Tolerance as a Supreme Fundamental Value for Civil Servants

1. Definition and Importance of Tolerance:

• Tolerance: The ability to accept and respect diverse viewpoints, cultures, and beliefs. It is crucial for maintaining social harmony and facilitating effective governance.
• Importance: Tolerance fosters inclusivity and ensures that all voices are heard and respected, which is essential for effective public administration.

2. Application in Civil Service:

• Respect for Diversity: Civil servants often work in diverse environments with people from various backgrounds. Tolerance enables them to handle diverse viewpoints and manage conflicts constructively. For instance, IAS officers working in multicultural regions like North East India must navigate and respect the diverse cultural practices of different tribes.
• Conflict Resolution: Tolerance helps in resolving conflicts impartially. An example is the role of civil servants in handling communal riots where impartiality and respect for all communities are crucial to restore peace.

3. Recent Examples:

• Community Engagement: District Collectors like Niraj Kumar, who have worked in sensitive regions, demonstrate how tolerance in engaging with local communities helps in effective governance and conflict resolution.
• Policy Implementation: The implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam highlighted the need for tolerance and understanding to address the concerns of all affected parties without bias.

4. Challenges and Solutions:

• Personal Bias: Civil servants may face personal biases, which can impact their effectiveness. Training and sensitization programs on diversity and inclusion can help overcome such biases.
• Promoting Tolerance: Civil servants can promote tolerance by advocating for and implementing policies that support equal opportunities and anti-discrimination measures.

In conclusion, tolerance is a supreme fundamental value for civil servants as it underpins effective governance, inclusivity, and conflict resolution. It ensures that civil servants can manage diverse societal issues fairly and with respect, thereby contributing to a more harmonious and equitable society.