Subject: GS 4
Syllabus: Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration
Questions
- Objectivity and empathy are two very desirable traits from a civil servant. Explain the meaning of the term objectivity and discuss its relationship with empathy. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
- To what extent can it be argued that a genuine commitment to public service is unlikely to be expected from individuals who lack the necessary financial resources to meet their basic needs? (150 words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
- Objectivity and empathy are two very desirable traits from a civil servant. Explain the meaning of the term objectivity and discuss its relationship with empathy. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction
- As per the Nolan Committee, objectivity refers to carrying out public business like public appointments, awarding contracts and making recommendations purely on the basis of merit. It leads to impartial decisions devoid of any biases.
Main body
- As per globally accepted civil services standards, objectivity means-
- Giving evidence-based information and advice to the government without meddling with facts.
- Giving utmost importance to professional and expert advice.
- All public officials should not overlook uneasy facts and considerations.
- Empathy means competence in social awareness and a person’s ability to connect with others. It ranges from understanding the situation to creation and promoting an environment of mutual respect.
- Hence, empathy fosters human connection and trust and allows us to see others as comrades rather than competitors.
- Empathetic civil servants understand people’s perspectives.
- Objectivity and empathy complement each other, making civil servants act in a compassionate manner while taking a balanced view.
- It means that they are passionate about their service and dispassionate about the profile of the people they are serving.
- For instance, like in the public distribution system, authorities provide services for the sake of provisioning without keeping in mind the ultimate objective of public welfare. Civil servants need to imbibe a better understanding of whom to serve- their aspirations, needs and living conditions.
Conclusion
- Hence, objectivity and empathy is the need of the hour which involves being mindful of one's own emotional response while practicing compassion. It is the main crux of the antyodaya approach, which means leaving no one behind and results in national integration and inclusive development.
- To what extent can it be argued that a genuine commitment to public service is unlikely to be expected from individuals who lack the necessary financial resources to meet their basic needs?
(150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction:
- Public service is a public trust. Hence, dedication holds utmost importance in providing public service.
- Dedication is the quality of being able to contribute one’s time, attention entirely to a particular activity or goal. It is a commitment with passion and the personal urge to do something.
Main Body:
- In 2015, IIM-Ahmedabad conducted a study which compared the salary and emoluments of employees of the government and private sectors. It was found that the government pays much more than the private sector does in the low-skilled segments.
- However, the government salary is lower in the officers’ segment than in the private sector, particularly in later years of the job. So clearly, the remuneration in the civil services when compared to the private sector is not par.
- Since public service demands utmost commitment and sacrifices, Dedication can not be expected with empty pockets and hence, financial fulfilment of a public servant is required.
Dedication and financial fulfilment:
- Lesser distractions and increased productivity: When public servants are paid handsomely, they will attract fewer distractions towards other sources of earnings. This will also boost their productivity and dedication towards their work.
- Higher Retention: A genuine salary will facilitate better job satisfaction, resulting in more dedication and responsibility. It will help in retaining the best talent in public service.
- Probity in using resources: Public servants are guardians of the public purse. The public reposes their faith in them to utilise their taxes for the larger welfare of the public. An increased salary will prevent misutilisation of public resources and reduce corruption.
- To resolve ethical dilemmas: Sometimes, dilemmas arise in the lives of public servants regarding the use of public office for private, personal, or partisan gains.
- This is mostly due to relative economic deprivation when a public servant compares himself to higher echelons of the private sector. A respectable pay will resolve these dilemmas.
- To stay responsive and responsible: Getting paid a considerable amount for public service will induce a sense of responsibility and responsiveness in the public servant.
- It will improve the sensitivity of the administration. It will eventually increase/enhance the dedication.
- Culture of lethargy (‘chalta hai attitude’): Lower salaries lead to a slow pace of work. Employees with empty pockets do not consider themselves important agents of change but rather become ritualists in their conduct.
- Respect to merit: A higher pay to honest and hardworking public servants improves the trust of others via social influence.
- It makes an impression that dedication is rewarded in a work culture. It hence creates a virtuous cycle in public service.
Conclusion:
- Hence, though dedication is not related to materialistic needs, a sound financial security aids the dedicated behaviour of public servants. The 7th Pay Commission has also recommended the introduction of Performance Related Pay for all categories of Central Government employees, based on their efficiency of work.
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