Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The cornerstone of effective public administration lies in the ethical conduct of its officials. A municipal commissioner, entrusted with the welfare of a city’s inhabitants, faces constant ethical tests. The expectation of honesty and uprightness, while laudable, doesn’t negate the complexities of real-world scenarios. This case presents a situation where a commissioner’s reputation is challenged, demanding a careful consideration of ethical principles and practical options. The core of the issue revolves around maintaining integrity in the face of potential pressures and ensuring decisions are aligned with public interest, not personal reputation.
Identifying the Ethical Issues
The primary ethical issues at play are:
- Conflict of Interest: While not explicitly stated, the commissioner’s reputation as ‘honest and upright’ creates a perceived pressure to maintain that image, potentially influencing decision-making.
- Transparency and Accountability: The case lacks specifics, but any decision must be transparent and accountable to the public.
- Integrity: The commissioner’s personal integrity is directly challenged. Maintaining it requires resisting any temptation to compromise principles.
- Public Trust: The commissioner’s actions directly impact public trust in the municipal administration.
Available Options
As a municipal commissioner, several options are available:
- Option 1: Maintain Status Quo: Continue operating as before, relying on existing processes and procedures. This avoids immediate conflict but may not address underlying issues.
- Option 2: Proactive Investigation: Initiate an internal investigation to identify potential areas of concern and address them proactively.
- Option 3: Seek External Audit: Request an independent audit of the municipal corporation’s operations to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Option 4: Strengthen Internal Controls: Implement stricter internal controls and oversight mechanisms to prevent future ethical lapses.
- Option 5: Public Disclosure: Openly acknowledge the importance of ethical conduct and commit to transparency in all operations.
Selected Course of Action: Proactive Investigation & Strengthened Internal Controls
I would choose a combination of Option 2 (Proactive Investigation) and Option 4 (Strengthened Internal Controls). This approach is ethically sound and practically effective.
Rationale: A proactive investigation demonstrates a commitment to identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. It signals a willingness to hold oneself and the organization accountable. Simultaneously, strengthening internal controls creates a robust system that prevents future ethical lapses. This isn’t merely reactive; it’s a preventative measure.
Implementation:
- Establish an independent committee (including external experts) to conduct the investigation.
- The investigation should focus on areas vulnerable to corruption or unethical behavior (e.g., procurement, land allocation, building permits).
- Based on the investigation’s findings, revise existing internal control mechanisms.
- Implement mandatory ethics training for all municipal employees.
- Establish a whistleblower protection policy to encourage reporting of unethical conduct.
This course of action aligns with the principles of public service ethics as outlined in the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) report on Ethical Governance, which emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent corruption and promote integrity. It also resonates with the principles of zero tolerance towards corruption advocated by the Government of India.
Conclusion
Maintaining a reputation for honesty is valuable, but it shouldn’t overshadow the primary duty of serving the public interest. A proactive and preventative approach, combining investigation with strengthened internal controls, is the most ethically sound and practically effective response. This demonstrates genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity, ultimately fostering greater public trust in the municipal administration. Continuous vigilance and adaptation are crucial to navigate the evolving ethical challenges in urban governance.
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.