Q7. Integrity in public life is tested not in rules but in resistance to unethical incentives. Analyse the ethical challenges faced by public servants. Discuss ways to strengthen ethical resilience. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Recent instances of ethical failure in public administration highlight that formal rules alone are insufficient to ensure probity, making integrity under pressure a central concern of public ethics.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the core idea that integrity is tested through resistance to unethical incentives, analysing the ethical challenges faced by public servants, and discussing measures to strengthen ethical resilience in public life.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly link integrity in public service with moral courage and ethical decision-making beyond procedural compliance.Body
- Explain the statement by highlighting why integrity depends on personal values when unethical incentives arise.
- Analyse the major ethical challenges confronting public servants in contemporary governance.
- Discuss broad institutional and individual measures to strengthen ethical resilience.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising that ethical governance depends on resilient individuals supported by strong institutional safeguards.
