Foundational Values for Civil Service

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Introduction

Fortitude refers to the strength of mind that allows individuals to endure adversity, danger, or pain with courage and determination. In the context of civil services, fortitude is not just a personal trait but also a foundational value that enables civil servants to practice other virtues, ensuring effective governance and service delivery.

Role of Fortitude in Civil Services

Rationality and Objectivity

• Fact: Fortitude helps civil servants make rational and objective decisions, especially in stressful or high-pressure situations.
  • Example: During natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes, civil servants rely on fortitude to remain calm and make critical, unbiased decisions to save lives and manage resources effectively.

Non-partisanship

• Fact: Civil servants need fortitude to remain neutral and avoid bias, especially when involved in politically sensitive tasks.
  • Example: During election duties, civil servants must perform their roles without favoring any political party, ensuring free and fair elections.

Integrity

• Fact: Fortitude strengthens a civil servant’s ability to uphold moral standards, even in the face of external pressure.
  • Example: Satyendra Dubey, an IES officer, showed immense fortitude when he stood up against corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral highway construction project, despite facing threats to his life.

Accountability

• Fact: Taking responsibility for one’s actions requires great courage and emotional strength, which fortitude provides.
  • Example: Former ISRO Chairman Satish Dhawan demonstrated fortitude by taking responsibility for the failure of the SLV-3 Mission in 1979, showing accountability for the setback.

Commitment to Service

• Fact: Fortitude enables civil servants to stay committed to their duties, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
  • Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, civil servants tirelessly provided relief and services, with fortitude helping them maintain their resolve.

Tolerance and Perseverance

• Fact: Fortitude encourages tolerance and perseverance, helping civil servants navigate challenging situations.
  • Example: Civil servants often face mental stress, frequent transfers, and difficult working conditions, but fortitude enables them to endure these hardships and continue their service.

Leadership

• Fact: Fortitude is essential for effective leadership, enabling civil servants to motivate and guide their teams through difficult situations.
  • Example: A civil servant with fortitude inspires their team by leading with courage, especially in times of crisis.

Conclusion

Fortitude is the cornerstone for practicing other virtues in civil services. It provides the strength needed to make difficult decisions, uphold integrity, and stay committed to service, all of which are essential for effective and efficient governance.

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Understanding and Addressing Diverse Needs

Tolerance and inclusion enable civil servants to address the unique needs of diverse social, cultural, and religious communities. Civil servants must ensure that all groups, including marginalized communities, benefit from government policies and programs. For example, IAS officer P Narahari, while serving as a district collector in Madhya Pradesh, was recognized for his efforts to make Indian infrastructure accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring that no group was excluded from public facilitiesoting Equitable Development

Inclusive policies ensure that vulnerable and marginalized groups are not overlooked during development processes. Tolerance helps in implementing these policies without prejudice. IAS officer Sandeep Nanduri in Tamil Nadu supported the transgender community in starting dairy farming, promoting sustainable livelihoods . Such elect the significant role of inclusion in ensuring equal opportunities for all sections of society.

Enhancing Social Harmony

Tolerance fosters social harmony by accepting and respecting differences, which is crucial in mitigating conflicts arising from India’s social and religious diversity. During the COVID-19 crisis, IPS officer Dr. Arti Singh, posted in communally sensitive Malegaon district, worked with religious leaders to dispel vaccination myths, thus ensuring social harmony .

Building Truperation

By embracing tolerance and inclusion, civil servants can build trust and cooperation with diverse communities, which is essential for effective governance. For instance, IAS officer Divya Devarajan learned the Gondi language to communicate with local tribes in Adilabad, enhancing her ability to resolve issues and engage with people effectively .

In conclusion, tolerancusion are critical for civil servants in India to address the complex needs of a diverse society and ensure the success of government initiatives. These values foster an inclusive, harmonious, and just society, making civil servants more competent in their roles.