List the five moral characteristics that can be used to chart a government servant’s performance. Justify their matrix inclusion. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
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1. Integrity: Essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring transparency. An ethical civil servant must act honestly and avoid conflicts of interest, thus preserving the credibility of the institution they represent.
2. Accountability: This trait reflects a civil servant’s responsibility for their actions and decisions. Being accountable means acknowledging mistakes and making amends, which is crucial for effective governance and public confidence.
3. Fairness: Demonstrates commitment to impartiality and equal treatment. A civil servant must ensure that decisions are made based on merit and not influenced by personal biases, fostering a just and equitable society.
4. Transparency: Involves clear communication and openness in actions and decisions. Transparency helps prevent corruption and ensures that the public is informed about government processes, enhancing trust and legitimacy.
5. Commitment to Service: Shows dedication to the public good over personal gain. A civil servant should prioritize the needs of the community, ensuring that their work contributes positively to societal welfare.
These traits collectively measure a civil servant’s adherence to ethical standards, influencing their effectiveness and public perception.
Model Answer
Introduction
The performance of civil servants is critical for the effective functioning of government institutions and the delivery of public services. A comprehensive evaluation of their performance should include ethical traits, which provide insights into their conduct and integrity.
Five Ethical Traits
1. Integrity
Definition: Integrity involves acting honestly, fairly, and transparently, even under pressure.
Justification: Civil servants with integrity are trustworthy, enabling them to make decisions that are in the best interest of the public.
Example: T. N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, implemented reforms to ensure free and fair elections, demonstrating integrity in his role.
2. Accountability
Definition: Accountability refers to the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.
Justification: Civil servants who are accountable foster trust and integrity, as they are willing to explain their decisions and face consequences.
Example: IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri Dasari took a firm stand against illegal mining in Karnataka in 2018, despite political pressure, showcasing her accountability.
3. Objectivity
Definition: Objectivity involves making decisions based on facts and evidence rather than personal biases.
Justification: Objective civil servants ensure that policies are fair and based on data, leading to better governance.
Example: Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, is renowned for his data-driven approach to policy-making.
4. Respect for Diversity
Definition: This trait entails recognizing and appreciating differences among individuals and groups.
Justification: Respect for diversity promotes inclusivity and ensures that all stakeholders are treated with dignity.
Example: R. Subrahmanyam, former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, worked to promote diversity and inclusion in governance.
5. Professionalism
Definition: Professionalism encompasses maintaining high standards of conduct and communication.
Justification: Professional civil servants uphold the values of the civil service, which is essential for public trust and effective service delivery.
Example: K. Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has been pivotal in shaping science and technology policies through his professionalism.
Conclusion
Civil servants exhibiting these ethical traits are more likely to earn public respect and effectively serve the public interest. Evaluating their performance based on these traits can identify areas for improvement and guide targeted training and support.