What is Ethics in Public Administration?
Ethics in Public Administration refers to the moral principles and values that guide the conduct of public servants and the functioning of government organizations. It emphasizes integrity, impartiality, objectivity, accountability, and transparency in decision-making and service delivery to uphold public trust.
Historical Background
The importance of ethical conduct in public service has been recognized since ancient times (e.g., Kautilya's Arthashastra). In modern India, post-independence, various committees and commissions (e.g., Santhanam Committee 1964, Second Administrative Reforms Commission reports) have highlighted the need for ethical governance and recommended measures to combat corruption and improve integrity in public life.