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, this dictum gains heightened relevance. Good governance, characterized by principles like transparency, accountability, and responsiveness, is inextricably linked to the ethical foundation laid by the civil service. This answer will examine the statement, exploring how civil servants embodying Appleby’s vision contribute to realizing good governance in India.
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 entails:
- 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: Being accountable for decisions and actions, and ensuring transparency in operations, builds public confidence. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a crucial tool in this regard.
- Responsiveness and Citizen-Centricity: Understanding and addressing the needs of citizens, particularly the vulnerable sections, is paramount. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aim to enhance financial inclusion, demonstrating citizen-centric governance.
- Rule of Law and Constitutionalism: Upholding the Constitution and laws of the land, even in challenging circumstances, is a fundamental duty.
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 Conduct Contributes |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Ethical civil servants proactively disclose information, fostering openness and reducing corruption. |
| Accountability | Adherence to ethical standards ensures that civil servants are held responsible for their actions. |
| Participation | Impartiality and responsiveness encourage citizen engagement and participation in decision-making. |
| Rule of Law | Upholding the Constitution and laws strengthens the rule of law and ensures justice. |
| Effectiveness & Efficiency | Ethical conduct minimizes corruption and wastage, leading to more effective and efficient service delivery. |
Challenges to Ethical Governance
Despite the ideal, several challenges hinder the realization of Appleby’s vision:
- Political Interference: Civil servants often face pressure from political executives, compromising their impartiality.
- Corruption: Rampant corruption erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the civil service. According to the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2023, India ranked 93 out of 180 countries.
- Lack of Capacity Building: Insufficient training and development in ethics and values can lead to compromised decision-making.
- Colonial Legacy: The steel frame mentality, inherited from the colonial era, sometimes prioritizes control over service.
- Erosion of Values: Changing societal norms and increasing materialism can contribute to a decline in ethical standards.
Strengthening Ethical Governance
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms: Empowering institutions like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Lokpal to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption.
- Enhancing Ethical Training: Providing comprehensive ethics training to civil servants at all levels, focusing on practical dilemmas and case studies. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) plays a crucial role in this.
- Promoting Whistleblower Protection: Strengthening the Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014, to encourage reporting of wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.
- Code of Conduct & Ethics: Regularly updating and enforcing codes of conduct for civil servants, emphasizing integrity and accountability.
- Digital Governance: Leveraging technology to enhance transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption (e.g., e-governance initiatives).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statement that civil servants must be ‘social moralists in action’ remains profoundly relevant in the pursuit of good governance. Embodying Appleby’s dictum requires a conscious commitment to ethical principles, coupled with robust institutional mechanisms and a supportive environment. While challenges persist, strengthening ethical foundations within the civil service is not merely a moral imperative but a fundamental prerequisite for building a just, equitable, and prosperous India. Continuous efforts towards capacity building, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability are crucial to realizing this vision.
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.