Non-partisanship → Ability of a civil servant to remain neutral and unbiased in political matters.
Significance :
- Ministers from any political party trust the loyalty of civil servants.
- Civil servants can fully support reforms introduced by political executives.
- Maintains public trust in the apolitical nature of civil services.
- High morale among civil servants due to merit-based promotion and fair service conditions.
- Ensures consistency in government operations and services regardless of political changes.
Impartiality means acting solely on objective criteria, without bias, prejudice, or personal interest. For civil servants, both Political Impartiality—serving the government regardless of personal political beliefs—and Public Impartiality—treating all people equally and fulfilling constitutional obligations (Article 14)—are important. Examples: IPS officer Sreelekha, known as ‘Raid Sreelekha,’ for being part of CBI raids that targeted influential persons without bias.
Importance of Impartiality:
Significance of Impartiality:
- Upholding Constitutional and Ethical Values: Ensures adherence to constitutional principles like Articles 14 and 15.
- Aligns with foundational civil service values and Nolan Committee recommendations.
- the 2nd ARC recommended that civil servants, in their official duties such as procurement, recruitment, and service delivery, should make decisions solely based on merit, devoid of any partisan influence.
- Prevents authoritarianism and upholds the rule of law : Protects minority interests in a diverse society.
- Ensuring Fair and Equitable Treatment:
- Objective allocation of resources based on need, not personal preference.
- Implements equity and fairness in unequal circumstances (e.g., provisions for the elderly, women, and socially backward groups).
- Promoting a Positive Work Culture: Fosters a positive, righteous, and efficient work environment.
- Effective Crisis Management: Enhances credibility and negotiation capabilities during crises. Example: N Ravi’s impartiality in North East insurgency negotiations.
- Combating Corruption: Prevents nepotism and political-corporate nexus. Examples: Sagayam IAS (Tamil Nadu) and Ashok Khemka (Haryana).
- Establishes acceptance and authority of bureaucracy : Enhances credibility and trustworthiness.
Modern civil servants play diverse roles, advising political representatives, addressing public grievances, and implementing socio-economic changes. An impartial bureaucracy is vital for effective governance and public trust.
Integrity is strict adherence to moral principles irrespective of place, time, and context.
Reasons for falling integrity in administration:
- Historical Context: Colonial legacy fosters opacity, red tape, and favoritism.
- Environmental Factors: consumerism and materialism erode moral values, pushing officials toward corruption.
- Weak Public Opinion: Apathy and bribery preference perpetuate corruption, undermining societal norms.
- Complex government Procedures create opportunities for bribery, termed “Speedy money.”
- Strength of Established Interests: Honest officials struggle against entrenched corruption, often opting to join the system.
- Inadequate Legal Framework: Outdated laws and weak penalties fail to deter corrupt behavior effectively.
- Lack of Punitive Fear: Protections under Article 311 hinder disciplinary action against corrupt officials.
- Collusion with Business Interests: Business entities bribe officials for favors, perpetuating corruption.
Measures to Address the Decline in Integrity:
- Simplifying Procedures: Streamline and digitize government processes to minimize opportunities for corruption and increase transparency .
- Cutting down on discretionary power and enabling contactless interaction between citizen customers and service providers. Eg. Faceless tax assessment.
- Strengthening Public Opinion: Encourage public reporting of corrupt practices and foster a culture of zero tolerance towards corruption .
- 2nd ARC Recommendations
- Regarding Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Eliminating prior sanction for prosecuting red-handedly trapped public servants, Imposing liability on corrupt public servants to pay damages.
- Code of Ethics for Civil Servants.
- Abolish Article 311 and frame comprehensive legislation under Article 309 to cover all aspects.
- Strengthening social infrastructure : Inviting civil societies to oversee government programs, using public hearings to audit government activities, holding integrity workshops, and implementing a Citizen Charter.
- Effective use of transparency and accountability tools: Right to information act 2005, social audits, e-governance and adequate protection to whistle-blowers.
- Strengthening established Institutional framework: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013; The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988(sect. 17), CVC, CBI, ED etc
- Steps taken
- Mission Karmyogi- The National Programme For Civil Services Capacity Building
- Introduction Of Ethics At Entry level exams (UPSC and RPSC)
Implementing these measures can restore integrity and ethical standards within civil services, ensuring better governance and public trust.
