2014 · GS Paper 4 · Q2(b) · 10 marks
What do you understand by 'probity' in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?
In short
Probity in public life means the highest standard of integrity and honesty in public office, judged by process, not mere legality, and it is undermined by criminalised politics, opaque discretion, weak deterrence and pressure on honest officers. ADR found 46% of the MPs elected in 2024 had declared criminal cases.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 287 words
Process matters
A contract awarded lawfully but to a relative fails probity because of the conflict of interest between private gain and public duty.
Criminalised politics
ADR found 46% of the MPs elected in 2024 had declared criminal cases.
Opaque discretion
Discretion over licences, land and contracts creates rents, as the CAG's 2G (2010) and coal (2012) reports showed.
Weak deterrence
Slow trials and low conviction rates mean corruption rarely carries a real cost.
Pressure on the honest
Ashok Khemka's more than 50 transfers and Satyendra Dubey's murder (2003) teach conformity over conscience.
Cleaner politics
Public Interest Foundation (2018) made candidates publicise criminal cases; special courts must now finish those trials fast.
Rules over discretion
Auctions after the 2G (2012) and coal (2014) judgments, e-procurement and proactive RTI disclosure replace favour with rules.
Credible institutions
A well-staffed Lokpal, an autonomous CBI and the time-bound sanction for prosecution the Second ARC urged.
Protect and train
Operationalise the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014, fix tenures and build ethics training under Mission Karmayogi.
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This chapter in the exam
Probity in Governance — Concept of public service8 questions
Asked in 6 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2024"In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years." Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.
- 2023'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.
All 8 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.