To be an effective public servant, one must embody a set of fundamental values that guide their actions and decisions in service to the community. Ten essential values include integrity, accountability, transparency, impartiality, fairness, respect, empathy, professionalism, commitment to public good, and stewardship. These values form the bedrock of ethical conduct and ensure that public servants prioritize the welfare of the citizens they serve above personal gain or bias. To prevent non-ethical behavior among public servants, robust mechanisms must be implemented. This includes comprehensive ethics training programs, clear codes of conduct, regular audits and oversight, whistleblower protection, strong disciplinary measures for misconduct, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within public institutions. Additionally, promoting a merit-based system for recruitment and promotion can help in selecting individuals with strong ethical foundations to serve in public office. Through these means, a culture of integrity and ethical behavior can be fostered, ensuring the trust and confidence of the public in their government institutions.
Answer:
Approach:
- Start with a brief introduction of the keywords “Public Servant”.
- Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant.
- Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.
- Conclusion accordingly.
Introduction:
- “Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.” – Margaret Chase Smith. A public servant is an individual who holds a position of responsibility within the government or a public organisation and is dedicated to serving the interests of the public. Public servants play a crucial role in governance, policy implementation, and public administration. They are entrusted with the task of upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and service to the community.
Body:
Ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant: To be an effective civil servant, certain essential values must be upheld. Public servants act as a bridge between the government and the people, and it is crucial for them to possess these values to ensure citizen-centric administration and governance.
- Accountability: Public servants must take responsibility for their actions and decisions, being answerable to the public.
Example: The case of Sanjeev Chaturvedi, an Indian Forest Service officer, who held various positions and demonstrated accountability by exposing corruption and malpractice in the healthcare system.
- Integrity: Conducting duties without succumbing to external influences that hinder official responsibilities.
Example: Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer, displayed integrity by exposing irregularities in land deals, despite facing professional challenges.
- Transparency: Decisions and actions should be based on rules and regulations, ensuring transparency in governance.
Example: The efforts of Tukaram Mundhe, an IAS officer, who brought transparency to the property tax collection system in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- Responsiveness: Institutions and processes should be developed to cater to the needs and demands of all stakeholders in society.
Example: IPS officer Arif Shaik initiated the ‘chuppi todd’ campaign, enabling victims of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic to report incidents and receive support promptly.
- Effectiveness and efficiency: Developing institutions and processes that yield productive results and optimise resource utilisation.
Example: IAS officer Devansh Yadav empowered local self-help groups to establish enterprises like sanitary pad manufacturing units and bamboo furniture, promoting effectiveness and efficient resource utilisation.
- Equity and inclusivity: Ensuring that all members of society have a voice in governance and receive fair treatment.
Example: Durga Shakti Nagpal, an IAS officer, displayed fairness by taking decisive action against illegal sand mining operations, irrespective of the individuals involved.
- Selflessness: Making decisions solely for the betterment of society, free from personal motives.
Example: IAS officer Armstrong Pame, also known as the “miracle man,” mobilised resources and constructed a 100km road in Manipur without government assistance, exemplifying selflessness.
- Objectivity: Civil servants should make appointments and award contracts in public businesses based on merit, avoiding personal biases.
Example: The Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, prevent nepotism and promote objectivity in the decision-making process of civil servants.
- Openness: Civil servants should provide reasons for their decisions and ensure that information is shared with the public in the broader interest.
Example: TNarendra Kumar, an IPS officer, exemplified courage by taking on the mining mafia in Madhya Pradesh and sacrificing his life in the line of duty.
- Honesty: Honesty is a crucial virtue for public servants as it enhances efficiency in decision-making.
Example: U. Sagayam, an IAS officer, exposed corruption in the implementation of the Golden Quadrilateral highway project and was tragically murdered, highlighting the importance of honesty in public service.
The ways and means to prevent Non-Ethical behaviour in the public servants: Preventing non-ethical behaviour in public servants is crucial for maintaining integrity, accountability, and transparency in governance. Here are some ways and means to achieve this:
- Code of Conduct and Ethical Guidelines: Establishing clear and comprehensive codes of conduct and ethical guidelines that outline expected behaviour and provide guidance on ethical decision-making.
Example: The All India Services (Conduct) Rules, which govern the conduct of public servants in India, prescribe standards of behaviour and ethical conduct for civil servants.
- Training and Awareness Programs: Conducting regular training programs and awareness campaigns to educate public servants about ethical principles, values, and their practical application in their daily work.
Example: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in India organises workshops and training sessions for public servants to enhance their understanding of ethical conduct and integrity.
- Whistleblower Protection: Establishing mechanisms to protect whistleblowers who expose corruption or non-ethical behaviour, ensuring their safety and providing a secure platform for reporting.
Example: The Whistleblower Protection Act in India provides safeguards to whistleblowers and offers them protection against victimisation.
- Transparency and Accountability Tools: Enhancing transparency through measures such as the Right to Information (RTI) Act, social audits, and e-governance platforms, which allow citizens to access information and hold public servants accountable.
Example: The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency and deterring non-ethical behaviour.
- Strengthening Internal Checks and Balances: Establishing robust internal control systems, including internal audits, performance evaluations, and disciplinary mechanisms, to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
Example: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India investigates corruption cases involving public servants and takes disciplinary actions against those found guilty.
- Promotion of Ethical Leadership: Encouraging ethical leadership at all levels of public service, with leaders setting the right example and promoting ethical conduct among their subordinates.
Example: The former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was known for his ethical leadership and integrity, inspiring public servants to follow suit.
- Public Engagement and Feedback Mechanisms: Encouraging public participation, feedback, and grievance redressal mechanisms to address grievances and foster a culture of responsiveness and accountability.
Example: The online portals and helpline numbers introduced by various government departments allow citizens to provide feedback and report non-ethical behaviour by public servants.
Conclusion:
Hence, Effective public servants embody essential values such as integrity, accountability, and objectivity. Preventing non-ethical behaviour among public servants is crucial for maintaining trust and transparency in governance. Through the establishment of codes of conduct, training programs, whistleblower protection, transparency tools, and ethical leadership, non-ethical behaviour can be curbed. By upholding these values and implementing preventive measures, public servants can serve the public with integrity, fairness, and dedication, fostering a strong and ethical public administration.
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