Reimagining Ethical Governance in India: Revisiting Sardar Patel?s Vision in the Era of Administrative Reforms

Dr. Sharad Suman Mishra

Abstract: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a vital role in building the administrative foundation of modern India. Known for his discipline, honesty, and strong decision-making, Patel believed that a good government must be built on the values of ethics, responsibility, and public welfare. This paper aims to understand how Sardar Patel?s vision of governance can help India address current problems like corruption, delays in government work, and lack of trust in institutions. The objective of this research is to connect Patel?s ideas with today?s reform efforts such as the Right to Information Act, Lokpal, e-Governance, and Mission Karmayogi. By studying Patel?s role in integrating princely states and shaping the Indian Civil Services, this paper shows how his commitment to national service and administrative ethics remains relevant even today. Key findings of the paper suggest that Patel?s governance model was both people-centric and results-oriented. His actions were guided by moral strength, clarity of purpose, and the goal of building a strong and united nation. If applied today, his principles can help bring greater transparency, faster decision-making, and more responsible public service. This research also reflects on how ethical leadership is the need of the hour in both political and bureaucratic spaces. By drawing lessons from Patel?s life, we can shape reforms that are not just policy-based but also value-based.

Keywords: Sardar Patel, Ethical Governance, Administrative Reforms, Accountability, Indian Civil Services

How to Cite?: Dr. Sharad Suman Mishra, "Reimagining Ethical Governance in India: Revisiting Sardar Patel?s Vision in the Era of Administrative Reforms", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 799-806, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25816113343, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25816113343