Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude 09- Flashcards

A vocabulary set capturing core terms and concepts discussed across the chapters on aptitude, integrity (moral and intellectual), governance values (end vs means), impartiality/nonpartisanship, anti-corruption bodies, and practical governance guidelines.

Aptitude

Potential within a person to grow into real ability, which must be cultivated through persistence and effort.

Integrity

Doing the right thing and upholding the highest ethical values, even when no one is watching; a positive, non-negotiable quality.

Moral integrity

Consistency in moral judgments; walking the talk and applying the same standards to oneself and others.

Intellectual integrity

Being true to one's reasoning, open to new information, and courageous to admit when one is wrong; applying the same standards to others.

End oriented values

Values focused on achieving specific goals in governance (the ends), e.g., social justice, economic justice, political justice.

Means oriented values

Values focusing on how goals are achieved (the means), emphasizing process, sustainability, and ethical methods.

Social justice

End oriented value focusing on equal treatment under law and opportunities, including abolition of untouchability and non-discrimination.

Economic justice

End oriented value aiming for equitable wealth distribution and equal opportunities, guided by DPSPs and constitutional provisions.

Political justice

End oriented value including rights to form unions, universal adult franchise, and participation in political processes.

Panchayats

Constitutional framework for democratic decentralization and people’s participation at local levels; grassroots governance.

Gram Sabha

Direct democracy at the village level; citizens’ gatherings for discussion and decisions affecting the locality.

End vs means (balance)

Principle that both goals (ends) and the methods used to achieve them (means) matter; ends should not justify immoral means.

Article 48A

Constitutional provision that emphasizes protecting the environment; nature’s guardian role for the state.

Jetapur nuclear power project (case).

Illustrates how ends (energy) and means (environmental/societal impacts) must be balanced; process matters in governance.

Second Administrative Reforms Commission (Second ARC)

A commission (set of reports) aimed at improving administrative structure and governance in India, advising on values and ethics.

DARPG

Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances; part of the governance and reform machinery.

DOPT

Department of Personnel and Training; cadre controlling authority for IAS and other civil services.

Objectivity

Sticking to facts and evidence, avoiding favoritism; applying judgments based on verifiable information.

Empathy

Ability to understand and share the feelings of the vulnerable by putting oneself in another’s position.

Commitment to citizens’ welfare

Principle that public must come first; service orientation toward improving the lives of people.

Impartiality

Decision-making based on objective criteria, without bias or prejudice; treating all matters and people fairly.

Bias

A tilt or preference toward one side, often unconsciously, that undermines objectivity and fairness.

Prejudice

A preconceived notion or attitude about someone or a group, formed without full facts.

Public impartiality

Equality of treatment across five interaction categories: services access, regulated activities, legal redress, edge-level encounters, and public participation.

Fair queues

Principle of first-come, first-served service, with exceptions for genuine emergencies to ensure fairness.

Nonpartisanship

Civil servants serve the government of the day with professionalism and impartiality, without political affiliation.

Political impartiality

Separation of policy making (politicians) from policy implementation (civil servants); neutrality in administrative actions.

Permanent vs. political executive

Civil servants form the permanent, merit-based bureaucracy; ministers and political leaders are temporary and partisan.

Office of Profit

Restriction preventing civil servants from holding political office or participating in elections while in service.

Hippocratic Oath

Ethical code for doctors to do no harm, maintain confidentiality, and treat patients fairly; extended to professional integrity norms.

Right to Information (RTI)

Tool to promote transparency, enabling citizens to access information and hold authorities accountable.

Lokpal

National anti-corruption ombudsman to oversee and investigate corruption cases; a watchdog beyond ordinary channels.

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

Independent body to monitor corruption and promote vigilance in public administration.

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

Independent auditor of government accounts; acts as a watchdog over public funds.

Public trust (KPI)

The core measure of governance success: citizens’ belief that officials act impartially and in the public interest.

Be the change you want to see

Gandhi quote emphasizing personal integrity and role-modeling ethical behavior.

Gandhian values

Foundational ethical principles drawn from Gandhi, including truth, nonviolence, and grassroots democracy; emphasized in governance.

Gifts vs Bribes (gift guidelines)

Guidelines distinguishing acceptable gifts from bribery; gifts must not influence official judgment or create conflicts of interest.

Direct governance ethics (public conduct)

Professional conduct guidelines to ensure use of public resources, confidentiality, non-exploitation, and ethical leadership.