'The Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is…

Question

'The Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

A suitable code of ethics should layer constitutional values, core public values such as the Nolan principles, practical probity guidance and transparency by default, then enforce them through statutory backing, ethics officers and training. The UK placed its Civil Service Code on a statutory footing in 2010.

**Introduction**

The Conduct Rules of 1964 and 1968 tell officers what they must not do, with penalties for breach; a code of ethics, recommended by the 2nd ARC, would tell them what values to live by where no rule speaks.

**Layers of a Model Code of Ethics**

SKETCH: pyramid | Model Code of Ethics
- Constitutional values
- Core public values
- Practical guidance
- Conduct Rules
- Enforcement, review

1. **Constitutional anchor**: Begin with the Preamble's justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, so loyalty runs to the Constitution, not to a party or superior.
2. **Core values**: Codify the Nolan Committee's seven principles (1995) and the 2nd ARC's emphasis on impartiality and empathy for weaker sections.
3. **Guidance for probity**: Require conflict-of-interest declarations and recusal, a gift register, and asset filing under Section 44 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013.
4. **Transparency by default**: Make disclosure the norm through Section 4 of the RTI Act 2005 and recorded reasons for significant decisions.

**Making the Code Work in Practice**

1. **Statutory backing**: Enact it through a Public Services law, as the UK made its Civil Service Code statutory in 2010.
2. **Ethics infrastructure**: Place an ethics officer in every ministry for confidential advice, following the OECD Recommendation on Public Integrity (2017).
3. **Training and protection**: Use case-based modules on iGOT under Mission Karmayogi and operationalise the Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2014, with periodic ethics audits and citizen feedback.

**Conclusion**

Conduct rules supply the letter and a code of ethics the spirit. A layered, statutory code backed by training and protection would make integrity, probity and transparency the default habit of administration.

'The Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.

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