Ethics in Governance

Why it matters

• It serves as the foundation for maintaining public confidence in state institutions and the democratic process.
• It acts as a mechanism to mitigate corruption, nepotism, and the misuse of discretionary powers by public servants.
• It ensures that administrative actions are guided by the principles of equity, justice, and the welfare of the marginalized sections of society.
• It promotes a culture of transparency and responsiveness, which are essential for effective service delivery and sustainable development.

How it is asked

In the UPSC Mains GS Paper IV, this topic is central to the syllabus. Candidates should focus on the application of ethical frameworks like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics to administrative decision-making, the role of codes of conduct, and the implementation of institutional mechanisms like the Right to Information and the Lokpal to uphold ethical standards.