[General Studies IV: Ethics] Civil services Mains 2023 [150 words, 10 marks]
Answer Structure:
- Introduction: Concept of Probity
- Body: Challenges of corruption
- Conclusion: Probity is the cornerstone of good governance
Answer
Introduction
Probity is an act of deep investigation undertaken in search of truth.
Probity in public life requires strict adherence to high moral and ethical standards. An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is the absence of corruption. The other requirements are effective laws, rules and regulations
Body
Corruption poses a serious challenge.
In the political realm, it undermines democracy by subverting formal political and administrative processes.
In parliament and legislative bodies, it reduces accountability
In the judiciary, it compromises the rule of law.
In public administration, it results in inefficient provision of public services.
In police, it renders criminal justice administration ineffective.
In general, corruption erodes the institutional capacity of the government.
It undermines the nation’s economic development, it increases the prices of the business, through the cost of illicit payments, distorts the level playing field
Diverts public investments into capital projects where opportunities for bribes and kickbacks.
It leads to adverse effects on public health, education, and other spheres of public life.
Conclusion
Thus, probity is the cornerstone of good governance and is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.
(The model answer provided above strictly follows the word limit, the above answer is compiled in 183 words.)
Practising answers sticking to the word limit will aid the aspirants to write answers precisely and to the point by avoiding unnecessary things.
(Titles introduction, body and conclusion are just for reference, aspirants should not write these titles in the answer sheet.)