Sample Material of Our IAS Mains GS Online Coaching Programme
Subject: General Studies (Paper 4 - Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
Topic: Probity in Governance (Part-1)
PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE (Part-1)
Philosophical basis of governance
Governance relates to the management of all such processes that, in any society, define the environment which permits and enables individuals to raise their capability levels on the one hand, and provide opportunities to realize their potential and enlarge the set of available choices, on the other. These processes, covering the political, social and economic aspects of life impact every level of human enterprise, be it the individual, the household, the village, the region or the nation. It covers the State, civil society and the market, each of which is critical for sustaining human development.
The State is responsible for creating a conducive political, legal and economic environment for building individual capabilities and encouraging private initiative.’ The concept of “governance” is not new. It is as old as human civilization. Kautilya in his treatise Arthashastra elaborated the traits of the king of a well governed State thus: “in the happiness of his subjects lies his happiness, in their welfare his welfare, whatever pleases himself, he does not consider as good, but whatever pleases his subjects he considers as good”. Mahatma Gandhi had propounded the concept of’Swaraj’. Since governance is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and informal actors involved in decision-making and implementing the decisions made and the formal and informal structures that have been set in place to arrive at and implement the decision.
Philosophy of Governance
Alter Independence, the well arc and development content of the administration has become very prominent. It might be said that this content is predominant over the law and order and regulatory content. It does not that during the British rule the development and welfare aspect did not exist at all. It was there, but it was subordinate to the chief motivation of the foreigners to rule over this country and its people. Railways, posts and telegraph, highways, canals, ports, banking and insurance, capital cities, were set up; a foundation was laid for the future development of country’s economy.
“We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens: Justice, social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality of status and of opportunity, and to promote among them all: Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; In our constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this constitution.”
• Preamble sets out the ssstcm of government and its objectives, the ideas and values. It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce the constitution, and to create an environment in which the application of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble may be possible. The Preamble of the Constitution seeks to secure to all citizens social and economic justice and equality of status and of opportunity. These objectives are further elaborated in Part IV of the Constitution which deals with Directive Principles of the state policy. These principles give guidance to the government in making laws and administering them. Thus, the following are the most important among these Directive Principles.
The State is to strive to minimise the inequalities in income and to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities among individuals and groups territorial and vocational. Both men and women have an equal right Hi an adequate means of livelihood. Equal pay for equal work is another Directive given by the Constitution. The moral and material health of children and youth is protected. Equal justice and free legal aid are assured. Within the limits of the economic capacity and development of the state, the right to work, education and public assistance in old age, unemployment, etc., is secured. Humane conditions of work and maternity relief are provided for. A living wage and a decent standard of life would be sought to be attained. Workers’ participation in industrial management would be promoted. Free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years would be provided. The welfare of the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes and other weaker sections would be advanced.