Day 57 – Q 2. What is the significance of ethics in public administration? Illustrate with the help of suitable examples.

2. What is the significance of ethics in public administration? Illustrate with the help of suitable examples.  

लोक प्रशासन में नैतिकता का क्या महत्व है? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से चित्रण करें।

Introduction:

“In the happiness of his subjects lies the happiness of the king” – Kautilya.

Kautilya though a pragmatic thinker emphasized ethical administration (Dharmaneeti/ Dharma paripalana) which is a sine qua non in stable, happy and peaceful society.

Public administration is a profession that offers and unusually array of opportunities to make moral or immoral decisions, to make ethical or unethical choices, to do good or evil things to people. Ethics provide a framework for accountability between the public and administration. Ethics and values have key role in smooth functioning of public administration system.

Body

Significance of ethics in public administration:

• Public resource utilization: ethical use of resources ensures the efficient and effective development of society without corruption. It makes the one holding public office accountable for his/her actions. E.g. RTI, social audits to involve public and enhance transparency in resource utilization.
• The ethical standards of Impartiality and objectivity bring merit into organization. thereby, increasing predictability, which improves economic efficiency. E.g. e-filing of tax returns, online tenders etc.,
• Outcomes for society are better when the decisions of public office holders are made fairly and on merit and not influenced by personal and private interests. Commitment and dedication to work improves the administration. E.g. Ramkumar IAS brought in new ideas to develop dadenggre district of Meghalaya though personally it was difficult.
• Public trust and assurance: every section of public irrespective of race, religion, caste must be treated equitably and ethics ensures just and fair administration. E.g. protection of minority rights.
• Social capital: a just and ethical administration will have credibility and ensures citizen participation in administration. The trust thus generated makes the administration easier and synergetic. E.g. With the credibility he garnered, Officer Armstrong Pame was able to raise funds and labour from public and build a 100km road without the central government help.
• Curb corruption: improving efficiency and break the unholy nexus between the administration and the anti-social elements. E.g. Vohra commission mentioned that corruption is the biggest problem deteriorating the law and order.
• Adding the component of compassion to day to day works makes a lot of difference to the lives of vulnerable sections.  For instance, collector S.Shankaran IAS addressing the plight of Bonded laborers, Reforms brought by Kiran Bedi in Tihar jail.
• The administration becomes responsive to the needs and aspirations of the public. For instance, creation of a separate public market for road side vendors before their evacuation in west Bengal.
• International relations: ethical administration also helps in building rapport in international relations and economy.

Absence of ethics results in authoritarianism, suppression of minority rights, high corruption and impoverishment of the poor and the vulnerable. Historically it has only been disastrous whether it is the colonial administration or the authoritarian governments like that of Hitler/Stalin. The very recent atrocities on Rohingyas in Myanmar, persecution of Palestinians etc., are a direct consequence of absence of ethics in public administration.

Conclusion

Ethics guide human conduct and it help people to lead good life by applying moral principles. The same when applied to public administration will not only bring efficiency but also helps in developing an egalitarian, just and fair society.