In the context of civil services, list the three fundamental principles that are universal in nature and emphasize their significance. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
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Three Basic Values in Civil Services
1. Integrity
Definition and Importance: Integrity refers to adherence to moral and ethical principles, ensuring honesty and transparency in all actions. For civil servants, this value is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that decisions are made impartially, without personal or political bias. Recent Example: The integrity of officials during the COVID-19 vaccination drive in India was essential for transparent distribution and avoiding corruption.
2. Accountability
Definition and Importance: Accountability involves being answerable for one’s actions and decisions, ensuring that public resources are used effectively and efficiently. It requires civil servants to be responsible for their actions and to be open to scrutiny. Recent Example: The RTI (Right to Information) Act has empowered citizens to hold public officials accountable by making government actions more transparent.
3. Commitment to Public Service
Definition and Importance: Commitment to public service denotes a dedication to serving the public’s needs and prioritizing societal welfare over personal gain. This value ensures that civil servants focus on achieving public goals and improving community well-being. Recent Example: During the Gujarat floods, civil servants’ commitment was evident in their rapid and effective response to manage relief operations and support affected communities.
Conclusion: These values—integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service—are fundamental in ensuring that civil services function effectively, uphold democratic principles, and serve the public with dedication and fairness.
Model Answer
Introduction
In the context of civil services, three basic values are universally recognized: integrity, objectivity, and professionalism. These values are essential for maintaining the ethical standards expected of public servants and ensuring effective governance.
Body
1. Integrity
Integrity involves adherence to moral and ethical principles, encompassing honesty, transparency, and accountability in decision-making. Civil servants must act impartially and be accountable for their actions. For instance, IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, while serving in Gautam Buddha Nagar, confronted the sand mafia and faced suspension for her bold actions. Despite this, she received public support and was reinstated, demonstrating that integrity is crucial for standing against corruption.
2. Objectivity
Objectivity entails making decisions based on factual evidence rather than personal biases. This value is vital for fairness in public service. A notable example is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched in 2015, which aimed at financial inclusion for all citizens. The scheme’s implementation, characterized by its unbiased approach, led to the opening of over 42 crore bank accounts, showcasing the successful application of objectivity in civil services.
3. Professionalism
Professionalism refers to the competence and efficiency that civil servants bring to their roles. It involves high standards of work and responsiveness to citizen needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IAS officer Dr. K. Senthil Raj exemplified professionalism by effectively managing the crisis in Krishnagiri district through quarantine measures and testing protocols. His exemplary service earned him the Prime Minister’s Excellence Award, highlighting the importance of professionalism in civil service.
Conclusion
Upholding integrity, objectivity, and professionalism promotes good governance, social justice, and economic growth. It is essential for civil servants to embody these values in their work, ensuring they serve the public effectively and ethically.