Answer:

Introduction             

The Code of Ethics recommended by the 2nd ARC is a document that provides a set of principles reflecting the values of integrity, accountability, and transparency. While the Code of Conduct offers specific guidelines on expected behaviours in public life for civil servants as seen under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 to foster trust and efficiency within government operations.  

Body 

Significance of Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct in reducing government unethical practices   

Significance of Code of Ethics:

• Promotes Integrity and Honesty: The Code of Ethics serves as a moral compass for civil servants, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty in public service. Eg: T.N. Seshan, a former Chief Election Commissioner of India, exemplified integrity by rigorously enforcing the Model Code of Conduct, leading to fairer elections.
• Supports Professionalism: It instills a sense of professionalism among civil servants, guiding them to act in the best interest of the public. Eg: Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer, has been transferred multiple times for upholding ethical standards against corruption, showcasing professionalism and ethical resilience.
• Fosters Public Trust: By adhering to ethical principles, civil servants build public trust through administrative transparency and accountability. Eg: IAS U. Sagayam, through purely voluntary disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, shared his asset details on the district website, showcasing transparency and reinforcing trust.
• Guides Decision-Making: It provides a framework for making ethical decisions, especially in complex situations. The decision by Vinod Rai, former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, to audit the 2G spectrum allocation, highlights the role of ethical guidelines in making tough decisions that serve the public interest.

Significance of Code of Conduct:

• Defines Acceptable Behaviours: The Code of Conduct provides clear guidelines on acceptable behaviours, reducing ambiguity and preventing misconduct. The dismissal of corrupt officials under the provisions of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules is a direct application of these guidelines.
• Enhances Service Delivery: By setting standards for behavior, the Code of Conduct ensures efficient and effective service delivery. Eg: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) has seen significant contributions from civil servants adhering to conduct rules, leading to improved cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• Strengthening Legal Framework: The Code of Conduct works in tandem with legal frameworks to discipline errant officials, thereby deterring unethical behaviour. Eg: Prevention of Corruption Act is often invoked alongside conduct rules to penalize corrupt practices among civil servants.
• Promotes Ethical Decision-Making: It guides civil servants in making decisions that are ethical and in line with public expectations. The decision by IAS officer Armstrong Pame to build a 100 km road in Manipur without government funds is an example of ethical decision-making benefiting the community.

Role of training and education in ensuring civil servants’ adherence to these codes

• Fosters Ethical Awareness: Training and education programs raise awareness among civil servants about the importance of ethics and conduct in public service. Eg: LBSNAA in India, where IAS officers are trained, incorporates modules on ethics and integrity, emphasizing their significance in governance.
• Instills Ethical Values: Through discussions on values and principles, training sessions instill a strong ethical foundation in civil servants. The example of E. Sreedharan, known for his role in the Delhi Metro project, is often used to illustrate the impact of personal integrity and commitment to public service.
• Encourages Ethical Decision-Making: By simulating real-life scenarios, training programs help civil servants practice making decisions that are ethically sound. The ethical dilemmas faced by whistleblowers like Sanjiv Chaturvedi, who exposed corruption in public institutions are often used in training sessions to guide ethical decision-making.
• Supports Ethical Leadership Development: Leadership development programs focus on cultivating ethical leaders who can inspire and guide their teams with integrity. Eg: leadership qualities of Kiran Bedi, India’s first woman IPS officer, and her efforts to reform Tihar Jail shows exemplary ethical leadership in the public sector.
• Develops Critical Thinking: Education in ethics encourages critical thinking, allowing civil servants to evaluate complex situations from an ethical standpoint. The training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, for instance, includes ethical decision-making exercises to tackle challenges in law enforcement with integrity.
• Promotes Continuous Learning: Ongoing training and education ensures that civil servants remain updated on best practices and emerging ethical challenges. Eg: the National Centre for Good Governance in India which provides training and research on governance and public policy reflects this commitment to lifelong learning.

Conclusion 

The Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, along with rigorous training and education can ensure a governance framework where integrity, accountability, and transparency are not merely ideals but practiced virtues. As Potter Stewart said, “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” These codes by guiding civil servants can ensure a resilient and ethical public service committed to the welfare of society.

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