, human or natural rights, obedience
environment. to the law, concern for health and safety
and, increasingly, also for the natural
What are the Determinants and
environment.
Consequences of Ethics in Human Action?
ˆ ‘Human action’ is the starting point of ethics. Nature/Object of the Act
One of the very first points of consideration
in judging the morality or immorality of any ˆ One of the criteria of judging the morality/
act of a person is that it must be a conscious goodness of human acts is its object/nature.
human act, before it can have any moral Every action has a particular nature/essence
quality whatsoever. that makes it different from other actions.
ˆ Thus, since digestion, growth, movement An act thus specified may, when considered
of blood in the veins, etc. are not under the in itself, be good, bad, or indifferent. Thus,
control of our will, they are not spoken of as helping a blind person across the street is
moral acts at all. They are acts of a human a good act in itself, to blaspheme is bad in
person, but they are not called ‘human acts. itself, and learning to shoot is in itself an
ˆ A human act is one that proceeds from indifferent act and learning to shoot is in
knowledge and free will. If either adequate itself an indifferent act.
knowledge or freedom is lacking in the act of
ˆ However, there are certain types of acts that
a person, then that act is not fully human and
therefore, not fully moral. are called intrinsically evil/immoral by its
very nature, that is, by its inherent moral
ˆ It includes study of universal values such
meaning. An intrinsically evil act is an act
as essential equalities of all men and
that is always bad, always sinful. It is never
women, human or natural rights, obedience
to the law, concern for health and safety good, never appropriate, and never useful
and, increasingly, also for the natural irrespective of the ulterior intentions of the
environment. one acting and the circumstances.

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ˆ Reason also attests that some of the human ˆ A good intention, no matter how good, does
acts by their very nature are incapable of not make something essentially immoral
being good because they radically contradict into something morally good.
the notion of good, for instance, rape, murder ˆ An action that has a good object can become
of innocent children, or blasphemy. more or less good because of its purpose.
ˆ Meanwhile, there are some specific acts such ˆ An action which is inherently wrong may
as abortion, embryonic stem cell research, become a greater or lesser wrong depending
same sex marriage, euthanasia, etc. that on the purpose of the moral agent.
are considered intrinsically immoral as per
moral codes of certain societies/religion. Circumstances of the Action
Even though intentions may sometimes be
ˆ Every human act in a concrete order is
good, and circumstances frequently difficult,
done under particular circumstances.
these acts are considered non-negotiable
Circumstances may therefore affect the
and hence punishable by such societies.
morality of an action and add something to
ˆ However, such instances of judging morally of the moral quality. Circumstances of a human
an act as evil or sinful prior to a consideration action include such things as the act being
of the circumstances and intentions might done at a particular time, in a particular
be questionable, debatable or even invalid in place, by a particular agent, in a particular
some other societies. manner. How the differing circumstances
change the rightness or wrongness of actions
Intention/Purpose of the Action
can be understood as outlined below:
Actions may be either good or bad, depending ˆ Sometimes circumstances affect the morality
on why we do them. According to Aristotle and of the action only in degree, that is, they
teleological theorists every human action, no contribute to increasing or diminishing the
matter how trivial, has some purpose/ motive/ moral goodness or evil of human acts. For
intention behind it. example, stealing is bad by object, stealing
A person has the moral responsibility for all a rare object/or stealing from a destitute/
such actions (deliberate or omissions, doing or poor increases the malice of the action. On
withholding from an action, trying or attempting the other hand, if a robber acts like Robin
to bring about a certain result) that involves Hood by stealing from the rich to help the
agent’s foresight, cause, desire, or motivation. poor, his robberies become less immoral.
Therefore, the intention of the person in action is ˆ Some circumstances impart a new type of
an element essential to the moral evaluation of an goodness or badness to an action by the
action. The manner in which purpose/intention effect of when and where it takes place.
affects the ethics of an action is outlined below:
 When: Whether it is done during war
ˆ For a human act to be morally good the agent or peace. For instance, there is an
or doer must have good intentions. increase in the guilt of an intelligence
ˆ The motive of an agent can change an act officer who, when caught by an enemy
morally good by nature into a morally evil country at the time of war, succumbs to
act. threat of violence and discloses highly

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 confidential information that severely ˆ An action is judged to be good or bad on
affects national secrets. the basis of its outcome. If other people
 Where: Similarly, where the action suffer, it is wrong. If people benefit, it is
takes place can affect its morality. For right. Consequences, then, are an important
instance, a murder in a church/cathedral consideration in our analysis of ethical
adds an additional moral evil to murder conduct. The cases where the consequences
itself as it involves the profanation of a of an action are attributable to the doer who
consecrated place of worship and hence is held responsible for an effect, involve the
the additional evil of sacrilege. following conditions:

ˆ Circumstances can also diminish or lessen  If the doer holds notice (even if vaguely)
the agent’s responsibility. For instance, a or knows ahead what the consequences
woman who kills the person who attacks her of a particular choice or action will be,
chastity is absolved from the guilt of killing he/she is presumed to have willed the
someone. effect. For example, in case of a bad
ˆ Thus, since all human actions occur at a effect, if a hunter sees an object, but is
certain time and at a certain place, the unsure whether it is a man or a deer.
circumstances must always be considered in The hunter anticipates vaguely what
evaluating the moral quality of any human the consequences of firing a shot may
act. Meanwhile, it must be understood that ‘a be: killing of dear or killing of men. If the
morally good act requires the goodness of the hunter chooses to shoot anyhow, he has
object, of the end, and of the circumstances willed the effect, whether the killing of
together’. If any one of the three is evil, then dear or killing of men.
the human act in question is evil and should
 If the actor does not perform the act but
be avoided.
causes another one to do it (in the form
ˆ Agents that influence/ determine the of help, encouragement or persuasion),
ethicality of human action: the first person is still morally
 Individual personality traits responsible for the consequences of the
 Culture or country of the individual act to the degree that he or she foresaw
those consequences. For instance, if
 Organization/ industry
a politician gives a hate speech that
Consequences of Ethics incites communal violence in a sensitive
in Human Action area, he will be considered guilty of the
commission of a wrong act.
ˆ The consequences are the effects caused by
an action. Many of our actions, decisions,  If one remains silent or does not take
and choices of everyday life are made with any action - If a person witnesses a road
an eye to the consequences. Human beings accident and refrains from helping the
by nature tend to be consequence oriented. victim in critical condition, he fails to
That means we have a tendency to seek perform the duty of a good Samaritan
intended results and the quality of these therefore, is guilty of errors of omission
results/consequences depend on how much and the bad consequences (death of the
goodness they contain. victim) that follow.

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ˆ Thus, whatever increases, lessens or destroys decisions and influencing public opinion
the liberty and knowledge that are essential in every non-profit or profit-making
for a moral act also increases, lessens or organization. Monitoring and assessing
destroys the responsibility of the actor. public opinion as well as preserving
goodwill and understanding between
How do Ethics work in Private a company and its customers are all
and Public Relationships? part of the management task of public
relations.
ˆ Ethics in Public Relationships:

 Ethics is concerned with notions such Characteristics of public relationships

as right and wrong, as well as good and
ˆ In public, there are people who are different
bad human behavior in various social
from dealing with people.
and organizational situations.
ˆ Private Relationship: ˆ Public relationships are likely to be
instrumental.
 Unlike a politician’s or bureaucrat’s
interaction with the general public or a ˆ Engagements due to work or benefit.
doctor’s relationship with his patients, ˆ Expectation for respect.
a person’s private relationships, such as
ˆ A particular kind of role to be played in
marriage, family, kinship, and friendship,
public relationships therefore responsible
are private. Private relationships are
for what a person says.
more personal.
ˆ Accountability is what a person says and
ˆ Characteristics of private relationships:
does.
 Expecting a spouse to be faithful, loving,
and affectionate. DETERMINANTS OF ETHICS
 More tolerance for imperfections. Determinants of Ethics are the sources from
 They are comparatively long-lasting. which an ethical standard arises.

 Private relationships are frequently Following are factors/determinants which

inherited or granted. determines whether human action is good or
bad, ethical or unethical, just or unjust –
ˆ Generally speaking, personal qualities,
universal human values, religion, societal ˆ Religion: Every religion in the world
conventions, and the law of the nation guide advocates ethical living and lays down some
ethics in private interactions. Actions guided ethical principles or standards.
by ethics are easier to justify in public. Moral ˆ Example- Law of Karma in Hinduism, Golden
standards and institutions with religious
rule in Christianity, charity and equality in
and constitutional considerations also have
Islam etc.
an impact on ethical issues in personal
relationships in India. ˆ Culture: Culture along with the ancient
religious texts also influences the ethical
ˆ Ethics in Public Relationships:
principles of a person. Culture acts as
 Public Relations are now becoming a prescriptions for correct and moral
vital function affecting management behaviour. Example- Caring and respecting

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 elders is considered ethical in Indian culture. ˆ Judiciary:Judiciary also lays down ethical
standards through the various judgements.
ˆ Society: In any society, most people accept
standards that are, in fact, ethical. But ethics Example- In the Sabarimala temple case,

is not doing “whatever The Supreme Court of India upheld the right
to equality and allowed women to enter the
society accepts”. Standards of behaviour in
temple and worship the deity.
society can deviate from what is ethical. An
entire society can become ethically corrupt. CHALLENGES TO ETHICS
Nazi Germany is a good example of a morally
ˆ Situation Ethics: It is the kind of approach
corrupt society.
to morality we might expect from an
ˆ Law: law often incorporates ethical existentialist, who tends to reject the very
standards. But laws can deviate from what idea of human nature or any nature or
is ethical, thus we cannot equate ethics with essence.
the law. For instance, Good Samaritan ˆ Moral Relativism & Moral Objectivism:
Law which ensures help to injured persons Moral relativists are those who deny the
in accidents also incorporates ethical existence of universal moral principles.
standards. ˆ Moral objectivism takes the position that
ˆ Family and Teachers: Any child is like a clean there are objective moral truths that some
slate in childhood. Its family and teachers actions are right for all people at all times
play the most important role in shaping their and that others are wrong for all people at
attitude, behaviours, and inculcating values all times.
in their children. But sometimes children ˆ Moral Subjectivism: Moral subjectivism
can deviate from the family teachings. argues that in the sphere of human behaviour
what is true for one individual is not true for
ˆ Conscience: Conscience is a person’s moral
everyone else or even for anyone else.
sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting
as a guide to one’s behaviour. Example- ˆ Psychological Egoism: It is a psychological
Gandhiji withdrew the Non-cooperation theory according to which men are so
constituted that they always act in their
movement after the violence in Chauri
selfish interest. It is not possible for them to
Chaura incident.
act otherwise.
ˆ Role Models: Role models also can influence
ˆ Ethical Egoism: This is a form of hedonism
ethical values of individuals. Example- Lal
which is a doctrine which proposes that
Bahadur Shastri’s simplicity, honesty,
one should maximize one’s happiness and
integrity, and compassionate behaviour minimize one’s unhappiness.
appeals to followers even today.
ˆ Doctrine of Determinism: It holds that
ˆ Constitution: Fairness, Justice, equality, the decisions and actions of human beings
non-discrimination, duty to protect the are causally determined by external
environment are some ethical values forces. Hence, men cannot be morally held
provided in the Indian constitution. responsible for their actions.

vvvv

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 ATTITUDE
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ˆ “It is our attitude at the beginning of a ˆ Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral
difficult task which, more than anything else, Components: Attitudes have thoughts,
will affect its successful outcome.” - William emotions, and actions.
James
ˆ Subjective: Attitudes vary from person to
ˆ “Attitude is a psychological tendency that is
person.
expressed by evaluating a particular entity
with some degree of favour or disfavour.” - ˆ Expressive and Communicative: Attitudes
Eagly and Chaiken are expressed through cues.
ˆ “You can often change your circumstances by ˆ Context-Dependent: Attitudes can vary in
changing your attitude.” - Eleanor Roosevelt. different situations.
ˆ “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big ˆ Can Be Influenced and Changed: Attitudes
difference “ - Winston Churchill
can be influenced and modified.
INTRODUCTION
Types of attitudes
ˆ Attitude is an evaluation people make
1. Positive Attitude:
towards persons, objects, ideas or events.
For Eg. An attitude of reverence towards  A positive attitude has many benefits
religion makes one follow its doctrine. which affect our other kinds of behavior
in a good way. For example, a person
ˆ Attitudes are the perspectives on a situation
based upon the values held by a person or who has a positive attitude and mindset
organization. will look for the good in other person’s
no matter how bad they behave or how
ˆ It is a psychological tendency of evaluating a
bad their attitude is.
particular object either in favour or disfavour.
2. Negative attitude
CHARACTERISTICS OF ATTITUDE
 Generally, people with a negative
Psychological Construct: Attitude is a mental attitude ignore the good things in life
evaluation and predisposition. and only think about whether they will
ˆ Learned and Acquired: Attitudes are fail. They often find a way out of tough
acquired through socialization. situations by running away from it.
ˆ Relatively Stable: Attitudes are enduring 3. Neutral attitude
and resistant to change.
 People generally tend to ignore the
ˆ Evaluation and Judgement: Attitudes problems in life. They wait for some
involve positive or negative appraisal. other individual to take care of their
ˆ Influence Behaviour: Attitudes shape and problems. They generally have a lazy life
predict behavior. and they are often unemotional.

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4. Sikken attitude Example:
 One of the most dangerous types of ˆ Portugal’s football player Ronaldo sat down
attitudes and differences is the sikken for his first pre-match press conference
attitude. The sikken attitude has the of the tournament before Portugal’s clash
calibre to destroy every image that with Hungary, and noticed that two bottles
comes in connection with a positive of Coca-Cola were sitting directly in front of
image. This type of attitude is more of a him. He promptly removed the soft drinks
negative attitude and is very destructive. from the view of the cameras and replaced
It often reflects the mind’s negativity. them with a water bottle.
ˆ In the given example, the cognitive
STRUCTURE/COMPONENTS component is the knowledge of Ronaldo
OF ATTITUDE that Coca Cola is bad for health. The affective
component is the feeling of disgust towards
Attitude is made up of three main components:
Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioural. Coca Cola and the behavioral component is
the removal of the Coca Cola bottles.
1. Cognitive: This component of attitude
involves our thoughts and beliefs about FORMATION OF ATTITUDE
something or someone. It’s based on the
information we have gathered and our The following theories are used to explain the
understanding of it. We form judgments and formation of attitude:
opinions based on what we know. 1. Classical or Pavlovian Conditioning: It
For example, if someone believes that involves pairing a previously neutral
snakes are dangerous, it means they have a stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus
to elicit conditioned response.
cognitive attitude towards snakes based on
their knowledge or information. Ivan Pavlov Discovered Classical
Conditioning:
2. Affective: The affective component of
ˆ He paired previously neutral stimulus (sound
attitude deals with our emotions and
of bell, which did not elicit any response
feelings towards something or someone. It’s
from dogs) with unconditioned stimulus
how we feel about a particular object, person,
(dog’s food) to elicit conditioned response in
issue, or event. It can include emotions like
dogs. Because of the conditioned response,
fear, hate, pleasure, or even love.
dogs produced saliva just by ringing bells.
For example, if someone is scared of spiders,
Example - Citizens develop a positive attitude
it means they have an affective attitude of
towards civil servants who consistently work
fear towards spiders.
for the betterment of people.
3. Behavioural: The behavioral component 2. Instrumental Conditioning: According to
of attitude is about how our attitude this theory, positive outcomes strengthen
influences our behavior or actions. It’s the behaviors while negative outcomes
way we tend to act or behave based on our suppress them.
attitude.
Example- A person who is continuously
For example, if someone has a fear of snakes, ostracized for smoking, eventually will quit
their behavioral attitude might be to run smoking by developing a negative attitude
away when they see a snake. towards it.

12
3. Observational Learning: This theory other hand, negative reinforcement like
says that a person modifies his behavior/ punishment, teasing, criticizing, troubling
thought by observing the rewards or may lead to developing a negative attitude.
punishments that others get. Examples: when a patient’s life is saved by
Example – Best employee awards are given a particular hospital at critical moments, he
in companies so as to change the attitude of will develop a favorable attitude and if the
the employees. life is lost, he will develop a negative attitude
towards the hospital doctor.
4. Genetic Factors: It plays an important role
in shaping and developing attitude toward ˆ Direct instruction: Sometimes direct
any thing or entity. instruction can influence attitude formation.
For example, if somebody gives information
Example - For certain food is more influenced
about a hair dye or the usefulness of some
by genetic factors.
fruit, we develop an attitude about that
5. Culture: Culture exerts enormous influence
product, which may be positive or negative.
on an individual. Culture in itself includes
religion, tradition, customs, prohibitions, ˆ Satisfaction of wants: Individual develops
rewards and sanctions. favorable attitudes towards those people
and objects which satisfy his wants and
Example - Maria’s cultural upbringing
unfavorable attitudes towards those who do
instilled in her a strong sense of respect for
not satisfy
elders, shaping her behavior to prioritize
their opinions and seek their guidance in FUNCTIONS OF ATTITUDE
decision-making.
Following are the main functions of attitude:
The factors which lead to development of
ˆ Utilitarian/Instrumental Function:
attitudes can be:
Utilitarian attitude leads to behavior that
ˆ Family: Family is the most powerful source
optimizes one’s interest.
for formation of attitudes. The parents,
siblings provide information about various Positive attitude towards objects that are
things. associated with rewards and negative attitude
towards those associated with punishment.
ˆ Peers: As the individual develops, he comes
Example - Awards such as Bharat Ratna, Padma
in contact with the outer world and peers in
Bhusan, Padma Vibhusan etc are bestowed by
the first place. Peers include friends of the
the government to develop a positive attitude in
same age, friends, neighbors, classmates, etc.
the citizens towards their respective works and
The child tries to internalize the attitudes of
social service.
these people.
ˆ Knowledge Function: It enables one to
ˆ Conditioning: When we are conditioned
understand the environment and be
or adjusted to a certain set up of people,
consistent in one’s ideas and thinking. It
situation, etc., we will be influenced by
desires for a predictable, stable world.
that. Hence, our associations lead to
developing attitudes. Many times, the kind of Example - a person avoids visiting countries
reinforcement we get from the environment like Syria as he has knowledge that his life
also leads to developing attitudes. On the will be in danger there.

13
ˆ Ego Defensive Function: It protects an Example - Michael’s open-minded attitude
individual from acknowledging the basic allows him to adapt to diverse cultural
truths about himself or harsh realities of perspectives, facilitating social interactions
life. It helps an individual to psychologically and fostering understanding in a globalized
isolate him from groups perceived as hostile world.
or threatening.
ˆ Social Identity Function: It helps in
Example - You may not be able to play displaying the information of attitude of
football like Messi. Instead of accepting this an individual to others.
reality, you can claim that you don’t like
Example - Celebrating Independence Day
football to maintain your self-image.
demonstrates the patriotic image to others.
ˆ Value Expressive Function: It helps to
demonstrate one’s self-image to others. INFLUENCE OF ATTITUDE
It expresses our basic values. It helps in ON BEHAVIOUR
securing social approval for an individual
Attitude Behaviour
Example - standing in solidarity with victims y Attitude is an internal y Behavior is the
of injustice (even if one is not directly related component of our manifestation or
cognition (Knowledge or exhibition of such an
to it) serves the value expressive function. Information) attitude

ˆ Function of Decision Making: Our decisions y Attitude refers to a y Behaviour implies the
person’s mental view, actions and conduct of
are based on how we evaluate situations. regarding the way he/ an individual or group
she thinks or feels about towards other persons
Attitude facilitates decision making.
someone or something.
Example - Attitude of alleviating poverty y It is more personal. y It is more social
y A person’s attitude is y The behaviour of a person
ˆ Self-Awareness Function: Attitudes can help mainly based on the is based on the situation
people to approach things that are beneficial experiences gained by and circumstances.
him during the course of
to them and avoid things that aAttitude is his life and observations.
defined as tendencies to behave in certain y Attitude reflects one’s y Behaviour reflects one’s
ways in social situations. emotions, opinions and attitude as actions are the
thoughts. reflection of our thoughts.
 But most recent researchers have y Factors like environment, y Attitudes, character traits,
experiences, and moral biological factors like
found that not always people behave
values mainly influence endocrine and nervous
according to their attitude i.e there attitudes. responses influence our
behaviour
is mismatch between attitude and
y Example-Someone can y Example-This belief is
expected behaviour. have an attitude of an attitude and can be
showing sympathy to shown in behaviour by
 Attitude is a personal trait, whereas poor people practising compassion by
behaviour is a social trait. helping poor people.

Example - Sarah’s positive attitude towards

healthy eating leads her to choose nutritious CATEGORIES OF ATTITUDE
foods and avoid harmful dietary habits.
EXPLICIT ATTITUDE AND
ˆ Social Adjustment Function: Attitudes help IMPLICIT ATTITUDE
us in social adjustments. Attitudes help us in
simplifying our perception about the world Explicit Attitude: Also referred to as the “Self
and make it more manageable to us. Reported Attitude”. This Attitude is embedded

14
in our conscious cognition or in simple words, public domain. Political attitude determines
the person involved is aware of his/her Attitude. one’s interest or lack of interest in political

ˆ Implicit Attitude: Mostly governed by ideologies, persons, parties, likelihood

of participating in a political activity like
past memories, this Attitude is embedded
casting votes, contesting elections etc.
in our unconscious cognition. It arises
unintentionally due to our experiences Factors determining political attitude
y Explicit Attitude y Implicit Attitude
ˆ There are many factors which influence the
y A person is aware of his y A person is unaware of
attitudes. implicit beliefs. formation of political attitudes in people.
y It is formed consciously. y It is a subconscious Foremost is the individual’s family, the
attitude
political attitude of the individual depends on
y It is less spontaneous y It is more spontaneous.
what family members believe. Families have
y It reflects values, beliefs y It reflects experiences
and desired responses. based on social an enduring influence on young people’s
conditioning developing political opinion through the
y It is easy to self-report y It is usually unknown to
process of socialization.
us
y Example- positive attitude y Example- positive ˆ Further, family not only shapes political
towards a product which attitude towards
was manufactured in an products used by parents attitude with respect to parties and policies
environment friendly during childhood days. they favor but also determines how likely
manner.
a person is willing to join political activity
like voting and politics itself. This is seen
POLITICAL ATTITUDE
in the form of dynasty politics where the
ˆ In our day to day lives we hear different younger generation of a political family
narratives of our family, friends and media tends to join the political party presenting a
about the government, its policies and laws, positive attitude towards the same. Another
political philosophies etc. These narratives institution of socialization is schools and
that present the thoughts, feelings as well colleges that shape the political attitude of
as behavior tendency refers to the attitude individuals.
of these sections towards political objects. ˆ Educational institutions provide individuals
Thus, simply political attitude defines how the knowledge of the political world and the
people evaluate the political objects such role the younger generation are expected to
as state, citizenship, constitution, laws, play in the political process of the nation.
government and political parties. Schools transmit the values and attitude of
ˆ Individuals have an enduring predisposition the society. They play a crucial role in shaping
to react favorably or unfavorably towards their attitude about the unwritten rules of
these political objects. For example, the the game of politics. Schools reinforce the
attitude of people towards the constitution affection for the political system and provide
is generally positive as it provides them common symbols for an expressive response
rights and limits the authority of state. Thus, to the system such as flag and pledge of
political attitude refers to the outlook of an allegiance. Colleges act as a cradle of politics
individual or group with respect to political where individuals have their first experience
persons, events, institutions and issues in with student politics.

15
 civilization as presence of certain values is
OPINION AND ATTITUDE
expected to create good human beings which
It is an individual’s thought or belief about in turn leads to a healthy society.
something, whether good or bad. It can vary 2. Inculcation: Values are inculcated in us since
from person to person. childhood by educational institutions, family
Example- There are conflicting opinions on and society through cultural means, diffusion,
the possession of Nuclear Weapons, Historical transmission and socialization. Methods like
Responsibility of Climate Change in the Western teaching, preaching, observation are used
and Eastern World. by institutions to inculcate values in the
new generation. Factors that play a role in
Opinion Attitude
y It is the expression of y It is a predisposition to
inculcation of values
judgment. act in a certain way.
i. Family: Family inculcates values in
y It is restricted to verbal y Attitude is inferred from
expression -spoken or both verbal & non-verbal children by their upbringing. Ethics are
written. expressions taught to children by observation and
y It may or may not y It is generated from own also by child rearing practices (CRPs).
be based on facts or belief system
knowledge For instance, experts have urged
y Opinion is generally y It is related to more families to inculcate respect for women
advisable in nature to to self like or dislike
others. towards person, place,
among children as a way to reduce
environment, etc gender-based violence.
y Example- An author y Example- The author
expressing positive having a positive attitude ii. Education: Schools and higher education
opinion on democracy about democracy by shape the behaviour of children and
through an article. studying various forms
of government. adults. Curriculum, teaching methods,
activity-based learning, moral science
What are Values etc. are used to guide children towards
ˆ Values can be defined as qualities that are ethical behaviour.
important to us. Values are benchmarks or iii. Society: Culture and tradition determine
standards on which the desirability of an what is considered ethical/unethical
action can be measured. behaviour. For example, contemporary
ˆ Values act as an internal compass which Indian society sees dowry as ethical
help a person evaluate different choices of even though it is a patently immoral
conduct and behaviour. Values are developed practice.
as a result of substantial time and emotional iv. God and religion: Religion is the old
investment, so, by nature they are relatively
and ultimate source of values. All
stable and difficult to change. Some examples
religions lay down moral precepts for
are honesty, integrity, empathy, courage
its followers. Religion has a uniquely
etc. People adopt certain values in life and
strong impact upon people’s beliefs
strive to attain them through their decisions
and actions. about what is right and wrong.
v. Conscience: Conscience is the inner
Concepts related to ‘values’
voice of people that tells us what is
1. Importance: Values are given a lot of right and wrong. In some cases, a
importance and appreciation by human person’s values might not be influenced

16
 externally but only by their conscience. the hierarchy are considered more important
For example, social reformers like Raja by individuals than the lower values.
Ram Mohan Roy was a person whose Example- for a civil servant, constitutional
values were inculcated not by the values must occupy the apex levels of
then social norms but by their inner hierarchy, followed by organizational values
goodness. and then personal values at lower levels.
vi. Civil society: Ethics also arise from the 6. Various types of values
collective conscience of the public. Every
a. Terminal and Instrumental: Terminal
society has certain shared values and
values are the ones that are ends-
opinions. Society mobilizes in the form in themselves, such as happiness,
of social and civic bodies to promote salvation etc. Instrumental values are
a particular set of goals and values. the ones that are used to attain terminal
Such activity also affects the ethics of values. For example, in Indian tradition,
individuals. dharma, artha, kama are instrumental
For example :people from all communities values and moksha is the terminal value.
came forward and raised their voice against b. Intrinsic and Extrinsic values: Intrinsic
mob lynching in India due to the culture of values are ones that hold value on their
tolerance and pluralism. It has been seen that own such as peace, love etc. Extrinsic
even when all the external factors remain the values are those that are valuable only
same, different individuals adopt different when used to attain something with
sets of values and assign different priorities intrinsic value. For example, wealth
to different values because of personal and wisdom are extrinsic values which
filters, personal experiences and conscience. are used to realize intrinsic values like
3. Conscious effort: Fostering values requires prosperity and knowledge. The division
a lot of effort on the part of individuals or of values is not mutually exclusive.
entities holding the values. This is because For example- a religious book may be
inculcation requires consistency and valued because of its intrinsic value
sincerity in behaviour as well as thoughts. (religious message/doctrine) or it can
Gandhi ji had said, “Your beliefs become be an instrumental value as it helps in
your thoughts, your thoughts become your achieving higher goals like moksha or
words, your words become your actions, nirvana.
your actions become your habits, your habits c. Moral, amoral and immoral: Values
become your values, your values become can be categorized based on what is
your destiny.” right and wrong. Moral values are the
4. Variability: Values vary with the individual, ones that promote right action such as
group or organization. Different entities honesty, empathy etc. Immoral values
hold different values based on their needs, are ones that promote wrong action
objectives, surroundings and so on. such as greed,lust etc. Amoral values
are ones which are neither moral or
5. Hierarchy- A person may hold multiple
immoral and have nothing to do with
values and these values are arranged in a
morality, such as beauty, fitness etc.
hierarchy. Values occupying a higher place in

17
 making, reflecting what is considered important
ROLE OF FAMILY, EDUCATION AND
and desirable in life.
SOCIETY IN INCULCATION OF VALUES
Example- A person’s value of honesty
Introduction Values are ideals held by people that compels him to always speak the truth, even
guide them towards desirable behavior. Values when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
are like an anchor and lighthouse – they hold us
Value Attitude
steadfast in the face of temptations and show us
y It helps to guide our y It is the response that is
the right path in times of confusions. Values are behaviour. the result of our values.
innate as well as adopted. Innate values can be y It helps in deciding what y It is our likes, dislikes
due to our genes or conscience whereas other is right and wrong. for things, people and
objects.
values are imparted by social institutions and
y These are more or less y Attitudes are changeable
influences. This happens through a complex
permanent in nature. with favourable
and extensive process of inculcation of values. experiences.
The biggest role in value inculcation is however, y They represent a single y They represent several
played by family, education and society as these belief that guides actions beliefs focused on
and judgment across a specific object or
are the most proximate influences around a objects and situations. situation.
person. Value inculcation is commonly known as y It refers to personal y It refers to personal
socialization whereby a person is moulded to fit belief or principles that feeling (negative,
guide behaviours and positive, or neutral
well in a society. The process of value inculcation decision-making. feeling) about persons,
is not just natural but also a very important object, situation, or
environment
process.
y Showcase a particular y Highlight a person’s
person’s moral ethics behaviour through the
BELIEF AND ATTITUDE and his/her overall personality
character
It is being certain about something that exists or y It is derived from social y It is more of a personal
is true. and cultural conventions. experience.

Example- Theists believe in the existence of y Example- A civil servant y Example- The civil
possessing the value of servant will have a
God while Atheists deny it. openness. positive attitude towards
the RTI act.
Belief Attitude
y It is an idea that a person y It is a mental disposition SIMILARITY BETWEEN
holds as true. that results in a particular
behaviour. VALUE AND ATTITUDES
y It can arise from past y It arises out of values and
Values and attitudes are two important variables
experience, cultural beliefs we hold internally.
& societal norms or influencing the cognitive process and behaviour.
education.
ˆ They are learned and acquired essentially
y Changing belief can y Changing attitude can
change attitude. also lead to change in from the same sources.
belief.
ˆ They endure and are resistant to change.
y Example- A person may y Example- The person will
have belief in a particular regularly pay obeisance ˆ They have a reciprocal influence and are
God. to that God. used interchangeably.

VALUE AND ATTITUDE MORAL ATTITUDE

Values are deeply held beliefs and principles ˆ It is based on the moral conviction of what
that guide individuals’ behaviours and decision- is right and wrong. It is associated with

18
 strong emotions. They are the foundation this loyalty into consistent practice. The
of a moral life. So, if an individual is devoid more faithful and consistent a person is, the
of these attitudes his/her life will be more substantial he is and the more capable
devoid of morality and if at all they will be he will be of becoming a vessel of moral
present it would be accidental and therefore values.
superficial and inconsistent. Moral attitudes
ˆ Veracity: It implies truthfulness, fidelity
are inclusive of Moral judgements (right and
or constancy and the awareness of
wrong) and depict the Values of a person.
responsibility. A person who lacks
Socrates and Plato had Moral Attitudes in
which they believed that it is better to suffer truthfulness is crippled in his personality.
Injustice than to do injustice. Gandhiji’s ˆ Goodness: It flows from the conscious
fundamental belief in Non violence as a tool response of love. It is the basic attitude
to combat injustice. Not all attitudes are which helps in practicing benevolence and
concerned with morality. generosity.
Example - My attitude towards snakes ˆ Awareness of Responsibility- A person with
has nothing to do with morality. But my
awareness of responsibility is one who has
attitude towards democracy will have
assimilated values in him/herself. So, there
moral undertones. Activities like altruism,
is recognition of the presence of higher
volunteerism, social service etc. emanate
power and that should underpin decision
from a moral [Link] the negative side,
making. This leads to inquiry making before
moral attitudes can be used to justify violent
decision making and holding forth in face of
acts of terrorism. It is shaped by family,
fear or temptations.
society, religion, education etc.
Example - Positive attitude for honour killing ˆ Motivation for Altruism: It motivates a
is justified on the grounds of saving the pride person towards altruism, volunteerism and
of the family. Positive attitude towards live- social service.
in relationships is justified on the grounds of ˆ Attached with Strong Emotions: Moral
individuality and freedom. attitude is tied up with strong emotions.
QUALITIES OF MORAL ATTITUDE Hence, it prevents deviant behavior among
normal people due to fear of social exclusion.
Moral attitude is neither permanent nor Example-Rapes, child molestation, etc.
universal. There are many factors which shape
moral attitudes. They are: IMPLICATION OF MORAL ATTITUDES
ˆ Reverence: It is the attitude of great respect
Positive Implications Negative Implications
towards others. It is important in realizing
y Tied up with strong y People can use it to justify
justice towards others, in consideration for emotions. Hence violence behaviour and
the rights of another, in limiting one’s lust prevents deviant lunacy and still society
behaviors due to fear of will accept it because
for power. The irreverent and impertinent social ostracization eg. moral attitude is strong
man cannot submit to authority or abnegate child molestation, incest. emotions.
y Example- Motivates a
himself. person towards riots,
genocide and terrorism
ˆ Faithfulness: It is the virtue of remaining to justify religious,
loyal to someone or something and putting regional issues.

19
 y Motivates a person y Since moral attitude 6. Avoiding Stereotypes and Prejudices:
towards Altruism, is tied with strong Civil servants must steer clear of biases and
volunteerism, social emotions, People don’t
service. get along with those who stereotypes in their treatment of individuals.
don’t share their moral
attitude. Ex. Intolerance. Example - IAS officer Amit Gupta’s initiative
“Daliya Jalao” helped in the elimination of manual
SOCIAL ATTITUDE:
scavenging in Badaun district of UP.
ˆ It is the outlook of a person towards social
entities like society, culture, organizations, HOW TO COUNTER PREJUDICE?
institutions, etc.
ˆ Identify Cause and Source: Determine the
ˆ It is a behavior pattern, a conditioned
origin of prejudice to address its root causes.
response or anticipatory tendency towards a
social stimulus. ˆ Minimise Opportunities for Learning
Prejudices: Reduce exposure to biased
ˆ It is shaped by personal experiences and
information or environments that foster
observations.
prejudice.
ˆ It can be learned predispositions.
ˆ Emphasise broader social identity:
Example - Attitude of mainstream society Encourage considering a wider social
towards the LGBTQ community. identity, such as national or global, rather

ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE ˆ than narrow group affiliations.

WEAKER SECTIONS ˆ Discourage Negative Behaviour:
A positive attitude towards poverty, deprivation, Discourage victims of prejudice from
discrimination etc. implies empathy and caring responding with negative behaviour.
nature of the person. It signifies compassion ˆ Increase Inter-Group Contact: Promote
towards the weaker and marginalized section. interactions between different groups to
build trust and reduce mistrust.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR CIVIL SERVANT
ˆ Education and Information Dissemination:
1. Compassionate Attitude: Civil servants
Utilise education and dissemination of
must exhibit compassion towards weaker
information to challenge stereotypes and
sections, using their power to uplift them.
promote understanding.
2. Tolerance: Civil servants should be tolerant
ˆ Holding Responsibility: Hold individuals
to cater to the needs of weaker sections.
accountable for their prejudice to generate
3. Familiarity with Fundamental Rights: Civil
internal reflection and conflict.
servants must be aware of marginalised
citizens’ fundamental rights. POLITICAL ATTITUDE
4. Sarvodaya and Antyodaya: Civil servants
ˆ It refers to the attitude of a person or group
should work in the spirit of upliftment for all,
towards persons/institutions/events/issues
especially the poorest.
related to political ideology.
5. Proactive Empathy: Civil servants should
ˆ Political attitude is how a person feels about
develop an empathetic approach towards
weaker sections. political parties, issues or its ideologies.

20
ˆ It is important as people examine issues with to back political parties who support
particular angles because of their ideological individuality and freedom.
predisposition. ˆ Economic Status: Poor people align towards
socialist ideology and rich people align
TRAITS WHICH INFLUENCE OUR
towards capitalistic ideology.
POLITICAL ORIENTATION
 Example - Poor people are more likely
1. Extraversion: It is the energetic approach to vote for parties who promise them
to the social and material world. It subsidized food, healthcare, education
includes traits such as sociability, activity, etc.
assertiveness & positive emotionality. ˆ Family: Children tend to emulate their
2. Agreeableness: It is a pro social trait. It parent’s ideology.
includes traits such as altruism, tender- ˆ Education: School’s ideology and syllabus
mindedness, trust and modesty. plays an important role in shaping the
ideology of students.
3. Conscientiousness: It facilitates task and
goal-oriented behaviour such as thinking  Example - Chinese system of education
before acting, following norms & rules, supports communist ideology and
hence they loathe democratic countries.
planning, organising etc.
ˆ Caste: A person is likely to adopt the ideology
4. Emotional Stability: Emotional stability
which is supported by his caste.
enables the person to develop an integrated
and balanced way of perceiving the problems  Example - Elections in India are still
of life. This organisational ability and fought on caste lines. A politician is
more likely to give a ticket to a candidate
structured perception helps one to develop
belonging to a caste which has a majority
reality-oriented thinking, judgement
in a given constituency.
and evaluation ability. It implies even
ˆ Ethnicity: People are often moved by the
temperedness
political ideology which supports their
5. Openness to Experience: It describes ethnicity.
breadth, depth, originality and complexity of
 Example - Political Parties like DMK,
an individual’s experiential life.
Shiromani Akali Dal etc. base their
political ideology on ethnicity.
FACTORS WHICH AFFECT OUR
POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES ˆ Social Media: In the age of IT, social media
has become a prominent tool of propaganda
ˆ Religion: Religion shapes the moral attitude influencing the political ideologies of the
which in turn shapes our political attitude. people.

 Example - khilafat movement in pre-  Example - Political Parties use social

independence India. media handles to attract Vote Bank.
ˆ Psychological Factor: Some persons are more
ˆ Age: In the general sense older people are
psychologically adapted to liberalism or
conservative and young people are liberal
conservatism than others. A great tolerance
and as such subscribe to particular ideology.
for disorder is a requirement for being a
 Example - Young people are more likely liberal.

21
 with disdain for liberal and parliamentary
SIGNIFICANCE OF POLITICAL ATTITUDE
democracy.
ˆ It determines how people participate in the ˆ Environmentalism: It is concerned with
political process, whom they vote for and environment protection and improvement
what political parties they support. of ecology so that both humans and animals
ˆ It represents a part of moral attitude. can live peacefully in their environment.

ˆ Feminism: It aims to establish political,

MAJOR TYPES OF POLITICAL IDEOLOGY
economic, personal and social equality of the
Anarchism: It is against all forms of authority genders.
and rejects forceful notions of hierarchy. It calls ˆ Identity Politics: It is an intellectual and
for abolition of the state, which it holds to be political strategy in which members of a
unnecessary and harmful. certain race, religion, gender, social class, or
ˆ Authoritarianism: It rejects political other distinguishing characteristics create
pluralism. It employs strong central power political agendas based on problems that
to preserve its political status. may have an impact on their lives.

ˆ Communism: The main objective of DEMOCRATIC ATTITUDE

communists is the formation of society
ˆ It gives space to difference of opinion and
where there is common ownership and
appreciates participation of stakeholders.
means of production are owned by the
In case of public service, it ensures
common masses without the presence of
participation of people at various stages of
social classes. It is based on Marxist theory.
policy formulation and implementation.
ˆ Conservatism: Conservatives feel that
ˆ It refers to those attitudes possessed by civil
men are neither good nor rational. They
servants who promote the participation of
think that traditional political and cultural
people in decision making. They promote
institutions are needed to curb men’s base
the delegation of power or authority. In place
and destructive instincts. They feel that social
of rule and regulation, there is more focus on
welfare policies are making the recipients
compassion, tolerance and inclusiveness. It
dependent upon the government.
has following characteristics:
ˆ Liberalism: Liberals aim at protecting and
 Decisions are based on popular opinion.
increasing individual’s freedom. They fear
 Views of the majority is right
government’s overreach and hence seek
to restrict the government’s power. Based  Maximisation of satisfaction of the
on the right of individual choice, liberals largest number of people.

promote contraception, divorce, abortion  Supported by elected representatives

and homosexuality. Merits Demerits
ˆ Fascism and Nazism: It is characterized by y It promotes the active y Decision making process
participation of people. will become slow and
authoritarianism, ultranationalism, forcible So, it will promote time consuming.
suppression of opposition, rigidity of society and strengthen the
democratic institution at
and economy. Nazism is a form of fascism the grass root level.

22
y It will make the y There is difficulty to y It focuses more y It focuses on
governance system more satisfy every section of on accountability, strengthening and
accountable as there is society. Sometimes, such people participation, adhering to rules-
active participation of an attitude becomes transparency, the procedure, top-down,
people. a hindrance to the flexibility of law and and centralized decision-
development process. public interest. making.
y There will be more y Example- Delay in y It promotes the active y Apathy towards common
transparency and clearance of Mining and participation of people people as rule is supreme
efficient public service industrial development Based on the values and not citizens Based on
delivery. project in Scheduled area, of Transparency, Objectivity and Neutrality
because of mandatory Inclusiveness
consultation under Forest y Example- Institutions for y Example- Areas needing
Act 2006. public service delivery quicker decision making
like banks and PDS shops and there is a question
BUREAUCRATIC ATTITUDE require democratic of national security
attitude. and Sovereignty of the
ˆ Bureaucratic attitude refers to a mindset country there is Need of
bureaucratic attitude
or approach characterized by excessive
adherence to rules, procedures, and BEHAVIOUR IN INDIAN SOCIETY
formalities within an organizational or
institutional setting. It is said that behaviour in Indian society is
difficult to change.
ˆ This is an attitude strictly adhering to
guidelines, rules and regulations. It is based It is due to the following reasons:
on Neutrality, Objectivity, Impartiality. 1. Rigid Beliefs and Practices: These practices
ˆ Characteristics of Bureaucratic Attitude: have been shaped over centuries and as such
Decisions strictly based on law, adhering to are difficult to change. For example, toilets
all rules and procedures, lack of importance are not constructed in the house as it is
to public opinion, antagonize the elected considered clean.
representatives. 2. Culture: The Cultural Evil has perpetuated
Merits Demerit the hierarchical system.
y Strict compliance of y Red tapism, as there is
3. Stereotypes and Prejudices: such as
standard operating no urgency in achieving
procedure targets subjugation of women in the family.
y Since consultation with y They are opposed to 4. Resistance: Lack of Emotional Connection
the public is not needed, changes in the system,
decisions can be taken leading to stagnation with the Government creates a barrier
quickly. between the government and the citizens, as
y It is easier to fix y It is rigid; hence public such citizens resist change.
responsibility for service delivery may not
decisions because of the be effective
hierarchical decision FACTORS AFFECT THE FORMATION
making process.
OF A PERSON’S ATTITUDE
y Apathy towards common TOWARDS SOCIAL PROBLEMS
people as rule is supreme
and not citizens
1. One’s Upbringing and Family: Upbringing
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC and Family the most powerful source for
ATTITUDE AND BUREAUCRATIC ATTITUDE
formation of attitudes. The parents, siblings
Democratic Attitude Bureaucratic attitude
provide information about various things.
y It is based on y It reflects hierarchical
participatory, humanistic discipline, implicit Example - A child grown in a family having
and flexible approaches obedience to orders, top-
and on bottom-up down instructions, and
a patriarchal outlook, most probably used to
decision-making. rule bound approaches. have a prejudiced attitude towards women.

23
2. Beliefs and Practices of their Family: ˆ Reflection Sessions: Where government
Family having orthodox thought, helped agents can pre-commit people to certain
members to have an attitude of superstition, goals. For example, it can be used in Swachh
biasedness based on caste, religion, tradition Bharat Abhiyan where Swachagrahis will
etc. Also, an inculcated intolerance view pre-commit people to sanitation goals.
towards other groups of people. ˆ Making People Realize Tangible Outcomes:
3. One’s Circumstances in which a Person is by showing examples of people who have
raised and lives: People who grow up poor benefited from the program.
have a whole different perspective of social
ˆ Creating Emotional Connect Between
problems than people who were raised in
the Citizens and the Government: The
relative luxury and ease.
government’s transparent communication
4. Direct Experience: A person who has faced and active engagement foster an emotional
racism in his life develops a negative attitude connect with citizens, building trust and a
towards it. sense of shared responsibility for societal
Example- Mahatma Gandhi being evicted progress.
from a train by a white man made him stand
against apartheid policies. CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN
5. Education System: Education system Recently, the National Commission for Women
cultivates habits of analytical and critical (NCW) informed that there was a rise of 46% in
thinking on the prevalent social issues. It complaints of crimes against women in the first
has shaped the attitude of common people eight months of 2021 over the corresponding
to treat everyone with equality and abjure period of last year.
untouchability.
6. However, too much information oriented REASONS FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION/
CRIME AGAINST WOMEN
education has little scope for creativity,
innovation and self-learning. Modern day Patriarchal Society: Indian society has always
education also fails to inculcate moral values been solidly patriarchal. Now, as women refuse
and discipline in the young minds that could to subscribe to traditional gender roles, as they
enable them to become better and more seek to educate themselves, take up jobs outside
responsible human beings. the home, choose their own marriage partners
and as a result women face a patriarchal backlash.
CHANGING BEHAVIOUR TO MAKE
GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS SUCCESSFUL. ˆ Attitudes: Across cultures, attitudes toward
WHAT NEEDS TOBE DONE? gender are likely to affect how male-female
relationships are viewed, and
Following can be done to change the behavior of
Indian people. ˆ subsequently how the sexual offenders and
ˆ Cultural and Societal Conventions must the victims are viewed.
be used in the Campaign: For example, for ˆ Challenge to Social and Political Dominance
successful implementation of Beti Bachao of Men: There is equality of all individuals
Beti Padhao, reference to our scriptures can before the law. The surge in attacks on
be taken where women are worshiped as women is an angry attempt by men to
embodiments of shakti. sustain the overwhelming social and political

24
 dominance they have long enjoyed but the ˆ Public police relationship drive to rebuild
same is now challenged by modern notions the confidence of public
of gender justice ˆ Motivational and inspirational talks
ˆ Images Portrayed by Advertisements and in
ˆ Advisory for hospitals for being of more
Films: Bollywood films, aimed increasingly at
sensitive towards rape victims
a rapidly Westernizing middle class, portray
romance and desire as inevitable byproducts MORAL POLICING:
of contemporary life, creating a further sense Moral police is a term used to describe vigilante
of frustration among the unemployed young groups which act to enforce a code of morality in
men who watch them. society. They take law into their own hands and
ˆ Lack of Infrastructure of Cities: The try to forcefully enforce discipline on people.
crumbling infrastructure of our cities also Example- A youth in Kerala’s Thrissur
militates against women’s safety. Streets district was beaten to death by a mob after being
lit dimly or not at all, bad or non-existent found in the house of a woman.
means of public transport, an incompetent
and corrupt police form all contribute to the WHY IS IT HARMFUL?
insecurity and vulnerability of women. Leads to suppression of fundamental rights
particularly of Vulnerable sections like women.
STEPS TO CORRECT CRIMES
AGAINST WOMEN ˆ As it is extrajudicial, it leads to anarchy

ˆ It leads to disturbance of social harmony and

Legal Steps:
peace.
ˆ Police should report every complaint related
to females ˆ Faith on law get deteriorated and Intolerance
index Increases in society
ˆ Establishment of a special cell for women to
make investigation process faster and more ˆ Demand of instant justice rises
intense ˆ It can result in Mob Lynching and may prove
ˆ A special man hunt drive on those under the disastrous for the society.
lens
WAYS TO STOP:
ˆ Make teams including women officers in Improve policing and punish those who take law
each one of them and put them on patrolling into their hands.
in all sensitive areas. Run a 24/7 helpline
and position teams such that they can reach ˆ Reforms in the criminal justice system are
anywhere in district instantly Training to be required in order to instill sensitivity and
given to women for self defence knowledge of constitutional values in the
administration.
Social Action:
ˆ Involvement of NGOs, Social activist, Women ˆ Mass awareness campaigns to educate and
friendly associations and District mass remove people of their rigid biases and to
campaign to be launched towards gender accept change.
sensitivity and equality ˆ Increase policing near sensitive areas during
ˆ Concept of community policing with women Valentines day, near Pub areas, etc where
policing moral policing mostly happens.

25
ˆ Community policing and volunteer groups crowd knows more than him.
to give support to people during sensitive
ˆ Two types of situations produce
times: This field helps us in understanding
informational influence:
why a typical behaviour in humans like
racism, war, ethnic cleansing, terrorism, (i) Ambiguous Situations- when individuals
genocide, religious intolerance etc occur. don’t know what to do.

 According to social psychologists, (ii) Crisis Situation- when an individual

human behavior is function of both doesn’t have time to think what to do.
person and the situation For eg., during stampede.

SOCIAL INFLUENCE Public Spirit

It refers to how individual thoughts, actions and Odisha Train Accident - Citizens Rush to Hospitals
feelings are influenced by social groups. It is to Donate Blood
a quality that can lead to changes in a person’s ˆ The recent Train Accident in Odisha’s
actions, attitudes, and feelings as a result of
Balasore District claimed almost 200 lives
interactions with other people in society.
and caused many injuries to the people.
Ways in which Individuals Respond to Social
ˆ Apart from the doctors and other hospital
Influences are:
staff who worked non-stop, the society also
1. Compliance: An individual is not fully
came to be as one of the helpers in the best
convinced with the other person but shows
way possible.
agreement at the surface level.
ˆ The train accident has shown the humane
 Example- In a conversation a person
side of villagers who queued up outside
makes a racist comment. The other
medical centers in large
person is offended but says nothing.
Here, the other person merely shows ˆ numbers to donate blood. Some civil society
compliance. groups also chipped in for the noble cause.
2. Identify: In this case an individual idolizes ˆ • As a result of this action by the public -
the other influential person. there was more blood than it was needed.
 Example- a college student drinks Pepsi
because his favorite celebrity endorses PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL INFLUENCE
it.
1. Reciprocity: People tend to give back what
TYPES OF SOCIAL INFLUENCE was received.

 Example - Reciprocating smiles

Normative Influence: An individual follows
between individuals.
the crowd in order to be liked and accepted. By
agreeing on common beliefs, values, attitudes 2. Consistency: Generally, people try to be
and behaviour, an individual increases his consistent with their previous actions,
chance of acceptance and survival possibilities. opinions and assertions.
Informational Influence: An individual goes 3. Social Proof: People often decide what to do
along with the crowd because he thinks that by looking at what similar others have done.

26
4. Liking: People are often influenced by those ˆ Celebration of Earth Day – To persuade
people whom they like. global citizen against climate change
5. Authority: People with power and authority ˆ Encourage extremists to leave path of
tend to influence others. violence in North Eastern and Naxal affected
6. Scarcity: Items and opportunities become regions
more desirable when they are less accessible. It is a Receiver Centric Exercise. It is not
 Example - Use of slogans like limited what the source says, it is what the receiver
edition or last week for sale have understands.
immediate effect. ˆ Four things are important in persuasion.
 The source (Persuader)
NORMS
 The message
These are group held beliefs about how members  The audience
should behave in a given context.  Channel/Medium
ˆ These are informal understandings that Source Credibility: A source can be credible
govern society’s behaviours. because he is an expert and can be trusted. To
access credibility, following things are important
 Example - Touching feet in Indian
i.e.
society is considered as a sign of respect.
ˆ Expertness (judged by the knowledge
PERSUASION potential of source)
ˆ Trustworthiness (judged by finding out
ˆ It is an attempt to change a person’s attitude.
whether the source has a vested interest).
 Example - Swachha Bharat Mission
ˆ Example- Randip Guleria, AIIMS Director (a
focused on persuasion to change
credible source), was seen on TV persuading
the behaviour of people regarding
people to take COVID-19 vaccine.
cleanliness.
Source Likeability: A source is likable if he
ˆ Persuasion can also result in more is similar and attractive. There is an implicit
submission and obedience. assumption that attractive people are also
ˆ Persuasion refers to the process of changing intelligent. The primary factors that decide the
the attitudes and behaviors of the target attractiveness of the source include Physical
Group towards some event, idea, object, or Features:
another person(s) in the intended direction,  Communicative
by using written or spoken words to convey  Versatility
information, feelings, or reasoning, etc.  Attitudinal Similarity
 Example -  Example- advertisements rope in
people with attractive personalities to
ˆ Disclosing income to avoid tax evasion.
make their products appealing.
ˆ Beti Bachao Beti Padao – To change the
ˆ Power: It has the potential to change the
attitude of people towards girl students
behavior of the target group in the intended
ˆ Give it up Campaign to give up subsidy direction despite their resistance.

27
ˆ Power, Attractiveness and Credibility will within the zone of acceptance of the target
cause behavior change in different ways – group.
 Power – Compliance  Emotional Factor: The message should
 Attractiveness – Identification have emotional content in that. For
 Credibility – Internalization example, to motivate someone to stay
fit or to quit smoking, one should not
TARES TEST only cite scientific evidence to prove the
point but can also convince using the
ˆ The TARES test acts as a guide for making
fear of deadly diseases or the joy of a
and defending ethical choices.
healthy life.
ˆ test was developed by Baker and Martinson
ˆ Fear Appeal: Mild and moderate appeals to
(2001) to focus on five principles for ethical
fear generally work better than strong fear
persuasion.
appeals. Strong fear appeals
ˆ This framework functions under the theory
ˆ produce defensive avoidance wherein
of utilitarianism, which maintains that the
the target group insulates itself from the
results of an action are equally important to
message.
the action itself when evaluating its ethicality.
ˆ Social Proof Technique: People tend to
ˆ TARES is an acronym for truthfulness (of the
follow others more (bandwagon effect). This
message), authenticity (of the persuader),
technique will involve you telling the target
respect (for the persuader), equity (of the
population that other people are getting
persuasive appeal), and social responsibility
benefits from the suggested change, with
(for the common good).
empirical evidence.
MESSAGE IN PERSUASION ˆ For example, in campaigning against
Persuasion requires a message to be presented in female foeticide the Haryana government
vivid language and backed by data. The message is invoking the examples of some female
should be like that. It establishes a common sportspersons who have won laurels: Babita
ground with target people. For example- Sabka Phogat (Wrestler), Rani Rampal, Navneeet
Sath Sabka Vikas Slogan. Kaur (Hockey Player).

ˆ Best results are obtained when the ˆ Scarcity: This involves letting people know
Persuasive message has both emotional and that they stand to lose on a chance to get
factual elements in it. the benefits out of the proposed change. For
example, we often see the end of the season
 Example - Selfie with Daughters to
or hoardings like Hurry!! Limited offer.
promote Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao,
Government’s message regarding Lock ˆ Targeting Values: People can manage their
down during Corona, and later for self-images by yielding to requests for action
Corona Vaccine. that fits or enhances their identities.

ˆ Message Discrepancy: It means the degree AUDIENCE

of inconsistency in the message the source
should present to the target group. The ˆ Audience Characteristics: Individuals are
message should be such that it should be presented with logical arguments supported

28
 by relevant facts, they are likely to be However, when presented with appeals
persuaded. that have factual backing, they are likely to be
convinced.
ˆ Intelligence: refers to the information
processing ability of an individual. CHANNEL FACTOR
Intelligent people because of their superior ˆ Use the appropriate channel of
critical thinking abilities are less likely to be communication.
 Example- Use of Street play is more
influenced by appeals that are illogical or not
effective to convey messages on social
supported by relevant facts. issues in the Villages.
vvvv

29
 APTITUDE
3
“Aptitude without attitude is blind; and attitude ˆ Mental Aptitude: Mental characteristics
without aptitude is lame” — Richard Marcel I. for performing some tasks successfully. It

“Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for is regarded as important for all types of

patience.” —Benjamin Franklin. services, more so for civil services.

 Example- A civil servant is required

INTRODUCTION to have mental ability, magnanimity,
ˆ Aptitude refers to the natural or acquired rationality, compassion etc.

abilities that indicate an individual’s ability

RELATIONSHIP OF APTITUDE WITH
to develop proficiency in certain areas. It
OTHER QUALITIES
indicates an individual’s potential for the
future.
APTITUDE AND SKILLS
ˆ It is a natural propensity for some particular
skills to be learned successfully; these skills ˆ Aptitude is raw native talent that can be
can then be improved upon with the right worked upon. On the other hand, Skill is
information and instruction. acquired through training and constantly
upgraded. Aptitude is not skill but what is
ˆ It can be improved through training or
already there that can be nurtured. Skills are
formal intervention, but improvement may
the abilities that can be acquired by way of
have limitations.
reading, observation, practice, and training,
 Example- Sachin Tendulkar became a whereas aptitude is inborn and unique.
great cricketer because he has aptitude
 Example- A person can acquire certain
for cricket and was provided necessary cricketing skills by training but will find
training. Other batsmen are not as it hard to become a successful cricketer
good as him even after similar training unless he has aptitude for the same.
because of lesser aptitude than him.
APTITUDE AND INTEREST
CATEGORISATION OF APTITUDE
ˆ Interest is an individual’s preference for
ˆ Physical Aptitude: Physical characteristics engaging in one or more specific activities
for performing some tasks successfully. relative to others while aptitude is the
E.g. Armed forces require a specific set of potential to perform that activity. We are
physical features, like physical stamina etc. drawn to things out of interest, not because
 Example- Usain Bolt has unusually long we are particularly skilled at them.
legs; Mr. Ian Thorpe, also known as  Example- Sushant Singh Rajput had
Thorpedo, has unusually large feet (Size interest in cosmology but aptitude for
17). acting.

30
 APTITUDE AND INTELLIGENCE APTITUDE, PROFICIENCY,
AND ACHIEVEMENT
ˆ Intelligence is generic and refers to a
broad range of mental abilities, such as ˆ Proficiency is the ability to perform

comprehension etcAptitude has narrow an activity with ease and precision.

scope involving personal strengths & Achievement looks at the past - what has

weaknesses and reflects specialized nature been done, accomplished. Aptitude indicates

of that intelligence that is directed towards an individual’s potential

something. Aptitude requires a degree of  Ex- Michael Phelps has proficiency in

intelligence to do the job well. swimming and because of this he has

 Example- Two people may have the won 28 Olympic medals

same Intelligence Quotient (IQ) but

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
may have different aptitude, i.e. one to ATTITUDE AND APTITUDE
become doctor and another to become
Parameter Attitude Aptitude
engineer.
Definition It is a positive It is competency to
or negative or do a certain kind of
APTITUDE AND ABILITY indifferent feeling work.
towards a person,
ˆ Aptitude indicates an individual’s potential, object, event or
idea.
i.e. what an individual will be able to learn/
Function It defines how you It defines how
do, whereas Ability presents the evidence of work or proceed much potential
towards a goal. you have to learn
what the individual is able to do now.
specific skills to
achieve a goal.
 Example- A person might have a good
Association Associated with Associated with
aptitude for acting, but presently able to character or competence
find roles as supporting artists only. virtues and can be or talent, e.g.
negative, positive quantitative
or neutral. aptitude, mental
APTITUDE AND VALUES aptitude etc.
Nature Largely mental Mental as well as
ˆ In ethical perspective, aptitude represents physical
desired value in a person with respect to a Abilities and It is related to It is the potential
skills existing abilities ability to acquire
specific requirement. and skills skills, abilities and
with certain knowledge.
 Example- Civil servants should have perceptions.
some foundational values on which they Change Relatively Changed and
permanent developed
could evaluate things. These values are:
Components Components of Components of
 Can be used to judge things. attitude include aptitude include
cognitive, affective attitude, skills, and
 They can be goal oriented i.e social, and behavioural. knowledge.
Modifications If an attitude is This can be
political and economic justice and undesirable in a changed and
modern society, it developed through
 Means oriented i.e. empathy, integrity, should be changed training and
discipline, impartiality etc. accordingly. capacity building.

31
Example- An administrator may have a good medical oxygen and restarted a broken
aptitude in resolving the communal issues down oxygen plant in the city with his
(aptitude part) but may have a negative attitude smart planning during the second wave
towards a particular community (attitude part) of COVID-19.
which will naturally influence his/her overall ˆ Leadership Skills: Civil servants need to have
decisions. leadership, organizational and collaboration
skills as they are entrusted with a diverse set
APTITUDE FOR CIVIL SERVICES of responsibilities such as decision making,
AND ITS ROLE policy implementation, etc.

ˆ Aptitude in civil services helps to understand  Example- J Meganatha Reddy, district

the role, its associated responsibilities and collector in Tamil Nadu started Project
institutional environment easily. Broadly, Udhayam to build toilets for differently-
abled persons in their homes.
following kind of aptitude is desired in a civil
servant: ˆ Professionalism: High level of
professionalism is required to maintain high
ˆ Communication Skills: A civil servant
standards of public administration as they
needs to have good communication and
are the backbone of administration.
interpersonal skills as he/she will have to
bring different stakeholders on one platform  Example- “Debo na Nebo na (won’t
for decision making. give won’t take) initiative” by District
Administration Cachar Silchar provides
 Example- Vikas Kumar Ujjwal, a drop-boxes outside all government
Divisional Forest Officer in Jharkhand, offices to stop corruption.
took along the local community and
ˆ Persuasive Skills: Skills of persuasion and
transformed the Maoist hit area into a
negotiation with others are required as there
tourist destination.
might be resistance in the society against
ˆ Decision Making: Civil servants need an changes or any new initiative.
abundance of impromptu decision-making  Example- Kiran Naik, a government
skills and critical thinking ability to exercise college lecturer in Andhra Pradesh,
discretion with conviction. visits remote villages and persuades
 Example- While facing problems and parents to get their children educated.
challenges every day such as high ˆ Innovation: Since civil servants face diverse
unemployment, insufficient government problems every day, they should be able to
spending, fast changing socio-economic find innovative solutions to these problems,
scenarios. challenges.

ˆ Stewardship: Since India is a resource  Example- The authorities in East

deficit country, a civil servant needs to be an Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh
effective manager and responsible protector roped in religious leaders, NGOs and
of state resources. local influencers to counter vaccine
hesitancy.
 Example- Purnea (Bihar) District
Magistrate Rahul Kumar arranged for ˆ Adaptability: because of focus on
e-governance and the ever-changing nature

32
 of the digital world. are the principles on which government

 Example: SVAMITVA scheme aims and policies should be based on. Adherence
to use Drone Surveying technology to foundational values such as integrity,
and a civil servant must have a basic objectivity, non-partisanship, tolerance,
understanding of this technology. compassion, dedication to public service,
etc., serve as guiding principles for civil
ˆ Inclusivity: India is a diverse country in
servants in the discharge of public service
terms of social status, income etc. and civil
duties. Moreover, they provide normative
servants should be able to work for every
consensus about the rights and benefits to
section of the society.
which citizens are entitled to.
 Example- Recently, Chhattisgarh police
ˆ In India, civil service values have evolved over
inducted transgender persons as
years of tradition. Values like integrity and
Constables in the State Police Force.
devotion to duty, etc., have been mentioned
ˆ Optimism: Civil servants need to be in Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules,
optimistic which brings positivity and 1964 and the All-India Services (Conduct)
self-confidence in them to function under Rules, 1968 which a civil servant must
extreme stress. follow in his/her tenure of service to the
 Example- ‘Lunch with Collector’ nation. Meanwhile, the Draft Public Service
initiative by IAS Officer Saurabh Kumar Bill, 2007 enumerated certain values which
in Dantewada counters the problems by should guide the public servants in the
helping local students to make the right discharge of their functions. These include
career choice. allegiance to the various ideals enshrined in
the Preamble to the Constitution, apolitical
Way Forward
functioning, good governance for betterment
ˆ Civil servants are an important institution
of the people to be the primary goal of
of the government tasked with policy
civil service, duty to act objectively and
implementation and ensuring effective
impartially, accountability and transparency
governance and social justice. In addition
in decision-making, maintenance of the
to this, they provide advice to the political
highest ethical standards, merit to be
executives.
the criteria for selection of civil servants,
ˆ Since, aptitude is an innate potentiality, avoidance of wastage in expenditure, etc.
therefore, one cannot develop an aptitude
if it is completely absent from one’s psycho­ How is Aptitude Different from Interest,
physical system. To perform, these essential Skill or Intelligence?
services above Aptitudes are essential for ˆ Interest is something that attracts us
Civil servants. without the need to have any particular skill
for a thing. A person may be interested in a
What are the Foundational Values of Civil
particular activity, job or training, but may
Services?
not have the potential/aptitude to perform
ˆ Civil/public service values are those values
well in that particular area and achieve
which are created and sustained by the
success. For example, one may have an
government on behalf of the public. These
intense interest in music, but not enough

33
 ability to succeed in a career as a performer. innovative solutions

ˆ Skill is the knowledge or ability to perform a  Skill of persuasion and ability to

given task with ease and precision, aptitude negotiate with difficult people
on the other hand, it denotes the potential to What are the Roles and Importance of
get skilled if training is done. While skills are Aptitude in Civil Services?
the abilities that can be acquired by way of
ˆ The civil services form the permanent
reading, observation, practice, and training,
structure and backbone of the administration.
aptitude is inborn and unique.
A qualitative, professional, skilled and
ˆ Intelligence is the capacity for learning, committed workforce is, hence, imperative
reasoning, understanding, and similar forms to maintain the high standards of public
of mental activity. It is the ability to learn administration.
and apply skills. On the other hand, aptitude
is the specific ability of a person to master a ˆ In Indian public administration, the civil
skill. However, aptitude requires a degree of servants are entrusted with a diverse set
intelligence to do the job well. of responsibilities such as from simple
administrative and clerical tasks to complex
What are Aptitude for a Civil Servant?
decision making, policy implementation and
ˆ With the advent of the new public serving as a link between government and
administration and increasing diversity in citizens. Hence, it is vital for civil servants
the administrative field, an administrator to possess diverse skills such as grasping
needs to adorn both physical and mental capabilities, good analytical skills, and the
aptitude.
ability to establish collaborative networks
ˆ She should have both General Mental and successful teamwork.
Ability (basic thinking capacity and learning
ˆ In public administration, leaders face
ability to perform any intellectual task) as
different kinds of problems and challenges
well as the desired value system of public
every day such as high unemployment,
administration to perform his duty, not only
insufficient government spending, fast
efficiently, but also effectively. Roughly the
changing socio-economic scenarios, etc.
kinds of aptitude desired in a civil servant
Laws and administrative rules cannot explain
include:
everything, and leaders cannot always mimic
 Good communication/interpersonal previous successes because the elements
skills affecting each challenge change day to
 Leadership, management and day. In such cases a civil servant needs an
organizational skills abundance of impromptu decision-making
 Critical thinking and listening ability skills and critical thinking ability to exercise
 Skill to effectively manage and raise discretion with conviction.
resources ˆ The emerging concept of e-governance
 Ability to establish collaborative and motto of ‘Less Government More
networks and successful teamwork Governance’, demand transformational
 High level of professionalism changes in the machinery of government as
 Ability to think on their feet and develop well as in the work style and orientation of

34
 government officials. right attitude, where there is a lack of ‘fit’.

 With the role and functions of  In a study by Leadership IQ (of over

administrators having become swiftly 20,000 new hirings over 3 years), it
changing and increasingly challenging, was found that 46% of the people
civil servants must be equipped with hired fail within the first 18 months
the necessary skills and capabilities to on the job and they did not fail for lack
meet these new challenges. of skills, but rather for lack of attitude.
 They must have the aptitude to master Thus, having people with the right
new technologies and new styles of attitude is considered more important
functioning. They should serve as the for organizational success than having
‘Agents of Change’ to catalyze reform people with high aptitude and a wrong
initiatives. attitude.

ˆ In a diverse country like India, the civil ˆ Attitude is a motor driving the acquisition
servants often face complex and often and use of a specific ability. If a person is
contrasting socio-economic objectives and fully equipped for a role, but lacks real
challenges often creating a deep sense of enthusiasm, the best skill-set will count for
moral/ethical dilemma in them about their very little.
own duties and functions. This demands  For instance, a person having an aptitude
an inherent aptitude to prevail over for music, but lacking the desire to hone
contradictions, solve dilemmas and keep his/her skill will not make him/her a
up the spirit to perform in spite of adverse good musician no matter how greatly he
circumstances. might be gifted. It requires an attitude
ˆ Under the framework of ‘inclusive of competitive learning to develop and
governance’ administrators need to build hone one’s skills.
teams across diverse stakeholders. For ˆ When a positive mindset is undertaken,
example, to create a favorable business performance on nearly every level
climate in a city, an economic development productivity, creativity and engagement
director needs to bring together local improves. Thomas Edison once said, “Genius
business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine
and also environmental advocates. This percent perspiration.” Therefore, to succeed
demands a civil servant to possess an ability in life, a positive attitude towards hard work
to receive and act upon feedback as well and perseverance are extremely important.
as effective interpersonal skills to bridge ˆ We are not all equally talented in every
the gaps and encourage collaboration for a task put before us:
common objective.
 Another point of view is that not
What is the Difference between Aptitude everyone has the ability to learn the
and Attitude? skills, especially at a proficient level. A
ˆ According to some experts, success is 99% person who is keen, but has no natural
attitude and 1% aptitude. As per research talent, ability and skill can hardly excel
studies, recruiting people with the right in the field. For instance, a person who
skills can be costly if they do not have the has the willingness and enthusiasm to

35
 start a new business venture but lacks show us that along with their specific
the required business acumen will abilities, they also had the right
succumb to its pressure and challenges. disposition/mental attitude to face the
Thus, a person with a good attitude, but challenges and not to give up even after
no aptitude, is no good. successive failures.
 A person with a higher aptitude can What are the Foundational Values of Civil
outperform in learning a skill or Services?
performing a task while others struggle ˆ Civil/public service values are those values
despite having a positive inclination
which are created and sustained by the
towards it. For instance, sports are a
government on behalf of the public. These
common activity, but only an athlete or
are the principles on which government
a sports person with unique talent and
and policies should be based on. Adherence
strength excels in the field. Excellent
to foundational values such as integrity,
leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and
objectivity, non-partisanship, tolerance,
George Washington had great skills
and knowledge to capitalize on their compassion, dedication to public service,
strengths and develop the greatest etc., serve as guiding principles for civil
potential in others. servants in the discharge of public service

ˆ Aptitude without Attitude is Blind; Attitude duties. Moreover, they provide normative
without Aptitude is Lame: consensus about the rights and benefits to
which citizens are entitled to.
 As per this view, both the right skills
(aptitude) and the disposition (attitude) ˆ In India, civil service values have evolved over
are equally important to excel in a years of tradition. Values like integrity and
particular field. It is the right blend of devotion to duty, etc., have been mentioned
the two inherited and acquired qualities in Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules,
respectively that go hand in hand in 1964 and the All-India Services (Conduct)
determining the gains and losses in a Rules, 1968 which a civil servant must
person’s life. follow in his/her tenure of service to the
 For instance, a person who is nation. Meanwhile, the Draft Public Service
hardworking and sincere in his job as Bill, 2007 enumerated certain values which
well as committed to his organizational should guide the public servants in the
goals but lacks the initiative taking discharge of their functions. These include
capabilities and the aptitude for allegiance to the various ideals enshrined in
leadership owing to his lack of soft the Preamble to the Constitution, apolitical
skills, cannot be deemed fit for a higher- functioning, good governance for betterment
level post. Similarly, if one has smart, of the people to be the primary goal of
persuasive and team-building skills, but civil service, duty to act objectively and
owing to the callous attitude towards impartially, accountability and transparency
work he cannot be trusted with a higher in decision-making, maintenance of the
authority position.
highest ethical standards, merit to be
 The examples of famous scientists like the criteria for selection of civil servants,
Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein avoidance of wastage in expenditure, etc.

36
 ˆ Accountability:
Nolan Committee Recommendation
 Civil servants are subject to the scrutiny
Nolan Principles for the benefit of people who
that is appropriate to their position
serve the public in whatever capacity, the
and must answer to the public for their
Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan
choices and conduct.
Committee) defined seven guiding principles
ˆ Openness:
of behavior for public life in 1995 and advised
that public entities create codes of conduct  All choices and acts that public office
integrating these principles. The seven Nolan holders do should be as transparent as
Principles are as follows: possible. When the larger public interest
plainly requires it, they should provide
justification for their choices and only
restrict information when necessary.

ˆ Honesty:

 Public officials have a responsibility to

declare any private interests that may
conflict with their official obligations
and to handle such conflicts in a way
ˆ Selflessness: that protects the public interest.
 Decisions should only be made in ˆ Leadership:
the public interest by those holding
 Leadership should be used by public
public office. For the sake of obtaining
authorities to promote and support
money or other material advantages
these ideas.
for themselves, their families, or other
friends, they shouldn’t do this. 10th Report of Second
ˆ Integrity: Administrative Reforms Commission
 Holders of public office shouldn’t ˆ However, the most important guide for the
obligate themselves in any way, whether development of a Code of Ethics for public
financially or otherwise, to outside services has been the recommendations
parties who could have an impact
made in the 10th Report of Second
on how they carry out their official
Administrative Reforms Commission. The
obligations.
Commission recommended that in addition
ˆ Objectivity: to upholding the constitutional spirit, the civil
 Public officials should base their servants shall be guided by the values which
decisions on merit while doing include adherence to the highest standards
public business, including public of integrity and conduct; impartiality and
appointments, contract awards, and nonpartisanship; objectivity; dedication to
recommendations for incentives and public service; and empathy and compassion
perks. towards the weaker sections.

37
ˆ Integrity: of one’s feelings, ideas, and beliefs. It
allows public officials to make wise
 Integrity refers to the ability of an
judgments based on data.
individual to remain consistent
and dedicated to his personal and ˆ Dedication to public service:
professional values and beliefs. It means
 Dedication is the quality of being
adopting similar standards or moral
motivated in one’s profession, purpose,
principles in similar situations across
vision, or actions. Dedicated public
time and interested parties.
servants strive to accomplish the goals
 In other words, it means to be honest set by the administration. An inner
and consistent in thoughts, speech and drive or excitement for working in the
action. It is a quality of eliminating the greater good of the public is implied by
gap between ‘what we think, what we dedication to public service. Without
say, and what we do’. A man of integrity any external formal technique to drive
is never influenced by contentions and that desire, it is the commitment,
pressures from outside and would only passion, and sincere desire to achieve
respond to his conscience. something that counts.

ˆ Impartiality: ˆ Empathy:

 Impartiality is a kind of characteristic  The capacity to perceive and appreciate

or quality of making decisions without other people’s experiences and feelings
bias and prejudice. An instance of is known as Empathy. It is the potential
impartiality is one in which there is no to comprehend another person’s mental
favoritism. It rejects granting an undue status and creatively experience another
advantage to any individual, societal person’s sentiments.
group, or organization. Being impartial
ˆ Tolerance:
means that all choices should only be
based on merit.  The ability to accept and tolerate
differences in others, even when you
ˆ Non-partisanship:
disagree with them, can be referred to as
 Non-partisanship is known by its act tolerance. Tolerance makes it possible
of not supporting any political party, for people to live in harmony. People’s
even if one strongly agrees with its resilience in the face of a variety of
ideals. Non-partisanship is the absence ideas and beliefs demonstrates their
of adherence to ideals of any political tolerance. Learning more about other
party, organization, or group. viewpoints and concepts from across
the world can help you comprehend the
ˆ Objectivity:
world more clearly.
 Objectivity is recognized as one of
ˆ Compassion:
the most crucial characteristics in
governance. It requires institutions to  It is a deeper level of empathy,
adhere to logic, law, and established demonstrating an actual desire to help
standards, practices, and norms. the suffering person. It is a unique
Objectivity means being true in spite feeling of sympathy for the suffering

38
 of others that involves emotions and ˆ The Committee on Standards in Public
empathy towards others, a sense of Life (The Nolan Committee) defined seven
understanding, and the drive to protect. guiding principles of behaviour for public
life in 1995, which are: Accountability,
The Nolan Principles were innovative when
Selflessness, Integrity, Openness, Leadership,
they were first put forward because they placed
Honesty, and Objectivity.
more of a focus on culture and behavior than on
methodology Although the fundamental ideas NEED OF FOUNDATIONAL VALUES
are essentially acknowledged by everybody,
ˆ Constitutional values: Civil servants are
there have always been challenges in putting
given discretionary and wide-ranging
them into reality, with certain sectors adopting
powers under the laws, rules and in the
and applying them more successfully than
absence of foundational values, there are
others. When making commissioning choices,
chances of corruption and abuse of power
the NHS has always exercised extra caution in
defeating the objectives of the Constitution.
implementing the principles.
ˆ Public interest – A welfare state can only be
EVOLUTION OF FOUNDATIONAL established when civil servants keep public
interest priority and function upholding
VALUES
values such as objectivity, integrity,
ˆ In India, Civil Service Values have evolved impartiality etc.
over years of tradition. ˆ Filling the gap– Actions of civil servants
ˆ Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 based on these values fill the gap left by
and the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, the laws and make administration more
1968 mentions values like integrity and effective.
devotion to duty. ˆ Non-partisanship: Even if one fervently
ˆ The Draft Public Service Bill, 2007 supports a political party’s ideals, non-
enumerated values like allegiance to the partisanship is defined by its refusal to do
ideals of the Constitution, good governance so. Being nonpartisan means not adhering to
to be the primary goal, apolitical functioning, the principles of any political party, group, or

objectivity, impartiality, accountability and organisation.

transparency in decision-making, merit- ETHICAL ISSUES IN NEWS

based selection of civil servants, avoidance
of wastage in expenditure, etc. FREEDOM OF SPEECH OF PEOPLE HOLDING
PUBLIC OFFICES
ˆ The 10th Report of Second Administrative
Reforms Commission in addition to upholding ˆ The Supreme Court said that there is an
the constitutional spirit recommended unwritten rule for people holding public
values such as the highest standards of office that they exercise self-restraint and not
integrity and conduct; impartiality and blabber things which are very disparaging or
non-partisanship; objectivity; dedication to insulting to other countrymen.
public service; and empathy and compassion ˆ There has been no legislation all this while
towards the weaker sections. on the issue because there has always been

39
 a self-imposed restriction by people holding and expression in the interest of sovereignty and
responsible positions. integrity of the country, public order, decency,
ˆ Irrespective of what Article 19(2) may morality etc.
say, there is a constitutional culture in the KEY TERMS
country where there is an inherent limitation Aptitude, Skills, Interest, Intelligence, Ability,
or a restriction on what people holding Values, Proficiency, Achievement, Competency,
responsible positions say. Stewardship, Leadership, Professionalism,
Article 19(2) relates to the powers of the state Persuasive Skills, Adaptability, Optimism,
to make laws imposing reasonable restrictions Inclusivity, Constitutional Values,Non-
on the exercise of the right to freedom of speech Partisanship, Constitutional Culture.

vvvv

40
 INTEGRITY
4
“Integrity without knowledge is weak and
OTHER EXAMPLES ON INTEGRITY
useless, but knowledge without integrity is
dangerous and dreadful.” - Samuel Johnson ˆ S.R. Sankaran (1934-2010) was Chief
“Integrity is choosing your thoughts and Secretary of Tripura and known for his
actions based on values rather than personal contributions for the enforcement of the
gain.” - Chris Karcher Abolition of Bonded Labour Act of 1976,
while facing severe pressure from different
INTRODUCTION
groups.
ˆ Integrity means adopting similar standards ˆ Abraham Lincoln was a man of high Integrity
or moral principles in similar situations and adhered to his principles even when he
across time. It is the quality of being Honest, faced opposition. He said “I am not bound
having strong Moral principles unwilling to to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not
change. bound to succeed, but I am bound to live
ˆ It is a four-step Process: by the light that I have. I must stand with
 Choosing a right course of conduct; anybody that stands right, and stand with
him while he is right, and part with him
 Acting consistently with that choice,
when he goes wrong.”
even if that is inconvenient;
 Openly declaring where one stands; ˆ Satyendra Dubey lost his life in fighting
 The results of one’s actions. against corruption in National Highway
Authority of India (NHAI).
ˆ Example- Senior IAS officer, Ashok Khemka
has shown professional integrity with ˆ Ashok Khemka (IAS) upheld his Integrity
consistency in his thought, actions and has despite being transferred 50 times in 26
chosen a right course of conduct. years.
ˆ Example- Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma
TYPES OF INTEGRITY
Gandhi were exemplary leaders who were
famous for their integrity where both in ˆ Moral Integrity: It refers to consistency and
times of crisis stuck to their values such honesty in the application of standards of
as Abolition of slavery and Non- violence morality or right and wrong; used for judging
respectively. others as well as oneself.
ˆ Integrity includes:
 Example- Buddha emphasised on the
 Soundness of moral principles purity of ‘thoughts, words and deeds’
 Uprightness and showed unconditional commitment
 Honesty and sincerity to this ethical principle.
 Synchronisation between one’s thought, ˆ Intellectual Integrity: Intellectual integrity
speech and actions is defined as recognition of the need to
 Loyalty to rational principles be true to one’s own thinking and to hold

41
 oneself to the same standards one expects ˆ Managing Public Resources: They are
others to meet. It requires one to overcome responsible for managing public resources
self-deception and temptation and act in and money entrusted to them for the benefit
accordance with one’s truthful conscience. of the citizens. For instance, funds to be used
 Example- Gandhi revoked Non- for development have been raised through
Cooperation Movement after the taxes and are used for the provision of public
Chauri-Chaura incident etc. goods.

ˆ Professional Integrity: It refers to acting ˆ Good Governance: In order to provide

in accordance with professional values, good governance, enable personnel to
standards and norms with consistency and perform their duties honestly, and promote
willingness; even in the face of criticism or improved administration, integrity is crucial
allurements. in the public sector. It is important for good
governance and to prevent failures which
 Example- Sanjiv Chaturvedi showed
may occur due to resistance to accountability
professional integrity during his tenure
and transparency.
as the Chief Vigilance Officer of AIIMS,
Delhi and uncovered several large ˆ Achievements of Goals: Civil servants have
scams. an important role to play in development
and achievement of goals of social, economic
IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY and political justice and equality of status
IN CIVIL SERVICES and opportunity in society.

ˆ Social Good: Civil Servants are provided ˆ Fair Treatment: To deal with the public and
with immense powers and responsibilities their affairs fairly, efficiently and sensitively
towards society. Their impartiality and to the best of his abilities integrity in nature
honesty is important for social good and is important.
development. ˆ No Misuse of Power: It ensures that civil
ˆ Constitutional Obligation: To uphold servants do not misuse his/her official
and safeguard the sovereignty, unity, and position to further his private interest, for
integrity of India is mentioned in the instance taking bribes by police to file an FIR.
Directive Principles of State Policy, thus it’s ˆ Performing Duties: A person of integrity
a constitutional as well as moral obligation. does his/her duties with conscience. E.g.
ˆ Fight Corruption: It is essential to counter the Policemen ordered the firing on unarmed
evil of corruption in public administration, peaceful protesters. Honest policemen will
which denies just rights to many and also obey the order. Policemen of integrity will
hinder our economic development. refuse to fire.

ˆ Community Needs: The actions of public SECOND ARC ON INTEGRITY

servants have a direct bearing on the
character of the community, thus they The Second Administrative Reforms Commission
should have integrity that prevents them (ARC) prepared a detailed blueprint for
from making wrong decisions which could revamping the public administration system. It
harm the society. gave the following recommendations:

42
 A Person must not A Person must: ˆ Smoothens the procurement process, avoids
Fulfil his duties and
litigation and arbitration.
Misuse official positions
by using information obligations responsibly
acquired in the course of RECENT CHANGES IN THE SOP BY CVC
his duties.
Accept gifts or hospitality Act in a way that is Recently, the Central Vigilance Commission
which might compromise professional and deserves (CVC) has amended the Standard Operating
his judgements. and retains public
confidence. Procedure (SOP) on adoption of “Integrity Pact”
Disclose information Make sure public money in government organisations for procurement
without authority. and resources are used activities.
efficiently.
Nature Be transparent and open in Restriction on IEM
his public dealings.
Comply with law and ˆ IEM should be officials from government and
uphold the administrative
justice PSUs who have retired from positions of the
level of Secretary to central government or
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN equivalent pay scale.
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
ˆ Retired armed forces officers from the rank
Honesty Integrity equivalent of General may be considered.
Honesty is merely being Integrity is about ˆ Appointment of IEM: The Ministry,
truthful or standing by consistency in conduct
what one says. governed by an active department or organisation concerned has
adherence to one’s values to forward a panel of suitable persons to the
and promises.
CVC.
Honesty without integrity Integrity without honesty is
is possible. not possible. ˆ Tenure: Tenure of IEM will be three years in
Example- Honesty means Example- Integrity an organisation.
a person can lie and be demands that a person
honest when he says he should not lie in the first Way Forward
lied. place and show a high
standard of behaviour. ˆ ‘Civil Service Conduct Rules’ recommends
‘absolute integrity’ for civil servants,
INTEGRITY PACT irrespective of their department. Integrity
is critical in civil services to ensure good
ˆ Integrity Pact is a vigilance tool that envisages
governance and allow a civil servant to
an agreement between the prospective
perform his/her duties with honesty.
vendors/bidders and the buyer, committing
both the parties not to exercise any corrupt
ETHICAL ISSUES IN NEWS
influence on any aspect of the contract.
ˆ Its implementation is assured by COMPROMISED INTEGRITY
Independent External Monitors (IEM) who
are people of unimpeachable integrity. ˆ Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the
occasion of the 15th Civil Service Day held
SIGNIFICANCE OF INTEGRITY PACT that bureaucrats should abandon negativity
and never compromise on the unity and
ˆ Faster processing of contracts. integrity of the country. He urged officers
ˆ Improvement in the image and general to do everything, even at local levels, for
perception of the company. strengthening the unity and integrity of
ˆ Reduced lawsuits. India.

43
ˆ He also highlighted that traditionally the ˆ It focussed on some valuable lessons on
Hindus used to consider being cremated trust, truth and integrity for students.
in the fire of sandalwood by the banks of ˆ There is no salesman at these counters and
the Ganges to be pious. That same Hindu students can drop the money for each item at
adapted to the electric crematorium without the collection box kept on a table. They can
any hesitation. There is no better example walk in, choose the item of their choice and
than this of the evolving mindset of society. pay for it based on the price list displayed.
DOES A PRIME MINISTER HAVE A RIGHT TO ˆ Launched in 2008, the SPC project was
PARTY? conceived to inculcate better civic sense
ˆ In a leaked video, Finland’s Prime Minister among students and mould them as
Sanna Marin was seen dancing and singing responsible youth who will react positively
with friends at a private party. to the demands of society.
ˆ It triggered a debate among Finns about USE AND ABUSE OF OATH-TAKING
what level of reveling is appropriate for
a prime minister, especially considering ˆ Taking oath is an ethical virtue and
neighbouring Russia’s attack on Ukraine. This perhaps also a device that demands from
triggered controversy on the private lives of the oath- taker an intense allegiance and
the Prime Minister and the maintenance of firm commitment to norms and textualised
public image by functionaries. principles that make political practices and
the resultant social order decent.
HONESTY SHOPS
ˆ Oath-taking thus plays an important
ˆ Recently, ‘honesty shops’ were opened in function in offering affirmation of public
nearly 15 schools in Kerala as part of the pronouncements and decisions backed by
Student Police Cadet (SPC) project. the moral force of the oath.

vvvv

44
 IMPARTIALITY AND
5
NON-PARTISANSHIP
“It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health,
IMPARTIALITY
but are attached to it, you will always be afraid
ˆ Impartiality is the quality of being fair, or not of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become
being biased or partial towards anything or ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful
anyone. in the Self?” - Paramhansa Yogananda

ˆ It refers to the fact of not supporting one IMPARTIALITY FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
person or a group more than the other. It
holds that decisions should be based on For civil servants, impartiality works at two

objective standards, instead of on the basis of different levels:

bias, prejudice, or preferring the advantage ˆ Political Impartiality: It implies serving

to one person or another for unsuitable governments of different political
reasons. persuasions equally well, irrespective of a
civil servant’s own personal opinion.
Example:
ˆ Public Impartiality: It implies that a civil
ˆ A judge cannot presume a person guilty
servant carries out his responsibilities in
simply because he/she belongs to a
fair, just, objective and equitable manner
particular community or based on the social
without discriminating against a particular
media reports and has to follow due process
individual or interest.
of law.
Political Executives: They derive their authority
ˆ While allocating funds, an impartial civil
from the people, by virtue of election. Their role
servant would not favour his/her own is policy making.
village but allocate funds based on the needs.
Permanent Executives: They derive authority
This is to say that impartiality brings along
from technical and administrative expertise.
objectivity.
Their role is to implement policies and act as
ˆ Universal Adult Franchise provided voting advisors to ministers.
rights to all above the age of 18, without
SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPARTIALITY
any partiality towards a group, sex, caste,
religion, or social status. ˆ Right Action: In case of riots, communal
ˆ Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (6th President of violence or such a complex situation, a Civil
India and twice Lok Sabha Speaker), was the Servant is able to take the right action when
first ever Speaker to quit his party on being he/she is free from any type of religious,
Elected as a Speaker. He also conducted political or social prejudices; upholds
the proceedings so smoothly that not even impartiality.
once during his tenure, opposition staged a ˆ Vested Interest: In a diverse country like
walkout. India, minority voices can be suppressed if

45
 the civil servant becomes partial towards the “Partisanship is our great curse. We too
majority for vested interests. Civil servants readily assume that everything has two sides
have to safeguard the minorities. and that it is our duty to be on one or the other.” -
James Harvey Robinson
ˆ Welfare of the People: In the appraisal of
subordinates, evaluation; review of schemes, NEED OF NON-PARTISANSHIP
programs; action taken report, impartiality
helps Civil Servants to present true picture ˆ It brings credibility and trust among the
which is ultimately helpful for the welfare of public in the functioning of the public service.
the public ˆ It ensures a neutral approach in politics and
ˆ Upholding Values: Impartiality helps to a solid commitment to the government.
uphold Equality, Liberty, Fraternity; thinking ˆ It aids in the development of a professional
about the marginalised section as much as bureaucracy and preserves the public’s
about the rich ones. perception of the civil service.
Work Culture: Creation of positive & conducive ˆ It makes the civil servants gutsy, rather than
work culture. merely capable, so that they can ask relevant
questions with respect to the policy, law etc.
ˆ Others: Keeping oneself free from nepotism,
political-corporate nexus; corruption. ˆ It ensures equality, justice among different
sections of the society.
NON-PARTISANSHIP
ˆ It ensures the morale, effectiveness and
ˆ It refers to lack of affiliation towards any efficiency of civil services, as the transfer,
political party or ideology. posting etc. are expected to be based on merit
alone rather than any extraneous factors.
ˆ Non-partisanship implies that the officer is
to do his task without any fear of, or favour METHOD TO ENSURE
to any political party. The values of the
administrator will flow from the constitution ˆ The Central Civil Services Conduct Rules,
not from the philosophy of any political 1964 and All India Services Conduct Rules
party. 1968 - which stipulate certain guidelines for
the Civil servant to perform the duty with full
ˆ Although the primary concern for the public devotion; and shall not adopt dilatory tactics
service is “political partisanship”, other in their dealings with the public.
types of partisanships such as support for an
ˆ Code of Ethics, 1997- It was the first initiative
interest group etc. are also included in this.
to introduce the code of ethics for public
Example: servants in India, which was considered a
ˆ TN Seshan is remembered for his non- step towards better governance
partisan role as Chief Election Commissioner. How does non partisanship ensure ethical
ˆ Former President of India, Mr. K. R. Narayanan governance?
underscored his non-partisanship by ˆ It will assist a government worker in making
declining the United Front Prime Minister’s decisions free of fear or favoritism toward
recommendations to dismiss the BJP any political party and in accordance with
government of UP. constitutional norms. Non-partisanship, for

46
 example, will assist a DM/DC in carrying out However, Sarah may also choose to run as a
the duties of a RO efficiently during elections. nonpartisan candidate, meaning that she is not
affiliated with any particular political party and is
ˆ It guarantees that the elected representative
not seeking the support of any particular party. In
and government servants have an effective/
this case, Sarah would be expected to present her
professional relationship. Non-partisanship,
views and policy positions in a neutral manner,
for example, will increase/maintain a chief
without promoting the interests of any particular
secretary‘s credibility regardless of the party
party.
in power.
While both concepts involve being unbiased
Difference between impartiality and fair, impartiality is more general and applies to
and non-partisanship all situations, while nonpartisanship specifically
relates to political matters. However, both are
Impartiality and nonpartisanship are closely
important for ensuring fairness and objectivity in
related concepts, but there is a subtle difference
various contexts, such as in the judicial system,
between the two. Impartiality refers to the state
journalism, and government agencies.
of being fair and unbiased, and not allowing
personal beliefs or feelings to influence one’s
Challenges in maintaining impartiality
decisions or actions. It is about treating all and non partisanship in governance
individuals and groups equally and without
prejudice. There are several challenges in maintaining
impartiality and nonpartisanship in governance,
For example, a judge should be impartial
including:
and not allow their personal beliefs or feelings to
influence their decision in a case. 1. Personal beliefs and biases: It can be
difficult for individuals to set aside their
Nonpartisanship, on the other hand, refers
personal beliefs and biases when making
to the state of not being affiliated with or biased
decisions or taking actions. This can be
toward any particular political party or ideology.
especially challenging when the issues at
It is about being neutral and unbiased in political
hand are emotionally charged or relate to
matters, and not taking sides with one party or
deeply held personal beliefs.
another.
2. Political pressure: Government officials
For example, a journalist should be nonpartisan
may face pressure from politicians or other
and present factual information about a political
powerful interests to act in a particular way
issue without promoting a particular party or
or to support a particular party or ideology.
candidate.
This can make it difficult for them to maintain
Here is an example to illustrate the difference impartiality and nonpartisanship and to act
between the two concepts: in the best interests of the public as a whole.
Imagine a person named Sarah who is 3. Conflicts of interest: Government officials
running for public office. Sarah has strong may have personal or financial interests
personal beliefs about certain issues, such as that conflict with their duties as a public
gun control and abortion. As a candidate, Sarah servant. This can make it difficult for them to
should strive to be impartial and treat all voters maintain impartiality and to act in the best
fairly, regardless of their views on these issues. interests of the public.

47
4. Limited information: In some cases, 4. Ensuring transparency: By making
government officials may not have access information and decision-making processes
to all of the information they need to make transparent, organizations can help to
informed decisions. This can make it difficult ensure that individuals and groups are held
for them to be impartial and nonpartisan, as accountable for their actions and that the
they may have to make decisions based on public can see that decisions are being made
incomplete or biased information. in an impartial and nonpartisan manner.
5. Establishing independent review
5. Public perception: Even if government
mechanisms: By establishing independent
officials are acting in an impartial and
review mechanisms, organizations can
nonpartisan manner, they may be perceived
provide an additional level of oversight to
as being biased by the public or media. This
ensure that decisions and actions are fair
can damage the credibility and trust of the
and unbiased.
government.
Way Forward
Measures to ensure impartiality and ˆ When there is a crisis of conscience and an
non-partisanship in governance ethical quandary to choose between right
and wrong, impartiality and nonpartisanship
There are several measures that can be taken
eventually provide neutrality and develop
to ensure impartiality and nonpartisanship in
principles of integrity and objectivity. This
governance, including:
eventually develops to genuine dedication to
1. Establishing clear rules and guidelines: By public duty.
establishing clear rules and guidelines for
ˆ Mr. T.N. Sheshan was able to thrive in difficult
decision-making and behavior, organizations
conditions while maintaining dignity and
can help to ensure that individuals act in an
respect because he always adhered to the
impartial and nonpartisan manner.
principles of neutrality, non-partisanship,
2. Providing training and education: Training and impartiality. This mindset has helped to
and education programs can help individuals overhaul the Election Commission.
to understand the importance of impartiality
ˆ In a nutshell, non-partisanship and
and nonpartisanship and how to avoid
impartiality maintain neutrality through
personal biases when making decisions.
promoting good governance, apolitical
3. Implementing conflict of interest policies:
functioning, and decision-making
By implementing conflict of interest
transparency. These values are required
policies, organizations can help to ensure
to construct protections against conflict of
that individuals with personal or financial interest in order to reestablish adherence
interests that may conflict with their duties to the diverse ideals established in the
as a public servant are not involved in Constitution’s preamble.
decision-making processes.
vvvv

48
 OBJECTIVITY
6
“Objectivity does not mean detachment, it means ˆ To avoid interference of emotions into the
respect, that is, the ability not to distort and to judgement.
falsify.” - Erich Fromm
 Example: To avoid nepotism and
ˆ Objectivity is a mean value to achieve the favouritism in decisions.
end value of equality.
ˆ Helps in taking right decisions when
ˆ It refers to adhering to facts rather than one’s confronted with ethical issues.
own personal beliefs and feelings.
 Example: Rescuing vulnerable people
ˆ The principle of objectivity implies that the during a disaster would be a priority.
decisions and actions should be based on ˆ Scientific objectivity, also referred to as
observable phenomena and should not be neutrality, is the capacity to assess something
influenced by emotions, biases or personal using a methodical and factual methodology.
prejudices. The idea of Objectivity is having a
ˆ Helps in inculcating honesty and impartiality
reason that is free from personal preferences,
among personnel.
feelings, and opinions.
 Example: In delivering ration under
Example:
PDS decision would be based on the
ˆ Drugs Controller General of India ensured
eligibility.
sufficient data for approval of COVID-19
vaccine against public pressure. Objectivity Must Objectivity Must
Not
ˆ Awarding contracts, Making appointments Provide information and advice Ignoring inconvenient
and Giving Rewards based on Merit and not based on evidence, presenting facts or relevant
facts and options.
on the basis of Favouritism.
Decision based on the merit. considerations when
providing advice or
IMPORTANCE OF OBJECTIVITY making decisions.
Taking due account of expert Avoiding actions that
(NOLAN COMMITTEE AND 2nd ARC) and professional advice. flow from the decisions
taken.

ˆ Used for building consensus among

ˆ Both objectivity and fairness have the same
stakeholders on various issues.
goal to achieve equality but in unequal
ˆ Example: Convincing slum dwellers near circumstances fairness will always prevail
coastal areas during cyclones to relocate to over objectivity.
safer places.
ˆ Objectivity and empathy are at times in
ˆ Helps in maintaining situational awareness contradiction. Empathy is targeted towards
while discharging duties. individuals, while objectivity looks at
 Example: The objective during masses. So if a judge gives more weightage
to empathy over “objectivity”, he may give
communal riots is to stop the riots first.

49
 lenient punishment to a criminal. In the long
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
run it’ll hurt the masses. OBJECTIVITY AND NEUTRALITY
ˆ Syrian refugees have been flooding Turkey
Parameter Objectivity
and the EU for many months, but only after
Basis of Decision Based on strong evidence
a child (Aylan Kurdi) is drowned and images Decision based on the considerations when providing
appear in main-stream media, all EU nations merit. advice or making decisions.
have become attentive. This is because of the Taking due account of Avoiding actions that flow from
expert and professional the decisions taken.
empathy of people towards an “individual
advice.
child.” Functions Helps maintain equity and
inclusivity
HOW TO DEVELOP OBJECTIVITY? Impact Will instil confidence in public
and ensure public cooperation
1. Transparency: Transparency with better Policies of Past Policies beneficial for larger
implementation of RTI Act, which will ensure Governments sections of the society will be
that the decisions are based on facts rather implemented irrespective of
the government of the day.
than whims and fancies. Transparency
Implementation of Might lead to poor
and openness allow for the assurance of Policies implementation of policies
objectivity. in case of civil servant’s
disagreement with the govt of
2. Information Management System: It the day.
will ensure that any organisation keeps
proper records and documents of incidents,
Significance of Objectivity
decisions, information etc. It will act as for a Public Servant:
a check as well as provide vital input for
decision-making. ˆ Civil servants take decisions on the merit
3. Training: Training right guidance to the of the case and take account of expert and
people who are delivering the services. This Professional advice. Provide information and
also ensures that public servants know what advice including the advice to ministers on
all needs to be done. the basis of evidence and accurately present
4. Critical Thinking: ASI began gold hunting in opinions and facts.
Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, on order of a ˆ Decisions based on merits and facts lead to
union minister who believed in a ‘baba’. They an impartial decision making.
showed lack of critical thinking by blindly
ˆ This would ensure efficient use of resources
following dictates of higher authority.
and enhance the transparency in the public
5. Right to Review Decisions: Within judicial
domain.
/ administrative procedure, there should
be a mechanism for appellate boards e.g. in ˆ Although objectivity is important, one must
taxation, land acquisition etc. approach with caution and keep both the

6. Right to be Heard: Often officers don’t hear text and the context in mind in order to come
the complaint or opinion of people properly up with the best decision. Because of this, it
and just do the things that are in their mind. is argued that pragmatism and objectivism
Hence new schemes should have ‘social audit should be combined rather than using a pure
/ public hearing’ components. form of objectivity.

50
 gaze. Civil servants get credit for the success nor
Significance of Neutrality
are blamed for the failure. It is the responsibility
for a Public Servant:
of the political executive.
ˆ Offers professionalism and stability instead Example:
of resistance to change. ˆ In the Mundhra deal scam (1957),
ˆ Provides reassurance to the public that their Chagla commission held that “Minister
present goals will be dutifully addressed by T.T. Krishnamachari is constitutionally
the government. responsible for the actions of his secretary
([Link]) and he can’t take shelter behind
ˆ Elected officials can rely on the commitment
them or disown reasonability.” Consequently,
of civil servants.
the Minister resigned.
ˆ The officers themselves have strong morale
ˆ Several Doctors, Paramedics and Medical
as they anticipate recognition based on their
Staff have Anonymously contributed to the
abilities rather than political affiliations.
fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
ˆ Enables the provision of unbiased and
ˆ It is said that Bureaucracy represents the
honest policy recommendations, utilising
Anonymous Fourth Lion in our National
delegated legislative powers to maximise
Emblem.
resource utilisation.

WAY FORWARD SHOULD CIVIL SERVANTS

The values of objectivity and neutrality are BE CONCERNED ABOUT
THEIR PUBLIC IMAGE?
complementary to each other. They ensure
effective implementation of public policies in Arguments in Favour
line with the government’s mandate “Sabka sath,
ˆ Public image keeps them motivated to keep
sabka vikas, sabka vishwas”.
working for larger good.
ANONYMITY ˆ They are idealised by youth and should
become moral leaders.
Anonymity is the strength of civil servants. Civil
servants are like the fourth lion of the Ashoka ˆ Good public image ensures acceptance and
emblem, which remains invisible “yet makes its appreciation from public in service delivery.
presence felt at all times.” - Narender Modi ˆ Good public image creates a favourable
ˆ In terms of Public Service, it refers to staying working environment among colleagues to
behind the curtain. It is related to the serve for betterment.
concepts of Permanence and Neutrality in ˆ Public image brings courage and ensures
civil services. whistleblowing against corruption.
ˆ It is necessary that civil servants (Permanent ˆ Public image is sometimes useful for
Executives) give advice freely and without perception management and information
fear (Neutrality) to the Governments of dissemination, e.g. during COVID-19
different political parties.
Arguments Against
It means that the civil servants work from behind
ˆ Concern for public image may divert them
the screen and avoid media limelight and public
for some other short-term goals and gains.

51
ˆ Too much concern for public acceptance ˆ It is highly required as civil servants face
may lead to decisions in favour of public difficult and different situations regularly.
sentiments, ignoring rationality, objectivity.
ˆ It brings empathy in civil servants towards
ˆ Might lead to ignorance of hierarchies and their job and people.\
disturbing the work culture.
ˆ Public service is highly important to realize
ˆ Undue heroism might dilute their neutrality the ideals of the Constitution, such as justice,
and expose them to vulnerabilities. equality etc.

ˆ Against the features of anonymity and views TOLERANCE

expressed might be political in nature
“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll
WAY FORWARD
defend to the death your right to say it.”-Voltaire
Civil servants of modern India cannot remain
“Civilization will reach only when it learns to
in the “ivory towers” but they have to make
value diversity of character and idea”- Arthur C
their presence felt. A good public image might
Clarke
help them in removing negative apprehensions
towards them, such as corruption, red tapism; “In the Practice Of Tolerance, one’s enemy is
but at the same time too much concern for public the best teacher.” – Dalai Lama
image might lead to misplaced priorities. ˆ Tolerance refers to a fair, objective and
permissive attitude toward those whose
DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE
opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality
“We should perform our duties diligently and etc. differ from one’s own.
piously, but without expectation of what the ˆ It is fostered by knowledge, openness,
results will be.” - Bhagavad Gita communication, and freedom of thought,
ˆ Dedication is the quality of being able to give conscience and belief.
or apply one’s time, attention, energy or self, ˆ Tolerance is the ability to appreciate, tolerate
entirely to a particular activity, person or others who have different beliefs than
cause. oneself, regardless of their race, religion,
ˆ It is different from commitment, which ethnicity, or other characteristics.
is formally obligated/bound, whereas ˆ Example - The programme ‘Ek Bharat
dedication is commitment with passion and Shreshtha Bharat’ has been initiated to
is guided by a sense of duty, inspired by some celebrate the spirit of national integration
ideals. and to teach tolerance.
ˆ ‘Dedication to Public Service’ refers to ˆ Example - Bhasha Sangam, an initiative
keeping the public good above all which will where students would be learning 22 Indian
ensure that a civil servant’s sense of duty is languages in their schools.
integrated with his official responsibility.
Other Examples:
Example - ‘Metro Man’ E. Sreedharan.
ˆ S. R. Sankaran, IAS, was known as the
Why is it needed? People’s Man as he led to the Abolition of
ˆ It keeps them motivated to keep doing their Bonded Labour and did a lot for the welfare
job even if it is boring, unwanting, tedious. of marginalized communities.

52
ˆ Kiran Bedi (1st woman IPS) transformed the ˆ The virtue of tolerance, which makes peace
Tihar jail from a ‘Human Zoo’ to a ‘Human possible, helps to replace the culture of
Dwelling’ through her Dedication towards violence with a culture of peace.
Work.
ˆ It accommodates people in society
Role of Tolerance at Different Levels irrespective of their sexual orientation.
Example - Acceptance of LGBTQ community.
Level Role
Individual Level Teaches one to respect others and ˆ Broadens the perspective of civil servants
not to impose our will on others. and upholds values like justice, impartiality
Example- Beef may be prescribed
for one community in the society but and objectivity.
if it is part of someone’s culture then
helps in broadening our perspective ˆ A civil servant posted in a state other than
and thinking.
his own, his tolerant aptitude, may face
Societal Level Promotes peace.
Example- Imposition of Urdu in problem in adapting and dedicating himself
former East Pakistan led to division to the service of people
of Pakistan, whereas linguistic
tolerance has strengthened unity in ˆ Tolerance as virtue is important to pursue
India.
the high ideal of secularism enshrined in
Government Level Increases legitimacy and provides a
holistic view of various issues. the [Link] would breed
Example- Tribal Panchsheel has
been largely beneficial in promotion
injustice and violence which are antidotes
of democracy in the North-eastern to a balanced development in a culturally
region.
diverse nation.
International Level Promotes peace and security
Example- The lack of tolerance WAY FORWARD
between Israel and Arab countries
has led to frequent conflicts in the ˆ Historically tolerance has been the central
region.
virtue of some of the greatest empires. Be
it Asoka’s Dhamma or Akbar’s Sul-i-kul,
SIGNIFICANCE OF TOLERANCE
tolerance was a key principle.
ˆ Civil servants must provide equal service to ˆ Being tolerant of each other and caring for
all segments of our varied community, which each other is what makes us human. This is
is unattainable if they lack tolerance. why we have believed tolerance is important
ˆ Upholds human rights, pluralism, democracy and an essential aspect of a healthy, livable
and rule of law, thus enables human society.
development. ˆ In fact, it is the only way in which a country
ˆ Enables new inventions and removes as diverse as India (Politically, religiously,
the status quo in the society as it enables economically) can function and use each and
freedom of expression. Upholds the moral every difference to make its people thrive
worth of every individual as all individuals rather than suffer.
have equal moral worth according to John
Stuart Mill. ACCEPTANCE
ˆ Enables civil servants in public service as “Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t
diverse societies like ours need service of all try to convince others. Because one is content
equally. with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval.

53
Because one accepts oneself, the whole world ˆ While people are generally pretty well-
accepts him or her.”- Lao Tzu attuned to their own feelings and emotions,
getting into someone else’s head can be a bit
ˆ Acceptance refers to the assent of an
more difficult. The ability to feel empathy
individual or group to the reality of a
allows people to “walk a mile in another’s
situation or any condition (usually negative
shoes”.
and unpleasant) and recognising it without
protest or trying to change it. Tolerance ˆ An empathetic point of view is achieved
by setting aside our own interests, current
is not enough, it is the idea of acceptance
disposition, and relation to the agent and
that accommodates diversities and makes a
sympathizing with the effects of a person’s
society inclusive.
actions on those around him.
ˆ Examples:
Operationalization of Empathy: According
ˆ Goddess Sita had shown acceptance in every to David Hume
crossroads of her life- princess of Mithila and ˆ X notices that Y is injured and that he is in
wife of Lord Rama (joy), and also 14 years pain.
exile (misery).
ˆ A mental state similar to that of Y arises in X.
ˆ Sports Players accept defeats and learn from He experiences the idea of pain, of Y.
those defeats. ˆ This feeling arises from a kind of association
or due to psychological simulation of Y’s pain
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
in X’s mind.
TOLERANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
ˆ This feeling of empathy creates a motivational
Parameter Tolerance Acceptance drive in X to rush to Y’s help.
Definition It is a permissive It goes beyond
attitude towards tolerance and Different Types of Empathy
differing opinion, there is assent
attitude etc. and and recognition of
willingness to differing opinions, ˆ Affective Empathy: It involves the ability to
tolerate them. attitude etc. understand another person’s emotions and
Attitude There is passive With acceptance, respond appropriately.
towards resignation and there is active
Dislike dislike may effort to get rid of  Such emotional understanding may
continue to exist dislike
lead to someone feeling concerned for
another person’s well-being, or it may
Example Akbar’s Ibadat The philosophy of
Khana discussions Vasudhaiva lead to feelings of personal distress.
Kutumbakam
ˆ Somatic Empathy: It involves having a
sort of physical reaction in response to
EMPATHY what someone else is experiencing. People
ˆ Empathy is the ability to emotionally sometimes physically experience what
understand what other people feel, see another person is feeling.
things from their point of view, and imagine ˆ Cognitive Empathy: It involves being able
yourself in their place. Essentially, it is to understand another person’s mental state
putting yourself in someone else’s position and what they might be thinking in response
and feeling what they must be feeling. to the situation.

54
  This is related to what psychologists adapt to the environment and to survive
refer to as theory of mind, or thinking and [Link] Course,it also has a
about what other people are thinking. cultural component.

Components of Empathy
Empathy, Sympathy And
ˆ Empathy as a Virtue: A school of ethics, Compassion
moral sentimentalism, considers that
ˆ Sympathy: It is a feeling and expression of
morality has its source in our emotions and
concern for someone, often accompanied by
desires. Moral sentimentalism provides
a wish for them to be happier or better off.
plausible explanations of common aspects of
morality.  In general, sympathy implies a deeper,
more personal, level of concern than
 Empathy, a term often used for a kind of
pity, a simple expression of sorrow.
concern for another, is considered as an
important virtue. ˆ Empathy: It involves, first, seeing someone
else’s situation from his/ her perspective,
ˆ Rational Element: Some other thinkers
and, second, sharing that person’s emotions,
consider that empathy also has a rational
including, if any, his distress.
element.
 Empathy occurs when you are truly
 As fairness, justice and interdependence
trying to understand or experience
are involved in empathy, it may be
someone else’s emotions, as if they
considered rational in nature and its
were your own.
application understood as an activity
based on sound judgment. ˆ Compassion: It is a deeper level of empathy,
demonstrating an actual desire to help the
 Related to Biological Evolution:
suffering person.
Empathy is considered an innate aspect
of human nature. Like other aspects  It is a unique feeling of sympathy for
of human mental makeup, it might the suffering of others that involves
have arisen in the process of human emotions and empathy towards others,
biological evolution. a sense of understanding, and the drive
to protect.
 As such, it has helped human beings to

Sympathy Empathy Compassion

Defining Observing, Reacting, Acknowledgment of suffering, Non-conditional, Virtuous,
characteristics immediate, predominantly Understanding the person, Altruistic, Instrumental,
emotional awareness. Affective response. Action-oriented response
Response to suffering There is passive resignation Acknowledgment, Acknowledgment,
and dislike may understanding, and emotional understanding, and emotional
continue to exist resonance resonance linked with action
aimed at understanding the
person and the amelioration of
suffering
Type of response Acknowledgment Objective and affective A proactive and targeted
response to a distressing response to a distressing
situation situation

55
Benefits of Being Empathic in cases when other people are physically
ˆ Building Social Connections: Empathy distant.
allows people to build social connections  For example, when they watch reports
with others. By understanding what people of a disaster or conflict in a foreign
are thinking and feeling, people are able to land, people might be less likely to feel
respond appropriately in social situations. empathy if they think that those who are
 Research has shown that having social suffering are fundamentally different
connections is important for both from themselves.
physical and psychological well-being. ˆ Victim Blaming: Sometimes when another
ˆ Regulating Emotions: Empathizing person has suffered a terrible experience,
with others helps you learn to people make the mistake of blaming the
regulate one’s own emotions. victim for their circumstances.
Emotional regulation is important in that it  This is the reason why victims of crimes
allows you to manage what you are feeling, are often asked what they might have
even in times of great stress, without done differently to prevent the crime.
becoming overwhelmed.
Steps To Develop Empathy
ˆ Empathy Promotes Helping Behaviors:
Not only people are more likely to engage in Empathy is a skill that can be learned and
helpful behaare also more likely to help you strengthened. There are a few things that one
when they experience empathy. can do:
Barriers to Empathy ˆ Develop Radical Listening: Radical
A few reasons why people sometimes listening can have an extraordinary impact
lack empathy include cognitive biases, on resolving conflict situations and develop
dehumanization, and victim-blaming. empathic behavior.
ˆ Cognitive Biases: Sometimes the way  Radical Listening means letting
people perceive the world around them is people have their say, hold back from
influenced by a number of cognitive biases. interrupting and even reflect back what
 For example, people often attribute they’ve told you so they knew you were
other people’s failures to internal really listening.
characteristics, while blaming their own ˆ Look for the Human Behind Everything: A
shortcomings on external factors. second step is to deepen empathic concern
 These biases can make it difficult to for others by developing an awareness of all
see all the factors that contribute to those individuals hidden behind the surface
a situation and make it less likely that of our daily lives, on whom we may depend
people will be able to see a situation in some way.
from the perspective of another.  A Buddhist-inspired approach to this is
ˆ Dehumanization: Many also fall victim to the to spend a whole day becoming mindful
trap of thinking that people who are different of every person connected to your
from them also don’t feel and behave the routine actions.
same as they do. This is particularly common  It is precisely such mindful awareness

56
 that can spark empathic action on the forget that the highest appreciation is not
behalf of others. to utter words, but to live by them.” - John F.
Kennedy
Some Quotes Related to Empathy
ˆ “You Can Only Understand People If you feel ˆ Discipline in the organisation is adhering
them up yourself”. —John Steinbeck, East of to the framework of standard operating
Eden procedure and following the certain chain
of command which is essential for the
ˆ “Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to
functioning of the organization in a just
glow at other’s good, and melt at another’s
manner.
woe”. —Homer
ˆ Sincerity is the quality of being Honest,
ˆ “When A good man is hurt all who would
Genuine, and Truthful in one’s thoughts,
be called good must suffer with him” —
actions, and communication with others.
Euripides
It is a virtue that involves being Authentic,
ˆ “Seeing with the eyes of another, listening Transparent, and Straightforward in
with the ars of another,and feeling with the expressing oneself and in dealing with others
heart of another”. —Alfred Adler
ˆ Discipline and sincerity are the characteristics
ˆ “I call him religious who understands the features of the Civil Servants. Both values
sufferings of others”. —Mahatma Gandhi help to inculcate practices essential for
ˆ “If there is any one secret of success, it lies the implementation of government policy,
the ability to get the other person’s view schemes.
and see things from his angle as well as your ˆ A Disciplined and sincere civil servant shows
own.” —Henry Ford courage and conviction in dealing with
WAY FORWARD injustice in the society.

Empathy is the ability to see things from another ˆ Discipline is the practice of training people
person’s perspective and sympathize with to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using
another’s emotions, it plays an important role punishment to correct disobedience.
in establishing harmony in society. Empathy is ˆ Discipline and sincerity motivate civil
essential for civil services, as in administrative servants to adhere to principles of the Code
situations, all relevant viewpoints have to be of Conducts.
elicited and suitably accommodated.
ˆ Examples: Randhir Prasad, a 1974-batch
OTHER IMPORTANT VALUES Indian Police Service officer eliminated
many criminal gangs during his tenure.
DISCIPLINE AND SINCERITY
ˆ On the morning of 3 January 1991, robbers
ˆ “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes
had conducted a heist in the Hirapur branch
small numbers formidable; procures success
of the Bank of India. They had taken control
to the weak, and esteem to all.” – George
of the bank, tying up the bank staff present
Washington.
there. He rushed to the bank all alone to
ˆ “Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first resolve the situation. Taking on five armed
principles.” ― Confucius robbers on his own, he battled gallantly
ˆ “As we express our gratitude, we must never until he was shot and killed, but not before

57
 he saved the bank and the lives of the staff and resilience in the face of difficulties or
tied up there. Coming to office on time, failures. It is an important trait for achieving
avoiding corruption, taking decisions based success in various fields. Perseverance is the
on Objectivity, Compassion, Neutrality, etc. hard work you do after you get tired of doing
the hard work you already did.
ˆ Ex. IAS Mahantesh – Mahantesh blew the
whistle on several Co-operative housing Examples:
scams in the city. ˆ Thomas Edison continued, despites failing
over 1000 times, in the invention of the light
ˆ It is sincere on part of the Government to not
bulb.
only highlight the contributions of the small
Artists, Tribals and less significant groups ˆ Efforts that attempt to bring behavioural
but also to recognise and Award them. transformation (removal of open defecation,
vaccine hesitancy) in the society takes time
Discipline Sincerity and requires perseverance.
Discipline refers to Sincerity is the absence
behaviour that portrays of pretence, deceit, or PERSEVERANCE AND CIVIL SERVANTS
the ability to control self hypocrisy and the quality
or others even in difficult of acting on honest and
situations, through genuine feelings or beliefs. This quality gives the character a stability and
obedience to particular conviction, which ensures that the ends are
rules and standards.
achieved despite the difficulties that come in the
It gives order to the Sincerity prepares the mind
organisation and a for other virtues also. It path.
predictable outcome, enables other values to
avoiding chaos
mismanagement.
and grow strong and grow fast.
It wins the hearts of others
COURAGE
and enables a person to be
nearer to God.
ˆ “Courage to accept and dedication to improve
Discipline may or may not Sincerity is action that is are two keys to success.” - Essay, 2019
be internally driven and always premised on one’s
may even have externally own beliefs and values and ˆ “Courage is the most important of all the
set benchmarks thereby more likely to be virtues because without courage, you can’t
internalized and positively
reinforced.
practise any other virtue consistently.” -
Maya Angelou

PERSEVERANCE ˆ Mind is human’s greatest weapon because it

tells us between danger and opportunities.
ˆ “It always seems impossible until it is done.”
ˆ Courage is the choice and willingness to
-Nelson Mandela
confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty,
ˆ “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many or intimidation with poise and the moral
short races one after the other.”-Walter Elliot conviction that underpins necessary and
ˆ “Every work has to pass through hundreds ethically correct action. Courage is not just
of difficulties before succeeding. Those that physical bravery.
persevere will see the light, sooner or later.” ˆ Courage is the most important of all the
-Swami Vivekananda virtues because without courage, you can’t
practise any other virtue consistently
ˆ Perseverance is the quality of continuing
to pursue a goal or task despite challenges, Example:
obstacles, and setbacks. It involves a ˆ Courage of Mansi Bariha from Odisha helped
combination of determination, persistence, to rescue 6000 migrant workers from

58
 30 kilns in TN during covid- 19 induced ˆ It is precisely in this area that a degree of
lockdown last year. a difference of opinion begins to emerge
between the political executive and the civil
ˆ Courage of Captain Vikram Batra during
servants. But if that civil servant stands up
Kargil War.
in courage for what he/she believes is right
ˆ Mahatma Gandhi withdrew Non- then it will ensure integrity not just for him/
Cooperation movement because of the her but in the system too.
Chauri Chaura incident ˆ For instance, Retired IAS officer Mahesh
ˆ Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Zagade once met with such a situation
Vidhyasagar stood against the odds and ill while signing the tenders for new road
practices prevalent in society construction. After analysing all facts he
came to the conclusion that it will be an
ˆ Civil Services: Whistleblowing, withstanding unnecessary expenditure of public money on
pressure and adversities, raising voice the well built roads. It led to conflict between
against injustice. him and some regional political leaders, but
ˆ Narendra Kumar, the IPS officer of 2009 he stood firm courageously on the value of
batch, fought with exemplary courage avoiding unnecessary expenditure of public
against the Mining Mafias in Morena, Madhya money and rose victorious.
Pradesh. Courage develops following attributes in
the Civil Servants:
RELEVANCE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ˆ Creates credibility: It helps a civil servant
to be trustworthy and get lots of respect in
ˆ The very essence of courage is being able to
the career because honest and courageous
withstand and survive adversities.
people who stand up with integrity are really
ˆ A civil servant’s duty is not restricted to trusted by others.
complying with rules, regulations and orders
ˆ Leadership: This principle is articulation of
but he has to meet uncertain circumstances
the same idea as I referred to in the context of
which requires him to move beyond Mahatma Gandhi’s Experiments with Truth.
established rules and take a call without fear
ˆ It improves work culture and motivates
of being punished or prosecuted.
subordinate officers to be courageous and
ˆ For civil servants it is the urge of ‘public stand up for what they believe.
service’ which gives them enough courage to
ˆ It helps in taking bold decisions. For instance,
start and as they move on they realise that it
Whistleblowers need courage of conviction
was really worth it. to disclose information.
ˆ A civil servant is required to implement the Way Forward
orders of government without bias, with
ˆ Courage to stand up for what one believes
honesty and without fear or favour.
is of great importance for civil servants in
ˆ Courage is the virtue which helps in governance as it would have a major impact
remaining ethical and rightful irrespective on the everyday lives of the people and it
of the situations. This is really essential for a ensures integrity by continuation of the
civil servant to attain success. policy of honesty in the governance.

vvvv

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 EMOTIONAL
7
INTELLIGENCE
Concepts Generally, every act we perform is
EMOTIONS
due to some underlying emotions. Attitudes are
formed and can be changed through changing Emotions are one of the components of attitude,
emotions related to attitude object. Emotional other being cognition and behavior. Emotions
appeal forms a very important part of persuasion. influence our attitude towards the attitude
objects and even overpower cognition sometimes.
For instance, some people like to help others Such dominance of affective components may
as they feel happy and contented after doing so. also lead to prejudice among individuals. As in
The emotions experienced can be positive or acts of violence such as communalism, people
negative. Positive emotions are those which have have prejudiced notions about other community
utility for individuals as well as society. members. The ethical behavior in daily events
For instance, Kailash Satyarthi has empathy can witness decline when negative emotions
such as rage, anger, greed etc. overpower reason.
for the children deprived of their basic rights
because of the menace of child labor, so he actively Thus, understanding emotions and the
takes steps to help such children. Thus, as Hellen concept of emotional intelligence becomes an
Kellar said “the best and most beautiful things in imperative. Emotions are defined as psychological
the world cannot be seen or even touched, they states which have three distinct components –
subjective experience, physiological response
must be felt with the heart”, emotions give us the
and behavioral response. Subjective experience -
doorway to feel so. On the other side, negative
According to social psychologists there are some
emotions are those which are perilous for the
basic universal emotions that are experienced by
individual and as well as the society as we don’t
all humans across the world.
act consciously then. For example, decisions
Some common emotions are – happiness,
taken in anger, fear or hatred can lead to many
sadness, fear, anger. But these experiences can
undesirable outcomes for the person as well as
highly vary as they are subjective in nature.
the society as a whole.
Different people feel the same emotions
Aristotle said “anybody can become angry — differently and generally people experience
that is easy, but to be angry with the right person mixed emotions regarding a certain situation.
and to the right degree and at the right time and
For instance – Person X can experience
for the right purpose, and in the right way — that happiness in a new job but at the same time can
is not within everybody’s power and is not easy”. be fearful of the unknown circumstances at work.
So, negative emotions when harnessed Physiological response- Physiological
properly can be fruitful for everyone. For example, response is how the body reacts in a particular
in the national freedom struggle the feelings state of emotion. In fear one can have a sweating
of Indian towards British rule was utilized in forehead while others can have a racing heart or
various movements launched for swaraj. both.

60
Behavioral response- It is the actual expression expresses the same emotions in same way.
of emotions. For instance, in happiness people Extroverted people are more likely to be social
laugh or smile while in sadness they seem dull and express their emotions, while introverted
and many even cry. However, expression of people are more likely to conceal their emotions.
emotions is also subjective. When a mother sees
her newborn, she may express her happiness
Understanding some related
with teary eyes. And when a player loses a match terms Emotions-
the person can respond with anger or sadness. Emotions are most basic, quickest but temporary
Emotions are associated with different levels and comes automatically in response to a
of hormones in the human body. stimulus.

For example, anxiety is associated with low Feeling- Feeling require cognitive awareness.
levels of dopamine while love is associated with They require someone to be aware of emotions
high levels of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. and have a thought process connected to that.
All of us are born with the capacity to experience Simply, emotions that are processed by thinking
emotions. We can identify six main emotions: are feelings. They are longer lasting and occur
happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise and when emotions are assigned meaning.
disgust. Other emotions can also emerge from Mood- Moods are long lasting emotional
mixing these emotions. Emotions always emerge state. Moods are less specific, less intense and
as a result of some stimulant. The stimulant can sometimes it is not even possible to identify the
be a physical object like fear of seeing a tiger or it stimulus that caused a particular mood.
can be a mental construct like thoughts about an Affect- Affect is a broader term, generally used to
uncertain future causing anxiety. describe experience of feeling or emotion
Emotions serve an adaptive function for
human being. Emotion motivates people to EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
respond quickly to stimuli in the environment, ˆ For centuries, emotion and cognition were
which helps improve the chances of success and understood as separate concepts. Whilst
survival for example fight or flight response. emotion was traditionally regarded as a
Our decision-making ability also depends upon primitive mechanism, cognition, on the
emotions. Emotions help us at arriving at good other hand, was viewed as the more complex
judgment and enhance reasoning. It is emotions aspect of the human psyche. Emotional
that make us creative. intelligence seems to be a contradictory
Emotions motivate us to take action as term as generally it was considered that
we have seen in previous example of Kailash emotions are signs of weakness and cloud
Satyarthi. Emotions perform a very important our intelligence or reasoning.
social function as it helps others understand ˆ Since the renaissance and the start of the
us as well as help us to understand others and industrial revolution, intellect and reasoning
building trust. When emotions are expressed, were considered the signs of modernity and
we get a sense of what other peoples are feeling emotions were not given any weightage
about a certain object, issue or situation. It helps in personal and public lives. This was
in adjusting one’s own attitude to fit better in a highlighted by Karl Marx with his concept
group. But it has to be noted that not everyone of alienation where workers (have nots)

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 were not even aware of their existence and differently by various scholars. According to
were replaceable like machines. Under Peter Salovey and John Mayer it is defined as “the
the scientific management techniques ability to monitor one’s own and other people’s
of Fredrick Taylor, emotions were never emotions, to discriminate between different
considered a factor for efficiency and better emotions and label them appropriately, and to
productivity in workplaces. use emotional information to guide thinking
and behavior”. This definition was adopted by
ˆ The introduction of the term emotional
Goleman and further categorized the emotional
intelligence (EI) dated back to the 1990s.
intelligence into self-awareness, managing
Salovey and Mayer were the pioneers to
emotions, motivating oneself, empathy, and
introduce the name “emotional intelligence”
handling relationships.
to describe the peoples’ control of their
emotions. Later Daniel Goleman published
Models Of Emotional Intelligence
his work -Emotional Intelligence – Why Currently, there are three
it can matter more than IQ in which he main models of EI
highlighted the importance of emotional
intelligence for solving workplace issues 1. Ability model
such as inability to lead, lack of teamwork, 2. Mixed model
unwillingness to take initiative and inability 3. rait model Ability Model Mayer and Salovey
to deal with change. Further in our daily presented emotional intelligence as an
lives we may have witnessed many examples ability.
of how a person with a high intelligence
Ability model : defines emotional intelligence
quotient fails to adjust well socially or how a
as the abilities to accurately perceive emotions,
person with good emotional understanding
to access and generate emotions so as to assist
of self and people around manages to
thought, to understand emotions and emotional
do well career wise and socially. Thus,
knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions
in contemporary societies, emotional
so as to promote emotional and intellectual
intelligence is considered an important tool
growth. Thus, according to this model emotional
along with intelligence quotient. Emotional
intelligence is function of one’s ability. The
intelligence has been defined differently by
ability-based model views emotional intelligence
various scholars.
as important sources of information that help
ˆ According to Peter Salovey and John individual to make sense of and navigate the
Mayer it is defined as “the ability to monitor social environment. As per this model every
one’s own and other people’s emotions, to individual has different ability to process
discriminate between different emotions information of an emotional nature and also to
and label them appropriately, and to use relate emotional processing to a wider cognition.
emotional information to guide thinking This ability is seen to manifest itself in certain
and behavior”. This definition was adopted adaptive behaviors. The model claims that EI
by Goleman and further categorized the includes four types of abilities:
emotional intelligence into self-awareness, 1. Perceiving emotions – People generally are
managing emotions, motivating oneself, not able to perceive their emotions towards
empathy, and handling relationships. attitude object which can be because of
Emotional intelligence has been defined various reasons such as lack of ability to

62
 differentiate between emotions like rage model as emotional intelligence is considered a
versus anger, more focus on cognition etc. function of both abilities as well as personality
Perceiving emotions is the ability to detect traits of an individual.
and understand one’s own emotions and According to mixed model there are five
also emotions of others in various social
components of Emotional intelligence:
interactions. Perceiving emotions represents
1. Self-awareness – It is knowledge about what
the most basic aspect of emotional
we are which involves knowing and analyzing
intelligence, as it makes processing of all
other emotional information possible which strengths and weaknesses. Self-awareness
can be utilized for goal attainment. leads to clarity on our own behavior which
in turn induces self-confidence.
2. Using emotions – Usually our emotions
vary during the course of day from moment 2. Self-regulation - Self-awareness promotes
to moment, according to ability model, a self-regulation which involves controlling
person with emotional intelligence uses the emotions and thus self-control is
these emotions to solve the task at hand strengthened. Self-regulation leads to
accordingly and thus have goal orientation. patience and tolerance in extreme situations
Emotions thus can be used along with which in turn prevents conflicts. In the era
cognition to timely attain the targets and of competition, public scrutiny with digital
this involves better conflict management, and legal tools like right to information, self
problem solving and such complex tasks. regulation induces high stress tolerance.
Self-regulation serves the function of
3. Understanding emotions – This involves
adaptability in the organization and larger
the ability to comprehend emotion of self
society as individuals tend to act as per the
and others. Only perception of emotions is of
norms of society. For instance, it enables
no utility unless their understanding is there
avoidance of gratification involved in issues
as understanding translates into their better
such as corruption. It also presents a persona
management.
as trustworthy.
4. Managing emotions – Managing emotions
3. Self-Motivation - When a person is aware
is the ability to regulate emotions in both
ourselves as well as in others. Management of his emotions and is able to regulate them
of emotions is necessary for personal as well well, he develops high self-motivation to be
as public relations. Uncontrolled emotions successful in all spheres of life leading to
make situations go out of hand and often achievement orientation. Self-motivation
leads to conflict and other challenges such improves self-esteem and optimistic outlook
as feeling of remorse, guilt afterwards. for his work as well as personal relations.
Therefore, the emotionally intelligent Self-motivation thus leads to diligence and
person can harness emotions, even negative goal commitment in life. Self-motivated
ones, and manage them to achieve intended people are initiative takers and change
targets. makers.
4. Empathy - The ego-centric behavior of
Mixed Model
individuals which leads to exclusionary
Daniel Goleman’s model of emotional intelligence behavior with others can be overcome by
is referred to as mixed model. It’s called mixed developing empathy. Empathy is emotionally

63
 understanding the situation of others, “I don’t want to be at the mercy of my
taking perspective of others and having emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them and
nonjudgmental behavior towards the to dominate them.”-Oscar Wild
attitude object. Thus, empathy leads to better
People with high levels of EI are emotionally
understanding of people and situations and
stable, have consistency in behavior, are
promotes cooperation for a peaceful society.
optimistic, compassionate and deal with others
5. Handling relationships- According to with patience. However people with low levels of
Goleman, emotionally intelligent person emotional intelligence are not emotionally stable,
is more enabled in handling relationships have inconsistency in behavior, are pessimistic
both in personal as well as public life. One
and are indifferent towards the attitude of others.
of the necessary steps for better handling of
This makes emotional intelligence perform
relationships is ability to remember names,
various functions in different spheres at different
faces, dates and other such association
stages of life.
which is termed as social memory. Social
memory also empowers a person to be aware UTILITY OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
of emotions of others in the social event.
Handling relationships involves knowing Personal Health-
strength and weakness of others and at the ˆ It plays an important role in maintaining our
same time cultivating respect for the same. mental health as well as physical health in
This promotes collaborative approach for age of competition and constant changes we
better results in teamwork whether at home witness around us.
or work-place.
ˆ Thus, issues such as anxiety, depression,
Trait model stress can be handled if we are aware of
our own emotions and help can be offered
This model was developed by Konstantin Vasily
to others who suffer from the same. For
Petrides and published in 2009. He defined
instance a person with low emotional
emotional intelligence under the trait model as
intelligence will hurt himself with the anger
“a constellation of emotional self-perceptions
or frustration by taking adverse decisions
located at the lower levels of personality.”
like suicide. This happens especially with
Accordingly, in this model emotional intelligence
those who do not perceive their emotions
is seen as self-perceived emotional abilities and
well on any failure (academic, relation,
behavioral dispositions as opposed to ability
career-based failure) and don’t channelize
based model, which refers to actual abilities.
them for their own welfare. People with
It sees emotional intelligence as part of one’s
personality. low emotional intelligence let their health
succumb due to external factors.
Thus, in general Emotional intelligence is
defined as the ability to perceive emotions of self, ˆ Relationships - Emotional intelligence
express and regulate them as per circumstance has many functions in our private lives as
demands while at the same time perceiving well as public life. In private life, it makes
and responding to emotions of other people as us understand why we act in a certain
well. Emotional intelligence enables a person to way towards ourselves, different people,
navigate personal experiences well. situations etc.

64
ˆ For instance –Many people feel happy about Traditionally, Max Weber gave the concept of
their own success but are jealous of others’ “ideal bureaucracy” which involved features
success. Thus emotional intelligence helps us such as hierarchy, rules, division of labor as
understand such inconsistencies. In public well as neutrality.
life, it makes us behave ethically with people
ˆ Neutrality and objectivity demand that the
we interact with and hence, makes the public civil servant remain devoid of any emotion
relations good. Emotional intelligence thus in decision making and its implementation.
makes our social interactions go smoothly Thus, policy and its execution, according to
which also helps in maintaining peace and Weber, has to be based on a legal-rational
harmony in society. mechanism only where feelings have no
ˆ For example – A person with high emotional place. In sum, bureaucracy was seen as
intelligence will not stereotype people based an iron cage of rationality from which
on their gender, religion, ethnicity and this bureaucrats would not have any escape. The
ensures better relationships of people with ideal bureaucracy in the long run proved to
each other. be fatal as it created its own set of challenges.

Performance at workplace - Emotional ˆ For instance – the issue of discrimination

intelligence is an effective technique to motivate with women, poor, disabled people and other
ourselves as well as others around us. It makes such disempowered sections of society.
a person develop better soft skills and thus ˆ On the other hand, it was also seen that those
contributes to leadership qualities. For instance, administrators who act under the influence
in workplace leaders with good emotional of only emotions without using intelligence
intelligence instead of giving out harsh of how to regulate them can create many
punishments and criticism, give constructive challenges.
criticism which reflects their emotional
ˆ For instance- under pressure from political
intelligence and it motivates the workers to
leadership or other sources, bureaucrats
perform well. Further it does not also cause
resigning from job or even taking extreme
guilt in the leader as he perceived his emotions steps such as suicide. Thus, it was observed
well and managed them for better productivity by many scholars and leaders that without
in the organization. This in turn promotes emotional intelligence not only the
team building at workplace and minimizes the administrator can’t work effectively but
negative aspect which can be caused by the also the citizens are not being governed in
conflict, if emotions are not comprehended and best possible ways. This ultimately leads to
not used for healthy competition. violation of social contract and development
goals in long run are not accomplished.
APPLICATION IN ADMINISTRATION
AND GOVERNANCE An administrator generally interacts at
three levels:
ˆ Administration and governance play active A. Intra-organizational and inter-
role in fulfilling the social contract. This organizational interaction– Emotional
involves delivery of goods and services intelligence helps the administrators
to people for society’s well-being. The maintain healthy relationships within their
translation of policy into actions demands organization which improves the work
certain qualities among the administrators. culture.

65
 This involves respect for seniors and b) Administration-citizen interface– Civil
effective care of juniors so that the servants have to be compassionate,
productivity is at peak. Also, since innovative and responsive to deliver quality
organizations may have challenges services and goods to the citizens. Without
such as frequent transfers, casteism, emotional intelligence, friendly services
as offered in citizen charters cannot be
gender injustice, and sensationalization
delivered. Further lack of emotional
of events by the media, emotional
intelligence leads to issues of exclusionary
intelligence plays an important role
policies, corruption and diversion of scarce
to take right decisions without any
resources. This leads to deprivation and also
influence.
poverty continues unabated. An emotionally
 Emotional intelligence in the workplace intelligent civil servant is able to adapt
gives a boost to creativity and to a changing environment. He derives
innovation for team-building, better satisfaction from successful competition
performance and solving conflicts. of task and resists temptations of money
Emotional intelligence helps in making and power. The rules of accountability and
transparency requires civil servants to
best use of available financial resources.
work under public scrutiny which includes
Emotionally intelligent officer is able
criticism on even minor errors. Emotional
to accurately understand the situation
intelligence, thus, enables civil servants
and allocates funds according to the
to handle criticism positively and avoid
priority of the matter. Emotionally
frustration at work. An administrator with
intelligent civil servants keep his staff good emotional intelligence doesn’t possess
motivated by acting as role models. the “mai-baap” attitude towards the citizen.
Such officers are able to reduce Rather the administrator has a sense of
ambiguity, bridge differences and avoid inclusiveness and consciousness, also doesn’t
conflicts. He uses group dynamics to allow him/her to discriminate or exclude the
achieve collaboration to build bonds citizens from the services. Thus, emotional
and improve productivity. Emotionally intelligence on part of an administrator
intelligent administrators can become a creates a sense of belonging and collective
change catalyst and motivate others to ownership of resources in administrator
change as well. Emotionally intelligent as well as in citizens too. Emotionally
intelligent officer appears and is accepted by
administrators are able to make better
the public as non-partisan and neutral. This
sense of contradictory messages, and
helps in building trust. Such trustworthy
recognize underlying meanings of
officers are able to navigate through difficult
messages. This helps in identifying
circumstances like communal tension as
and reforming systemic deficit in the
all the communities involved have trust in
work culture of the government offices. him/her. Also, such officers are credible
Also, emotional intelligence helps and powerful source of persuasion who can
administrators to bring the best out of change the attitude of the public for better.
their subordinates thereby improving For example, towards open defecation, child
performance. marriage, dowry etc.

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c) Personal life – is cultivated for people with different
 In Indian society, civil servants are the backgrounds.
role models for many. This makes their ˆ Role Playing- It helps in understanding
personal as well as public life prone challenges associated with tasks and lives
to constant public scrutiny. Emotional of others, it further helps in setting realistic
intelligence thus helps to manage goals and keeping realistic expectations
them the undue criticism for their from others. This in turn minimises the
personal live failures. The nature of conflicts and leads to more harmony and
job is also such which involves transfer better cooperation in governance.
and postings in remote areas which in ˆ Assertiveness Training- This involves
turn negatively impacts their family controlling aggression while exercising
life causing disruption in children’s authority which can be learned from sports
education, marital conflict and loss of and speaking out issues that matters to
social circle. subordinates as well as superiors. The
colonial hangover of power which leads to
 Emotional intelligence enables them to
issues like corruption can be translated into
maintain balance in personal life and
emotional intelligence with assertiveness
avoid these situations. The expectation
training.
of family and friends regarding various
undue benefits like government jobs or ˆ Relaxation Training- Regular sessions
contracts are also high. If not met, then of yoga, meditation to calm down mind,
it creates discords and if met then the helps in introspection and understanding
expectations increases for next favors. underlying causes of one’s attitude which
Emotional intelligence helps in this case involve the emotions and behaviour. This
to navigate social relations well while makes a person conscious of his acts and he
avoiding such expectations. tends to act with compassion.

ˆ Communication Training- Comprehending

IMPROVING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
both verbal communications and non-verbal
Although emotional intelligence can be build cues, understanding unsaid words and
in individuals from their childhood through self-management when overpowered with
process of socialization. Since emotions are emotions while communicating, in personal
innate, every person has certain amount of as well as public sphere improves the ability
to engage with emotional intelligence. It is
emotional intelligence.
a necessity while communicating with the
But ability to use emotions for decision
media and when civil servant is under public
making can be improved through techniques like- scrutiny.
ˆ Sensitivity Training- It helps a person to ˆ Learning from the lives of great leaders,
understand his own limitation, how his reformers and public figures who braved
emotions affect others and importance of extreme situations with emotional
being sensitive to the needs of others is intelligence to achieve greatness motivates
realised. This helps in improving the sense the civil servants to lead an exemplary life
of inclusiveness and thus, positive outlook for a larger audience.

67
 ˆ Lack of Communication: Excessive
In administrators, it can be
regulation of emotions along with
inculcated at following stages
lower social skills might lead to lack of
i) Recruitment – The introduction of ethics communication with the recipient.
papers in the civil services examination  Example - If a person (A) is not good
is one of the creative steps to monitor the in communication skills and does not
emotional intelligence of candidates. show any emotion (such as smile) while
ii) Training– Niti Aayog has suggested meeting someone (B), then that person
introduction of mid-career training modules (B) will have lesser interest in talking to
for all services and preparation of handbooks person (A).
for skill orientation to improve competency
ˆ EI has Little Predictive Value: The studies
which in turn can have focus on acquisition
conducted on EI have shown that it adds
of soft skills as well as which includes the
little or nothing to the prediction of some
emotional intelligence of the civil servants.
common outcomes.
iii) Evaluation– According to Niti Aayog,
the consideration of replacing annual ˆ Confusing Skills with Moral Qualities: EI is
confidential reports (ACRs) with multi a desirable moral quality rather than a skill. A
stakeholder feedback (MSF) is necessary well-developed EI is not only an instrumental
reform for better accountability. The multi- tool for accomplishing goals but as a dark
stake holder feedback in turn will regulate side is a weapon for manipulating others.
the biased emotions in civil servants and ˆ Tolerance Towards Injustice: If a person
in turn it can make civil servants more has excessive control over emotions then
responsive and sensitive to the needs of he/she can suppress his/her emotions that
others. might be inclined towards justice.
Emotional intelligence has been accepted
 Example - A person can control his/her
as a very important quality for a civil servant
emotion of pity when he/she scolds a
and administrator which not only helps him in
poor person asking for food.
his official work but also helps in maintaining
workpersonal life balance. ˆ Lead to Irrational Decisions: Emotions
are irrational. Emotions are unproductive.
CRITICISM OF EMOTIONAL Emotions are subjective. Emotions should
INTELLIGENCE never guide administrative actions.
High EQ Low EQ
ˆ Manipulating Others: A person who is
y Understand and Sense y Easily stressed and
very good at judging and manipulating others’ motivations and impact others with
others emotions without integrity can hide inspire good work in the effect of one’s own
them. overwhelm.
real emotions and disguise others with
y Create Safety for people y Do not speak up or
expression of other sets of emotions. to speak their mind, assert themselves, even
which avoids groupthink. in situations where it is
 Example - People on social media required.
platforms manipulate other people y Can sense potential y Get defensive and argue
and new opportunities for points without
by exploiting their emotions such as effectively better than listening to others.
distress, etc. others.

68
y Resolve conflicts well and y Hold a grudge that is subject to political pressure, life
do not add to or escalate hard to shake and feel threats etc. Only a public servant who
drama. misunderstood by others.
is Emotionally Intelligent would be
able to handle such pressures without
ROLE OF EI IN PUBLIC SERVICES succumbing to anger, depression or
ˆ “Emotional Intelligence” is the very marker compromise.
that distinguishes routine management from  Help in Negotiations: Emotionally
outstanding leadership and the marker that intelligent people can negotiate
distinguishes dead organisations from living and resolve disagreements. This
organisations. It has significant role in Public characteristic is the heart of public
services, which are as: service.

 Effective Communication: Emotionally  Build Trust with People: Emotionally

intelligent people listen to other intelligent people listen to other
people and know how to communicate people’s emotions and can empathise
effectively. An emotionally intelligent with them. They act ethically and build
Civil Servant manages to execute trust through integrity and reliability.
policies effectively through better  360 Degree Leadership: Public
communication with the public at administrators with high levels of
large. Empathy and integrity takes emotional intelligence:
precedence over personal biases when
¾ Lead Up -- build social capital with
one is emotionally sorted out.
political superiors and elected
 Better Coordination with
officials;
Subordinates: The quality of EI makes
¾ Lead Down -- build social capital
a public servant more aware and
with lower-level staff;
compassionate. Ego, pride or other
¾ Lead Across -- build social capital
negative emotions fail to creep in such
with peers;
personalities.
¾ Lead Out -- build social capital with
 Better Work-culture: An emotionally stakeholders outside ministry like
intelligent civil servant brings more NGOs, academics, media, citizens
energy to the system, thus influencing
the working attitude of each employee. THREAT TO EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE IN PRESENT TIMES
 Fosters Leadership: Self-awareness is
at the core of everything. It describes ˆ Artificial Intelligence: There is increasing
the ability to not only understand reliance on Artificial intelligence in the
one’s strengths and weaknesses, but to present time, which cannot understand the
recognize emotions and the effect they cultural difference, emotional expressions
have on oneself (public servant) and etc. and also magnify biases in the algorithm.
one’s team performance.  Example - Facial recognition technology
 Management of Disruptive Emotions: used in the USA has been biased against
A civil servant while working in a high people of colour and has wrongfully
pressure environment often becomes matched people of different colour.

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ˆ Excessive Politicisation: Because of ˆ Rigid Laws: Strict code of conduct, rules that
excessive politicisation there is increasing abide the bureaucrats to the decisions of
public and political pressure on honest ministers and they cannot outrightly reject
officials and at the same time ‘yesmanship’ illegitimate demand.
among politically aligned officials.  Example - Former Kerala Chief
 Example - Archaeological Survey of Secretary Jiji Thomson, an accused in the
India began gold hunting in Uttar palmolein graft case had to abide by the
decision of the government to import
Pradesh on the order of a Union Minister
about 15,000 tonnes of palmolein.
who believed in a Baba.

ˆ Social Media and Fake News: Because of SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE

social media and fake news there is less
ˆ Social Intelligence (SI) is the ability of a
emphasis on rationality and people tend to
person to tune into other people’s emotions
jump to the conclusion, increasing pressure
and read the subtle behavioural cues to
on the officials to deliver quick results.
choose the most effective response in a
 Example - In the Ryan international given situation. It aids people to successfully
school case, Gurugram, the police build relationships and navigate social
charged the bus driver to show quick environments.
results, but he was later released after
KEY ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL
CBI took over the case.
INTELLIGENCE
ˆ Online Games and Apps: Children and youth
ˆ Verbal Fluency and Conversational Skills:
are wasting their precious time by engaging
A socially intelligent person can carry
in Online games. Their thinking processes
conversation with a wide variety of people
are getting shaped in line with the characters
and is tactful and appropriate in what is said.
of the Game.
 Example - Swami Vivekananda was
 Example - ‘Blue Whale challenge’ has
tactful in using “Sisters and brothers of
motivated many kids to take extreme America” in his speech in Chicago.
steps in their life. Tik Tok app which
ˆ Knowledge of Social Roles, Rules and
prompted people to make videos for the
Scripts: Socially intelligent people can play
publicity only. various social roles, and are well versed with
ˆ Virtual Classes and Activities in School: informal rules or norms in the society.
During the Corona Period, engagement of  Example - Gandhiji was well aware
students with the internet for attending about the social roles prescribed for
classes, has kept them away from the real women in pre-independence India
world. This has been hindering the natural and therefore devised appropriate
growth of EI among children. strategies for them to play a role in the
freedom struggle.
 Example - Group events, games are not
being organised which could lead to ˆ Effective Listening Skills: Socially intelligent
suppression of values such as teamwork, people are good listeners and show a
leadership, compassion etc. positive attitude; therefore, another person

70
 having interaction with them feels a good ˆ Training: Training through practice and
‘connection’. feedback, civil servants can learn from
 Example - Former President K.R. their mistakes using real life examples and
Narayanan became the first public figure reflection opportunities.
(as Vice-President) to shake hands with ˆ Support: Coaching, encouragement and peer
an HIV-infected person and showed a support can assist with lasting change and
positive attitude. positive development of EI competencies
ˆ Impression Management Skills: Socially ˆ Experiential Learning: Emotional and
intelligent people are good at making a behavioural changes require life activities
balance between managing and controlling which are primarily outside of the traditional
their image and being reasonably authentic. classroom and is commonly referred to as
experiential learning.
 Example - Chetan Singh Rathore, the
Deputy ˆ Learning Transfer: It refers to how
people use what they learn in training for
HOW TO DEVELOP EMOTIONAL performance improvement. Learningtransfer
INTELLIGENCE AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS seeks to reinforce and apply the information
learned on the job immediately.
ˆ Cognitive Intelligence (IQ) does not change
with age or experience. However, with EQ, Way Forward
this is not the case. Emotional competencies ˆ Emotional intelligence is the single best
are learned and can be taught. The mastery predictor of performance in the workplace
of EQ skills evolve over a lifelong growth. and the strongest driver of leadership and
ˆ Yoga Practice: Person can take help from personal excellence.
exercise such as control over breathing ˆ These are instrumental tools for goal
to increase self-awareness and self- accomplishment.
management.
ETHICAL ISSUES IN NEWS
ˆ Able to Work with Others: Every civil
servant should be trained to develop his or LUCIUS QUINCTIUS CINCINNATUS
her emotional intelligence, the fact is that ˆ Outgoing Prime Minister of the United
most of them aren’t being developed and it Kingdom Boris Jonson likened his exit to
affects the organisations where they work that of 5th Century BC Roman emperor
negatively because if you can’t handle your Cincinnatus, drawing reactions from
emotions well, you won’t be able to work commentators and historians given
well with others. Cincinnatus’s rule as a dictator.
ˆ Emotional Literacy: Person should improve ˆ Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (519 BC to
his emotional literacy because if a person 438 BC) was a Roman emperor whose name
can’t label his emotional state correctly, he is invoked to refer to an honorable and
can’t manage his emotions. principled figure.
ˆ Non-verbal Communication: Person should ˆ The story of Cincinnatus is about the
learn to interpret non-verbal communication Aequians, powerful enemies of Rome that
such as facial and body gestures. were threatening to invade the city. Unable

71
 to deal with the crisis, the Roman Senate when his goal was accomplished, he went
decided to bring in Cincinnatus to fight off back to his farm and let go of extraordinary
the attack. He had been living a life away power. Some accounts further say that he
from power, and the senate was prepared to was again called for 21 days for warding off
give him powers to exercise a dictatorship another threat to Rome, and this time too, he
for securing a victory. went back to the farm after the job was done.
ˆ It is said when he learned of the call, Hence, Cincinnatus was admired by the
Cincinnatus “left his plough standing in the Romans for only holding on to his dictatorial
field” and left to lead the Romans to victory powers for as long as was strictly necessary.
against the Aequians. However, 15 days later Hence, known for his Emotional Intelligence.

vvvv

72
 MORAL THINKERS AND
8
PHILOSOPHERS OF THE WORLD
 Example - A Teleologist would argue
INTRODUCTION
that giving to a charity maximises well-
Philosophy is derived from the Greek word being in society, and a deontologist
“Philosophia” which means love of wisdom. A would argue that we have a duty to
human is a social being who seeks to understand help others, a virtue ethicist would
cause and effect relationships in nature and point to the fact that helping others
the society he lives in. The person who is a displays desirable virtues such as being
knowledge seeker through his curiosity is charitable or benevolent.
termed a philosopher.
VIRTUE ETHICS OFFERS A BETTER
MOTIVE FOR THE ACTION THAN
Classification of Western THAT OF DUTY BASED ETHICS
Philosophies and thinkers from the
Context of Ethics ˆ Saving a life of someone only out of the sense
of duty seems to lack a better motivation
NORMATIVE ETHICS like compassion and kindness, which can
be expected only from a person who has
ˆ Normative Theory: It involves arriving at developed these virtues in him/her.
moral standards that regulate right and
ˆ It is also important to note that duty-based
wrong conduct. In a sense, it is a search for
ethics somehow neglects some of the
an ideal litmus test of proper behaviour.
essential aspects of moral life, namely the
ˆ Normative Standards: It sets normative emphasis of being a good person leading a
standards for judging human acts as being virtuous life.
ethical. They are championed by Greek
philosophers and the most important ISSUES
branches among them are as following:
ˆ Lack of Moral Principles and Ethics: It lacks
VIRTUE ETHICS moral principles and ethics without specific
principles cannot guide us in deciding the
ˆ These are the theories that focus on the moral choice of an action.
virtue of character, mind, and sense of  Example - When someone steals money,
honesty. They were championed mainly by what would be a morally right act in
Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato. dealing with that person?
ˆ Virtue ethics shifts the analytical emphasis Difficulty in Determining the Morally Right
away from rule-based decision-making (of Action: There is a lack of moral judgment in
deontological ethics) or of the consequences virtue ethics. A person may be virtuous but he/
of an action (eg. in utilitarianism) towards she may still not be able to distinguish right
the ethics of individuals and the ethics of action from wrong action especially if he/she is
human character. not knowledgeable in a particular field.

73
  Example - Despite being a virtuous is ignorance. He valued knowledge that can
person, Sarah’s lack of expertise in lead to an ethical life.
finance led her to make poor investment
 Example - The death of V G Siddhartha
decisions, highlighting the importance
(Owner of Cafe Coffee Day) shows
of knowledge and moral judgment in
money is not the source of happiness
virtue ethics. but it’s true knowledge.
ˆ Lack of Moral Judgment in Virtue Ethics: ˆ Conflicting Promise: In the case of conflicting
There can be situations in which virtues promises one should follow a promise that
enter into conflict with one another. has higher moral worth.
 Example - If a person comes across a  Example - India had promised double
dilemma of his/her friend being brought digit growth in the 2018-20 budget and
to trial and he/she is a witness. its constitution also promises social
nature. Thus during the pandemic the
SOCRATES
government prioritized the welfare of
ˆ He was born in Athens in 470 BC and is people over its economic aims.
popular for his dialogues and debates with ˆ Ideal Life: An ideal life should focus on
public figures and authorities of the time. self-development, especially the pursuit
This technique is termed Maieutics. of goodness, virtue, justice, integrity,
and friendship. Valuing virtues like love,
Socrates Philosophy
friendship, courage, truth takes an individual
ˆ Scrutiny and Exploration: In the words of far more than others due to his ideal values.
Socrates, “An unexamined life is not worth  Example - Sarah’s commitment to
living, one should question, accept and reject cultivating virtues such as kindness,
the facts.” By this philosophy, he builds a honesty, and integrity leads her to lead
scientific temper which further paves for a a fulfilling life filled with meaningful
scientific revolution in Europe. relationships and personal growth.
 Example - The recent trends of fake ˆ Individual-level: True knowledge is the basis
messages via social messaging sites of ethical life thus one should stay away from
often tend to create conflict between superstation, feudal mindset, fake news, and
communities in India. This is because of misinformation.
not examining the facts.
 Example- Practices like mutilation, fake
ˆ Courage: It depicts freedom to speak of one’s news like the corona virus spread by
mind, the ability to speak the truth, and religious groups hamper our journey
objectivity. towards an ethical life.
 Example - A major chunk of the world ˆ Societal Level: Socrates’ philosophy
believes in Chinese aggression but encourages critical thinking and questioning
they fail to speak up due to financial societal norms, promoting intellectual
dependency on China. discourse for the betterment of society.
ˆ Ethics of Happiness: According to him the  Example- Mahatma Gandhi’s principles,
only virtue is knowledge and the only sin such as nonviolent resistance and

74
 questioning unjust authority, became ˆ Harmonious Functioning: Part should work
a guiding force in India’s struggle for for the whole and whole must benefit the
independence. parts.
ˆ Governance Level: Socrates’ philosophy
emphasizes the importance of wisdom,
ARISTOTLE
self-examination, and moral integrity in He was also a Greek philosopher and disciple of
governance for the benefit of the entire Plato.
society.
Philosophies of Aristotle:
 Example - When our government
ˆ Eudemonia: It signifies happiness.
favours PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana of free
Eudemonia means achieving the best
food over Fiscal responsibility highlights
conditions possible for oneself, in every
valuing morally high promise.
sense–not only happiness, but also virtue,
PLATO morality, and a meaningful life.

He was a Greek philosopher and disciple of  Example- If you’re a parent, you should
Socrates and a teacher to Aristotle. excel at raising your children; if you’re
a doctor, you should excel at healing
Plato’s Philosophy:
people and if you are a civil servant you
ˆ Justice of Self: Every human being has three should work towards the welfare of the
components mentioned below and they
society.
must prioritise knowledge over others.
ˆ Ethical Being: He considered humans as
ˆ Appetite: Act based on instinctive needs.
social, political, and also as ethical beings
These instinctive needs are food, sleep,
against the views of Sigmund Fred and even
attire, etc.
Kautilya.
ˆ Spirit: Act according to one’s honour.
 Example- One has to focus on building
ˆ Knowledge: Act based on the power of character as PM recently on civil
critical thinking services day quotes “Sheelam Param
ˆ Justice of Society: For every society to Bhushanam” (Character is the highest
function efficiently, each component should virtue).
perform its duty. Such as:
ˆ The Doctrine of GOLDEN Mean: He
 Artisan: Provide goods and service emphasised avoiding extreme actions like
 Soldiers: Defending the society choosing courage against cowardice and
sloth.
 Guardians: The rulers of the society
 Example- One should not go against
ˆ Plato’s Republic: It was a utopia ruled by
the constitution in highlighting their
philosophers and their progeny who enjoy
hereditary kingship. The republic neither views with extreme protests and on the
had private wealth nor private family. The other hand they should also not stay
children were raised by community and silent in case of exploitation. A legal
culture and athletics were taught. Strict constitutional battle is a favourable
censorship over literature, drama, and music. middle path.

75
ˆ Emphasis on Virtue: It is the character ˆ Hypothetical imperative – which are
that determines ethicality and not actions, obligation only if one desires something, and
motives, and consequences. In Bonafide
ˆ Categorical imperative- duty which is
errors people are generally forgiven due to
absolute in nature and must apply in all
their true intent and thus the act becomes
circumstances. Categorical imperatives are
ethical.
objective and unconditional principles that
DENTOLOGY originate out of rationality and free will. Any
action to be morally upright must conform to
ˆ The basic premise of deontology states that CI.
we are obligated to act in accordance with a
ˆ It is obeyed purely out of a sense of duty and
set of rules, principles, and values regardless
not due to emotions, feeling or desire.
of outcomes. Its emphasis is on means rather
than ends. Kant is the philosopher who According to Kant, Categorical Imperative
championed deontology. is based on four principles:
Immanuel Kant Deontology –Deontology is a a) Principle of universality – Acting in such a
normative theory which states that morality of way that it can be made into universal law.
an action depends on the means adopted rather This means acting emotionally and focusing
than the consequences. Further, an act should on consequences is irrelevant as they vary
be done not because it maximizes outcomes but from situation to situation and thus universal
to fulfil the duties. Thus, commitment to duty law can’t be made.
is must even if it leads to bad outcomes. This b) Principle of Equality- These universal laws
brings certainty in decision making as it is rule should be applicable to all including self. If
based. Kant argued that standards of morality there are exceptions and anyone is excluded
are based on reasons and rationality. There is no then the law is not based on categorical
need to look at the divine or to the consequences imperative.
for determining morality of an action. It is
c) Humanism Principle- People should
through reason that humans develop moral laws
never be treated as means but they end
and determine which principles of actions are
in themselves. Hence duty is done for the
consistent with it. The strength to set aside our
welfare of people rather than using them in
natural desire and act on these principles also
the process for fulfilling duty.
comes from within. One necessary condition for
moral actions is that they should be performed d) Duty Principle- Acting right because it’s
freely. An individual’s action is free if his own the right thing to do, not because of some
reason generated the principles which formed fear or reward attached to it. When an act is
the basis of actions. done based on reward and punishment, it’s
Categorical Imperative- Kant is famous for not a moral act as rationality has not been
his “Categorical Imperative” which simply followed. (Duty for duty’s sake- the core
means unambiguous duties. For Kant, CI is the theme of deontology).
fundamental principle of morality. Duty is a
commitment to perform certain actions by virtue
Utilitarianism
of being part of civilized society. Accordingly, It is one of the various forms of Consequentialism
there are two types of duties or imperatives: school of ethics. Consequentialism is the ethical

76
framework which focuses on consequence of 6. Purity – Will the pleasure resulting from
action to determine morality of action unlike action be followed by pain or vice versa.
deontology which focuses on means adopted in 7. Extent- What is the extent of the effect of
the action. According to Utilitarianism, an act the action or how many people are affected
is moral if it maximizes happiness for a greater by the same. (basis of actions for collective
number of people. Thus, utilitarianism focus happiness).
on collective pleasure rather than individual
ˆ Jeremy Bentham is widely known for
pleasure.
his quantitative utilitarianism, in which,
Jeremy Bentham- Quantitative according to him, pleasure and pain can be
Utilitarianism quantified (can be more or less) based on
this calculus. According to him, there is no
According to Jeremy Bentham, founder of qualitative difference between different
modern utilitarianism, “Nature has placed kinds of pleasure ie. bodily pleasures are
mankind under the governance of two sovereign as desirable as mental pleasure. Further
masters, pain and pleasure.” Pleasure/happiness according to Bentham, our action is regulated
is the only desirable and all actions directed by four sanctions, namely, natural (fear of
toward maximization of happiness are moral. death), political (fear of punishment), social
Thus, according to him, in every act we ought to (fear of boycott) and religious (fear of god).
perform we weigh the pleasure and pain which It is because of these sanctions, an individual
is resulted from the act. looks beyond his personal pleasures and
Bentham said “The said truth is that- It is the acts for the happiness of all.
Greatest happiness of the greatest number that ˆ John Stuart Mill- Refined or Qualitative
is the measure of right and wrong.” An action is Utilitarianism According to JS Mill, pleasure
moral or has utility if it maximizes pleasure and and pain can’t be quantified as they are
minimizes pain. For this, he gave his Hedonic subjective and vary from person to person.
calculus to measure pleasure as well as pain on Further, there are certain pleasures which
the following parameters are superior to others. These higher
1. Intensity- It provides for the intensity or pleasures are something like virtues. If
level or pleasure and/or pain that results the pleasures are associated with reason
from the action or other emotions like passion that lead to
benefit for a larger number of people, then
2. Duration - For how long (time) the pleasure
they are superior to other pleasures. These
or the pain lasts.
are intellectual and spiritual pleasures. Thus,
3. Certainty- Is there a notable amount of Mill gave qualitative utilitarianism.
certainty or uncertainty of pleasure or pain
ˆ On the question of ‘how to test the quality
resulting from the action?
of pleasure and pain’, Mill argued that it
4. Propinquity-Once the act is done, how much is for the “competent judges” to decide
time it takes to experience the pleasure or that. A competent judge is one who has
pain. Is it just after the act or it takes a certain experienced both bodily pleasures as well as
amount of time to set in? intellectual ones and he prefers intellectual
5. Fecundity- Will the action lead to more pleasure over others. Also, a man has his
pleasure or not. natural sense of dignity to test the quality

77
 of the pleasure resulting from the action he and rules (social contract). Also, both focused
performed. Thus, he said “It’s better to be a on the importance of reasoning which leads
human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; man to create a state for survival and peace.
better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool However, both had different meanings for
satisfied.” According to Mill, a person acts for the state of nature, how humans acted in it
the happiness of the maximum number of and thus, how social contract emerged.
people in order to reduce his own pain.
Concepts Thomas Hobbes John Locke-
ˆ Thus, like Bentham, Mill also supported - L e v i a t h a n Second Treatise
collective happiness rather than pleasure of (1651) of Government
(1689)
an individual. Further, he added one more
State of He had a negative He had a positive
sanction to the four quoted by Bentham and nature conception of a state conception of state
of nature where of nature when
that is conscience. He said – “I have learned humans are nasty, compared to Hobbes.
to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, brutish, selfish and Although the man
lived in fear of death. was insecure
rather than attempting to satisfy them.” Resources are scarce but he honoured
According to Mill, Bentham’s sanction acts and man acts in obligations, was
self-interest so as peaceful and
externally while conscience is an internal to satisfy his own pleasant.
needs.
sanction which controls man’s personal
This leads to It was pre-political
desires (egoism) for the pleasure of a larger competition for the but not pre-moral.
number of people(altruism) and to reduce limited resources This state of nature
and thus the state was peaceful as
their pain. of nature is termed Locke’s “law of
by him as a state of nature”—the
permanent war of all obligation that
Social Contract Definition against all. created beings have
to obey their creator
ˆ Social contract is an agreement between a (god)—constitutes
the foundation of the
legitimate authority and citizens in which “state of nature.”
citizens wilfully surrender some of their In such a state of war People voluntarily
– there is absence of give the state their
freedom and liberties for establishing a any concept of law, rights through a
society with peace and which has security for justice and property. “social contract”
in order to protect
its members. Thus, various social contract their “natural rights”
theories aim to prove legitimacy of authority of life, liberty, and
property.
of the state over individuals. They explain Transition The transition from People voluntarily
two fundamental ideas- First that humans to civilized “state of nature” to give the state their
state civilized society is by rights through a
wilfully form the government and it’s not a “social contract,” “social contract”
forced on them. Second is that it’s the right to be agreed upon in order to protect
by the people to be their “natural rights”
which is the basis of all political societies governed by the of life, liberty, and
government. property.
rather than might.
Thus, people Individual rights are
ˆ Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, both gave submit their rights more important than
to the state to get state.
their social contract theory based on their protection in return.
conception of the original ‘state of nature’- Supremacy State is absolute and Individual rights are
of state or whatever it does is more important than
which is representation of human existence people just even if it’s not state.
prior to contemporary societies with laws right.

78
 State has maximum If the state is not a) Liberty Principle- All citizens have basic rights
power as this only able to ensure their and liberties which are accorded to them
will prevent man of rights and hence
state of nature from fails to uphold the equally. As unequal rights will not benefit
becoming brutish social contract then those who have a lesser share of the same.
and selfish again and people can change
thus create a just their government. b) Social and economic inequality has to satisfy
society in process. two conditions –
i) Principle of Equality of Opportunity-
JOHN RAWLS It means that people with the same
talent and willingness to use the
ˆ Justice as Fairness Rawls conception of
talent have the same educational and
justice is fairness or impartiality. In his
economic opportunities regardless of
theory of justice, he answers the question-
whether they are poor or rich. Further,
How to create a just society?
inequalities are attached to the offices
ˆ This particularly focuses on finding the and positions which are open to all
principles required to create just political, under condition of fair equality of
economical and social institutions as these opportunity.
institutions distribute the rewards and
ii) Difference Principle- According to Rawls,
punishments which have profound impact
inequalities are accepted as long as they
on people’s lives. Rawls theory is based on benefit the most disadvantaged section.
‘veil of ignorance’. Thus, Rawls has an institution focused
ˆ A person is put behind this veil to determine view of just society where rationality
the principles of just society. behind the veil of ignorance determines
how to create just society rather than
ˆ According to Rawls, a person behind this
morality.
veil is ignorant of his/her own race, religion,
class, caste, gender and nationality, in sum This was criticized by Nobel Laureate
the identities which he/she will have in Amartya Sen who promoted realization-based
future society. understanding of justice. According to Sen,
focus should not only be on how to create just
ˆ Thus, such a person would think rationally to
institutions in society but also on how to deliver/
ensure that if in future society he/she is in the
distribute justice in society. Thus, merely creating
worst section or is disadvantaged then he/
just institutions (niti) does not ensure fairness
she must benefit from principles of justice. but outcome (nyaya) also needs to be realized.
Also, if he/she is in the privileged section
Further distributive justice or fair
then his/her position doesn’t get weaker.
distribution of goods and opportunities is not
The only safe option to create just political,
enough but how people utilize these resources
economical and social institutions will be to
and opportunities is also important and thus
guarantee maximum standards of minimum
he gave the framework of Capability approach.
liberties for all. This veil of ignorance thus
In this approach, a person’s capability to live a
provides for principles required to create
good life is defined in terms of the set of valuable
just institutions for a just society.
‘beings and doings’ like being in good health
Hence, Rawls gave two basic principles to or having social capital with others to which
create a fair society: they have real access. This criticism reflects the

79
classical debate of ethics- whether to focus on 5. Humanitarianism: Gandhi ji believed that
duties (deontology school of ethics) or to give every human being has the right to dignity
priority to outcomes (Consequentialism school of and a good life. Betterment of human life
ethics) while determining an act is moral or not. must be the prime goal of social and political
action. With this idea, Gandhi ji worked for
INDIAN THINKERS AND the upliftment of harijans, women and so on.
PHILOSOPHERS 6. Inner strength: Gandhi ji preached that
a person should have such high moral
MAHATMA GANDHI strength that no amount of pressure can
Mahatma Gandhi is called the father of the shake his moral standing. The technique of
nation not just because of his contributions in satyagraha was based on the inner strength
the Indian national movement but because of of satyagrahis who could go on fasting unto
the ethical foundation he established for India death, take beating etc. Inner strength can
both during the freedom struggle and after it. be developed through courage of conviction,
Moreover, he acted as a moral lighthouse and confidence and even spirituality. He said,
anchor in testing times such as the partition of “Strength does not come from physical
1947. Main contributions capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
Gandhi ji even assured people of success if
1. Means over ends: Gandhi ji pioneered the
they believed in their strength and acted for
idea that means are as important as the
the right cause. He triumphantly said, “First
ends when determining the ethicality of
they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then
an action. Wrong means can never lead to
lasting noble end. He withdrew the Non- they fight you, then you win.” Satyagraha
cooperation movement and did not support meant the use of truth, non-violence and
revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh because of sacrifice to agitate, assert one’s position
violent means. and bring a change of heart in the opponent,
2. Human values (Truth & Non-violence): so as to get justice. The recent peaceful as
Satya and ahimsa must always be upheld as well as successful long march of farmers in
they are of intrinsic value to human beings. Maharashtra can be seen as an example.
They are not only respectful but also the key 7. Conscience: Gandhi ji believed that God
to a good life. resides in every person and speaks from
3. Tolerance, pluralism and fraternity: within. Such a divine voice is the voice of
Gandhi ji advocated for universal conscience which people must obey in times
brotherhood, monotheism and equality of all of dilemma. Gandhi ji remarked that ‘there is
beings. His prayer “Ishwar allah tere naam, a court above all courts, and that is the court
sab ko sanmati de bhagwan…” gives the same of conscience’.
message. 8. Gender: Gandhi ji had a nuanced view on
4. Education: Education leads to all-round gender equality. He stated that though
development of a person’s ‘mind, body and women are different from men and have
spirit’ and turns us into a better human being, different strengths and weaknesses, they are
citizen and member of society and so on. He equal in status. Women are actually superior
emphasized upon value-based education in to men in matters like moral strength. He
his Wardha scheme of education. said, “To call women the weaker sex is a

80
 libel; it is man’s injustice to [Link] by their suffering, whether it will benefit them.
strength is meant moral power, then woman This talisman is particularly relevant for
is immeasurably superior to man’s superior. decision making by public servants.
View on good life 2. Bhagavad Gita: Gandhi ji termed the Gita
1. Austerity: Gandhi ji preached a simple life as his ‘spiritual dictionary’ and gave it the
with bare minimum material privileges. He status of his ‘mother’. One should do one’s
believed in the fulfillment of higher order duty i.e. dharma and not care about the
needs such as knowledge, morality, faith etc. result, which is the way to salvation. Gandhi
Moreover, Gandhi ji said it was against his ji gave the idea that fulfilling one’s duty in
conscience to have material luxury when the family, society, nation etc. should be the core
masses of India lived in poverty and hunger.
principle of human life.
2. Altruism: Altruism was advocated by Gandhi
View on Polity and Governance
ji not only as a voluntary good deed but also
1. Self-governed self-sufficient village
as a duty for the well-off, to create a just and
republics: Gandhi ji argued that as opposed
sustainable social order. Gandhi ji’s follower
to big centralized governments, local
Vinobha Bhave took it forward in the form of
the Bhoodan movement. self-governance (Panchayats) and self-
sufficiency are the key to good governance
3. Social service: For Gandhi ji, selfless social
and it also provides social control to ensure
service was a way of spiritual upliftment
ethical behavior. True Swaraj will come only
and a higher sense of fulfillment. Gandhi ji
said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose when people govern themselves as per their
yourself in the service of others.” own values.

4. Cleanliness: Gandhi ji said that ‘cleanliness 2. Secularism: Gandhi ji envisaged a state that
is next to godliness’. Cleanliness and hygiene was impartial to all religions and derived
leads to mental peace and generation of inspiration from all religions as a way of
good thoughts. Moreover, through this idea, value-driven politics, as was the case during
Gandhi ji tried to address the menace of the rule of Ashoka and Akbar. He believed in
sanitation and therefore, manual scavenging the traditional Indian idea of Sarva Dharma
and untouchability. Sambhava.
5. Intoxication: Gandhi ji advocated prohibition 3. Just law: Laws should be just and
of liquor and condemned intoxication. It
reasonable. People must abide by the law in
pollutes our soul, mind and heart and gives
all circumstances but they have the right to
way to immoral acts.
disobey and resist when the law is unfair and
Views on Decision Making: What Is The unreasonable. For instance, the salt law was
Right Thing To Do? broken by Gandhi ji with his Dandi March.
1. Talisman: Gandhi ji favoured choosing
the course of action based on compassion.
View on Economy
He taught that whenever we are in doubt 1. Private enterprise: Gandhi ji favoured
over our course of action, we should think minimal economic regulation and free
how our actions will affect the poorest and enterprise, but for larger social well being
weakest, whether it will help to alleviate and not individual greed or luxury.

81
2. Trusteeship model: Gandhi ji propounded Other Views
the idea that owners of wealth should see 1. Bringing change: Gandhi ji believed in
themselves as custodians of public resources
human potential and appreciated individual
which people have entrusted with them to
initiative. He urged, “Be the change you
do larger social good. Wealth should not lead
to greed but should be used for the well- wish to see in the world”, as change was the
being of all, such as innovation, job creation, responsibility of people as well as state.
philanthropy etc.
2. Honesty and integrity- For Gandhi
3. Small industries and manual labour:
“Happiness is when what you think, what
Gandhi ji promoted small industries as they
you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
can be set up by persons with limited means
using their traditional skills and they also He did not shy away from criticizing even
lead to employment generation and inclusive the Indian National Congress for its wrong
growth. Skill development and manual labor policies and slow functioning.
is the means to ensure livelihood for all.
3. Generosity: Gandhi ji urged people to be kind
4. Gandhi on Machined Production- Gandhi
and righteous regardless of the behavior of
called machines “evil” and held it responsible
others. He said, “The weak can never forgive.
for impoverishment of India. Gandhi
supported machinery which reduces human Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”, as
suffering but was against those machines portrayed in the movie Munna Bhai.
which replace humans in production. He
4. Attitude: He stated that attitude is a
said, “The spinning wheel itself is a machine;
consequence of our actions and a determinant
a little toothpick is a machine, what I object
to is the craze for labour saving machinery. of our destiny. Hence, we should ensure
Men go on saving labor, till thousands are cultivation of the right attitude. He said, “A
without work and thrown on the open man is but the product of his thoughts, what
streets to die of starvation”
he thinks, he becomes.”
5. Rural development: Gandhi ji once said
5. Seven Sins: Gandhi pioneered the idea that
that ‘India lives in villages’ and favoured
rural development on its own terms over every pleasure must be commensurate
urbanization because he saw villages with due responsibility. Otherwise, it would
representing true Indian ethos and culture. not only corrupt the individual but also
6. Antyodaya: Antyodaya, that is upliftment of deteriorate the society at large.
the bottom strata, was the key to development
The following were seven deadly sins
of all (Sarvodaya) and was also India’s moral
responsibility as a civilized society. according to Gandhiji:

7. Antyodaya is key to Sarvodaya: Inclusive ‘Wealth Without Work, Pleasure Without

and equitable development is necessary Conscience, Knowledge Without Character,
for a sustainable social order. Otherwise, Commerce Without Morality, Science Without
stagnation and unrest will follow, as it did in Humanity, Religion Without Sacrifice, Politics
feudal times.
Without Principle’.

82
 Comparing Gandhi ji with Subhash Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore
Parameter Views of Gandhi Views of Bose Views of Tagore
Means vs. ends Means were as important as Ends over means especially Means were most important
ends e.g. non-violence in times of oppression e.g. and should uphold
invasion of India by INA humanism
Culture India’s tradition and culture Indian culture had Human choice and reason
were the bedrock of its deteriorated due to vested should determine culture. It
civilization and should be interests and ignorance and must keep evolving. Humans
preserved needed to be modernized are ends in themselves and
not means
Education Education should Education should include Education should not be top-
incorporate values, skills, modern sciences, both down and prescriptive but
culture and social awareness. natural and human. Its aim student centric. It should
Its aim should be to create should be development of aim at character building
better members of society. society and upliftment of the and bringing students closer
marginalized to nature

World The world is one family but The world is governed by The world is one and
sees power-politics and the relationship of power humanity is a family,
exploitation. India should between countries. India artificially divided by
limit contact with outside should gain the power to borders. We need universal
world unless its strong protect its interest and brotherhood to ensure peace
enough to deal with it regain its old glory and justice.
Rights Rights of individuals should Rights of the society Rights of individuals are
be balanced by rights of the outweigh the rights of sacrosanct and inviolable,
society, so that both can individuals, as the former is and should be the basis of
sustain. required for the latter any social order
Nation Nation is a civilization which Nation is a political unit Nation is an artificial concept
is sustained by an ethics and which needs strength to that divides humanity. The
culture sustain world is one

compassion by welcoming refugees from

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU
Pakistan, China etc. soon after independence.
Main contributions 4. Tolerance and respect: He gave due space
1. Liberty and freedom: Nehru believed that a to the entire social and political spectrum.
nation cannot progress until its individuals India’s first cabinet under PM Nehru included
are free to progress. He was a key proponent non-Congress leaders such as Ambedkar,
of fundamental rights and drafted the Shayam Prasad Mookherjee etc.
Karachi Resolution on fundamental rights
5. Culture: Nehru said, “Culture is the widening
1931.
of the mind and of the spirit.” He believed
2. Peace: He opposed colonialism and cold that culture should be directed at developing
war as it threatened peace along with
individuals and society in mind as well as
prosperity. Nehru propounded the ideas of
heart. For instance, he was a follower of Yoga
Non-alignment and Panchsheel as the moral
but rejected many orthodoxies of the then
foundations of Indian foreign policy.
Indian society.
3. Internationalism and cosmopolitanism:
6. Scientific Temper: He advocated cultivation
Nehru believed in ‘Vasudheva
of scientific temper among students and
Kutumbakam’ i.e. the whole world is one
family and favored international cooperation people for a new, progressive, stronger India.
and multilateralism. He convened the Nehru called dams, universities etc. ‘temples
Asian Relations Conference and showed his of modern India’.

83
 1. Administration: Nehru was strongly against
View on Decision Making
the structure as well as spirit of the Indian
What Is The Right Thing To Do? Civil Service (ICS) and called for completely
1. Right means: Being a follower of Gandhi ji, doing away with it. He sought the creation
Nehru also believed that only right means of a new form of administration that did not
can lead to right ends. Nehru decided to have the authoritarian colonial mindset but
take the issue of Jammu and Kashmir to the was suited for a new order of democracy and
United Nations as he wanted to use the right development. His view was different from
means for national integration rather than that of Sardar Patel who wanted to retain the
use military force. steel frame of All-India Services. Nehru said,
2. Democratic decision making: Nehru was “It seems to me to be quite essential that
a highly matured leader who took the path the ICS and similar services must disappear
of participative leadership. He preferred completely, as such, before we can start work
plebiscite during integration of princely on a new order.”
states to ascertain public will. Nehru also 2. Public Service: Nehru saw public service as
included Ambedkar in his cabinet for not an authority but an honour and duty. He
inclusive decision making. famously urged people to call him ‘Pratham
Sevak’ rather than ‘Pradhan Mantri’.
View on Governance And Economy
RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY
1. Socialism and welfarism: It is the
responsibility as well as authority of the Morning Star of Indian Renaissance Main
State to eliminate inequality, backwardness Contributions
and injustice from society through planned
1. Monotheism: Roy preached unity of God and
economy, public sector etc.
that all religions are different paths to the
2. Democracy: Nehru was a proponent of
same ultimate truth and salvation.
universal adult suffrage despite skepticism
2. Cosmopolitanism: Roy considered people
of others. He also supported grassroots
democracy and inaugurated the first ever of different nationalities as sub-units of
Panchayat in independent India in Nagpur in one big family that are codependent and
1959. have to cooperate to achieve common good.
Roy supported the French nationalists and
3. Secularism: Nehruvian model of secularism
became the first person to break the tradition
was based on complete separation of state
of not crossing the sea and went to England.
from religion (European model), impartiality
of state and a liberal rational approach to 3. Rationalism and modernity: Like Rousseau,
socio-religious matters. Its aim was to create Roy regarded reason and rationality as
a liberal progressive society. prime criteria for deciding the right course of
4. Distributive justice: Nehru was against action rather than tradition and superstition.
concentration of wealth and resources and Roy is called the ‘Father of Modern India’
under his leadership, India passed various as emphasized upon modern education
such laws like Factories Act, Minimum Wages as a means to carry out social reform and
Act, Land Ceiling Acts (by States). upliftment.

84
4. However, Roy did not blindly promote View on Polity And Governance
modernity but was also mindful of the value 1. Freedom of press: Roy published journals
of traditional Indian culture. Roy stood for himself and advocated for freedom of the
a blend of tradition and modernity, a blend press, especially vernacular press, through
of East and West. Roy sought reform of petitions, meetings etc
Indian society but also acknowledged the
2. Representative government and
significance of Yoga, vernacular language
bureaucracy: Representation in government
etc. Roy critiqued even the West for religious
was considered by him to be the right of the
orthodoxy and distortions of Christianity.
governed. He was among the first to raise the
He wrote the book ‘Precepts of Jesus’ for
demand for Indianization of civil services. He
Christians to deliver the true message of
also pushed for a responsible government in
Christianity, without any distortions.
India through the creation of a representative
5. Reformist: Roy saw social reform as a way legislature in a parliamentary democracy.
to achieve social progress and national
3. Separation of judiciary from executive: He
development. He pushed social reform
called for separation of judicial powers from
by mobilization of people, petitioning
Collectors so as to ensure fairness in revenue
the government, setting up educational
administration.
institutions, creating voluntary organizations
etc. Roy fought for women’s causes like 4. Liberty and freedom: He believed in the
widow remarriage, age of consent, sat etc. sanctity of natural rights of life, liberty,
This resulted in passing of reformative pursuit of property and so on. He also
legislations like banning of Sati, banning advocated state legislation for social reform
polygamy, Widow Remarriage Act etc. and reconstruction.

6. Vedantic philosophy: He tried to take View on Economy

Hinduism away from orthodoxy and 1. Indigenous industrialization: Roy
superstition and sought to revive Vedantic extended support for industrialization
philosophy. He promoted knowledge, using modern tools and technology, as the
enlightenment and spirituality as chief key to national development. He supported
tenets of religion. the native domestic industry and urged the
7. Humanism and human values: Roy was government to provide tariff protection to
a strong proponent of human values like Indian industries.
peace, dignity, care, justice etc. He worked 2. Colonial destruction: The idea of ‘drain
for the upliftment of the poor, weak and of wealth’ can be traced back to Roy who
marginalized as he believed that a good life exposed colonial economic destruction of
is the right of every human being. India due to British policies.
8. Education: Roy was an educationist and ISHWAR CHAND VIDYASAGAR
even encouraged incorporation of western
technical education into traditional Indian Main Contributions
curriculum. He set up the Vedanta college in 1. Gender justice: Vidyasagar was a
Bengal in 1825 and assisted David Hare in compassionate and conscientious social
setting up of Hindu college. being. He was a pioneering proponent of

85
 social reforms for gender equality. He fought Vidyasagar struggled for the enactment of
for widow remarriage, girl education and the Widow Remarriage Act in 1856.
against polygamy and child marriage. 2. Skill development and enterprise:
2. Scholar and Educationist- Due to his He believed in vocational learning and
diverse and in-depth academic knowledge, empowerment of women and marginalized
he was given the title of ‘Vidyasagar’ (Ocean through skill development and remunerative
of learning). He also authored famous work, as a way to inclusive growth. He started
works like BornoPorichoy. Vidyasagar homes for marginalized women which
was the principal of Sanskrit college and provided shelter and skills like weaving,
carried out many reforms in education and nursing etc.
administration. He also supported J.E.D.
Bethune established the Bethune school, the SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
first ever girls school, in 1849.
Main Contributions
3. Importance of education- Vidyasagar
1. Humanism: In the new age, Vivekananda
regarded education as the key to development
of a person as well as society. Vidyasagar considered human rights and human
believed that learning and broadening of progress as the core basis of civilization. He
horizons was the way to inculcate a sense considered removal of human misery as the
of dignity and liberty among people, which goal of civilization and society.
drives them towards freedom and progress. For this, Vivekananda established the
For this purpose, Vidyasagar opened the Ramakrishna Mission for social service and
doors of Sanskrit college for the lower castes help of the downtrodden.
and poor.
2. Divinity of soul: He believed that Atman
4. Reformist: He described social reform as a (soul) is as divine as Parmatma (divine soul).
prerequisite for social and national progress. God resides in every being and hence, every
He considered it is the responsibility of the human being must be treated with respect
educated and capable to provide leadership and each individual must have self-respect
and push for reform.
as well. Due to the divine character, every
5. Humanism and potential: He preached person must strive to do good things and
that the ethical action is one which respects also abide by their conscience.
human dignity and allows each individual to
3. Tolerance and pluralism: He believed in
fulfil their potential. Each human being had
the unity of man as well as unity of God. He
certain basic needs and rights which must
preached universal brotherhood as a way
be fulfilled. Humans can’t be seen as mere
to eliminate violence and conflict. In his
objects of tradition but as masters of their
memorable speech at the World Parliament
own destiny.
of Religions Chicago in 1893, he appreciated
Views on Polity And Economy the oneness of various religions and urged
1. Leadership: He believed that the state should for mutual respect among all. He said, “All
provide leadership to the society in pushing differences in this world are of degree, and
for social reform when the society is trapped not of kind, because oneness is the secret of
in orthodoxy and rigidity. For instance,
everything.”

86
4. Synthesis of materialism and spirituality: destiny. He famously said, “Arise, awake and
According to Vivekananda, there is merit stop not until the goal is reached.”
in both Eastern and Western civilization
View on Decision Making: What Is The
and both are mutually complementary. He Right Thing To Do?
considered spirituality as a way to ultimate
1. Reason and rationality: Vivekananda
salvation. He urged the West to appreciate
relied upon reason to shape the culture and
the merits of Eastern and Indian civilization
civilization of India. He vehemently opposed
and adopt its good elements.
gender discrimination and casteism because
5. World peace and brotherhood: In the times it was irrational and was also hurting the
of colonialism and imperialism, Vivekananda progress of the nation.
was a visionary who stated that a sustainable
2. Selflessness: He tried to teach people to not
world order can only be achieved with peace
be selfish but selfless in their deeds. He urged
and cooperation and not by domination. He
people to be selfless so that they are not
believed in the greatness of all civilizations
weakened by desires and can experience one
and their ability to contribute to the world.
of the higher pleasures of selfless service. He
Views on Good Life stated that selflessness was a way to not only
1. Vedantic philosophy: Vivekananda benefit the world but also enrich ourselves.
rejected the orthodoxies and superstition He said, “Ask nothing; want nothing in return.
of postmedieval society as well as the Give what you have to give; it will come back
materialism and individualism of the to you, but do not think of that now.”
West. He worked to highlight the value of Views on polity and governance
India’s ancient Vedantic philosophy. He
1. Nationalism: While being a philosopher,
underlined the merits of knowledge, values,
Vivekananda was a nationalist who opposed
enlightenment, noble conduct and so on as
imperialism and exploitation. He moved
the means to salvation.
the people towards emancipation, self-
2. Austerity and detachment: Vivekananda respect and aroused self confidence among
rejected materialism and luxury especially people about their past as well as present
when the masses were in a poor condition. capabilities. He highlighted India’s glorious
Material luxury was seen as a vicious cycle. past as well as oneness of its people so as to
He saw detachment from material pleasures bind them in one nation.
as liberation and instead focused on higher
2. Public service: Vivekananda remarked
ends like spirituality, selfless service and so
that ‘service of jiva (man) is service of god
on.
(shiva)’. He urged people to respect their
3. Yoga: Vivekananda was a pioneer in the fellow human beings. He also motivated
field of Yoga and described it as a union of public leaders to devote themselves for
mind, body and spirit. He saw Yoga not as serving their people as it is the most noble
a mysticism but as a rational practice to deed.
maximize human potential.
Views on society and culture
4. Will power: Vivekananda believed in hard
1. Emancipation and empowerment:
work and dedication. He believed in the
Vivekananda worked for a society and culture
power of human beings to shape their
which provided maximum opportunity to

87
 people and directed them towards ethical 2. Indigenous enterprise: Vivekananda
behaviour. He opposed inequality and encouraged people to use their native skills
exploitation of man by man. and creativity to produce quality products
2. Welfare: He considered it to be the duty of the for local markets as a way to resist colonial
state and society to uplift the downtrodden. economic destruction. He believed in the
He once said, “So long as the millions live in quality and uniqueness of Indian enterprise.
hunger and ignorance, I hold every person a AMARTYA SEN Main Contribution 1. Human
traitor who, having been educated at their development: Sen changed the focus of
expense, pays not the least heed to them!” developmental economic from GDP centric
3. Youth: He focused on the power of youth to to people centric approach by presenting
change the world. Vivekananda went around idea of Human Development Index to include
the country recruiting young volunteers for health and education along with income for
the selfless social work of the Ramakrishna measuring development.
Mission. The Government of India celebrates 2. Development as freedom: Sen gave the new
National Youth Day on the birth anniversary idea that development means providing
of Swami Vivekananda. people all possible freedom and opportunity
to ‘lead the kind of lives they value’. It
4. Education: Vivekananda supported a model
includes removing ‘unfreedoms’ which
of education that synthesized western
refers to various barriers that hinder people
sciences, Indian tradition, Indian values,
from leading their preferred lives such as
spirituality and so on. He saw education
illiteracy, corruption, lack of connectivity etc.
not as a welfare program but as the key to
unleash human potential. He said, “Education 3. Capability approach: Drawing from
is the manifestation of the perfection already ‘Development as Freedom’, Sen also adds
in man”. that only freedom is not enough. Human
beings must also have the ‘capability’ to
5. Religion: Vivekananda opposed dogmatism,
achieve their desired skills or competencies,
superstition etc. He sought reform of religion
that is, they must have the education, health,
in such a way that it becomes rational and
nutrition etc. to gain a good job, respect,
humanistic. Vivekananda gave equal status
social standing and so on.
and respect to all religions. For him, different
4. Beyond utilitarianism( Right course of
religions were different paths to the same
action): Sen believes utilitarianism merely
ultimate truth. He also sought to reshape
suggests that course of action which benefits
religion on spiritual lines, so that it can direct
the greatest number of people to the greatest
individuals towards salvation.
extent. But it fails to consider some essential
Views on economy rights and principles that are part of human
1. Innovation and modernization: Along with conscience and should not be violated. In a
philosophy, Vivekananda also promoted nutshell, Sen highlights that policies should
innovation in agriculture as a means of not only ensure maximum benefit but also
augmenting livelihoods and incomes of uphold some basic rights and freedoms.
people. Basic livelihood and amenities were For instance, Sen criticizes the Indian
a prerequisite for spirituality and national government’s policy and actions in Kashmir
empowerment. on similar grounds.

88
5. ‘Views on human rights - Entitlement and
SAINT TERESA
deprivation’: Sen analyzes poverty and
famine from the lens of entitlement and Moral Contribution
deprivation. Sen makes the point under 1. Social service: Saint Teresa dedicated her
welfare economics that citizens should be entire life to working for the needy and it
entitled to bare minimum necessities such became her way to salvation, as she saw it as
as food, water, clean air etc. as part of their God’s work.
social contract with the state. He argues that 2. Will power: She taught the world that an
famines occur not because people are poor individual’s will power can lead him/her to
and incapable but because they are deprived do great things and contribute to the world,
of their entitlements which the state fails to despite opposing pressures from the world.
provide. Similarly, poverty is not scarcity of She said, “I alone cannot change the world,
money or resources but a deprivation from but I can cast a stone across the waters to
basic rights and lack of fair opportunity (lack create many ripples.”
of education, skills, health, connectivity, 3. Selflessness: She was an epitome of
equality, liberty). selflessness as she gave away all worldly
Views on Economy And Governance pleasures for her social cause. She even gave
to charity the cash prize she received with
1. Democracy: Sen sees democracy as a natural
the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
human instinct and a basic prerequisite
for human development. Sen also points 4. Compassion: This moral value drove Mother
out in his ‘The Argumentative Indian’ that Teresa in her life. She showed care for the
democracy is an age-old Indian tradition most marginalized people such as abandoned
and it is the reason for India’s glorious elderly, HIV/AIDS patients, leprosy patients
civilization. He appreciates India for being etc. She emphasized upon humane and
the first post-colonial non-Western country sincere treatment for such people.

to adopt democracy. 5. Charity: Saint Teresa sustained all her work

and initiative with charity and not private
2. Inequality: Sen sees inequality as not
income or profits. Organizations set up by her
disparity in capability, effort etc. but as a
always worked as non-profit organizations.
systemic malfunction. He describes that
hierarchical social structures created around 6. Serenity: She showed the world how nobility
an existing socio-political system inhibit can be achieved even with serenity. She was
social mobility due to vested interests of simple in her dressing, habits, behavior and
the privileged class. For instance, income so on.
inequality is due to failure of wage balance, 7. Voluntarism: Saint Teresa worked
weak welfare provision, corruption, social independently and did not ask much from
abuse and so on. Sen makes these arguments governments. She believed in the merit and
in his book ‘An Uncertain Glory’ by arguing ability of voluntary initiative by people.
that even though India has achieved With the help of civil society, she served
economic growth but has failed on inclusion innumerable people and created many
and equity. facilities for the weak and marginalized.

89
Life Lessons 6. Honesty: Despite being a Christian
1. Women empowerment: She took the life of a missionary, she openly declared that she has
nun and brought great change and happiness not witnessed the existence of God and was
with her leadership skills. She still inspires not a strong believer in God.
the new generation. 7. Cosmopolitanism: Despite being born in
2. Recognition: Her life proves that noble work Albania, Saint Teresa dedicated her life
is duly recognized by the world and can to work in India and even took Indian
stand out despite simplicity and selflessness. citizenship. She traveled across the world
She was recently canonized (declared Saint) as a compassionate and motivated global
by the Vatican Church. citizen. She also appealed for peace and
cooperation among nations for betterment
3. Human values: Her life and work were based
of the world.
on upholding human values like love, justice,
care etc. She emphasized upon humanity Other Views
and universal brotherhood. 1. Freedom of religion and faith: She always
4. Determination: She was not discouraged maintained that each person should have
even after a lot of criticism from various absolute freedom of religion and belief. She
corners and continued to pursue her cause was against conversions by coercion, lure
due to her courage of conviction, sense of or deceit. She believed in the oneness of all
detachment and strong conscience. religions.

5. Organization: Mother Teresa was not only a 2. Governance: For Saint Teresa, government’s
social worker but also a great organizer and first and foremost duty is to end the suffering
manager. Under her leadership, many shelter of the weaker sections, provide them their
homes, schools, hospitals have been set up. due entitlements, uphold their human rights
She also set up the famous Missionaries of etc
Charity in Kolkata.

vvvv

90
 ETHICS IN PUBLIC
9
ADMINISTRATION
ˆ Public Administration encompasses all state to professionalize its civil service and
activities that aim to achieve or implement developed a professional code for the civil
public policy. servants. But it was set in a different temporal
ˆ This encompasses both military and civil and situational background characterized by
matters, such as the operations of courts authoritarian, bureaucratic and other non-
and various specialized government democratic elements.
sectors including law enforcement, ˆ Britain was the first modern state which
education, healthcare, public infrastructure framed a democratic type of professional
development, environmental conservation, code for the civil servants. The British civil
social security, and more. service is known for its administrative ethics.
The Indian administration is modelled on
Understanding Administrative
British administration and corollary to that
ˆ Ethics Administrative Ethics are the is reflection of British administrative ethics
professional code of morality in civil services. in Indian administrative standards.
Administrative ethics regulate the conduct,
behaviour and actions of administrators. BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF
Since civil services occupy positions of PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
trust, it is not enough for them to act merely
ˆ Neutral System: It refers to a politically
within the bounds of rule. Civil servants are
neutral public administrative system
expected to reflect the highest standards of
functioning within a political framework.
morality while conducting the affairs of the
state. Further, civil servants are expected to ˆ Collective Will: Its primary focus is on the
set the highest moral standards not only for objectives of the state, the collective will of
themselves but also for the community at the people, public interests, and adherence
large. to laws.
ˆ This has become even more important in ˆ Policies Implementation: It is involved in
changing times characterized by media both the formulation and implementation of
vigilance, rising public awareness and policies.
culture of transparency in governance.
ˆ Executive Branch: While it exists across all
Administrative ethics are codified in form
branches of government, it is typically more
of code of conduct and code of ethics.
concentrated within the executive branch.
These provide the “rules for the game
of administration.” The code consists of ˆ Improving Life of the People: Its main
traditions, precedence and standards purpose is to provide regulatory oversight
which must be upheld by the civil servants. and deliver services to the public, aiming to
Germany (Prussia) was the first modern improve quality of life.

91
ˆ Emphasis on Public Sphere: It differs 3. Paul H. Appleby (in his book Morality
significantly from private administration, and Administration in Democratic
particularly in its emphasis on the public in Government) argues that morality and
terms of goals and methods. administration cannot be separated.
He remarked: “it is not merely bigger
PRINCIPLES DIFFERENTIATING government that ultimately matters: what is
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FROM significant is that morality in administration
PRIVATE ADMINISTRATION alone could ensure better government.
Administration occurs in both public and One would not doubt that the morality in
private institutional settings. While public administration is sustained by patience,
administration is concerned with government honesty, loyalty, cheerfulness, courtesy and
administration, private administration is like traits.”
concerned with administration of private 4. P.R. Dubhashi writes while commenting
business organizations. on administrative ethics in India, “In India,
ˆ Following are the four principles though there is no ethical code for public
that differentiate public from private administrators, there are, what are called,
administration: the government servant conduct rules. These
1. Principle of Uniformity y Common and uniform rules lay down what constitutes misconduct
laws and regulation for the public servant. It is apparently
2. Principle of External y Legislative body control
implied that such misconduct, which is not
Financial Control government revenues
and expenditure permitted, is also unethical conduct.”
3. Principle of Ministerial y Accountable to its
Responsibility political masters and NEED OF ETHICS IN PUBLIC
through them to people
ADMINISTRATION
4. Principle of Marginal y Main objective of a
Return business venture is profit;
however, the objectives Public administration in India has been largely
of public administration focused on political, legal and financial domains
cannot be measured in
money terms. only, but the ethical dimension is equally
important, which can be understood from the
Scholars On Administrative Ethics following points:
1. Public Resource Utilisation: Efficient
1. Chester Barnard described the ethical
and effective resource utilisation without
conduct in administration as “governance by
corruption in India is important because of
beliefs or feelings of what is right or wrong
resource deficit and ethics make a public
regardless of self interest or immediate
consequences of a decision to do or not to do administrator accountable to his/her
specific things under particular conditions.” actions.

2. Glen Stahl (in his book Public Personnel 2. Social Justice: Ethical public administration
Administration) writes “the problem of is important to achieve the goal of social
ethical conduct of public official arises by justice as envisaged under Article 38 and
virtue of the power and influence that he other Directive Principles of State Policy
commands and the commitment that he (DPSPs) of our Constitution. It ensures
undertakes of loyal and disinterested service equality and equity for vulnerable sections
to the public.” of the society.

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3. Resolve Dilemma: Public administration ˆ Good governance for betterment of the
is becoming complex day-by-day and people to be the primary goal of civil service
this creates frequent dilemmas for public
ˆ Duty to act objectively and impartially
administrators. Ethics ensures public good is
given priority and resolves ethical and value ˆ Accountability and transparency in decision-
conflicts and dilemmas. making

4. Decision Making: Public administrators ˆ Maintenance of highest ethical standards

take key decisions and when those decisions ˆ Merit to be the criteria in selection of civil
are based on objectivity, fairness, justice servants consistent, however, with the
and above the personal interest, they yield cultural, ethnic and other diversities of the
required results for the society. nation
5. Public Trust: Ethical public administration ˆ Ensuring economy and avoidance of wastage
creates confidence and trust in the people in expenditure
towards the competence, fairness, honesty,
ˆ Provision of healthy and congenial work
impartiality and sincerity of the public
environment
services.
ˆ Communication, consultation and
6. Social Capital: Ethical public administration
cooperation in performance of functions
ensures credibility in the eyes of the people
i.e. participation of all levels of personnel in
and ensures civil society cooperation and
management.
thus building social capital of the country.
7. Sarvodaya/Antyodaya: Ethical public NOLAN Committee – In 1994 Committee on
administration brings empathy, compassion Standards in Public Life was appointed by United
for poor and vulnerable sections of the Kingdom government to advise the PM on ethical
society leading to better understanding of standards of public life under the chairmanship
societal problems and thus finding their of Lord Nolan. It promoted a certain code of
solutions. conduct called Seven Principles of Public Life

Example - Implementation of Bonded Labour 1. Selflessness Holders of public office should

Abolition Act by IAS officer S. Shankaran. act solely in terms of the public interest.
Example- Tukaram Omble- During 26/11
What Values Are Included In terror attack in Mumbai, Omble stood in
Administrative Ethics? front of Ajmal Kasab and held on to the
barrel of Kasab’s rifle, thus preventing the
A draft ‘Public Service Bill’ was framed for the
bullets from hitting anyone else but him.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
The rest of the team managed to overpower
Pensions which seeks to lay down a number
and apprehend Kasab. Omble took over 40
of generic expectations from civil servants,
bullets from an Ak-47 at point blank range
referred to as “values”.
and accepted martyrdom.
The salient ‘values’ envisaged in the Bill are:
2. Integrity Holders of public office must avoid
ˆ Allegiance to the various ideals enshrined in placing themselves under any obligation
the Preamble of the Constitution to people or organizations that might try
ˆ Apolitical functioning inappropriately to influence them in their

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 work. They should not act or take decisions removed faecal matter with his hands. He
in order to gain financial or other material led by example in showing that scavenging
benefits for themselves, their family, or is not a menial job and changed attitude
their friends. They must declare and resolve of people toward pit cleaners. With the
any interests and relationships. Example- shifting paradigm in governance Emotional
TN Seshan was the 10th Chief Election Intelligence has been recognized as a virtue
Commissioner of India (1990–96), who in ethical governance.
reformed elections by largely ending its An emotionally intelligent administrator
malpractices in the country and redefined has multiple desirable values
the status and visibility of the Election includingDedication- The quality of
Commission of India. T.N. Seshan’s name has remaining committed to public cause and
become synonymous with integrity. citizen welfare even in face of hardships,
3. Objectivity Holders of public office must act threat and temptation.
and take decisions impartially, fairly and on
merit, using the best evidence and without STATUS AND PROBLEMS OF ETHICS IN
discrimination or bias.
INDIAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

4. Accountability Holders of public office are Provisions for Inculcating Ethics in Indian
accountable to the public for their decisions Administration
and actions and must submit themselves to ˆ Central Services Conduct Rules, 1964:
the scrutiny necessary to ensure this. The rules provide for do’s and don’ts for
5. Openness Holders of public office should civil servants and require them to maintain
act and take decisions in an open and absolute integrity, devotion to duty and
transparent manner. Information should not political neutrality while discharging their
be withheld from the public unless there are duties.
clear and lawful reasons for so doing
ˆ All India Service Conduct Rules, 1968: These
Example- Supreme Court held that the office rules provide that the officials of IAS, IPS and
of Chief Justice of India comes under RTI IFoS should maintain high ethical standards,
to enhance transparency and openness in integrity and honesty, political neutrality,
judicial system. promote principle of merit, fairness and
6. Honesty Holders of public office should be impartiality in the discharge of duties along
truthful. with accountability and transparency.

7. Leadership Holders of public office should ˆ Code of Ethics, 1997: It was the first
exhibit these principles in their own initiative to introduce code of ethics for
behaviour. They should actively promote public servants in India aiming for better
and robustly support the principles and governance in India. However, it was not
be willing to challenge poor behaviour issued for public servants.
wherever it occurs.
ETHICAL ISSUES IN INDIAN
Example- Senior IAS officer Parameswaran
ADMINISTRATION
Iyer, secretary to the Union ministry of
drinking water and sanitation, got inside 1. Misuse of Discretionary Powers:
a twin toilet pit in a Telangana village and Discretionary powers are misused for

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 personal gains and extend favoritism in the Example: Post-retirement assignments
administration and public welfare is largely to senior officials to Regulatory and other
disregarded. bodies are largely done on the basis of
2. Undue Importance to Rules And political patronage.
Regulations: Indian administration gives 9. Excessive Security: Article 311 of the
undue importance to compliance of rules and Constitution provides excessive security
regulations, which leads to excessive red- to public servants and this reduces the
tapism and disregard of the justice, fairness enforcement of accountability.
etc. and more focus on accountability rather
10. Ill-Conceived Goals: When incentives are
than responsibility in the administration.
given for achievement of any goal but they
3. Poor Reward and Punishment Mechanism: promote a negative behavior.
Reward and punishment is determined by
Example: The Bank Manager of Utkala
favoritism and political nexus disregarding
Grameen Bank in Odisha insisted on
merit in the administration.
physical verification of a 100-year-old lady
4. Lack of Communication: Indian for withdrawal of money from Jan Dhan
administration is characterized by closed Account.
communication and limited public contact.
11. Nepotism: The practice of nepotism (the
Rigid hierarchy within the organizations
appointment of relations and/or friends to
further hinder communication.
public positions, thereby ignoring the merit
5. Negligence: A public official either does not principle), may lead to the downgrading of
perform his professional responsibilities the quality of the public service.
or performs them in a delinquent manner,
12. Lack of Compassion: Indifference towards
causing damage to the state or community.
the feelings or the convenience of individuals
This is mostly because of the lack of
and by an obsession with the binding
interest that one has in one’s duties and
and inflexible authority of departmental
responsibilities.
decisions, precedents, arrangements or
6. Corruption: Bribery and corruption are seen forms, regardless of how badly or with what
as reward for performance of obligatory work injustice they work in individual cases.
and considered as necessary evil greasing
13. Overvaluing Outcomes: It is about giving
the wheels of the government departments.
more importance to the end result and not
Example: India has been ranked 85th in to the process.
Corruption Perception Index, 2021.
Example - Certifying a drug developed by a
7. Evasive Tendency: There is lack of initiatives drug company, even if it has used unethical
on the part of administrators facing a means.
difficult situation and the problem is evaded
14. Lobbying: Various pressure groups convey
by passing the task from one department to
huge political capital and they lobby for
another.
their interest. Sometimes these demands
8. Patronage: Political patronage plays may not be beneficial in the long-term
an important role in appointment of but due to political pressure government/
administrators, especially at the higher administrators have to fulfil their demands.
levels.

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 Example - Various political parties have other close ones.
given into the demands of loan waivers. 4. Political Superiority: Bureaucrats are
accountable to their political masters and
Observations of Second Administrative
they have to abide by their decisions, even if
Reforms Commission (ARC)
with respect to Ethical Issues they are not economically sound but based
in Indian Administration: on the political exigencies and short-term
goals.
ˆ Corruption is a matter of concern particularly
5. Lack of Grievance Redressal Mechanism:
at the cutting-edge levels of bureaucracy.
There is lack of organization of public opinion
ˆ Perceptible lack of commitment in public regarding administrative deficiencies, which
servants towards redressal of citizens’ is compounded by lack of awareness among
grievance. people about their rights and entitlements
ˆ Red-tapism and unnecessary complex and grievance redressal mechanism against
procedures add to the hardship of citizens. officials.

ˆ Government servants are rarely held to 6. Information Leaks: Sometimes officials

account and complaints to higher authorities have not been able to hold on to the sensitive
usually go unheeded. information such as pending tax increase,
cost-cutting of staff etc. and this information
ˆ Attitude of many public functionaries is one
is leaked into the public domain.
of arrogance and indifference.
7. Lack of Whistleblower Protection:
ˆ Frequent transfer of officers reduces Although Whistleblower Protection Act,
their effectiveness and also dilutes their 2014 is present there is victimization of
accountability. whistleblowers and no penalty against any
ˆ Nexus between politicians and bureaucrats. public servant victimizing the complainant.

PROBLEMS OF ETHICS IN Suggestions For Creating Strong

INDIAN ADMINISTRATION Ethical Framework For Administration:

1. Lack of Ethical Literacy: It refers to inability The OECD identifies eight key components of an
to understand the ethical issues that are ethics infrastructure as follows:
involved in any situation and the decision is 1. Political Commitment- Political leadership
entirely based on the rule-books. This limits and commitment are one of the most
the understanding of the situation where significant elements of the ethical
cultural, social, environmental etc. factors infrastructure of public life. Ethically
play major roles. committed leadership instil confidence in
2. Secrecy: In spite of RTI Act, 2005, there is people who work with honesty and lead the
greater secrecy in the Indian administration way by being role models.
and even the information sought under RTI Example – Lal Bahadur Shastri took moral
Act is denied in the context of official secrecy. responsibility for the train accident and
3. Societal Pressures: Irrational and resigned as Railway Minister.
unreasonable demands are made upon the 2. Effective Legal Framework- India has a legal
officers by families, relatives, peers and framework with provisions to cover various

96
 unethical and corrupt practices such as the 5. Professional Socialization Mechanisms-
breath of official trust and duties, abuse of Professional socialization includes
power, misappropriation, and extortion, soundness of training programmes
corrupt practices, acceptance of undue organized to inculcate public spirited values
advantage and abuse of officials influence. among administrators. It also includes
administrative culture prevalent in the office
 Prevention of Corruption Act
or department.
 Civil Servants Conduct Rules 6. Supportive Public Service Conditions, As
 Indian Penal code The key problem Rose-Ackerman has pointed out “if public
is not lack of legal framework, but sector pay is very low, corruption tends to be
weak enforcement. Without effective a survival strategy.” Public service conditions
enforcement mechanisms, legal and like salary, promotion, posting, transfers
administrative provisions on ethics and etc directly influence the conduct of civil
servants. Public service conditions are also
corruption are in themselves ineffective.
directly related to ability to attract and retain
3. Efficient Accountability Mechanisms-
quality human resources.
Accountability system is determined
7. Existence Of Central Ethics Coordinating
by the strengths and weaknesses of the
Body- Bodies that coordinate the
existing organizational arrangements and
overall ethics framework range from
procedures to detect and punish corruption
parliamentary committees, central agencies
and other unethical practices. The current
and departments or specially created
administrative structure in India is
independent agencies mandated to oversee
characterized by large hierarchies, red- ethics in the public service.
tapism, complex processes and opaqueness.
ˆ Central Vigilance Commission (C.V.C.) AND
Individual civil servants wield too much
State Vigilance Commission
power and discretion without effective
accountability. An efficient accountability ˆ Central Bureau of Investigation Institutions
mechanism with clearly defined rules, of LokPal and LokAyukta
avenues for public participation and public ˆ Department of Personnel and Training They
scrutiny, promotion to transparency and serve as a watchdog for the violation of code
government process reengineering is of conduct and ensure the expected ethical
needed for an effective ethical administrative behavior is displayed by the civil servants.
framework The presence of protection for civil servants
4. Workable codes of conduct - Code of conduct under Article 311 has often been mentioned
should be clearly and unambiguously as a reason for poor performance of these
worded. The values being promoted in code agencies. The existing bodies must be
of conduct/ethics should secure genuine sufficiently empowered to check incidence
employee acceptance. The creation of a code of corruption and other grafts.
of conduct will be counterproductive if it 8. An Active Civil Society - The effectiveness
remains a collection of mere slogans and it of civil society is determined by the level of
will further promote a cynical form of moral public criticism of the government tolerated
corruption. in the particular society. The presence of

97
 free, unbiased and independent media is an which in turn may be contradictory to each
important factor in exposing corruption and other. An ethical dilemma is a situation before a
other unethical actions. Civil society must be moral actor such that whatever choice he makes,
able to question government decisions and he is likely to violate at least one moral principle.
official actions to ensure that they abide by An ethical dilemma is not just a decision-making
the rule of law and ethical standards in the problem. In this the choice is between two
public service. Government oversight and possible moral imperatives, neither of which is
internal mechanisms for accountability are clearly acceptable or preferable. It’s sometimes
not sufficient for combating corruption and
called an ethical paradox in moral philosophy.
other unethical behavior unless they are
It often amounts to choosing between two
supplemented by strong civic institutions..
evils. For example, a whistle-blower is always

ETHICAL DILEMMA IN GOVERNMENT in an ethical dilemma because it requires one to

AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS either violate loyalty to the organization/people
in the organization versus the public benefit of
ˆ Dilemma refers to a situation in which a disclosure.
problem is offering two possible solutions,
Jean Paul Sartre (1957) presented a case to
neither of which is practically acceptable.
show ethical dilemmas in real world situations.
ˆ Ethical dilemma refers to a situation that He tells of a young boy whose brother was
necessitates a choice between a competing
killed in the German attack 1940. He wanted to
set of principles neither of which is absolutely
avenge his brother’s death and to fight German
ethical.
forces which he considered evil. But the boy’s
 Example - A civil servant is approached mother was living with him and he was her only
by an old person, who is eligible under support in her life. The boy thus had a conflicting
the public distribution system but does obligation- one of limited scope but certain
not have required documents. This is a efficacy, personal devotion to his mother; the
situation which puts the civil servant in other of much wider scope but uncertain efficacy,
an ethical dilemma.
attempting to contribute to defeat unjust evil.
Boy can do each of these things, but not both.
ETHICAL CONCERNS AND
DILEMMAS IN GOVERNMENT Such ethical dilemmas are difficult to resolve
and every individual has a different opinion
Ethical dilemma is a situation when a person about what is the greater obligation of the boy.
has to choose between two equally desirable Thus, ethical dilemma has following features-
or undesirable options. For instance, choosing
ˆ The moral agent is required to perform each
one tourist destination among many to go for
of the two or more actions.
vacations. However, an ethical dilemma is a
situation where a person has to opt from two ˆ The moral agent has freedom to choose
ethical values where opting one over another between the competing options.
ultimately leads to violation of non-opted
ˆ The moral agent can do each of the actions,
principle.
but the agent cannot do both the actions. The
For instance – a civil servant needs to have agent thus seems to be condemned to ethical
compassion as well as objectivity as core values
failure, no matter what option he chooses

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 Example - A Public servant might be of the
Ethical Dilemma in Governance
opinion that small gifts act as a motivation to
Public servants in India have to work under perform his/her duty but that is against code
different sets of conditions such as resource of conduct.
crunch, political leadership, different societal
5. Professional Commitment versus Public
values etc. and under such situations they face
Welfare.
multiple ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas
include are caused by the following relationships Example - A public servant denying
of Civil Servants: government entitlements to a destitute due
ˆ Civil Servants and Political Office holders; to lack of documentary proofs.

ˆ Civil Servants and Citizens; and RESOLVING ETHICAL DILEMMA IN

ˆ Intra – Civil Service (Ministries, Departments GOVERNANCE
and Agencies, that make up the Country’s or
State’s Civil Service). Ethical dilemma can be solved by
keeping following key aspects in mind:
ETHICAL DILEMMAS FACED BY
PUBLIC SERVANTS 1. Giving Priority to the Public Interest:
Public officials should prioritize the public’s
Conflict of Interest welfare over their own self-interest when
making decisions or taking actions.
1. It is a situation involving conflict between
private interest and public interest when an 2. Thorough Assessment: Ethical dilemmas
individual is at a position of power and trust. should be carefully evaluated by considering
all available options and selecting the
Example - Arun Jaitley did not handle
vodafone case because he had conflict of decision that maximizes the well-being of
interest as he was advisor to vodafone earlier. the majority.

2. Conflict between personal values and values 3. Impartiality: Public servants should remain
of public administration. unbiased when faced with ethical dilemmas

Example - A public servant might be against and make decisions without favoritism,
the use of Aadhar because of high regard for similar to a neutral referee.
the right to privacy, but might have to use it 4. Fusion: Integrating individual,
for Public Distribution Systems (PDS). organizational, and societal goals helps
3. Conflict between professional ethics and alleviate ethical dilemmas, as a suitable
unjustified demand by superiors. choice can align with all these objectives.
Example - A Public servant might be against 5. The Rule of Law and Legality: The rule of
loan waivers but because of orders of seniors law is essential in politics and society, and
will have to abide by the order. adhering to the principles of legitimacy is
4. Various aspects of code of conduct, such as crucial when exercising authority. The law
motivation versus not accepting rewards for sets the minimum ethical standard and aids
performance of duty. decision-making during ethical dilemmas.

99
 the market and this is not brought to the
ETHICAL CONCERNS IN
PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS public by audit processes.
Example - Yes Bank scam which highlighted
1. Business ethics applies to all aspects of a the directors’ inability to unravel deviations.
business conduct and is relevant for conduct
6. Lobbying in some countries is ethical. In
of individuals and the entire organization.
India there is no law which defines Lobbying.
Although fundamentals remain the same,
Defense contracts are often heated topics for
it varies from organization to organization.
the lobbying angles involved in the same.
Individuals of an organization might find
Lobbying in a regulated manner is often
themselves in a conflicting situation.
recommended by experts.
Example: An honest salesman might have
7. Cartelisation and Manipulation of Market
to sell a defective medical product which
by private business enterprises in order to
might affect the patient’s [Link] gives rise
displace new entrants in the market or to
to a number of ethical concerns in a private
earn higher profits.
organization such as.
Example - Manipulation of prices by
2. Conflict of Interest arises when an individual
Arhartiyas in APMCs, tax evasion, insider
is involved in multiple interests.
trading etc.
Example - BCCI Ethics officer served
a notice on Conflict of interest to Rupa Factors responsible for ethical
Gurunath as the President of Tamil Nadu dilemmas and concerns in
Cricket Association as well as Director of private institutions:
India Cements Ltd (the parent company of
(a) Ambiguous rules and regulations of the
Chennai Super Kings). She has been found
institutions
guilty of indirect conflict of interest for ICL’s
close association with Chennai Super Kings (b) Lack of law and policy to supervise the
Cricket Limited (CSKCL). private sector

3. Excessive competition in the market often (c) Asymmetric organizational structure

forces people for unethical practices like favoring the top management and leaders
insider trading and manipulation of share (d) Absence of self-conscience among employers
prices. It is also when personal interests take and employees
precedence over the organizational and the (e) No focus on building emotional intelligence
share-holders’ interest. Ethical concerns
4. Nepotism and Favouritism are generally 1. Fiduciary responsibility- A fiduciary is
seen in employment and appointments in a person or an entity entrusted with the
an organization where caste, clan or other responsibility to take care of money or other
identities overtake merit. This is also seen in assets of its clients. Thus as a fiduciary, a
the positions of board of directors. company or its employee is legally as well
5. Integrity of the Audit Process is questioned as ethically answerable to the client. For
when companies manipulate their business example, the trustees of a mutual fund
accounts in order to show good financial have a fiduciary duty to protect and further
health and maintain good credit ratings in the interests of investors In India, Sahara

100
 India Pariwar investor fraud presents the and wage gap are the major ethical concerns
concern regarding misappropriation of as they violate the right to equality and is
funds of millions as it jeopardized the lives against prohibition of discrimination based
of so many investors who mainly belonged on gender. Gender discrimination, recently
to the lower strata of the society and barely was highlighted in the Harvey Weinstein
earned enough to keep their body and soul case followed up by #metoo campaign all
together. It tried to gamble the life of majorly over the world.
illiterate group of people who have less or no 4. Green washing- It is the process of conveying
idea of the financial position of a company a false impression or providing misleading
and thus, are ambiguous about harnessing information about how a company’s
the opportunity to make benefit out of products are more environmentally
schemes such as Optionally Fully Convertible sound. Companies, as per national and
Debentures. The scheme requires knowledge international laws are required to produce
about performance of the company and goods and services sustainably. However,
basic knowledge about proper time to turn the methods, processes used cause harm
such debentures into shares which will be to environment like air pollution, water
profitable for them. pollution which evokes negative response
2. Accountability towards shareholders- A from environmentalist and citizens. Further,
company generally has major and minor environmental laws impose heavy fines and
shareholders. Minority shareholders are punishment on such violators. Thus, emerge
dispersed geographically and have little say the ethical concern of greenwashing where
in decision making while by virtue of majority such institutions show their unsustainable
shareholding, the large investors can products as eco-friendly and this goes
manipulate the decisions of the corporates. against ecocentric values promoted in wake
Thus, it becomes necessary for the board, of global warming, pollution and climate
especially independent and nonexecutive change.
directors, to ensure that interests of all 5. Quality of product and services – Private
shareholders are protected, their views institutions has not only legal obligation
respected and their grievances resolved. but also ethical obligation to provide quality
While the majority shareholders have products and services. Since, economies
privileges, the minority are often neglected take into account consumption by citizens
in many aspects. The ethical concern, thus, is to measure growth rate of country, so
that rights of minority shareholders needs to the consumption-oriented culture drives
be protected especially in adverse situations. institution to engage in unethical practices
3. Gender discrimination – Gender gap is a to reduce the cost of production. This in turn
major ethical concern in private institutions degrades the quality of goods and services.
as laws made by Parliament are generally Other reasons for the same are poor law
applicable for public institutions only. For enforcement by government agencies,
instance, Maternity benefit act provides for lack of awareness among citizens etc. For
maternity leave to female working in formal instance, India’s food regulator had banned
sector only. In private institutions, glass Nestlé� ’s Maggie in 2015 after tests showed
ceiling, sexual harassment at work place it contained excessive lead and for alleged

101
 mislabeling over flavor enhancer MSG Lobbying can provide decision-makers with
(monosodium glutamate). valuable insights and data, as well as grant
6. Organizational duty versus public stakeholders access to the development
responsibility – This is the classic ethical and implementation of public policies.
concern in which the moral actor has to Lobbying can also lead to undue influence,
choose from duty towards the organization unfair competition and regulatory capture
and public responsibility. Duty towards to the detriment of the public interest and
organization has features of loyalty, secrecy effective public policies. Thus, nations need
and following norms of institution. In many to clearly define the terms ‘lobbying’ and
cases, these duties are in conflict with public ‘lobbyist’ when they consider or develop
responsibility thus, eliciting ethical behavior rules and guidelines on lobbying. Further,
on part of moral actors. providing a level playing field by granting all
7. Profit driven agenda versus purpose driven stakeholders fair and equitable access to the
agenda – Although private institutions are development and implementation of public
mainly profit oriented, recent debate of policies is a needed measure to ensure
compassionate capitalism or purpose driven transparency in lobbying.
agenda has highlighted the ethical concerns 9. Conflict of interest - According to
related to the former. In its bid to maximize transparency international, conflict of
the gain and concentrate wealth, private interest may occur when a government
institutions get involved in unfair trade official has two competing interests; one
practices like poor wage labour, unbridled related to official duty and other related to
exploitation of resources, evading tax, private interest. Private interest could be
unusually higher cost of goods and services related to financial obligations or providing
and other such unscrupulous activities. In undue advantage to family and friends. For
the last decade, purpose driven agenda has instance, In the ICICI Bank case, a whistle-
come to the forefront because of the unethical blower has alleged that Chanda Kochhar
challenges caused by profit driven agenda. faced a conflict of interest as CEO and
Purpose driven agenda is a holistic approach Managing Director of ICICI Bank, when the
which apart from maximizing profit aims bank decided to lend ₹3,250 crore to the
at inclusive development of all. Thus, it’s a Videocon group in 2012 and with Videocon
tectonic shift from anthropocentric values Chanda Kochhar’s spouse, had business ties.
to ecocentric values which focuses on Thus, there is conflict of interest as ICICI
sustainable development. Bank’s CEO informally pushed the loan to the
8. Lobbying - Lobbying is the act of attempting Videocon group because of benefits received
to influence the actions, policies, or decisions by her family members from the group’s
of officials, most often legislators or members promoters.
of regulatory agencies. Private institutions 10. Corporate social responsibility- Corporate
engage in lobbying to further their own social responsibility (CSR) is a business
interest in market. Ethical concerns related model that helps a company be socially
to lobbying are complex as sometimes it can accountable—to itself, its stakeholders, and
be useful for presenting concerns of under- the public. By practicing corporate social
represented sections or vulnerable groups. responsibility, companies can be conscious

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 of the kind of impact they are having on all (a) Does the decision involve choice
aspects of society, including economic, social, between a right and a wrong or between
and environmental. Although, it’s a positive two rights or two wrongs?
model if followed generally but many times (b) To what extent choosing one right over
CSR is nothing more than an opportunity other will impact the stakeholders?
for publicity. As a firm, it tries to look good
2. Getting the facts
through various environmentally or socially
friendly initiatives without making systemic (a) What are the relevant facts in the case?
changes that will have long-term positive Are the facts genuine or collected from
effects. Thus, the value of truth and honesty the right source?
is violated in such dubious attempts by (b) What are the options available for taking
companies. the ethical decision?
11. Commoditization of data – With 3. Approaches to solve the ethical dilemma
technological companies witnessing a giant (a) Virtue approach – According to Virtue
leap in market as mankind embraces the school of ethics, character of agent
technological age of artificial intelligence, determines the morality of the task.
big data, internet of things, the ownership of Thus, the government official acts
data produced and its commoditization has according to his virtues to reach the
raised ethical concerns. Commoditization ideals which have been set by him.
of data refers to personal data becoming an According to Plato, these virtues can
independently valuable asset that is freely be courage, wisdom, temperance and
available on the market. The companies justice.
use the data of its customers without their
In an ethical dilemma, a moral actor
consent for its own monetary and other
following a virtue approach asks himself
benefits, thus, violating their right to privacy.
whether the decision represents the
Thus, to resolve ethical concern related to
kind of person he is or he wants to
commoditization of data, the parameters
be. Criticism- There is no objective
for responsible data use, rights, ownership,
list of virtues for the government
security and privacy need to be defined,
functionaries. Further virtues are
implemented and enforced consistently
culture as well as context dependent,
across industries and around the globe.
thus changes from individual to
FRAMEWORK FOR ETHICAL individual leading to non-uniformity in
resolving ethical dilemmas.
DECISION MAKING
(b) Kantian categorical imperative-
In order to resolve the ethical dilemmas following According to categorical imperative,
steps can be considered: a person has to always choose duty
1. Recognizing the ethical dilemma – It is principle over other values. Ethical
necessary that the government functionary dilemma can be solved by doing the
is capable of recognizing that there is an right things so that people are treated
ethical dilemma in a given situation. For as ends and thus, their own rights can
this one, should ask following questions to be fulfilled. Criticism– Only rights of
himself: people cannot be sole factor in resolving

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 ethical dilemmas as economical, social (e) Gandhi’s Talisman – Mahatma
as well as environmental costs are also Gandhi’s Talisman is a novel approach
involved. to solve ethical dilemmas. Consciously
For instance– Building a dam will ensure reminding it when needed helps to
rights of many citizens but without make moral decisions in larger public
proper safeguards like rehabilitation, interest. “I will give you a talisman.
it harms the forest dwellers as well as Whenever you are in doubt, or when
forest animals in long run. the self becomes too much with you,
(c) Utilitarian approach- In ethical apply the following test. Recall the face
dilemmas, the value can be chosen by of the poorest and the weakest man
finding out which option will produce the [woman] whom you may have seen, and
most good for the maximum number of ask yourself, if the step you contemplate
people. This approach takes into account is going to be of any use to him [her].
the economic and social welfare of a Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will
larger number of people. For instance– it restore him [her] to a control over
In the post-independence period, his [her] own life and destiny? In other
the government has to opt between words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom]
capitalism and socialism to ensure the for the hungry and spiritually starving
prosperity of the citizens. India being
millions? Then you will find your doubts
a newly independent country with
and yourself melt away.”
an impoverished manufacturing and
agricultural base needed government’s (f) Situational ethics: In the modern
support for growth in initial year. Thus, day ethical dilemma the context and
socialism as a principle value was added the situation in which a decision has
in the preamble. to be made is also very important.
Criticism- It is not always possible to So, considering and assessing the
measure goodness of outcomes. Also, background of an action also becomes
utilitarianism focuses on maximum important for resolution of any ethical
happiness for maximum number dilemma.
which in turn discriminates against the (g) Conscience as a guide to resolve
minority. ethical concerns – Conscience is an
(d) Justice approach – Justice approach internal dialogue of man with himself
focuses on treating the individuals about right and wrong. These are the
equally in the ethical dilemma. Also, internalized values which make us
if there is any difference in treatment reflect on life and ask “what is it that I
then the difference should be justified. should do to make the ethical choice”,
Criticism – principle of justice can and that ethical choice is not influenced
harm social welfare in the long run. For in any way by any other person and
instance- In an appointment if a male event. When the other approaches
and a female candidate have scored fail to resolve the ethical dilemma, the
equal marks, consideration can be given moral actor can rely on his conscience
to the female as it will send a message of to know what is more ethical to do in a
empowerment to larger society.
given situation.

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 (h) Law as source of ethical guidance – while controlling the immoral and unethical
Laws are rules and regulations made behaviour of individuals in the society.
by the state which aims to regulate ˆ Rules are elaborate frameworks that
the decision making and conduct are usually framed with an aim to bring
of its citizens. Since law derives its
simplification, facilitation, convenience
authority from the constitution, citizens
etc. in the order to guide the behaviour of
themselves as their elected leaders
individuals or organisations.
frame it and are based on best practices
followed worldwide to uphold human Example: Information Techn Thomas
rights; they are one of the legal and Aquinas further explains ology Act,
widely opted sources for resolving 2000 is a law and Information Technology
ethical dilemma. For civil servants Intermediary Guidelines Rules 2021 are
constitution is final arbitrator in case framed to give effect to the law.
of ethical dilemma as it is the supreme
Thomas Aquinas On Law And Its Types
law based on which other laws are
framed Criticism – Inconsistency in Thomas Aquinas described law as “Law is a rule
laws, loopholes, coercive and collusive and measure of acts whereby man is induced to
nature of laws render them ineffective act or is restrained from acting”. Thus, law and
and thus, act as incompetent guide to rules are tools to regulate human decisions and
resolve ethical dilemmas. actions. According to Aquinas there are four
4. Decision-making – After careful types of law, namely, the eternal, the divine, the
consideration of all the above approaches, natural and the human.
the best option can be chosen to address the Eternal laws: Eternal laws are the laws which
situation. The decision in ethical dilemmas
are reflection of divine wisdom and God’s will.
also depends on the attitude, aptitude as well
God has created everything and all his creations
as emotional intelligence of the government
follow eternal law. Eternal laws are not made but
functionary. The attitude and emotional
they are eternally existing. Simply we can think
intelligence can be strengthened during
of eternal law as comprising all those scientific
training, mid-career review and evaluation
(physical, chemical, biological, psychological,
using multi-stakeholder feedback. Also, the
etc.) ‘laws’ by which the universe is ordered
basis for justification of the option needs
(laws determining planetary motions, flow of
to be clearly communicated, if need be, to
energy, mass of matter etc.)
address the concerns of all the stakeholders.
This ensures collective participation of Divine laws: Divine laws are eternal laws which
citizens in governance and thus, strengthens are revealed to humans through sacred texts
democracy. and teachings. The sacred scriptures of religions
such as Islam (Quran), Christianity (Bible) and
LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS Hinduism (Bhagwad-geeta) can be considered
AND CONSCIENCE AS SOURCE
as divine laws as they tend to guide human
OF ETHICAL GUIDANCE
behavior with the claim that they are nothing
ˆ Laws are usually based on an ethical less than God’s revelation to form an ethical and
framework and aim to bring social order just society.

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Natural laws: Natural laws are eternal laws Parameter Rules Law
that can be perceived by beings with reason. Objective Rules usually focus Law seeks to
God has given reason/rationality to humans and on individual good increase public
good and serve
has made him able to understand some of the public interests
eternal laws. Natural laws are related to innate Framing Rules can be set by Laws are enacted
individuals, or by only by those in
human ability to know what is naturally right. organisations exercise of
Natural laws are objective, changeless, universal sovereignty or
government
principles of action for ethical and political life.
F l e x i b i l i t y Rules are more Laws are inflexible
For example- good is to be done and evil, to be and Violation flexible and and carry stiff
avoided; a needy should be helped, others shall have lighter penalties including
consequences imprisonment and,
not be harmed etc. While actions of animals are when broken in some cases,
determined by the eternal law but for humans, death.

natural law provide an understanding of how to

act ethically through use of reason. HOW LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS
ARE SOURCE OF ETHICAL GUIDANCE
Human laws: Human laws are the laws which
is derived from the natural law by the humans. 1. Regulating Discretionary Powers: Public
It is based on interpretation of natural laws. servants have discretionary powers for
Human laws are devised by human reasons governance, and that can be used for personal
which are adapted to particular geographical, benefit. Laws, rules and regulations regulate
historical and social circumstances. Aristotle this power by laying specific ‘dos and don’ts’
already pointed out that most people are kept for use of that power.
from crime by fear of the law. Thomas accepts
Example: Central Civil Services Conduct
this judgment, suggesting that by coercion, even
Rules, 1964 provides dos and don’ts for
men who are evilly disposed may be led in the
the civil servants to prevent misuse of
direction of virtue. that the human law is not
discretionary powers.
obliged to repress all vices. It is aimed at the
2. Commanding Action and Inaction: Laws,
more grievous vices from which the majority can
rules and regulations act as positive and
abstain, i.e., those which are to the hurt of others,
negative enablers and encourage or prohibit
e.g., murder, theft, and the like. Aquinas says that
action.
if human laws attempt to legislate perfection, it
would make people hostile to the law and defeat Example: Prevention of Corruption Act
its purpose. Further, human laws are subject to prevents corruption and Mahatma Gandhi
change because experience in practical matters National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
may allow us to improve them. The regulation enables social audit.
ensures that citizens act with reason and uphold 3. Fostering Social Justice: Laws, rules and
modern democratic values like equality, liberty, regulations foster social justice by providing
democracy etc modern human rights, such as equality,
liberty etc.
Difference between Laws and Rules
Example: Prevention of Civil Rights Act 1955
Laws and rules may seem like overlapping prohibits untouchability.
terms, but there are some differences on which 4. Human Rights Protection: Laws, rules and
distinction can be made between the two: regulations encourage empathy towards

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 the needy and thus promotes human rights the society might not be mature enough to
protection. accept them.
Example: Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, Example - Opposition to Triple Talaq law by
2019 provides for Good Samaritans and some sections of Muslim society, opposition
protects them against civil or criminal to the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala
actions. case by some sections of Hindu society.
6. Cultural Evils: Laws, rules and regulations
LIMITATIONS OF LAWS, RULES
cannot always provide protection against
AND REGULATIONS AS SOURCE
OF ETHICAL GUIDANCE social evils.
Example - In spite of legal provisions for
1. Lack of Enforcement: Laws, rules and
protection of women but still rapes/dowry
regulations demand official machinery for
cases are witnessed in literate society like
their enforcement, lack of which might
Kerala.
lead to unethical behavior by individuals or
organizations. Way Forward
ˆ Hence, laws, rules and regulations are
Example - There are laws preventing crimes
external sources for ethics. However, an
in the society, but still crimes are prevalent
ethical society can be made by an ethical
in the society.
conscience.
2. Evasive Tendency: Enactment of laws, rules
and regulations may not translate into ethical CONSCIENCE AS SOURCE OF
behavior from individuals or organizations ETHICAL GUIDANCE
because of tendency of non-compliance.
There is a higher court than courts of justice and
Example - People avoiding fines under
that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all
Motor Vehicle Amendment Act by carrying
other courts.” Mahatma Gandhi
their vehicle by hand.
The word conscience comes from the Latin
3. Finding Loopholes: Laws, rules and
word “conscientia” which means “knowledge
regulations might not be able to envisage
within oneself”. It is something internal to a person
every possible scenario and therefore people
which determined the goodness or badness of
might find loopholes in them.
a human action. It is a special act of mind that
Example - Tax evasion by finding loopholes comes into being when the intellect passes a
in the Income Tax Act. moral judgment on the goodness or badness of a
4. Negative Perception: Some laws, rules and particular action. Conscience is not a feeling or an
regulations might have negative perception emotion but a mindful and intellectual decision.
among those who are obliged to perform It is not a random thought but it is related to a
under them. moral judgment on a particular action. It can pass
Example - Corporate Social Responsibility a moral judgment on an action that happened in
is perceived as additional tax by some the past or that is about to happen in the future.
corporations. Conscience is a cognitive act of mind based on
the value system of a person. It is the voice of
5. Lack of Social Maturity: Laws, rules and
inner self but it is not irrational. It is not based
regulations might have good intentions, but
on superficial choices which wax and wane with

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moods and preferences. It is the internal moral nudges a person to become best version of
compass of a person. As conscience is based on himself and helps in moral development.
a value system, it develops over time based on 7. By nature, laws are incomplete. Conscience
various sources of knowledge, such as common helps in interpreting laws in light of
sense, law, experience, society, family, educational prevailing circumstances and filling voids
institutions and religion. left in law.

Conscience acts as a source of ethical 8. Conscience helps a person evaluate prevailing

guidance in following ways: norms and laws and challenge unfair laws
and norms. Thus, it helps in keeping society
1. Conscience is the most immediate source morally upright. Example: Efforts of Raja
of information which helps in evaluating Ram Mohan Roy and Sati Law, breaking
different options and guiding human actions. of unjust Salt Law by Mahatma Gandhi,
Voice of Conscience is the first response Abolition of Slavery in the West etc.
towards any situation. It is the first thing
9. Conscience helps in integrating prescribed
that comes to mind when a person passes
norms with moral consideration which
moral judgment on any action. Being the first
response, it has a deep influence on decision ensures that both letter and spirit of the law
and action. is followed. Conscience becomes even more
important for civil servants as they enjoy lot
2. Since conscience is an intellectual decision, it
of powers and discretions without adequate
allows man to exercise reason and transcend
accountability mechanisms in system. If
his animal instincts.
a civil servant has a doubtful conscience,
3. Conscience is not a feeling or an emotion, then he will not be able to take decisions in
but rather a rational decision, taking situations of value conflict. Further if a civil
place at a level of subconsciousness after
servant lacks conscience, then it results in
millions of calculations, permutations
self-serving attitude, corruption, nepotism
and combinations. This ensures that most
and abuse of office. N.R. Pillai, first cabinet
ethically sound decisions are taken.
secretary of India, “The new Civil Servant
4. Violation of the voice of conscience causes should possess all the traditional virtues
internal dissonance which provides a drive namely, efficiency, integrity and loyalty.
for a person to avoid unethical actions. The public servant of today should be one
5. Voice of conscience is immutable and richly endowed with human sympathy and a
accompanies a person throughout his life. widely awakened social conscience.
It ensures that a person takes moral actions
to the best of his abilities even when no one Difference between
is watching him or when he is not under Conscience and Law:
supervision. Conscience not only helps Law Conscience
in taking decisions but also staying with Law applies principles of Conscience acts within
the decision in difficult circumstances i.e. morality outside human human beings and checks
beings the morality of human
integrity. actions.
6. It is through conscience that a person evaluates Law states a general rule Conscience provides
practical rules for specific
his own moral philosophy, character and action and applies law and
motivations for action. Thus, it constantly rules to that specific action.

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 conscience and might not break traffic rules
Antecedent Conscience and
Consequent Conscience: next time.
3. Repulsive Behaviour against Unethical
1. Antecedent Conscience: Antecedent Act: A person might show lower motivation
Conscience is that which acts as a guide to and involvement in a situation in which is
future actions, prompting to do them or against his/her conscience and thus he/she
avoid them. will be inclined to take ethically correct path.
Example - A person stops at a red signal Example: A police officer might lack
because of prospective remorse. In ethics, motivation to do lathicharge on a peaceful
an antecedent conscience which is a guide to protest if that is against his/her conscience.
our future actions is more important.
2. Consequent Conscience: Consequent
IS CONSCIENCE AN ABSOLUTE GUIDE
TO ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR? NO
Conscience is that which is acting as a judge
of our past actions and acts as a source of our 1. Crisis of Conscience: Crisis of conscience is
self-approval or remorse of the past actions. a situation when conscience fails to provide
Example - A person jumps the red signal and moral guidance to an individual in any
then feels guilty. specific situation. Individuals lose the ability
to get guidance from his moral sense about
CONSCIENCE AS A SOURCE what is right and what is wrong.
OF ETHICAL GUIDANCE
Example - If a police officer is administering
Conscience is linked with morality and comes a peaceful protest and suddenly asked to
into picture when dealing with practical resort to strict measures irrespective of the
situations. It acts as a source of ethical guidance nature of protest. This makes the situation
in following manner: ambiguous and the officer is faced with a
crisis of conscience as his/her moral sense
1. Resolving Ethical Dilemma: Conscience
cannot guide him/her about right and wrong
helps in taking correct decisions based on
actions.
our ethical and moral principles and thus
helps in resolving ethical dilemmas. 2. During the recent Anti- Encroachment drive,
Municipality officials have been ordered to
Avoiding Conflict of Interest: Conscience
forcefully evict illegal shelters constructed
reminds of one’s inherent moral values and
by squatters on government land. The
helps us avoid conflict of interest.
official observes that the occupants are poor
Example: A person known for
people who have small infants to take care
professionalism would prefer professional
of. In such cases the official has to choose
values when faced with a conflict of interest
between his/her conscience of giving them
vis-à� -vis his/her relatives.
time to vacate or follow government order
2. Guilt Consciousness: An individual who and perform his duty.
might have done something wrong feels pain
3. Wrong Training of Conscience: Conscience
or guilt emanating from his/her conscience.
develops with good habits but following
Example: A biker breaking traffic rules might wrong habits provides wrong training to
feel guilty after sometime because of his/her conscience and it does not provide us moral

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 guidance. measures against the party that has acted
Example - A person who has always lied will inappropriately or to rectify the behaviour
not be guided by his/her conscience to tell that has violated established rules.
the truth. Consequently, different accountability
institutions may be responsible for either or
4. Impact of Morals/Cultures: Conscience also
both of these stages.
depends on the morals/cultures of the place
and time. Need of Accountability
ˆ Answerability: It prevents the public
Example - A person’s conscience towards
services from turning into tyrants as they
his behaviour towards females would not
are held answerable to their deeds and
provide ethical guidance if he has been
misdeeds.
brought up in a patriarchal environment.
ˆ Avoids Conflict of Interests: Setting
5. Impact of Societal Pressure: Conscience
accountability clearly demarcates the area of
can be overtaken by societal or professional
one’s actions where he or she is required to
pressure.
act.
Example - People do not agree for inter-
ˆ Public Interest: The first and last beneficiary
caste/inter-religion marriage for their
of public service is the public, as the public
children under societal pressure, even if they
services are required to act in the interest of
want to agree.
the public and they are answerable for their
ACCOUNTABILITY AND ETHICAL actions.
GOVERNANCE ˆ Justice & Equality: Promotes justice,
equality, and egalitarianism because public
ACCOUNTABILITY servants are required to realise these
constitutional ideals and at the same time,
The concept of holding public officials they are answerable for their actions.
accountable involves a process through which
ˆ Legitimacy to Public Services:
their actions and choices are closely examined
Accountability promotes the loyalty to
to ensure that they fulfil their responsibilities,
service as actions are carefully calculated
obligations, and job duties.
and keeps a check on arbitrary and ill-
Accountability Encompasses Two Main conceived actions and policies.
Aspects
Ways of Ensuring Accountability
1. Answerability: This refers to the
ˆ Capacity building of Stakeholders to question
responsibility of the government, its
the public officials about their discharging of
agencies, and public officials to disclose
official duties.
information about their decisions and
actions, and to provide justifications for Example - The concept of Social Audit under
them to both the public and the institutions MGNREGA. Also, effective implementation
entrusted with overseeing accountability. of laws like Prevention of Corruption Act
should be ensured.
2. Enforcement: This aspect suggests that
either the public or the accountable ˆ By promoting transparency, through
institution has the authority to take effective implementation of RTI in full

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 earnest, especially the pro-active disclosure, vertical accountability.
then public officials would be more careful 2. Political Accountability: It refers to the
to function strictly according to the spirit accountability that is established in the form
of the law and constitution. Secondly, it of individual ministerial responsibility.
would educate the people about their rights, 3. Social Accountability: It is society driven
entitlements and how to question their horizontal accountability that relies on civic
fulfilment. engagement and ordinary citizens and civil
ˆ The independence and effective role of society organisations participate directly
judiciary is crucial for upholding the rule or indirectly to enforce accountability of
officials.
of law in India, thus various steps like
Memorandum of Procedure, e-courts among
Institutions and Mechanisms
others should be promoted. that Promote Accountability
ˆ The final expression of accountability in Outside the State: Within the State:
a democracy is through the medium of Vertical Horizontal
periodic elections which is an instrument for To the People through External (Outside the
elections Executive) - Parliament,
punishing and rewarding the Government of y Through RTI Act to Judiciary, Lokayukta, CAG,
Citizens CVC
the day, and therefore, serves as an ultimate
y Citizen’ Oversight y Internal (Within the
instrument of accountability. The electoral Committees Executive)
y Civil Society/ Watchdog - Superior officers
reforms and democratic maturity of people
bodies - Rewards/Punishments
is the ultimate bulwark of accountability. y Media - Disciplinary Procedures
y Service Delivery Surveys - Performances
Types of Accountability y Citizen’s Charters Management System
y Integrity Pacts y CBI/Police/Vigilance
ˆ Horizontal Accountability: It is the capacity y Citizen Report Cards y Internal Audit
of state institutions to check exploitations y Through Whistle Blower y Grievances Redressal
Act Mechanisms (Prevention
by other public agencies and branches of the Of Corruption Act, Official
government. Secrets Act)
y E- Governance
External (Outside the Parliament, Judiciary, mechanisms (Pragati,
Executive) Lokpal, Comptroller and NeGP etc.)
Auditor General, Central
Vigilance Commission
Internal (Within the Superior Officers: Significance of Accountability
Executive) Reward and Punishment, in Governance
disciplinary procedures,
Performance management
system
1. Democratic Governance: Accountability
y Internal audit ensures democratic governance in the
y Grievance redressal country where officials are directly or
mechanism
indirectly responsible to the people and not
1. Vertical Accountability: These are the only to their superiors only.
means through which standards of good 2. Public Trust: Accountability ensures officials
governance are enforced by the citizens, mass are made answerable for their actions for
media and civil society on the bureaucrats. any wrongdoing. This improves public trust,
Parliament is also an important forum for confidence, cooperation and coordination in

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 the government performance. of certain duties which are expected to be
3. Clarity: Accountability also requires clear performed by virtue of being in a certain post/
specification of tasks to be performed, time position. Accountability is one step ahead. It
frame for the task and also financial and includes answerability, i.e. being liable for
other resources available at disposal, against the outcomes achieved due to performance
which an official is held accountable. This of the duty. Therefore, accountability can
improves governance. be held on to a person only after the task is
4. Administrative Irregularities: done.
Accountability prevents administrative Example - A judge is responsible for
irregularities and improper implementation delivering a judgement, but is not accountable
of government policies and programmes and if the outcomes are not as expected. A DM is
thus helps improve governance. both responsible as well as accountable for
5. Remedial Measures: Accountability ensuring compliance with Right to Education
ensures that officials are held liable for any in her district.
wrongdoing and remedial action can be 2. In individualistic terms, responsibility can
taken. also refer to what one expects of oneself or
6. Transparency: Accountability ensures that the others. To be morally responsible for
officials take decisions more transparently in something, is to be worthy of a particular
order to reduce absolute accountability. This kind of reaction, such as praise or blame in
makes citizens stakeholders in governance. pursuance of the act.
7. Feedback Mechanism: Accountability Example - Helping a destitute is a
also generates a feedback mechanism that responsibility of the affluent and empathetic.
ensures that the feedback from beneficiaries However, they cannot be held accountable for
reach the decision-makers. not helping them. They can be condemned, if
RESPONSIBILITY one wishes so.

ˆ It means accountability to oneself, i.e. when GOVERNANCE, GOOD GOVERNANCE

the accountability turns inward. It is a moral AND ETHICAL GOVERNANCE
concept, where a person feels answerable
ˆ According to the UNDP, Governance is
to oneself for all his actions, even if it is not
the exercise of political, economic and
covered by any law.
administrative authority to manage a
ˆ It is more enduring than accountability, country’s affairs.
because it is based on ethical reasoning, and
ˆ According to the World Bank, Good
the person would always do the right thing,
even if nobody is there to watch his action, as Governance refers to the manner in which
he holds himself answerable to oneself. Here power is exercised in the management of a
the person takes ownership of one’s actions country’s economic and social resources for
and decisions. development.

Difference between Accountability Eight Principles of Good

and Responsibility Governance by United Nations:

1. Responsibility refers to being in-charge 1. Participation: People should be able to

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 voice their opinion and become part of 1. Social Justice: Constitution of India
governance, including men and women, envisages social justice for the people of
vulnerable sections of society etc. India and ethical governance ensures that
2. Follow Rule of Law: Impartial enforcement inequalities are reduced in the society.
of legal framework and full protection 2. Confidence of Public: Ethical governance
to human rights, particularly those of based on truth ensures transparency in
minorities and vulnerable sections. the governance and ensures that people’s
3. Consensus Oriented: It requires mediation trust is upheld along with cooperation and
of different interests to meet the best coordination from the public.
interests of a community. Example - Right to Information Act, 2005
4. Transparent: It means enough information uphold transparency in the governance of
is provided to public in easily understandable the country.
form. 3. Upholding Basic Human Rights: Ethical
5. Responsive: It means redressal of citizen governance based on altruism and welfare
grievances, citizen orientation, timely ensures that citizens are given basic human
delivery of services etc. rights that they are entitled.

6. Effective and Efficient: It means that Example - National Food Security Act
processes and institutions result in optimum ensures that the poor section of the society
utilisation of resources at their disposal. gets their right to food.

7. Equitable and Inclusive: It ensures that 4. Upholding Universal Value System:

different sections feel that they have a Ethical governance based on objectivity and
stake in it and are not excluded from the fairness absorbs the pressure of nepotism
mainstream. and extends favours in the governance,
appointment etc.
8. Accountable: It acknowledges and assumes
responsibility for actions, products, decisions 5. Efficiency: Ethical governance based on
and policies. integrity would ensure that the public money
is spent for the purpose that it is laid out for
Ethical governance is formulating,
and thus reduces the chances of corruption
implementing and complying with the
in the governance.
policies, rules, laws and orders in an
organisation in such a manner that it does 6. Compassion: Ethical governance based on
not merely concentrate on administrative compassion would ensure that poor and
efficiency but uphold universal values such vulnerable sections and their necessities are
as truth, honesty, integrity, dedication to given especial importance in the governance.
duty etc. Example - Affordable rental housing scheme
by government ensures housing for migrant
IMPORTANCE OF ETHICAL workers at affordable cost.
GOVERNANCE
7. Ethical governance is a continuing process,
India is a country with a huge population and a starting with the administration and
comparative resource crunch. Therefore, ethical extending to all citizens. With transparency
governance becomes important for ensuring: and unwavering ethics, people will seek to

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 earn the trust of those they partner with, collaborating through the COVAX Program to
forge lasting service relationships and provide COVID-19 vaccinations to impoverished
strengthen business over the long term. nations.
ˆ Peace and Harmony: Ethics ensures that
ETHICAL ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS AND FUNDING global affairs are conducted in a manner
that promotes peace, harmony, and equality
International Ethics refers to a set of universal among nations. The establishment of the
standards and values that guide and regulate United Nations serves as an example of an
the behaviours and actions of nations in their effort to maintain peace worldwide.
international dealings. For instance, most
countries uphold and protect basic human rights ˆ Legitimacy: Ethics grants legitimacy to
as a set of fundamental principles. countries, but it can also revoke legitimacy
based on their actions. The Taliban in
SIGNIFICANCE OF Afghanistan, for instance, lacks international
INTERNATIONAL ETHICS legitimacy due to its violation of human
rights.
The significance of International Ethics can be
understood through various roles it plays in ˆ Human Rights Protection: Ethics drives
international relations: countries to work towards safeguarding
ˆ Responsibility: Ethics ensures that affluent human rights rather than solely pursuing
and developed countries contribute to their narrow national interests. Cooperation
the progress of Less Developed Countries, among nations in addressing refugee crises
making them accountable for human exemplifies this commitment.
development in these nations as well.
ˆ Solutions to Global Problems: Ethics
Example- The Paris Climate Change encourages countries to cooperate in
Agreement and the concept of Common, But addressing global problems rather than
Differential Responsibilities in mitigating pursuing short-term goals solely for their
climate change. own interests. Cooperation among countries
ˆ Humanitarian Ethics: Ethics guarantees in combating terrorism serves as an example.
that advancements in science, defense, and
ˆ Business Ethics: Ethics ensures that
security, as well as cooperation between
multinational companies pay their fair share
countries in these areas, do not impede
of taxes in the countries where they operate,
human rights. For instance, countries
preventing them from evading taxes through
imposing restrictions on the end-use of
offshore havens. Recent developments such
weapons through organizations like the
as the Global Minimum Tax deal and efforts
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),
Australia Group, and the Nuclear Suppliers to combat Base Erosion and Profit Shifting
Group. (BEPS) reflect this concern.

Compassion: Ethics fosters compassion in ˆ Racism: Ethics compels countries to

international relations, prompting countries work towards eradicating racism from
to stand in solidarity with each other during their policies. An example of this is the
challenging times. For example, countries international pressure that led South Africa

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 to end apartheid. of powerful countries.
Example: Chinese expansionism and
ETHICAL CONCERNS IN
refusing to abide by the award of Permanent
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Court of Arbitration on South China dispute.
1. Lack of Responsibility and Equity: Although 6. Selfishness: Countries have often looked to
climate change is a global phenomena and work for their parochial selfish interests and
developed countries are responsible for not the global community.
climate change, the impact of climate change Example: Controlled production of crude
would be on developing and Least Developed oil by the OPEC countries, for higher market
Countries. price of Crude oil, Lack of Consensus on
Example: Developed countries are not Patent Waiver for Covid -19 vaccines
willing to take responsibility for climate 7. Lack of Universal Standards: Countries
change and are against common but have often tended to protect their national
differentiated responsibility. interest and have moved away from universal
2. Global Poverty: While people in richer standards in working towards this.
countries enjoy a lavish lifestyle, people in Example: China supporting Pakistan in
poorer countries lack even the basic human United Nations listing of Masood Azhar
rights. 8. Racism: Although global institutions
Example: While there is considerable have been working to end racism, it is still
hunger in African countries, richer countries prevalent.
are known for food wastages. Example: George Floyd case in USA, Megan
3. Apathy Towards Third World: In difficult Merkel’s child issue.
times countries look for their self-interest 9. Weakening Global Institutions: The global
rather than on the global interest. institutions still reflect the second world war
Example: Russia’s attack on Ukraine and era and therefore have been weakening due
China’s aggression towards Taiwan for self- to absence of reforms along with present
realities.
strategic interests are disturbing the supply
chain. As a result, there is an increase in the Example: WHO was criticised over the issue
price of commodities like Crude oil. of tackling of COVID-19 in the initial period.

4. Terrorism: Terrorism is a challenge for ETHICAL ISSUES IN

humanity, especially in the age of social INTERNATIONAL FUNDING
media but countries around the world have
not been able to agree on a basic definition International funding refers to the aid given
by richer and advanced countries to poorer
of terrorism.
countries for developmental, security and other
Example: Comprehensive convention on
purposes. However, this aid presents following
counter-terrorism proposed by India has ethical issues:
been pending in the United Nations since
1. Subverting Sovereignty of Nations: While
1996.
giving funding to the recipient countries
5. Lack of Accountability: Global organisations donor agencies put several conditions
have not been able to ensure accountability that are best decided by the people and

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 governments of the countries. Hezbollah)).
Example: IMF conditions on loans given to ˆ Refugee Issue: European nations are closing
India during 1991 financial crisis. their borders to refugees fleeing war-torn
2. Exploiting Compulsion: Countries often areas.
exploit the compulsion of the recipient Global Efforts
countries to further their own interest. ˆ Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Example: China’s debt-trap diplomacy (UDHR): The 30 rights and freedoms include
civil and political rights, like the right to
exploits infrastructure requirements of
life, liberty, free speech and privacy and
poorer countries.
economic, social and cultural rights, like the
3. Funding to NGOs: Countries provide funding right to social security, health and education,
to NGOs to further their own interests. etc.
Example: Greenpeace protesting in India ˆ Human Rights Council and the Office of
against Nuclear Power Plants. the High Commissioner for Human Rights
4. Clinical Trials: Pharma countries often (OHCHR).
conduct clinical trials in poorer countries ˆ Amnesty International: An international
and provide funding to recipient countries organisation of volunteers who campaign
for this, which is a violation of human rights. for human rights. This organisation brings
out independent reports on the violation of
5. Neo-colonialism: Countries use their
human rights all over the world.
market-tactics and funding to promote
neo-colonialism in the recipient countries ˆ Efforts of countries like India and Bangladesh
with the setting up of factories and creating to provide shelters and aid for Rohingya
dependence on them. refugees.

Example: Multinational companies are ˆ Humanitarian approaches extended by the

world to reduce hardship in Afghanistan
alleged for promotion of western culture.
related to food shortages andother essential
6. Terror Financing: Many times, international items.
funding has been channelised for terror
United Nations Peacekeeping Army are sent
funding and also black money has been
to establish Peace and harmony in the conflict
round tripped in the host country.
zone.

GLOBAL EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH Climate Change Issues

INTERNATIONAL ETHICAL ISSUES
ˆ International Equity Concerns: Countries
Issues of Human Rights Violations: that are least responsible for climate change
and have the least economic capacity to fight
ˆ Political interventions frequently lead to
the effects of climate change are the most
Human Rights Violations.
affected ones. For example Marshall Islands.
ˆ Terrorism: States use Terrorism as a tool ˆ Issue of Common but Differentiated
of foreign policy and indulge in human Responsibilities: There are issues in defining
rights violation. (For Example - Pakistan and differentiating the responsibilities
(supporting LeT, JeM), Iran (supporting between present and future generations as

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 well as developed and developing countries. ˆ Increasing Green Cover to create more
Carbon sinks.
ˆ Climate Sceptics don’t consider climate
change to be real. Other Issues
Global Efforts Global commons are defined as those parts of
the planet that fall outside national jurisdictions
ˆ Commitment to strong climate action
and to which all nations have access.
including the promotion of sustainable
lifestyles based on mindful consumption and ˆ Zoonotic diseases like Covid-19
reduction of waste. ˆ Overfishing
ˆ Financial tools adopted such as – Polluter ˆ Accumulation of plastic waste
Pay Principle, Carbon Tax, Energy Saving
ˆ Accumulation of Space debris
Certificates, green Bonds etc.
Global Efforts Panel set up by WHO to monitor
Mission Innovation: It is a global initiative of 22
Zoonotic diseases.
countries and the EU to accelerate global clean
energy innovation. Participating countries have ˆ International Cooperation for the
committed to double their governments’ clean development of Vaccines
energy R&D investments over 5 years. ˆ Framework for patent waiver on medicines,
ˆ Decoupling economic growth from vaccines and other medical devices related
greenhouse gas emissions. to Zoonotic diseases such as Covid-19

Glasgow Climate Summit and Major

ˆ
IPRs (Intellectual Property Rights)
countries disclosed their target of becoming
Carbon Neutral. Ex, India will become carbon ˆ The developed countries are depriving
neutral by 2070. the poor countries of accessing the new
technologies (even life-saving drugs) by the
ˆ Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): It
restrictive clauses of IPRs.
refers to a market mechanism for achieving
GHG emissions reduction under the Kyoto ˆ It is essential to determine whether it is
protocol. It allows an industrialised/ justifiable for a country to defend its IPRs on
developed country with an emission- commercial grounds, or whether it should
reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol to share technology for the greater interest of
implement an emission-reduction project in humanity.
any of those developing countries and earn
Global Efforts
tradable Certified Emission Reduction (CER)
credits, each equivalent to one ton of CO2. ˆ Guidelines set up by WTO regarding
ˆ Proposal made for Climate finance and enforcement of IPRs.
Climate Finance Delivery Plan at the Glasgow ˆ Invoking of Compulsory Licencing clauses in
summit. the case of emergency
ˆ Focus on sources of Renewable Energy and WAY FORWARD
Establishment of international institutions. International ethics is a set of universal values
Ex. International Solar Alliance. that governs the actions and behaviors of nation-
states. In International Relations, the state

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is called an Actor. Hence, all decisions should that are run in the best interests of all the
protect and further the national interests of the stakeholders enjoy the trust and confidence
State (Machiavellian Ethics) but it should also be in the organisation and provide long- term
seen as ethical. sustainability.
6. Curbing Nepotism: Good corporate practices
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
curb nepotism and favouritism while valuing
According to the Cadbury Committee, corporate merit in appointments.
governance is the “system by which companies 7. Internal Checks and Balances: Good
are directed and controlled.” corporate practices better internal checks
It is a set of systems, processes and principles and balances to curb mismanagement,
which ensure that a company is governed in conflict of interests, and misuse of company
the best interest of all stakeholders. It is about resources.
promoting corporate fairness, transparency and
accountability. ISSUES OF CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE IN INDIA
IMPORTANCE OF CORPORATE
1. Collusion: Companies sometimes indulge
GOVERNANCE
in collusion with auditors to mislead the
Good corporate governance benefits not only the investors, regulators, board and other
company but also the environment around it in stakeholders.
the following way: Example: Satyam scandal, DHFL Case etc.
1. Premium: Well governed companies across 2. Huge Risks: In some cases, the owners of
the world command a premium of anywhere the companies have taken huge risks in their
between 10 to 40 percent more than their private capacity and were unable to pay.
not so well governed counterparts.
Example: V. Siddhartha in the case of Café�
2. Foreign Investment: Good corporate Coffee Day.
practices based on transparency and
3. Promoter-Led Board: It is seen that the
sound business principles attract foreign
Board is chaired by promoters and this
investment, which is much more liberalised
makes the board to serve at the wish and
now.
command of the promoter-chairman.
3. Weak Corporate Laws: A good firm-
Example: Naresh Goyal in case of Jet Airways.
level governance often makes up for
weaknesses in a country’s corporate laws 4. Lack of Oversight: Although statutory
or the enforcement of such laws as such changes have been made, the enforcement
organisations uphold the values such as mechanism has not followed with these
integrity, fairness, honesty, transparency etc. changes which leads to poor oversight.

4. Vulnerable to Corruption: Often scandals 5. Favouritism: Often lending institutions

and fraud within a company become favour their closed ones to give loans, while
more likely where directors and senior overlooking professional values such as
management do not have to comply with a integrity.
formal governance code. Example: ICICI Bank, Chanda Kochar case.
5. Corporate Sustainability: Corporates 6. Lack of Independence: Independent

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 directors are not given free hand in their nature. It is also the adjudicating authority
working and are pressured by other under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
members of the board towards particular 5. Accounting Standards: These are issued
decisions. by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Example: Tata-Mistry case. India to bring much needed structure to the
7. Crony Capitalism: It is also an issue where financial reporting and mandates disclosure
closed ones receive mutually advantageous of accounting policies, cash-flow statements,
treatment. construction contracts, borrowing cost,
related-party disclosures etc.
Example: Captive coal block allocation in
6. Securities and Exchange Board of India
Coal scams in early 2010s.
(SEBI) Guidelines: SEBI being the regulatory
8. Credit Rating Issues: Credit ratings agencies authority, having jurisdiction over listed
provide credit ratings to companies but they companies, issues regulations, rules and
themselves suffer from conflict of interest guidelines to companies to ensure protection
from non-rating business, lack of information of investors.
availability etc.
7. Secretarial Standards: These are issued
Example: Recent IL&FS crisis by the Institute of Company Secretaries
of India (ICSI), an autonomous body, that
EXISTING MEASURES TO
issues secretarial standards in terms of the
ENSURE ETHICAL CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE IN INDIA provisions of the New Companies Act.

1. Companies Act, 2013: It regulates COMMITTEES RELATED TO

incorporation, formulation and CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN INDIA
functioning of companies in India. It makes
comprehensive provisions to govern all Kumar Mangalam Birla
listed and unlisted companies in India. It Committee Report (2000)
empowers shareholders and highlights
higher values for corporate governance. ˆ The report made certain mandatory

2. The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, recommendations for listed companies with

1956: The Act aims to prevent undesirable a paid-up share capital of 3 crore or more.

transactions in securities by regulating the ˆ These recommendations include:

business dealings.  The board of directors should have an
3. Competition Commission of India: CCI appropriate mix of executive and non-
was established to promote and sustain executive directors.
competition culture and inspire businesses  The audit committee should consist of
to be fair, competitive and innovative. It three independent directors.
aims to curb monopolistic tendencies in the
 The establishment of a remuneration
working of the market.
committee.
4. National Company Law Tribunal:
Established under Companies Act, 2013,  The board should hold a minimum of
four meetings per year.
it deals with the corporate disputes of civil

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  Shareholders should be provided with especially those related to related party
information regarding investments. transactions.

Naresh Chandra Committee Uday Kotak Committee

Recommendations (2002) Recommendations

ˆ The committee presented its report ˆ The committee made several

on Corporate Governance and Audit in recommendations for corporate governance
November 2002. in top 500 listed companies, including:
ˆ The committee made the following ˆ Separation of the roles of chairperson and
recommendations: CEO/MD.
ˆ Certain non-audit services, such as valuation ˆ Imposing a maximum limit of eight
services and internal audit, should be directorships for an individual.
prohibited for audit clients.
ˆ Requiring at least half of the board members
ˆ There should be compulsory rotation of in listed companies to be independent
auditors, with audit partners and at least directors.
fifty percent of the team members being ˆ Mandating minimum qualifications for
rotated every five years. independent directors and disclosing their
ˆ Audit firms should provide an annual relevant skills.
certification of independence to the ˆ Granting powers to SEBI (Securities and
Audit Committee or Board of Directors Exchange Board of India) to provide
before agreeing to the terms of the audit immunity to whistle- blowers.
engagement. ˆ Suggesting that public sector companies
should be governed by listing regulations
Narayan Murthy Committee rather than nodal ministries.
Recommendations (2002
ˆ Enhancing disclosure requirements, such
ˆ The committee focused on the as full disclosure of fund utilization, auditor
responsibilities of the audit committee, the credentials, audit fees, etc.
quality of financial disclosure, and the
requirement for boards to assess and disclose busi- CORPORATE SOCIAL
ness risks in annual reports. RESPONSIBILITY
ˆ The key mandatory recommendations According to the World Business Council for
include: Sustainable Development, Corporate Social
Responsibility is the continuing commitment
ˆ Strengthening the responsibilities of audit
by business to behave ethically and contribute
committees, including the requirement
to economic development while improving
for at least one member to be financially
the quality of life of the workforce and their
knowledgeable and another member to
families as well as of the local community and
possess accounting or related financial
society at large. Provision of Corporate Social
management proficiency. Responsibility under Companies Act, 2013:
ˆ Improving the quality of financial disclosures, Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013

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which contains CSR provisions is applicable to ˆ Activities supported by the company on
companies: sponsorship basis;
 With an establishment of a remuneration ˆ Activities carried to fulfil statutory obligation.
and more, or
ˆ Engagement of external organization for
 A net worth of INR 500 crore and more, design, evaluation permitted;
or
ˆ Companies have to formulate an annual
 A net profit of five crore INR and more. action plan and submit to Board of the
 The Act mandates companies to spend company
at least 2% of their average net profit ˆ Companies to ensure administrative
in the previous three years on CSR overhead not to exceed 5% of total CSR
activities. expenditure;

Activities that can be taken up as CSR ˆ Surplus cannot be utilized for other purposes

ˆ Companies with CSR obligation of more than

ˆ Promotion of Education
10 crore 3 financial years to hire Independent
ˆ Eradication of extreme hunger and poverty agency to conduct impact assessment
ˆ Gender equity and women empowerment ˆ Mandatory disclosure of CSR projects on the
ˆ Reducing child mortality and improving website
maternal health
Significance for Corporate
ˆ Combating HIV-AIDS, malaria and other
Social Responsibility
diseases
ˆ Environment sustainability 1. Moral Appeal: It appeals to companies to
be good citizens on the lines of Gandhiji’s
ˆ Social Business projects
Trusteeship principle.
ˆ Employment enhancing vocational skills
2. Satisfaction: This proposes that companies
ˆ Research across various fields such as should not only look to satisfy their
science, technology, medicine. shareholders but other stakeholders who
ˆ Incubators funded by the Centre or State or are directly or indirectly in the affairs and
any state-owned companies. environment of the company.
3. Public Image: Companies that under CSR
Companies (CSR Policy) activities tend to enjoy brand value and good
Amendment Rules, 2021
public image.
ˆ Following activities have been excluded from 4. Example: TATA Group of companies.
CSR: 5. Licence to Companies: CSR provides
ˆ Activities undertaken in normal course of companies to gain the trust of local
business excluded from CSR activities; communities and ensures that the resources
ˆ Activities undertaken outside India; are also allocated for the development of
local communities.
ˆ Contribution to political parties;
6. Profitability: CSR activities increase
ˆ Activities benefiting employees of company; profitability of the company as ethical

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 conduct exerts a growing influence on ˆ Accountability: Companies should ensure
purchasing decisions of the customers. that their CSR activities have clear objectives
7. Competitive Advantage: Businesses that and monitorable targets, which are diligently
show how they are more socially responsible and stringently monitored.
than their competitors tend to stand out. ˆ Collaboration: Companies should engage
8. Morale Boost for Employees: CSR practices with local NGOs for understanding ground
have a significant impact on employee situations and also utilize their expertise in
morale, as it reinforces his confidence on that field.
Company’s empathy. ˆ Greater Awareness: Greater awareness
9. Consumers’ Trust - Many consumers actively should be created, especially at Gram Sabha
seek out companies that support charitable level to ensure that they get their due share of
causes. Therefore, CSR attracts customers. social development in the company profits.

ISSUES WITH CORPORATE Injeti Srinivas Committee

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Recommendations
1. Poor Implementation: There is very ˆ Make CSR expenditure tax deductible.
little strategic thinking and innovation in
implementation of CSR. The larger goal of ˆ Allowing companies to carry forward
CSR is not understood, companies view it as unspent funds for three to five years.
only a charitable endeavor. ˆ Aligning Schedule 7 of Companies Act, 2013
2. Lack of Robust Policy: There is lack of long- with the Sustainable Development Goals
term robust CSR policy which leads to failure ˆ Balancing local area preferences with
in giving definitive direction to CSR spending. national priorities
3. Duplication of Activities: Duplication of
ˆ Introducing impact assessment studies for
activities by different corporate houses
CSR obligation of 5 crore or more
results in competitive approach rather than
collaborative approach. ˆ Registration of implementation agencies on
MCA Portal.
4. Viewed as Additional Corporate Tax: The
CSR obligation is often viewed as a 2% tax, ˆ Developing a CSR exchange portal to connect
albeit spent by the firms rather than given to contributors, beneficiaries and agencies
the government.
ˆ Allowing CSR in social benefit bonds,
5. Skewed Pattern of Expenditure: Many CSR
ˆ Promoting social impact companies.
efforts are mainly driven by the company’s
operational perspective and ease of
ETHICAL ISSUES IN NEWS
implementation.
Way Forward ALCOHOLISM IN INDIA
ˆ Annual Awards: Annual awards for
ˆ In recent years deaths due to consumption of
incentivizing companies to take up CSR
poisonous alcohol in States where alcohol is
activities be set up – one each for the two
banned has become a serious problem.
categories of companies, large and small, as
recommended by Anil Baijal Committee. ˆ At the same time, overall consumption of

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 alcohol has also increased in the country thoughtful decision-making and balancing
questioning the direction of social progress. conflicting interests, such as individual
freedom, public health, social responsibility,
Ethical Concerns:
and economic considerations.
ˆ Ethical dilemma arises in the relationship
between the State and the individual ˆ It requires considering the broader societal
regarding whether to prioritize the impact and striving for solutions that
protection of individual liberty and autonomy prioritise the well-being and interests
as guaranteed by Fundamental Rights or of individuals while upholding ethical
fulfill constitutional responsibilities under principles and legal frameworks.
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
by intervening in public health matters.
CHANGING WORK CULTURE

ˆ The consumption of alcohol is associated Observed Changes:

with various chronic health issues, social The work culture has undergone significant
violence, and an increase in road accidents. changes in recent times, influenced by various
factors. These changes in work culture are
ˆ An aspect of this is regarding the balance
driven by various factors, including evolving
between the revenue generated by the
workforce needs, technological advancements,
liquor business for the state government
and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
and its duty to protect weak, vulnerable, and
impressionable individuals. Following are the major changes:
ˆ Another ethical dilemma emerges in ˆ Longer work hours
marketing products that have a harmful ˆ Significant rise in Remote work
impact on individuals and families in order
ˆ Accelerated adoption of Automation and
to maximize profits, as opposed to following
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
social responsibility to promote sensible
drinking. ˆ Technology-enabled monitoring

ˆ There is a challenge in protecting jobs in the ˆ Focus on employee well-being and mental
liquor industry while also addressing the health
growth of illegal liquor businesses resulting ˆ Shift towards remote collaboration and
from prohibition measures. digital tools
ˆ Ethical considerations arise regarding ˆ Need based interpersonal communication
the use of social norms or social pressure
Consequences
to protect relationships and families, or
The above mentioned changes have given rise to
allowing individuals to exercise personal
new phenomena and trends.
discretion within certain limits.
Here are some key shifts:
ˆ Societies have differing views on alcohol
consumption, with some considering it a 1. Hustle Culture: The influence of the
part of socio-religious rituals while others startup culture has had a spill-over effect
advocate for abstinence. on the overall work culture, resulting in the
emergence of hustle culture. This culture
Way Forward
promotes and encourages employees,
ˆ These ethical dilemmas highlight the need for

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 workers, or labourers to work more than the Practices like Quiet Quitting and Quiet
standard hours. Work becomes a constant Firing hinder honest communication between
presence in their minds, even during their employees and employers, ultimately eroding
free time or holidays. trust within the organization.
2. Quiet Quitting: The blurring of boundaries This raises ethical issues surrounding
between work and home, coupled with longer transparency, fairness, and mutual respect in the
work hours, has given rise to the concept workplace.
of quiet quitting. This refers to employees
ˆ Long working hours have been linked to
who only do the bare minimum at their job,
detrimental health effects, such as increased
such as leaving work promptly at the end of
risks of stroke and heart disease.
their shift, demanding extra compensation
for additional work, and establishing clear ˆ The rise of burnout and mental health
work-life boundaries. concerns in the workplace is a pressing
ethical matter.
3. Quiet Firing: Quiet firing has been a
prevalent practice, particularly in large Way Forward
companies. It involves creating an unpleasant ˆ These ethical issues highlight the importance
work environment and subtly encouraging of creating a work culture that values
employees to quit by neglecting them human connection, trust, well- being, and
through a lack of feedback or resources. responsible use of technology to ensure a
4. Moonlighting: The combination of remote sustainable and healthy work environment.
work and technological advancements ˆ Balancing the benefits of digitalization with
has led to an increase in moonlighting, the need for privacy, security, and healthy
where individuals take on additional jobs technology usage becomes an ethical
or assignments without their employers’ consideration.
knowledge, outside of their regular full-time
ˆ There is a need to prioritize employee
job, often after office hours.
well-being and strike a balance between
Ethical Concerns productivity and their physical and mental
ˆ The rapid digitization of work processes health.
brings about new ethical challenges. There
are concerns about the impact on individuals’
ETHICS OF PROTEST
well-being, including increased anxiety ˆ Protests were witnessed at various places
related to technology dependence and cyber after the government launched the Agniveer
security threats. Scheme for tri-services recruitment.
ˆ The advancement of technology and the rise Aspirants were protesting against the short
of hybrid work culture have led to a decline in tenure of service and absence of pension
the sense of community among employees. benefits among others.

ˆ This has also exacerbated issues like ˆ Previously on several occasions, public
loneliness, posing ethical concerns related agitations have caused large scale damage
to the well-being and social connection of to public property which in most cases have
individuals in the workplace. never been recovered.

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ˆ Jat Agitation in Haryana, Gujjars Movement ˆ Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
in Rajasthan, Patidar Stir in Gujarat and (CRPC) empowers a magistrate to issue an
various protests in the national capital itself impartial order imposing restrictions on
are examples of absence of ethical conduct in movement, carrying arms, and unlawful
the public arena. assembly.

Legal and Constitution Position The Ethical Aspect

ˆ Right to Protest is granted under Article 19 ˆ Citizens have a fundamental duty of
of the Indian Constitution. It gives the right protecting public or private property and
to freedom of speech and expression, the are expected to not resort to violence during
right to assemble peaceably and without protest.
arms, and the right to form associations and
ˆ Upholding of civic sense of the society as a
unions.
whole is based on the observance of ethical
ˆ According to the Supreme Court’s ruling in behaviour by individual members.
Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatan vs Union of
ˆ It is also in observing our ever-cherished
India:
ideals of peaceful existence, well being for all
 The Constitution guarantees the and non violence.
fundamental right of people to engage
in peaceful protests, POLICING ETHICS
 demonstrations, and other forms of While ethics applies to various aspects of human
expression under Articles 19(1)(a) and life, the role of the police holds a distinct ethical
19(1)(b). and moral dimension not found in most other
occupations.
 Freedom of speech, the right to assemble
and demonstrate through peaceful Policing ethics encompasses various
protests and agitations are essential dimensions such as:
elements of democratic morality. The act of Protection of life and liberty brings
scenarios where a police personnel has to
Check on the Right to Protest
balance the freedom and restrictions at the same
ˆ While citizens enjoy the freedom to protest,
time.
the Indian Constitution also provides for
reasonable restrictions on this right. Many times protesters are physically
removed from the protest site by police officers
ˆ Democracy is a system where the people
and they sometimes get hurt in the process.
rule, by the people and for the people,
ensuring the active participation of citizens Complexity in decision-making
in governance. ˆ An ethical dilemma faced by police officers
involves deciding whether to grant bail
ˆ Restrictions on rights under Article 19
to habitual offenders or keep them as
can be imposed in the interests of India’s
undertrials in jail.
sovereignty and integrity, state security,
friendly relations with other countries,  Upholding Rule of law and maintaining
public order, decency or morality, or in cases order also puts the police in a tough
related to contempt of court, defamation, or situation.
incitement to an offence.

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  Emotional Intelligence criminals convicted of gang rape and murder,
invoking the remission policy.
 Protection of Human Rights
ˆ In the post-Godhara riots, Bilkis Bano, a
 Police are expected to use Ethical Means
five months pregnant lady was gang raped
to reach Ethical Ends.
by neighbours on March 3, 2002, after
 Political interference and politicization witnessing the murder of 15 members of her
of the police at times obstructs the family including her three-year-old daughter.
policing and sometimes puts the
ˆ It is said that in a civilised society, laws should
resources of the police to misuse by
be based on ethical principles. However, in
those in power.
this case, the law was followed strictly in its
LAW VERSUS ETHICS: literal form, neglecting its spirit and raising
BILKIS BANO CASE concerns about its impact on society’s ethics.

ˆ The case of releasing convicts convicted of

ˆ This debate over law versus ethics came
heinous crimes raised ethical concerns.
to the fore when in the famous Bilkis Bano
case, the Gujarat government released 11

vvvv

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 PROBITY IN
10
GOVERNANCE
duty of those who are capable to serve those
WHAT IS PUBLIC SERVICES
who are in need. This is the view held by rich
ˆ It implies the delivery of goods and services philanthropists such as Bill Gates, Narayan
by the government institutions to the public. Murthy etc.
It forms the interface between the citizens 4. Spirit of Service: Public service is also
and the administration. viewed as a manifestation of individual
ˆ It is seen as amalgamation of legal and moral morality which motivates public servants
obligation of the government. towards working for others. Such public
service is based on individual conscience
ˆ It includes services such as healthcare,
and social goodwill. Swami Vivekananda
education, maintenance of law and order,
said, “service of man is the service of God.”
public utility etc.

ˆ Availability, affordability and accessibility Attributes of Public Service

forms the prime criteria for the success of 1. Intangible: Unlike manufacturing and
public service. production of goods, public service is the
Conceptual roots of public service provision of services which are essential
for a society or are their basic right. Such
1. Social Contract: Thinkers like Thomas services cover provision of justice, education,
Hobbes, John Locke etc. propounded that sanitation etc. Involvement of tangible goods
public service is the contractual obligation in such provision is considered incidental.
of the government as the people have The intangible nature of public service,
surrendered some of their rights and however, leads to certain challenges in
resources to them in return for certain basic quantification, performance evaluation and
services. Hence, public servants are bound to so on.
serve the people. 2. Morality: Public servants are driven by their
2. Spirituality: Thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi values and morals which motivate them
viewed public service as a way to salvation. to serve the people. Serving the people is
He believed that public service elevates based not just on authority or responsibility
individual consciousness and produces the (as is the case with public officials) but is
highest sense of fulfillment. He said, “The also on certain foundational values such as
best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in compassion, integrity, civic consciousness
the service of others.” etc
3. Giving Back: It is also believed that public 3. Obligatory: Public service is not only a
service is the duty of those who have enriched voluntary ethical undertaking but is also
themselves using public resources, so that a an obligation for the government and
stable and happy society is achieved. It is the other actors. Since governments run with

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 the consent and resources of people, they peace, environmental preservation, public
are politically as well as morally obliged parks, street lights etc. are provided to
to provide certain services to its people. people collectively and not selectively.
Moreover, in modern times, obligations have However, with the rise of marketization
been imposed even on the private sector and privatization, public services are being
to contribute to public service in the form provided to people on a user-pay basis e.g.
of corporate social responsibility. Even toll collection, bus fare etc.
civil society groups that are financed and 7. Equality: Public service is provided to all
supported by the government are mandated
persons on an equal basis and all individuals
to work in the direction of public service.
are equal in the eyes of the service providers.
4. Government-led: Even though public service For instance, courts see all individuals as
can be provided by a host of stakeholders (as equals while delivering justice. Public service
aforementioned), public service is largely is also aimed at establishing equality among
and centrally provided by the government. groups or individuals when they originally
Governments have large scale resources suffer from inequalities. For instance,
(raised from the public itself) at its disposal subsidized food, water, and transport is
and hence, leads the domain of public service. provided to the needy so as to ensure their
Moreover, in the modern era, states have upliftment and achieve an egalitarian society.
adopted the idea of a welfare state which
8. Vitality: Public service also works as the
obliges governments to ensure the well-
enabling factor for people as they use the
being of people. The Directive Principles
service as the means to achieve other ends.
of the Indian Constitution also mandate
For example, free education provided by the
the state to provide certain services to the
government or NGOs enables the youth to
people.
achieve stability and prosperity in their lives.
5. Citizen-Centric: The ultimate objective
9. Sovereignty: Some services in the public
of public service is to serve the people,
service domain have traditionally been
particularly in a democracy. Thus, services
provided by the sovereign, that is the
are provided as per the public’s needs,
government such as law and order, defence,
demands, interests, rights and convenience.
justice and so on. The government is bound
Various measures are adopted to ensure
to provide these basic services to the
citizen-centricity in public service such
people due to the social contract between
as Code of Conduct, Right to Information,
them. Some public services are exclusively
Citizen Charters etc.
provided by the government because only the
6. Collectively: Public service is provided
government has the authority or capability
to people as a collective group and not to
to provide them in an effective manner.
individuals separately or discriminately. This
is particularly true for a democracy where all How are civil servants different
citizens enjoy equality and other civic rights. from public servants
Due to the attribute of collectiveness, public
service is geared towards achieving goals 1. Professional: Civil service is a profession
that are good for the public at large and not and not a voluntary initiative like civil
just for selective individuals. For instance, society or movement like that of politicians.

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 Civil servants are supposed to adhere to right of the public as a whole. The social
norms of professionalism like specialization, contract theory lays down that people
objectivity, efficiency etc. surrender some of their rights and resources
2. Career: Civil servants usually work in a so as to ensure provision of certain services
lifelong career service with assured career in return from the government.
advancement and job security. Their work 3. Essential: Public service is not just a
is not temporary or ad hoc like elected voluntary good deed but is also indispensable
politicians or activism. for a society. For a healthy society, it is
3. Appointed: Civil servants are appointed important that some persons and sections
for their merit and capability by the come forward to work as public servants so
governments whom they work for. They are that the society remains healthy and offers a
not elected like politicians or civil society good life to people. Besides, certain services
representatives. As they are appointed for and amenities are essential in nature (such
their merit, they are able to take decisions as water, food, sanitation etc.) that must be
as per their stated professional objectives provided to the public by the public servants.
rather than populism. 4. Equality and Equity: A large component of
4. Civil Service Values (neutrality, public service is aimed at supporting and
impartiality, anonymity): Civil servants, serving the needy and disadvantaged. Such
especially in democracies and multi-party public service ensures social mobility and an
systems, are supposed to be politically egalitarian social order and the betterment
neutral, impartial towards any individual
of all in the long run. This is the basic
or group and maintain anonymity in their
principle behind the concepts of ‘Antyodaya’
functioning. These values enable civil
and ‘Sarvodaya’.
servants to work in a stable, fair and effective
manner. Other types of public servants may 5. Social Stability: Public service is so crucial
have political leanings and work publicly by for a society that in its absence, unrest and
mobilizing people. chaos is likely to arise. Public service is
necessary so that basic rights such as justice,
Significance of Public Service equality, liberty, dignity etc are protected.
Public service provides a good life to people
1. Morality: Public service is the manifestation
who in turn respect the prevailing social
of individual morality and values that
order. Kautilya said that in the absence of
motivate public servants. It is a way to
state, ‘matsyanyaya’ (large fish eating the
achieve self-fulfillment and salvation for
small fish) will prevail.
individuals. Besides, public service is also
a reflection of social morality which drives 6. Performance Evaluation: In the era of good
members and sections of society to work for governance, the character and quality of
each other’s well-being. For instance, Indian public service is used by people as the key
tradition has the concept of ‘punya’ (good criteria to evaluate government performance
deed) which one can carry out by serving and then fix accountability through elections,
others, especially the needy. legal recourse etc. For instance, the integrity
2. Rights and Entitlements: In modern and service delivery of government are used
democratic states, public service is also a by people while deciding their votes.

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 5. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Public
Changing Nature of Public Service
service is no longer confined to the traditional
1. Privatization and Marketization: As state but is seeing the participation of new
governments are falling back from the actors who work to serve the people as per
domain of public service, the private sector their own strengths. The latest paradigm
is taking over the domain. Private sector is of public service is based on collaboration,
taking up not only the contracted-out service coordination and cooperation among all
delivery (roads, electricity) but is also stakeholders. Public Private Partnership is
taking up altruistic public service through one example where private production and
corporate social responsibility. government regulation work together for
public purposes. Nowadays, civil society
2. Increasing Role of State: While there is roll
is also getting involved in PPP to ensure
back of state to eliminate inefficiencies, at
fairness and accountability in its functioning,
the same time, the role of the state is also
leading to a new paradigm of PPPP i.e. Public
expanding into newer domains. Economic
Private People Partnership.
redistribution, industrial regulation,
environmental conservation, welfarism etc. Changing Nature of Public Service
are new domains where public service is the
key basis of functioning and larger public 1. Privatization and Marketization: As
interest is the goal. governments are falling back from the
domain of public service, private sector is
3. Quality of Service Delivery: With growing
taking over the domain. Private sector is
public awareness of their rights, people
taking up not only the contracted-out service
have begun to demand reasonable quality
delivery (roads, electricity) but is also
in service delivery. This has made public
taking up altruistic public service through
servants move a step further from passive
corporate social responsibility.
top-down manner of public service to active
participative manner of public service. It 2. Increasing Role of State: While there is roll
has also necessitated public service to fulfil back of state to eliminate inefficiencies, at
certain quality norms such as citizen charter, the same time, the role of the state is also
six sigma and so on. expanding into newer domains. Economic
redistribution, industrial regulation,
4. Third Sector: As governments are falling short
environmental conservation, welfarism etc.
of public expectations (corruption scandals,
are new domains where public service is the
communication gap, unresponsiveness
key basis of functioning and larger public
etc.), people are beginning to mobilize and
interest is the goal.
organize themselves as alternate actors in
public service. They are serving the public 3. Quality of Service Delivery: With growing
at large, sometimes in a more professional, public awareness of their rights, people
responsive and effective manner. For have begun to demand reasonable quality
instance, Teach for India, Mazdoor Kisan in service delivery. This has made public
Shakti Sangathan, Self Help Groups etc. servants move a step further from passive
are some voluntary organizations that are top-down manner of public service to active
serving people and complementing the roles participatory manner of public service. It
of both the market and state. has also necessitated public service to fulfill

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 certain quality norms such as citizen charter, unrest.
six sigma and so on. 2. Statist: This view believes that the state
4. Third Sector: As governments are falling short is the only capable and suitable actor for
of public expectations (corruption scandals, public service as it does not work with the
communication gap, unresponsiveness profit motive and is responsible to the public
etc.), people are beginning to mobilize and at large. It advocates a socialist kind of state
organize themselves as alternate actors in that performs all possible functions with
public service. They are serving the public the aim of benefitting the greatest possible
at large, sometimes in a more professional, number of people, especially the needy. It
responsive and effective manner. leads to equitable development and fairness
For instance, Teach for India, Mazdoor Kisan in the society but involves some inefficiency
Shakti Sangathan, Self Help Groups etc. and ineffectiveness due to the inherent
are some voluntary organizations that are problems of government such as red-tapism,
serving people and complementing the roles lack of expertise, bureaucratic apathy etc.
of both the market and state. 3. Good Governance: This concept promoted
5. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Public by World Bank calls for convergence of
service is no longer confined to the traditional state, private sector and civil society so as to
state but is seeing the participation of new combine the strengths of all and eliminate
actors who work to serve the people as per their weaknesses. It requires public service
their own strengths. The latest paradigm to ensure certain qualitative features such as
of public service is based on collaboration, transparency, accountability, participation,
coordination and cooperation among all efficiency and effectiveness etc
stakeholders. Public Private Partnership is
Ethical Obligations
one example where private production and
government regulation work together for 1. Selflessness: Public service requires
public purposes. Nowadays, civil society selflessness on the part of public service
is also getting involved in PPP to ensure provider who want to serve the people
fairness and accountability in its functioning, without expecting large rewards in return.
leading to a new paradigm of PPPP i.e. Public Their satisfaction and motivation is to come
Private People Partnership from the very act of serving others.
2. Integrity: Public service must necessarily
Different Views on Public Service
ensure integrity in its work as public
1. State Minimalism: This is the classical servants are vested with great resources and
western view of public service where state is authority which must be used only in public
expected to carry out the very basic essential interest.
functions (law and order, taxation etc.) and 3. Honesty: Public servants must also be
leave the rest to private initiative. It not only truthful in their behaviour and not conceal
carries out economic activity but also does anything that concerns the people who are
social work for the good of all. This leads to the ultimate masters.
efficient allocation of resources, liberty and
4. Compassion: Public servants must have care
prosperity but also leads to social inequality,
and concern for the suffering of others and
exploitation and possibly, consequent social

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 a desire to help them. This drives people to 3. Corruption: Misuse of power to enrich
work selflessly in order to serve others and oneself through coercive and collusive
ensure their well-being. methods is a rampant problem across the
5. Dedication to public service: Public world which is undermining people’s faith in
servants must have the willingness to make public service.
personal sacrifices while working towards 4. Lack of Accountability: Public servants are
the good of the people at large. As public provided great resources and powers but
service involves various challenges (tough are seldom subject to accountability for their
working conditions, opposition, resource actions. This leads to inefficiency as well as
crunch etc.), dedication is needed so that misconduct in their functioning.
public servants can overcome challenges 5. Authoritarianism: Public servants often
and continue to work for the people. misuse their authority to supress dissent
6. Probity: Public service requires that the or further their selfish gains. Suppression
public servants actively and strongly of peaceful constitutional protests by
adhere to the basic norms of public service governments to avoid questions is an
and ensures ethical conduct in their area. example.
Voluntary disclosure of information, assets 6. Inefficiency and Ineffectiveness: Public
etc. by politicians, civil servants, NGOs etc. service is often seen to be done just for
is an example of having probity in public namesake and lacks the quality to produce
service the desired outcomes. Poor quality of
7. 3Es (Efficiency, Effectiveness, Economy): In education provided in government schools
modern times, public service not only needs is one example.
to ensure availability and accessibility but
also quality in its working. Public servants PROBITY
must ensure Efficiency, Effectiveness and ˆ Probity literally means “the quality of
Economy in their working so as to best having strong moral principles; honesty and
utilize public resources and deliver the best decency.”
returns to the public.
ˆ It is more than avoiding corrupt or
Ethical Concerns in Public Service dishonest conduct, for it implies values
such as impartiality, accountability and
1. Self-aggrandizing: Public servants use the transparency.
authority and resources vested in them to
ˆ It is regarded as strict adherence to code of
maximize their selfish gains rather than
ethics.
public interest. Bureaucrats using official
facilities (vehicles, equipment etc.) for ˆ In a democracy, probity espouses the
private use is one example. principles of equality before law and respect
for the rights and duties of leaders towards
2. Opacity: Public service providers often lacks
their citizens.
transparency in its functioning due to various
reasons like lack of public awareness, hiding PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE
wrongdoing etc. Such lack of transparency
becomes the breeding ground of corrupt ˆ It is concerned with procedures, processes
practices. and systems rather than outcomes.

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ˆ It is essential for an efficient and effective 2nd ARC has recognized some core principles
system of governance and for socio-economic of good governance
development. 1. Rule of law which requires that laws and their
ˆ Important requisites for ensuring probity in implementation be transparent, predictable,
governance are: equitable and credible.
1. Effective laws, rules and regulations. 2. Accountability at each level of administration
2. Effective and fair implementation of 3. Minimization of unfettered discretion
these laws.
4. Putting the citizen first- citizen centric
3. Absence of corruption. governance

PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS OF 5. Governance to be built on strong ethical

GOVERNANCE AND PROBITY foundation
6. Principle of subsidiarity (which implies both
Understanding Governance and Probity The
devolution and delegation of authority).
World Bank defines governance as “the manner
in which power is exercised in the management The concept of good governance is now
of a country’s economic and social resources.” being extended to the concept of ethical
The World Bank refers to the three aspects governance and this forms the basis of probity.
of governance: Probity means being morally and ethically above
reproach. Probity in governance is sum total
(i) the form of political regime,
of public-spirited values like integrity, honesty,
(ii) the process by which authority is exercised
uprightness, dedication to public service and
in the management of a country’s economic
objectivity. Probity implies not just absence of
and social development
dishonest behaviour or corruption but also an
(iii) the capacity of the government to design, added element of ethical trust. Probity stands for
formulate, and implement policies and impeccable standards of morality in public life.
discharge functions.
It goes beyond financial honesty or non-corrupt
In 1997, the UNESCO defined governance as behaviour. Probity means that public servants
a process whereby citizen needs and interests can will take no undue advantage of any sort from
be articulated for the positive social and economic their office. They will avoid any semblance of
development of the entire society and in the light impropriety.
of a perceived common good. Governance is not
limited to the actions of government. It is said OBJECTIVE OF PROBITY
that the task of governance is too difficult for the IN GOVERNANCE
government to handle alone. This assertion that
governance goes beyond the scope of government 1. To ensure governance accountability.
reflects the essence of democratic governance 2. Maintaining the highest level of integrity in
which ensures continuous citizen participation government services.
and engagement in the process of governance.
3. To maintain public trust in the government’s
Good governance promotes equity, participation,
decision-making process.
pluralism, transparency, accountability,
democracy, and the rule of law in a manner that is 4. To avoid the potential for fraud, misconduct
effective, efficient, and enduring. and corruption.

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5. It is an essential and vital requirement for an of bureaucracy/executive functioning,
efficient and effective system of governance those in authority can exercise power in an
and for socio-economic development. unchallenged way.
6. It is required to serve the motto of the 3. Historical and Social Asymmetries of
Constitution. i.e. to provide Social, Political Powers in Society: Nearly 90% of the people
and economic justice to all. It enhances faith work in the unorganized sector. Two thirds
in governance. of the remaining work in the organized
7. It helps address nepotism, Favoritism, sector and are employees of the state either
Political partisanship. Public reposes directly or indirectly. Such asymmetry of
more trust in governance and therefore it power reduces societal pressure to conform
facilitates participatory governance. to ethical behavior.
4. Culture of Corruption Ingrained in Society:
PRIVATE INTEREST
It is so deeply entrenched that corruption
ˆ It includes financial as well as non-financial is now considered a social norm. Greed for
components. Illegitimate Money, Over Centralisation
ˆ It includes not only the personal, professional is some of the reason for the culture of
or business interests of the officer but also corruption.
that of friends, relatives and even rivals and 5. Lack of Transparency in the Working of
enemies. Institutions: Due to the opaque working

ˆ It involves actual or potential financial gain environment in the organization, it is difficult

or loss. to maintain probity in the governance of the
Institutions.
ˆ It can involve property, shares, unpaid
debts, some form of gifts or benefits like job IMPORTANCE OF CIVIL
opportunity or employment. SERVICES TO GOVERNANCE

PUBLIC DUTY TO SERVE Civil service is the executive branch of the

PUBLIC INTEREST government which excludes the army and the
judiciary.
ˆ A public servant has the responsibility to
serve the interest of the entire community. 1. Strong binding character and presence
throughout the country.
ˆ The public office should not be used to serve
the interest of a particular individual or 2. Effective policy making and regulation.
community or for private gain. 3. Coordination between government
institutions.
CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH
PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE 4. Leadership at different levels of governance.

1. Lack of Fair and Effective Implementation 5. Service delivery at the cutting-edge level.
of Laws: It is the implementation of the law 6. Continuity Provides continuity and change
that tests its effectiveness in addressing to the administration.
problems on the ground.
7. Implementing social and economic
2. Colonial Legacy: Due to ingrained culture of development programs, ensuring law and
indiscipline resulting out of colonial legacy order etc.

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 2. Seek the public interest
APPROACHES IN PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION TO IMPROVE 3. Value the citizenship over entrepreneurship
QUALITY OF SERVICE DELIVERY 4. Think strategically, act democratically
5. Recognise that accountability is not simple
DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
6. Serve rather than steer
ˆ According to E Weidner, it is an action 7. Value people, not just productivity
oriented and goal oriented administrative
system. Emphasis is on government NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (NPM)
influenced changes, i.e. progressive social,
The focus of NPM is on 3Es i.e., Efficiency,
economic and political changes.
Economy and Effectiveness.
ˆ Behavioral parameters for development
Salient Features
administration are:
1. Thrust is on efficiency, management and
1. Change orientation performance appraisal.
2. Result orientation 2. Cost cutting.
3. Citizen participatory orientation 3. Contracting out to foster competition.
4. Commitment to work 4. Its management is characterized by output
targets, limited term contracts, monetary
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL
incentives and freedom to manage.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND
DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
ENTREPRENEURIAL GOVERNMENT
Traditional Public Development
Administration Administration Osborne and Gaebler suggested a ten-point
1. It is status quo oriented. 1. It is change oriented. programme for Entrepreneurial government.
2. It is hierarchical and 2. It is flexible and dynamic.
rigid. Entrepreneurial Government
3. It believes in 3. It believes in
centralisation. decentralization. 1. Promote competition between diverse
4. There is not much 4. It stresses on people’s providers of goods and services.
involvement of people. participation
2. Empower citizens by shifting control out of
bureaucracy.
NEW PUBLIC SERVICE
3. Measure performance through outcomes
ˆ It was formed in response to social and and not through inputs.
political turbulence which was observed in
4. Is driven by mission and not by rules and
the USA during the 1960s, where traditional
regulations.
public administration was unable to solve
5. Redefine clients as customers and offer them
the problems.
choices.
ˆ The seven broad principles which should be
6. Prevent problems rather than curing them.
followed by government and administration
to improve service delivery are: 7. Emphasis is not only on spending money but
also spending them.
1. Serve citizens, not customers

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8. Embraces participatory management. information can be details on anything from
9. Prefer market mechanisms to bureaucratic accounting figures to how decisions are
mechanisms. taken in government to information about
rules or laws that govern the system etc.
10. Stimulate public, private and voluntary
sectors to solve community problems. ˆ Transparency is about accurate information
sharing with various stakeholders and
SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY citizens. Expanding the concept further
transparency is a behavioral virtue of
ˆ According to this theory, people surrender
government or politicians, a style of
some of their rights to a state or authority
relationship between a political actor and
for protection of remaining rights.
public forum, and a system of formal and
ˆ The idea of self-government emanates from informal rules.
this concept. ˆ Lack of transparency may lead to deliberate
Features concealment of information from the public.
Transparency ensures constant public
ˆ The will and not the might is the basis of
scrutiny and makes the government more
government.
responsible, citizen centric and accountable.
ˆ The value of justice or right or might is the There can be different mechanisms through
basis of all political society. which transparency in the government
system can be assured. Within a government
INFORMATION SHARING AND system, transparency can be passive,
TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNANCE
proactive or forced.
“Truth never damages a cause that is just.” - ˆ It can be brought through mechanisms like
Mahatma Gandhi. right to information (passive), provided
“A people who mean to be their own through public websites and open data
governors must arm themselves with power that (proactive), or initiated anomalously
knowledge gives.”- James Madison through the system in whistle-blowing or
leaking (forced).
“Popular government, without popular
information, or the means of acquiring it is but Importance of transparency and
a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or perhaps information sharing in government
both.”- James Madison
Information is the building block of conscious
ˆ “Transparency means shedding light on goal setting by actors in government. When
shady deals, weak enforcement of rules and public policy makers seek to share information
other illicit practices that undermine good for better decision machining and coordination,
governments, ethical businesses and society transparency becomes practically relevant for
at large.” efficiency.
ˆ Transparency International Introduction The process of transparency may be divided
Transparency as a mechanism in into three kinds:
governance is the practice that enables 1. Informational transparency where the
the people to obtain accurate information new data used to inform policy making is
about government activities. Transparent transparent.

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2. Decision-making transparency when the also depends upon the technological
content and the actors involved in making capacity of the organization as transparency
policy decisions are known and identified. is increasingly reliant on digital forms of
3. Policy outcome transparency where the information disclosure. Today as a result
actual policy consequences and their causal of technological development, popular
dependency is transparent to public and pressure and political will, transparency
other decision makers policies are proliferating all over the world.

ˆ Transparency cuts down the discrepancies Cost-Benefit of Transparency

of the government officials and politicians. and Information
This raises a question as to why a global
movement to promote transparency has ˆ Sharing Benefits of transparency are wide
found acceptance across countries and ranging and it improves the functioning of
reforms were introduced by the governments the government.
which reduces their autonomy. The causal ˆ An international observation shows that
explanation of the transparency movement countries with transparent governments
can be explained on the basis of external tend to have higher GDP and lower levels
pressures that act on the government. For of corruption. Transparency alleviates
example, the demand for Right to Information information asymmetry that exists between
in India started with the agitation of Mazdoor the government and the rest of the public.
Kisan Shakti Sangathan. Given the right
ˆ When the public is empowered with
incentives politicians are likely to comply
knowledge, they are better able to hold those
with the popular just demands.
in positions of power accountable.
ˆ Transparency is coextensive with the rise of
ˆ Transparency leads to evidence based policy
civil society and the growth of democracies.
making and brings in objectivity in policies.
Increasing trends of transparency is
Transparency builds and strengthens public
also a result of political competition.
trust in the government. But, scholars world
In representative democracies, elected
around accept that transparency can be a
politicians choose to adopt transparent
double edged sword.
administration to capitalize on political
superiority provided that the political ˆ Transparency may lead to involvement of
competitors are subjected to the same level too many parties in policy making and the
of transparency. Resistance to transparency exercise of policy making may slow down
may result in negative publicity. The risk substantially.
of being looked at as an anti-democratic ˆ Transparency may even encroach upon the
government brings a greater cost than privacy of those who hold public offices.
accepting transparency. Internal resources Small matters can blow out of proportion
and decisions must also be taken into and attract court cases which may lead to
account. costly legal delays. Even when information
ˆ Maintaining transparency requires adequate is suppressed in public interest, it is termed
resources and strong internal organizational as hypocrisy of the government affecting the
capacity. Transparency in any organization citizens’ trust in the government.

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ˆ On one hand, transparency can lead to a functions but an end in itself.
healthy habit of politicians to act properly 1. Parliamentary controls.
in order to avoid blame. But if the spirit of
2. Legislative framework. Example - RTI.
transparency is not followed, transparency
may be turned into a game of tinkering 3. Ombudsman scheme. Example - Lokpal and
and spinning of information in order to Lokayukta
generate favorable public opinion. Similarly, 4. Independent judiciary
politicians may not be willing to take tough 5. E-Governance
decisions and focus more on managing the
6. Free Press
perception of the public by spending time
and resources convincing them of his own
Issues with Respect to Transparency
credibility. Another unintended consequence
in India
of transparency is that perceptions of political
ineptitude or corruption is magnified to the Official Secrets Act (OSA):
collective level of the organization. This may
ˆ The presence of abundant discretion
generate negative public opinion not only
converts every legal matter into confidential
of the officer/ politician but, this negative
matter.
perception is generalized for the entire
organization. False opinions may be formed ˆ OSA broadly deals with two aspects:
on this basis and may even become ingrained ˆ Spying or Espionage, and
in the social consciousness. Further, if this is
ˆ Disclosure of secret information of the
repeated frequently citizens or civil society
government.
actors may decide to withdraw and disengage
from politics as a response to political ˆ However, the OSA does not define the
dysfunction rather than seeking remedial secret information, the government follows
action and holding government accountable the Manual of Departmental Security
which is the core aim of transparency. Instructions, 1994 for classifying a document
as secret.
ˆ The most contentious topic of transparency
costs and benefits is the impact of RTI Act
transparency on citizen trust and attitudes
towards the legitimacy of government ˆ In 1987, a few laborers in Rajasthan
action. The principle of government were refused their wages on charges of
transparency becomes ever more complex inconsistent performance. Mazdoor Kissan
with the challenge of balancing good kinds of Shakti Sanghathan (MKSS), an activist group
transparency such as political accountability fought for these workers and demanded that
and public participation with dangerous the government produced the necessary
kinds of transparency such as surveillance proof to verify the worker’s performance
and invasions of personal privacy records. After a series of protests, the MKSS
got the copies of rolls, which also brought to
Institutional Means to Achieve surface the corruption that existed among
Transparency in Administration the officials. Provoked by such discrepancies,
the MKSS protested for the RTI. This protest
Transparency is not just a means to fulfill certain
turned into a national event leading to the

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 passing of the Freedom of Information Act and in any case within thirty days of the
2002 which became the RTI Act 2005. receipt of the request. If the information
sought for concerns the life or liberty
ˆ It is the law that gives an ordinary citizen the
of a person, the same shall be provided
right to ask questions to the government. It
within forty-eight hours of the receipt of
is a tool of participatory democracy which
the request.
augments good governance and socio-eco
service delivery. 5. Public Information Officer has, without
any reasonable cause, refused to receive
ˆ The Right to Information Act 2005 is a
an application or has not furnished
path breaking legislation which marks the
information within the time specified
end of culture of secrecy and the dawn of
or malafidely denied the request
transparency. The main features of RTI act
for information or knowingly given
are as under
incorrect, incomplete or misleading
1. Any person can request any information or destroyed information.
information through a request in It shall impose a penalty of two hundred
writing or through electronic means and fifty rupees each day till information
in English or Hindi or in the official is furnished, however, the total amount
language of the area in which the of such penalty shall not exceed twenty-
application is being made along with five thousand rupees.
a fee (10 rupees) (fee is exempt for 6. Exemptions.
certain categories of applicants). a. Information, disclosure of which
2. An applicant making a request for would prejudicially affect the
information shall not be required sovereignty and integrity of India,
to give any reason for requesting the the security, strategic, scientific
or economic interests of the State,
information or any other personal
relation with foreign State or lead
details except those that may be to incitement of an offense.
necessary for contacting him.
b. Information which has been
3. ‘Public Authorities’ include bodies expressly forbidden to be
of self-government established under published by any court of law or
tribunal or the disclosure of which
the Constitution, or under any law or
may constitute contempt of court.
government notification. For instance,
c. Information, the disclosure of
these include Ministries, public sector
which would cause a breach of
undertakings, and regulators. It also privilege of Parliament or the State
includes any entities owned, controlled Legislature.
or substantially financed and non- d. Information including
government organizations substantially commercial confidence, trade
financed directly or indirectly by funds secrets or intellectual property,
provided by the government. the disclosure of which would
harm the competitive position of a
4. Public Central/ State Public
third party, unless the competent
Information Officer, as the case may authority is satisfied that larger
be, on receipt of a request shall provide public interest warrants the
information as expeditiously as possible, disclosure of such information.

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 e. Information available to a person 9. Certain categories of organizations
in his fiduciary relationship, unless have been exempted from the provisions
the competent authority is satisfied of the act like intelligence and security
that the larger public interest
organizations.
warrants the disclosure of such
information. RTI Amendment Act 2019
f. Information received in confidence
from foreign Government. The Right to Information (amendment) Act 2019
g. Information which would impede has made following changes:
the process of investigation or ˆ The amended act gives power to the central
apprehension or prosecution of
government to fix the salary, which could
offenders.
be lower — given that the Information
h. Cabinet papers including records
Commission is a statutory body unlike the
of deliberations of the Council of
Ministers, Secretaries and other EC which is a constitutional body. However,
officers. the current incumbents’ salaries will not be
i. Information which relates affected by the amendment.
to personal information, the ˆ The amended act gives the power of
disclosure of which has no
appointment and the term as well as
relationship to any public activity
or interest, or which would cause the salary of SCIC and SIC to the Central
unwarranted invasion of the government.
privacy of the individual unless the ˆ The new act gives the central government
Central Public Information Officer
the power to fix tenures. If the tenure of the
or the State Public Information
Officer or the appellate authority, as CIC, IC, SCIC and SIC are to be fixed by the
the case may be. It is satisfied that Centre, it follows that their removal from
the larger public interest justifies office is also dependent on the Centre.
the disclosure of such information.
Importance of RTI
7. In case of conflict between RTI
and Official Secrets Act, 1923 a RTI has emerged as a tool of citizen empowerment
public authority may allow access in India. The RTI has given statutory rights to the
to information, if public interest in citizens so that they can ask questions to those
disclosure outweighs the harm to the who hold power on their behalf. It has helped not
protected interests. The provisions of only solving personal grievances but also long-
this Act shall have effect notwithstanding standing societal issues.
anything contained in any other law or
any instrument having effect by virtue
The RTI has helped in following ways:
of any law other than this Act. 1. Transparency: RTI has ensured that the
8. Any information relating to any relevant information regarding government
occurrence, event or matter which activities, rules and regulations available
has taken place, occurred or happened with the public.
twenty years before the date on which 2. Strengthen governance: Good governance
any request is made shall be provided to requires that laws and their implementation
any person making a request. be transparent, predictable, equitable and

140
 credible. RTI ensures that violations of laws quality of service delivery in the government
are identified as well as rectified at the offices.
earliest.
Issue in RTI
3. Accountability at each level of
administration: RTI has armed citizens Although RTI has brought in a culture of
with information which has enabled general transparency and accountability, lot of issues
public to hold public servants accountable regarding implementation of RTI in spirit remain.
for their act of commission and omission.
Some of the important issues are as under:
4. Minimization of unfettered discretion: RTI
1. Whistle-blower protection: RTI act does
has enabled people to seek justification from
not afford protection to whistle-blowers.
the power holder regarding their conduct
There is a lack of provision to give protection
and decisions in public service. This has
to whistle-blowers by maintaining their
reduced the discretionary power that is
privacy. More than 300 instances of attacks
enjoyed by the officials and the rule of law
on or harassment of citizens and at least
has been strengthened by the RTI.
51 murders and five suicides can be linked
5. Citizen centricity in decision and action: to information sought under The Right to
The RTI has brought citizen to the center of Information Act.
every action as now officials cannot take any
2. Poor record keeping: Most of the old records
random decision. The decisions have to be
are not available in digital format. This
objective so that it can be defended in future
creates a problem for replies of RTI where
by the decision makers before the public.
instead of providing accurate and succinct
6. Corruption reduction- The RTI act has helped information, large amounts of unnecessary
people identify various cases of corruption information is provided. The Second
and graft. This creates a fear among the ARC first report RTI- Master key to Good
corrupt officials. The overall corruption in Governance cites an example “When Rakesh
the governance and contracting has come Shukla, a poor farmer from the central Indian
down because of the RTI act. Scams like 2G state of Chhattisgarh, asked local authorities
scam, Adarsh society scam, commonwealth for information on paddy field purchases in
games- diversion of dalit funds, Indian red his area, he was handed a bill for 182,000
cross society scam etc. were detected using rupees Authorities told him that the bulk
RTI applications. of the expenses- 108,000 rupees had been
7. Improved government-public relations: spent photocopying over 90,000 copies of
The information has helped the public to official papers relating to the purchases. The
understand genuine difficulties that the documents filled an entire room.”
government suffers. It has built trust in 3. Delay in decision making and policy
the public regarding the functioning of the logjam: Critics have pointed out that the
government. RTI has hampered decision making exercise.
8. Improved quality of service: Through RTI Decisions taken in good faith may result in
a person can ask why he has been denied a undesirable consequences. Even if the official
service or why the services are delayed. This enquiry exonerates them, the negative public
has strengthened the grievance redressal image and lost reputation may never be
system of the country and improved the recovered.

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4. Intrusion into privacy: Some of the 10. Power of Central Information Commission:
information sought under RTI are intrusive The power of CIC is limited in scope as it does
in nature and can violate the privacy of not have powers to enforce its orders. The
public officials. On the other hand, some CIC in the past has ruled that the political
vital and relevant information is denied to parties fall within the definition of public
the public under the excuse of privacy. Now authorities and must disclose their financing
that the Supreme Court has declared privacy details to the public. But this decision was
as a fundamental right the issue has become not followed by the political parties. Further,
even more complex. a large number of cases are pending before
5. Lack of institutional capacity: Many the CIC. In June 2019, about 31,000 appeals
government departments are already short were pending, over 9,000 of those pending
on staff. The RTI has put an additional for over a year.
compliance burden on them. Given the strict
Now, that the RTI act has been amended the
timelines, the government departments are
independence of CIC is further reduced and its
engaged in managing RTI applications rather
ability to take decisions which are against the
than doing what they are supposed to do.
It is a time-consuming exercise and a large government of the day has substantially declined
number of frivolous RTI applications are also
Suggestions
putting extra and unnecessary burden on the
government. RTI Act was passed in 2005 and years of
6. Time limit of 20 years: Information up to experience with the act has led to identification
20 years in the past can be obtained through of certain issue and ways to address those issues.
RTI. Most of the RTI applications are related Following are the suggestions for improving
to land record and property records and a the effectiveness of RTI act:
time limit to 20 years is too less to determine
1. Streamline various laws and rules: The
how properties have changed hands in the
Official Secrets Act, 1923 should be repealed,
past.
and substituted by a chapter in the National
7. Citizens only: Under the Act, the right to
Security Act, containing provisions relating
information is available only to the citizens
to official secrets. Civil services conduct
and not to non-citizens, whereas in most
rule and Evidence Act has to be brought in
countries such distinction is not made.
line with the RTI act. The oath of secrecy
8. Exemptions: The list of exemptions is large.
can be replaced by an oath of transparency
Exemptions like sovereignty and integrity of
for ministers when they enter their office.
a nation, relations with the foreign nations
(Recommendations of the Second ARC First
etc are very broadly worded. Relevant
report RTI-Master-key to good governance)
information is denied to the public in the
name of these restrictions. 2. Prune the exemption list: The current
exemptions are wide and have to be clarified
9. Lack of awareness in public: Although many
and sharpened. Blanket exemptions in the
know that the right to information exists but
not even 20 percent of the Indian population RTI like “security, intelligence, research and
know how to exercise this right and how to economic institutes” deny much important
seek information from the public. information to the public.

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3. Digitization of records: Just scanning old strengthened to effectively protect whistle-
records is not enough. The records have to blowers. The USA’s mechanism for whistle-
be converted into machine readable format blower protection can act as a role model in
so that relevant information sought by the this regard.
people can be given to them succinctly and 7. CIC as a constitutional body: The 2019
quickly. amendment has reduced the independence
4. Capacity building of the government of the CIC by giving a reason that the
organizations: Training programmes Central Information Commission is not a
should not be confined to merely PIOs. constitutional body like Election Commission.
All government functionaries should be Instead of diluting the independence
imparted at least one day training on Right of the CIC, it should be converted into a
to Information every year. constitutional body and granted the same
5. Awareness generation in public: The independence and authority as available to
government should run a widespread the election commission.
campaign to make the public aware of how to 8. Reducing Pendencies: Currently four
exercise their right to information. NGOs and out of the ten positions of information
civil society can be included in this exercise. commissioners are vacant. These positions
A change in the attitude of the people is a should be filled as early as possible. The
crucial factor responsible for the success of organizational capacity of the information
the Right to Information Act in India. commission has to be strengthened to ensure
CASE STUDY - In Mexico, Federal Institute that cases are allocated fairly and disposed
for Access to Public Information (IFAI) of quickly.
has engaged in a broad public relations 9. Political parties under RTI: In 2013, the CIC
campaign involving pamphlets, posters, had declared six national political parties
radio and television spots, academic as public authorities under the RTI Act and
publications and a massive and successful ordered them to make voluntary disclosures
Internet drive, spearheaded by an extensive and respond to information requests.
and user-friendly website. The oversight However, all parties refused to comply with
body has initiated a project called ‘IFAI the decision, prompting the petitioners in
Communicates’, aimed at bringing together the case to approach the Supreme Court in
people within communities to identify and 2015, which is still hearing the case. Political
then request information that they need. parties should be expediently brought under
6. Whistle-blower protection act: Whistle- RTI to check flow of illicit funds.
blower Protection Act 2014, passed by 10. An effective filter mechanism: A lot of
both houses of the Parliament and signed frivolous RTI result in wasting of too
by the President in 2014, is yet to be much precious time. An effective filter
operationalised. In absence of an effective mechanism needs to be developed for
mechanism to protect whistle-blower, filtering out frivolous RTI applications. In
there is always a genuine fear of violence in case of applications that are filed online,
whistle-blowers. Further, the provisions of new technologies like machine learning and
the whistle-blower 2014 act also needs to be AI can provide a solution to this.

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11. Creation of RTI implementation cell:
RTI and the Judiciary
Information Commission is dependent
on resources of the appropriate ˆ In the Subhash Agarwal Case, The Supreme
Government and Public Authorities for the Court declared the office of the Chief Justice
implementation of the orders issued by them. of India as a public authority under the RTI
RTI implementation cells may be created to Act.
set up implementation measures to promote
ˆ On the issue related to the appointment of
compliance of information commissions judges, the Supreme Court held that only the
directed by the public authorities and names of the judges recommended by the
oversee the status of implementation. Collegium for appointment can be disclosed,
12. Inter-departmental coordination: not the reasons.
Many times the information sought by
ˆ RTI cannot be used as a tool of surveillance
the applicants is spread over multiple
and that judicial independence has to be kept
ministries and departments. In such cases,
in mind while dealing with transparency.
a coordination mechanism must be there
to ensure that information from various RTI and Political Parties
sources can be collected and dispatched
ˆ Except for political strategy, other matters
timely.
relating to finance and administration can be
13. Performance audit: Internal and third- made available to the public because political
party audit for the status of implementation parties are public institutions, receiving
of the RTI shall be carried out to identify money from the public.
department specific bottlenecks.
ˆ Further, it is morally incorrect to remain aloof
Supreme Court Comes under the RTI from RTI and demand other institutions to
be transparent.
In 2010 Delhi High court held that the office
of Chief Justice of India is a public authority Impact of the Act
and falls under the ambit of the RTI act. The
ˆ The act improved the life of the poor and the
Supreme court in November 2019 upheld the
marginalized.
decision of the Delhi HC. The SC held that judicial
independence and accountability go hand in ˆ The details of beneficiaries of government
subsidized programmes were made public,
hand, and transparency does not undermine
which helped in checking corrupt practices.
judicial independence. Right to Information
and Right to Privacy are two sides of the same ˆ It has helped in exposing some of the
coin. They have to be balanced while deciding biggest scams like the Adarsh Society scam,
to give out information from the office of the Commonwealth games scam.
Chief Justice. Further, the Court has asked the
information commissioner to apply a test of
Whistleblower Protection Act
proportionality while entertaining applications ˆ The act establishes a mechanism to
seeking information from the CJI’s office, keeping receive complaints related to disclosure of
in mind the right to privacy and independence of allegations of corruption or wilful misuse
judiciary. of power or discretion, against any public

144
 servant, and to inquire or cause an inquiry ˆ The definition of Public Authorities who
into such disclosure. are placed under obligation to provide
information is also wide.
ˆ It allows any person, including a public
servant, to make a public interest disclosure Time Period
before a Competent Authority, which is yet to
be operationalized. ˆ In normal course, information to an applicant
is to be supplied within 30 days from the
Way Ahead
receipt of application by the public authority.
ˆ Specific responsibilities for implementation
of specific provisions should be clearly spelt ˆ If information sought concerns the life or
out. liberty of a person, it shall be supplied within
48 hours.
ˆ Creation of mass awareness campaign at
Central and state levels. ˆ In case the application is sent through the
Assistant Public Information Officer or it is
ˆ Training modules on RTI should be
sent to a wrong public authority, five days
incorporated in the training institutes.
shall be added to the period of thirty days or
ˆ Consensus on a common set of minimum 48 hours, as the case may be.
rules for filing RTI from one state to another
should be developed. Appellate Authority

Way Forward ˆ It caters to the appeals against decisions of

Therefore, we can say that in a broad sense, the Public Information Officer.
Transparency refers not only to the level ˆ State Information Commission or the Central
of openness, accessibility and reliability of Information Commission (CIC): Their major
information but also to style of functioning and function is to listen to appeals against the
the priorities accorded by the government in order of the Appellate Authority.
policy making.
Penalties
MECHANISM TO ENSURE PROBITY IN
The act contains provisions for penalties on
INDIA
those who fail to publish information in the
prescribed time limit.
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT
Problems with Working of the Act
About:
ˆ RTI was passed in 2005 that heralded an era 1. Section 4 of the RTI Act requires suo motu
of transparency from darkness of secrecy disclosure of information by each public
which creates elaborate machinery for the authority.
supply of information. 2. Section 8 (1) mentions exemptions against
ˆ It consists of Public Information Officers furnishing information under RTI Act.
(PIOs), Asst. PIOs, Departmental Appellate 3. Frivolous RTI applications have been filed
ˆ Authorities, State and Central Information in many cases and the information obtained
Commissions. have been used to blackmail the government
authorities.

145
4. Incompatible Laws: Some provisions of 2. Breakdown of Trust: 2. Ethical: As it is for the
Indian Evidence Act (Sections 123, 124, Between the employer greater good of the
and the employee. company, consumers or
and 162) provide to hold the disclosure of the public.
documents. 3. Unethical: If it is done 3. Moral Commitment: It
solely to grab the is done for the moral
a. The Atomic Energy Act, 1912 provides attention. commitment to the law
that it shall be an offense to disclose and society at large.

information restricted by the Central 4. Endanger the Existence 4. Exposes Corruption :

of Organization or It also highlights the
GoveWrnment. Institution: For Example- corruptions and wrong
if sensitive data is leaked, doings.
b. The Official Secrets Act, 1923 provides it can cause threat to
that any government official can mark national security.

a document as confidential so as to
prevent its publication. CODE OF ETHICS
5. Huge pendency of cases: more than 2.2 lakh About:
cases are pending at the Central and State
ˆ It is a written set of guidelines issued by an
Information Commissions, which are the
organization to its employees to guide their
final courts of appeal under the law.
conduct.
Case Studies ˆ It contains general principles and values that
the organization tries to achieve.
Attendance of Village School Teacher in Banda
District (UP), Volunteers from Delhi based ˆ There is no code of ethics prescribed for civil
organizations like Kabir and Parivartan along servants in India.
with local workers filed RTI for attendance Generally, it Includes Values Such as:
record of teachers. This resulted in quick action
ˆ Integrity
from the administration and regular teaching
began in the school. ˆ Impartiality

ˆ Commitment to public service.

WHISTLE BLOWING
ˆ Accountability.
ˆ It is done by an employee where he finds
ˆ Devotion to duty.
that ethical rules are broken knowingly or
unknowingly and there exists an imminent ˆ Exemplary behavior.
danger to the company, consumers or the
Purpose of Code of Ethics and Conduct
public.

ˆ Whistleblowers are the best source Three main purposes that the codes of ethics
of information on malpractices in any serve, which are as following:
organization either public or private. (a) Codes assure people outside the profession
or organization that they can expect a degree
Arguments Against Arguments in Support of uniformity as relates to expectation
Whistle Blowing of Whistle Blowing
of performance and moral conduct from
1. Violation of 1. Fosters Accountability:
Organizational Culture: Which strengthens the employees of the profession or organization.
where secrecy is organization in the long
maintained for several run. (b) Codes assure individuals within the
reasons. organization or profession that they can rely

146
 upon colleagues within the organization and 3. Integrity and Devotion: a civil servant
profession to maintain a level of standards should not only refuse bribes but also
in exchange for that individual conducting display intellectual honesty. Devotion
himself in adherence to the same principles implies completing the work in prescribed
upon which the others are held. time limits within expected quality limits.
(c) Codes serve as a notice that people outside 4. Bar on Influence Peddling: rules prohibit
of the organization or profession are not civil servants from using their influence to
bound by the code and, perhaps may be seen secure jobs for their family members.
as adhering to lower standards pertaining to 5. Financial Propriety: civil servants are
ethics. not allowed to organize subscriptions or
donations. They are expected to arrange
Limitations of Code of Ethics
their private finances prudently.
Code of Ethics may generate several limitations, 6. Observing social laws and cultural norms:
some of which are as following; For example, they should neither accept nor
a. A code of ethics cannot provide guidance for offer dowry.
every individual in every situation.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CODE OF
b. Ethical code through guidelines helps ensure ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT
public trust but cannot be enforced through
Code of Ethics Code of Conduct
criminal or civil code.
1. It covers broad 1. It is more precise
c. Limited to the imagination of individuals. guiding principles of and stipulates a list
good behavior and of acceptable and
d. Public service is a profession that must be governance. unacceptable behaviors.
governed by an inherent set of rules that do 2. It is expected to be 2. It is mandatory.
followed.
not come from reading a specific code.
3. It is generally applicable 3. It is generally applicable
to culture, education, or to an individual’s official
CODES OF CONDUCT religion. or professional conduct.
4. It is a set of principles 4. Code of Conduct is a
ˆ It is a set of rules outlining expected behavior which influence set of guidelines that
judgment. influence employee’s
from members of the organization. actions.

ˆ In India, the Central government has issued 5. Generally, Ethical 5. Conduct standards
standards are non- generally provide a
conduct rules for government employees specific and are designed fairly set of expectations
to provide a set of values about which actions are
known as Central Civil Service Conduct rules,
or decision making. required, acceptable or
1964. prohibited.
6. It enables employees 6. It enables employees to
Some of the Rules are to make independent work in compliance with
judgements about the rules and actions are
most appropriate course guided by the codes.
1. Using the Best Judgment: Civil servants of action.
should act independently according to
the rules and unmindful of any external SECOND ARC SUGGESTIONS ON
influences. ENSURING ETHICAL CONDUCT
2. Written Orders: oral orders should be
The Second Administrative Commission report
followed by written orders.
(ARC) has suggested the following:

147
1. Partial state funding of elections. 3. It increases organizational effectiveness and
2. Tightening of anti-defection law. performance of the government organizations
by making a public commitment to adhere to
3. Tightening the provision of Prevention of
measurable service delivery standards.
Corruption Act.
4. It creates a way for both internal and external
4. Making corrupt public servants liable for
actors to objectively monitor service delivery
paying damages. performance. Create a more professional and
5. Confiscation of illegally acquired property. client-responsive environment for service
6. Speedy trials. delivery. It also fosters improvements in staff
morale.
7. Creation of Lokpal at national, state and local
5. Increase government revenues by ensuring
level.
that the money citizens pay for services goes
8. Deletion of Article 311 so that quick actions can into the government’s coffers (and not into
be taken against delinquent public servants. employees’ pockets).
9. There should be measures to protect honest OECD in its handbook for Improving Quality
civil servants. of Public Services has further pointed out
that citizen’s charters help public agencies to
CITIZEN’S CHARTER manage the expectations of service users. It
ˆ It is an undertaking by a public institution also provides a framework for consultations
to provide a certain level of service to its with service users, encouraging public
agencies to measure and assess and improve
customers. It is the means of solving day to
performance where promised standards
day problems which citizens experience.
have not been achieved. This increases
ˆ It places the citizens at the center of satisfaction of service users.
administration instead of treating him as
passive recipient. s’nezitiC fo selpicnirP Significance of
retrahC Citizen’s Charter
The World Bank document Citizens’ Charters: 1. Wide publicity on 1. Citizens now have a clear
Enhancing Service Delivery through the standards of understanding of service
performance of public delivery standards which
Accountability has identified following benefits agencies. has helped in ensuring
of the citizen’s charter: accountability.
2. Assured quality of 2. It has minimized the
1. Citizen’s charter enhance transparency and services. opportunities for
corruption.
accountability by providing citizens with
3. Access to information 3. It makes the citizens
a clear understanding of service delivery along with courtesy and aware of the intent of
standards, including timetables, user fees for helpful attitude. service providers.
4. Choice of and 4. It incorporates citizen’s
services, options for grievance redress and
consultation with feedback in improving
how agencies have performed against those citizens. service delivery.
standards. 5. Simplified procedures 5. It ensures better service
for receipt of complaints quality grievance
2. Citizen’s charter decreases opportunities and their quick redressal. redressal mechanism.

for corruption and graft by increasing

transparency and educating citizens about CITIZEN’S CHARTER MOVEMENT
their rights.
For a long time, government organizations

148
viewed the citizen as recipient and beneficiary 6. Transparency: Rules/ Procedures/
or client of the services they provide. The Schemes/Grievances.
government organization dominated this
Evaluation Of Citizen’s Charter
relationship because of monopoly over essential
services. This left citizens with little choice and Movement In India
they were forced to accept whatever quality Citizen’s charter movement in India is a mixed
services they were provided. Citizen’s charter story. On the positive side, Citizen’s charters have
movement sought to change this perspective and acted as a tool of organizational transparency
bring a fundamental change in the relationship and accountability:
that existed between public service providers
1. Citizen’s Charter has increased participation
and citizens.
of common man in efficient working of an
It sought to turn citizens into consumers of the organization by making the citizens aware of
services and made service providers dependent the aims and goals of the organization.
upon the citizen-consumer. In simple words it
2. It has helped in reducing corruption through
transformed the way public organizations look at
transparent provisions and thus, ensured
or treat citizens from their ‘beneficiaries/ clients’
accountability.
to their ‘Customers’ who have got rights and the
capacity to “choose”. 3. It has led to citizen friendliness, citizen
convenience, raised efficiency and
The Citizens’ Charter sees public services through
effectiveness in the public delivery system.
the eyes of those who use them and emphasizes
4. It has reduced cost, prevents delay and red
on ensuring that these services are demand
tapism and thus, promotes good governance.
driven rather than supply driven. Citizen’s
charter movement started in the late 1980s and 5. Citizen’s Charter set standards of service,
early 1990s. The UK was the pioneer nation in allowing high expectations from an
the wake of a broader privatization program. UK organization, pushing them to work
under John Major government launched citizen’s diligently.
charter scheme in 1991 as a national programme 6. It encourages access and promotes choice and
with a simple aim: to continuously improve the thus, treats all fairly.
quality of public services for the people of the
An initial evaluation in 2003 of citizen’s
country so that these services respond to the
charter development showed lack of stakeholder
needs and wishes of the users.
consultation, which could have resulted in a lack
The Citizens’ Charter movement (1991) was of improvement in client satisfaction and quality
based on six principles: of services provided. In 2007 after ten years of
1. Quality: Improving the quality of services implementation, the Public Affairs Centre carried
2. Choice: Wherever possible out a comprehensive national review of charters.
DARPG sponsored the Indian Institute of Public
3. Standards: Specify what to expect and how
Administration to conduct its own evaluation
to act if standards are not met
of the progress made under citizen’s charter
4. Value: For the taxpayers’ money scheme in India. Following are the findings of
5. Accountability: Individuals and different evaluation (including The Second ARC’s
Organizations twelfth Report-Citizen Centric Administration)

149
efforts regarding issues faced in successful 9. Often Citizens’ Charters are written in the
implementation of citizen’s charter English language or state’s official language
which may be difficult to comprehend for the
1. Poor design and content: Most organizations
masses.
do not have adequate capability to draft
meaningful and succinct Citizens’ Charter. 10. Lack of focus attributes to the top down
Critical information that end-users need approach of the initiative.
to hold agencies accountable are simply 11. There is often a lack of independent audit of
missing from a large number of charters. the outcomes of implementation of Citizens’
Charter.
2. Lack of public awareness: There is lack of
awareness among the citizens to exercise 12. Process of lodging complaints may be
their right to get the services as per Citizens’ complex and grievance redressal officers
Charter. Also, implementing agencies doesn’t may be inaccessible.
focus much on citizens’ awareness initiatives. 13. Concerned officers’ transfers and reshuffle
during early formulation and implementation
3. Inadequate groundwork: Government
of the charters hampered the progress. 14.
agencies often formulate Citizens’ Charters
Sometimes, a citizen’s charter sets unrealistic
without undertaking adequate groundwork
standards which results in disinterested
in terms of assessing and reforming its
implementation as the desired result cannot
processes to deliver the promises made in
be achieved irrespective of the efforts put in
the Charter.
its implementation.
4. Charters are rarely updated and some
departments are still using charters framed
Suggestion for Better Implementation
during 1990’s. of Citizen’s Charter

5. End-users and NGOs are not consulted The Second ARC says that in order to make
when Charters are drafted. The consultation these Charters effective tools for holding public
with the stakeholders is often ignored and servants accountable, the Charters should clearly
the charter is prepared by the top authorities spell out the remedy/ penalty/ compensation in
defeating the very purpose. case there is a default in meeting the standards
spelt out in the Charter. It emphasized that it
6. The needs of senior citizens and the disabled
is better to have a few promises which can be
are not considered when drafting Charters.
kept than a long list of lofty but impractical
7. Resistance to change: The new practices aspirations. Second ARC makes following
demand significant changes in the behaviour recommendations for successful implementation
and attitude of the agency and its staff of citizen’s charters
towards citizens. At times, vested interests 1. Internal restructuring should precede
work for stalling the Citizens’ Charter Charter Formulation - Citizen’s Charter
altogether or in making it toothless. that are put in place after these internal
8. There is a lack of training, customer reforms will be more effective than those
designed as mere desk exercises without any
focus and sense of ownership among those
system re-engineering. Thus, there has to be
implementing the provisions of Citizens’
a complete analysis of the existing systems
Charter.

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 and processes within the organization. feedback can be a timely aid to assess the
These should be reformed if such a need is progress and outcomes of an agency.
felt. 8. Hold officers accountable for results - The
2. One size does not fit all - There is a huge monitoring mechanism should fix specific
variation among different governments and responsibility in all cases where there is
departments when it comes to formulation default in adhering to the Citizens’ Charter.
and implementation of Citizens’ Charters. 9. Better give a few promises that can be kept,
Variations exist on account of different rather than a long list of lofty but impractical
capabilities and resources that governments aspirations.
and departments need to implement
Citizens’ Charters and differing local Preconditions of Successful
conditions. Therefore, the formulation of Implementation of Citizen’s Charter
Citizens’ Charter should be a decentralized
Accountability and transparency through
activity with the head office providing broad
citizen’s charter can be achieved only in a
guidelines.
conducive administrative ecosystem.
3. Wide Consultation process - Extensive
The World Bank has identified certain
consultations within the organization
preconditions for successful implementation of
followed by meaningful dialogue with civil
citizen’s charter -
society as well as inputs from experts.
4. Firm commitments to be made - 1. There is strong official support for the
Commitments made to citizens/consumers citizen’s charter initiative, especially during
in Citizens’ Charter must be precise and firm the start-up phase.
in quantifiable terms wherever possible. 2. The citizen’s charter is developed with input
Over time, the standards of service delivery from both internal and external stakeholders
should be made more stringent. through participatory processes.
5. Redressal mechanism in case of default - 3. Staff have an incentive to adhere to the
along with relief which the organization is conditions outlined in the citizen’s charter,
bound to provide. because their performance appraisal reviews
6. Periodic evaluation of Citizens’ Charter - and/or additional compensation are tied
preferably through an external agency. The to the organization’s success in achieving
result of such evaluations must be used to the service delivery targets outlined in the
improve upon the charter since Citizens’ charter.
Charter is a dynamic document which must 4. Employees and citizens are aware of the
keep improving in accordance with changing citizen’s charter initiative, and civil society
citizens’ needs, underlying processes and is involved in holding service providers
technology. accountable.
7. Benchmark using end-user feedback - 5. Progress is tracked through a project-level
Performance and accountability tend to monitoring and evaluation system and linked
suffer when officials are not held responsible to other social accountability interventions
for the quality of a Charters’ design and to verify that service delivery improvements
implementation. In this context, end-user have been achieved.

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 ˆ Details of the complaint redressal
CITIZENS’ CHARTER BILL
mechanism.
ˆ The Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery ˆ Bill aims to establish Public Grievance
of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Redressal Commissions at Centre and State
Grievances Bill, 2011 was tabled by the levels. It lapsed due to dissolution of the
then Minister of State for Personnel, Public 15th Lok Sabha.
Grievances and Pensions, in Lok Sabha in
2011. Challenges with Citizen Charter
ˆ The Bill deals with government departments ˆ Lack of legal status which makes it toothless.
that deal directly with citizens
ˆ Lack of awareness among the citizens.
 Constitutional bodies,
ˆ Limitation of resources particularly at the
 Statutory authorities, local level affects supply side.
 Public-private partnerships, ˆ All the characters under the parent
 NGOs substantially funded by the organization remain the same which
government and companies that provide overlooks the local issues.
services under a statutory obligation. ˆ Lack of flexibility to change as per the
evolving needs of the society.
Provisions
ˆ Issues with the standards delivered in
ˆ Every citizen is given the right to get time
absence of criteria to measure standards.
bound delivery of goods and services. o If not
delivered, there is a redressal mechanism. Way Ahead
ˆ It makes it mandatory for every public ˆ Sevottam Model of Service Delivery: it is
authority to publish a Citizens’ Charter based on three factors viz., implementation
within six months of the commencement of of citizen’s charter, implementation of
the Act, failing which the official concerned grievance redressal system and service
would face action, including a fine of up to
delivery capability.
₹ 50,000 from his salary and disciplinary
ˆ Updating Citizen Charter: with the changing
proceedings.
times and Scenarios.
Provides a format for Citizens’ Charter
ˆ Seven Step Model for Citizen Centricity:
ˆ List the details of the goods and services which has been suggested by second ARC. It
provided by a public authority; creates a database on consumer’s grievance
and redressal, educates the public, considers
ˆ The name of the person or agency responsible
the needs of the senior citizens and the
for providing the goods or services;
disabled while framing the charter.
ˆ The time frame within which such goods or
services have to be provided; WORK CULTURE
ˆ The category of people entitled to the goods ˆ the way employees interact with each other
and services; and and how the organization functions.

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ˆ It is the product of the organization’s history, 5. Three-way communication: Top-down,
traditions, values and vision. bottom-up, peer-to-peer communication
allows for free flow of information, better
Characteristics of Healthy decision making, consultations with
Work Culture: employees, identification of grievances,
interpersonal relations and so on. It also
Features of a Good Work Culture
helps in clearing the air which helps prevent
1. Interpersonal relations: Healthy relations
and minimize conflicts.
among employees having respect and
cooperation for each other are a mark of 6. Punctuality: Coming to workplace on time
good work culture. It requires values of and working for full hours is a mark of
tolerance, team work, respectfulness etc. sincere work culture. It goes on to enhance
Various studies like the famous Hawthorne the productivity of the organization and also
Studies have shown that human relations improves the reputation of the organization
have greater impact on motivation levels in the eyes of the clients and customers.
than physical factors like wages, equipment 7. Cordiality and responsiveness (towards
etc. clients): Courteous behaviour towards
2. Timely work: Timely completion of all work clients and prompt response fulfilling
and meeting of deadlines shows a good their demands reflects commitment and
work culture as it leads to higher efficiency dedication of the workforce. It also enhances
and productivity and also, meeting of client the reputation of the organization in the eyes
expectations. Timeliness is even more of the clients, contributing to better clientele
important in public administration because in the long run.
completion of such work benefits a large
8. Performance evaluation and rectification:
number of people.
Quantitative, fair and objective performance
3. Impartiality and objectivity: Supervision evaluation increases the motivation of the
by management and relations with
employees as it becomes the fair basis for
peers should not be based on any bias or
rewards and recognition. It also makes the
prejudice. Relations among employees as
employees aware of their shortcomings and
well as rewards and penalties should only
management can take measures to correct
be based on facts related to performance
their errors.
and productivity and not any personal
factors. This will enhance incentive for 9. Motivated workforce: High levels of
higher performance and chances for career motivation in the employees is a result of
advancement. a healthy work culture. Such motivated
workforce shows willingness to put in
4. Participative decision making: Such
decision making democratizes the work their best effort and contribute towards
space and gives a sense of ownership and organizational objectives.
belongingness to the employees apart from 10. Productivity: High levels of productivity
the top management. It also ensures that means the workforce produces the
the interests and needs of lower rung of maximum output by using the least amount
employees are protected and unfair practices of resources. It is a mark of efficiency and
do not prevail. high performance.

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11. Skill upgradation and career 3. Poor grievance redressal: Sufficient care
advancement: A good work culture ensures is not given to needs and complaints of the
that the abilities of its employees are clients who are unsatisfied with the services.
regularly upgraded and the employees have It results from a lack of commitment to
the opportunities to be promoted regularly service and weak institutional mechanisms
once they have the requisite skills. Career to redress grievances.
advancement increases motivation level and
4. Improper behavior: Behavior of employees
sets in a virtuous cycle of motivation and
is seen to be rude, apathetic, unprofessional
performance.
etc. towards each other and also clients.
12. Conducive working environment: A Spitting while talking, improper language,
healthy work culture provides good physical abuse etc. are signs of poor work culture.
conditions and equipment for the workforce
5. Conflicts: Disputes between managers and
which is used to improve their performance
subordinates and among fellow employees
and productivity. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
are rampant and remain unresolved. They
in government offices focuses on the same
lead to logjams, stagnation and loss of
objective. Conducive environment also
productivity.
covers providing women a safe, secure and
fair environment with gender equality and 6. Nepotism and favoritism: Human resource
empowerment. management is based on favoring loyalists

13. Quality service delivery: A healthy work and favorites instead of being based on
culture leads to good quality of services to performance. This goes on to encourage
its clients. This is a result of qualities like sycophancy among employees and feudal
punctuality, commitment, integrity and so attitude among supervisors and at the same
on. time, fails to reward good performance.

14. Stability and security: Job security and 7. Low morale and motivation: Workforce
stability of tenure are essential features of suffers from lack of motivation due to low
a good work culture as such conditions lead compensation, poor human relations, poor
to higher morale, lesser conflicts, stronger working conditions, lack of recognition and
focus on work and so on. so on. This results in a fall in productivity
and casual attitude among employees.
Features of a Poor Work Culture
8. Elitism: Managers do not consult employees
1. Inefficiency: A poor work culture shows or encourage their participation in decision
high resource use, slow pace of work due making. Managers remain aloof and show
to the ‘chalta hai’ attitude and complacency high handed behaviour. It leads to tensions
among workers. This is itself a result of lack in employer-employee relations or a passive
of accountability and weak supervision. subservient attitude among employees.
2. Lack of accountability: Poor performance is 9. Red-tapism: Organization works with
not penalized and workers are not made to a process-orientation rather than
account for their poor quality of work. This resultorientation. It is caused by rigid rules
pattern of behavior slowly spreads to other and procedures and lack of incentive for risk
workers as it is not penalized. taking and swift decision making.

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10. Status-quoism: Organizations resist any poor performance, errors or delays. This
changes due to presence of vested interests encourages poor performance and does not
or lack of incentive for bringing reforms. weed out the poor performers.
This is a common feature of government 5. Seniority principle: Promotions are based
bureaucracy across the world. on seniority and completion of certain years
11. Corruption and rent seeking: Official of service and merit is not given adequate
authority and resources are used to maximize importance. This leads to complacency
selfish personal gains at the expense of the among employees and reduces incentive to
clients or public. This involves exploitation perform.
of the clients and subordinates and gives a 6. Lack of public awareness: Low levels of
bad name to the organization. literacy and awareness among the people
12. Apathy: Managers are apathetic to the reduces their ability to exercise their rights
needs and demands of the subordinates and and hold the administration accountable.
the employees are apathetic towards the This allows the employees to take advantage
public. This results into low motivation and of the public and exploit them.
performance levels. In public administration, 7. Resource crunch: The amount of funds
it undermines development of the people available with the government is limited,
and also breeds discontent among the public. particularly in developing countries which
13. Work as burden: Work is seen as a burden leads to lack of investment in human
resource and office conditions.
and employees try their best to avoid work.
This leads to buck-passing, inefficiency and 8. Poor training: Civil servants, particularly
so on. of the lower rung, are not properly trained
to imbibe the civil service values and skills
Reasons of poor work for higher productivity. This leads to lack of
culture in public sector commitment and poor performance across
the workforce.
1. Lack of performance evaluation:
Performance by employees is not evaluated 9. Bureaucratic apathy: Bureaucracy enjoys
properly in a fair, quantitative and objective a privileged life in the ivory towers and is
manner. Due to this, there is a lack of rewards observed to not have adequate concern for
the public’s needs, particularly the weaker
and recognition for high performance and
sections. Bureaucracy continues to enjoy
thus, low levels of motivation and effort by
high salaries and promotions regardless of
workers.
their performance. Karl Marx elaborated on
2. Job security: Excessive job security and life- such weaknesses of bureaucracy.
long service is a cause of complacency as
employees believe they will remain in their Ways to improve work
job regardless of their poor performance. culture in government
3. Process-orientation: The focus in 1. Pre-entry and mid-career training:
government is on strictly following the rules Training can be used to improve the values,
and procedures and not on achieving results. attitudes and skills of employees which
4. Lack of performance accountability: Civil automatically leads to greater performance
servants are not made to answer for their and commitment to duty.

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2. Sensitivity training: The technique devised firing etc.
by Chris Argyris (also called T-Group training), 9. Leadership: Good quality leadership has
aims to enhance mutual understanding and to work to ensure a good work culture
respect among employees which leads to in the organization. This can be done
better interpersonal relations. This reduces through participative management, trust,
conflicts and improves morale. constructive feedback and so on.
3. Public hearing: Public hearings should be 10. Recognition: Employees should be
organized periodically to redress grievances recognized for their good performance
of the citizens in a transparent and effective through rewards, newsletters, employee-
manner. This leads to responsiveness and of-the-month award etc. This not only
improves quality of service delivery. This has motivates the high performing employees
been a success story in Rajasthan under the but also encourages the peers.
name of Jansunwai.
11. Accountability: Civil servants should be
4. Feedback: Organizations and employees made accountable for their work towards
should get clear and regular feedback about the superiors, public, clients and so on. This
their performance. This drives them to make creates a pressure upon the employees to
reforms and improve their functioning. deliver. It also invokes their conscience to
5. Public Service Guarantee: Legal fulfil their duties.
mechanisms can be used to set certain
Recent administrative reforms
enforceable standards for service delivery,
such as Public Service Guarantee Acts enacted to improve work culture
in various states of India. This creates a legal 1. 360-degree performance evaluation:
compulsion for employees to fulfil their Recently, the government has proposed
duties and also increases awareness among performance evaluation by various
employees. stakeholders including superiors, clients,
6. Performance-linked pay: Salary of civil subordinates, peers, civil society and so on.
servants should not be entirely fixed and This ensures holistic feedback and thus,
should have a component that increases with provides clarity to employees on the areas of
their performance. This encourages good improvement.
performance and also offers recognition. 2. Compulsory retirement: The government
7. CCTV surveillance: Surveillance puts an has invoked compulsory retirement recently
eye over the employees which increases the to remove officers with poor performance
push for working sincerely. It also works to track record and doubtful integrity. This
prevent wrong practices. enforces a perform-or-perish principle and
pushes civil servants to deliver.
8. Private sector practices: Private sector
work culture is seen to have certain 3. Performance Management System: The
advantages over public sector and hence, traditional Annual Confidence Report
some practices of private sector can be has been upgraded recently to enhance
adopted by government. This can include performance evaluation. The new
performance targets, performance-linked Performance Appraisal Report introduced
pay, managerial autonomy, ease of hiring and for All-India-Services provides for regular,

156
 participative, detailed, quantitative government officials to work honestly as
performance evaluation instead of the well as effectively.
earlier top-down secretive ACR. 12. New India Manthan: It is an initiative where
4. Biometric attendance: This technique aims the Prime Minister directly interacts with
to ensure punctual behaviour and discipline District Collectors to provide certain features
on part of employees which improves of work culture that they are expected to
productivity and work culture. introduce in the administration under them.
5. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: It seeks to improve 13. PRAGATI: This is a digital video-conferencing
the physical working environment which platform used by the Prime Minister to
partly contributes to higher motivation and regularly monitor the working of the central
satisfaction. It also specifically caters to and state governments in order to ensure
women by ensuring separate toilets. timely completion of work. This makes the
6. Gender empowerment: Women must top officials to work upon improving the
be provided a safe and secure working work culture of organizations under them
environment and also special amenities for and enhance their performance
women. This covers Internal Complaints
Some success stories
Committee (for sexual harassment),
maternity benefits, creches and so on. 1. Ahmednagar: Administrative reforms for
7. Citizen Charter: It increases transparency office management such as single window
for the citizens about the rights available system, scientific record keeping etc. were
to them and also makes it mandatory for introduced by the District Collector Anil
the organization to fulfil certain service Kumar Lakhina in order to improve service
standards and thereby, improve work delivery and grievance redressal for the
culture. public.

8. E-governance: Digitization ensures 2. Indian Space Research Organization: The

transparency, timeliness, accountability, organization has gained global fame for
quality etc. in the functioning of the its work culture and its productivity, cost-
organization which goes on to improve the effectiveness, team work, quality of work
performance and quality of work. and so on. It is well-known for the practices
of human resource development, zero-based
9. Lateral entry: Private sector personnel are
budgeting and so on.
directly recruited into the government and
they bring their own healthy values and 3. Passport Seva Kendras: PSKs have
work culture with them which can then incorporated outsourcing, digitization,
spread into the government working. office modernization etc. to improve service
delivery and benefit the public at large.
10. Civil Services Day Awards: Such awards
4. Public Grievances Commission, Delhi:
provide recognition to officers doing good
It is an external institutional oversight
work and also inspires other officers to raise
mechanism to effectively redress the
their level of performance.
grievances of the people and improve urban
11. Social audits: Such audits puts in place governance. The Second Administrative
monitoring and evaluation of the working Reforms Commission recommends the
of organizations by the people which pushes

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 setting up of such integrated grievance
Challenges
redressal bodies by all cities.
5. Google: The organization has provided a 1. E-Governance Index : India has been ranked
holistic healthy environment to its employees 100th in the UN E-government survey 2020.
in order to improve productivity, motivation 2. Focus on Service Providers: For years
and satisfaction levels. It uses freedom of convenience of service providers and not the
workspace, resting area, free cafeteria and service receivers has been the primary focus.
so on. 3. Complex Regulations: It has been marred
with complex regulations, complicated forms,
WORK ETHICS lack of information, absence of performance
It is the commitment to fulfill the official standards, lack of accountability, corruption,
responsibilities with dedication, involvement incompetence etc.
and sincerity. It implies that work is appreciated 4. Inefficiencies: At the grassroot or cutting-
and not taken as a burden. edge level.

Characteristics of Ethical Work Suggestions for Improvement

1. Values: like the blood nourishes the body, ˆ Treating people as participants and not as
values nourish the organization. beneficiaries and giving them choices.
2. Effective leadership: leaders set the tone ˆ Providing service with specified standards
that permeates the organization’s culture. such as one-stop service, single window,
3. Balancing of stakeholders: so that mutual automated service delivery etc.
tension is resolved. ˆ Creating a stable and conducive environment
4. Integrity of process- where all the processes for the public servants to deliver results
of the organization are aligned with its based on clarity of vision, mission and
values, like recruiting, hiring, promoting, objectives.
marketing, sales etc. ˆ Ensuring value for money and cost-
5. Long term perspective- where the effectiveness in service delivery.
leadership is dedicated to strategic planning ˆ Promoting decentralization and
for the long term. strengthening rural and urban local bodies
as grass root levels of self-institutions.
SERVICE DELIVERY
CORRUPTION
ˆ Public Service Delivery is the most important
aspect of good governance as it touches the “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power
lives of millions of people. corrupts absolutely”-Lord Acton

ˆ Through better public service delivery ˆ It is the use of one’s position, status or
inclusive and sustainable socio-economic resources directly or indirectly for personal
development can be achieved. benefits.

ˆ It helps in achieving equity based governance ˆ It can be material gain or non-material like
as enshrined in our preamble. enhancement of power or prestige beyond

158
 what is legitimate for him. towards this.
ˆ As per 2nd ARC report, there are two facets ˆ Undermines ease of doing business
to corruption:
ˆ Corruption in the public services sector
 The institution which is highly corrupt;
carries high risks for conducting good
 Individuals who are highly corrupt. businesses. Companies are likely to receive
ˆ There is a need to work on public unwanted red tapes, petty corruption, bribes
profiteering and also value to be attributed for finalizing any procedures or deals.
to the services rendered by officers. ˆ Corruption leads to the loss of legitimacy of
Interlocking accountability is a process by the political systems and gives free hand to
which evaluation could be done easily and non-state actors.
accountability ensured. Example-Left-wing extremism
Types of Corruption Causes of Corruption

Coercive Corruption Collusive Corruption ˆ Santhanam committee identified the

y Here the citizen is y There is collusion following causes of corruption in India:
compelled to pay a bribe between the bribe giver
in order to get the service. and the public servant. ˆ Government taking upon itself more than
y It can be in the form y Both of them benefit at what it could manage by means of regulatory
like delays, harassment, the cost of society.
lost opportunity, loss functions.
or precious time and
wages, and at times even ˆ Scope of discretion in the exercise of
potential danger of loss of
powers vested in the various categories of
life or limb.
y It can be in the form y For example, in awarding government servants.
like delays, harassment, contracts for public
lost opportunity, loss works and procurement ˆ Cumbersome procedures in dealing with
or precious time and of goods & services, various matters in dealing with the public
wages, and at times even recruitment of employees
potential danger of loss of etc. which were of importance to citizens in their
life or limb. day-to-day life.

Challenges Posed by Corruption Other Reasons

ˆ People benefitting from corruption try ˆ The Weak Legal Framework for Punitive
to maintain the status quo and resist any Action: Because of ill-defined policies,
reform. weak regulatory frameworks and large
indiscretion among ministers and high
ˆ Corruption discourages capital inflows and
public officials.
FDIs.
ˆ Political Corruption: Due to the vast
ˆ It lowers productivity and reduces
geographical area of a constituency, with
effectiveness of industrial policies.
more than two million voters in many cases,
ˆ Countries with higher corruption have lower a candidate has to spend huge money to
social investments like education, healthcare contest the elections.
etc.
ˆ Over-Regulation: combined with a weak
ˆ It leads to inequality among the masses. The state fosters corruption.
recent Oxfam’s report on inequality points

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ˆ Bureaucratic Red-Tapism and Abetting to get their work done faster.
Corruption: This has been highlighted
WAY FORWARD
suitably by Robert Merton as, “When the
ˆ If corruption levels in India are reduced to
rule becomes more important than the game
those in Scandinavian countries, GDP would
itself”.
increase by 1.5% and investment would
ˆ Rise of the Elites and the Post Liberalization increase by 12%. If all overseas black money
Corruption: The mega corruption thrives is brought back, India can pay back its debt.
because of a nexus between big business,
politician and bureaucrat as highlighted by CORRUPTION LAWS IN INDIA
Transparency International.
INDIAN PENAL CODE, 1860
Ways to Tackle Corruption
ˆ Section 169 has provision for up to two years
1. Strict Adherence of Code of Conduct
of imprisonment with fine for unlawfully
and Code of Ethics: The code of conduct
buying or bidding property.
established for various officials needs to be
backed by a Code of ethics which needs to be ˆ A provision of prior sanction from the state
imbibed internally by the officials. This will or the Central government is required in
ensure that there will be no need to coerce order to prosecute a public servant.
public officials to show ethical behavior.
THE BENAMI TRANSACTIONS
2. Effective Implementation of Institutional (PROHIBITION) ACT, 1988
Measures: Strict and evolved implementation
of the accountability mechanisms be it It prohibits benami transactions (property in the
effective laws, mechanisms, procedures false name of the other person who does not pay
and tools in accordance with the changing for it) except when it is purchased in the wife’s or
dynamics of the requirements of the society unmarried daughter’s name.
is crucial. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition)
3. Use of Technology: Use of e-governance and Amendment Act, 2016
ICT tools to build dynamic and continuous ˆ Imprisonment has been extended up to
exchanges between key stakeholders seven years with fine.
ensuring transparency and accountability in
ˆ Furnishing false information is punishable
governance.
by five years of imprisonment and fine.
4. Act Globally and Locally: Corruption is a
ˆ Initiating Officer may pass an order to
global problem that requires global solutions.
continue holding property and may then
Keep citizens engaged in corruption at local,
refer the case to Adjudicating Authority
national, international and global levels – in
which will then examine evidence and pass
line with the scale and scope of corruption.
an order.
5. Power of the People: Citizens also need to
undergo attitudinal change and must refrain ˆ The Appellate Tribunal will hear appeals
from bribing officials through ‘speed money’ against orders of the Adjudicating Authority.

160
ˆ The High Court can hear appeals against ˆ The SFIO conducts investigation under the
orders of the Appellate Tribunal. provisions of the Companies Act.

PREVENTION OF INSTITUTIONS FOR DEALING WITH

CORRUPTION ACT,1988 CORRUPTION
ˆ It provides for penalties in relation to
LOKPAL AND LOKAYUKTA
corruption by public servants and also for
those who are involved in the abetment of an ˆ Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 provided
act of corruption. for the establishment of Lokpal at the Union
ˆ Amendment of 2018 criminalized both level and Lokayukta at the state level.
bribe-taking by public servants as well as ˆ They inquire into allegations of corruption
bribe giving by any person. against certain public functionaries.
ˆ Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 ˆ Jurisdiction of Lokpal includes the Prime
ˆ Money Laundering is the process of making Minister, Ministers, MPs, Group A, b, C
money earned through illegitimate sources and D officers and officials of the Central
appear as legitimate. government.

ˆ The act empowers the Enforcement ˆ It has powers of confiscation of assets or

Directorate to conduct money laundering other benefits acquired through corrupt
investigations. means.

ˆ It has provisions for rigorous imprisonment Issues With Lokpal

along with fines.
ˆ Complete Exclusion of Judiciary: Which
ˆ Banking companies and financial
hampers the prospects of making judiciary
intermediaries are obliged under the act to
accountable.
maintain record of financial transactions of
ˆ No Full Authority to Investigate the Prime
specified nature and value.
Minister: The act prohibits inquiry against
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013 the PM in certain cases like atomic energy
etc.
ˆ It provides for corporate governance and
ˆ Not Much Protection to Whistle-Blowers:
prevention of corruption and fraud in the
Which acts as an impediment in drives
corporate sector.
against corruption.
ˆ The term ‘fraud’ has been given a broad
ˆ Delay in Appointment of Lokpal: For years
definition and is a criminal offense under the
appointment of Lokpal was delayed over
Companies Act.
technical issues.
ˆ In cases involving fraud specifically, the
Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO) CHIEF VIGILANCE COMMISSION
has been set up under the Ministry of
ˆ The Central Vigilance Commission is the
Corporate Affairs, which is responsible for
apex vigilance institution.
dealing with white collar crimes and offenses
in companies. ˆ The CVC was set up by the Government

161
 in 1964 on the recommendations of the infringement of economic and fiscal laws at
Committee on Prevention of Corruption, the request of the department concerned
headed by K. Santhanam. or in consultation with the concerned
department.
ˆ The CVC is independent of any Ministry
or Department that is only accountable to ˆ It investigates crimes of a serious nature,
Parliament. that have national and international
ramifications, and committed by professional
ˆ Following institutions, bodies, or a person
criminals or organized gangs.
can approach to CVC:
ˆ It coordinates the activities of the various
ˆ Central government
state police forces and anti-corruption
ˆ Lokpal agencies.
ˆ Whistle blowers ˆ It maintains crime statistics and disseminates
ˆ It is empowered to inquire into offenses criminal information.
alleged to have been committed under ˆ The CBI is India’s representative for
the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by correspondence with the INTERPOL.
certain categories of public servants.

ˆ Its annual report gives the details of the

Issues
work done by the commission and points to ˆ Lack of Independence- CBI is dependent on
systemic failures which lead to corruption in the home ministry for the staff.
government departments.
ˆ Political Interference- CBI has been termed
Limitations as a caged parrot by the Supreme Court due
to excessive interference by the government.
ˆ It is treated as an advisory body with no
ˆ Dependence on the State Government: CBI
power to register criminal cases.
needs consent of the state in question before
ˆ It lacks resources and powers to take action starting the investigation.
on cases of corruption.
ˆ Recently state of West Bengal withdrew the
CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION general consent given to the CBI

ˆ The CBI was formed as the Special Police ˆ Lack of Accountability: As CBI is outside the
Establishment in 1941, to investigate cases ambit of RTI.
of corruption in the procurement during ˆ Prior Consent: Central government is
World War II. required to start an investigation on officers
ˆ The CBI was formed by a resolution of the level of Joint secretary and above
of the Home Affairs Ministry on the
HOW TO BRING PROBITY
recommendations of Santhanam Committee.
IN GOVERNANCE?
ˆ Its important role is to prevent corruption
1. Bringing accountability and transparency in
and maintain integrity in administration. It
governance through RTI and digitizing the
works under the supervision of the CVC.
process.
ˆ It investigates cases connected to
2. Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions as

162
 platform for citizen’s participation. ICT applications impact upon the structures of
3. Making grievance redressal mandatory. public administration systems. Technological
advancements facilitate the administrative
4. Bringing public participation in service delivery
systems by enabling:
through PPP model.
1. Administrative Development; and
5. Privatization of certain sectors where private
firms have proven efficiency. 2. Effective Service Delivery

6. Imparting values-based training to officials. Administrative Development: ICTs can be used

and are being used now to give further impetus
7. Electoral reforms and strict adherence to
to the process.
guidelines and rules.
8. Strengthening of the ombudsman system for They help in the following manners
independent scrutiny.
ˆ Automation of Administrative Processes
9. Effective implementation of Citizen Charter.
ˆ Paperwork Reduction
10. Removing human to human contact with
e-governance ˆ Improving quality of Services

11. Regularizing social audit. ˆ Change in Administrative Culture by

introducing transparency, accountability etc.
E-GOVERNANCE
Elimination of Hierarchy
ˆ It is the application of Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs) to the ˆ Effective Service Delivery: ICTs play an
process of government functioning to achieve important role in effectively delivering
simple, accountable, speedy, responsive and services to the people.
transparent governance.
ICTs ensure
ˆ It represents a journey from passive
information giving to active citizen’s 1. Transparency
involvement.
2. Economic Development
Why e-Governance?

3. Strategic Information System ie; making available all the aspects of information to the management.
4. Social Development

ISSUES WITH E-GOVERNANCE

Ethical Skillset Appreciation for Universal Rights Appreciation for Universal Rights
y Cost: It is one of the important y Digital Divide: It can y Privacy: With citizens trusting their
factors which acts as a hindrance y occur between the populations who have confidential information to the
in digital access. access to the digital facilities and those government, their privacy has to be
who lack it. protected from getting into the hands
of third parties who may misuse it.

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 y Fraudulent Transactions: y Resistance to Change: Among some y Tampering of E-Governance
Government has to ensure that groups of citizens, government employees System: As soon as the system is
Fraudulent transactions don’t and public policy administrators can lead compromised and privileges are
take place and at the same time to laggards. raised, the classified information
the burden of excessive checks of the E- Governance mechanism
has to be avoided. becomes very much susceptible to
illegal adjustments.
y Funding: It is the foremost issue y Management of Change: The delivery y Interoperability: A major design issue
in e- Governance initiatives. Government services through the for integrated service delivery sites is
The projects that are part of the electronic media including EDI, Internet how to capture data in a Web-based
e-governance initiatives need and other IT based technologies would form and transfer it to an agency’s
to be funded either through the necessitate procedural and legal changes systems for processing and sharing
Government sector or through in the decision and delivery making that information in a common format.
the private sector. processes. It demands fundamental
changes such as employees need to be
delegated more authority; De- layering
of the decision-making levels leads to
re- engineering and appropriate sizing
of the decision-making machinery.
y Repudiation: Even the attacker can
mount a refutation attack during the
E-Governance transaction, which
is the ability of the user to reject its
performed transaction.
y Disclosure of E-Governance
Information: In case of the
compromised E-Governance
system, the undesirable information
disclosure can take place very easily.
y Denial of Service: In this technique,
an attacker can perform a Denial of
Service (DoS) attack by flooding the
E-Governance server with a request
to consume all of its resources so as
to crash down the mechanism.

mandis digitally
y Cyber Crimes: Advancement of
science and technology increases the
ˆ Women: Naari
rateportal for theItempowerment
of cybercrime. is a threat to the
of women transactions accomplished between
the Government and its Citizenry
ˆ Child: Pencilwithin the E.
for eliminating child labour
y its performed transaction.
ˆ Science and Technology:
y Governance [Link] for
promoting women in science
EXAMPLE OF E-GOVERNANCE ˆ Public: RTI
INITIATIVE IN INDIA:
ˆ Election: SVEEP app for educating voters to
Digital India Initiatives: which is an umbrella participate in elections
program to prepare India for a knowledge-based
ˆ Internet: NFON to trigger broadband
transformation.
revolution in rural areas
Some of the initiatives under the given ˆ Mobile Seva: It provides government
initiatives are:
services to the people through mobile
ˆ Agriculture: e-NAM- to link pan India agri- phones and tabs.

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Way Forward: the news is accurate, using restrained and
ˆ Probity in governance is an essential and socially acceptable language to ensure
vital requirement for an efficient and objectivity and fairness in reporting, and
effective system of governance and for socio- considering how the news will affect society,
economic development. people, and institutions.

ˆ An important requisite for ensuring probity ˆ Freedom of expression must be regulated

in governance is absence of corruption and limited by society obligations and
and dealing with corruption is not limited ethical standards even if it is undeniably a
to governance structure, but it pertains to fundamental right.
every stakeholder involved in and out of the ˆ Fundamentally, journalistic ethics are the
system. voluntary self-control that journalists must
exercise in order to protect and advance the
ETHICAL ISSUES IN NEWS public’s trust, uphold their own credibility,
and avoid betraying the public’s trust.
MEDIA ETHICS
ˆ Integrity and fairness; obligation to consult
ˆ The Press Council of India, along with similar the subject of any critical reporting before
organizations around the world, has the publishing; obligation to correct factual
responsibility of promoting media standards errors; obligation not to alter or misrepresent
by creating a code of conduct for it. photographs.
ˆ It is commendable that our legislators Way Forward:
refrained from entrusting the council with
ˆ The renowned journalist Mahatma
the responsibility of “laying down” a code of
Gandhi famously observed, “The only
behavior.
goal of journalism should be service. The
Ethical Significance newspaper press is a powerful force, but just
as an unchecked flood submerges the entire
ˆ A crucial element of democracy is freedom countryside and destroys crops, so does an
of the press. Public opinion is gathered and unchecked pen only serve to damage. The
shaped by it. Parliamentary democracy can evidence is stronger if the control is external.
only thrive under media scrutiny.

ˆ The press’s obligation to defend the

CORRUPTION AND CIVIL SERVICES
interests of the people and the country has
IN INDIA
increased tremendously at a time when the
Indian economy is becoming more globally What Causes the High Level of
integrated, the media environment is Corruption in the Civil Service?
drastically altering, and the Indian press is
1. Politicization of the Public Service:
also going international.
Opportunities for high degrees of corruption
ˆ The media of today has gained popularity dramatically rise when public service
in society and Governance has outgrown its positions are given in exchange for political
role as the Fourth Estate.. support or bartered for bribes.
ˆ These standards include making sure that 2. Lower Wages Than the Private Sector: Civil

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 servants now receive lower pay than those ˆ A government official who must approve
employed in the private sector. clearances for projects or industries delays
3. Administrative Delays: The primary source the
of corruption is a delay in the clearing of ˆ procedure in order to profit financially and
files. receive other illegal benefits.
4. Colonial Legacy of Unchallenged Authority:
ˆ Investments are delayed as a result, and
In a culture that exalts power, it is simple
industries take longer to launch and flourish.
for public servants to stray from moral
behaviour. ˆ Companies are reluctant to establish
themselves in areas without good access to
5. Weak Law Enforcement: Several laws have
electricity, water, and roads, which impedes
been passed to combat the evil of corruption,
the region’s economic development.
but their lax enforcement has made it difficult
to do so. Way Ahead
1. Civil Service Board: The government can
What Effects Might Corruption Have?
reduce undue political interference by
On Individuals and Public Life: establishing the Civil Service Board.
ˆ Judiciary corruption results in insufficient 2. Simplifying Disciplinary procedure:
justice. And the offended parties might It is possible to prevent dishonest civil
endure consequences. officials from holding sensitive positions by
streamlining the disciplinary procedure and
ˆ Due to a lack of evidence or even evidence
stepping up preventive vigilance inside the
that has been destroyed, a crime may be departments.
proved with the benefit of the doubt.
3. Stress Value-Based Training: To preserve
ˆ The inquiry process has been ongoing for integrity in public life, it is crucial to stress
decades as a result of police corruption. value- based training to all government
officials.
Regard for Officials in Society
4. Code of Ethics for civil officials: Based on the
ˆ The people have less esteem for national recommendations of the 2nd Administrative
leaders like the president or prime minister. Reforms Commission (ARC), a thorough Code
The main standard in social interactions is of Ethics for civil officials was demanded and
should be a fundamental component of all
respect.
training programmes.
ˆ People vote in elections because they respect
5. Reduce delays : In light of the significance of
the candidate and hope that the winner will
“good institutions” for “good governance,” it
raise their standard of living.
is necessary to re-engineer our institutions
ˆ People will lose respect for politicians if they and streamline the procedures in order to
are corrupt, and they won’t want to vote for reduce delays and guarantee timely service
them if they are aware of this. delivery.

Regarding the Economy DARK PATTERN

ˆ Dark Patterns are immoral UI/UX (user

166
 interface/user experience) interactions that
BALANCING DEVELOPMENT AND
are intended to deceive or fool users into
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
doing something against their will.

ˆ Digital platforms violate users’ rights to ˆ The main causes of climate change and
complete disclosure of the services they use its consequences are changes caused by
and control over their browsing experience humans and the exploitation of the natural
by employing “dark patterns.” world for economic gain.

ˆ This is a result of the underlying assumption

Ethical Concerns Associated
with Dark Patterns: that while environmental regulations
have been perceived as limiting economic
ˆ To their advantage, social networking prosperity, development policies really
businesses and large technology companies encourage it.
like Apple, Amazon, Skype, Facebook, ˆ Therefore, it is necessary to strike a balance
LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Google use sneaky between economic development and
or dubious techniques to degrade the user environmental protection in order to achieve
experience. sustainable development.
ˆ Pop-up ads from Google-owned YouTube
BALANCING DEVELOPMENT AND
push users to join up for YouTube Premium
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
while covering a video’s last few seconds
with thumbnails from other videos. Developmental Factors Affecting the
Sustainability of the Environment
ˆ Users are harmed by dark patterns because
ˆ One of the main causes of preventable deaths
they compromise their online experience
from natural disasters is the disregard for
and leave them more open to financial and
data theft by Big Tech companies. ˆ environmental standards.

ˆ Dark patterns trick consumers, present ˆ Any effort to determine a region’s risk from
online barriers, lengthen the completion natural disasters scientifically is hardly ever
of routine tasks, get them to sign up for ˆ made in the correct spirit.
undesirable services or products, and coerce
ˆ Unrestricted quarrying and the haphazard
them into paying more money or disclosing
cutting of hills from slopes raise the danger
more personal information than they had
of landslides by escalating the likelihood of
originally meant.
soil erosion.
Way Ahead
ˆ The connections between underdevelopment
ˆ Dark and misleading patterns are not limited and environmental degradation often get
to cellphones and laptops. worse as the population grows.
ˆ Internet users can select more user-friendly ˆ Additionally, poverty creates strong
platforms that will respect their right to motivations for having big families and
choice and privacy if they are able to spot encourages migration, which renders urban
and distinguish dark trends in their daily life. places unsustainable from an environmental
standpoint.

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Way Forward Davos Summit and focuses more on inclusive,
Agenda 21, the UNCED’s blueprint for long-term strategic thinking.
sustainable development, places a strong
Significance of Ethical
premium on the adoption of “win-win” policies
Global Governance
that take advantage of the synergy between
environmental protection, economic efficiency, ˆ Strategies for Long-Term Strategic
and poverty reduction. Planning in Governance 4.0: Long-term
strategic thinking must replace the current
The following actions can be taken to put
short-term management under Governance
this vision into action:
4.0.
ˆ Economic policies that are prudent may aid
in achieving environmental sustainability. ˆ Environmental Aspect : Actions to combat
Examples include the rationalization of price climate change, stop biodiversity loss and
subsidies, the clarity of property rights, and environmental damage brought on by human
the facilitation of technology transfer.
activity, and handle related issues like forced
ˆ By rationalizing subsidies, you can migration must be combined with a focus
save money, increase productivity, and on issues like the pandemic, socio economic
considerably reduce pollution.
crises, and people’s mental health.
ˆ Indigenous knowledge and understanding of
ˆ Companies to Assume Responsibilities:
big ecosystems can be useful to regions and
nations. The previous top-down strategy and tunnel
vision will be replaced with the new model.
ˆ The importance of integrating biodiversity
The duties of each stakeholder in society
issues into global decision-making
is highlighted by the relationship must shift in the complicated, linked, and
between biodiversity and environmental discontinuous environment we live in.
sustainability.
ˆ Changing Priorities: It is time to stop
Way Forward emphasizing a limited understanding
ˆ Humanity’s main goal and greatest struggle of economics and short-term financial
continue to be development. However, concerns. Any new system of governance
poverty, starvation, and environmental
must instead be based on the premise that
degradation still exist on a worldwide
society and nature come first.
scale despite the unheard-of economic and
social development made over the past ˆ New Leaders: Business executives that
century. Therefore, development objectives support environmental, social, and
must be accomplished without violating governance metrics as well as some political
environmental laws.
leaders are among the many leaders eager

ETHICS OF GLOBAL GOVERNANCE to usher in a new era of governance. Such

trailblazing leaders who advocate for specific
The economy and social order are supported
action to combat climate change and address
invisibly by a good governance model. It is time
for the world to transition from its outdated social injustice should be commended for
models of governance to Governance 4.0, which acting outside of their narrow interests.
was put forth at the World Economic Forum’s Today’s best indicators of responsive and

168
 accountable governance assess how much and performance along with the company
a leader accepts stakeholder duty over leadership.
shareholder responsibility.
Ethical Issues Associated with
ˆ Thus, It will be necessary for leaders to the Corporate Governance:
embrace a new, inclusive governance
ˆ Separation of Ownership and
paradigm in order to address global issues.
Management: In family-run businesses,
the division of ownership and management
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
continues to be a major obstacle for the
Corporate governance is the set of laws, customs, majority of businesses, including some of the
and procedures that regulate and control an top ones in India.
organization, and is essential to ensuring that
ˆ Conflict of Interest: The issue of managers
enterprises are operated morally and in the best
potentially benefiting themselves at the
interests of their stakeholders.
expense of shareholders.
Corporate Governance Principles ˆ Weak Board: There have been concerns
regarding the board’s ability to act in the
ˆ Fairness: The board of directors is required
shareholders’ overall best interests.
to treat all stakeholders fairly and equally,
including shareholders, ˆ Independent Directors: Independent
directors lack the ability to check the
ˆ employees, vendors, and communities.
unscrupulous behavior of promoters since
ˆ Transparency: The board should notify they are partisan.
shareholders and other stakeholders in a
timely, accurate, and understandable Ethical Issues Associated with
the Corporate Governance:
ˆ manner on issues like financial performance,
conflicts of interest, and hazards. ˆ Separation of Ownership and
ˆ Risk Management: The board and Management: In family-run businesses,
management must identify all potential the division of ownership and management
hazards and decide how to most effectively continues to be a major obstacle for the
control them. majority of businesses, including some of the
top ones in India.
ˆ Responsibility: The board is in charge
of regulating business operations and ˆ Conflict of Interest: The issue of managers
management decisions. potentially benefiting themselves at the
expense of shareholders.
ˆ Accountability: The board is responsible
for evaluating a firm’s capability, potential, Weak Board: There have been concerns
ˆ

regarding the board’s ability to act in the

vvvv shareholders’ overall best interests.

ˆ Independent Directors: Independent

directors lack the ability to check the
unscrupulous behavior of promoters since
they are partisan.

169
 Current Issues from
11
Ethical Point of View
Telling a lie despite the person thinking of
RUSSIAN WAR AND COGNITIVE ˆ

themselves as honest.
DISSONANCE OF DURING COVID-19
TREATMENT Causes
ˆ People of Russia – Whether to support their ˆ Forced Compliance Behaviour: Sometimes
country or lean towards humanism. one might find oneself engaging in behaviour
ˆ Covid-19 treatment and medical Experts. that is opposed to one’s own beliefs due to
external expectations. This might involve
WHAT IS COGNITIVE DISSONANCE? going along with something due to peer
pressure, prior commitments or as one’s
ˆ It is Mental conflict or discomfort which
duty
occurs when a person holds conflicting
beliefs or when actions contradict their ˆ Making Decision: When faced with choices
beliefs. which involve conflicting beliefs, people
often are left with feelings of dissonance.
ˆ Cognitive dissonance is a sense of internal
anxiety that is experienced when a person ˆ Gaining New Information: Sometimes
holds two inconsistent cognitions. learning new information can lead to feeling
of cognitive dissonance. For example, if you
ˆ In other words, Cognitive dissonance is
engage in a behaviour that you later learn is
when your behaviour is in contradiction to
harmful, it can lead to feelings of discomfort.
your belief system.
ˆ Effort: Putting a great effort in achieving
Examples something, later realise that the
accomplishment was not really that
ˆ People believe that drinking and smoking
special, then it can cause serious cognitive
are injurious to health. Still, they drink and
dissonance.
smoke.
ˆ Change the Conflicting Action or Behaviour
ˆ Russian people have been facing Cognitive
Dissonance whether to support their country ˆ Reduce the Significance of the Conflicting
in these testing times or lean towards Belief
humanism for understanding the plight of
SIGNS OF COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
the Ukrainian people.

ˆ Eating meat while also thinking of themselves ˆ Feeling uncomfortable before doing
as an animal lover who dislikes the thought something or making a decision.
of killing animals. ˆ Trying to justify or rationalise a decision that
ˆ Purchasing a new car that is not fuel efficient, you’ve made or an action you have taken
despite being environmentally conscious. ˆ Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about

170
 something you’ve done and trying to hide ˆ Increased Hospitalisation cost and black
your actions from other people. marketing during Covid-19, violating the
medical ethics of equality/equity as well as
ˆ Experiencing guilt or regret about something
moral ideals like justice and proportionality.
you’ve done in the past.
All this cognitive dissonance led to irrational
ˆ Sense of internal anxiety that is experienced drug use, higher costs for patients and
when a person holds two inconsistent confusion within the medical community,
cognitions. leading to moral distress.
COPING WITH COGNITIVE DISSONANCE WAYS TO OVERCOME COGNITIVE
ˆ Changing Attitude DISSONANCE IN THIS SITUATION

ˆ Be open to new Information ˆ Coordination: Address the lack of

ˆ Question the value of Conflicting Cognitions coordination between the National Task
Force on COVID-19 and Central Drug
Case Study Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

A. Cognitive Dissonance among Medical ˆ Transparency: The drug’s approval should

Experts due to COVID-19 be more transparent, i.e., open and accessible
for all to avoid misuse of power and make
ˆ Recently, a number of medical experts
citizens more aware.
wrote to health authorities to stop the use
of medications and diagnostics that are ˆ Objectivity: CDSCO should have more
inappropriate for the clinical management of objectivity in drug’s approval to avoid hasty
COVID-19. This was the result of persistent approval and ensure that the efficacy of the
cognitive dissonance faced by doctors due to drug is periodically monitored.
issues like: ˆ Awareness: The medical professionals and
ˆ Use of Limited Efficacy Drugs with greater citizens should be made aware of pros and
risks over its benefits, violating the medical cons of drugs to remove moral distress and
ethics of Beneficence (maximum good). ensure informed consent.

ˆ Doctors’ cognitive dissonance over use of B. Cognitive Dissonance among Russian

unreliable drugs or wait for proper drugs People over War
availability. ˆ The Russian invasion of Ukraine highlighted
ˆ Use of High-cost drugs with no National Task the ambivalent attitude of many Russian
Force endorsement and informed patient people whether to support their country
consent, i.e., violation of autonomy. in these testing times or lean towards
humanism for understanding the plight of
ˆ Doctors’ cognitive dissonance due to price
the Ukrainian people. This has been due
and inconsistency between CDSCO approved
to Cognitive dissonance faced by people
COVID-19 drugs and drugs endorsed by
because of issues such as:
National Task Force on Covid-19. Example-
Itolizumab, a monoclonal antibody, with a Disinformation: It has become a primary vehicle
price of ₹32,000 for four vials was approved of the war waged by the Russian Federation
by CDSCO after trial over 30 patients. against Ukraine, leveraging entrenched

171
narratives to convince Russians how its military ˆ On the other hand, an exit poll is conducted
forces carry out a “special military operation” to immediately after people have voted, and
liberate the people in Ukraine. assesses the support for political parties
ˆ State Censorship and Biassed Pollsters: and their candidates. Since this exercise has
Censorship over liberal voices and making a become more of a ritual, it is required to
narrative in the favour of Russia by the state connect such polling directly to morality and
run media, has been causing biassed opinions. democratic processes.
Brainwashing through media censorship,
ˆ Some opinion polls may be sponsored,
state propaganda, and disinformation are
motivated and biassed. Also, almost all
leading cognitive dissonance among the
polls are non-transparent, providing little
people.
information on the methodology.
Geopolitical Tensions: Cold war among world
ˆ With such infirmities, many “polls” amount
powers fumes feelings of chauvinism among
common people. As a result, people start thinking to disinformation that can result in “undue
of their own country as a super aggressor and influence”, which is an “electoral offence”
zero tolerance towards others. under IPC Section 171 (C). It is a “corrupt
practice” under section 123 (2) of the RP Act.
Use of Lethal Weapons causing death of innocent
It is unethical to release such data on the eve
people in Ukraine. Mass killing and destruction
of an election since it can impact the mind of
of infrastructures bringing thought of empathy
towards humanism for understanding the plight the voter.
of the Ukrainian people
ETHICAL ISSUES WITH
Way Forward THE OPINION POLLS
ˆ International Cooperation to establish peace
ˆ Paid News: It is a very common action,
ˆ Compassionate view towards vulnerable
therefore, it is highly possible that some
sections
opinion polls may be sponsored, motivated
ˆ Mutual Agreement for long lasting peace and biased.
ˆ End of arm race ˆ Undue Influence: Opinion polls directly
ˆ Mutual respect for respective sovereignty affect the sanctity and integrity of the
electoral process. They are able to influence
OPINION POLLS AND ETHICAL electoral behaviour and distort electoral
ISSUES outcomes.

ˆ Issue with authenticity and transparency ˆ Disinformation: Almost all polls are non-
of Opinion polls for the recently conducted transparent, providing little information
Assembly elections. on the methodology. With such infirmities,
many “polls” amount to disinformation that
OPINION POLL
can result in “undue influence”, which is an
ˆ An opinion poll is a pre-election survey to “electoral offence” under IPC Section 171
gather voters’ views on a range of election- (C). It is a “corrupt practice” under Section
related issues. 123 (2) of the RP Act.

172
ˆ Suspicious Affair: A survey getting some alternatives that have been successfully used
elections right is not proof of its credibility all over the world.
or robustness. ˆ Methodology: Raw vote shares reported in
ˆ Bandwagon Effect: The bandwagon effect the survey and how they were converted
claims that voters “jump on the bandwagon,” into vote estimates and seats forecast
which means that if a party is gaining in the Way Forward
polls, the party will gain additional support
ˆ Opinion polls do not just reflect the opinions
from the voters, and vice versa if the party is
of people but influence them to create an
losing in the polls.
aura of winnability.
ˆ Issues with the Smaller Parties: It adversely ˆ Analyzing the vulnerability of voters to
impacts the small and new parties because such influence, there is a crying need to
the voter sees two things – regulate this to protect the sanctity of India’s
ˆ which is the party he likes and whether it is democracy. Once in place, such a mechanism
in a position to win. would help the public tell the difference
between a genuine and rogue poll and
ˆ Vague and Excessive Claims: Pollsters make
incentivise transparent practices.
matters worse by making excessive claims,
nothing short of black magic. ETHICS OF METAVERSE
ˆ Less Focus on Methods: A general ‘In the digital realm, code dictates life’. The time
unwillingness on the part of polling has come when life should dictate the code.
agencies and the media to share even basic
ˆ Recently, In Tamil Nadu a couple hosted
methodological details about their polls
India’s first wedding reception in Metaverse.
compounds the problem.
The bride’s father had passed away but
ˆ Based on Negligible Data: Due to this, the attended and blessed the couple in a digital
opinion polls do not reflect the actual figure. avatar at the wedding.
Also, they are telecast before the elections ˆ Metaverse is a combination of multiple
only to benefit select political parties. elements of technology, including virtual
Way Forward reality, augmented reality and video where
users “live” within a digitally enhanced
ˆ Code of Conduct: There should be a Code
surrounding.
of conduct for the Opinion Polls. Sampling
frame, sample size and the exact technique
ETHICAL ISSUES RELATED
used to draw the sample; the social profile of TO METAVERSE
the achieved sample to be disclosed.
1. Biometric Data and Privacy: Virtual and
ˆ Transparency: The ownership and track
augmented reality devices are set to provide
record of the organisation carrying out the
users with access to the metaverse but will
survey, details of the sponsors to be made in
track brain wave patterns and deduct user
Public
thought processes. This technology will offer
ˆ Effective Alternative Method: There is companies exciting new ways of engaging
required efforts to explore alternatives to with consumers and predicting their
the present procedure of the Opinion polls, behaviors but it also means that even more

173
 of our intrinsically private and personal data 8. Psychological Issues With Multiple
can be gathered, stored, and kept on the Identities: Metaverse would enable the
blockchain forever. individual to create a digital identity
2. Protecting the Vulnerable: The vulnerable without the pushes and pulls of the society
section, i.e., children, senior citizens and and the situation one is born in. This could
digitally unaware among others are more create more identification with the digital
vulnerable to the influences of the metaverse identity leading to issues like self-pity and
environment. dissatisfaction with oneself in reality.
Example - Hyper-reality experiences could Way Forward
trigger a sensory overload and induce fits 1. Regulatory Frameworks and Awareness:
or seizures in users who have a disorder like Preventing cyberbullying and sexual
epilepsy.
harassment and ensuring inclusivity
3. Toxicity: Platforms like metaverse have through community guidelines and privacy
become a breeding ground for toxicity, protections. Projects involving children or
bullies and hate speech. People vocalise other vulnerable populations should be
opinions that they would never express in given special consideration.
real life.
2. Consumer Centric Approach: All aspects
4. Issues of Inequality in the Tech Industry: of Metaverse to be examined thoroughly
Inequality in digital space has created a new
which affects the life of the consumer legally,
class of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. As a result, the
personally, socially and emotionally.
socio-economic divide has been aggravated.
The prevalence of metaverse could create 3. Decentralization: A democratized platform
further divide due to economic capacity, by all and for all will provide an environment
urban-rural gaps etc. of transparent and safe digital space.

5. Lack of Decentralisation: A centralized 4. Transparency in Data Collection: Ensuring

metaverse which is governed, owned, and that privacy policies specifically mention
operated by tech giants then the problems Metaverse data and how that data will be
such as data privacy, thefts, manipulations, used, shared, and protected.
and conditioning to favour some and not to 5. Tackling Inequality in the Tech Industry:
favour some, will come to rise. For the metaverse to be inclusive,
6. Misuse and Unfair Ownership of Data: In a digital divide to be bridged by reducing
seamless environment such as metaverse, it existing inequalities and creating digital
would be difficult to implement the current environments where everyone can belong.
consent based permission structure for
6. Secure the Experience: Use the best security
private data resulting in muddled ownership
protocols and protection to ensure that
of data and increased vulnerability to misuse.
malicious actors cannot alter or harm users
7. Translation of Laws and Rights from
while they are in the VR experience.
Real to Digital Space: In the absence of a
regulatory framework in the form of laws, it 7. Example - A community member might get
is difficult to understand what are the Rights voted off the island if enough token holders
that will be protected and how will they be think someone is not operating in a way that
protected. adheres to the community guidelines.

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 GUIDING PRINCIPLES: ENGAGING GLOBAL AGREEMENT ON ETHICS
IN THE METAVERSE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Ethical Skillset Appreciation for ˆ The United Nations adopted a historical text
Universal Rights defining the common values and principles
y Self-esteem/Sense y Right to Equality: needed to ensure the healthy development
of Security: Issue of Equality in the
of artificial intelligence.
insecurity could get Metaverse would imply
aggravated in the equal right to digital
Metaverse as peer spaces and actions for ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
comparisons are more equally situated people
engaging and closer to (digitally). It is a branch of computer science that deals with
reality.
creating computers or machines as intelligent
y Emotional Intelligence: y Right to Freedom:
It is important that the Within the boundaries
as human beings. It refers to the ability of
user has emotional collectively agreed by the machines to perform human intelligence
understanding of the platform and the
processes like thinking, perceiving, learning,
differences in their participants, the user
experiences of the real should have all the problem-solving and decision making.
world and the metaverse. freedom that they enjoy
in real life. “AI doesn’t have to be evil to destroy humanity
y Flexibility/Adaptability: y Right to Privacy: In this – if AI has a goal and humanity just happens to
Engaging in the data driven ecosystem, come in the way, it will destroy humanity as a
y Metaverse prerequisites the Right to privacy is a
sine – qua – non for fair
matter of course without even thinking about it,
intellectual and
emotional adaptability and just participation on no hard feelings.” Elon Musk (On Emotionless AI)
towards experiences. the platform.
y Regard for others: For y Right to Security: It is AI Ethics
Metaverse to be a the Right of the user
y community space, it is and responsibility AI ethics is a system of moral principles and
important that the users of the platform that
every participant is
techniques intended to inform the development
regard the existence of
other users with respect. secured from issues and responsible use of artificial intelligence
like emotional trauma,
technology. Ethical Challenges with AI
cybercrime, digital abuse.
y Understanding of digital y Right to non- 1. Explainability: When AI systems go
etiquettes: Like real life, participation/exit: misaligned, teams need to be able to trace
the digital life would also The user needs to be
have social norms which accorded a ‘Right to Exit’ through a complex chain of algorithmic
extend beyond the rigid on lines of the ‘Right systems and data processes to find out the
rules. Example - Not to be Forgotten’. This
reason. Organisations using AI should be
intervening in digital would entail ensuring
spaces uninvited. non- usability of the able to explain the source data, resulting
information generated data, what their algorithms do and why they
and created by the user
such as their digital are doing that. AI needs to have a strong
home, avatar etc. degree of traceability to ensure that if harms
arise, they can be traced back to the cause.
Way Forward 2. Risk of Unemployment: The hierarchy
In this dynamically evolving domain, to ensure of labour is concerned primarily with
that these principles are incorporated in both automation. Robotics and AI companies are
letter and spirit, the platforms, developers and building intelligent machines that perform
users will have to innovate continuously and tasks typically carried out by low-income
proactively. workers.

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 Example: self- service kiosks to replace 8. AI Turning Against Humans: If artificial
cashiers, fruit-picking robots to replace field intelligence itself turned against humans
workers, etc. then it will become catastrophic for
3. Responsibility: Society is still sorting out humanity.
responsibility when decisions made by AI Example - If an AI system is asked to eradicate
systems have catastrophic consequences, cancer in the world. After a lot of computing,
including loss of capital, health or life. it spits out a formula that does, in fact, bring
Responsibility for the consequences of AI- about the end of cancer by killing everyone
based decisions needs to be sorted out in a on the planet.
process that includes lawyers, regulators
Way Forward
and citizens.
ˆ “Whole of Society” approach to AI
4. Misuse: AI algorithms may be used for
governance will enable us to develop broad-
purposes other than those for which they
based ethical principles, cultures and codes
were created. These scenarios should be
of conduct. Given the global reach of AI, such
analysed at the design stage to minimise
a “Whole of society” approach must rest on a
the risks and introduce safety measures to
“Whole of world” approach.
reduce the adverse effects in such cases.
ˆ Awareness among the Executives, data
5. Tech Addiction: Technological addiction is
scientists, front-line employees and
the new frontier of human dependency. AI
consumers all need to understand policies,
has already become effective at directing
key considerations and potential negative
human attention and triggering certain
actions. When used right, this could evolve impacts of unethical AI and fake data.

into an opportunity to nudge society towards ˆ Strike the right balance between AI
more beneficial behaviour. However, in the promotion and AI governance.
wrong hands, it could prove detrimental.
ˆ Executives need to architect AI systems to
6. Discriminating Robots: AI systems are automatically detect fake data and unethical
created by humans, who can be biased behavior.
and judgemental. It can create AI facial
ˆ Organizations need to invest in defensive
recognition and surveillance technology that
measures rooted in open, transparent and
discriminates against people of colour and
trusted AI infrastructure.
minorities.
7. Data Privacy Concerns: AI also presents Way Forward
serious data privacy concerns. The ˆ The world needs rules for artificial
algorithm’s never-ending quest for data has intelligence to benefit humanity.
led to our digital footprints being harvested ˆ The Recommendation on the ethics of AI
and sold without our knowledge or informed is a major answer. Without ethical guard
consent. rails, AI will widen social and economic
Example - The case of Cambridge Analytica, rift, amplifying any innate biases at an
in which such algorithms and big data were irreversible scale and rate and lead to
used to alter voting decisions. discriminatory outcomes.

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 ˆ Immanuel Kant also said one should never
CUSTODIAL VIOLENCE
treat people merely as instruments; and just
ˆ Recent death of a father-son duo from Tamil as means to one’s goals.
Nadu, allegedly due to custodial violence, Example- There’s a difference between a
has sparked anger across India. tape recorder and a person. If you’re having
ˆ As per the report of National Crime Records trouble getting information out of a tape
Bureau (NCRB), the number of deaths in recorder you can pound on it or kick it. This
police custody between 2001 and 2018 was may not be very effective, but it isn’t immoral.
But if you want to get information out of a
1,727. But only 810 cases were reported,
person, you should convince them to tell you
334 were charge-sheeted out of which just
what you want to know.
26 policemen were convicted.
Human Rights Approach
CUSTODIAL VIOLENCE
ˆ Torture of human beings consists of
Custodial violence primarily refers to violence
curtailment of individual autonomy. Given
in police and judicial custody. It includes death,
the moral importance of autonomy, torture
rape and torture. Justification of Torture in
is also unjustifiable on this account.
Certain Cases: Different Perspectives
ˆ It is sometimes also used to suppress
Utilitarian View independent thought and make people
comply with the more accepted beliefs of the
ˆ Believes that an act is right if it brings about society.
the greatest good for the greatest number.
ˆ Torture treats the victim as a means to an
ˆ Example - If someone has kidnapped a child end and not an end in themselves. It often
and left him/her to die somewhere. In this explicitly dehumanise their victims to make
case, If torturing someone is the only way to it easier to torture them. It violates the rights
find out the whereabouts of the child, then it and human dignity of the victim, including the
might be the right thing to do. legal right to remain silent when questioned.

ˆ In similar cases, if torturing a terrorist Consequentialist Arguments

uncovers a plot, then it might save many Against Torture
lives.
1. Torture is a slippery slope: Each act of
Categorical Imperative torture makes it easier to accept the use of
torture in the future.
ˆ As per Immanuel Kant’s theory, not hurting
2. Ineffective Tool: It is an ineffective
others is a categorical imperative, which all
interrogation tool as there is no guarantee
human beings must follow throughout their
that the person who is being tortured
lives.
will give the correct information because
ˆ Torture is unjustified as it consists of under torture a prisoner will eventually say
intentional infliction of severe physical, anything to stop the pain. More effective
mental or emotional suffering on the other methods of interrogation that don’t involve
person. torture are available.

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3. Also, if a suspect is tortured it may be ˆ Thus, the issue of torture is complicated
impossible to prosecute them successfully and needs to be discussed in public domain
as many countries’ laws, including India, to evolve a consensus on the same. The
excludes involuntary statements or feedback of the states on the draft prevention
confessions on the ground that such evidence of custodial torture bill will be the first step
is inherently unreliable. towards developing consensus. Later, views
of the civil society and legal and ethical
4. Torture Damages the Humanity: Those
experts should also be solicited.
who carry out torture are likely to become
ˆ India should ratify the UN Convention
brutalised by their acts, and desensitised to
Against Torture: It will mandate a
humanity.
systematic review of colonial rules, methods,
5. Institution: Torture damages the institution practices and arrangements for the custody
that carries it out. It damages the reputation and treatment of persons subjected to any
and moral authority of the institution. Its use form of arrest, detention or imprisonment. It
is likely to produce internal dissent among will also mean that exclusive mechanisms of
the members and so damages the integrity redress and compensation will be set up for
of the institution. the victim besides institutions such as the
6. Use as Propaganda and the Non State Board of Visitors.
Actors: Torture provides ‘the enemy‘ with ˆ Police Reforms: Guidelines should also
something they can exploit for propaganda. be formulated on educating and training
Example - Terrorist organizations like ISIS officials involved in the cases involving
use state brutalities as an excuse to radicalize deprivation of liberty because torture cannot
the youths to pick up arms. be effectively prevented till the senior police
wisely anticipate the gravity of such issues
Way Forward and clear reorientation is devised from
ˆ Though, torture is unjustified from many present practices.
ethical perspectives, but there may be
ˆ Access to Prison: Unrestricted and regular
situations when the unity and integrity of the access to independent and qualified persons
State is under threat or the lives of innocent to places of detention for inspection should
people may be in danger. also be allowed. CCTV cameras should be
ˆ Under such situations, a law enforcement installed in police stations including in the
officer or a person with noble intentions interrogation rooms. Surprise inspections
might feel compelled to undertake any by Non-Official Visitors (NOVs) should also
means necessary to protect the country or to be made mandatory which would act as
a preventive measures against custodial
save their lives.
torture which has also been suggested by
ˆ It is important to note here that the actions Supreme Court in its landmark judgment in
of the officer in such a scenario are guided the DK Basu Case in 2015.
by the supreme value of nationalism and ˆ Implementation of Law Commission
Protecting lives. Thus, it would be unjustified of India’s 273rd Report: The report
to conclude that the person undertaking recommends that those accused of
such an action is ethically wrong. committing custodial torture – be it

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 policemen, military and paramilitary ˆ Non-Enforcement of Strict Regulations:
personnel should be criminally prosecuted Regarding the public encroachment by the
instead of facing mere administrative action. local authorities provides encouragement to
the public to take this issue lightly.
Way Forward
ˆ Lack of Basic Amenities: Areas coming out
ˆ Torture is always wrong, and it should always
of illegal construction lack basic amenities
be illegal. Those who torture put themselves
such as water, electricity, sewage system
at risk of legal punishment. But there may
leading to health issues.
be cases where they can show good reasons
why torture was necessary. ˆ Issues of Law and Order: Unauthorized
colonies also face issues of law and order, as
ˆ Hence, custodial torture must always be
access of police gets limited due to temporary
done as per rule of law. It should be used as a
structure and constricted spaces.
tool in order to ensure safety and security of
citizens and nations. ˆ Vulnerable to Disasters:Disasters such
as Fire, water logging on rainy days and
USE OF BULLDOZER AND PRINCIPLE extreme weather, etc.
OF NATURAL JUSTICE ˆ Unplanned Growth: The unplanned
growth of city population and expansion
ˆ Recently, It has been alleged that the of slum areas, cause difficulty in expanding
authorities riding bulldozers have razed developmental work.
buildings or house extensions built “illegally”
in neighbourhoods that recorded communal ETHICAL ISSUES OF ANTI-
clashes recently in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh ENCROACHMENT DRIVE
and Gujarat. Critics have called these
ˆ Hardship to Common People: The worst hit
demolition drives a move to “bulldoze” a
in the anti-encroachment exercise have been
particular community. But officials defended
the pool of several thousand workers whose
their actions as “routine exercises” against
livelihood vanished.
illegal constructions.
ˆ Loss of Physical Asset: Anti encroachment
ˆ Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, Haryana have drive causes destruction of physical
laws in place for the recovery of damages to structure, It leads to loss of wealth and
the property during a disturbance. From the makes many people homeless.
administrative point of view, it may appear
ˆ Loss for the Society: Children and old age
to be reasonable but it also endangers the
people suffer a lot. Their school schedule
fundamental rights of citizens.
gets disrupted and old age people experience
ISSUES OF ENCROACHMENT acute shortage of water, sanitation,
medication etc.
ˆ Constriction of the Public Space: Land is a
JUSTIFYING THE DEMOLITIONS
scarce commodity, and when the unplanned,
illegal structures are built on public land it ˆ Punitive Action: Actions such as demolition
results in constriction of the public space of illegal structure, against an accused person
like public roads. Pedestrians would suffer can demotivate others to act unlawfully or
as people would have fewer spaces to walk. take law in his/her hand.

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ˆ Free Constricted Space: Anti encroachment
ETHICAL ISSUES IN DEMOLITION
drives pave the way for the availability of
OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES
open space and the public could get better
life experiences. Many development projects 1. Fairness: It involves a procedural
have come to a halt due to the issue of land requirement. It is also known as substantial
encroachment on public land. Road widening justice or fundamental justice/ Universal
would be a problem as it is occupied by justice/fair play in action. Action should not
religious structures. Pedestrians would be taken based on political vendetta.
suffer as people would have fewer spaces to 2. Impartiality: The principles of natural
walk. justice should be free from bias and parties
should be given a fair opportunity to be heard
ˆ Avoid Interfaith Tension: Illegal
and all the reasons and decisions taken by the
constructions are used to create religious
court should be informed by the court to the
structure. Later the same structure can
respective parties. Biased implementation of
become a bone of contention among groups.
laws not only violates the fundamental rights
ˆ Increase in Revenue of the Authority: Local enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution
and state authorities can use the increased (freedom of expression), but it also reflects
revenue post demolition in the rehabilitation the mentally of the executives by leaving the
of needy people. scope for different interpretations.

Way Forward 3. Restoration: Resorting to the destruction

of the properties of alleged wrongdoers by
ˆ Rehabilitation must be fixed according to
means of bulldozing is clearly against our
the community or category of people being
constitutional ethos and the criminal justice
displaced which should ensure them basic
system, as also in violation of the rights of
amenities
accused persons.
ˆ Creating awareness among the lot about 4. Violation of Right to Property: According
community right’s provision to Article 300A- No person shall be deprived
ˆ Compassionate ground to be adopted of his property save by authority of law.
towards vulnerable section such as pregnant However, actions which take away a person’s
women, children, old age people property without accordance with an Act or
Rules or other statutory instrument passed
ˆ Right to hearing and principles of natural by the central or state government, are
Justice to be followed. violation of Right to Property.

DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL 5. Absence of Law for Demolition: In any case,

STRUCTURES OF ACCUSED even if certain people are ordered to pay
compensation under the rule of law and their
ˆ Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, Haryana have properties are attached to ensure payment is
laws in place for the recovery of damages to made, there is no provision in the law for the
the property during a disturbance. From the demolition of properties.
administrative point of view, it may appear 6. Neither the Parliament nor any State
to be reasonable but it also endangers the Legislative Assemblies, allow the demolition
fundamental rights of citizens. of property of those accused of being

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 involved in riots and damage to public/ infringement of the provisions of sub-section
private property. (2) of Section 20 of the Act.

Way Forward ˆ The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

ˆ Any country which doesn’t want to be a has blocked several YouTube news channels
dictatorship or a feudal monarchy has to from India as well as Pakistan for spreading
follow the principles of natural justice. These “fake news”.
principles find their mention in the “Magna
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISM
Carta” which argues in favour of the trinity of
“hear, interrogate and adjudicate.” Based on Gandhian Principle (Truth, Fairness,
Humanity) & Utilitarian Principle (Minimising
ˆ The contentious practice of using bulldozers
harm, Avoiding Libel)
to pull down residential and commercial
properties of persons “suspected” goes 1. Truth and Accuracy: Journalists cannot
against the spirit of impartial justice and always guarantee ‘truth’ but getting the facts
results in irreparable harm to the residents right is the cardinal principle of journalism.
of the area. 2. Independence: Journalists must be
ˆ The consequence of rampant bulldozing independent voices. They should not act,
without proper hearing will be faced by formally or informally, on behalf of special
common people of another community. interests whether political, corporate or
These actions are short-lived but the scar cultural. They should tell the audience of their
has a lasting impact and raises questions political affiliations, financial arrangements

about the justice delivery mechanism in the or other personal information that might
constitute a conflict of interest.
country. It is important that the court should
send a message indicating that the rule of 3. Fairness and Impartiality: Most stories
law firmly prevails in India. have at least two sides. While there is no
obligation to present every side in every
JOURNALISM piece, stories should be balanced and add
context. Objectivity is not always possible
ˆ Recently, the government has issued an
and may not always be desirable.
advisory letter to the media on television
coverage of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and Example - In brutality or inhumanity,
the recent violence in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri. but impartial reporting builds trust and
confidence.
ˆ The objection pointed out that in the
recent past, several satellite TV channels 4. Humanity: Journalists should do no harm.
Their reporting or broadcast may be hurtful,
have carried out coverage of events and
but they should be aware of the impact of
incidents in a manner which appears to be
our words and images on the lives of others.
unauthentic, misleading, sensational and
using socially unacceptable language and 5. Fairness: In addition to being independent,
remarks, offending good taste and decency, journalists should show impartiality and
and obscene and defamatory and having balance in their reporting. Most news stories
communal overtones. These appear to have more than one side, and journalists
be violative of the Programme Code and should capture this.

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6. Avoiding Libel: This is a legal as well as a Way Forward
moral imperative for journalists. Journalists ˆ There are scores of codes and statements to
cannot print false statements that damage guide journalists in their important work of
a person’s reputation. In most jurisdictions, sharing information with the public.
true statements cannot be libelous, so
ˆ Adhering to the Ethical guidelines
journalists can protect themselves by brings transparency and accuracy in the
rigorously checking facts. information. It serves the core function of
7. Proper Attribution: Journalists must never the fourth pillar of democracy.
plagiarize. If they use information from
another media outlet or journalist, they need REFUGEE CRISIS
to attribute it to them. ˆ Recently some people from Sri Lanka came
8. Harm Minimization: Journalists should to Tamil Nadu as a refugee because of
follow the Utilitarian principle while economic stress.
showing news. Not every fact that can ˆ In a recent incident, an Afghan Refugee
be published should be published. If the posted a photo of food served at a US camp
amount of harm that could come to private on Twitter and was met with severe criticism
individuals particularly children—as a result combined with sympathy from some corners.
of disclosure exceeds the public good that ˆ People from Ukraine have been seeking
would come of it, then news outlets might shelter in different parts of Europe.
choose not to publish the story.
ˆ The Chakma and Hajong refugees who once
JOURNALIST ETHICS VIOLATION lived in the Chittagong hill tracts, most of
which are located in Bangladesh, have been
ˆ Publishing allegations by a single source living as refugees in India for more than five
without attempting to verify accuracy. decades.

ˆ Omitting facts provided to the journalist that ˆ Rohingyas seeking shelter, safety from
would clearly lead the reader/viewer to a religious persecution in their own country
different conclusion.
ABOUT REFUGEE
ˆ Calling for comment after normal business
hours when there would have been time for ˆ According to the UN High Commissioner for
the journalist to call earlier. Refugees (UNHCR), a refugee is someone
who has been forced to flee his or her country
ˆ Using editorial positioning of quotes to
because of persecution, war, or violence.
impact readers’ conclusions e.g., putting
Example- Rohingyas seeking shelter, safety
quotes critical of an organisation in the lead
from religious persecution in their own
paragraphs.
country.
ˆ Biases in ideology and focus on
ˆ The refugees also have an impact on the
sensationalization of news to increase TRP.
economy and society of their host nations.
ˆ Media trial by the journalist. Example- Large numbers of refugees can have a
Susant Singh Rajput case. devastating impact on the host nation.

182
ˆ Large number of refugees actually lose their 4. Issue of Legal Enforcement Limits
lives while trying to reach different countries Enforceability of Rights: The limitation
which give them shelter. They could be used of international laws makes refugee
by terrorist organisations, for sex or slave rights contingent upon the discretion and
trade etc., thus denial of basic human rights perception of the host country.
leading to disruption of global peace. Example - many European countries tend to
ˆ It is often seen that immigrants are exploited be more sympathetic to LGBTQIA+ refugees
for their cheap labour. Immigration when compared to victims of war crimes in
sometimes also becomes a social or political African countries.
issue; racism is used to exploit feelings or 5. Limited Capacity of the Host: Fulfilment
as an excuse for current woes of the local of all rights of refugees is dependent upon
population. the capacity of resources within the host
countries.
WHY ARE REFUGEE RIGHTS BECOMING
Example - in many developing countries
A FAVOUR ON PART OF THE STATES? Right to Housing cannot be fulfilled for the
The core issue in this scenario stems from the domestic population, guaranteeing the same
lack of empathy within the public of the host claim for refugees becomes difficult and
hence becomes selective.
nation and limited resources at the ground
level. These core reasons manifest themselves in 6. Politicization of the Issue: The image of
following ways- the refugees, the associated fear psychosis,
and political implications of assimilating the
1. Mistrust as a Norm: Lack of empathy with
refugees leads to politicisation of the issue. It
the refugees creates mistrust about the
leads to the creation of a political question-
culture, situation, and genuineness of their
‘Should we grant refuge?’. Deliberation on
claim at asylum. This translates to a general
this question changes the context from ‘Right
policy of rejecting claims, making grant of
of the Refugee’ to ‘Decision of the state’.
refuge a special favour.
Absence of enforceability and ambiguity
2. Perception as an Economic Competitor: in the asylum-seeking process has made it
Limited opportunities combined with the extremely discretionary in nature. This has
image of a refugee as a ‘freeloader from led to the emergence of the idea of selective
the other nation’ creates a perception of humanitarianism.
them being unworthy of rights. This makes
Way Forward
‘grant of rights’ a favour which is subject to
ˆ Generating Awareness About Refugee
collective sympathy.
Situations And Their Rights: Creating
3. Viewed as a Security Threat: The mistrust awareness about the situation would
combined with lack of awareness and translate to empathy for refugees and fading
misinformation creates fear and makes of the prevalence of fear against them. This
the local population view refugees as a may lead to more social acceptance and
security threat. This indirectly increases faster assimilation.
the conditionalities on grant of rights, thus ˆ Making Objective Procedures and
making it more like a favour by states. Authorities Accountable: The anxiety and

183
 uncertainty faced by the refugees can be economy of asylum (the values and effects
ameliorated to a large extent if procedures attached to the internationally recognized
for granting asylum be made objective and principle of providing protection to refugees
clearly communicated. and extent of humanitarianism among the
Also, making the criteria objective could host). Managing these two factors could
be a first step in holding the authorities render a long-term solution to this crisis.
accountable and thus moving towards a
INCREASE IN RELIGIOUS
rights-based approach.
ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS
ˆ Creating an Effective Transition
Mechanism: The resolution of the refugee The Gujarat government has decided to include
issue remains complicated considering its Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in the school syllabus for
social, economic, and political implications Classes 6-12.
and thus takes time. In this scenario, Hijab Row: Recently, the government of
it becomes important that an effective Karnataka passed an order stating that
transition mechanism is created which can
students of pre-university colleges will have to
provide at least limited rights to refugees.
mandatorily wear the uniform prescribed by the
ˆ Strengthening the System of Refugee college administrative board. In the absence of
Camps: The system of refugee camps has any prescription, “clothes which disturb equality,
emerged as an effective solution and hence integrity and public law and order” couldn’t be
should be adequately funded and managed. worn.
ˆ Adopting a Multilateral Approach: States
QUOTE
have a limited capacity with regard to
fulfillment of refugee rights. In this context, “You see, spirituality has no religious overtones.
it becomes important that the host country, The essence of spirituality is to make a person
the source country, the group of refugees pure in his mind and his thoughts. When I
and the entities engaged on the ground like started reading our old scriptures, like the
NGOs, social groups etc. come together for “Bhagavad Gita,” I found it was useful for day-to-
realization of these rights. day life, so I started practising it. I consider it an
ˆ Integrating Efforts with Sustainable administrative gospel, one that will help you in
Development Goals (SDGs) for making doing things like running an organisation”. - E.
rights accountable. Nonfulfillment of rights Sreedharan (Metro Man of India)
directly affects the realization of SDG 16
(Peace, Justice, and strong institutions) and ETHICS OF BHAGAVAD GITA
indirectly affects other SDGs. Efforts should ˆ The ethics of Gita are anti-hedonistic. The Gita
be made to make the authorities more condemns Carvaka’s hedonism. According to
accountable by linking refugee rights to the the Gita, moral life consists in the regulation
SDG targets. of base emotions and instincts. Hence, one
ˆ The essence of resolution of the refugee crisis must strive to conquer these. Bhagavadgita
lies in the political economy of providing means ‘The Lord’s song’, that is, the discourse
refuge (i.e., economic cost of refuge and its of Lord Krishna to persuade the reluctant
socio-political implications) and the moral Arjuna to perform his dharma.

184
ˆ The Gita enjoins the performance of duties performs its duties in a righteous way,
for the welfare of humanity (lokasamgraha) . subordinates also recognize and revere the
The ideal aspirant has to work for humanity leadership and follow the path of action.
in the spirit of perfect detachment, with no
ˆ Motivation: Studies have highlighted that
desire to reap the fruit. Just as a liberated
most of the reasons behind work related
‘cave-dweller’ in Plato goes back into the
stress are related to mind such as pressure
cave to free others.
of performance, relationships, media
ˆ Kant’s conception of the ‘kingdom of ends’ pressure etc. Bhagavad Gita focuses on mind
comes close to this. However, while Kant’s and distinguishes between subconscious
ethics is deontological the ethics of Gita is and conscious actions to promote Sattva
teleological. and divinity in all- removing jealousy and
ˆ Kant enjoins the renunciation of all creating motivation for work.
feelings and emotions. But the Gita talks ˆ Emotional Intelligence: Bhagavad Gita calls
about renunciation of only base emotions for Sthitaprajna, i.e., to acquire equanimity
and passions. It does not negate love and or calmness with firm resolve. It can help
compassion for the creatures. Selfishness administrators to have control over senses
shall be renunciated but selfless humanism and build a steadfast resolve towards the
ought to be cultivated. goals/objectives.
ˆ The Gita’s classification of the specific duties ˆ Objectivity in Decision Making: Bhagavad
in accordance with one’s capability and Gita promotes Lok Samgraha, i.e., holding
aptitude comes close to Plato’s classification all together. It inspires towards universal
of duties for the different classes of men welfare (inclusive and sustainable
in an Ideal Republic. According to some development) through firmness of mind
critics, absolutely disinterested action is a and preference to Shreya over Preya, i.e.
psychological impossibility. But, essentially Goodness or Objectivity over pleasure or
the Gita recommends not the annihilation happiness. As verse 22 of Chapter 16 says –
of all desires but the merging of all desires Those who are free from the three gates to
in one profound supreme desire- the darkness endeavour for the welfare of their
attainment of self-realization or the Ideal. soul, and thereby attain the supreme goal.

ETHICS OF INTRODUCING ROLE OF BHAGWAT GITA

BHAGAVAD GITA IN SCHOOL IN ADMINISTRATION
ˆ Directive of Dai: In view of the fact that the ˆ Bhagwat Gita is one of the earliest texts in any
Gita contains a long description of duties tradition to emphasise that it is important
concurring to a number of different natures not to do one’s duty, but to do in a certain
of man, it must be admitted that it affords kind of way i.e. detachment. The principle
assistance in the understanding of daily of world welfare provides the basis for
duties. assessing the nature of an administrator’s
ˆ Leadership Development: Bhagavad Gita duty in a changing world, even when faced
stresses on performance of Svadharma, with competing duties as in the case of moral
i.e., own duty or dharma. When leadership dilemmas.

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ˆ Gita’s virtue theory also emphasises inconsiderable but his soul and the universal
virtues that are indispensable for righteous soul are not two separate entities. All
administration. Virtues such as as – distinctions are the result of ignorance. The
ˆ Unagitated mind (anuvignamanas) ultimate end is absolute perfection of the
individual but this perfection can be attained
ˆ Firm mindedness (Prajna pratisthita)
only through consolidation of society and
ˆ Disinterestedness (anapeksas, udasinas) God realization.
ˆ Contentment with one’s own duty 2. Theory of Division of Labour: Gita’s
(svakramaniratas) conception of the varna system is not only the
ˆ Indifference to pleasure and pain equivalent of the modern scientific division
of labour but it is superior in some respects
ˆ Being the same towards friend and enemy
because man does not become entangled
and towards honour and disgrace (samah
with his actions because he fulfills his duty
satru ca mitra ca)
with the intention of God realisation. In this
ˆ Leadership Development way, Gita has also achieved a magnificent
ˆ Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas synthesis of spiritualism and social welfare.

ˆ Emotional Intelligence 3. Integrity in Actions: Central to the scripture,

Bhagavad Gita promotes Nishkama Karma
Through the concept of dharma, Gita also
(detached involvement) over Sakama Karma
identifies the essential ideas and governing
(attached involvement). Nishkama Karma
principles of our cultural life and through karma
or selfless actions will lead to integrity by
yoga and Jnana yoga, also identifies a course of
removing attachments, egoism or actions
action for man’s search for eternal bliss which is
with personal gain in mind.
the source of truth and joy.
One has the right to work, but never to the fruit 4. Synthesis of Enjoyment and Austerity:
of work: Gita’s theory of nishkama Karma Yoga is the
supreme means not only from the spiritual
 The doer has the right to work.
viewpoint but also from the practical
 The doer has no control on outcomes/ and worldly viewpoints. It is itself an
fruits of action. expert synthesis of action and abstinence,
 The doer has no control on the root enjoyment and asceticism.
cause of the fruits of action. 5. Divinization of Passion: In spite of the ideal
 There is no choice to reveal inaction. of detachment, Gita’s path is natural and
integral. It preaches the Divinization and
MESSAGE OF BHAGAVAD GITA transformation of passions and not their
The message of Bhagavad Gita is that either you repression, as was Kant’s contention.
can perform your actions with attachment or you 6. Directive of Daily Duties: In view of the fact
can perform the same without attachment by that the Gita contains a long description of
thinking that nature is performing the actions. duties concurring to a number of different
1. Good for Society and Individuals: Gita’s natures of man, it must be admitted that it
ethics have synthesised both social and affords assistance in the understanding of
individual interests. The individual is not daily duties.

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7. Based on Sound metaphysics: The ethics
ETHICAL ISSUES OF HIJAB
of Gita is based on sound metaphysics.
Although it is theistic, it does not encourage ˆ Not an Essential Practice of Religion:
blind faith in any instance. Wearing a hijab is not an Essential practice of
8. Determinism and freedom of will: Gita the Religion. It is a reflection of culture rather
has synthesised determinism and freedom than an accepted interpretation of Islam and
of will. It is God who controls the result of it remains an alien imposition in large areas
action and the order of the world but in of the Muslim world. The Supreme court in
order to become a dynamic instrument of 2006, held that keeping a beard was not an
divine action after understanding this order essential part of Islamic practices and argued
and complete self-submission to God, it is that wearing of the hijab is an essential
essential to act with determination. element of Islam, and its prohibition violates
9. Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas: Nishkama the students’ constitutionally guaranteed
Karma detaches individuals from the results freedom of [Link] Institutions
of their action. It can help administrators such as college spaces ought to be free of any
in resolving conflict between moral public displays of religion.
imperatives, especially dilemmas caused ˆ Against Right to Freedom: the compulsory
by conflict between Self Interest and Public wearing of Hijab is imposition of the religious
Benefit. tirade on the personal freedom of women
10. Universal Message of the Gita: The message and girls.
of Gita is universally comprehensive and ˆ Reflection of Patriarchal Society: It is also
everlasting. In today’s atomic age when seen as a form of patriarchal dominance.
human society is grievously endangered by Promotes gender equality and helps in
excessive materialism some of the messages women empowerment.
of the Gita, like ‘nishkama karma yoga’ have
ˆ Against uniform Dress Code: Wearing a
assumed an ever greater importance. Gita
symbol of religion is the disrespect of rules
treasures elements which can faithfully
of dress code in the premises of educational
serve as a motive to men of any society and
institutions.
any age. In India from ancient scholars like
Samkara and Ramanuja men like Gandhi, WHY SHOULD IT BE ALLOWED?
Tilak and Sri Aurobindo have been inspired
by it. 1. Against Equality: Ban is against the tenets
of equality to all religions and is seen as a
HIJAB ROW majoritarian suppression of the minorities
in a country.
Recently, the Government of Karnataka passed
an order stating that students of pre-university 2. Issues of Privacy: Religious faith is a part of
colleges will have to mandatorily wear the the fundamental right to privacy
uniform prescribed by the college administrative 3. Against Secular Principle: Protest on
board. In the absence of any prescription, “clothes choice of clothes is against the ethos of the
which disturb equality, integrity and public law Constitution and composite culture of the
and order” couldn’t be worn. country.

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4. Encourage Rift in Society: It leads to Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, which
polarisation of the society by targeting a was passed in March 2021.
particular community.
ABOUT ABORTION
INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE
ˆ Abortion is the deliberate termination of a
ˆ The German model recognises the value of pregnancy due to removing an embryo or
including religious education in schools. foetus before it can survive outside the uterus.
Article 7 (3) of the German constitution An abortion that occurs spontaneously is also
permits religious instruction in public known as a miscarriage. When deliberate
schools; however, the participation in such steps are taken to end a pregnancy, it is called
classes is strictly voluntary. an induced abortion, or less frequently an
ˆ In recognition of the growing religious “induced miscarriage”.
diversity due to immigration, German states
ˆ Abortion considerations require deep
have started including Islamic religious
reflection on law, convention, social and
content in their schools.
religious norms, family contexts, emotions,
Way Forward and relationships.
ˆ Religious sentiments should not prevail
while taking decisions on such matters but
UNICEF INDIA AND WORLD BANK DATA
it should be based on the combination of India has one of the highest numbers of maternal
rationality and modern views.
deaths. (45,000 maternal deaths every year
ˆ Educational institutions should avoid the or an average of one maternal death every 12
violation of the rights of individual students minutes).
in the name of their right to administer a
ˆ Unsafe abortions are the third leading cause
school or college.
of maternal deaths in India.
ˆ Our daily lives require us to live together
ˆ Reasons women give for wanting abortions,
with people who look different from us, wear
worldwide:
different clothing, and eat different food.
Why should those differences be shut out  Disruption of education or employment.
from educational spaces in particular.  lack of support from father.
ˆ Our Constitution guarantees to everyone
 Poverty, unemployment or inability to
an inviolate “zone of freedom” in personal
bear children.
matters, as long as the effect of this freedom
does not cause harm, or discrimination, at a  Interrelation problems with husband or
broader social level. However, an Essential partner.
Religious Practices Test is required for Hijab  Women’s feeling that she is too young to
as it was done for keeping a beard. have a child.

BODILY RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND ETHICAL ISSUES WITH ABORTION

ABORTION LAW
1. An Act of Taking Life: Since life begins at
ˆ Recently, The Government has incorporated conception, abortion is akin to murder as it
new rules under the “Medical Termination of is the act of taking human life. It is in direct

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 defiance of the commonly accepted idea of person. A list of criteria of personhood is
the sanctity of human life. identified, which includes consciousness,
2. Issues of Medical Complication: An abortion reasoning, activity, communication and self-
can result in medical complications later in awareness. A foetus undeniably is incapable
life. The chances of miscarriage and other of fulfilling these criteria.
health issues also increases. 2. Priority of Female over Foetus: The mother,
3. Psychological Pain and Stress: Abortion who is a person, has a right to life and it
frequently causes intense psychological pain supersedes the rights of the foetus to choose
and stress. whether or not it remains connected to her
body.
4. Son Meta Preference: Abortion based on
Sex determination mainly occurs because of 3. To Avoid Unwarranted Pregnancy:
preference of baby boy. Pregnancy is assumed to be a foreseeable
consequence of heterosexual intercourse,
5. Punishing Unborn Child: Abortion punishes
that too when there is no intention to ‘have
unborn children who committed no crime,
a baby’. So, denying her the right to abort
instead it is the perpetrator who should be
the child when she was not planning for it, is
punished.
unwarranted.
6. Lack of Bodily Rights: Abortion concerns
4. Health Issues of the Foetus or Mother:
the autonomy and dignity of the pregnant
Sometimes, delivering a baby could be
woman herself. If a woman who is pregnant
life threatening to the mother, in this case
wishes to stop being pregnant, it cannot be
abortion of the foetus could be justified. It
taken away from her.
may be more ethical for a mother to have
7. Issues of Self Determination: Attitudes to
an abortion to defend herself from the
pregnancy are, however, intertwined with
danger to her mental or physical health than
how society views sex, women, and the
continuing with the pregnancy.
fertile woman specifically. Pregnancy and
5. Gender Equality: The right to abortion is
birth are not trivial inconveniences, such as
vital for gender equality. The right to abortion
having a headache. They constitute a major
is vital for individual women to achieve their
life event, which even when desired causes
full potential. Banning abortion puts women
immense discomfort and disruption to many
at risk by forcing them to use illegal methods
women.
that may be more harmful.
8. History of Oppression of Women: Abortion
is seen as a compromise with liberty, self Way Forward
respect, self right on body. ˆ Adoption can be a viable option to abortion
ˆ Free and Informed choice
ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF ABORTION
ˆ Bodily rights of women to be protected
1. Right of Women: A female is considered
ˆ Rights of Self determination
a moral person, she is entitled to rights,
ˆ Securing Privacy of women
including the right to life. So, abortion is
deemed acceptable as the foetus is not a ˆ Ensure better Medical facility

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Conclusion
Conjugal Rights
ˆ The decision of whether or not to bear a child
is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being Conjugal rights are rights created by marriage,
and dignity. She ought to be the one deciding i.e. right of the husband o+r the wife to the
society of the other spouse. The law recognises
it for herself.
these rights— both in personal laws dealing
ˆ When the Government superintends that with marriage, divorce etc, and in criminal law
decision for her, she is being treated as less requiring payment of maintenance and alimony
than a fully adult human accountable for to a spouse.
her own choices. We need to bestow much
Ethical Issues
greater support to women who may want
to conceive and raise their children, but 1. Violation of the Right to Live with Human
opting out of it for financial, psychological, Dignity: Marital rape violates the right of a
health, or relationship reasons Criminalizing woman or wife to live her life with human
abortion does not stop abortions, it just dignity. The right to live with human dignity
forms a part of the right to life (a Fundamental
makes abortion more unsafe.
Right) under Article 21 in the Constitution of
ˆ Above all, the right to life should always India.
outweigh the right of an individual to
2. Issues of Sexual Privacy: In the case of the
equality or to control their own.
State of Maharashtra v. Madhukar Narayan,
the Supreme Court held that every woman
MARITAL RAPE AND CONJUGAL is entitled to her sexual privacy and it is not
RIGHTS open to any and every person to violate her
privacy as and whenever one wishes.
ˆ The Delhi High Court recently observed that 3. Right to Bodily Self-Determination: Every
while there can be no compromise with person has the right to make decisions
women’s right to sexual autonomy and any regarding his/her body. Similarly, the
act of rape has to be punished. decision of a woman whether to have sex or
not or to give consent is amongst the most
ˆ The court questioned as to why the exception
individual decisions that a lady holds for
from the offence of rape granted to a married
herself. It comes as a right to self-expression.
couple had remained in the legislature for
several years. This exception remained in 4. Violation of the Right to Equality: Similarly,
the differential treatment of rape and marital
spite of the wide scope of Section 375 of
rape in India under Section 375 of IPC and
Indian Penal Code which included even a
differential punishments awarded for both
single act of “unwilling sex” as rape.
under Section 376 of IPC violates the right to
MARITAL RAPE equality before the law (Article 14).
5. Rape Not Ground for Divorce: As marital
ˆ Marital rape can be defined as any unwanted rape is not a ground for a divorce in any
sexual intercourse or penetration obtained personal laws and even the Special Marriage
by force, threat of force, or when the wife Act, 1954, It cannot be used as a ground for
does not give consent. divorce and cruelty against the husband.

190
 Thus, the women remain helpless and keep Way Forward
suffering in silence. ˆ Marital rape is a complex issue that needs a
deep and detailed discussion. Criminalizing
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
marital rape will not merely help. Rather
CRIMINALIZING MARITAL RAPE there is a need for rectifying and filling the
1. Destabilise Marriage as an Institution: It gaps in existing laws and doing away with
may create absolute anarchy in families and archaic ones that tend to function against
destabilise the institution of marriage and the well-being of women and the society as
thereby destroy the family platform which a whole.
upholds family values and helps in sustaining ˆ Public consultation and discussion with all
the country. Indian society believes that the stakeholders may be the way forward.
marriage is a sacrament
2. Misuse of Law: It may become an easy tool
EUTHANASIA
for harassing the husbands by misusing the ˆ A nine-year-old boy died of a rare blood
law similar to the growing misuse of Section disease just within two hours after his
498A (harassment caused to a married mother had applied for his mercy killing in
woman by her husband and in-laws) of the court.
IPC.
ˆ A famous case, Aruna Shanbaug case, was
3. Awareness is more Important: Merely heard in the Supreme Court (SC) and final
criminalizing marital rape may not stop it judgement came in the year 2018 making
as “moral and social awareness” plays a vital the Right to die in a dignified way a part of
role in stopping such an act. Right to Life under Article 21.
4. Burden of Proof: The concept of burden of ˆ Only passive Euthanasia is allowed in India
proof is a complex issue. When marital rape by the Supreme Court.
would be considered a crime, there will be a
burden either on the wife to prove the offence ABOUT EUTHANASIA
or the husband to prove himself innocent
Euthanasia is a controversial issue in medical
and therefore it will be very difficult to apply.
ethics. It is defined as an act or practice of
5. Against Privacy: Some argue that making painlessly putting to death or withdrawing
marital rape a crime would allow the treatment from a person suffering an incurable
State to interfere in the personal affairs of disease. Euthanasia is intentionally killing
individuals. This will be a violation of the another person to relive his or her suffering.
right to privacy inherent in the Right to life
guaranteed under Article 21 in the Indian Arguments For Euthanasia
Constitution.
ˆ Right to Self Determination: The essence
6. Cultural Diversity: India has its unique of human life is to live a dignified life and
problems due to various factors like to force the person to live in an undignified
literacy, lack of financial empowerment way is against the person’s choice. Thus, it
of the majority of females, the mindset of expresses the choice of a person which is a
the society, vast diversity, poverty, etc. and fundamental principle. People have a right
these should be considered carefully before to self-determination, and thus should be
criminalizing marital rape. allowed to choose their own destiny.

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ˆ End of Pain: Euthanasia provides a way to It exposes vulnerable people to pressure to
relieve the intolerably extreme pain and end their lives.
suffering of an individual. It relieves the 3. Value of Life: Voluntary euthanasia could
terminally ill people from a lingering death. start on a slippery slope that may lead to
Assisting a subject to die is a better option involuntary euthanasia and the killing of
than continuing to suffer. people who are thought undesirable.
ˆ Treatment for Others: In many developing 4. Non-harm – The Principle of Non- Violence:
and underdeveloped countries like India, Hinduism and Buddhism regard all life as
there is a lack of funds. There is a shortage of precious (not just human life). They say that
hospital space. So, the energy of doctors and we should try to avoid harming living things
hospital beds can be used for those people and therefore this also rules out killing
whose life can be saved instead of continuing people, even if they want to die. Euthanasia
the life of those who want to die. might not be in a person’s best interests.
ˆ Dignified Death: Article 21 of the Indian 5. Issue of Care: Permitting euthanasia will
Constitution clearly provides for living with lead to less good care for the terminally ill. It
dignity. A person has a right to live a life with could undermine the commitment of doctors
at least minimum dignity and if that standard and nurses to save lives.
is falling below that minimum level then a 6. Discourage Medical Research: Allowing
person should be given a right to end his life. euthanasia could discourage the search for
ˆ Addressing Mental Agony: The motive new modes of treatment for the terminally
behind this is to help rather than harm. It not ill.
only relieves the unbearable pain of a patient
Issues of Euthanasia
but also relieves the relatives of a patient
from the mental agony. ˆ Medical Ethics: Medical ethics call for
ˆ Right Based Approach: People got an nursing, caregiving and healing and not
explicit right to die. Death is a private subject ending the life of the patient. In the present
and if there is no harm done to others then time, medical science is advancing at a
state and other people have no right to great pace making even the most incurable
interfere (libertarian case) diseases curable today. Thus instead of
encouraging a patient to end his life, the
ARGUMENTS AGAINST medical practitioners have to encourage
THE EUTHANASIA the patients to lead their painful life with
strength.
1. Weaken Society’s Respect for the Sanctity
of Life: Human life is sacred. Human lives ˆ Moral Wrong: Taking a life is morally and
are special because God created them. ethically wrong. The value of life can never
Human beings are made in God’s image. be undermined.
Therefore human life should be protected ˆ Vulnerable People Will Become More
and preserved, whatever happens Prone to it: Groups that represent disabled
2. Issues of Regulation: Accepting euthanasia people are against the legalisation of
would mean that some lives (those of the euthanasia on the ground that such groups of
sick or disabled) are worth less than others. vulnerable people would feel obliged to opt

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 for euthanasia as they may see themselves as 650 maker had distributed freebies of
a burden to society. about Rs 1,000 crore to doctors and medical
professionals in exchange for promoting its
ˆ Suicide v/s Euthanasia: When suicide is not
products.
allowed then euthanasia should also not be
allowed. A person commits suicide when he ˆ These freebies also referred to as the
goes into a state of depression and has no “Doctors’ Commission” have always been a
hope from life. Similar is the situation when part of the system and pharma companies
a person asks for euthanasia. But such a have handed out gifts, in cash or kind, to
tendency can be lessened by proper care of medical professionals to prescribe their
such patients and showing hope in them. brand of drug.

ˆ X-Factor: Miracles do happen in our society CAN DOCTORS ACCEPT FREEBIES FROM
especially when it is a matter of life and PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES?
death, there are examples of patients coming
out of coma after years and we should not ˆ As per the Indian Medical Council
forget human life is all about hope. (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics)
Regulations, Medical practitioners are
Way Forward
disallowed from accepting emoluments in
ˆ Achieving peace with God and pain control the form of inter alia gifts, travel facilities,
are nearly identical in importance for hospitality, cash or monetary grants.
patients and bereaved family members.
ˆ Acceptance of freebies could result in a range
ˆ The futile treatment that doesn’t have any of sanctions under the regulations ranging
reasonable chance of doing good - other from a “censure” for incentives costing up to
than keeping the patient from dying could be Rs 5,000 to removal from the Indian Medical
stopped to lessen the agony of the family. Register or State Medical Register for periods
ˆ At the same time, allowing voluntary ranging from three months to one year.
euthanasia makes it easier to commit
Ethical Issues in Providing
murder, since the perpetrators can disguise
Freebies to Doctors
it as active voluntary euthanasia. That must
be avoided. ˆ Misleading the Patient: Doctors prescribe
medicine brands that have offered them gifts
ˆ We should look at the brighter side of it than
or freebies.
thinking of it being abused.
ˆ Unfair to the Patient: Owing to the cost
ETHICS OF PHARMACEUTICAL incurred by the patients who purchase these
medicines.
ECOSYSTEM
ˆ Lack of Transparency: Such dealings
ˆ The Supreme Court termed “immoral or between the doctors and the Pharmaceutical
illegal” the practice of pharmaceutical companies are done in secrecy.
companies offering freebies to doctors,
ˆ Against the Prescribed Laws and
saying it affects common people by driving
Norms: Defies the Indian Medical Council
up healthcare costs.
(Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics)
ˆ According to the IT Department, the Dolo- Regulations

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 litigation, but pharma firms get away scot-
ETHICS OF PHARMACEUTICAL
free.
ECOSYSTEM/MEDICAL ETHICS
MORAL DILEMMAS FACED
Medical ethics is concerned with the obligations
BY SELF DRIVING CARS
of the doctors and the hospital to the patient
along with other health professionals and
Context
society. It is based on the following pillars:
 Beneficence (doing good) ˆ Despite the advances made in self-driving
technology, there is still no car that is 100%
 Non-maleficence (to do no harm)
fully autonomous today.
 Autonomy (giving the patient the
ˆ While carmakers such as Tesla, General
freedom to choose freely, where they
Motors, etc. have developed features such
are able)
as pedestrian detection, lane departure
 Justice (ensuring fairness) warnings, traffic sign recognition, and blind-
ˆ These four principles represent a framework spot detection, fully automated self-driving
for analysing the best action to take in a given vehicles likely won’t be ready any time
situation. before 2030.

International Case PROS OF DRIVERLESS TECHNOLOGY

ˆ In countries like the United States, France, 1. Social Advantage: Driverless cars have the
Germany, Hungary, Italy, UK, etc, there are potential to transform society in positive
stringent laws in place to reduce corruption ways. It can increase mobility for senior
in the pharma sector. citizens and the disabled for efficiency and
convenience.
ˆ The nexus between pharma firms and
doctors continues to increase the sale of 2. Road Safety: Higher levels of vehicle
medicines. automation are also expected to increase
road safety by reducing traffic accidents
ˆ A study found that seven major pharma
and, ultimately, preventing them altogether.
companies spent a total of Rs 34,186.95
Many self-driving vehicles are equipped
crore on marketing in eight years, which
with advanced driver- assistance systems,
significantly increased the price of the drug.
which prevent drivers from drifting out of
Way Forward their lanes or help them stop in time to avoid
ˆ Although there are regulations in place that a crash or reduce its severity.
may get the licences of doctors revoked 3. Protect Environment: Driverless technology
for violating the code outlined in the IMC can be beneficial for society by lowering
Regulations 2002, there is nothing to hold carbon emissions and paving the way for
pharmaceutical companies accountable for more sustainable ways of living.
the benefits doctors receive.
CONS OF DRIVERLESS TECHNOLOGY
ˆ Doctors getting gifts, travel facilities,
cash or other monetary benefits, etc from 1. Vehicle Malfunctions, for instance, can be a
pharmaceutical companies are subjected to safety hazard for road users. Last year, Tesla

194
 came under investigation after its vehicles varied from country to country and men to
operating on autopilot crashed into parked women as both each viewed the situation
emergency vehicles. differently from an ethical point of view.
2. Vulnerable to Cyber-attacks: Since they Way Forward
are primarily software-driven products ˆ It is important to broaden the public
compared to traditional cars. As they discussion from a focus on the crash
become increasingly dependent on software behaviour of vehicles to the many types
to operate, there are growing concerns that of social change that Automated Vehicle
hacking and cyberattacks could compromise technology can be involved in. These include
the proper functioning of self-driving cars looking at factors such as required levels of
and pose a threat to both drivers and car safety, the distribution of responsibilities
manufacturers. between regulators and vehicle providers,
3. Lack of Clear Regulations: To govern and the trade- offs between privacy and
the self-driving car industry. The lack of other interests.
regulatory clarity has legal implications,
including the issue of liability. It raises ˆ In particular, policymakers, carmakers, and
the question: When cars can operate the public will need to develop an agreement
themselves, are accidents the responsibility on compromises and prioritisation among
of the manufacturer or the driver? these ethical considerations.

ETHICAL ISSUES INVOLVED ETHICS OF WAR

IN SELF DRIVING CARS
ˆ Just War Theory: The most famous way
1. Testing of Self Driving Cars on Public of ethically assessing war is to use ‘Just
Roads: Despite their potential to improve War Theory’; a tradition going back to St.
road safety, the testing of AVs on public roads Augustine in the 5th Century and St. Thomas
could put unwitting drivers at risk. in the 13th Century.
2. This highlights the moral dilemma that ˆ Just War theory considers the reasons for
carmakers, regulators, and the public
going to war (Jus ad bellum) and the conduct
face: Does Automated Vehicles regulation
of war (Jus in bello).
create safer roads for people, or will it slow
the adoption of driverless technologies that ˆ A war might be ethical but the means
can reduce traffic accidents? unethical, for instance, using landmines,
3. Ability of the Machines in Making Moral torture, chemicals, drones, etc.
Decisions: While the introduction of Russia- Ukraine Conflict
autonomous vehicles may reduce the number
of road accidents, such events cannot be ˆ Just War theory sets out principles for a war
ruled out based on past records. In the event to be ethical.
of a crash, ethical decisions have to be made, ˆ The war must be:
which often puts people in a moral quandary,
ˆ Waged by a legitimate authority (usually
based on a study by researchers from the
states)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
4. Absence of Consensus on Moral Code: Moral ˆ In a just cause
principles that guided drivers’ decisions ˆ Waged with right intention.

195
ˆ Have a strong probability of success law that regulates the conduct of armed

ˆ Be a last resort conflict and seeks to limit its effects.

ˆ Be proportional ˆ They specifically protect people who are not

taking part in the hostilities (civilians, health
In addition, there are three principles for
workers and aid workers) and those who
conduct in war:
are no longer participating in the hostilities,
 Discrimination (distinguishing such as wounded, sick and shipwrecked
between enemy combatants and non-
soldiers and prisoners of war.
combatants)
ˆ The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
 Proportionality (the harms must be
(UDHR) is a milestone document in the
proportional to the gains)
history of human rights. The declaration was
 Actions must be militarily necessary proclaimed by the United Nations General
Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948
CONSEQUENCES OF WAR
(General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a
ˆ Loss of Life and Cause of Misery. common standard of achievements for all
ˆ Mass Destruction of Property. peoples and all nations.

ˆ Negatively Impacts the Economy and the ˆ It is a document that acts like a global road
Source of Livelihood of the people. map for freedom and equality – protecting
the rights of every individual, everywhere.
ˆ Denial of Basic Human Rights.

The Idea of Military Ethics ETHICS OF EARLY EMBRYO

RESEARCH
ˆ Military Ethics is an interdisciplinary study,
incorporating concerns about the conduct of ˆ Embryonic stem cell research forces one to
war, decisions on how and when to engage choose between two moral principles:
in military operations, and issues relating to
 The duty to prevent or alleviate
the moral psychology and care of those who
suffering.
serve and of veterans of military service.
 The duty to respect the value of human
ˆ Military Ethics focuses on the core values
life.
and moral principles that collectively govern
the men and women serving in the military ˆ To obtain embryonic stem cells, the early
forces of nations around the world, as embryo has to be destroyed. This means
members of what is sometimes termed the destroying a potential human life. But
“military profession” or “the profession of embryonic stem cell research could lead to
arms.” the discovery of new medical treatments
WAY FORWARD - INTERNATIONAL that would alleviate the suffering of many
AGREEMENTS AND CONVENTIONS people. So which moral principle should

ˆ The Geneva Conventions and their Additional have the upper hand in this situation?
Protocols are at the core of international ˆ The answer hinges on the view of the embryo.
humanitarian law, the body of international Does it have the status of a person or not?

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 ETHICAL ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR ETHICAL ARGUMENTS AGAINST
OF EARLY EMBRYO RESEARCH EARLY EMBRYO RESEARCH

ˆ Embryo is not exactly a child yet, because ˆ Potential to Develop into a Full Human:
unless it is embedded in the uterus wall, it Hence, killing it during research would
will never have the chance to develop into a amount to killing a life.
baby.
ˆ Religious Perception: It believes that Soul
ˆ Every year fertility clinics create many enters the body at the moment of conception.
embryos that are destroyed because they are Human beings are not things. Their lives
made in surplus. must not be sacrificed against their will,
even for the sake of good ends, like saving
ˆ Using cells from these surplus Embryos for
other people’s lives.
research and developing medical treatments
could help improve and save people’s lives, Way Forward
which is much better than throwing them All Research on Stem Cells must be conducted in
away. an ethical and scientifically responsible manner.
vvvv

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