UPSC Express

For any country to survive and prosper there should be a continuous growth, optimal utilization of resources using state of the art technology and reduction of economic disparities so that all sections and regions of the country contribute to its growth. It is even more a necessity for a country like India where a sizable population lives under poverty line,there are problems related to basic amenities and there are disparities between sections and regions. The panacea to all these problems is sustainable inclusive growth where the government has an important role to play. To achieve this purpose, efficient, honest and dedicated working of the State machinery is necessary. Growth is possible and sustainable only if there is the presence of ‘good governance’ and one most basic requirement of good governance is corruption free working in public offices.
There are two fundamental ways to ensure probity Intrinsic motivations: The value of probity can be permanently instilled through the intense activity of inculcating true inspiration in an officer to work for the well-being and upliftment of the people who have been placed under his responsibility and the people at large. One must be genuinely motivated to overcome the narrowness of one’s individual interests and desires and see oneself as carrying out important work of nation building the incentives of which are well-being and gratitude of posterity.
Extrinsic motivations: Other steps which include ensuring transparency, accountability and answerability of the officer can be ensured by making a procedural and legislative system of checks and balances which minimize corruption e.g. RTI, Lokpal, E-governance, Prevention of Corruption Act, CAG, CVC. Improvement in incentives and remuneration are further steps to ensure probity. Technological advancements also can be utilized strategically to achieve the abovementioned objectives. The officers will be encouraged to participate in a systemic exercise of probity if they feel that the system acknowledges and appreciates their effort rather than blocking it out, thus the personnel should be attended with comradeship in times of distress by her colleagues.