Subject: Foundational values

“The purpose of power is to serve, not to rule.” To adhere to this ethos, civil servants must imbibe certain universal values of ‘Ethical Governance.’

Three basic values and their importance

Integrity (Honesty and probity in conduct) – Acting truthfully, transparently and consistently with moral and legal standards.

Importance-

Prevents corruption and misuse of public office.

Builds citizens’ trust in institutions.

Protects fairness in decision-making.

Strengthens legitimacy of the state.

Illustration- Sanjiv Chaturvedi (IFS) exposed corruption in AIIMS despite facing harassment.

Impartiality (Fairness and non-discrimination) – Treating all individuals and groups equally, without bias based on identity, status or political affiliation.

Upholds equality before law.

Prevents favouritism and discrimination.

Stability during Political Transitions

Impartial officer acts as a trusted mediator in conflict resolution

Illustration- T.N. Seshan, as CEC, enforcing MCC in fair manner.

Accountability – Being answerable for decisions and taking responsibility for consequences.

Importance-

Feedback Loop- facilitates a two-way communication between state and citizens

Improves transparency and performance.

Enables democratic control over bureaucracy.

Promotes ethical and careful decision-making.

Illustration – Ashwini Vaishnaw took moral responsibility after the Odisha train accident by personally overseeing relief and restoration.

Other values (Nolan Principles)

Selflessness

Objectivity

Openness

Leadership

Commitment to constitutional morality

Probity

Empathy and Compassion

Anonymity

These values ensure that “Steel Frame” does not rust or bend under the weight of corruption and bias.

“Public office is a public trust.” – Grover Cleveland

Public life refers to the activities and roles individuals undertake in the service of the community, whether as elected representatives, civil servants, or members of public bodies.

Basic principles of public life

Nolan Principles

Selflessness

Integrity

Objectivity

Openness

Leadership

Accountability

Honesty

Leadership

Indian constitutional ethos

Transparency

Impartiality

Responsiveness

Commitment to public interest

Three basic values and their importance

Integrity (Honesty and probity in conduct) – Acting truthfully, transparently and consistently with moral and legal standards.

Importance-

Prevents corruption and misuse of public office.

Builds citizens’ trust in institutions.

Protects fairness in decision-making.

Strengthens legitimacy of the state.

Illustration- Sanjiv Chaturvedi (IFS) exposed corruption in AIIMS despite facing harassment.

Impartiality (Fairness and non-discrimination) – Treating all individuals and groups equally, without bias based on identity, status or political affiliation.

Importance-

Upholds equality before law.

Prevents favouritism and discrimination.

Stability during Political Transitions

Impartial officer acts as a trusted mediator in conflict resolution

Illustration- T.N. Seshan, as CEC, enforcing MCC in fair manner.

Accountability – Being answerable for decisions and taking responsibility for consequences.

Importance-

Feedback Loop- facilitates a two-way communication between state and citizens

Improves transparency and performance.

Enables democratic control over bureaucracy.

Promotes ethical and careful decision-making.

Illustration – Ashwini Vaishnaw took moral responsibility after the Odisha train accident by personally overseeing relief and restoration.

These values ensure that “Steel Frame” does not rust or bend under the weight of corruption and bias.

A public servant is an individual entrusted by the state to exercise authority and perform functions on behalf of society in order to implement laws, deliver public services and protect citizens’ rights and welfare.

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

The Expected Role of a Public Servant

Policy Advisor- Providing “objective and honest” advice to the government.

Guardian of the Constitution- Ensuring that every administrative action aligns with constitutional values.

Bridge between State and Citizen by ensuring fair and effective implementation of policies.

Agent of Social Change- Actively working to dismantle regressive social norms. Eg- S. Shankaran in implementing the Bonded Labour Abolition Act

Custodian of Public Funds- Practicing “Financial Probity.” Eg- E. Sreedharan – objectivity in the awarding of contracts for the Delhi Metro.

Upholder of Integrity- Resisting bribes and external pressures to maintain professional standards. Eg- U. Sagayam (IAS) declaring his assets publicly.

Leader by Example- Inspiring subordinates to work with the same level of dedication and ethics. Eg- Kiran Bedi (IPS) reforming Tihar jail

Impartial Arbitrator- Resolving disputes between different social or economic groups without bias. Eg- R.N. Ravi, played a pivotal role in the Naga peace talks

Empathetic Listener- Being accessible to the grievances of the poorest citizens.

Innovator in Governance- Finding low-cost, high-impact solutions to local problems. Eg- IAS Prashant Nair used crowdfunding for community kitchens

Protector of the Marginalized- Ensuring that the “last person” (Antyodaya) receives the benefits of the state. Eg- Dr Nidhi Patel pioneering space lab for rural students in Bilaspur.

Crisis Manager- Providing leadership during natural disasters or civil unrest. Eg- Dr. Rajendra Bharud (IAS) setting up an oxygen plant in tribal Nandurbar before the second COVID wave

Regulatory Watchdog- Ensuring that private entities follow safety and ethical standards. Eg- Vinod Rai as CAG exposed “presumptive losses” in the 2G Spectrum and Coal block allocations.

Environmental Steward- Eg- Dr. Hari Chandana building pavements from recycled plastic in Hyderabad.

“The civil service is not a service of status, but a service of responsibility. It is a commitment to the conscience of the nation.” – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

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.”

“The civil service is not a service of status, but a service of responsibility. It is a commitment to the conscience of the nation.” – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

The performance of a civil servant cannot be measured merely by targets achieved, but must be evaluated through the lens of ethical conduct.

Integrity (Consistency and Honesty) – It implies that the officer’s actions are consistently aligned with their stated moral values, regardless of external pressure.

Justification

Builds public trust on reliability and honesty of administration.

Gives moral courage to say “No” to illegal orders from political superiors.

Ensures consistency, predictably and adherence to the code of conduct.

Eg- Ashok Khemka (IAS)

Objectivity (Rationality and Merit) – ensures that decisions are based on evidence, logic, and the rule of law, rather than personal bias, nepotism, or political leanings.

Justification

Fairness- It ensures equal treatment of every citizen

Promotes meritocracy and efficiency

Decisions are less likely to be overturned by courts.

Eg- E. Sreedharan – objectivity in the awarding of contracts for the Delhi Metro.

Compassion and Empathy (Human-Centric Service) – involves understanding the pain of the citizens and acting to alleviate it.

Justification-

Ensures that the “spirit of the law” is used to achieve Social Justice

Brings democratic ethos into civil services (instead of rigidity and indifference)

Helps understand ground realities.

Improves welfare delivery effectiveness.

Eg- Armstrong Pame (IAS)– build a 100km road via crowdfunding

Accountability (Responsibility and Transparency) – It is the obligation of an official to be answerable for their decisions and the consequences thereof.

Justification-

Prevents the arbitrary use of discretionary powers.

Improves transparency and legitimacy.

Encourages better performance standards.

Builds democratic credibility.

Eg- Vinod Rai exposed “presumptive losses” in the 2G Spectrum and Coal block allocations.

Emotional Intelligence

Justification

Enables calm decision-making under pressure.

Improves conflict resolution and negotiation.

Builds trust and team cohesion.

Enhances ethical judgement by integrating empathy and reason.

Eg- Krishna Teja (IAS) coordinated evacuation during Kerala floods

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