[ad_1]
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 1
Topic: static syllabus
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the short-term and long-term outcomes of the tri-partite struggle and its role in facilitating invasions in early medieval India.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context and mentioning the participants in the tri-partite struggle.
Body:
First, write about the short-term impact of the tri-partite struggle – long drawn out, war of attrition, indecisive for long etc.
Next, write about the long-term impact of the tri-partite struggle – lack of central authority, pan India empire, mutual animosity.
Next, write to what extent did tri-partite struggle play a part in invasions of India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced judgement forward.
Introduction
The Tripartite Struggle was a three-way struggle between the Pratiharas, the Palas and the Rashtrakutas. It was also called Kannauj Triangle Wars and took place in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Tripartite struggle was for the control of Northern India and ultimately the Pratiharas emerged victorious.
Body
short-term outcomes
- During the rule of Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III, there was successful campaign against the Cholas.
- The Rashtrakutas also formed a matrimonial relationship with other feudal kings.
- For the continuous war they had to maintain big armyand so that the tax was very high.
- Some rebellions against the rulers can thus be easily traced.
- Some scholars like R.S. Sharma identified the Kaibartya rebellions during the Pala period as a peasant revolt.
Long-term outcomes
- All the three powers became weak and then declined.
- All the contemporary powers became dependable on the samantas that was their weakness.
- After sometime the samanta kings became powerful and caused the downfall of the big powers.
- On the other hand the unnecessary war weakened the dynasties so that in North India we do not see any powerful empire in the later period.
- At the time of Muslim invasion North Indian powers became unable to protect themselves.
- The struggle resulted into the political disintegration of the country and benefited the Islamic invaders from Middle-East.
- So in conclusion we can say that tripartite struggle was a war without gain for the powers.
Conclusion
The three kingdoms were fighting amongst each other to have a control over the resource rich region around Kannauj in Gangetic valley. Each wanted to take the benefit of lack of strong ruler at Kannauj at that time. However, the struggle was mutually destructive for all of them. Nobody could emerge as a strong power. There was no stability and central rule in entire country. It led to political vacuum in north India and no attention to North West Frontier. Thus India became vulnerable to foreign invasion. Advantage of the situation was taken by Mahamud Ghazini and Mohammad Ghori.
Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the critical role of cities in shaping the future and the potential they possess to either contribute to or hinder societal progress.
Key Demand of the question:
To understand the main issues in the urban areas as well as mention the necessary steps through planning and administration to boost the quality of life in urban areas.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
Begin by giving an account on how rapidly Indian Urban spaces are growing both in terms of population density as well as growing urban spills.
Body:
First, mention the various issues plaguing urban areas such as a need for affordable housing, issues of urban slums, waste management, poor drainage etc.
Next, mention about the important factors on which policy deliberation needs to take place such as balance of urban population density with economies of scale and infrastructural facilities among others.
Next discuss the importance of mobilising funds other than public funds and also some of the essential components of urban planning to include sustainability, improved mobility etc for a well functioning urban space.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the key components for a functional and effective urban city.
Introduction
India’s towns and cities have expanded rapidly as increasing numbers migrate to towns and cities in search of economic opportunity. Indian cities contribute to about 2/3 of the economic output, host a growing share of the population and are the main recipients of FDI and the originators of innovation and technology and over the next two decades are projected to have an increase of population from 282 million to 590 million people.
But various issues hinder the sustainable growth of cities that had led to problems if congestion, poor drainage, urban flooding and so on.
Body
Issues plaguing the urban areas
The challenges of unsustainability surround the Indian cities at multiple levels.
- First, the urban system is dominated by a few large cities, clustered in the western flank of India, with huge implications for balanced regional development.
- India suffers from the ‘Tyranny of Capitals’ – with a majority of commercial and demographic activity concentrated into regional seats of power. This concentration skews resource allocation and prevents the development of second cities.
- Next, large cities control a significant share of the Indian economy, the propulsive industries, and new economic opportunities.
- A majority of cities in India face hard challenges related to housing, transport, electricity, water supply, pollution, and congestion.
- Internally, most cities are also marked by significant social exclusion, crime, and violence.
- Also, the government policies to tackle the urban challenges and to avail the emerging opportunities have been lackadaisical and, in many ways, irrelevant to solve pressing problems.
- City infrastructure across India is in disrepair, and 2017 gave us a series of unfortunate examples in Mumbai: multiple building collapses, a stampede after a pedestrian bridge collapsed, lamentable monsoon floods, and a horrific fire in the Kamla Mills complex.
Important factors on which policy deliberation needs to take place
- Government’s urban development strategy: There two urban related ministries at the national (GoI) level- the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA).
- The Government of India’s overarching urban development objectives is to create economically productive, efficient, inclusive and responsive ULBs, by focusing on strategic outcomes: (i) universal access to a minimum level of services; (ii) establishment of city wide frameworks for planning and governance; (iii) modern and transparent budgeting, accounting and FM; (iv) financial sustainability for ULBs and service delivery institutions; (v) utilization of e-governance; (vi) transparency and accountability in urban service delivery and management; (vii) Slum-free cities.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission launched in 2005 (which was replaced by the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation in 2015). The focus of both these missions has been on urban reforms and massive investment in infrastructures, especially in megacities.
- Smart City: Another very important program for the urban development, especially of megacities, by the Government of India—accompanied by huge investments in these cities—is the Smart Cities Mission, which aims at making the cities ‘smart’ through:
- Promoting mixed land-use;
- housing and inclusiveness;
- creating walkable localities;
- preserving and developing open spaces;
- promoting a variety of transport options;
- applying smart solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development.
Urbanization must lead to economic development
- It is estimated that currently (2020), the share of India’s urban population is about 35% of its total population, but the share of total GDP originating from urban areas is about 70-75%.
- The share of urban areas in India’s total GDP was 45% in 1990, and rose to 63% in 2014
- It is argued that the rising urbanization will ignite urban consumption, services, and infrastructure, and that the urban focus can put India’s economy on a higher growth path through:
- Fuelling urban consumption, especially of the premium-end of consumer goods and automobiles;
- Powering urban services like consumer banking, healthcare, telecom data services, and internet;
- Driving the infrastructure sector, including civic urban infrastructure services and real estate.
- Human capital and innovation: Cities are the centres of knowledge, innovation and specialization of production and services. Cities facilitate creative thinking and innovation.
- Economic Agglomeration: Agglomeration economies are the positive benefits of economic activities that firms obtain from being located in close proximity with those engaged in similar businesses or interests (i.e. agglomerating).
- It refers to the reduction of business cost as more efficiency and productivity occur because of positive technological and pecuniary externalities arising from the interaction of economic agents located in close spatial proximity due to economies of scale and knowledge spillovers.
Conclusion
The point of a city is to facilitate interactions between citizens, businesses, and public institutions. These interactions are what drive economic growth within cities – investments from companies, consumption of citizenry, the city investing in interventions that aid its organic growth, and business activity. These factors work best when they are not mutually exclusive. By investing in the development of sustainable cities, India needs to break away from the myth of the compartmentalized city.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article highlights the signing of a strategic partnership pact between India and Egypt, signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the implications of strategic partnership between India and Egypt.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the strategic partnership pact between India and Egypt.
Body:
First, write about the Key areas of cooperation – Trade and economic collaboration, Cultural and people-to-people exchanges etc.
Next, write about the Challenges and hurdles in the above geopolitical dynamics, Economic constraints, Cultural differences and communication gaps etc.
Next, write about the prospects for future collaboration.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward in regards to this strategic partnership.
Introduction
India and Egypt have a long history of contact dating back to the time of Emperor Ashoka. They shared relations during the rule of Ptolemy II.
The Government has pushed to enhance India’s bilateral relationships with the Middle-East nations with a renewed vigour over the last decade, indicating strategic importance of the region to India’s interests. Outreach to Egypt is a part of this approach.
Body
India-Egypt Strategic partnership pact
- The two nations are strategic partners with broadly four elements: political, defence, and security; economic engagement; scientific and academic collaboration; cultural and people-to-people contacts.
- India and Egypt on Sunday signed an agreement on a strategic partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo.
- In total four agreements were signed between 24th June to 25th June 2023.
- Green and renewable collaboration will be an important part of future partnership with Egypt because of the importance that the two sides attach to clean energy.
- Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of agriculture, archaeology and antiquities, and competition law were also signed
Key areas of cooperation
- The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement has been in operation since March 1978 and is based on the Most Favoured Nation clause. Bilateral trade has expanded rapidly in FY2021-22, amounting to US$ 7.26 billion registering a 75% increase compared to FY 2020-21. India’s exports to Egypt during this period amounted to US$ 3.74 billion. Egypt’s exports to India have touched US$ 3.52 billion.
- Egypt has faced economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on its food supply and foreign exchange reserves.
- In April 2022, Egypt announced inclusion of India in the list of accredited wheat suppliers to Egypt and ended a long Non-Tariff Barrier.
- However, a ban on wheat exports from India limited the trade, an initial shipment of 61,500 metric tons of wheat was cleared by India for Egypt in May 2022.
- India has provided assistance by allowing wheat shipments to Egypt.
- Egypt’s foreign debt is over $163 billion (43% of the GDP) and its net foreign assets are minus $24 billion.
- They have collaborated on fighter aircraft development and training. Both countries operate French Rafale fighter jets. Exercise Cyclone-I – first ever exercise between Indian Army and Egyptian Army was held in Jaisalmer recently.
- Space cooperation is an emerging vertical of cooperation in India-Egypt Relationship. Joint Working Group meetings and discussions between ISRO and NARSS (National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences) have been held, since 2008.
Challenges
- Egypt is being seen as getting close to China. The Egyptian President has visited China seven times in the past eight years, including for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
- China-Egypt trade is more than double of India-Egypt bilateral trade. Chinese investments outnumber India’s investments.
- Chinese influence over Egypt is not a good development from Indian perspective.
- Egypt is facing domestic economic instability. The Government is battling high inflation of 21%, which has resulted in historically high prices of commodities and daily-use items.
- Forex reserves are also in bad shape. Prolonged economic instability may lead to mass discontent and movement similar to 2011 revolution.
- A new regime (like that came to power in 2013) may not be in India’s strategic interests.
Future prospects
- India and Egypt had lead the way in establishing NAM in the 1950s. Amidst geopolitical uncertainties of present times, India and Egypt should collaborate to strengthen the South-South Cooperation and call for a rules-based global order.
- India’s invitation to Egypt is a welcome step in this regard. Both countries can act as voice of Global South. India PM had remarked in 2015 that India and Egypt should work together to reform the UN Security Council.
- India should scale-up its investments in Egypt. Egypt is a gateway to both Arab World and Africa. Closer economic ties with Egypt can pave way for greater investments and cooperation with African nations.
- India should look to expand the scope of defense relationship from bilateral exercises to joint development/manufacturing projects. Egypt can be a potential destination for India’s defense exports.
- India and Egypt should enhance cooperation to counter terrorism and radicalism.
Conclusion
Egypt holds strategic importance for India. Both nations have shared a strong relationship since ancient times. India and Egypt were the leading countries for the NAM. However, the India-Egypt relationship had witnessed a phase of inactivity and passiveness after the 1990s. There is need to renew the relationship with a new vigour. India and Egypt should collaborate to strengthen the voice of Global South at the global level and push for a rules-based global order in a multipolar world.
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article discusses the importance of addressing governance issues in startups for their long-term sustainability and growth.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the challenges faced by the startup in their governance structure and measures needed to overcome them.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining governance in context with start ups.
Body:
First, write about the key challenges in establishing governance frameworks – Founders’ dominance and decision-making, Lack of regulatory clarity and guidance, Limited resources and expertise etc.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to overcome the same – Establishing independent boards and committees, Strengthening disclosure and reporting mechanisms, Collaboration between regulators, investors, and startups etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
A startup defined as an entity that is headquartered in India, which was opened less than 10 years ago, and has an annual turnover less than ₹100 crore. Today Startups are being widely recognised as important engines for growth and jobs generation. Through innovation and scalable technology, startups can generate impactful solutions, and thereby act as vehicles for socio-economic development and transformation.
Body
key challenges faced by startups in establishing effective governance frameworks
- Many Indian founders have a technical background and lack business knowledge.
- Finding the right investor and raising funds is difficult Information gap exists between those who provide solutions and those who are supposed to use them.
- Startups are at a disadvantage compared to large companies in terms of market penetration.
- The present regulatory framework in which startupsoperate is widely seen as difficult, inefficient and unpredictable.
Measures needed
- Startup founders have to realise that good corporate governance and financial propriety are key to the success of a business: there is no escape from them.
- By indulging in non-compliance and financial irregularities, even if out of ignorance, they are only queering the pitch for future startups.
- The shift in global focus is on promoting women entrepreneurs and fostering an inclusive and innovative environment. Efforts are also being made by diverse stakeholders in the Indian startup ecosystem to elevate domestic policies in concurrence with global trends.
- The role of the state government becomes very important in developing the necessary infrastructure and support to foster the startup ecosystem. Due to the given constraints of infrastructure and supporting services, India needs to build upon low-cost and high-impact solutions.
- Although there has been an increase in angel and venture capital funding, the amount invested must be augmented. It is crucial that the ecosystem is well integrated to connect startups to fund houses and other stakeholders.
- While it is important to elucidate overarching features of the ecosystem, this report delves deeper into the role of states and India’s federal structure in both building the ecosystem as well as closely monitoring futuristic measures that can aid India’s growth story.
Conclusion
Startups in India are witnessing a golden chapter in the history of Indian entrepreneurship. However, still the Indian government has a crucial role to play in positioning India as the Tech Garage of the World. It should act as a catalyst, and bring together the synergies of the private sector with the aim of innovating for India and the world. Recognising the startup sector with a dedicated observational day will definitely help build awareness about the sector and also draw great talent and investment into this sector.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses India’s participation in the Artemis Accords, an international agreement led by NASA that aims to establish a framework for cooperation among nations in exploring and utilizing resources on the Moon.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Artemis Accords, benefits and concerns associated with it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the Artemis Accords and their significance in the context of space exploration.
Body:
First, write about the Benefits of India’s participation – Scientific advancements, Technological collaborations, Economic opportunities.
Next, write about the Challenges and concerns associated with the above – Sovereignty and national interests, Equity and inclusivity and Environmental sustainability etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with seven other founding member nations. Artemis Accords ensures that space exploration is conducted in a safe, sustainable and transparent manner and in full compliance with international law. It is a non-binding set of principles designed to guide civil space exploration and use in the 21st century. As more countries establish a presence in outer space, via research stations, satellites, or even rocket launchers, these accords provide a set of principles to create a safe and transparent environment that inspires exploration, science, and commercial activities.
Recently, India became the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords.
Body
India’s participation in the Artemis Accords and its implications for space exploration and utilization
- India has firmly backed a US-led alliance on space issues by joining the Accords, an alliance that presently and most certainly in the future would exclude Russia and China, two of the most significant spacefaring states.
- By signing the agreement, India can work with other countries, notably the United States, on upcoming Moon missions.
- This partnership makes it possible to share information and skills, advancing scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and the expansion of humanity’s presence in space.
- To create a viable and long-lasting presence on the Moon, cooperation with other nations is crucial to the deal.
- The journey to Mars, which would be the first time astronauts have visited the red planet, depends on its presence.
Benefits of signing Artemis Accords
- A lot of what India plans to do in space — human missions, moon landings, planetary explorations, setting up a space station — has already been done by countries like the US, Russia or China.
- The fact that India has not yet sent manned missions to space, or even landed a satellite on the moon, is not because of lack of capacity or expertise. It has a lot to do with the technology denial regime of the early years.
- Joining the US-led alliance is an attempt by India to leapfrog and start collaborating on the next generation of technologies, even as it pursues its own efforts to implement its space plans.
Concerns associated
- Russia has been India’s most trusted partner in the space sector, just like it has been in defence.
- Even recently, it was Russia that offered its facilities to train Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission.
- Joining an alliance that is seen to be aimed at promoting US interests in space is not likely to be seen very favourably by Russia.
- Joining the alliance and seeking collaboration with other nations could potentially lead to overreliance on external technologies.
- As India aligns with the US-led alliance, there is a concern about the potential loss of autonomy and decision-making power in shaping its own space program.
Way forward and Conclusion
- India should proactively engage in diplomatic efforts to ensure smooth collaboration with other nations, including Russia.
- India should actively engage with other member nations of the alliance and seek opportunities for collaboration in space exploration.
- Balancing collaboration with maintaining independence and pursuing national objectives becomes crucial to ensure that India’s space exploration plans are not dictated solely by the priorities of the alliance.
- Ensuring equitable participation, resource sharing, and decision-making processes will be crucial to address these concerns and ensure a fair and inclusive alliance.
- It is essential for India to strike a balance between its space exploration ambitions and addressing other critical needs such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
- India should also continue pursuing its independent space goals, apart from such collaborations.
- By doing so, India can position itself as a key player in the global space arena and propel its space program to new heights.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world to the concepts of morality;
Difficulty Level: Tough
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Kant’s Universal moral law.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Write a writing about deontology of Kant.
Body:
In detail, explain the moral absolutism and use examples to substantiate you points.
Next, write a critique of moral absolutism.
Conclusion:
Conclude the answer by summarising.
Introduction
Kantian ethics refers to a deontological ethical theory ascribed to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. The theory, developed as a result of Enlightenment rationalism, is based on the view that the only intrinsically good thing is a good will; an action can only be good if its maxim – the principle behind it – is duty to the moral law.
Body
Moral law
- When Kant speaks about the moral law, he is essentially referring to that sense of obligation to which our will often responds.
- Our response is toward that moral sense which Kant believes each of us has, in virtue of being rational and free. It is conscience.
- The moral law is not given to us from outside.
- Kant does not associate the moral law with what God commands. Nor with civil law. Nor with what society recommends.
- The moral law is nothing other than rational will — the will which is entirely “devoted” to, or guided by impartiality and universality of reason.
How laws must be according to Kant:
- Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.
- It states that one should choose our ‘codes of conduct’ only if they serve perfect / imperfect duty and are good for all.
- Perfect duties are blameworthy if not met and are the basic requirements for a human being.
- An example of perfect duty is the avoidance of suicide.
- Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end and never merely as a means to an end.
- This states that we should not use humanity of ourselves or others as a means to an end.
- An example of the second maxim would be that of slavery.
- Every rational being must so act as if he were through his maxim always a legislating member in the universal kingdom of ends.
- This states that we should consider ourselves to be members in the universal realm of ends.
- We should consider our actions to be of consequence to everyone else in that our actions affect not only ourselves but that of others.
Conclusion
Kant’s philosophy of human individuals as end in itself endorses the golden rule of “treating others as one’s self would wish to be treated”. As no one would wish to be used simply as a means, therefore one should not also use other human beings as means to achieve their ends. This philosophy can be of great help in resolving the ethical dilemmas where there is debate between relative importance of means and ends.
Value addition
Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) argued that the supreme principle of morality is a standard of rationality that he dubbed the “Categorical Imperative” (CI). Kant characterized the CI as an objective, rationally necessary and unconditional principle that we must always follow despite any natural desires or inclinations we may have to the contrary.
The CI states that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to an end and that people must under all circumstances be treated as ends in themselves. This is in contrast to some interpretations of the utilitarian view, which allow for use of individuals as means to benefit the many.
Kant’s Categorical Imperative:
- Kant believed that there was a supreme principle of morality, and he referred to it as The Categorical Imperative.
- The CI determines what our moral duties are. Kant thought that all acts should be judged according to a rule he called the Categorical Imperative.
- A categorical imperative denotes an absolute, unconditional requirement that exerts its authority in all circumstances, both required and justified as an end in itself.
- He gives the highest honor for the categorical imperative because it became universal law that can be applied to any and every one.
- Kant is saying that simply willing that our moral rule become a universal law produces a logical contradiction.
- His categorical imperative ensures that we aren’t doing these acts in mimic of others but rather in line with one universal law.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Key Demand of the question: To write about most important ethical attributes of civil servants and ways to inculcate them.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the role of cardinal ethical values of civil servants as per you.
Body:
First, list down the ethical values of civil servants and justification behind their need.
Next, write about how these ethical values be inculcate among the civil servants so that they remain ethical and efficient.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
For a civil servant, acting ethically is of utmost importance. A civil servant is supposed to possess the virtues of objectivity and impartiality. The cardinal ethical traits – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Objectivity, and commitment to public service– form the ethical foundation of a civil servant and other values like non-partisanship, tolerance, responsiveness can emanate from them.
Body
Cardinal ethical attributes of civil servant
- Integrity and Honesty: Integrity is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests. Civil servants should be guided solely by public interest in their official decision making and not by any financial or other consideration either in respect of themselves, their families or their friends.
- Objectivity, Impartiality and Political Neutrality: Civil servants in carrying out their official work, including functions like procurement, recruitment, delivery of services etc. should take decisions based on merit and free from any partisan/political consideration.
- Commitment to Public Service: Civil servants should deliver services in a fair, effective, impartial and courteous manner to serve the larger public interest. The dedication to the public welfare cause is crucial.
- Accountability: They must be held responsible for every action and thus there should be no place for corruption or nefarious activity. They must leave no shadow of doubt whenever they take certain action and it must be transparently done.
Inculcation of ethical traits
- By being motivated and looking back at the reasons why we became civil servants in the first place.
- Reading about great personalities like Gandhiji, Sardar Patel and taking que from their lives to have a commitment for the public. This can lead to renewed motivation to do greater good for the society.
- Moral turpitude is a slippery slope. Hence even for once, a civil servant must not be tempted to be dishonest or immoral. This can lead to firm principles being set in stone.
- To put oneself in the shoes of others to understand their sufferings. For instance, Gandhiji when he came to South Africa could not go back seeing the plight of Indians and pledged to fight for their cause. This is how one can develop empathy and compassion.
- To be proactive while making decisions and disclosing information to the public through websites and RTI.
Conclusion
Civil service involves decision-making in the public sphere. They have to deal with many matters that are anonymous and discrete. Due to this, Integrity is an eminent desirable quality in civil servants.
A civil servant needs fortitude to stand up for their principles and withstand immoral or illegal pressures. Temperance or moderation is especially important for public servants. While taking decisions or responding to situations, civil servants have to be moderate. They should not swing to extremes, but act judiciously in a balanced manner.
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn : HERE
[ad_2]