Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Corruption reflects a breakdown of ethical values such as integrity, justice, and responsibility. It undermines public trust, weakens institutions, and damages the moral fabric of governance. Ethical principles must therefore lie at the heart of anti-corruption strategies.

Body

Integrity and Honesty:

• Integrity ensures public officials remain committed to truthful, fair, and lawful conduct in all circumstances.
• Honesty in declarations, audits, and resource allocation builds credibility and public confidence in governance.
  • Example: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act promotes institutional integrity through independent oversight mechanisms.

Accountability and Transparency:

• Ethical governance demands clear responsibility for actions and openness in decision-making processes.
• Proactive disclosure of information reduces the scope for manipulation, favoritism, and bribery.
  • The RTI Act, 2005 empowers citizens to demand transparency from public offices, curbing corrupt behavior.

Justice and Fairness:

• Corruption disproportionately affects the poor, violating the principle of distributive justice and equal opportunity.
• Anti-corruption efforts should ensure equitable access to public services and impartial application of laws.
  • Example: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) minimizes middlemen and leakages, promoting fairness in welfare delivery.

Empathy and Public Service Ethos:

• Corruption thrives in a culture of indifference to public suffering and personal gain-seeking behavior.
• Promoting empathy and service orientation instills a sense of duty and care for public well-being.
• Ethical training in civil services encourages officers to act as trustees of public resources.

Courage and Moral Responsibility:

• Whistleblowing against corruption requires moral courage and institutional protection.
• Ethical frameworks must support those who uphold public interest, such as through the WhistleBlowers Protection Act.
  • Example: Satyendra Dubey, an IES officer who exposed highway corruption, exemplifies moral courage in action.

Conclusion

Corruption is a serious ethical issue requiring transparency, accountability, and justice. High-profile scams highlight the need for strong laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act and Whistleblower Protection Act. Promoting ethical leadership and strict accountability can help build a corruption-free governance system and restore public trust.