The Public Services Code, as envisioned by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, stands as a pivotal framework designed to revolutionize and streamline public administration in India. This comprehensive code aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public services, marking a significant step towards a more responsive and citizen-centric governance system. Rooted in the principles of good governance, the code seeks to address the challenges that have historically plagued public services, such as bureaucratic red tape, corruption, and inefficiency. It outlines a set of guidelines and standards to govern the conduct of public servants, emphasizing integrity, impartiality, and responsiveness. By recommending this code, the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission envisions a transformative shift in the delivery of public services, fostering a culture of excellence and citizen satisfaction. The Public Services Code emerges as a beacon for administrative reform, promising a more effective and accountable public administration that aligns with the evolving needs of a dynamic and democratic society.
Tag: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to define the public service and write about ARC and 2nd ARC.
- In the Body, elaborate the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.
- In Conclusion, try to justify the importance of implementing Public services code.
Answer:
The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC) was constituted by the Government of India to review and recommend suggestions for revamping the Indian public administration system. The commission has given comprehensive values and ethical standards, a code of ethics, and a code of conduct for public servants. Through the code, the government should promote public service values and a high standard of ethics in Public Service operations, requiring and facilitating every Public Service employee to discharge official duties.
The Public Services Code as per the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission:
- Unconditional commitment to constitutional values like equality, liberty, justice, and secularism.
- Impartiality, non-partisanship, and apolitical attitude ensure free and fair decision-making and promote collective good in society.
- Objectivity requires carrying out various public business based on merit.
- Commitment to citizen’s concerns has also been identified.
- Empathy for the weaker sections has rightly been included in the recommendations.
- Accountability and ownership of public services nowadays lack accountability. To this end, the commission recommends that public services should be accountable for their decisions and actions to the public. They should come forward and take responsibility for the issues. This will solve many corruption-related issues.
- Devotion to duty and exemplary behavior have rightly been identified as attributes to be inculcated in public service.
Nevertheless, it must be accepted that the public service system has a tradition of attitudes and achievements that sets examples to be emulated by current and prospective public servants. It must also be accepted that the existing framework for maintaining and promoting the norms of ‘right conduct’ cannot be enforced through a rigid mindless enforcement of laws and rules. It is all a question of striking the right balance. Within the public services, there are formal, enforceable codes setting out norms of expected behavior with ‘sanctions’ prescribed for unacceptable departures from such norms.
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