2019 · GS Paper 4 · Q12 · 20 marks
In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, codes of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in the civil services. These are as follows: 1. Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services, 2. Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servants and 3. Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services. Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues.
In short
Internalising integrity needs institutions that map integrity risks, build ethical competence through case-based training and counselling, and design processes that cut discretion and protect honest decisions. Mission Karmayogi's iGOT platform, with over 75 lakh users in 2024-25, anchors the competence pillar.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 268 words
Risk mapping
Each vigilance unit should map sensitive posts, rotate officers out of them and extend the CVC's Integrity Pact, with independent monitors, to all large procurement.
Insulation and early warning
Civil Services Boards and fixed tenure from T.S.R. Subramanian (2013) [case] blunt punitive transfers, while asset declarations under the Lokpal Act, 2013 flag unexplained wealth.
Case-based training
Mission Karmayogi's iGOT platform, with over 75 lakh users in 2024-25 (DoPT), and mid-career dilemma simulations at LBSNAA build Phronesis.
Counsel and reward
Departmental ethics officers can advise confidentially before officers act, and the APAR integrity column and PM's Awards reward probity.
Less discretion, more disclosure
GeM, faceless tax assessment, DBT and proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act shrink the face-to-face space where rent-seeking begins.
Protecting honest decisions
Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (2018) shields bona fide decisions, while the Lokpal, functional since 2019, pursues real wrongdoing; a statutory Code of Ethics, as the 2nd ARC urged, would set the standard.
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This chapter in the exam
Civil Service Ethics: The Discussion Tradition5 questions
Asked in 3 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2019Honesty and truthfulness are the hallmarks of a civil servant. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered as the backbone of any strong organisation. While discharging their duties, they take various decisions. Some of these decisions turn out to be bonafide mistakes. Unless such decisions are wilfully taken and provide any personal gain, the officer cannot be held guilty. However, at times, such decisions may have unforeseen adverse consequences in the long run. Recently, there have been instances where civil servants have been prosecuted for bonafide mistakes. They have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned. The ethical fabric of civil servants has been adversely affected on account of these instances. How is this trend impacting the performance of public services? What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not prosecuted for bonafide mistakes? Justify your answer.
- 2019In a modern democratic polity, there is the concept of political executive and permanent executive. Elected people's representatives form the political executive and bureaucracy forms the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, relationship between the permanent executive and the political executive were characterized by mutual understanding, respect and co-operation, without encroaching upon each others domain. However, in the subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executive to follow its agenda. Respect for and appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, postings etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards 'politicization of bureaucracy'. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive. What are the consequences of this 'politicization of bureaucracy'? Discuss.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019 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.