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Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
7. Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? Highlight and explain the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations. (250 words)
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is based on the theme of political neutrality of civil servants.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the importance of political neutrality for civil servants and discuss the challenges faced by them in different situations.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with what you understand by political neutrality.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Explain that in the recent times, it has been observed that many serving civil servants are expressing their political opinions through social media and other mass media. At times, they appear on prime time/ TV debates and criticize the government’s policies. This is in violation of Service Conduct Rules.
Briefly mention the constitutional and legal norms regarding political involvement of civil servants.
Mention why political neutrality is an important trait for civil servants.
Discuss the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants using examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude that Indian Constitution envisaged a coherent, not collusive, relationship between both arms of the executive. While politics should be the prerogative of the temporary executive, civil servants should restrict themselves to the policy interventions.
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