Ethical courage in public service is as vital as professional competence. Analyse this in the context of governance. Suggest institutional and individual measures to nurture ethical courage among civil servants.

Q7. Ethical courage in public service is as vital as professional competence. Analyse this in the context of governance. Suggest institutional and individual measures to nurture ethical courage among civil servants. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
In a commendable act of integrity, the Superintendent in GST Intelligence played a pivotal role in the CBI operation that led to the arrest of two private individuals on bribery charge

Key Demand of the question
The question asks to analyse why ethical courage is as vital as professional competence in governance and to suggest institutional as well as individual measures to cultivate such courage among civil servants.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly explain the significance of ethical courage in governance with a reference to constitutional values or a real-life example.

Body

• Ethical courage in governance: Show how it upholds rule of law, prevents corruption, builds public trust, ensures impartiality, and safeguards public interest.
• Institutional measures: Legal protection, ethics training, transparent systems, accountability mechanisms, and supportive leadership.
• Individual measures: Moral compass, professional ethics, resilience under pressure, role-modelling, and commitment to constitutional values.

Conclusion
End with a crisp futuristic line on building fearless and value-driven administration through integration of courage and competence.