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GS Paper: GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration

  • Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse.

  • Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate.

  • What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest?

    Public interest is a broad, dynamic concept that refers to the welfare, well-being, and general good of the community as a whole and prioritizing collective benefits over individual or sectional advantages.

    “A public official is a fiduciary of the public’s interest.” – Paul H. Douglas

    Principles to be Followed in Public Interest

    Maxim of utilitarianism – “greatest happiness of greatest number”

    Selflessness- Prioritizing public gain over personal material benefits.

    Integrity- Absolute consistency between one’s values and actions.

    Objectivity- Making decisions based solely on merit, facts, and evidence. Eg- E. Sreedharan in awarding delhi metro projects

    Accountability- Being answerable for the consequences of administrative decisions. Eg- Lal Bahadur Shastri resigning as Railway Minister following a major train accident.

    Openness (Transparency)- Proactively sharing information to foster public trust. Eg- U. Sagayam (IAS) – 1st IAS office to declare his personal assets

    Impartiality- Acting without bias toward any caste, creed, or political affiliation. Eg- T. N. Seshan as CEC

    Empathy and Compassion- Sensitivity toward the plight of the marginalized. Eg- Prashant Nair’s “Operation Sulaimani” – Use of crowdsourced coupons to feed hunger

    Commitment to Public Service- Viewing the job as a “mission”. Eg- Dr. Rajendra Bharud (IAS) setting up an oxygen plant in tribal Nandurbar before the second COVID wave

    Leadership- Leading by example to uphold ethical standards. Eg- S.R. Sankaran – “an ideal people’s IAS officer” remained unmarried for service of nation

    Courage of Conviction- Eg- Durga Shakti Nagpal (IAS) taking a firm stand against the powerful sand mining mafia in Noida.

    Procedures to be Followed in Public Interest

    Adherence to code of conduct and code of ethics

    Adherence to the Rule of Law- Every decision must be rooted in constitutional or statutory authority

    Due Process in Procurement- Eg- using GeM-Government e-Marketplace.

    Public Consultation- Eg- “Gram Sabhas” or “Jan Sunwais” before major projects

    Grievance Redressal Mechanisms- Eg- CPGRAMS

    Recusal from Conflict of Interest

    Evidence-Based Policy Making- Eg- GATI Shakti mission

    These principles and procedures ensure that governance is not only efficient but ethical, humane and resilient.

  • What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest.

    In public administration, a Conflict of Interest (COI) is a situation where the private interests of a public official clash with their professional duties and responsibilities.

    Manifestation of conflict of interest

    Financial Investments in companies regulated by one’s own department.

    Family Ties (Nepotism). Eg- Chanda Kochhar Case

    Post-Employment Ambitions (Revolving Door). Eg- “Amakudari” in Japan

    Gifts and Hospitality

    Outside Directorships

    Personal Biases

    Secondary Employment. Eg- Moonlighting

    Property Interests

    Actual vs. Potential Conflict of Interest

    Ways to Prevent Conflict of Interest

    Mandatory Disclosure of Assets (2nd ARC)

    Cooling-off Period

    Code of Ethics and office of Ethics Commissioner

    Institutionalized “Conflict of Interest” Registers

    Integrity Pacts

    In a democracy, the appearance of integrity is as important as integrity itself. Moving from a culture of secrecy to a culture of disclosure, can help maintain public trust in governance.

  • Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration.

    An ethical dilemma in public administration occurs when a public official is faced with a choice between two or more competing values or interests.

    Ethical Dilemmas in Civil Services

    Development vs. Displacement- Narmada Bachao Andolan (Medha Patkar vs. State).

    Confidentiality vs. Transparency- Whistleblowing

    Political Pressure vs. Neutrality

    Freedom of Speech vs. Public Order

    Environment vs. Livelihood

    Efficiency vs. Equity

    Personal Ethics vs. Professional Duty

    Loyalty vs. Truth

    Process of Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

    Identification of the Ethical Issue – clearly define the conflicting values and recognize the stakes for all parties involved is the primary step.

    Information Gathering – collect all relevant data, consult subject matter experts, and understand the ground reality of the situation.

    Analyzing the Legal Framework – The decision must first pass the test of Legality.

    Applying Ethical Frameworks for evaluating options

    Utilitarianism- Which choice brings the “greatest good for the greatest number”?

    Deontology- What is my absolute “Duty” as a public servant?

    Social Justice (Rawls)- Does this decision benefit the “least advantaged” member of society?

    The “middle path” to balance the extremes.

    Assess the impact of various options on different stakeholders.

    Final Decision and Review – After choosing the most ethical path, the official should implement the decision and monitor its impact for course correction.

    Resolving ethical dilemmas is an exercise in Constitutional Morality. Under Mahatma Gandhi’s Talisman, the ultimate resolution of any dilemma lies in whether the decision empowers the weakest.

  • In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties.

    This statement reflects the principle of Administrative Discretion and Innovation in public service. It also highlights the shift from “Rule-based” to “Goal-oriented” governance.

    Everything is permitted in doing good thing

    Adherence to the utilitarian principle of ‘greatest happiness.’

    Resource optimization- Eg- Armstrong Pame (IAS) crowdfunded the “People’s Road”.

    Innovation for reformative justice- Kiran Bedi (IPS) introduced Vipassana.

    Behavioral Nudging (Gandhigiri)- Using psychology instead of force. Eg- In the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, officers gifted flowers to people defecating in the open.

    Prioritising social welfare by bypassing bureaucratic rigidity. Eg- Prashant Nair’s “Operation Sulaimani” – Use of crowdsourced coupons to feed hunger

    Finding ‘out of the box’ solutions. Eg- IPS chetan singh Rathore using National Anthem to manage protesting crowd.

    Ethical use of discretion in crises. Eg- Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar used her office as a “human call center” during communication blackouts in J&K

    Helps in collaborative problem solving rather than a top-down approach. Eg- S.R. Sankaran involved local community elders in identifying bonded laborers.

    Creativity and innovations facilitate adoption of technology to solve problems. Eg- Dr. Hari Chandana building pavements from recycled plastic in Hyderabad.

    Inaction out of fear of rules is often a greater “evil” than Innovation within the framework of the law. – leads to policy paralysis

    Constitutional Morality- One cannot “do good” by violating Fundamental Rights. Eg- unauthorized phone tapping.

    Financial Propriety- Eg- following due process in tender allocation

    Avoiding Conflict of Interest through declaration and recusal

    Acting in the “spirit” of the law

    Dignity and Human Rights- Adherence to Kant’s categorical imperative.

    Non-arbitrariness – No favouritism under the garb of welfare.

    The ultimate test for any “permitted” action is Mahatma Gandhi’s Talisman– “Will it lead to the upliftment of the poorest?”

  • What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality?(150 words, 10m)

    Constitutional morality implies adherence to the core principles and spirit of the Constitution in a democracy. In the words of Ambedkar, “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated”.

    George Grote, in his History of Greece, described constitutional morality as a “rare and difficult sentiment” involving

    Paramount reverence for forms and procedures of the Constitution.

    Adherence to law while enabling open criticism of authority.

    Need for public reason, self-restraint, and trust in institutions.

    Other Pillars

    Rule of Law – Eg- Article 14

    Institutional Integrity – Eg- autonomy of EC, CAG

    Progressive Interpretation – Eg- right to privacy

    Equality and Dignity – Eg- Sabrimala Judgment

    Constitutional Values – Upholding justice, liberty, equality, fraternity

    Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

    Upholding constitutional morality

    By Judiciary

    Prioritizing Constitutional over Social Morality- Eg- Navtej Singh Johar case

    Protecting Dissent and Liberty- Eg- upholding “Bail is the rule, Jail is the exception.”

    Ensuring procedural fairness – Following due process and natural justice.

    By Legislature

    Debate and Deliberation- Eg- mandatory referral of bill to Parliamentary committee (UK Model)

    Inclusive Law-making to protect the interests of the marginalized. Eg- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

    Ensuring representation – Eg- Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023

    Social Reform through Legislation to rectify historical injustices. Eg- Triple Talaq Act

    The Executive

    Self-Restraint in Power- Eg- Following the S.R. Bommai guidelines to avoid the unnecessary imposition of President’s Rule (Article 356).

    Adherence to the “Rule of Law”- Eg- Strictly following the D.K. Basu guidelines to prevent custodial torture.

    Public Administration

    Anonymity and Neutrality- Providing “fair and fearless” advice to ministers

    Practicing Compassion- Using “administrative discretion” to help the last person in the queue (Antyodaya). Eg- S. Shankaran in implementing the Bonded Labour Abolition Act

    Transparency and Honesty- Proactive disclosure under the RTI Act.

    By Citizens (The Sovereign)

    Tolerance of Dissent- Respecting the right of others to have a different opinion, religion, or lifestyle.

    Performing Fundamental Duties- Recognizing that rights come with responsibilities (Article 51A).

    Active Participation- Eg- Participating in Gram Sabhas or city ward committee meetings

    Constitutional morality serves as the “North Star,” ensuring that the ship of the state remains anchored in the values of human dignity and social justice.

  • What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? (150 words, 10m)

    Manifestation in the Public Domain

    Whistleblowing against Corruption- conflict between “loyalty to the organization” and “duty to the public” triggers a crisis.

    Implementation of Unjust Policies- Eg- implementing order for eviction of slum dwellers during a harsh winter without a rehabilitation plan.

    Conflict between Rule of Law and Compassion- Eg- Denying a starving, elderly woman her rations because her biometrics failed to authenticate.

    Political Pressure on Neutrality- Eg- An officer being asked to manipulate environmental impact data to favor an industrial project.

    Medical Ethics in Public Healthcare- Eg- Medical triage decisions

    Journalists reporting on sensitive issues like human rights violations face a clash between “patriotism” and “truth.”

    Environmental Protection vs. Development- Eg- Aarey Forest case in Mumbai

    Institutional loyalty vs public interest- When statisticians are pressured to “under-report” inflation or unemployment figures to suit a government’s narrative.

    Confidentiality vs. Public Safety- When an official knows a “state secret” that involves a threat to public health but is ordered to remain silent.

    Efficiency vs justice or Speedy action vs due process. Eg- Bulldozer demolitions.

    Security vs rights – Eg- Internet shutdowns in J&K

    Career risk vs ethical stand – Eg- Sanjiv Chaturvedi (IFS) facing transfers for exposing corruption in AIIMS and HRD Ministry.

    Majoritarian demand vs minority rights – Public pressure conflicting with constitutional morality. Eg- Sabrimala case

    Ethical Framework to Address Crisis of Conscience

    Constitutional Morality

    The Public Interest Test

    Gandhian Talisman

    Principle of Non-Maleficence

    Objectivity and Neutrality

    Transparency and Accountability

    Courage of Conviction

    Categorical Imperative (Kant)

    Integrity (Wholeness)

    Seeking Guidance through “Phronesis”

    “There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.” – Mahatma Gandhi

    By aligning actions with the “higher court of conscience,” a public official can ensure human-centric, just, and truly democratic governance.

  • “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption” Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words, 10m)

    “The greatest corruption is the corruption of duty.” – Edmund Burke

    Conventionally, corruption is viewed as the “misuse of public office for private gain,” however, in a broader ethical sense, omission (failing to act) is as damaging as commission (acting wrongly).

    Non-performance of duty as form of corruption

    Theft of Public Salary- Taking a salary while deliberately avoiding work is “financial fraud” against the taxpayer. Eg- “Ghost employees” in various municipal bodies

    Creation of “Induced” Corruption- Deliberate delays (Red Tapism) are often used to force citizens to pay “speed money.”

    Violation of the Right to Life- Eg- delay in safety audits leading to Mundra building tragedy.

    Delays in project clearance lead to Policy Paralysis- High economic “opportunity cost.” Eg- delays in environmental clearances in PPP projects

    Inaction is a betrayal of the “fiduciary duty” owed to the citizens. Eg- Police officers failing to register an FIR in SC, ST atrocity cases.

    Wastage of Resources- Eg- food grains roting in FCI godowns while tribal populations suffer from malnutrition.

    When officials don’t work, citizens lose faith in democracy and turn to extra-constitutional means for justice. Eg- rise of “vigilante justice”

    Moral hazard – Inaction normalises irresponsibility.

    Facilitates exploitation. Eg- Labour inspectors not enforcing minimum wage laws.

    Ways to Curb Corruption and Non-Performance

    Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct. (2nd ARC)

    Implementation of Citizens’ Charters- Eg- SAKALA (Karnataka Guarantee of Services Act)

    Giving legal backing to Social Audits

    Leveraging Technology. Eg- Faceless Income Tax Assessment

    Strengthening the Lokpal and Lokayuktas to investigate “maladministration” and “neglect”

    Independent Commission Against Corruption – “Hong Kong Model”

    Performance-linked accountability. Eg- 360 degree feedback

    A culture of active responsibility, diligence and accountability is needed to deal with the menace of corruption.

  • ‘The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of international relations. (150 words)

    The statement represents the “2nd great debate” in International Relations between Realism and Liberalism/Idealism.

    The “Will to Power”- The Realist Foundation

    Human Nature- humans (and by extension, states) have an innate animus dominandi-a lust for power. (Hans Morgenthau.)

    Anarchy- In an international system with no global government, states must seek power to ensure their survival.

    Zero-Sum Game- if one state gains power, another feels less secure, leading to the “Security Dilemma.” Eg- Pakistan’s nuclear tests after India

    Hegemonic Ambition- Eg- China’s “Global Civilization Initiative”

    Territorial Expansionism- Eg- Russia’s ongoing annexation of Ukrainian territories

    Nuclear Proliferation for deterrence and prestige. Eg- North Korea and Iran

    Technological Supremacy- Eg- U.S.-China “Chip War” (2025)

    Resource Weaponization- Eg- OPEC+ production cuts in late 2024

    Taming through “Rationality”- The Neoliberal Approach

    Rationality suggests that cooperation provides better long-term outcomes than conflict.

    Interdependence- Trade creates “mutual destruction” risks that make peace more logical. Eg- U.S.-China trade

    International Institutions- bodies like the UN, WTO, and IMF provide a framework for negotiation.

    Regime Theory- It is easier to follow a shared rule than to fight for dominance every time a dispute arises.

    Standardization of Global Tech- Eg- The Global AI Safety Summit (2025)

    Collective Security- Eg- Sweden and Finland’s 2024-25 integration into NATO

    Guiding by “Principles of Moral Duty”- The Constructivist and Liberal View

    IR is not just about cold logic, but about Norms, Ethics, and Identity.

    Democratic Peace Theory- “moral duty” toward democratic values prevents democracies from going to war with one another.

    Human Rights- “will to power” (state sovereignty) is tamed by the moral duty to prevent mass atrocities. Eg- Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine

    Constructivism- Thinkers like Alexander Wendt argue that “anarchy is what states make of it.” If states adopt a “Kantian” philosophy, the will to power is replaced by a will to cooperate.

    The “Nuclear Taboo”- Eg- The G20 2024 New Delhi Declaration reiterating that “the use or threat of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”

    Human Rights Advocacy- Eg- ICC arrest warrants (2024-25) for leaders accused of war crimes

    Challenges

    The Return of Geopolitics- Eg- Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the South China Sea

    Rise of protectionism and territorial nationalism.

    Erosion of Multilateralism. Eg- crisis of credibility of UN

    Asymmetric warfare. Eg- state sponsored terrorism.

    The statement is an appeal for Enlightened Realism through the “rational” design of institutions and a shared “moral” commitment to human dignity