Ethics (Paper IV)

Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance and among indian civil servants

by Prince Luthra Sir (UPSC CSE AIR 577) · 6 August 2025

Strengthening Ethical and Moral Values in Governance and Among Indian Civil Servants

Strengthening ethical and moral values in governance and among civil servants is crucial for building a transparent, accountable, and effective public administration system. It enhances public trust, ensures fair and just service delivery, and promotes overall good governance. Here are several strategies to achieve this goal:

Ethics Training and Education
Incorporate Ethics in Training Programs

Action: Integrate ethics and values as core components of the training curriculum for civil servants at all levels.
Implementation: The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and other training institutes should include modules on ethical decision-making, integrity, and public service values.
Impact: This ensures that new entrants to the civil service start their careers with a strong foundation in ethical principles.

Continuous Professional Development

Action: Provide ongoing ethics training and workshops for in-service civil servants.
Implementation: Regular refresher courses, seminars, and workshops on ethics should be mandatory to keep civil servants updated on ethical practices and emerging ethical challenges.
Impact: Continuous exposure to ethical concepts reinforces their importance and applicability in daily administrative tasks.

Strengthening Institutional Frameworks
Establish Ethics Committees

Action: Set up ethics committees within all government departments to oversee ethical conduct and address ethical dilemmas.
Implementation: These committees should have the authority to investigate complaints, provide guidance on ethical issues, and recommend corrective actions.
Impact: This provides a structured approach to handling ethical issues and promotes a culture of accountability.

Code of Conduct

Action: Develop and enforce a comprehensive code of conduct for civil servants.
Implementation: The code should outline expected behaviours, conflict of interest policies, and consequences for unethical conduct. It should be regularly reviewed and updated.
Impact: A clear code of conduct provides a benchmark for ethical behaviour and helps in maintaining high standards of integrity.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Transparency Initiatives

Action: Enhance transparency in government operations through measures like e-governance and the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Implementation: All government departments should proactively disclose information related to their operations, decisions, and financial transactions on public platforms.
Impact: Transparency reduces opportunities for corruption and unethical behaviour, fostering trust in public institutions.

Accountability Mechanisms

Action: Strengthen mechanisms for holding civil servants accountable for their actions.
Implementation: Implement performance audits, regular reviews, and public accountability sessions. Introduce mechanisms for citizens to report unethical behaviour anonymously.
Impact: Robust accountability mechanisms deter unethical conduct and ensure that civil servants act in the public interest.

Leadership and Role Models
Ethical Leadership

Action: Promote ethical leadership at all levels of government.
Implementation: Leaders in public service should model ethical behaviour, making decisions that reflect integrity and fairness. Leadership development programs should emphasize ethical leadership skills.
Impact: Ethical leadership sets a tone of integrity throughout the organization and influences the behaviour of subordinates.

Recognition and Reward

Action: Recognize and reward ethical behaviour among civil servants.
Implementation: Establish awards and incentives for exemplary ethical conduct and integrity in public service.
Impact: Recognizing ethical behaviour reinforces its importance and motivates others to act ethically.

Public Engagement and Social Accountability
Citizen Participation

Action: Encourage active citizen participation in governance processes.
Implementation: Implement participatory governance mechanisms like public consultations, social audits, and citizen advisory boards.
Impact: Engaging citizens in governance ensures that their concerns are addressed ethically and transparently, enhancing accountability.

Social Accountability Tools

Action: Use social accountability tools to monitor and evaluate government performance.
Implementation: Tools like community scorecards, public expenditure tracking surveys, and grievance redress mechanisms can be employed to hold civil servants accountable.
Impact: These tools empower citizens to demand ethical behaviour and improve service delivery.

Legal and Regulatory Measures
Strengthen Anti-Corruption Laws

Action: Update and enforce stringent anti-corruption laws and regulations.
Implementation: Strengthen institutions like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Lokpal to investigate and prosecute corruption cases effectively.
Impact: Strong legal frameworks deter unethical behaviour and promote integrity in public service.

Whistleblower Protection

Action: Protect whistleblowers who expose corruption and unethical practices.
Implementation: Implement and enforce laws that provide protection and incentives for whistleblowers, ensuring their safety and anonymity.
Impact: Encouraging whistleblowing helps in uncovering unethical practices and promotes a culture of transparency and accountability.

Cultural and Value-Based Interventions
Promoting Ethical Values

Action: Foster a culture of ethical values and integrity in society.
Implementation: Educational institutions, media, and civil society organizations should promote ethical values and public morality.
Impact: A societal emphasis on ethics reinforces the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.

Moral Education

Action: Integrate moral education into the school and college curriculum.
Implementation: Introduce courses on ethics and moral philosophy to inculcate ethical values from a young age.
Impact: Early exposure to ethical concepts builds a foundation of integrity that carries into professional life.

Strengthening ethical and moral values in governance and among Indian civil servants is essential for creating a transparent, accountable, and effective public administration. By integrating ethics training, establishing strong institutional frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability, fostering ethical leadership, encouraging public engagement, reinforcing legal measures, and promoting a culture of ethical values, India can enhance the integrity and performance of its civil service. These efforts will not only improve public trust but also ensure that governance processes are fair, just, and aligned with the public good.

Key components of ethical training programs for civil servants in india

Ethical training programs for civil servants in India are designed to instil values of integrity, accountability, transparency, and public service ethos. These programs are crucial for ensuring that civil servants adhere to high ethical standards and conduct their duties with fairness and justice. The key components of ethical training programs for civil servants in India include:

Foundational Ethical Principles
Understanding Ethics and Morality

Content: Definitions of ethics and morality, differences between personal and professional ethics, and the importance of ethical behaviour in public service.
Objective: To provide a basic understanding of ethics and its relevance to civil service.

Core Values of Public Service

Content: Values such as integrity, impartiality, transparency, accountability, and dedication to public service.
Objective: To emphasize the core values that underpin ethical behaviour in public administration.

Legal and Regulatory Framework
Anti-Corruption Laws and Regulations

Content: Overview of anti-corruption laws in India, including the Prevention of Corruption Act, the role of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act.
Objective: To familiarize civil servants with the legal framework governing anti-corruption measures and their responsibilities under these laws.

Right to Information (RTI) Act

Content: Provisions of the RTI Act, its significance in promoting transparency, and the procedures for handling RTI requests.
Objective: To ensure civil servants understand the importance of transparency and are capable of effectively managing information requests.

Case Studies and Real-Life Scenarios
Analysis of Ethical Dilemmas

Content: Real-life case studies involving ethical dilemmas faced by civil servants, such as conflicts of interest, misuse of power, and bribery.
Objective: To develop critical thinking and decision-making skills by analysing and discussing real-world ethical challenges.

Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Content: Examples of best practices in ethical governance from India and around the world.
Objective: To provide positive examples and lessons that can be applied in everyday administrative functions.

Conflict of Interest Management
Identifying Conflicts of Interest

Content: Different types of conflicts of interest, how to identify them, and the impact they can have on public trust and decision-making.
Objective: To help civil servants recognize potential conflicts of interest and understand the importance of managing them effectively.

Strategies for Managing Conflicts of Interest

Content: Tools and strategies for managing conflicts of interest, such as disclosure requirements, recusal procedures, and ethical decision-making frameworks.
Objective: To equip civil servants with practical approaches to handle conflicts of interest in their professional duties.

Whistleblower Protection and Encouragement
Understanding Whistleblower Protections

Content: Overview of laws and policies that protect whistleblowers, including the Whistleblowers Protection Act.
Objective: To educate civil servants on their rights and responsibilities as whistleblowers and the protections available to them.

Encouraging Ethical Reporting

Content: Creating a culture that encourages reporting unethical behaviour, mechanisms for reporting, and the importance of protecting whistleblowers from retaliation.
Objective: To foster an environment where ethical concerns can be raised without fear of retribution.

Public Engagement and Transparency
Citizen-Centric Governance

Content: Principles of citizen engagement, importance of public feedback, and methods for improving public participation in governance.
Objective: To enhance the responsiveness and accountability of civil servants to the public they serve.

Transparent Decision-Making

Content: Techniques for making transparent decisions, including open meetings, clear communication of policies, and proactive disclosure of information.
Objective: To promote openness in administrative processes and build public trust.

Ethical Leadership and Role Models
Leadership Principles and Ethics

Content: The role of ethical leadership in governance, characteristics of ethical leaders, and the impact of ethical leadership on organizational culture.
Objective: To prepare civil servants to lead by example and promote ethical behaviour within their teams and organizations.

Profiles of Ethical Leaders

Content: Study of renowned ethical leaders from history and contemporary society, their contributions, and the ethical principles they upheld.
Objective: To inspire civil servants by highlighting the achievements and principles of ethical leaders.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Ethical Behaviour
Performance Evaluation

Content: Incorporating ethical behaviour into performance appraisals and evaluations, setting clear ethical standards, and assessing adherence to these standards.
Objective: To ensure that ethical conduct is a key component of civil servants’ professional assessments.

Feedback Mechanisms

Content: Establishing systems for receiving and acting on feedback regarding ethical behaviour, both from within the organization and from the public.
Objective: To create a continuous improvement loop for ethical practices in public administration.

Ethical training programs for civil servants in India should be comprehensive and multifaceted, incorporating foundational principles, legal frameworks, real-life scenarios, conflict management, whistleblower protection, public engagement, leadership, and evaluation mechanisms. By embedding these components into training programs, India can cultivate a cadre of civil servants who are not only skilled and competent but also committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, thereby enhancing the overall quality of governance.

Best practices for establishing codes of conduct in indian civil service organizations

Establishing effective codes of conduct in Indian civil service organizations is essential to promote ethical behaviour, integrity, and accountability among civil servants. Here are the best practices for developing and implementing these codes:

Inclusive Development Process
Stakeholder Engagement

Action: Involve a wide range of stakeholders in the development process, including senior officials, mid-level managers, junior staff, and representatives from civil society.
Benefit: Ensures the code reflects diverse perspectives and gains broad acceptance.

Transparent Drafting

Action: Conduct open consultations and workshops to gather input and feedback on the draft code of conduct.
Benefit: Enhances transparency and inclusivity, fostering a sense of ownership among employees.

Clear and Comprehensive Content
Define Core Values and Principles

Action: Clearly articulate the core values and ethical principles that underpin the code of conduct, such as integrity, accountability, impartiality, and transparency.
Benefit: Provides a solid ethical foundation and guiding principles for behaviour.

Specific Guidelines and Examples

Action: Include specific guidelines and examples to illustrate acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in various situations.
Benefit: Makes the code practical and easier to understand and apply.

Alignment with Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Compliance with Laws

Action: Ensure the code of conduct aligns with relevant laws, regulations, and policies, such as the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Right to Information Act.
Benefit: Reinforces legal compliance and strengthens the code’s legitimacy.

Reference to Existing Policies

Action: Incorporate references to existing organizational policies and procedures that relate to ethical conduct.
Benefit: Provides a comprehensive and cohesive framework for ethical behaviour.

Implementation and Communication
Launch and Awareness Campaigns

Action: Organize a formal launch event and conduct awareness campaigns to introduce the code of conduct to all employees.
Benefit: Raises awareness and highlights the importance of the code.

Training Programs

Action: Develop and deliver regular training programs to educate employees about the code of conduct and its application.
Benefit: Ensures employees understand and can effectively apply the code in their daily work.

Monitoring and Enforcement
Establish Monitoring Mechanisms

Action: Set up mechanisms to monitor compliance with the code, such as regular audits, surveys, and feedback systems.
Benefit: Provides ongoing oversight and identifies areas for improvement.

Disciplinary Procedures

Action: Clearly outline disciplinary procedures and consequences for violations of the code of conduct.
Benefit: Ensures accountability and deters unethical behaviour.

Support Systems
Ethics Committees

Action: Establish ethics committees to oversee the implementation of the code, address ethical issues, and provide guidance on ethical dilemmas.
Benefit: Offers a dedicated resource for maintaining ethical standards and resolving issues.

Whistleblower Protection

Action: Implement robust whistleblower protection mechanisms to encourage reporting of unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.
Benefit: Promotes a culture of transparency and accountability.

Regular Review and Updates
Periodic Review

Action: Conduct regular reviews of the code of conduct to ensure it remains relevant and effective in addressing emerging ethical challenges.
Benefit: Keeps the code up-to-date and responsive to changes in the organization and external environment.

Continuous Improvement

Action: Solicit feedback from employees and stakeholders to continuously improve the code and its implementation.
Benefit: Encourages ongoing refinement and adaptation to evolving needs and expectations.

Leadership and Role Modelling
Ethical Leadership

Action: Ensure leaders at all levels demonstrate ethical behaviour and commitment to the code of conduct.
Benefit: Sets a positive example and reinforces the importance of ethical conduct throughout the organization.

Recognition and Rewards

Action: Recognize and reward employees who exemplify ethical behaviour and adherence to the code.
Benefit: Encourages others to follow suit and fosters a culture of integrity.

Establishing a robust and effective code of conduct in Indian civil service organizations requires a comprehensive approach that includes inclusive development, clear guidelines, legal alignment, effective communication, ongoing monitoring, support systems, regular updates, and strong ethical leadership. By following these best practices, civil service organizations can promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical behaviour, ultimately enhancing public trust and the quality of governance.

Ethical training programs to address real-world scenarios faced by indian civil servants

Ethical training programs for Indian civil servants can be tailored to address real-world scenarios by incorporating practical elements that reflect the complexities and challenges they encounter in their daily duties. Here are some strategies to ensure these programs are relevant and effective:

Use of Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
Contextual Relevance

Action: Develop case studies based on actual incidents of ethical dilemmas faced by Indian civil servants. These can include issues such as corruption, conflict of interest, nepotism, and misuse of power.
Example: Analyse cases like the Commonwealth Games scandal, the Vyapam scam, or instances of bureaucratic corruption at various levels of government.
Benefit: Provides relatable and context-specific scenarios that help civil servants understand the application of ethical principles in real situations.

Discussion and Analysis

Action: Facilitate group discussions and analysis of these case studies to explore different perspectives and ethical considerations.
Benefit: Encourages critical thinking and collective problem-solving, allowing participants to learn from each other’s insights and experiences.

Role-Playing and Simulations
Interactive Learning

Action: Conduct role-playing exercises where participants act out scenarios involving ethical dilemmas. These can include dealing with bribe offers, handling public grievances, or managing conflicts of interest.
Example: Simulate a situation where a civil servant must decide whether to approve a contract for a relative’s company or a more qualified but unrelated firm.
Benefit: Provides hands-on experience and helps civil servants practice making ethical decisions in a controlled environment.

Scenario-Based Training

Action: Use simulations to recreate complex ethical situations that civil servants may face, such as crisis management, disaster response, or handling sensitive information.
Benefit: Enhances decision-making skills and prepares civil servants to handle ethical challenges effectively in real life.

Expert Lectures and Panels
Insights from Experienced Professionals

Action: Invite seasoned civil servants, ethical experts, and academic scholars to share their experiences and insights on ethical challenges in governance.
Benefit: Provides practical wisdom and diverse viewpoints that can inform and inspire participants.

Interactive Q&A Sessions

Action: Organize interactive sessions where participants can ask questions and discuss specific ethical issues with experts.
Benefit: Allows for a deeper understanding of ethical principles and their practical applications.

Customized Workshops and Seminars
Sector-Specific Training

Action: Tailor workshops and seminars to address the unique ethical challenges faced by different sectors of the civil service, such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, and public administration.
Example: Workshops for healthcare administrators on managing conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies or for law enforcement officers on the ethics of use of force.
Benefit: Ensures that training is relevant to the specific duties and responsibilities of participants.

Problem-Solving Workshops

Action: Conduct workshops focused on problem-solving techniques for ethical dilemmas, incorporating group activities and brainstorming sessions.
Benefit: Develops practical skills for identifying, analyzing, and resolving ethical issues.

Continuous Learning and Development
Online Learning Modules

Action: Develop online courses and modules on ethics that civil servants can access at their convenience, covering a wide range of topics and scenarios.
Benefit: Provides flexible learning options and ensures continuous professional development.

Regular Refresher Courses

Action: Implement mandatory refresher courses on ethics at regular intervals to keep civil servants updated on new developments and reinforce ethical standards.
Benefit: Ensures that ethical awareness remains a priority throughout a civil servant’s career.

Mentorship and Peer Learning
Mentorship Programs

Action: Establish mentorship programs where senior civil servants guide and support junior officers in understanding and navigating ethical challenges.
Benefit: Provides personalized guidance and helps build a culture of integrity.

Peer Learning Groups

Action: Create peer learning groups where civil servants can share experiences and discuss ethical issues they have encountered.
Benefit: Facilitates mutual learning and support, fostering a collaborative approach to ethics.

Evaluation and Feedback Mechanisms
Ethical Climate Surveys

Action: Conduct regular surveys to assess the ethical climate within civil service organizations and identify areas for improvement.
Benefit: Provides feedback on the effectiveness of ethical training programs and highlights areas that need attention.

Performance Reviews and Assessments

Action: Integrate ethical behaviour assessments into performance reviews, using feedback from peers, subordinates, and the public.
Benefit: Ensures that ethical conduct is recognized and rewarded, reinforcing its importance.

Practical Tools and Resources
Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

Action: Provide civil servants with frameworks and tools for ethical decision-making, such as checklists, flowcharts, and guidelines.
Benefit: Offers practical support for navigating ethical dilemmas.

Resource Materials

Action: Distribute resource materials, including books, articles, and case study compilations, on ethics and governance.
Benefit: Provides ongoing access to information and examples that reinforce ethical standards.

Tailoring ethical training programs for Indian civil servants to address real-world scenarios involves using case studies, role-playing, expert insights, customized workshops, continuous learning, mentorship, evaluation mechanisms, and practical tools. By making ethical training practical, relevant, and interactive, these programs can better prepare civil servants to uphold high ethical standards in their daily work, enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of public administration in India.

Practice Question

Question1: Discuss the role of ethical and moral values in shaping the behaviour and decisions of Indian civil servants. How do these values impact their effectiveness in public service delivery?

Question2: Analyse the challenges faced by Indian civil servants in maintaining ethical standards in the face of political and administrative pressures. Suggest mechanisms that could help in reinforcing ethical behaviour.

Question3: With reference to the Nolan Principles, evaluate how these ethical standards can be integrated into the daily functioning of Indian civil servants to enhance transparency and accountability in governance. (Use the information provided in chapter on Probity for this)

Question4: Consider a scenario where you, as a district magistrate, encounter widespread corruption in local development projects. Outline the steps you would take to address this issue while reinforcing ethical practices among your team.

Movie/Real Life:

a notable example is “Singham” (2011), where Ajay Devgn plays the role of Bajirao Singham, an honest and fearless IPS officer.

Example of Ethical Values in “Singham”:

Integrity:

Bajirao Singham is a model of integrity. Throughout the movie, he stays true to his principles, refusing to compromise on his morals, even when faced with immense pressure from corrupt politicians like Jaikant Shikre (played by Prakash Raj).
Example: When offered bribes and favors, Singham outright rejects them, staying committed to his duty as a protector of the law.

Courage of Conviction:

Singham demonstrates the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it puts him in danger. He fights against the deeply rooted corruption in the system, despite threats to his life and career.
Example: He openly challenges the powerful politician Jaikant Shikre, refusing to be intimidated by his influence, showing his unwavering moral courage.

Justice:

Singham’s primary value is justice. He fights for the people and against corruption in the police force and political system.
Example: In the climax, he ensures that Jaikant Shikre is held accountable for his actions, emphasizing his commitment to justice and rule of law.

Empathy:

Singham empathizes with the people of his village and later the city, understanding their struggles with crime and corruption.
Example: He takes personal responsibility for protecting the vulnerable and ensures that the public trusts the police force.

Accountability:

As an IPS officer, Singham holds himself accountable for his actions and decisions, ensuring that he fulfills his duty to the people without fail.
Example: He does not shy away from responsibility, even when it means confronting the corruption within his own system.

Conclusion:

In “Singham”, Ajay Devgn’s character demonstrates key ethical values such as integrity, courage, justice, empathy, and accountability, reflecting the ideals expected from an upright IPS officer in real life. His commitment to ethics and fighting corruption makes him a symbol of righteous public service.

PE 4 Food for thought: According to you which ethical value is the most important one for you and why?

PE 5 Cartoon: any picture

PE 6 Exam Essentials : Key components of ethical training programs for civil servants in india

PE 7 Case Study:

Divya Verma, an IAS officer, is serving as the District Collector in a developing district. Recently, her team uncovered a large-scale corruption scam involving the misuse of government funds meant for rural development. The investigation revealed that a significant portion of the funds was siphoned off by contractors and local politicians.

The problem arises when a high-ranking political leader, who has significant influence in the area, pressures Divya to drop the investigation. This politician was directly benefiting from the embezzled funds. The leader threatens to harm Divya’s career and reputation if she continues with the investigation. At the same time, her team and local community members, especially the poor villagers, are relying on her to bring justice, as these funds were critical for their development.

Stakeholders:

Divya Verma (District Collector): The key decision-maker facing political pressure and ethical responsibilities.
Corrupt Politicians and Contractors: Benefiting from the embezzled funds and pressuring Divya to drop the investigation.
Villagers and Rural Community: Suffering from the lack of development due to corruption. Their future depends on justice being served.
Government Authorities and Judiciary: Have a responsibility to support ethical conduct and law enforcement.
Divya’s Colleagues and Subordinates: Involved in the investigation and looking to Divya for leadership.
Media and Public: Observing the situation closely, which can impact public trust in governance and Divya’s reputation.

Ethical Dilemma:

Divya is caught in a situation where she must choose between two conflicting duties:

Duty to Serve Justice and Uphold the Law: Continuing with the investigation will expose the corrupt practices, ensure justice for the villagers, and uphold her commitment to public service. However, this will put her career, and possibly her safety, at risk due to political backlash.
Protecting Her Career and Personal Safety: Dropping the investigation as per the politician’s request will shield her from political harm but compromise her ethical responsibility to the community, government, and her role as a public servant.

Alternatives:

Drop the Investigation:
- Pros: Avoids conflict with influential politicians, protects her career, and ensures political backing for future work in the district.
- Cons: Compromises her integrity, allows corruption to continue, and betrays the trust of the local community. Sets a bad precedent of yielding to political pressure.
Continue the Investigation at Full Pace and Expose Corruption:
- Pros: Upholds justice and integrity, protects the interests of the rural poor, strengthens the rule of law, and promotes good governance. Shows ethical leadership and courage.
- Cons: Risks political retaliation, career damage, and personal safety. Could lead to political unrest in the district if the corrupt elements retaliate.
Seek Higher-Level Support from the State Government or Judiciary:
- Pros: Seeks legal backing and protection, ensures transparency, and shifts the responsibility to higher authorities, protecting her from direct political pressure. Strengthens institutional trust.
- Cons: May delay the investigation, leaving room for the corrupt politicians to interfere. Risks being seen as unable to handle the situation independently.
Compromise by Slowing Down the Investigation:
- Pros: Buys time to navigate the political situation without shutting down the investigation completely. Reduces immediate political pressure.
- Cons: Risks weakening the investigation, allowing corruption to persist. Sends a mixed signal to her subordinates and the public regarding her commitment to justice.

Best Alternative: Continue the Investigation at Full Pace and Expose Corruption (Alternative 2)

Solution:

The best alternative for Divya is to continue the investigation at full pace while exposing corruption. This option upholds the highest ethical standards expected from a civil servant. Divya’s duty is to serve the public, protect public funds, and ensure justice for the rural poor who have been deprived of development benefits. By not yielding to political pressure, she will:

Uphold Integrity and Justice: By continuing the investigation, Divya shows her commitment to integrity and the rule of law. This sends a strong message that she cannot be compromised, and her focus remains on public service.
Set a Strong Ethical Example: Divya’s actions would serve as an example of ethical leadership, motivating her colleagues and subordinates to act similarly in difficult situations.
Build Public Trust: The community, particularly the vulnerable rural population, will trust the administration more when they see their interests being defended against powerful corrupt entities.
Strengthen Governance: Exposing corruption and ensuring that the funds are used for their intended purpose will improve governance, leading to better implementation of future schemes.

Key Steps for Implementation:

Strengthen Investigation: Divya should strengthen her investigation by gathering irrefutable evidence to ensure that the corrupt actors are brought to justice.
Engage the Media Transparently: To prevent political pressure from derailing the investigation, Divya can engage with the media transparently, informing the public about the misuse of funds and the need for justice.
Seek Judicial Support: If necessary, Divya can seek judicial oversight to ensure that her investigation is legally protected from political interference.
Support the Community: Divya should continue engaging with the rural community to ensure they remain informed about the progress of the investigation and the potential impact of its outcomes on their development.

Justification:

This alternative not only upholds ethical values but also ensures long-term benefits for governance and public welfare. It strengthens public trust in the system, promotes accountability, and reinforces the principle that civil servants are meant to serve the public interest above all.

By choosing to uphold justice, Divya ensures that her ethical values—integrity, accountability, courage, and fairness—guide her decisions, making her a role model for other public servants.

Glossary

Code of Conduct: A set of guidelines outlining the expected behavior and ethical standards for individuals within an organization or profession.

Transparency: The practice of being open and clear about decision-making processes, actions, and information to ensure accountability and trust.

Accountability: The obligation of individuals or organizations to take responsibility for their actions and be answerable to stakeholders for outcomes.