Relevance of Key Qualities in Civil Services

a. Transparency:

• Definition: Transparency involves openness in decision-making and actions, allowing public scrutiny.
• Relevance: It builds public trust and prevents corruption. For example, the RTI Act, 2005 in India mandates transparency in public administration, enabling citizens to access information about government operations.

b. Accountability:

• Definition: Accountability refers to the responsibility of public servants to justify their actions and decisions.
• Relevance: It ensures that officials are answerable for their conduct and performance. The CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) plays a crucial role in promoting accountability by investigating corruption complaints against public servants.

c. Courage of Conviction:

• Definition: Courage of conviction means standing firm on ethical principles despite pressures.
• Relevance: It is essential for making tough decisions and resisting corrupt practices. For instance, Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer, demonstrated this by exposing irregularities despite facing significant opposition and transfers.

Conclusion: Transparency, accountability, and courage of conviction are vital for effective civil service, fostering trust, ensuring responsible governance, and upholding ethical standards.