Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

Governance is not only about laws, policies, and institutions, but also about ethics and morality. A government may have the best rules and systems, but if decision-makers lack values such as integrity, honesty, accountability, and compassion, the system collapses.

👉 In India, strengthening ethical and moral values in governance is critical because:

  • It ensures trust between citizens and government.
  • It prevents corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power.
  • It helps achieve good governance and inclusive development.

🔹 In simple terms: Ethical governance = Doing the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.

What Are Ethical and Moral Values in Governance?

  • Ethical values → Principles of right conduct (honesty, fairness, transparency).
  • Moral values → Deep-rooted beliefs of what is right and wrong (truth, justice, compassion).

👉 Together, they form the foundation of public service.

Example:
A civil servant who refuses bribes, treats all citizens equally, and prioritizes public welfare is practicing ethical governance.

Why Strengthen Ethics in Governance?

  1. Corruption in administration → delays projects, increases costs.
  2. Loss of public trust → citizens stop cooperating with government.
  3. Inefficiency → unethical practices weaken institutions.
  4. Social injustice → marginalized groups suffer most from unethical decisions.

🔹 Ethics is not optional — it is essential for democracy and development.

Sources of Ethical and Moral Guidance in Governance

  1. Constitution of India
    • Preamble: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
    • Fundamental Rights & Duties = Ethical framework.
  2. Laws and Rules
    • Prevent misuse of power.
    • Example: RTI Act ensures transparency.
  3. Institutions
    • UPSC, CVC, CAG promote ethical governance.
  4. Personal Conscience
    • An officer’s inner moral compass guides action.

Ways to Strengthen Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

1. Value-Based Education and Training

  • Introduce ethics in school, college, and civil services training.
  • Example: LBSNAA Mussoorie trains IAS officers in ethics through case studies.

2. Code of Ethics and Conduct

  • A clear code of conduct for civil servants ensures uniform standards.
  • Example: UK’s Nolan Principles → selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership.

3. Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms

  • RTI Act, e-governance, citizen charters reduce corruption.
  • Example: Digital India portals allow citizens to track services online.

4. Role Models and Leadership

  • Ethical leadership inspires others.
  • Example: Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned as Railway Minister after a train accident, taking moral responsibility.

5. Institutional Strengthening

  • CVC, Lokpal, Election Commission must be independent and empowered.
  • Example: ECI ensuring free & fair elections in India.

6. Public Participation

  • Citizens must be partners in governance.
  • Example: Social audits in MGNREGA expose corruption and improve service delivery.

7. Use of Technology

  • Digital systems reduce human discretion.
  • Example: Aadhaar-based DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) reduces leakages in subsidies.

Examples from Indian Governance

  1. E-Governance in India
    • Online income tax filing → less corruption, more efficiency.
  2. RTI Act 2005
    • Citizens can demand accountability from officials.
  3. Swachh Bharat Mission
    • Encouraged moral responsibility of citizens towards cleanliness.
  4. LPG Subsidy Direct Transfer
    • Eliminated middlemen corruption.
  5. Metro Projects
    • Managed with transparency, timely completion in cities like Delhi.

Challenges in Strengthening Ethics

  1. Red Tapism – too many procedures lead to bribes.
  2. Political Pressure – officials forced to act unethically.
  3. Weak Whistleblower Protection – fear of exposing corruption.
  4. Cultural Acceptance of Corruption – bribes seen as “normal.”

Case Studies

Case Study 1: E-Samiksha in PMO

A web-based monitoring system where ministries upload progress reports. Ensures transparency and accountability.

Case Study 2: Social Audit in Andhra Pradesh

Villagers review MGNREGA expenses → caught fake job cards → improved trust.

Case Study 3: Metro Rail Projects

Adherence to time and budget showed how ethical project management benefits society.

Key Steps for Civil Servants

🔹 Always act according to Constitutional values.
🔹 Avoid conflict of interest.
🔹 Promote equity and justice in decision-making.
🔹 Be transparent and accountable.
🔹 Show compassion towards weaker sections.

Key Takeaways

  • Ethical governance = foundation of good governance.
  • Strengthening values requires education, leadership, technology, institutions, and citizen participation.
  • Examples from India show ethics improve efficiency and trust.
  • Civil servants must practice integrity, selflessness, and fairness in all actions.

Conclusion

Ethical and moral values are the soul of governance. A system based only on rules can never succeed without honesty, compassion, and responsibility.

👉 For a civil servant, strengthening ethical values means:

  • Serving people, not power.
  • Ensuring justice, not just law.
  • Building trust, not fear.

As Kautilya (Chanakya) said:

“The happiness of the people is the happiness of the king; their welfare is his welfare.”

This timeless wisdom is the essence of ethical governance in India today.