Day 1 – Q.3. “The intersection of public service and private interests often creates ethical dilemmas.” Examine the challenges in maintaining ethical governance when public officials engage with private entities.

Q.3. “The intersection of public service and private interests often creates ethical dilemmas.” Examine the challenges in maintaining ethical governance when public officials engage with private entities. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction

Ethical governance demands that public officials act solely in the interest of the people. However, when private affiliations influence official decisions, conflict of interest arises—leading to ethical dilemmas where personal gains may outweigh public duty.

Body

Intersection and Ethical Dilemmas:

• Public officials’ ties with private entities can create conflicts of interest, compromising fairness by prioritizing personal gains over public welfare.
• Example: A civil servant showing leniency to a company where they hope to get a job after retirement illustrates this ethical conflict.

Challenges in maintaining ethical governance

1. Regulatory Capture : Corporate influence distorts policy for profit.
   Example: Vedanta’s lobbying clashed with tribal rights in Niyamgiri.
2. Nepotism and Cronyism : Personal ties override merit.
   Example: PSU appointments raised concerns during Air India disinvestment.
3. Post-Retirement Benefits : Future jobs compromise present decisions.
   Example: Viral Acharya warned of bureaucrats joining private firms they regulated.
4. Biased Decision-Making : Resources may be diverted for personal gain.
   Example: Adarsh Scam diverted flats meant for war widows.
5. Insider Information Misuse : Leaks help private profiteering.
   Example: 2015 petroleum document leak helped energy firms.
6. Procurement Corruption : Kickbacks in tenders waste public funds.
   Example: CWG scam involved inflated contracts.
7. Unregulated Lobbying : Opaque influence undermines democracy.
   Example: KG Basin pricing controversy reflected policy capture.
8. Erosion of Trust : Repeated misconduct destroys citizen faith.
   Example: The 2G scam deeply hurt institutional credibility.

Conclusion

To safeguard ethics in governance, officials must uphold objectivity, probity, and public interest. Institutional safeguards, transparent procedures, and strict codes of conduct are essential.