Mains Marathon

Approach:

• Begin by briefly defining integrity and accountability in the context of public administration.
• Explain the interdependence of these two ethical principles and how imbalance leads to dysfunctional governance, with examples.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction:

Integrity is the unwavering adherence to ethical principles, while accountability is the obligation to explain and justify actions. In public administration, both must operate in tandem. Integrity without accountability may become ineffective idealism, and accountability without integrity may lead to coercive and fear-driven governance, eroding institutional ethics and public trust.

Body:

• Integrity without accountability lacks enforceability, turning into a passive personal virtue without external validation.
  • A civil servant may be honest, but without performance audits or disclosure norms, it remains unmeasured.
  • Example: Satyendra Dubey, who upheld integrity in the NHAI, lacked institutional protection and feedback mechanisms.
• Accountability without integrity leads to oppressive and fear-based compliance, devoid of ethical judgment.
  • Bureaucrats may act merely to avoid penalties, not out of moral conviction or public service.
  • Example: Overreliance on vigilance inspections without ethical mentoring can suppress decision-making initiative.
• Their interrelationship ensures ethical governance, combining internal moral compass with external answerability.
  • Integrity motivates doing the right thing; accountability ensures consequences for wrong or inaction.
  • Example: T.N. Seshan, former CEC, displayed integrity and used accountability tools to reform electoral conduct.
• Ethical frameworks like the Civil Services Conduct Rules attempt to institutionalize this balance in governance.
  • They promote transparency, moral conduct, and enforce responsibility simultaneously.
• Digital initiatives such as RTI, e-Samiksha, and CPGRAMS enhance accountability while reinforcing personal integrity.
  • They create a responsive system rooted in citizen participation and ethical responsibility.
• Social audits in MGNREGA and transparency in Aadhaar-linked DBT schemes show positive outcomes when both principles are aligned.
  • These initiatives reduce leakages, promote trust, and reinforce the ethical behavior of administrators.
• Institutional bodies like Lokpal, CVC, and departmental ethics committees help reinforce this ethical synergy through checks and guidance.
  • They deter misconduct while promoting ethical leadership in the public sector.

Conclusion:

In public administration, integrity without accountability is morally upright but functionally weak, while accountability without integrity is legally sound but ethically hollow. When both are integrated, they ensure just, transparent, and responsive governance, upholding constitutional morality and reinforcing public trust in democratic institutions.