Integrity & Probity is a fundamental concept in Indian governance, representing the ethical and moral foundation of public administration. Probity is defined as the strict adherence to a code of ethics based on undeviating honesty, uprightness, and moral rectitude in public life, while Integrity refers to the consistency between a public servant's actions, values, and commitment to the public interest. The concept is essential for ensuring that public administration serves the people and not personal or political gain.
The need for this framework was formally highlighted by the Committee on Prevention of Corruption (the Santhanam Committee) in 1964, which observed that a lack of seriousness about morals was a major obstacle to developing strong traditions of honesty in the civil services. The problem it solves is the erosion of public trust and the prevention of misconduct, fraud, and corruption in government functioning.
The mechanism for enforcing probity works through a combination of legislative and institutional measures. Key provisions are found in the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which outlines and punishes activities amounting to corruption and bribery by public servants. The Right to Information Act, 2005, promotes transparency, which the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) regarded as the cornerstone of effective governance. The concept connects to institutions like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), established to guide the government in maintaining honesty, and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which created an ombudsman to investigate corruption allegations against public officials.
The framework has seen recent changes, notably the amendment of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on July 26, 2018, which criminalized the act of giving a bribe and introduced vicarious liability for senior management in commercial organizations. Furthermore, the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, also contains provisions to punish bribery and 'criminal breach of trust' by civil servants. These changes reflect a maturing legal framework focused on both protecting honest officials and ensuring accountability.