KAS MAINS ABHYASA DAY – 39

SYNOPSIS
1. What is the need of ethics (ENG)
in public administration?
(10 marks, 150 Words)

Introduction:
Ethics in public administration is a crucial aspect of governance, focusing on the
standards of right and wrong that guide the behavior and decisions of public
officials. These ethics are essential for maintaining public trust, ensuring
accountability, and promoting the common good.
Body:
The need for ethics in public administration is fundamental to the effective and
just functioning of government.
Here are several key reasons why ethics are essential in this field:
o Maintaining Public Trust
 Credibility: Ethical behavior by public administrators helps build and
maintain trust between the government and the public. When officials act
with integrity and transparency, citizens are more likely to have confidence
in their government.

 Legitimacy: Trustworthy administration enhances the legitimacy of

government actions and decisions, fostering a sense of respect and
compliance among the populace.

o Promoting Accountability and Transparency

 Responsibility: Ethical standards ensure that public officials are held
accountable for their actions, which helps prevent abuse of power and
corruption.

 Openness: Transparency in decision-making processes allows the public to

see how and why decisions are made, which promotes honesty and reduces
opportunities for unethical behavior.

o Ensuring Fairness and Equity

  Impartiality: Ethical guidelines help ensure that all citizens are treated
equally and fairly, regardless of their background or status. This is crucial
for upholding the principles of justice and equality.

 Equitable Resource Distribution: Ethics in public administration guide

the fair allocation of resources, ensuring that decisions are made based on
merit and public need rather than favoritism or personal gain.

o Supporting Good Governance

 Effective Policy Implementation: Ethical behavior contributes to the
effective implementation of policies and programs, as it fosters cooperation
and compliance from all stakeholders.

 Long-term Stability: A government perceived as ethical is more likely to

achieve long-term stability, as it enjoys sustained support from the public
and avoids scandals and crises that can undermine its authority.

o Encouraging Ethical Behavior Among Public Officials

 Role Modelling: When leaders and public officials adhere to high ethical
standards, they set a positive example for others within the organization
and the wider community.

 Culture of Integrity: Promoting ethics helps cultivate a culture of

integrity and professionalism within public administration, leading to a
more motivated and principled workforce.

o Preventing Corruption and Misconduct

 Deterrence: Clear ethical guidelines and strict enforcement mechanisms
act as deterrents to corrupt practices and misconduct.

 Detection and Correction: Ethical frameworks enable the early detection

and correction of unethical behavior, minimizing its impact on public trust
and service delivery.

o Enhancing Policy Outcomes

 Informed Decision-Making: Ethical considerations ensure that decisions
are made based on comprehensive analysis and the common good, rather
than personal interests or external pressures.

 Sustainable Development: Ethical public administration supports

sustainable and inclusive development by prioritizing the welfare of all
citizens and future generations.

8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

  Adherence to Laws: Ethical standards ensure that public officials comply
with laws and regulations, which is essential for maintaining the rule of law
and democratic governance.

 Avoiding Legal Repercussions: Ethical conduct helps prevent legal

issues that can arise from misconduct, protecting both individuals and the
organization from litigation and penalties.

Conclusion
Ethics in public administration are indispensable for building a trustworthy,
effective, and fair government. They provide the foundation for accountability,
transparency, and justice, all of which are essential for maintaining public trust
and achieving good governance. By upholding ethical principles, public
administrators can ensure that their actions serve the best interests of society and
contribute to the common good.

2. “Citizen Charter aims in increasing the trust between the government

and citizens.” Briefly discuss how they ensure transparency and
accountability in administration. (10 marks, 150 Words)

Introduction
A Citizen Charter is a document that outlines the standards of service,
rights, and responsibilities of both the service provider (government) and the
service recipient (citizens). It serves as a commitment from the government to
provide transparent and accountable services, fostering trust between the
government and its citizens. Its primary objective is to increase transparency,
accountability and trust between the government and its citizens.
Body
Citizen Charter enhances trust between the government and citizens
through various mechanisms:
1. Transparency and Accountability:
 Charters provide clear information and standards, fostering trust by
making citizens aware of what to expect and holding the government
accountable.
2. Citizen-Centric Approach:
 Shifting focus from bureaucracy to citizens shows government commitment
to meeting their needs, essential for trust-building.
3. Grievance Redress Mechanisms:
 It outlines the procedures for lodging complaints and the timelines within
which grievances will be addressed. This ensures that citizens have a formal
mechanism to seek redress if services are not delivered as promised.
4. Empowering Citizens:
 By clearly outlining the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the Charter
empowers them to demand better services and hold the government
accountable.
4. Public Availability:
  They are made publicly available through various channels, including
government websites, offices and information kiosks, making it easy for
citizens to access the information.
 The Charters are often written in simple, understandable language,
ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their education level, can
comprehend the details.
5. Standardization of Processes:
 By standardizing service delivery processes, Citizen Charters reduce
ambiguity and arbitrariness, ensuring that all citizens receive uniform
treatment.
6. Feedback and Monitoring:
 Many Charters include mechanisms for collecting feedback from citizens,
which is used to monitor and improve service delivery.
 Regular reviews and updates of the Charter ensure that it remains relevant
and responsive to citizen needs and that service standards are continuously
improved.
7. Commitment to Service Delivery:
 The Charter represents a public commitment by the government to provide
certain standards of service, reinforcing its dedication to serving the public
effectively.
 In India, various government departments, such as the Passport Seva
Kendras and the Indian Railways, have implemented Citizen Charters,
resulting in improved service delivery and higher citizen satisfaction.
Here's how Citizen Charter ensures transparency and accountability:
Ensures Transparency
1. Clear Information Disclosure:
 Citizen Charters clearly outline the services provided by the government,
the standards of these services and the expected timeframes for delivery.
This information empowers citizens with knowledge about what they can
expect.
2. Rights and Obligations:
 They detail the rights of citizens in their interactions with government
agencies, as well as any obligations or requirements on the part of the
citizens.
3. Service Procedures:
 They provide detailed procedures for accessing services, including
documentation required, application processes, and contact points.
  They specify any fees or charges associated with services, eliminating
hidden costs and preventing opportunities for corruption.
4. Performance Indicators:
 They set performance benchmarks for service delivery, which are publicly
available, allowing citizens to compare actual performance against these
standards.
Promoting Accountability
1. Grievance Redressal Mechanisms:
 Public servants are held accountable for their performance, and there are
often provisions for penalties or corrective actions if standards are not met.
 They include clear instructions on how citizens can lodge complaints if
service standards are not met.
 They specify the expected timeframes within which grievances should be
addressed, ensuring timely redressal.
2. Consequences for Non-Compliance:
 Some charters specify penalties for non-compliance with the service
standards or outline corrective actions to be taken by the agencies involved.
3. Defines Responsibility:
 Citizen Charters assign specific responsibilities to government agencies and
officials. When agencies are held responsible for their actions, it builds trust
in the system.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
 Government agencies are required to monitor performance against the
standards set in the Citizen Charters and conduct regular audits.
 Results of these audits and evaluations are often made public, holding
agencies accountable for their performance.
Issues:

1. Lack of Legal Enforceability:

 Citizen’s Charters in India lack legal enforceability, rendering them non-

binding and without legal consequences for non-compliance.

2. Inadequate Consultation:

 The formulation of Charters often occurs without adequate input from

stakeholders, leading to Charters that do not align with citizens’ actual
needs and expectations.

3. Poor Design and Implementation:

  Some Charters have inadequate content and critical information, making
them challenging for citizens to understand and organizations to implement
effectively.

4. Low Public Awareness:

 Ineffective communication and awareness efforts result in many citizens

being unaware of the commitments in Charters, reducing their ability to
hold agencies accountable.

5. Irregular Review and Updates:

 Charters are rarely reviewed and updated, causing them to become

outdated and unresponsive to changing circumstances.

6. Uniformity Over Local Relevance:

 A tendency to create uniform Charters for all offices overlooks local issues
and specific requirements.

7. Absence of Clearly defined Performance Metrics:

 Many Charters lack clearly defined and measurable service delivery

standards, hindering assessments of achievement.

Conclusion
Citizen Charters play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in
public administration. By clearly defining service standards, timelines and
grievance mechanisms, they empower citizens, hold public officials accountable
and build trust between the government and its citizens.

3. Explain Utilitarianism and Deontology theory with examples?

(10 marks, 150 Words)

Introduction:
Utilitarianism and Deontology are two prominent ethical theories that propose
different approaches to determining the morality of actions. Below is an
explanation of each theory with examples:
Body:
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that asserts that the best action is the one
that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure. It is a form of consequentialism,
meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome.
Key Principles:
 1. Greatest Happiness Principle: Actions are right in proportion as they
tend to promote happiness and wrong as they tend to produce the reverse
of happiness.

2. Hedonism: Happiness and pleasure are the ultimate goods.

3. Impartiality: Everyone's happiness counts equally.

Example:
Consider a situation where a doctor has five patients in need of organ transplants,
and one healthy patient whose organs could save them all. A utilitarian might
argue that sacrificing the one healthy patient to save five lives maximizes overall
happiness and is therefore the morally right action.
Deontology
Deontology is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of rules and
duties. It was formulated by Immanuel Kant, who argued that actions are morally
right if they are done in accordance with duty and moral rules, regardless of the
consequences.
Key Principles:
1. Duty and Rules: Morality is based on adherence to rules or duties.

2. Categorical Imperative: Act only according to that maxim by which you

can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

3. Intrinsic Worth: Certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong.

Example:
In the same situation with the doctor and five patients, a deontologist would argue
that it is morally wrong to kill the healthy patient, regardless of the potential to
save five lives, because it violates the moral rule against killing innocent people.
The act of killing is inherently wrong, and the consequences do not justify the
means.
Comparison
While utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions and aims to
maximize overall happiness, deontology focuses on the adherence to moral rules
and duties, regardless of the outcomes.
Example Comparison:
 Utilitarianism: Justifying lying to protect someone's feelings, if it
maximizes overall happiness.

 Deontology: Rejecting lying because it violates the moral rule of honesty,

regardless of the potential emotional harm.
Conclusion:
Both theories provide valuable perspectives on ethical decision-making.
Utilitarianism offers a pragmatic approach focused on outcomes, while deontology
provides a principled approach emphasizing the intrinsic morality of actions.
Understanding both can help in navigating complex moral dilemmas where the
consequences and the adherence to moral principles might conflict.

4. “Information sharing and transparency is crucial for good

governance. “Elucidate the statement. (10 marks, 150 Words)

Introduction
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission has defined
transparency as the “availability of information to the general public and
clarity about the functioning of governmental institutions.”Information
sharing and transparency are fundamental pillars of good governance. They play
a crucial role in promoting probity and ethical governance by making the decision-
making process visible and accountable to the public. It enables citizens to hold
public officials accountable for their actions and promotes trust, credibility in
government institutions and promotes active civic engagement.
Body

Significance of Information sharing and transparency for good

governance:

1. Building Trust and Credibility

 Transparency in governance allows citizens to see how decisions are made

and resources are allocated. When governments openly share information
about their operations, policies and financial activities, it builds trust and
credibility among the public.
 The basic objective of the Right to Information Act, 2005 is to empower
the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the
Government.
 For instance, Open Government Data (OGD) Platform (data.gov.in) is
an initiative that provides single-point access to datasets published by
various government departments, various e-Governance initiatives,
such as Digital India, etc have been launched to leverage technology for
delivering government services and enhancing transparency.

2. Ensuring Accountability

 Transparency provides a mechanism for holding officials and institutions

accountable. When information about government actions is accessible, it is
easier to monitor and evaluate the performance of public officials and
 institutions. This scrutiny helps to prevent corruption, misuse of power
and inefficient use of public resources.

3. Informed Decision-Making

 Information sharing ensures that citizens, policymakers and other

stakeholders are well-informed. Access to accurate and comprehensive
information allows for better decision-making at all levels. Citizens can
make informed choices in elections and policymakers can craft more
effective and responsive policies based on reliable data and public feedback.

4. Promoting Civic Engagement and Participation

 Transparency empowers citizens by giving them the information they need

to participate actively in governance processes. When people have access to
relevant information, they are more likely to engage in public debates,
contribute to policy development and hold their leaders accountable.
 For instance, Citizen Charters, MyGov, etc. encourage citizen
participation in governance. Citizens can provide suggestions, participate
in discussions, and contribute to policy formulation and decision-making
processes.

5. Enhancing Service Delivery

 Governments that share information openly can improve the delivery of

public services. Transparency in service delivery standards, processes, and
performance metrics helps to identify areas needing improvement and
fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
 It also enables citizens to provide feedback and report issues, leading to
more responsive and effective services.

6. Facilitating Economic Growth

 Transparent governance can create a more favourable environment for

economic growth. Investors and businesses prefer to operate in
environments where there is clarity and predictability in regulatory and
policy frameworks.
 Information sharing about economic policies, regulations and public
procurement processes can attract investments and foster economic
development.
 For instance, Government e Market Place (GeM) is a one-stop National
Public Procurement Portal to facilitate online procurement of common use
Goods & Services required by various Central and State Government
Departments/Organizations/Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

7. Mitigating Conflicts and Social Tensions

  In many societies, a lack of transparency and information sharing can lead
to mistrust, rumours and conflicts. Open and transparent communication
helps to mitigate these issues by providing accurate information and
addressing public concerns proactively. This can contribute to social
cohesion and stability.

Issues:

 The Official Secrets Act 1923, is often used to justify the withholding of
information from the public, which undermines the principles of
transparency and accountability in governance.
 Not all institutions are under RTI: Another issue is that some
institutions are not being covered under the Act. E.g. Judiciary is not under
the Act.
 Lack of infrastructure: The Implementation of RTI requires the PIOs to
provide information to the applicant through photocopies, soft copies etc.
These facilities are not available at Block and Panchayat level.
 Low awareness level: Awareness about RTI and citizen charters is still
very low.
 Constraints faced in filing applications: Under Section 26 of the RTI
Act, the appropriate Government is expected to publish and distribute user
guides (within 18 months of enactment of the Act) for information seekers.
However Nodal Departments have not published these guides in many
states.
 Frivolous overuse of RTI obstructs national development. Valuable
time of public authorities is wasted furnishing information to applicants
instead of discharging their regular duties.
 RTI Act fails to protect whistleblowers so that they can speak out if they
find malpractice in an organisation.

Conclusion

Information sharing and transparency are crucial for good governance as they
build trust, ensure accountability, enable informed decision-making, promote civic
engagement, enhance service delivery, facilitate economic growth and mitigate
conflicts. Governments that prioritize these principles are better equipped to serve
their citizens effectively and sustainably.
5. What are the main ethical dilemmas faced by public and private
institutions in the contemporary world? How can they be resolved by
applying ethical principles and values? (15 marks, 250 words)

Introduction

An ethical dilemma is a situation where a person or entity must choose

between two or more conflicting ethical principles or values. Eg: Following
the truth versus being loyal to a best friend. In today’s complex world, both public
and private institutions frequently encounter such dilemmas, necessitating
careful navigation to uphold ethical standards.

Body

Ethical dilemmas faced by public institutions in the contemporary world:

● Transparency vs. Confidentiality: Balancing the public’s right to know

with the need to protect sensitive information in public interest and for
national security presents ethical complexities. Example: The debate over
the Right to Information Act in India and its limitations in matters of
national security under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) of
1923.

● Regulatory Compliance vs. Innovation: Balancing enforcement of laws

with fostering innovation presents another ethical dilemma. Example: The
European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) poses
challenges for tech companies in innovating while ensuring data protection.

● Accountability vs. Autonomy: Balancing oversight with the need for

decision-making freedom highlights an ethical dilemma. Example: Central
banks, like the Reserve Bank of India, must navigate between
governmental oversight and independent policy-making to ensure economic
stability.

● Personal Ethics vs. Organizational Policies: Conflicts between

personal beliefs and organizational directives are still raising their heads.
Example: Whistleblowers in government agencies, like Edward Snowden,
often face this dilemma when disclosing information that conflicts with
their ethical beliefs.

Ethical dilemmas faced by private institutions in the contemporary

world:

● Customer Privacy vs. Data Utilization: Tech companies face an ethical

dilemma of balancing user privacy with data use. Example: Facebook’s
 Cambridge Analytica scandal highlighted the conflict between user privacy
and data monetization.

● Employee Welfare vs. Organizational Goals: Balancing employee

rights with business objectives like profit making present another ethical
dilemma faced by private institutions. Example: IT companies in India
grappling with layoffs and employee burnout during the COVID-19
pandemic while trying to maintain productivity.
● Ethical Sourcing vs. Cost Efficiency: Sourcing materials ethically vs.
managing costs to maximize the profits highlights the ethical dilemma
faced by private institutions. Example: The textile industry in India facing
challenges in ethical sourcing due to the prevalence of child labour and poor
working conditions in some parts of the supply chain.

● Corporate Governance vs. Shareholder Interests: Balancing ethical

governance with shareholders demands for profit is another ethical
dilemma faced by private institutions. Example: The Satyam Computer
Services scandal, where fraudulent practices were undertaken to inflate
stock prices, highlighting conflicts between ethical governance and
shareholder interests.

Ways in which they can be resolved by applying ethical principles and

values

Public Institutions:

● Foster Utilitarianism in Public Institutions: Applying this principle

can help balance Transparency vs. Confidentiality. Decisions about
information disclosure, like in the Right to Information Act in India, can be
guided by what benefits the most people, ensuring a balance between public
knowledge and necessary secrecy.

● Deontological Ethics for Regulatory Compliance: This approach

stresses duty and principle adherence, aiding institutions like those
affected by the GDPR to maintain ethical practices while encouraging
innovation within legal boundaries.

● Virtue Ethics in Accountability vs. Autonomy: Central banks, such as

the Reserve Bank of India, can cultivate virtues like honesty and integrity
to balance autonomy with accountability, ensuring decisions are ethically
sound and economically prudent.

● Stakeholder Theory in Personal Ethics vs. Organizational Policies:

Whistleblowers like Edward Snowden exemplify the need to consider the
 broader impact on all stakeholders, including the public, while resolving
conflicts between personal ethics and organizational directives.

Private institutions:

● Open Communication: Encouraging transparency and dialogue can help

tech companies like Facebook balance Customer Privacy vs. Data
Utilization, aligning business practices with ethical considerations and
public expectations.

● Virtue Ethics for Employee Welfare: Companies in India, facing

dilemmas like layoffs during recessionary situations and pandemics, can
apply virtues like compassion and fairness to balance employee welfare
with organizational goals.

● Utilitarianism in Ethical Sourcing: Companies working under

industries like textile industry in India, challenged with ethical sourcing,
can use this principle to make decisions that provide the greatest good, like
improving working conditions and eliminating child labour.

● Incorporate Stakeholder Theory in Corporate Governance: In

situations like the Satyam scandal, considering the interests of all
stakeholders, not just shareholders, can help balance corporate governance
with profit motives, leading to ethical and sustainable business practices.

Conclusion

By integrating these ethical principles and values, institutions can navigate

complex dilemmas, ensuring decisions are made in an ethical, fair, and socially
responsible manner. This approach promises a more just, transparent, and
socially responsible future for both public and private institutions,
aligning actions with ethical imperatives.

6. What are the major ethical issues in corporate governance? What steps
can be taken to resolve the same? (15 marks, 250 words)

Introduction:
Corporate governance involves the systems, principles, and processes by which a
company is directed and controlled. Ethical issues in corporate governance can
significantly impact the trustworthiness, integrity, and sustainability of a
business.
Body:
Here are some major ethical issues commonly encountered in corporate
governance:
1. Conflict of Interest
 Definition: Situations where personal interests conflict with professional
duties or responsibilities.

 Examples:

o Board members or executives benefiting personally from decisions

made in their professional capacity.

o Nepotism or favoritism in hiring, promotions, or awarding contracts.

2. Transparency and Disclosure

 Definition: The obligation of companies to provide accurate, complete, and
timely information to stakeholders.

 Examples:

o Failure to disclose financial risks, liabilities, or conflicts of interest.

o Misleading or withholding information in financial reports or public

statements.

3. Executive Compensation
 Definition: The policies and practices related to the remuneration of top
executives.

 Examples:

o Excessive executive pay packages not aligned with company

performance or shareholder interests.

o Lack of transparency in the criteria and processes for determining

executive compensation.

4. Board Composition and Independence

 Definition: The structure and independence of the board of directors in
overseeing management.

 Examples:

o Lack of diversity in terms of skills, experience, gender, or ethnicity.

o Insufficient number of independent directors leading to inadequate

oversight and accountability.
5. Shareholder Rights and Equitable Treatment
 Definition: Ensuring that the rights of all shareholders, especially
minority and foreign shareholders, are respected and protected.

 Examples:

o Unequal voting rights or influence in decision-making processes.

o Expropriation of minority shareholder interests through unfair

practices.

6. Ethical Leadership and Culture

 Definition: The tone set by the board and senior management in promoting
ethical behavior and a culture of integrity.

 Examples:

o Tolerance of unethical behavior or misconduct at any level of the

organization.

o Failure to establish or enforce a code of ethics and conduct.

7. Accountability and Oversight

 Definition: Ensuring that company executives and board members are
accountable for their actions and decisions.

 Examples:

o Inadequate internal controls and audit functions to detect and

prevent misconduct.

o Lack of clear accountability mechanisms for executive performance

and behavior.

8. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

 Definition: The responsibility of companies to act in the best interests of
society and the environment.

 Examples:

o Neglecting environmental sustainability and contributing to

pollution or climate change.

o Ignoring social issues such as labor rights, community impact, and

ethical sourcing.
9. Whistleblower Protection
 Definition: Safeguarding individuals who report unethical behavior or
violations within the company.

 Examples:

o Retaliation against employees who raise concerns or report

misconduct.

o Lack of effective mechanisms for anonymous reporting and

protection of whistleblowers.

10. Insider Trading

 Definition: The illegal practice of trading on the stock exchange to one's
own advantage through having access to confidential information.

 Examples:

o Executives or employees using non-public information to profit from

stock trades.

o Sharing insider information with friends or family for financial gain.

11. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Issues

 Definition: The integration of environmental, social, and governance
factors into corporate strategy and operations.

 Examples:

o Failure to address and mitigate environmental impact.

o Neglecting human rights and fair labor practices in the supply chain.

Strategies to Address Ethical Issues in Corporate Governance

1. Establishing Strong Governance Frameworks
 Develop and enforce robust governance policies and procedures.

 Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability mechanisms for

board members and executives.

2. Enhancing Board Composition and Independence

 Promote diversity in board membership to bring various perspectives and
experiences.

 Increase the number of independent directors to strengthen oversight.

3. Promoting Transparency and Disclosure
 Ensure timely and accurate disclosure of financial and non-financial
information.

 Implement transparent decision-making processes and communicate them

to stakeholders.

4. Ensuring Fair and Reasonable Executive Compensation

 Align executive compensation with company performance and shareholder
interests.

 Establish transparent criteria and processes for determining compensation

packages.

5. Fostering an Ethical Culture

 Set a strong ethical tone at the top and lead by example.

 Develop and enforce a comprehensive code of ethics and conduct.

6. Protecting Shareholder Rights

 Ensure equitable treatment of all shareholders, including minority and
foreign shareholders.

 Implement fair voting rights and processes for shareholder decision-

making.

7. Implementing Effective Whistleblower Mechanisms

 Establish anonymous and secure channels for reporting unethical behavior.

 Protect whistleblowers from retaliation and ensure timely investigation of

reports.

8. Integrating ESG Factors into Corporate Strategy

 Incorporate environmental, social, and governance considerations into
business planning and decision-making.
 Regularly assess and report on the company's ESG performance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, addressing these major ethical issues in corporate governance is
crucial for maintaining the trust and confidence of stakeholders, promoting
sustainable growth, and ensuring the long-term success of the company.
and objective manner.