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150 Words10 Marks

Q.Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and Justice (d) Courage of Conviction (e) Spirit of service.

UPSC Mains 2017•Ethics & Integrity

Model Answer

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Syllabus Point

  • Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

Approach

  1. Introduction (Definition) (30-40 words): Introduce the vital role of civil servants in governance and the necessity of foundational values to ensure ethical conduct and good governance.
  2. Body (Explanation) (80-90 words):
    • Discuss the meaning and relevance of each of the five values: Transparency, Accountability, Fairness and Justice, Courage of Conviction, and Spirit of Service.
    • Provide concrete examples for each value to substantiate.
  3. Conclusion (20 words): Conclude by stating that these values collectively form the backbone of an ethical, efficient, and citizen-centric administration.

Introduction

Civil servants are responsible for executing policies and managing public resources. To achieve the goal of good governance, their conduct must be anchored in key foundational values that ensure public trust, efficiency, and ethical integrity.

Body

(a) Transparency

  • Relevance: Transparency refers to openness, clarity, and accessibility of information regarding administrative decisions and actions. It prevents corruption, allows public scrutiny, and builds trust.
  • Example: The implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in India empowers citizens to request information from public authorities, making administrative processes transparent and open to public audit.

(b) Accountability

  • Relevance: Accountability is the obligation of public officials to explain, justify, and take responsibility for their decisions and actions. It ensures that public servants remain answerable to the citizens they serve.
  • Example: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in India reviews government expenditures to ensure that public funds are spent legally and efficiently, holding public officials accountable for any financial discrepancies.

(c) Fairness and Justice

  • Relevance: This involves treating all citizens equitably, without bias, prejudice, or discrimination, while actively working to uplift marginalized sections of society.
  • Example: The implementation of reservation policies and targeted welfare schemes in India ensures social justice by providing equal opportunities to historically disadvantaged communities.

(d) Courage of Conviction

  • Relevance: This is the moral bravery to stand by ethical principles and make correct, albeit difficult, decisions even when facing immense political pressure, personal risk, or adversity.
  • Example: Satyendra Dubey, an officer of the Indian Engineering Service, displayed immense courage of conviction by exposing systemic corruption in the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) Golden Quadrilateral project, despite facing severe threats to his life.

(e) Spirit of Service

  • Relevance: This is the deep-seated commitment to serve the public selflessly, viewing civil service not merely as a job, but as a calling to improve the lives of citizens.
  • Example: IAS officer Armstrong Pame, popularly known as the "Miracle Man," demonstrated an exemplary spirit of service by mobilizing community support and donations to build a 100 km road in a remote, inaccessible region of Manipur without relying on government funds.

Conclusion

These five core principles—transparency, accountability, fairness, courage of conviction, and a spirit of service—are the pillars of a robust civil service. Upholding them ensures that public administration operates with the highest standards of integrity, empathy, and dedication to the public good.

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