Question- What are the basic principles of Public Life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.(UPSC PYQ ,150 Words , 10 Marks) 

Answer- 

Basic Principles of Public Life

Introduction

Public life refers to the activities and responsibilities associated with serving the public and managing public affairs. Public servants, including politicians and government officials, are expected to adhere to certain principles to maintain integrity, transparency, and accountability in their roles.

Basic Principles of Public Life

The basic principles of public life, often referred to as the Nolan Principles, include:

1.      Selflessness

2.      Integrity

3.      Objectivity

4.      Accountability

5.      Openness

6.      Honesty

7.      Leadership

Illustration of Three Principles with Examples

1.Integrity

Example: A government official involved in procurement processes must avoid any personal financial gain from the contracts awarded. In India, strict rules are laid out in the Prevention of Corruption Act to ensure that public officials do not misuse their position for personal benefits. 

2.Accountability

Example: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers Indian citizens to request information from public authorities, thereby holding them accountable. For example, if a local government fails to implement a public welfare scheme properly, citizens can use RTI to obtain information about the funds allocated and their usage, thus ensuring the officials are answerable for their actions.

3.Openness

Example: Transparency in government decision-making is crucial for public trust. The adoption of e-governance initiatives like the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) in India exemplifies openness. PFMS allows for real-time tracking of fund disbursement to various government schemes, ensuring that the public can access and scrutinize financial information, thereby fostering an open and transparent governance environment.

Conclusion

Adhering to the principles of public life is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance. By upholding integrity, accountability, and openness, public servants can foster a transparent and responsible administration, which is fundamental to democratic functioning.