A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q8. Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of civil servants. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered as the backbone of any strong organization. In the line of duty, they make various decisions, at times some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions are not taken intentionally and do not benefit personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty. Though such decisions may, at times, lead to unforeseen adverse consequences in the long term. In the recent past, a few instances have surfaced wherein civil servants have been implicated for bonafide mistakes. They have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned. These instances have greatly rattled the moral fiber of the civil servants.
How does this trend affect the functioning of civil services? What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide mistakes on their part? Justify your answer. (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case Study
Answer:
This case study is about the day-to-day functioning of the civil servant that involves decision-making on several issues and it also highlights the risks involved in such a decision-making process. Values and ethical dilemmas include- accountability, honesty, integrity, and decision-making.
In Indian civil services, major administrative decisions are taken by civil servants, who like normal humans are susceptible to making errors. However, there is a thin line between deliberate and bonafide mistakes, which needs identification to make administration easy, transparent, and effective. However, instances of wrongful examination of honest officers deeply impact the morale of such officers.
A trend that affects the functioning of civil servants in the following ways:
- Impact on the decision-making of officers: Officers will be averse to expressing their views. This may further aggravate red-tapism due to fear of departmental action for their incorrect decisions.
- Hampers economic growth: With increasing private sector participation in public services, fear of prosecution may restrict honest officers from making progressive, bold, and courageous decisions across sectors. Delays in making key decisions will lead to poor governance.
- Tool to harass honest officers: Corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats may harass honest officers through baseless complaints and investigations.
- Impact on the reputation of honest officers: Prosecution of honest officers leads to mental agony and heavy financial loss besides being defamed in society.
Measures that can be taken to ensure honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide mistakes on their part:
- All allegations of corrupt practices received as complaints against a civil servant should be examined in depth at the preliminary stage itself before initiating any inquiry.
- In cases relating to allegations of corruption, open inquiries must be avoided immediately based on complaints/source information. The Inquiry/Verification Officers should be able to appreciate the sensitivities involved in handling allegations of corruption.
- The assessment of the results of inquiries should be done competently and fairly. Injustice can befall because of faulty evaluation of the facts and the evidence.
- Capacity building of the anti-corruption agencies can be assured through training and by associating with the required experts during inquiries.
- The supervising authority in the investigating agencies should confirm that only those public servants are prosecuted against whom the evidence is compelling.
- A special investigation unit can be linked to the Lokpal (Rashtriya Lokayukta), to investigate charges of corruption against investigative agencies.
Role of institutions:
- Approach of judiciary: In a democracy and a rapidly growing economy, courts have to make decisions with a very constructive interpretation of laws. It must clarify the distinction between corruption and wrong administrative decisions.
- IAS Association of India and other civil society groups should support and stand by honest officers undergoing wrongful prosecution.
- Creating internal oversight mechanisms: Internal inquiries in each department should consider integrity and a past career record of officers before recommending for a criminal investigation of bonafide decisions.
Therefore, we can observe that public services are prone to mistakes that may not be always intentional. The need is to segregate mistakes from conspiracy to protect the honest and punish the guilty.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
