Foundational Values for Civil Servants

1. Integrity: Integrity is the cornerstone of public service. It involves adherence to ethical principles, honesty, and transparency in all actions and decisions. For instance, the Delhi Police showcased integrity during the farmers’ protests by ensuring unbiased law enforcement and maintaining public order without prejudice.

2. Accountability: Civil servants must be accountable for their actions and decisions. This means being answerable to the public and adhering to rules and regulations. The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers citizens to seek information from government departments, thus enhancing the accountability of public officials.

3. Impartiality: Impartiality ensures that decisions are made without bias or favoritism, based on merit and justice. For example, the Election Commission of India is tasked with conducting free and fair elections, demonstrating the importance of impartiality in maintaining democratic processes.

4. Service Orientation: A strong service orientation focuses on the welfare of the public and the commitment to serving the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, civil servants in various states worked relentlessly to manage public health, showcasing their dedication to public service.

5. Respect for Rule of Law: Adhering to the rule of law ensures that all actions are conducted within the legal framework and constitutional norms. The Supreme Court’s oversight in matters of public interest, like environmental regulations, highlights the importance of respecting the rule of law.

6. Empathy and Compassion: Empathy and compassion are crucial for understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of diverse populations. For instance, the Swachh Bharat Mission demonstrated compassion by improving sanitation facilities in underserved areas, reflecting a deep concern for public health and well-being.

7. Professionalism: Professionalism involves maintaining high standards of conduct and competence in public service roles. This is evident in the rigorous training and ethical standards upheld by institutions like the National Academy of Administrative.

In summary, integrity, accountability, impartiality, service orientation, respect for the rule of law, empathy, and professionalism are foundational values essential for civil servants to effectively serve and uphold public trust.

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.