6(a). 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? (Answer in 150 words) 10
The health and performance of a workplace is determined by it work culture. Ethical frameworks emphasising on compliance and value orientation are necessary for long term growth at workplaces.
A code of ethics provides guiding principles for conduct beyond mere legal compliance. It can have the following enabling provisions:
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Integrity and Honesty – Employees at all levels must act truthfully in decision-making and communication. Integrity builds trust with citizens, clients, and colleagues, while dishonesty erodes reputation (e.g., scams like Satyam or 2G spectrum highlight failures of integrity).
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Accountability and Transparency – Clear reporting systems, audits, and open communication prevent misuse of resources. Transparency creates fairness in promotions, contracts, and fund utilisation, while accountability ensures responsibility for outcomes.
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Fairness and Equality – Ethical organisations reject discrimination in recruitment, service delivery, or promotions. Equal treatment enhances workplace harmony and taps into diverse talent.
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Respect for Stakeholders – Treating all—citizens, customers, employees, and communities—with dignity enhances cooperation and long-term credibility.
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Professional Competence and Excellence – A culture of continuous learning (e.g., Mission Karmayogi in government; corporate training programmes in private firms) ensures efficiency, innovation, and adaptability.
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Avoidance of Conflict of Interest – Employees must disclose personal or financial interests that may bias decisions. This prevents nepotism and corruption, safeguarding institutional integrity.
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Whistleblower Protection – Mechanisms to protect those exposing wrongdoing encourage openness and courage, essential for ethical growth.
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Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility – Both sectors must uphold environmental protection (Art. 48A, Constitution) and community welfare. Sustainable practices future-proof organisations and enhance social legitimacy.
A Code of Ethics is not just a compliance checklist but a living value system. By embedding honesty, fairness, accountability, and social responsibility, workplaces—public or private—create trust, efficiency, and long-term success.
6(b). 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? (Answer in 150 words) 10
India’s economic rise is challenged by under-utilisation and misutilisation of funds in sectors like health, rural development, and infrastructure. Ensuring accountability is critical for achieving IMF’s projection of India becoming the third-largest economy.
Measures:
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Outcome-Based Budgeting: Linking allocations with measurable results, as recommended by FRBM Review Committee (N.K. Singh, 2017).
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Real-Time Monitoring: Use of PFMS (Public Financial Management System) and PRAGATI dashboard to track fund flow.
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Decentralisation: Empower PRIs/ULBs with financial autonomy and accountability (Art. 243G). Example: Kerala’s participatory budgeting model.
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Audit Mechanisms: Strengthen CAG audits and make reports actionable. Social audits in MGNREGA showed reduction in ghost beneficiaries.
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Transparency Tools: Use of DBT in PM-KISAN, LPG subsidy (PAHAL scheme) eliminated leakages.
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Zero Tolerance to Corruption: Fast-track inquiries by Lokpal/CBI in fund misuse cases.
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Capacity Building: Training local officials to design projects and utilise funds effectively.
