Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Public service values like integrity, transparency, and impartiality, rooted in ethics and morality, guide civil servants in making just and fair decisions. Ethical decision-making involves balancing duty, public interest, and integrity to ensure governance remains accountable, transparent, and people-centric.

Body

• Integrity promotes truthfulness, honesty, and commitment to ethical governance, ensuring decisions are free from personal biases or corruption.
  • Example: Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned as Railway Minister following a train accident, demonstrating ethical accountability in leadership.
• Utilitarian ethics emphasize maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number, ensuring public welfare is prioritized.
  • Example: An IAS officer in Telangana raised the water table by 6 meters, benefiting thousands with sustainable water solutions.
• Deontological ethics focus on duty and moral obligations, ensuring civil servants act ethically regardless of consequences.
  • Example: E. Sreedharan’s ethical leadership in delivering the Delhi Metro on time and free from corruption reflects duty-driven decision-making.
• Empathy fosters ethical decision-making by considering the needs of marginalized communities and ensuring inclusive governance.
  • Example: An IAS officer in Karnataka set up free libraries at 17 bus stops, using personal funds to improve literacy.
• Justice and fairness ensure decisions are impartial, equitable, and free from discrimination or political influence.
  • Example: Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi upheld justice by fining VIPs for traffic violations and reforming Tihar Jail with education and rehabilitation initiatives.
• Virtue ethics emphasize character development, where civil servants embody moral values like humility, courage, and public service commitment.
  • Example: T.N. Seshan’s electoral reforms strengthened democracy by enforcing strict adherence to election ethics and fairness.
• Accountability ensures civil servants take responsibility for their actions, reinforcing public trust in ethical governance.
  • Example: Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer who repeatedly faced transfers and harassment for exposing irregularities in land deals, showcasing his unwavering commitment to transparency even when facing personal consequences.

Conclusion

Public service values act as ethical compasses, guiding civil servants in making decisions that uphold justice, integrity, and public welfare. Ethical governance strengthens democracy, builds trust, and ensures a fair and accountable administration.