The term “Probity” has its roots in the Latin word “probitas,” which means “good.” It is widely accepted as a confirmation of integrity, and it is generally considered to be beyond corruption. Probity represents a set of moral principles that individuals strictly adhere to, including honesty, uprightness, transparency, and incorruptibility. In the context of governance, probity is concerned with the propriety and character of different governmental bodies, regardless of the people who run them, to ensure that they uphold procedural uprightness. It requires adopting an ethical and transparent approach that can withstand scrutiny. Probity extends beyond avoiding dishonesty because it is determined by intangible factors such as personal and societal values.
The importance of ethical considerations in governance has been highlighted extensively in Indian texts and other literary works, including but not limited to Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagvad Gita, Buddha Charita, Arthashastra, Panchatantra, Manusmriti, Kural, Shukra Niti, Kadambari, Raja Tarangani, and Hitopadesh. Chinese thinkers, including Lao Tse, Confucius, and Mencius, also played a significant role in the development of theoretical principles related to ethical governance.
There are three main philosophical perspectives on ethics and governance.
- The first, inspired by Aristotle, posits that virtues such as justice, charity, and generosity are qualities that lead individuals to act in ways that benefit both themselves and the society they belong to.
- The second perspective, put forth by Immanuel Kant, places the concept of duty at the center of morality. In other words, humans have a duty to obey the categorical imperative to respect other rational beings they interact with based on their knowledge of their duty as rational beings. Kant believed that applying the same reasoning methods would be successful in solving moral philosophical problems.
- The third perspective is utilitarianism, which asserts that the principle guiding conduct should be the greatest happiness or benefit of the greatest number. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, meaning the “end justifies the means.”
David Hume was another philosopher who developed an ethical theory of governance. Hume maintained that moral distinctions stem from feelings of pleasure and pain, rather than from reason, as held by many Western philosophers since Socrates. Based on the empiricist principle that the mind is essentially passive, Hume claimed that reason alone cannot produce or prevent any action or affection. However, since morals relate to actions and affections, they cannot be based solely on reason.
Need for Probity in Governance
In a democratic society, probity upholds the values of equality before the law and respect for the rights and responsibilities of leaders towards their citizens. On the other hand, probity is a social expectation that citizens have of decision-makers and all those who operate within the state apparatus.
It is a widely held belief that the implementation of standards such as “accountability,” “transparency,” and “responsiveness” will lead to efficient and ethical governance. However, standards alone cannot guarantee ethical behavior. Instead, a culture of integrity and probity in public life is necessary for ethical conduct.
The core of ethical behavior lies not only in setting standards but also in implementing them in practice and imposing penalties for their violation.
The need for probity in governance can be understood as:
- Upholding Democracy: Probity in governance helps to maintain the democratic values of transparency, accountability, and fairness. It ensures that elected officials and public servants are working in the interest of the citizens they serve rather than serving their own self-interest or the interests of a select few.
- Promoting Trust: A culture of probity promotes trust between the government and its citizens. When citizens believe that their leaders are acting with integrity and ethical principles, they are more likely to trust the government and have confidence in its ability to govern effectively.
- Preventing Corruption: Probity in governance is an essential tool for preventing corruption. It ensures that public officials are not engaging in corrupt practices such as bribery, embezzlement, or nepotism. When probity is upheld, it creates a strong deterrent against corrupt behavior.
- Ensuring Efficiency: Probity in governance helps to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and efficiently. It promotes good governance practices such as transparency, accountability, and responsibility, which in turn leads to better decision-making and optimal use of resources.
- Maintaining Public Order: When government officials act with probity, they help to maintain public order and promote social harmony. When citizens believe that their leaders are acting with integrity and are committed to the welfare of the people, they are more likely to respect and follow the laws and regulations set by the government.
- Enhancing Public Participation: Probity in governance encourages public participation in government affairs. Citizens are more likely to participate in the democratic process when they believe that their voices will be heard and that their opinions matter. This, in turn, leads to more informed decision-making and greater citizen engagement in public affairs.
- Ensuring Transparency: A key aspect of probity in governance is transparency. Transparency ensures that government activities and decisions are open to public scrutiny and review. This promotes accountability
- and helps to prevent corruption by making it easier for citizens to monitor government activities and identify any wrongdoing.
- Promoting Fairness: Probity in governance also promotes fairness and equality. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly and that there is no favoritism or discrimination in government decision-making. This promotes a level playing field for all citizens and creates a sense of trust and confidence in the government’s ability to serve the public interest.
- Strengthening the Rule of Law: Probity in governance strengthens the rule of law. It ensures that laws are applied fairly and impartially, and that government officials are held accountable for any violations of the law. This promotes stability and certainty in the legal system, which is essential for economic growth and social development.
The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution
The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) was set up in India in 2000 to examine the functioning of the Constitution and to suggest changes to improve its working. The commission submitted its report in 2002. The report made several recommendations related to probity in governance, some of which are:
- Ethics Committees: The report recommended that Ethics Committees be established in Parliament and State Legislatures to look into complaints against members and to promote ethical conduct among them.
- Code of Ethics: The report recommended that a Code of Ethics be formulated for all elected representatives, including Ministers, to ensure that they maintain high standards of ethical conduct.
- Whistleblower Protection: The report recommended that a comprehensive law be enacted to protect whistleblowers who expose corruption and malpractices in the government.
- Independent Anti-Corruption Agency: The report recommended the establishment of an independent anticorruption agency with sufficient powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
- Strengthening of Investigative Agencies: The report recommended that investigative agencies like the CBI, Income Tax Department, and Enforcement Directorate be strengthened and given more autonomy to carry out their functions effectively.
- Transparency and Accountability: The report stressed the need for transparency and accountability in governance and recommended the introduction of measures like Right to Information Act, Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Persons Making the Disclosures Bill, and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill.
- Judicial Reforms: The report recommended judicial reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in dealing with corruption cases.
Principles of Probity
The principles of probity include:
- Integrity: It refers to the adherence to moral and ethical principles in decision-making and conduct.
- Accountability: It refers to the obligation of public officials to provide a transparent account of their actions and decisions, and to accept responsibility for any errors or wrongdoing.
- Transparency: It refers to the openness and accessibility of information related to government decisions and actions, which can be accessed by the public.
- Impartiality: It refers to the fair and unbiased treatment of all individuals, without any prejudice or discrimination.
- Responsibility: It refers to the obligation of public officials to act in the best interest of the public and to be accountable for their actions.
- Ethics: It refers to the moral principles and values that guide the behavior of public officials, including honesty, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
- Public interest: It refers to the obligation of public officials to act in the best interest of the public, rather than their own personal or political interests.
FAQs on Probity in Governance
Q: What is Security Governance?
A: Security governance refers to the framework and processes that an organization or government employs to manage and oversee its security-related activities. It encompasses the policies, procedures, and practices that ensure the security of information, assets, and people within an organization. Security governance involves defining roles and responsibilities, setting up controls and safeguards, and creating a security culture to mitigate risks and maintain a secure environment.
Q: What is Probity in Governance in UPSC
A: “Probity in governance” refers to the principle of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct expected from civil servants and public officials. It is a fundamental requirement for those in public service to act with transparency, accountability, and fairness, and to avoid corruption or unethical behavior. The UPSC, as part of its selection and assessment processes, assesses the candidates’ understanding and commitment to probity in governance.
Q: Probity in Governance Meaning:
A: “Probity in governance” is a concept that emphasizes the integrity and ethical conduct of individuals, especially those in positions of authority and responsibility within government and public administration. It means adhering to high moral and ethical standards, being transparent in decision-making, and acting with honesty and fairness in all official dealings. The principle of probity in governance is crucial for building public trust and maintaining the credibility of government institutions.
Q: Philosophical Basis of Probity in Governance
A: The philosophical basis of probity in governance draws from various ethical and moral philosophies but is primarily rooted in principles such as:
Ethical Conduct: It is based on the belief that individuals in positions of power should act ethically and avoid any behavior that might be considered corrupt or dishonest.
Transparency: Transparency in governance ensures that decisions and actions are open to scrutiny by the public, fostering accountability and trust.
Accountability: Individuals in governance are responsible for their actions and decisions, and they must be answerable for them.
Justice: Probity in governance aligns with principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that policies and actions do not discriminate against any group and serve the common good.
Rule of Law: It emphasizes the importance of adhering to established laws and regulations, preventing arbitrary or capricious behavior by those in power.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
