Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants. (UPSC 2021, 10 Marks, )

EN ह

Ten Essential Values for Effective Public Servants

1. Integrity:

 Public servants must be honest, transparent, and uphold moral principles.

 Example: Refusing bribes, disclosing conflicts of interest.

2. Accountability:

 Public servants should take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

 Example: Regularly reporting to superiors and the public.

3. Impartiality:

 Public servants must treat all citizens equally, without bias or favoritism.

 Example: Ensuring fair allocation of government resources.

4. Transparency:

 Public servants should operate openly, sharing information and decisions.

 Example: Publishing government budgets and expenditures online.

5. Objectivity:

 Public servants must base decisions on evidence and impartial analysis.

 Example: Conducting rigorous policy research before implementing changes.

6. Professionalism:

 Public servants should demonstrate competence and adhere to professional standards.

 Example: Continuous training and development programs.

7. Service Orientation:

 Public servants should prioritize the public's interests and well-being.

 Example: Focusing on delivering essential services efficiently.

8. Respect for Law and Constitution:

 Public servants must adhere to legal and constitutional principles.

 Example: Upholding the rule of law, even when pressured to do otherwise.

9. Conflict Resolution:

 Public servants should be skilled in resolving disputes and conflicts.

 Example: Mediating disputes between different interest groups.

10. Stewardship:

  Public servants have a responsibility to manage public resources wisely.

  Example: Safeguarding public lands and assets from misuse or exploitation.

Preventing Non-Ethical Behavior in Public Servants

1. Code of Conduct:

 Establish clear and comprehensive codes of conduct for public servants.

 Provide training to ensure understanding and adherence.

2. Whistleblower Protection:

 Implement mechanisms to protect whistleblowers who report unethical behavior.

 Encourage a culture of reporting misconduct without fear of retaliation.

3. Ethics Training:

 Conduct regular ethics training programs for public servants.

 Raise awareness about ethical dilemmas and their resolution.

4. Internal Oversight:

 Establish internal oversight bodies or ombudsman offices to investigate ethical violations.

 Ensure independence and transparency in investigations.

5. Public Accountability:

 Encourage citizen engagement and watchdog organizations to hold public servants accountable.

 Publish performance metrics and reports for public scrutiny.

6. Strict Enforcement:

 Enforce consequences for ethical violations, including disciplinary actions and legal prosecution.

 Demonstrate that unethical behavior will not be tolerated.

7. Leadership by Example:

 Leaders in government should exemplify ethical behavior.

 Set the tone for the organization through their actions.

8. Regular Audits:

 Conduct regular audits and evaluations of government activities to detect irregularities.

 Ensure audits are independent and impartial.

9. Technological Solutions:

 Utilize technology for transparent and tamper-proof record-keeping.

 Implement e-governance solutions to minimize human discretion in decision-making.

10. Public Awareness:

  Educate the public about their rights and how to recognize and report unethical behavior.

  Foster a sense of ownership over ethical governance among citizens.