Ethics In Public Administration: Status And Concerns

Although its actual implementation is insignificant, the legal framework applicable to ethical problems in the public sector is already quite extensive, ranging from the Constitution to the Code of Ethics. Nonetheless, in general, public servants adhere to ethical standards that are applicable to the public sector and are sanctioned by society. Inadequate implementation is the root of the problem.

As a result, steps must be taken to reduce the Code of Ethics' punitive nature in order to place a greater emphasis on education rather than punishment. A sound human resources policy should emphasise professionalism, qualification, and retraining programmes that include ethical notions and principles, to the extent that ethical conduct is intended to protect the public service rather than the individual civil servant. It is necessary to take the initiative to incorporate ethical principles into the academic curriculum, beginning in elementary schools.

 

The Indian civil service has lost its neutral and anonymous character, and while there are still some honourable civil servants, they are being marginalised in the governance process. 

 

1.    Corruption has become increasingly prevalent in the higher civil service, and the public's perception of higher civil servants as a class is not encouraging.

 

2.    Higher civil servants – particularly officers of the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Forest Service – do not have a fixed tenure in any post and thus are unable to meet the targets set for them in their assignments because they do not have a fixed tenure in any post. Due to frequent transfers from one post to the next, these officers of the All India Services are unable to function as effective instruments of public policy in the absence of a fixed tenure.

 

3.    The majority of civil servants are not regarded as people-friendly, and they have, for the most part, lost touch with reality. Their field visits and inspections of field programmers have decreased dramatically. The earlier practise of sustained tours of remote areas and night halts in those areas, which are so important for understanding and resolving problems of the poor and weaker sections of the community, has almost been abandoned by civil servants in the United States.

 

4.    Among higher civil servants, there are 'groupies,' and they are increasingly divided along sectarian lines – an extremely unfortunate development. 

 

5.    Some civil servants form a symbiotic relationship with power brokers and are not afraid to use dubious methods to secure good jobs in India or abroad.

 

6.    The vigilance organisations in states and the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Indian government have created such a fear psychosis among civil servants that they are afraid to make bold decisions in the public interest, such as those involving large sums of money or important commercial decisions. 

 

7.    Bureaucratization has resulted in the administration's paralysis, civil servants' impunity, and society's generalised sense of impotence. 

 

8.    The main external cause of the public service's negative image is the biased reporting of the media. The media frequently portrays the public sector in a distorted light.

 

9.    Corporatism, corruption, and nepotism are examples of negative aspects.

 

 

1.    Integrity in government service and the removal of corrupt officials

 

2.    Creating a government that is accessible to the public

 

3.    Formation of a high-level panel consisting of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Central Vigilance Commissioner, and the Cabinet Secretary to ensure that government is clean and accountable

 

4.    Modelling a transfer policy for civil servants

 

5.    In the United States, civil servants should take tours of remote areas and overnight stays in those areas, which are critical for understanding and resolving problems of the poor and weaker sections of society. 

 

6.    Improving the civil service's e-governance capabilities 

 

7.    Prioritizing the intellectual development of civil servants. 

 

8.    The 'Single Directive' must be enforced to protect honest officers who make bold decisions in the public interest. 

 

9.    There is a need for human resources policies that emphasise professionalism, meritocracy, and working conditions that are appropriate for the public sector. 

 

10.    At all levels of education, basic notions of ethics and citizenship must be introduced into the academic curriculum.

 

The implementation of administrative reform recommendations is extremely beneficial in improving ethical behaviour in government. It's critical for maintaining administrative continuity.