Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• In introduction write in brief about the need of principles in public service.
• Enumerate the seven principles of public service.
• Give a way forward by writing some suggestion to further strengthen the public service values.

Introduction

• Public service is a field that focuses on building a safe and healthy world around us, and in Principles of Public Service: To Serve and Protect us and the society will be introduced to its many different career choices. The protection of society is not only one of our greatest challenges, it also provides ways for people to work together to ensure safety and provide indispensable services.

Body

The Nolan committee promotes Seven Principles of Public Life that serve as guide for civil servants-

• Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
• Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
• Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
• Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
• Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
• Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
• Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Way Forward

Some of the conclusions have general application across the entire public service which can be add on over and above the seven principles of public service.

• Codes of Conduct All public bodies should draw up Codes of Conduct incorporating these principles.
• Independent Scrutiny: Internal systems for maintaining standards should be supported by independent scrutiny.
• Education: More needs to be done to promote and reinforce standards of conduct in public bodies, in particular through guidance and training, including induction training.