Q. “Discuss the significance of integrity in public administration. How does it contribute to effective governance and the trust of the public in government institutions?”

Approach:
Introduction:
•Define integrity as the adherence to moral principles, as highlighted by C.S. Lewis. Introduce its crucial role in public administration and governance.
Body:
A. Significance in Public Administration:
•Acting ethically: Emphasize integrity in making decisions regardless of rewards.
- Example: IAS Narahari fighting against sex determination in M.P.
•Impartiality: Integrity ensures unbiased decision-making.
- Example: Fighting corruption.
•Upholding rule of law: Integrity helps challenge social stigmas and supports equality.
- Example: Pilantri village’s efforts to abolish dowry.
•Sustainability: Integrity strengthens public institutions.
- Example: IAS N. Ravi Kumar resisting illegal mining.
B. Contribution to Effective Governance:
•Integrity leads to transparency, responsiveness, fair policy development, and service efficiency.
- Example: e-Governance initiatives streamline services.
C. Role in Building Public Trust:
•Integrity safeguards public interest, encourages citizen participation, and strengthens accountability.
- Example: Andhra Pradesh OBC Loans Scheme promoting inclusivity.
Conclusion:
•Reiterate integrity’s foundational role in governance, as highlighted by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission report. Mention reforms like RTI Act and decentralization to emphasize its importance.

Introduction:
As C.S. Lewis wisely said, "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching," emphasizing the importance of upholding moral principles consistently. Integrity is the quality of being honest, having strong moral principles.

Body:
A. Significance of Integrity in Public Administration:
1. Do right because it’s right: It emphasizes the importance of acting with integrity and moral conviction, regardless of external rewards or recognition.
Example: IAS Narahari, fought against sex determination, M.P; Ladli laxmi yojana.
2. Impartiality and objectivity: refer to the ability to make decisions or form judgments without bias, favoritism, or personal influence.
Example: Corruption/bribe taking; threat calls.
3. Uphold rule of law: turning social stigmas into modernity and equality.
Example: Pilantri village story.
4. Sustainable public service: Integrity fortifies public institutions and enhances governance.
Example: N. Ravi Kumar, an IAS officer, stood firm against illegal mining operations despite external pressures, showcasing how integrity upholds the rule of law.

B. Contribution to Effective Governance:
1. Promotes Transparency & Responsiveness: Integrity leads to transparent decision-making and greater public responsiveness.
2. Builds Administrative Continuity: Integrity ensures decisions align with long-term constitutional values.
3. Strengthens Public Delivery Systems: Ethical officers focus on equitable access and prioritize marginalized groups.
4. Encourages Fair Policy Development: Officers with integrity contribute to just and inclusive policies.
5. Improves Service Efficiency: Ethical governance reduces inefficiencies and prioritizes public benefit.
Example: 'e-Governance' initiative to streamline various public services through digital platforms.
C. Role in Building Public Trust:
1. Safeguards Public Interest: Integrity ensures decisions serve the public good, not personal interests.
2. Boosts Participatory Governance: Trust in administration encourages greater citizen engagement and democratic participation.
3. Strengthens Accountability Mechanisms: Integrity ensures officials are held accountable for their actions.
4. Ethics in action: ODANTHURAI village- model of self-governance.
5. Facilitates Policy Impact: Trust in public officials supports successful policy outcomes.
Example: The Andhra Pradesh OBC Loans Scheme promotes inclusivity, safeguards public interest, and strengthens accountability, fostering public trust by providing financial support to marginalized communities with transparent, impactful execution.

Conclusion:
According to 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) report on “Ethics in Governance,”. Integrity is the cornerstone of public service values where it brings arbitrary actions of civil servants and civilians. For example initiatives like RTI act, decentralization, inclusive growth etc.