Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Paul Appleby, a prominent scholar of public administration, posited that ‘responsible government is ethical government,’ implying that civil servants must be ‘social moralists in action.’ This signifies a duty extending beyond legal compliance to encompass a commitment to societal well-being and ethical conduct. In the context of contemporary India, where governance challenges are multifaceted, the role of civil servants as ethical anchors is paramount. Good governance, defined by the United Nations as participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and equitable, hinges significantly on the integrity and ethical compass of its administrative machinery. This answer will examine the statement, exploring how civil servants embodying Appleby’s dictum contribute to realizing the ideals of good governance.
The Civil Servant as a ‘Social Moralist’
The concept of a ‘social moralist’ doesn’t imply imposing personal morality but rather acting as a custodian of public trust and societal values. This involves:
- Integrity and Impartiality: Civil servants must be free from personal biases and vested interests, ensuring fair and equitable treatment to all citizens. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) emphasized the need for a robust ethical framework for civil servants.
- Accountability and Transparency: Adhering to principles of transparency and being accountable for their actions, especially with the advent of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- Public Service Motivation: Driven by a commitment to public service rather than personal gain, prioritizing the welfare of the community.
- Rule of Law: Upholding the constitution and laws of the land, even when faced with political pressure or personal discomfort.
Linking Ethical Conduct to Good Governance
The principles of ethical conduct directly contribute to the pillars of good governance:
| Pillar of Good Governance | How Ethical Civil Servants Contribute |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Proactive disclosure of information, resisting opacity, and ensuring open decision-making processes. |
| Accountability | Taking responsibility for actions, implementing grievance redressal mechanisms, and facing consequences for misconduct. |
| Participation | Facilitating citizen engagement in policy-making, ensuring inclusive decision-making, and respecting diverse viewpoints. |
| Rule of Law | Impartial enforcement of laws, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring equal access to justice. |
| Effectiveness & Efficiency | Ethical decision-making leads to better resource allocation, reduced corruption, and improved service delivery. |
Challenges to Ethical Conduct
Despite the importance of ethical conduct, civil servants face numerous challenges:
- Political Interference: Pressure from political executives to compromise ethical standards for political expediency.
- Corruption: The pervasive nature of corruption in some sectors, creating a culture of impunity. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2023, India ranked 93rd out of 180 countries.
- Lack of Institutional Support: Inadequate mechanisms for protecting whistleblowers and ensuring ethical accountability.
- Erosion of Values: A decline in traditional values and a growing emphasis on materialism.
- Ambiguity in Rules: Vague or conflicting regulations that allow for discretionary interpretation and potential misuse.
Strengthening Ethical Governance
To foster a culture of ethical governance, the following measures are crucial:
- Strengthening the Ethical Framework: Implementing a comprehensive code of ethics for civil servants, with clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms.
- Promoting Integrity through Training: Providing regular ethics training to civil servants at all levels, focusing on values, principles, and practical dilemmas.
- Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Leveraging technology to promote transparency, such as e-governance initiatives and online disclosure of information.
- Protecting Whistleblowers: Strengthening the Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014, and ensuring that those who report wrongdoing are protected from retaliation.
- Promoting Citizen Participation: Encouraging citizen engagement in governance through social audits, participatory budgeting, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Independent Oversight Bodies: Establishing independent bodies like Lokpal and Lokayuktas with sufficient powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
Case Study: The IAS Officer Durga Shakti Nagpal
The suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal in 2013 for cracking down on illegal mining in Uttar Pradesh highlighted the challenges faced by civil servants in upholding ethical standards in the face of political pressure. This case sparked a national debate on the need to protect honest officers and ensure their independence. It underscored the importance of a robust institutional framework to support ethical governance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statement that civil servants must be ‘social moralists in action’ remains profoundly relevant in the context of good governance. Upholding ethical standards is not merely a matter of personal integrity but a fundamental requirement for building a just, equitable, and prosperous society. Addressing the challenges to ethical conduct requires a multi-pronged approach involving strengthening the ethical framework, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering a culture of integrity within the civil service. Only then can we truly realize the vision of ‘responsible government as ethical government’ envisioned by Paul Appleby.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.