Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indian administrative system, inherited from the colonial era, has undergone several reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and ethical conduct. Recognizing the critical role of civil servants in nation-building, the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), chaired by Veerappa Moily, emphasized the need for a robust ethical framework. The Commission, in its 4th Report (2008), recommended the formulation of a ‘Public Services Code’ to address issues of integrity, transparency, and responsiveness in governance. This code aimed to move beyond existing rules and regulations to instill a strong sense of ethical responsibility among public servants.
The Need for a Public Services Code
Prior to the ARC’s recommendation, the conduct of public servants was governed by a fragmented set of rules, including the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and various departmental regulations. These rules were often perceived as inadequate in addressing emerging ethical dilemmas and promoting a proactive culture of integrity. The 2nd ARC identified a gap in providing clear ethical guidance and fostering a value-based public service. Increasing instances of corruption, lack of accountability, and declining public trust necessitated a comprehensive code.
Key Provisions of the Public Services Code
The proposed Public Services Code, as envisioned by the 2nd ARC, encompassed the following core values and principles:
- Integrity: Maintaining honesty, impartiality, and ethical standards in all official dealings.
- Accountability: Being answerable for decisions and actions, and accepting responsibility for failures.
- Transparency: Ensuring openness and accessibility of information to citizens.
- Responsiveness: Being sensitive to the needs and concerns of the public.
- Efficiency: Utilizing resources effectively and delivering services promptly.
- Rule of Law: Adhering to the Constitution and laws of the country.
- Public Interest: Prioritizing the welfare of the public in all actions.
Core Components of the Code
The ARC proposed a multi-faceted approach to implementing the Code, including:
1. Values and Ethics Training
Mandatory training programs for all levels of public servants, focusing on ethical dilemmas, conflict of interest, and the importance of public service values. This would involve case studies, role-playing exercises, and interactions with ethical experts.
2. Code of Ethics for Specific Professions
Developing specialized codes of ethics for different branches of the public service, such as the police, judiciary, and healthcare, to address the unique ethical challenges faced by each profession.
3. Institutional Mechanisms for Ethical Guidance
Establishing independent bodies, such as an Integrity Commission or an Ethics Council, to provide guidance to public servants on ethical issues, investigate complaints of misconduct, and recommend disciplinary action.
4. Whistleblower Protection
Strengthening whistleblower protection mechanisms to encourage public servants to report instances of corruption and wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. The Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014, is a step in this direction, but further strengthening is needed.
5. Citizen’s Charter and Social Audit
Promoting the implementation of Citizen’s Charters to define service standards and ensure accountability to citizens. Conducting social audits to assess the quality of public services and identify areas for improvement.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its potential benefits, the implementation of the Public Services Code faces several challenges:
- Resistance to Change: Some public servants may resist the imposition of a new code, viewing it as an infringement on their autonomy.
- Lack of Political Will: Effective implementation requires strong political commitment and support.
- Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: The code must be backed by robust enforcement mechanisms to deter misconduct.
- Capacity Building: Adequate resources must be allocated for training and capacity building.
- Balancing Accountability and Discretion: Striking a balance between accountability and allowing public servants to exercise their discretion is crucial.
As of 2023 (knowledge cutoff), the Public Services Code, in its original form as recommended by the 2nd ARC, has not been fully implemented. However, the principles underlying the code have influenced various initiatives aimed at improving governance and ethical conduct in the public service, such as the Mission Karmayogi.
Conclusion
The Public Services Code, as proposed by the 2nd ARC, represents a significant step towards fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in the Indian public service. While its full implementation remains a challenge, the core principles of the code – integrity, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness – are essential for building a strong and ethical governance system. Continued efforts to strengthen ethical frameworks, enhance training, and empower citizens are crucial for realizing the vision of a corruption-free and citizen-centric public service. The Mission Karmayogi, launched in 2020, is a positive step in this direction, aiming to build a competent and ethical civil service.
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.