UPSC Mains 2023 GS4 Q5b: model answer
‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss.
What the question wants
Define probity and show its link to effective governance and development.
How to structure it
Intro: probity as integrity, uprightness and honesty in public life. Body: (1) Governance effects: trust, efficient service delivery, rule of law, fair use of discretion; (2) Development effects: lower leakage (DBT savings), investment climate, inclusive growth, reduced inequality; (3) Lack of probity: corruption, policy capture, examples; (4) Measures: Lokpal, RTI, CVC, e-procurement, codes of ethics. Conclusion: probity as a precondition.
- 1(1) Governance effects: trust, efficient service delivery, rule of law, fair use of discretion
- 2(2) Development effects: lower leakage (DBT savings), investment climate, inclusive growth, reduced inequality
- 3(3) Lack of probity: corruption, policy capture, examples
- 4(4) Measures: Lokpal, RTI, CVC, e-procurement, codes of ethics
Model answer
Probity means integrity and uprightness in public life: honesty in dealing with public money, power and information.
Why it is essential for governance
- Trust: citizens cooperate with a government they believe is honest.
- Efficiency: decisions are taken on merit, not bribes.
- Rule of law: laws are applied equally.
- Fair discretion: licences and contracts go to the deserving.
Why it is essential for socio-economic development
- Less leakage: Direct Benefit Transfer has saved lakhs of crores of rupees by removing fake beneficiaries.
- Investment: investors avoid countries where contracts can be bought.
- Quality infrastructure: collapsing bridges often reveal corruption in construction.
- Inclusion: the poor suffer most from bribes for rations, land records and jobs.
Mechanisms: RTI Act, Lokpal and Lokayuktas, CVC, e-procurement through GeM, social audits and codes of conduct.
Without probity, even the best policies fail. It is the foundation of good governance and inclusive development.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
probity integrity DBT savings RTI Lokpal
Where most answers lose marks
- Only defining probity.
- No link to development.
Fresh examples from current affairs
Supreme Court: no prior approval under Section 17A needed to probe a bribe demand
In a judgment of 16 October 2026, a Supreme Court Bench of Justices S.V.N. Bhatti and N.V. Anjaria held that investigating a bribe demand by a public servant does not need prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Asking for a bribe, the court said, is not part of discharging official duties.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Sections 7, 7A, 17A and 19 of the PC Act. · Mains GS-II/GS-IV: honest officers versus accountability.
19 Oct 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP-CSM-23-GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-IV-180923.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.