Important Attributes for Public Servants

1. Integrity

• Definition: Integrity involves honesty and adherence to moral and ethical principles.
• Justification: Integrity is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring transparency in governance. For example, Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer, is known for his principled stance against corruption, which underscores the importance of integrity in public service. His consistent efforts to combat corruption and uphold ethical standards exemplify how integrity fosters credibility and accountability.

2. Empathy

• Definition: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Justification: Empathy enables public servants to address citizen grievances effectively and design policies that cater to the needs of diverse populations. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gujarat government launched the Gujarat COVID-19 Helpline, showing empathy by providing support and resources to affected individuals, demonstrating how empathy can enhance responsiveness and effectiveness in public administration.

In summary, integrity and empathy are essential attributes for public servants, ensuring ethical conduct and effective, compassionate service delivery.