Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Ethics in public service forms the bedrock of a transparent, accountable, and effective governance system. A civil servant’s conduct directly impacts public trust and the legitimacy of the state. While numerous ethical considerations exist, certain traits are particularly vital for assessing performance. These traits aren’t merely about avoiding wrongdoing but actively promoting good governance and citizen welfare. Identifying and cultivating these traits is crucial for building a robust and ethical civil service capable of meeting the challenges of a modern nation. This answer will identify five such traits – Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Courage, and Empathy – and justify their inclusion in a performance matrix for civil servants.
Five Ethical Traits for Civil Servant Performance Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation of a civil servant’s performance must extend beyond technical competence and efficiency to encompass ethical conduct. The following five traits are fundamental:
1. Integrity
Definition: Integrity refers to honesty, strong moral principles, and consistency of character. It involves adhering to a code of conduct even when faced with pressure or temptation.
Justification: Integrity is paramount as it builds public trust. A civil servant lacking integrity can be susceptible to corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power, undermining the very foundations of governance. For example, a land officer demonstrating integrity will resist accepting bribes to favour certain developers, ensuring fair allocation of resources. The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) emphasized strengthening integrity as a core value in civil service.
2. Impartiality
Definition: Impartiality means treating all individuals and groups equitably, without bias or prejudice.
Justification: Civil servants are entrusted with implementing policies and delivering services to all citizens. Impartiality ensures fairness and prevents discrimination. A police officer demonstrating impartiality will investigate complaints against all parties involved, regardless of their social status or political affiliation. The principle of impartiality is enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing equality before the law.
3. Accountability
Definition: Accountability refers to being responsible for one’s actions and decisions, and being willing to accept the consequences.
Justification: Accountability fosters transparency and prevents arbitrary exercise of power. Civil servants must be held accountable for their decisions, both positive and negative. The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a significant step towards enhancing accountability in governance. For instance, a project manager accountable for a delayed infrastructure project will be expected to explain the reasons for the delay and take corrective measures.
4. Courage
Definition: Courage, in the context of civil service, means the moral strength to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity or opposition.
Justification: Civil servants often encounter situations where they must make difficult decisions that may be unpopular or challenge powerful interests. Courage is essential for resisting undue influence and upholding ethical principles. Whistleblowers, like Sanjeev Chaturvedi (IAS officer who exposed corruption in the forest department), exemplify courage in public service. Without courage, ethical lapses can go unchecked.
5. Empathy
Definition: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Justification: Civil servants interact with citizens from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs. Empathy allows them to understand the impact of policies and decisions on people’s lives and to respond with sensitivity and compassion. A district magistrate demonstrating empathy will prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations during a natural disaster. Empathy ensures that governance is citizen-centric and responsive to the needs of the marginalized.
These five traits, when integrated into a performance matrix, provide a holistic assessment of a civil servant’s ethical standing and contribution to good governance. A scoring system based on observed behaviours and feedback from stakeholders can be used to evaluate performance against these traits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrity, impartiality, accountability, courage, and empathy are not merely desirable qualities but essential ethical traits for effective civil service. Their inclusion in a performance evaluation matrix is crucial for fostering a culture of ethics and accountability within the bureaucracy. Investing in ethics training, promoting ethical leadership, and establishing robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing ethical violations are vital steps towards building a civil service that is both competent and committed to serving the public interest. A strong ethical foundation is the cornerstone of a just and prosperous society.
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.