In the context of civil service, the principles of transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, courage of conviction, and the spirit of service are fundamental to ensuring effective governance and public trust. Here's an examination of the relevance of each principle:
Transparency
Definition: Transparency is the practice of being open and honest about government processes, decisions, and actions, ensuring that information is accessible to the public.
Relevance:
Promotes Trust: Transparency in government operations builds public trust and confidence in civil institutions. When civil servants operate transparently, it assures citizens that actions and policies are conducted in an open and honest manner.
Transparency International's 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand as the least corrupt countries, emphasizing transparency as a key factor in maintaining public trust .
Prevents Corruption: Transparency acts as a deterrent to corruption by exposing administrative processes to public scrutiny, reducing opportunities for corrupt behavior.
For example, the RTI Act was instrumental in uncovering the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption scandal .
The introduction of the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) allows for real-time tracking of funds released under government schemes, reducing leakages and ensuring transparency in financial transactions.
Enhances Public Participation: By making information accessible, transparency empowers citizens to participate in governance and hold public officials accountable.
In Sweden, government documents are public unless specifically classified. This openness promotes citizen engagement in governance and policy making .
The MyGov platform, launched in 2014, enables citizens to participate in governance by providing suggestions and feedback on government policies, enhancing transparency and citizen engagement in India.
According to the World Bank, countries with higher levels of transparency and accountability in governance experience higher levels of investment and economic growth .
Accountability
Definition: Accountability is the obligation of civil servants to be answerable for their actions and decisions, and to take responsibility for their performance and conduct.
Relevance:
Ensures Responsibility: Accountability fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership among public officials, ensuring they are answerable for their actions.
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 establishes anti-corruption ombudsmen to investigate corruption allegations against public officials, enhancing accountability and integrity in governance.
Improves Performance: Civil servants who know they are accountable are more likely to perform their duties diligently and efficiently, leading to improved service delivery.
The Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System (PMES) for government departments in India assesses the performance of ministries and departments based on predefined targets, ensuring accountability and improving efficiency.
Supports Ethical Governance: Accountability mechanisms, such as audits and performance evaluations, help maintain ethical standards and reduce the risk of abuses of power.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) works to combat corruption in public administration by advising and monitoring vigilance activities, promoting accountability among civil servants.
Fairness and Justice
Definition: Fairness and justice refer to the equitable treatment of all individuals, ensuring impartiality and equality before the law.
Relevance:
Promotes Equality: Fairness and justice ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and opportunities, regardless of their background or status.
The reservation policy in India provides quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in education and employment, promoting fairness and social justice.
Enhances Legitimacy: Decisions based on fairness and justice enhance the legitimacy of government actions in the eyes of the public.
The Supreme Court of India's landmark judgments, such as the decriminalization of homosexuality (Section 377 case) in 2018, reinforce the principles of fairness and equality before the law.
Builds Trust in Institutions: Fair and just practices build trust in governmental institutions by demonstrating that they operate impartially.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) works to protect and promote human rights in India, addressing violations and ensuring justice for marginalized communities.
Courage of Conviction
Definition: Courage of conviction is the ability to stand by one's principles and make ethical decisions, even in the face of adversity or opposition.
Relevance:
Encourages Ethical Decision-Making: Civil servants with the courage of conviction are willing to stand by their principles and make difficult decisions based on ethics.
E. Sreedharan, known as the "Metro Man," demonstrated courage and conviction in implementing the Delhi Metro project with transparency and efficiency, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and political pressures.
Supports Reform and Innovation: The courage to challenge the status quo and advocate for necessary reforms is essential for driving positive change.
Kiran Bedi, India’s first female Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, showed courage in addressing corruption and enforcing discipline in the Tihar Jail during her tenure as Inspector General, implementing reforms to improve the prison system.
Upholds Integrity: Civil servants with courage of conviction resist unethical practices and uphold integrity in their work.
Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer known for his integrity, has consistently taken a stand against corruption and irregularities, often facing transfers and political pressure for his actions.
Spirit of Service
Definition: The spirit of service is the commitment to prioritizing the needs and welfare of the public above personal or political interests.
Relevance:
Focuses on Public Welfare: The spirit of service ensures that civil servants remain committed to serving society and the public good.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, exemplified the spirit of service through his commitment to education, science, and technology, inspiring youth and promoting national development.
Fosters Empathy and Compassion: A service-oriented mindset encourages civil servants to address the needs and concerns of citizens with empathy and compassion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian healthcare workers and civil servants demonstrated extraordinary spirit of service by ensuring healthcare delivery and welfare support to affected communities.
Enhances Service Delivery: Civil servants motivated by a spirit of service are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles, leading to better service delivery.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aims to provide financial services to the unbanked population, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive development and the spirit of service.
Conclusion
These principles are essential for guiding civil servants in their roles, ensuring that their actions align with the broader goals of democracy and public interest. By upholding transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, courage of conviction, and the spirit of service, civil servants can contribute to effective governance and maintain public trust.
