ROUGH DIAMONDS
GS PAPER – IV - ETHICS
CODE OF ETHICS
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India currently has Civil Service Conduct Rules, which are legal and prescriptive, but no
formal Code of Ethics that lays down aspirational moral standards.
1. The Current Situation in India
India’s civil servants are governed by the following conduct rules:
The All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 — for IAS, IPS, and IFoS officers.
The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 — for other central government
employees.
These rules specify what officers must or must not do in their official and personal
capacities.
Nature of Conduct Rules:
Prescriptive — They define permissible and prohibited behaviour.
Legalistic — Breach leads to disciplinary or legal action.
External control mechanism — Focused on compliance, not conscience.
Example:
Rules prohibit:
Taking part in politics.
Accepting gifts beyond a certain value.
Engaging in private business.
Disclosing official information without permission.
Thus, they control conduct, but do not inspire ethical ideals like honesty, empathy, or
public spirit.
2. Absence of a Formal “Code of Ethics”
India does not have a codified set of ethical principles—a “Code of Ethics”—that
articulates the values, ideals, and expected spirit of public service.
What a Code of Ethics would include:
Foundational values: Integrity, impartiality, objectivity, dedication to service,
empathy, non-partisanship, accountability.
Guiding principles: Acting in the public interest, promoting justice and
transparency, respecting human dignity, maintaining political neutrality.
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Moral ideals: What civil servants should aspire to, not just what they must avoid.
3. Recommendations for Introducing a Code of Ethics
(a) Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC), 2008
In its report “Ethics in Governance,” the 2nd ARC explicitly recommended:
“A clear and concise Code of Ethics should be adopted for civil servants to
supplement the existing Conduct Rules.”
It should reflect principles such as:
Public good over private gain.
Commitment to constitutional values.
Honesty and integrity in public life.
Transparency and accountability.
Empathy and compassion toward citizens.
(b) DoPT Initiatives
The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has periodically considered
drafting a “Code of Ethics” for central services.
In 2023, the DoPT circulated an internal concept note proposing “Ethics Nodal
Officers” in each ministry — a small but significant step toward institutionalising
ethical conduct.
However, no formal Code of Ethics has been adopted nationally yet.
4. Why the Distinction Matters
Aspect Conduct Rules Code of Ethics
Nature Prescriptive, legal, rule-based Aspirational, moral, value-based
Focus External control, discipline Internal motivation, conscience
Purpose Prevent misconduct Promote ethical excellence
Approach “Don’t do this” “Strive to do this”
Outcome Compliance Character-building
5. Why India Needs a Code of Ethics Now
1. Bridge the gap between legality and morality — rules can prevent corruption but
cannot ensure empathy or fairness.
2. Strengthen public trust — citizens expect civil servants not just to be law-abiding
but morally upright.
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3. Provide ethical guidance in grey areas — where no law or rule applies (e.g.,
dilemmas involving compassion vs. law).
4. International Best Practice — countries like UK, Australia, Canada, and New
Zealand have well-established Codes of Ethics guiding civil servants beyond mere
conduct compliance.
6. Way Forward
Adopt a National Code of Ethics for Civil Services (as recommended by 2nd ARC).
Establish Ethics Management Units in ministries (DoPT draft proposal, 2023).
Integrate ethics training under Mission Karmayogi (2020–2025), emphasising
behavioural competencies and emotional intelligence.
Conduct Ethics Audits annually to measure departments on transparency, probity,
and citizen satisfaction.
Promote leadership by example — senior officers must model ethical ideals, not
merely follow rules.
“India’s Civil Service Conduct Rules ensure compliance, but not conscience. A Code of Ethics,
rooted in constitutional morality, is essential to inspire public servants to rise above legality
toward moral excellence in governance.”
Contemporary Example:
Following misconduct and social media controversies, the Telangana Chief
Secretary (2025) reminded bureaucrats to adhere to conduct rules — showing that
compliance exists, but ethical mindfulness is still lacking.
A Code of Ethics could proactively guide such behaviour, making preventive rather
than reactive corrections.
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