Public interest refers to the collective well-being and welfare of the general population, emphasizing the common good over individual or sectional interests. In the realm of governance, particularly within the responsibilities of civil servants, acting in the public interest is a fundamental principle. It entails the pursuit of policies and actions that benefit society as a whole, fostering transparency, accountability, and equitable outcomes. Civil servants are entrusted with the duty to serve the public diligently, guided by principles and procedures that prioritize the greater good. These principles often include impartiality, integrity, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. The procedures involve fair decision-making processes, effective communication, and a commitment to upholding ethical standards. The actions of civil servants are expected to align with the principles of public interest, ensuring that government initiatives and services contribute positively to the welfare and development of the society they serve.
Tag: Concept of public service; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to define public interest.
- In Body, discuss the principles and procedures.
- In Conclusion, try to write a way forward.
Answer:
The term ‘public interest’ means matters concerning welfare of the people. Public Interest is anything that affects the rights, health, or finance of the public at large. It is a common concern among citizens in the management and affairs of local, state, and national government. Like the Prime Minister had said that civil servants should consider every action in public interest, which means the ultimate aim should be the welfare of the masses.
Principles to be followed by the civil servants to uphold public interest:
- Compliance with Law: Civil servant shall execute their official duties in compliance with the Constitution and laws. While performing their operations, civil servants shall act exclusively in the public interest.
- Ethical Conduct: The measures and steps taken by the public officials must be within the borders of ethical conduct. These values are the guiding principles that ensure social and public welfare most of the time.
- Principles of Socialism: For the welfare of the citizens of India, who are still underprivileged, needs every possible support from the government to excel. The civil servants or the public officials need to keep in mind the principle of socialism while formulating and implementing welfare policies and schemes.
- Equal Treatment: Civil servants shall ensure equal treatment of the citizens and the legal entities when performing official duties.
- Good Public Relations: While communicating with citizens and other legal entities, the civil servant shall act in a manner that establishes relations of mutual confidence and cooperation between these entities and the administration.
- Other: Civil servants shall perform their activities in the most conscientious, direct, efficient, timely and methodical manner in the best interest of the citizens and the other entities in realizing their rights, duties and interests.
Procedures to follow:
- Rules and Regulations: Every public servant is expected to follow certain rules that govern their steps. These rules are framed in such a way that they help in achieving greater good of people if taken up with the right intent.
- Code of Conduct: Officials are required to manage their conduct in public during most of the times. They are expected to be in check regardless of aggressive action by the public.
Public service is for the public welfare. Policy formulation and implementation should be guided by public interest or public welfare. Civil service or public service is for the welfare of the people. As such policies and their implementation should be guided by public interest or public welfare. All government works have the overriding motive of public interest. Civil servants should be guided solely by public interest in their official decision-making.
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