Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Define the conduct rules for civil servants in India, specifically the All India Services (AIS) Conduct Rules, 1968, and the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964.
• State the importance of these rules in promoting ethical behavior and integrity within the civil services.

2. Positive Aspects of Conduct Rules

• Maintaining Integrity and Devotion to Duty: Discuss how the rules require civil servants to maintain integrity and dedication to their roles, prohibiting actions that are unbecoming of their position.
  • Fact: The rules mandate that civil servants maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty .
• Prohibition of Political Association: Explain how the rules restrict civil servants from engaging with political parties, ensuring political neutrality.
  • Fact: These restrictions are crucial for maintaining impartial governance .
• Restrictions on Accepting Gifts: Describe how limiting gift acceptance helps prevent bribery and undue influence.
  • Fact: The conduct rules aim to safeguard decision-making processes by restricting gifts .
• Upholding Public Interest: Highlight the requirement for civil servants to act in the public interest, preventing personal gain from their positions.
  • Fact: Civil servants are mandated to use their influence solely for public benefit .

3. Challenges to Effectiveness

• Enforcement Issues: Discuss the inconsistency in enforcing the conduct rules, which allows unethical behavior to persist.
  • Fact: Reliance on complaints for investigations limits proactive monitoring .
• Vagueness of Rules: Address the ambiguity in some provisions, which can lead to loopholes.
  • Fact: Some rules are vague, particularly regarding ‘personal integrity’ .
• Corruption and Political Interference: Explain how ongoing corruption scandals and political interference undermine ethical standards.
  • Fact: Former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan highlighted collusion between politicians and civil servants .
• Rising Misconduct Cases: Present statistics on misconduct among civil servants to illustrate the ongoing challenges.
  • Fact: Between 2018 and 2022, the Central Vigilance Commission recommended disciplinary actions against 12,756 officers .

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the effectiveness of the conduct rules in promoting ethical behavior, acknowledging both their strengths and weaknesses.
• Suggest that revamping the rules with better enforcement and training could enhance their effectiveness.

5. Call to Action

• Encourage policymakers to consider reforms that strengthen the conduct rules and improve ethical standards in civil services.

Relevant Facts

1. The All India Services (AIS) Conduct Rules, 1968, and the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964, are designed to uphold ethical behavior and integrity among civil servants.
2. Civil servants are required to maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty .
3. The rules prohibit civil servants from associating with political parties to ensure political neutrality .
4. Restrictions on accepting gifts aim to prevent bribery and influence in decision-making .
5. Civil servants must use their positions solely in the public interest .
6. Enforcement challenges and reliance on complaints limit the effectiveness of the conduct rules .
7. Some provisions are vague, leading to potential loopholes .
8. Corruption scandals continue to affect civil services, with political interference noted by former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan .
9. The Central Vigilance Commission recommended disciplinary actions against 12,756 officers between 2018 and 2022, indicating ongoing misconduct .