It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place ?
UPSC Mains GS 4 PYQ: Probity in Governance (2013–2026)
Every question on Probity in Governance asked in UPSC Mains General Studies IV from 2013–2026, 24 in all, newest first.
India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future ?
'The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.
What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India ? Illustrate with suitable examples.
"Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society." In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society ?
'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.
Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance ?
What do you understand by the term 'good governance'? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.
Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt, it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and the system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to the vulnerable section of the society.
Whistle-blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle-blower?
An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.
Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.
"Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption". Do you agree with this view ? Justify your answer.
Explain the basic principles of citizens charter movement and bring out its importance.
There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of Right to Information Act. Do you agree with the view ? Discuss.
What do you understand by probity in governance ? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.
Distinguish between "Code of ethics" and "Code of conduct" with suitable examples.
"The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens' empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability." Discuss.
What do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance' ?
Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism, etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now afraid to take prompt decisions. Analyze this situation in detail and suggest how this dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimized.
Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilence cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control. (a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications. (b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.
What do you understand by 'probity' in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?
It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples.
What does 'accountability' mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?