Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The bedrock of a robust and responsive civil service lies in a strong ethical foundation. Values, in the context of public administration, are the principles that guide the conduct of civil servants, ensuring they act in the public interest with fairness and impartiality. These values are not merely aspirational; they are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance. While numerous values are desirable, three stand out as universally fundamental: Integrity, Empathy, and Accountability. These values, when consistently practiced, form the cornerstone of a just and efficient administrative system.
Integrity
Integrity refers to honesty, trustworthiness, and adherence to moral principles. For a civil servant, integrity means resisting corruption, nepotism, and any form of undue influence. It demands impartiality in decision-making and a commitment to upholding the law, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. A civil servant with integrity prioritizes public good over personal gain.
- Importance: Integrity builds public trust in the administration. Without it, the system becomes vulnerable to corruption and inefficiency.
- Example: The actions of IAS officer D.K. Ravi, who relentlessly fought against corruption in Karnataka, exemplify integrity. His commitment to ethical conduct, despite facing immense pressure, remains a powerful example. (Knowledge Cutoff: 2015)
Empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is crucial for a civil servant dealing with diverse populations and complex social issues. It requires actively listening to citizens, understanding their needs, and responding with sensitivity and compassion. Empathy goes beyond mere sympathy; it involves genuinely trying to see the world from another’s perspective.
- Importance: Empathy ensures that policies and programs are designed and implemented with the needs of the people in mind. It fosters a sense of inclusivity and reduces social inequalities.
- Example: The success of the ‘Mission Indradhanush’ (launched in 2014) – a nationwide immunization program – was partly due to the empathetic approach of healthcare workers who actively engaged with communities, addressed their concerns, and built trust.
Accountability
Accountability signifies being answerable for one’s actions and decisions. For civil servants, accountability encompasses transparency, responsiveness, and a willingness to accept responsibility for both successes and failures. It requires adhering to established rules and procedures, maintaining proper records, and being open to scrutiny.
- Importance: Accountability prevents abuse of power and ensures that civil servants act in the best interests of the public. It promotes efficiency and effectiveness in governance.
- Example: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a significant step towards enhancing accountability in the Indian administration by empowering citizens to access information held by public authorities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Integrity, Empathy, and Accountability are not merely desirable traits but essential prerequisites for a thriving civil service. These values are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. A lack of integrity undermines accountability, while a lack of empathy can lead to insensitive and ineffective policies. Cultivating these values through rigorous training, ethical codes of conduct, and a supportive organizational culture is paramount for building a civil service that is truly dedicated to serving the nation and its citizens. Strengthening institutional mechanisms for promoting these values will be crucial for achieving good governance and sustainable development.
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.