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Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level? (Answer in 150 words) [UPSC 2024]
Model Answer Introduction Mission Karmayogi aims to elevate the standards of conduct and behavior among civil servants, fostering efficiency in public service. This initiative is designed to cultivate a "future-ready civil service" characterized by integrity and professionalism, ultimately enhancingRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Mission Karmayogi aims to elevate the standards of conduct and behavior among civil servants, fostering efficiency in public service. This initiative is designed to cultivate a “future-ready civil service” characterized by integrity and professionalism, ultimately enhancing service delivery at the grassroots level.
High Standards of Conduct and Behavior
1. Ethical Grounding
Mission Karmayogi emphasizes integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service, drawing from deontological ethics. It integrates the Nolan Principles into the training at the LBSNAA, ensuring ethical governance.
2. Behavioural Training
The mission leverages behavioural science to instill a “service-before-self” ethos among civil servants. Training focuses on positive reinforcement and modeling ethical conduct to enhance commitment to public welfare.
3. Continuous Learning
Through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, civil servants engage in lifelong learning, which mirrors Singapore’s SkillsFuture program. This AI-based platform offers personalized learning, aiding civil servants in adapting to evolving governance needs.
4. Performance Monitoring
Utilizing 360-degree performance appraisals, the mission aligns individual achievements with governance goals, promoting accountability and ethical decision-making, as recommended by the 2nd ARC.
5. Holistic Development
By integrating Indian ethics, such as Karma Yoga, with modern administrative theories, the mission fosters both personal growth and professional competence.
Enhancing Productivity and Grassroots Service Delivery
1. Capacity Building
Mission Karmayogi develops essential skills in public administration and project management, enabling efficient grassroots service delivery.
2. Decentralised Decision-Making
By promoting decentralized governance, the mission empowers officers to make localized decisions. The Punchhi Commission advocates for this approach, ensuring faster decision-making.
3. Technology Integration
The use of AI and big data analytics streamlines public services and optimizes service delivery. For instance, Tamil Nadu’s e-District program reduces citizen interactions with government offices.
4. Community Engagement
Training civil servants to engage with local communities fosters participatory governance. The Kudumbashree initiative in Kerala exemplifies effective community-centric service delivery.
5. Inclusivity in Services
Mission Karmayogi ensures that marginalized groups receive fair and inclusive services, akin to the implementation of MGNREGA, which targets vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
Mission Karmayogi embodies the principle that “Sheelam Param Bhushanam” (character is the highest virtue), reinforcing the ethical character of civil servants. By enhancing their skills and promoting accountability, this initiative empowers civil servants to deliver high-quality services, ensuring effective governance and public trust.
See lessExamine the vital role of citizen engagement in ensuring the efficient delivery of public services and explore the challenges that impede meaningful citizen participation in this process.(200 Words)
Model Answer Citizen engagement plays a crucial role in the efficient delivery of public services by ensuring that public policies and services are closely aligned with the needs of the community. Improved Service Design Engaging citizens helps officials understand community-specific needs, leadingRead more
Model Answer
Citizen engagement plays a crucial role in the efficient delivery of public services by ensuring that public policies and services are closely aligned with the needs of the community.
Engaging citizens helps officials understand community-specific needs, leading to more effective service design. For example, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) allows Gram Sabhas to recommend projects, ensuring local needs are met.
Citizen engagement strengthens both bureaucratic and social accountability. Social audits allow citizens to hold government officials accountable for service delivery, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
Collaboration with citizens fosters innovative solutions to public service challenges. For instance, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan encouraged widespread citizen participation in cleanliness drives, which significantly improved sanitation across urban areas.
Active citizen involvement helps build trust in government institutions. Kerala’s ‘People’s Plan Campaign’ (1996) is a prime example, where citizen participation led to improved public health and education outcomes, increasing the legitimacy of government initiatives.
Challenges to Citizen Engagement
Public distrust, often fueled by corruption or inefficiency, hinders citizen participation. When citizens feel their input is disregarded, their willingness to engage diminishes.
Many citizens lack the necessary skills, knowledge, or resources to effectively participate in decision-making processes. This includes legal or technical knowledge required for meaningful engagement.
Socio-economic disparities mean that more privileged groups are better positioned to engage, leaving marginalized communities underrepresented.
Engagement mechanisms can unintentionally exclude certain groups due to factors like language barriers or inaccessible modes of participation, further entrenching social inequality.
Conclusion
Citizen engagement is vital for improving public service delivery by fostering more inclusive, accountable, and innovative governance. However, to overcome barriers such as mistrust, limited capacity, and unequal access, efforts must be made to build public awareness and ensure that all citizens, regardless of background, have the opportunity to participate meaningfully.
See lessThere has been a call for strengthening the powers of Lokayuktas in states to help them effectively carry out their intended functions. Discuss. (200 words)
Model Answer Introduction The Lokayuktas were established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to act as anti-corruption ombudsmen at the state level, tasked with investigating allegations of corruption against public functionaries. However, the institution has faced challenges in fulfilling iRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Lokayuktas were established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to act as anti-corruption ombudsmen at the state level, tasked with investigating allegations of corruption against public functionaries. However, the institution has faced challenges in fulfilling its intended role, and there has been a growing call for strengthening its powers to enhance its effectiveness in addressing corruption and maladministration.
Issues Hindering the Effectiveness of Lokayuktas
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas but does not provide detailed provisions on their composition, powers, or operational guidelines. States are required to pass their own Lokayukta laws, but many have failed to do so, leading to inconsistencies in the functioning of these institutions (Source: Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013).
The process of appointing Lokayuktas often involves political figures, which can lead to a conflict of interest, as the body is tasked with investigating politicians and public officials. This undermines the institution’s independence and effectiveness in tackling corruption (Source: Public Administration Review).
Prolonged vacancies in the Lokayukta positions in various states impede the smooth functioning of the institution. Delays in appointments reduce the accountability of public officials and affect the timely investigation of corruption cases (Source: The Hindu, 2022).
There is a lack of uniformity in the jurisdiction of Lokayuktas. In some states, the Chief Minister is within the Lokayukta’s jurisdiction, while in others, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the Chief Minister is excluded. This inconsistency creates confusion and limits the scope of the Lokayukta’s investigations (Source: India Today, 2021).
Recommendations to Strengthen Lokayuktas
Lokayuktas should be granted more comprehensive powers, including the ability to investigate all state government employees, local bodies, and state corporations. They should also have financial and managerial autonomy to function independently (Source: The Hindu).
To ensure impartiality, the appointment of Lokayuktas should be transparent and free from political influence. Clear guidelines for the selection process should be established to avoid conflicts of interest (Source: The Times of India, 2023).
A robust legal framework to protect whistleblowers is essential to encourage reporting of corruption without fear of retaliation. Lokayuktas should be empowered to offer this protection and initiate inquiries independently, with dedicated police and prosecution wings (Source: The Economic Times, 2023).
States should be required to provide written reasons when rejecting recommendations made by the Lokayukta. This will enhance transparency and accountability in the functioning of state governments (Source: India Today, 2022).
Conclusion
Strengthening the powers of Lokayuktas is critical for addressing corruption and ensuring accountability in governance. By providing the institution with greater autonomy, clear jurisdiction, and adequate protection for whistleblowers, Lokayuktas can fulfill their intended role in promoting good governance and anti-corruption efforts across India.
See lessWhat do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance'?(150 words) [UPSC 2016]
Understanding Governance, Good Governance, and Ethical Governance 1. Governance: Definition: Governance refers to the processes, structures, and institutions through which authority and power are exercised and decisions are made to manage a country or organization. Example: Government administrationRead more
Understanding Governance, Good Governance, and Ethical Governance
1. Governance:
2. Good Governance:
3. Ethical Governance:
Conclusion: Governance encompasses the management of authority, good governance focuses on effective and fair administration, and ethical governance integrates moral principles into public administration, ensuring integrity and trust.
See lessWhat are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.(150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Basic Principles of Public Life **1. Integrity Definition: Integrity involves maintaining strong moral principles and honesty in all actions and decisions. It requires transparency and adherence to ethical standards. Example: Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, emphasized integrity by implemenRead more
Basic Principles of Public Life
**1. Integrity
Definition: Integrity involves maintaining strong moral principles and honesty in all actions and decisions. It requires transparency and adherence to ethical standards.
Example: Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, emphasized integrity by implementing the Delhi Government’s anti-corruption helpline, aiming to tackle bribery and promote transparency in governance.
**2. Accountability
Definition: Accountability means being responsible for one’s actions and decisions, and being answerable to the public and institutions.
Example: Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, demonstrated accountability by providing regular updates and clarifications regarding the economic impact and government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby ensuring transparency in the use of public funds.
**3. Equity
Definition: Equity involves ensuring fairness and equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background or status.
Example: Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, promoted equity through the implementation of the Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme, which provides financial assistance to girls from economically disadvantaged families, aiming to improve their access to education and reduce dropout rates.
These principles ensure that public officials act ethically and serve the community effectively.
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