Which Administrative Reforms Commission stressed ethics in governance?

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Points to Remember:

  • The focus is on identifying the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) that specifically emphasized ethics in governance.
  • The answer requires a factual approach, drawing on historical information about the various ARCs in India.

Introduction:

India has established several Administrative Reforms Commissions (ARCs) since independence to evaluate and suggest improvements to its administrative systems. These commissions have addressed various aspects of governance, including efficiency, accountability, and transparency. While many ARCs touched upon ethical considerations, some focused more explicitly on promoting ethical conduct within the bureaucracy and public life. This response will identify the ARC(s) that prominently stressed ethics in governance.

Body:

Identifying Relevant ARCs:

India has had several ARCs. While pinpointing a single ARC solely dedicated to ethics is difficult, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC II), established in 2005, stands out for its significant emphasis on ethics in governance. While previous ARCs addressed related issues like accountability and transparency, ARC II explicitly dedicated a substantial portion of its reports to promoting ethical conduct.

ARC II’s Focus on Ethics:

ARC II’s reports extensively covered ethical dilemmas faced by public servants, advocating for a robust ethical framework. Key areas of focus included:

  • Code of Conduct: ARC II recommended strengthening the existing code of conduct for civil servants, making it more comprehensive and enforceable. This included addressing conflicts of interest, transparency in asset declaration, and mechanisms for redressal of grievances related to ethical violations.
  • Ethics Training: The commission stressed the importance of incorporating ethics training into the curriculum for civil servants at all levels, from initial recruitment to in-service training. This aimed to inculcate ethical values and provide practical guidance on navigating ethical dilemmas.
  • Whistleblower Protection: ARC II recognized the crucial role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption and unethical practices. It strongly advocated for strengthening the legal framework for whistleblower protection, ensuring their safety and security from retaliation.
  • Institutional Mechanisms: The commission recommended establishing independent institutions or mechanisms to investigate allegations of misconduct and ensure accountability. This included strengthening existing anti-corruption bodies and possibly creating new ones with enhanced powers.

Other ARCs and their Contributions:

While ARC II stands out for its focused approach, other ARCs also indirectly contributed to the discourse on ethics in governance. For example, earlier ARCs addressed issues like accountability and transparency, which are intrinsically linked to ethical conduct. However, none dedicated the same level of attention and specific recommendations to ethical frameworks as ARC II.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while several Administrative Reforms Commissions have contributed to improving governance in India, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC II) stands out for its explicit and comprehensive focus on ethics in governance. Its recommendations on strengthening the code of conduct, enhancing ethics training, protecting whistleblowers, and establishing robust institutional mechanisms significantly advanced the discourse and practice of ethical governance in India. Moving forward, consistent implementation of ARC II’s recommendations, along with continuous evaluation and adaptation to evolving challenges, remains crucial for fostering a culture of ethical conduct within the Indian bureaucracy and public life. This will contribute to a more just, transparent, and accountable governance system, upholding constitutional values and promoting holistic development.

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