Essence of Public Service
- Public service is more than a role; it is a commitment to public welfare, justice, and ethical conduct.
- Public servants are custodians of social good, expected to serve with equity, empathy, and dedication.
- The core value is prioritizing collective over personal interests, ensuring justice, dignity, and welfare for all.
Examples of Public Service
- Healthcare: NHS (UK), universal medical care regardless of income.
- Education: Public systems like in Finland – equality, teacher autonomy.
- Emergency Services: Firefighters, police, EMS – vital for law and safety.
- Environmental Protection: Agencies like the US EPA ensure ecological balance.
- Social Welfare: Aid to vulnerable sections – old age, disability, unemployment.
- Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, public transport – driving long-term development.
Probity in Governance – Ethical Compass
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- Probity = Integrity + Honesty + Uprightness in public life.
- It ensures:
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- Transparency in decision-making,
- Accountability to the people,
- Corruption-free public institutions.
- Builds trust and legitimacy in governance.
Public Service as a Pillar of Probity
- Public service reflects the moral duty of government towards citizens.
- Historically, the state evolved to meet rising needs, leading to institutionalised public services.
- Ensures order, peace, and welfare through institutional mechanisms.
Probity vs Corruption
- Probity is the opposite of corruption; it emphasizes:
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- Rule-based functioning
- Value-driven administration
- Protection of public interest
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- UN Convention against Corruption and 2nd ARC emphasize:
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- Empathy, human rights, and moral behaviour in public service
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- Probity ensures:
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- Good policymaking
- Fair service delivery
- Responsible use of public resources
Public Service in India: Concerns
- Challenges:
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- Corruption, red tape, inefficiency
- Political interference
- Criminalization and favoritism
- Poor accountability and lack of ethics
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- Consequences:
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- Erosion of public trust
- Weak delivery of schemes
- Widening socio-economic gaps
Challenges to Probity
- Growing political–bureaucratic–businessman nexus
- Archaic rules like Article 311 enabling misuse
- Weak enforcement and code of ethics
- Societal ethical decline
- Poor judicial pace and lack of citizen-centric focus
Way Forward / Solutions
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- Enforce clear code of conduct and code of ethics
- Promote transparency and e-governance
- Ethical leadership and moral education in schools
- Institutional mechanisms like:
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- Vigilance bodies, Lokpal, Social audits
- Empower citizens via RTI and civil society participation
- Train public servants in values like empathy, justice, and fairness
Conclusion: A Call to Action
- Public service and probity are not abstract ideals but actionable duties.
- Every public servant must act as a moral exemplar.
- Moral education and value-based governance are essential for a just society.
- Only through ethical governance can India ensure long-term, sustainable development and public trust.