Ethics in Public Life

Seven principle of public life laid by NOLAN COMMITTEE
1. Selflessness
2. Integrity
3. Objectivity
4. Accountability
5. Openness
6. Honesty
7. Leadership
Ethical framework for Ministers
1. Code of conduct by GoI
  - Disclosures
  - No business connections
  - Refrain from government transactions
  - Report if any family member sets up a business
  - Not accept any contribution ( even charitable )
  - Awards only from great organisations
  - Government accommodation only
  - No lavish parties
2. Code of Ethics must be formulate
  - Collective responsibility
  - Accountable to parliament
  - No conflict of interest
  - Minister vs. Public representative
  - Not use government resources for private purposes
  - Desire public moneys are used with utmost economy and care
3. Recommendations
  - Code of ethics
  - Dedicated units in CMO/PMO to monitor ethics
  - Annual report about the observances
  - Everything in public domain
Ethical framework for Legislators
1. Existing code of conduct for RS
2. Register of interests
3. Sec 75A of RPA,1951 – details of assets/liabilities details within 90 days
4. Recommendations
  - Office of ethics commissioner in each house of parliament
  - Ethical committee in every state legislature
  - Register of interests ( MLAs )
Ethical framework for Judiciary
1. Restatement of values in Judicial Life
  - No contest elections
  - No association with bar
  - No family members practices
  - Refrain from own family cases
  - No interview to media
  - Don’t speculate shares
  - Don’t raise funds for association
2. Recommendations
  - National Judicial Council
  - Enquire into alleged misconduct
  - Judge of SC – Judicial values commissioner
Misc.
- Seven social sins by Mahatma Gandhi
  1. Politics without Principles
  2. Wealth without work
  3. Leisure without conscience
  4. Knowledge without character
  5. Commerce without morality
  6. Science without humanity
  7. Worship without sacrifice

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