Answer:

Introduction:

Probity in governance refers to the adherence to high ethical and moral standards in the conduct of public affairs. It encompasses principles such as transparency, accountability, integrity, honesty, and fairness. Ensuring probity in government is crucial to building public trust, promoting good governance, and combating corruption.

Body:

Measures for ensuring probity in government in India:

• Promoting transparency: Transparency is a crucial element in ensuring probity in governance. The government should proactively disclose information related to policies, decisions, and expenditures.
  • This can be achieved through measures such as the proactive disclosure of information on government websites, the implementation of the Right to Information Act, and the publication of annual reports and audits.
• Enforcing accountability: The government should establish clear mechanisms for enforcing accountability.
  • This can be done through measures such as the establishment of oversight bodies, such as the Central Vigilance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and the effective implementation of anti-corruption laws.
• Strengthening integrity: Ensuring the integrity of public officials is essential to promoting probity in governance.
  • The government should adopt measures such as strengthening codes of conduct for public officials, promoting ethical behaviour through training and awareness campaigns, and instituting measures for the swift and impartial investigation of allegations of corruption.
• Promoting fairness: The government should promote fairness in decision-making and ensure that public resources are allocated in a fair and equitable manner.
  • This can be achieved through measures such as establishing clear criteria for the allocation of resources, conducting consultations with stakeholders, and ensuring that procurement processes are transparent and competitive.
• Implementing technology-enabled solutions: The use of technology-enabled solutions, such as e-governance platforms, can help promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government processes.
  • For example, the implementation of Aadhaar, a unique identification system, has helped eliminate leakages in the distribution of subsidies and benefits.

Conclusion:

By continuing to strengthen measures to ensure probity in governance, India can build a more transparent, accountable, and effective government that works in the best interests of its citizens.