Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: Transparency, Accountability, Fairness and justice, Courage of conviction, Spirit of service.

Transparency

Transparency, in the context of civil service, refers to openness, communication, and accessibility of information regarding government decisions and actions. It fosters trust between the administration and the public. A transparent civil servant proactively shares information (within legal limits), explains decision-making processes, and welcomes public scrutiny. For example, proactively publishing details of tenders and contracts online, as mandated by the Government e-Procurement System (GePNIC), exemplifies transparency. Lack of transparency breeds corruption and erodes public faith.

Accountability

Accountability implies being answerable for one’s actions and decisions. Civil servants are accountable to the political executive, the legislature, and ultimately, the citizens. Mechanisms like the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, and departmental inquiries ensure accountability. A civil servant demonstrating accountability takes ownership of failures, corrects mistakes, and is willing to face consequences. The recent emphasis on ‘Mission Karmayogi’ aims to build a culture of accountability through capacity building and performance monitoring.

Fairness and Justice

Fairness and justice demand impartiality, equity, and equal treatment for all citizens. A civil servant upholding these values avoids bias, discrimination, and favoritism in the discharge of duties. This includes ensuring equal access to services, impartial investigation of grievances, and just application of laws. For instance, a fair and just District Magistrate would ensure that relief measures after a natural disaster are distributed equitably, irrespective of caste, creed, or political affiliation. The principle of natural justice is fundamental to administrative law.

Courage of Conviction

Courage of conviction refers to the moral strength to stand up for what is right, even in the face of pressure, opposition, or potential repercussions. It requires a civil servant to resist unethical demands from superiors or political masters and to uphold the law and principles of integrity. Whistleblowers, like IAS officer Ashok Khemka who exposed land scams in Haryana, exemplify courage of conviction. However, adequate protection for whistleblowers remains a challenge.

Spirit of Service

The spirit of service embodies a selfless dedication to public welfare and a commitment to serving the needs of the community. It goes beyond merely fulfilling job requirements and involves a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of citizens. Civil servants demonstrating this value prioritize public interest over personal gain, work with empathy and compassion, and actively seek opportunities to improve governance. The ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ campaign encourages civil servants to engage in public service activities and contribute to nation-building.