Q7. “When ethical systems weaken, procedures become mere rituals”. Evaluate this statement in the context of administrative ethics. Discuss how procedural compliance without moral conviction undermines governance integrity. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question:
The relationship between ethics and administrative procedures, and how loss of moral conviction transforms governance into mechanical rule-following.Key demand of the question:
Evaluate how weakening ethical systems hollow out administrative purpose, and explain how mere procedural compliance—without integrity—undermines governance credibility and public trust.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:Define link between ethics and administration; show how procedures depend on inner moral conviction for meaningful governance.
Body:
- Explain the idea of weakened ethical systems and its effect on bureaucracy.
- Show how proceduralism without ethics leads to ritualistic functioning and loss of integrity.
- Substantiate with constitutional morality, ARC reports, and relevant case examples.
Conclusion:
Emphasise the need for embedding ethics into procedure through value-based governance and moral leadership.
