Q7. “When public offices become commodities, merit ceases to be the basis of governance.” Discuss its long-term impact on public administration. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Recent recruitment scams in public institutions have revived concerns over ethical governance, meritocracy and integrity in public administration.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining how treating public offices as commodities undermines merit-based governance and discussing its long-term impact on public administration from an ethical perspective.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce public office as a public trust where merit and integrity form the ethical foundation of governance.
Body
- Why merit ceases to be the basis of governance: Explain how commodification of public offices undermines ethical recruitment and meritocracy.
- Long-term impact on public administration: Discuss its implications for institutional integrity, governance and public trust.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising that ethical recruitment and meritocracy are indispensable for competent, accountable and citizen-centric governance.
