Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Public life, encompassing the conduct of individuals holding positions of public trust, is foundational to a well-functioning democracy and a just society. It demands adherence to a set of principles that ensure accountability, transparency, and the prioritization of public interest over personal gain. These principles are not merely aspirational ideals but are crucial for maintaining public confidence and fostering good governance. The erosion of these principles can lead to corruption, inefficiency, and a decline in the quality of public services. This answer will outline some basic principles of public life and illustrate three with relevant examples.
Basic Principles of Public Life
Several principles underpin ethical conduct in public life. These include:
- Accountability: Public officials are answerable for their actions and decisions.
- Transparency: Openness and accessibility of information regarding government activities.
- Integrity: Honesty, trustworthiness, and adherence to moral principles.
- Impartiality: Fairness and objectivity in decision-making, free from bias.
- Responsibility: A duty to act in the best interests of the public.
- Respect for the Law: Upholding and abiding by the legal framework.
Illustrative Principles with Examples
1. Accountability
Accountability means holding public officials responsible for their actions. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a prime example of institutionalizing accountability in India. Prior to RTI, citizens had limited access to information about government functioning. The RTI Act empowers citizens to request information from public authorities, fostering transparency and enabling them to hold officials accountable for their decisions. For instance, in 2018, activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal used RTI to expose irregularities in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) land allocation, leading to investigations and corrective measures. This demonstrates how access to information can directly lead to accountability.
2. Transparency
Transparency ensures that citizens have access to information about government processes and decisions. The implementation of e-governance initiatives, such as the Centralized Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) launched in 2011, exemplifies this principle. CPPP provides information on government tenders and procurement processes, making them more open and competitive. This reduces the scope for corruption and promotes efficiency. Furthermore, the proactive disclosure clauses under the RTI Act mandate public authorities to regularly publish certain categories of information, even without a specific request, enhancing transparency. The ‘PRAGATI’ (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) platform, launched in 2014, is another example, facilitating tracking of important projects and grievance redressal.
3. Integrity
Integrity refers to honesty and strong moral principles. The conduct of T.N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, serves as a powerful example of integrity in public life. During his tenure (1990-1995), Seshan implemented stringent measures to curb electoral malpractices, including the use of paramilitary forces, model code of conduct enforcement, and stricter voter identification procedures. Despite facing political pressure and threats, he remained steadfast in his commitment to free and fair elections, upholding the integrity of the electoral process. His actions significantly improved the credibility of Indian elections and set a high standard for future election officials. This contrasts sharply with instances of compromised integrity leading to electoral fraud and undermining democratic principles.
Conclusion
The principles of public life – accountability, transparency, and integrity, among others – are not merely abstract ideals but are essential for building a robust and ethical governance system. Their effective implementation requires strong institutional mechanisms, proactive citizen engagement, and a commitment from public officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct. Strengthening these principles is crucial for fostering public trust, promoting good governance, and ensuring the long-term well-being of the nation. Continuous efforts are needed to reinforce these values and address emerging challenges to ethical conduct in public life.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.