Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 13: Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch organized a brain storming session under the chairmanship of Dr CM Seth on “Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance” as a prelude conference on the theme chosen by the IIPA for 60th Annual Members Conference being held on October 22, 2016 at New Delhi.
While introducing the topic for discussion Dr Seth said that the subject of ethics and morality in governance is of vital concern to the civil society for good governance and delivery of services. He also informed the participants that J&K Chapter has been debating whether to discuss the issue of ethics, morals and values keeping in view the sensitive nature of the topic. He said that the issue of introducing moral values in education system has been discussed several times in the past and it was decided that since all faiths have different meaning of ethics and morals it will be difficult to introduce common syllabus for teaching subject of moral values and ethics in schools.
He further said that the ethics and moral values have western concept and Indian concept. Western concept comes from the great philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle whereas Indian concepts come from its ancient scriptures of Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Gita. He said sages like Gautam Buddha, Guru Nanak, Bhakt Kabir, Tulsi Dass, Miranbai and Sofi saints have contributed to build the Indian society on good morals and values. Kautilya’s Arthshatra was in fact first written document on good governance and conduct of Government functionaries.
After the introductory remarks Dr Seth requested all participants to give their views for strengthening ethics and moral values in Governance who put forth some very valid suggestions. It was asserted that the need is to bring about an enforceable code of ethics in all the services.
Members pointed out that although the Indian acts and laws are very strong, however the need is their implementation and reinforcement with sincerity and they need strengthening from time to time. Need is also for the identification of able administrators with a strong political will.
It was also suggested that post-retirement re-employment should be stopped with immediate effect and that transfers/postings in the Government Departments need to be de-centralised. Although democracy is a painful process, yet all solutions are within democracy.
JBS Johar, Hony Secretary, IIPA J&K regional branch presented a formal vote of thanks while Dr Komal Nagar, Joint Director Seminars conducted proceeding of the brain storming session.
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