What are the reasons for decline of integrity in civil services ? Also, discuss the institutional…

Question

What are the reasons for decline of integrity in civil services ? Also, discuss the institutional mechanism to check corruption in India.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Integrity has declined because of excessive discretion and regulation, weak oversight bodies, poor ethical training, red tape and politically driven transfers. Checks include the Central Vigilance Commission (1964), the CBI, state vigilance commissions, the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas, and e-governance such as Andhra Pradesh's CFMS.

**Introduction**

The decline in civil service integrity threatens governance and public trust, driven by structural flaws and weak oversight, requiring robust institutional responses. This erosion⟦1⟧ affects service delivery and the rule of law, making it vital to address both causes and remedies.

**Structural Causes and Institutional Design Flaws**

SKETCH: flow | Causes of Integrity Decline in Civil Services
- Excessive discretion and regulatory complexity
- Weak accountability and oversight mechanisms
- Lack of ethical training and bureaucratic culture
- Procedural delays and red tape
- Decline in integrity and rise in corruption

1. **Excessive Discretion and Regulation**: The Santhanam Committee (1962) identified excessive regulatory burden and discretionary powers fostering corruption. Complex procedures and lack of transparency create opportunities for misuse.  
2. **Weak Accountability**: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and CBI face political interference, reducing their effectiveness in curbing corruption. Limited autonomy hampers timely investigation and prosecution.

**Implementation Challenges and Outcomes**

4. **Audit Findings in Andhra Pradesh⟦4⟧⟦3⟧⟦2⟧**: The 2021-22 CAG audit revealed ₹1,806 crore revenue impact and major GST compliance gaps, highlighting systemic weaknesses. These findings expose financial oversight failures and corruption risks.

**Institutional Mechanisms to Check Corruption**

5. **Vigilance Bodies**: The CVC and Andhra Pradesh vigilance commissions monitor and prosecute corruption but need greater autonomy. Political insulation is essential for their effectiveness.  
6. **E-Governance and Training**: Andhra Pradesh’s CFMS aims to enhance transparency by reducing human interface, while Mission Karmayogi promotes ethical competence and continuous capacity building among civil servants.

**Way Forward**

7. **Strengthen Autonomy and Ethics**: Grant independence to vigilance bodies and institutionalize ethics training to rebuild integrity. Embedding values through programs like the National Centre for Good Governance can foster a culture of probity.  
8. **Reduce Political Interference and Procedural Delays**: Minimizing frequent transfers and streamlining administrative processes will improve morale and reduce corruption incentives.

**Conclusion**

Robust institutional reforms and ethical capacity building are crucial to reversing the decline in civil service integrity and restoring public trust in governance.

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