Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants. (150 words)

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Effective public service is built on the foundation of the “Spirit of Service” and “Constitutional Morality.”

Ten Essential Values for an Effective Public Servant

Integrity- “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” Eg- Ashok Khemka

Objectivity- Making decisions based on merit, data, and logic rather than personal bias, nepotism, or political pressure.

Neutrality- Providing the same quality of service and advice regardless of which political party is in power. Eg- T.N. Seshan

Empathy and Compassion- Sensing the pain of the citizens and using the law to alleviate their suffering. Eg- S. Shankaran in implementing Bonded Labour Abolition Act

Accountability- Taking full ownership of decisions and outcomes.

Transparency and openness in decision making. Eg- proactive disclosure under RTI

Dedication to Public Service- Eg- Armstrong Pame (IAS) built a 100km “People’s Road” in Manipur through crowdfunding.

Fortitude (Moral Courage)- Eg- Whistleblowers like Satyendra Dubey.

Probity- Strict adherence to ethical standards in public life, especially in financial and decision matters

Efficiency and Economy- following utilitarian maxim of ‘greatest happiness’ Eg- E. Sreedharan finishing mega-projects ahead of schedule and under budget.

Ways and Means to Prevent Non-Ethical Behavior

Internal Controls

“Value-based Training” during induction and mid-career. (2nd ARC)

Emotional Intelligence (EI)- Teaching officers to manage stress and “Amygdala Hijack”

Transitioning from a rigid “Code of Conduct” (punitive) to a “Code of Ethics” (aspirational).

External Controls

Strengthening bodies like the Lokpal, Lokayukta, and CVC to investigate complaints without political interference.

E-Governance- Reducing human interface in public service delivery to eliminate the “discretionary space.” Eg- DBT

Independent Office of Ethics to oversee financial disclosures and provide ethics counseling to officers. (US model)

Institutionalising Integrity Pacts (OECD/Transparency International recommendation)

Empowering the Citizen (Social Controls)

Social Audits- Eg- MGNREGA social audits in Andhra Pradesh

Strengthening RTI. Eg- mandatory disclosures under section 4

Institutionalising Citizen’s Charters based on Sevottam Model

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, unless restrained by ethics and accountability.”