Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

IASNova Smart-Prep Module for UPSC Ethics (GS-IV)

1. Meaning & Importance of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

Strengthening ethical and moral values in governance means embedding integrity, honesty, fairness, compassion, justice, and public-spiritedness into all processes, behaviours and decisions of the state.

Why Ethical Values Matter in Governance

• Prevents corruption and abuse of power
• Builds trust between citizens and the state
• Improves legitimacy and credibility of institutions
• Reduces arbitrariness; promotes justice and fairness
• Enhances efficiency and quality of service delivery
• Aligns governance practice with constitutional morality

Core Ethical Values (UPSC Lens)

• Integrity – doing the right thing even when unobserved
• Impartiality – neutrality & non-partisanship in decisions
• Objectivity – evidence-based, rational decision-making
• Compassion – sensitivity towards vulnerable citizens
• Accountability – answerability + consequences
• Courage of conviction – resisting unethical pressures

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  A["Ethical Values in Governance"]:::g --> B["Integrity & Honesty"]:::o
  A --> C["Impartiality & Objectivity"]:::o
  A --> D["Compassion & Justice"]:::o
  A --> E["Accountability & Courage"]:::o
  A --> F["Public Trust & Legitimacy"]:::b
  

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2. Sources of Ethical & Moral Values in Governance

A. Constitutional Values

The Constitution provides the core moral compass for governance:

• Justice – social, economic, political
• Liberty – thought, expression, belief, faith, worship
• Equality – of status and opportunity
• Dignity – respect for every individual
• Fraternity – unity and integrity of the nation

B. Civil Service Conduct Rules

• Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964
• All India Services Conduct Rules
• Emphasise integrity, devotion to duty, political neutrality, courtesy

C. Social & Cultural Norms

• Indian traditions of Seva, Dharma, Sarvodaya
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – world as one family
• Community ethics of mutual respect and non-violence

D. Professional Codes of Ethics

• Medical, legal, engineering, journalism codes
• Standards of integrity, confidentiality, non-maleficence, public welfare

E. Personal & Family Values

• Honesty, empathy, discipline, simplicity
• Formed through upbringing, education & role models

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  A["Sources of Values"]:::g --> B["Constitutional Values"]:::b
  A --> C["Conduct Rules"]:::b
  A --> D["Social & Cultural Norms"]:::o
  A --> E["Professional Codes"]:::o
  A --> F["Personal & Family Values"]:::o
  

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3. Challenges to Ethical & Moral Values in Governance

A. Rise of Materialism & Self-Interest

• Personal gain over public interest
• Short-term benefits over long-term ethics
• Consumerist culture influencing public servants

B. Political Pressures

• Frequent transfers as punishment for integrity
• Patronage networks & favouritism
• Pressure to bend rules for influential groups

C. Institutional Weakness

• Overlapping jurisdictions and role confusion
• Delays in justice & poor grievance redressal
• Weak internal checks and audits

D. Corruption & Organised Collusion

• Nexus of officials, politicians and contractors
• Tender manipulation and leakages
• Systemic capture of institutions

E. Ethical Grey Zones & Ambiguity

• Conflict between laws and humanitarian concerns
• Lack of clear guidance in new policy areas

F. Erosion of Public Trust

• Repeated scandals weaken faith in governance
• Cynicism among citizens reduces cooperation

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  A["Challenges to Ethical Governance"]:::r --> B["Materialism & Self-Interest"]:::r
  A --> C["Political Pressure"]:::r
  A --> D["Institutional Weakness"]:::r
  A --> E["Corruption & Collusion"]:::r
  A --> F["Ethical Grey Zones"]:::r
  A --> G["Erosion of Public Trust"]:::r
  G --> H["Demand for Stronger Values & Reforms"]:::g
  

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