Measures taken to ensure Probity in Governance

Published on 26 Nov 2025

• Legislative Measures

• Strong Legal Framework: Enacted laws to address corruption, conflict of interest, and other forms of unethical behavior, with clear penalties for violations.

• Example: Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 defines various forms of corruption, and establishes the legal framework for prosecuting public servants involved in corrupt activities.

• Whistleblower Protection: It protects whistleblowers who report instances of corruption or misconduct, ensuring their safety and providing appropriate channels for reporting.

• Example: Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014 protects individuals who expose corruption by providing safeguards against victimization, punishment, or harassment.

• Institutional Measures

• Regulatory Institutions: Independent anti-corruption agencies, audit bodies, ombudsman offices, and other oversight institutions to monitor and investigate cases of corruption and misconduct.

• Example: Lokpal and Lokayuktas are responsible for investigating corruption cases against public officials, including high-ranking politicians and bureaucrats.

• Ethics Training: Providing regular training programs to government officials to raise awareness about ethical standards, integrity, and the importance of probity.

• Example: Mission Karmayogi programme aims at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the vision of New India.

• Regular Audits and Evaluations: Conduct regular audits of government operations, finances, and projects to identify irregularities and take corrective actions.

• Example: Vinod Rai, CAG of India, demonstrated excellent self-management skills while handling immense political pressure during the auditing of the 2G scam.

• Governance Measures 

• Code of Conduct and Ethics: Establish a comprehensive code of conduct and ethics for public officials and employees, outlining expected behaviors and standards of integrity.

• Example: All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968 cover a wide range of issues, outlining the expected behaviour and conduct of civil servants.

• Transparency and Openness: Ensure that government decisions, policies, and actions are transparent and accessible to the public through open data initiatives, public reporting, and online portals.

• Example: Jan Soochna Portal (JSP), Rajasthan is a remarkable achievement in advancing the Right to Information (RTI).

• E-Governance and Technology: Leverage technology to automate processes, reduce human discretion, and enhance transparency in service delivery and administrative processes.

• Example: The promotion of digital payments and the integration of Aadhaar in various government processes have reduced leakages and corruption in welfare programs.

• Public Participation: Involve citizens, civil society organizations, and the private sector in decision-making processes through consultations, hearings, and feedback mechanisms.

• Example: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan involves public pledges to maintain cleanliness, urging people to consistently participate in the cleanliness drive.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights, the importance of probity, and how to report corruption.

• Example: The government has launched campaigns like “Stand Up India” and “Make in India” to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and transparency in economic activities.

Role of judiciary in Ensuring Probity

• Judicial Review: The judiciary can assess government actions, policies, and laws for Constitutional compliance, preventing power abuse and maintaining legal governance.

• Example: Supreme Court’s judgment in the 2G Spectrum case (2012) cancelled 122 telecom licenses upholding probity by holding officials accountable for corrupt practices.

• Protection of Fundamental Rights: The judiciary protects citizens’ rights, preventing government actions from violating them, ensuring equality, combating discrimination, and safeguarding personal freedom.

• Example: The Indian High Court’s decision in the Naz Foundation case decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships, safeguarding the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+.

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The judiciary can address public concerns, including probity issues, by considering Public Interest Litigations filed by citizens or groups.

• Example: Significant judgments related to PIL like Vishaka & Others v. State of Rajasthan (1997), court laid down guidelines and norms to be observed to prevent sexual harassment of working women.

• Quashing Unlawful Orders: The judiciary can nullify or set aside government decisions that are found to be arbitrary, discriminatory, or against the principles of probity.

• Promotion of Fairness and Transparency: Court proceedings occur openly, and verdicts are accessible to the public. This transparency upholds justice and ethical governance standards.

Role of Press in Ensuring Probity 

• Exposing Corruption: Investigative reporting reveals corruption, financial mismanagement, and unethical conduct in government, holding officials accountable and deterring corrupt behavior.

• Example: In Punjab National Bank (PNB) Scam, media reports revealed the scale of the scam and the alleged involvement of bank officials.

• Creating Public Awareness: The press educates the public about governance issues and corruption risks, empowering citizens to demand transparency and accountability. 

• Monitoring and Scrutinizing: Journalists serve as a watchdog, questioning government decisions and actions to ensure accountability and ethical conduct, promoting responsible behavior.

Advocating for Reforms: Through reporting and analysis, the press advocates for systemic reforms, pushing governments to address loopholes, improve governance processes, and enact legislation that prevents corruption.

Tags:
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Keywords:
Measures taken to ensure Probity in Governance Whistleblower Protection Ethics Training Code of Conduct code of Ethics Role of judiciary in Ensuring Probity Role of Press in Ensuring Probity

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 4

Topics:
Probity in Governance