Mains Marathon

• Briefly define what a positive attitude and what it means in the context of civil services.
• Explain how a positive attitude is essential for civil servants. Mention how it helps in handling challenges, fostering creativity, improving citizen engagement, and enhancing the quality of public service delivery.
• Conclude by emphasizing its role in achieving effective governance and delivering public services that meet the needs of citizens.

Answer:

A positive attitude is a vital attribute for civil servants, as it influences their performance and outcomes in various aspects of governance and public service delivery. A positive attitude can be defined as a mindset that is optimistic, proactive, and committed to serving the public interest. It enables civil servants to overcome challenges, engage citizens, deliver services efficiently, collaborate with others, and adapt to change.

How a positive attitude contributes to effective governance and public service delivery:

• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Positive attitude in civil servants leads to viewing problems as opportunities, not obstacles. They find creative solutions, making governance more efficient.
• Increased Citizen Engagement: A positive attitude in civil servants fosters trust, citizen engagement, and informed decision-making, benefiting public initiatives.
• Efficient Service Delivery: Positive civil servant attitudes enhance public service quality and efficiency, encouraging prompt and effective delivery. They reduce red tape, streamline processes, and improve citizen access to government services.
• Strong Work Ethic and Team Collaboration: A positive attitude in civil servants fosters teamwork, mutual respect, and a strong work ethic, setting a good example for others.
• Adaptability and Innovation: In a changing world, adaptable and innovative governance is vital. Positive civil servants embrace change, new tech, and modern problem-solving, allowing governments to respond swiftly to challenges and adopt progressive policies.

Some examples of Indian civil servants who have shown a positive attitude in their work:

• Dr. Renu Swarup, the former Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), who has been instrumental in leading India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been proactive in facilitating research, development, and innovation in biotechnology, especially in the areas of vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and genomic surveillance. She has also been supportive of the scientific community and the industry partners involved in the fight against COVID-19.
• Shri Rajesh Khullar, the former Executive Director of the World Bank Group (WBG), who has been responsible for representing India and other countries at the WBG Board. He has been active in promoting India’s interests and priorities at the global level, as well as enhancing cooperation and dialogue among the member countries. He has also been instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for India’s development agenda.
• Ms. Smita Sabharwal, the Additional Secretary to Chief Minister of Telangana, who has been known for her innovative and citizen-centric initiatives in various districts of the state. She has been credited with improving governance, service delivery, education, health, sanitation, women empowerment, and rural development in her areas of work. She has also been praised for her accessibility, responsiveness, and dedication to the public welfare.

A positive attitude in civil services is not just a personality trait but a key driver of effective governance and public service delivery. By fostering problem-solving, citizen engagement, efficiency, collaboration, adaptability, and innovation, civil servants can make a significant impact on the lives of citizens and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.