Q. "Ethics plays a crucial role in guiding decision-making in public administration. Explain the role of ethical principles in shaping decisions within public services with relevant examples."

Approach:
Introduction:
• Begin with a powerful real-life case (e.g., Armstrong Pame)
• Link it to the broader theme of ethical governance and its necessity in public service.
Body:
•Organize around five key ethical dimensions, each backed by a relevant thinker and a concrete example:
1. Transparency & Accountability – Bentham & Mill (e.g., RTI Act, PDS reform)
2. Justice & Fairness – John Rawls (e.g., Reservation under Articles 15(4), 16(4); Welfare schemes)
3. Integrity & Duty – Immanuel Kant (e.g., E. Sreedharan and Delhi Metro)
4. Neutrality & Professionalism – Max Weber (e.g., UPSC recruitment)
5. Responsiveness & Compassion – Carol Gilligan (e.g., Suhas L.Y. during COVID)
• Link each point to constitutional values like justice, equality, and the idea of a welfare state.
Conclusion:
• Use a strong ethical quote (e.g., Gandhi) to reinforce the message.
• Emphasize the role of ethics in transforming administration into a humane, just, and trustworthy institution

Introduction:
When IAS officer Armstrong Pame built a 100-km road in Manipur using public donations, he set a benchmark for ethical leadership. His initiative reflected integrity, compassion, and commitment to public good. Ethics in public administration ensures that decisions uphold justice and conscience, going beyond procedural compliance to serve people meaningfully.

Body:
Ethical Dimensions in Public Service Decision-Making
1. Transparency and Accountability – Utilitarianism (Bentham & Mill): Utilitarianism promotes actions that ensure the greatest good for the greatest number. Transparency tools such as the RTI Act (2005) enhance public trust by empowering citizens to scrutinize decisions.
e.g. In Bihar, RTI requests exposed corruption in the Public Distribution System, leading to systemic reforms.
2. Justice and Fairness – John Rawls: Rawls emphasized Equity and support for the least advantaged. India’s Constitution reflects this through Articles 15(4), 15(5), and 16(4), enabling affirmative action in jobs and education.
e.g. Reservation policies and welfare schemes like PM Awas Yojana serve the vulnerable, fulfilling the welfare state vision under Directive Principles (Part IV).
3. Integrity and Duty – Immanuel Kant: Kant's deontology stresses duty-bound action, regardless of consequences.
e.g. E. Sreedharan delivered the Delhi Metro on time and free from corruption, guided by an unflinching moral code.
4. Neutrality and Professionalism – Max Weber: Weber’s bureaucratic model promotes rule-based, unbiased governance. e.g. The UPSC civil services system exemplifies meritocracy and impartiality in public recruitment.
5. Responsiveness and Compassion – Carol Gilligan: Gilligan’s ethics of care emphasize empathy and relational responsibility.
e.g. During COVID-19, IAS officer Suhas L.Y. organized community kitchens and medical aid, responding with human sensitivity, not just official protocol.

Conclusion:
"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place." — Mahatma Gandhi. Ethics in public administration transcends rules—it anchors decisions in conscience, justice, and integrity. When public servants are guided by ethical principles, they don't just follow procedures—they uphold the moral fabric of democracy and serve the true spirit of governance.