UPSC MainsGENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I202510 Marks150 Words
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Q9.

The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

How to Approach

The approach should define the 'ethos' as the moral-ethical framework. The answer must then clearly delineate and elaborate on the two required components: 'Professionalism' (competence, impartiality, rule-of-law) and 'Nationalistic Consciousness' (commitment to Constitution, national goals, integrity). The elucidation must show how these two are synergistically combined—professionalism as the 'means' and nationalism as the 'motive'—to achieve good governance within the strict 150-word limit.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The ethos of the Indian Civil Service is the foundational moral compass guiding its members, demanding a synthesis of technical competence and patriotic commitment. This ethos transcends mere rule-following, mandating that administrative action is rooted not just in procedure but in a deep-seated dedication to the nation's constitutional vision and the welfare of its citizens, thereby embodying the spirit of public service.

Elucidation: The Synergy of Means and Motive

The ethos demands a dual commitment:

  • Professionalism: This pillar focuses on the 'how' of governance. It encompasses impartiality, objectivity, adherence to the rule of law (as mandated by principles of governance), technical competence, and efficiency in service delivery.
  • Nationalistic Consciousness: This pillar provides the 'why'. It signifies an unwavering commitment to the Constitution, national integration, upholding the dignity of the individual, and striving for national goals like inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The combination is crucial: Professionalism ensures that the administration is effective and unbiased, while Nationalistic Consciousness ensures that this effectiveness is invariably directed towards realizing the highest ideals and aspirations of the Indian Republic, preventing bureaucratic apathy or self-interest.

Conclusion

Thus, the ideal civil servant blends professional rigor with an unwavering nationalistic spirit. This synergy is indispensable for translating constitutional promises into tangible realities, ensuring that governance is both competent and ethically aligned with the nation's foundational values, thereby upholding the integrity of Indian democracy against complex challenges.

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.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Ethos of Civil Service
The characteristic spirit, guiding beliefs, and moral structure that define the collective behaviour and professional culture of the administrative body.
Nationalistic Consciousness
A deep-seated commitment to the nation's sovereignty, unity, integrity, constitutional values, and the socio-economic upliftment of all its people.

Key Statistics

The Sixth Central Pay Commission (2006) emphasized that civil servants must be imbued with a sense of commitment to the nation and its people, underscoring the ethical dimension of service.

Source: Sixth Central Pay Commission Report

As per the latest data on Civil List, there are approximately 6,000 active Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, who are the primary instrument for implementing national policies across the country.

Source: Based on current official Civil List estimates

Examples

Professionalism in Action

The impartial enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during elections by District Magistrates (DMs) exemplifies professionalism irrespective of political affiliations.

Nationalistic Consciousness in Action

The dedication shown by officers during the COVID-19 pandemic, working beyond official hours to ensure last-mile delivery of aid and services, reflecting service above self.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is professionalism enough without nationalistic consciousness?

No. Without nationalistic consciousness, professionalism can lead to efficient but morally bankrupt administration, focused only on rules rather than the spirit of public welfare (e.g., corruption shielded by procedure).

Topics Covered

GovernanceEthicsCivil servicesProfessionalismNationalismEthosIndia