Q.3. Write short notes on: A) Ethical responsibilities of public servant. B) Public interest and the right to information.

A) Ethical Responsibilities of a Public Servant:

Public servants hold positions of trust and are expected to serve the public interest with integrity, accountability, and transparency. Their ethical responsibilities include:

• Integrity: Acting with honesty and moral uprightness.
• Service to the Public: Prioritizing the public good over personal interests.
• Accountability: Being answerable for their actions and decisions.
• Transparency: Ensuring openness in their activities to promote trust.
• Impartiality: Making decisions based on fairness, without bias or favouritism.
• Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure.
• Respect for Law: Upholding the constitution, laws, and ethical principles.
• Professionalism: Demonstrating competence and ethical behaviour in their duties.

B) Public Interest and the Right to Information:

The right to information (RTI) is a fundamental democratic right that enables citizens to access information held by public authorities. It serves the public interest in several ways:

• Transparency: RTI promotes openness in government, allowing citizens to scrutinize the actions of public officials.
• Accountability: By accessing information, citizens can hold the government accountable for its actions.
• Informed Participation: RTI empowers citizens to engage in informed debate and decision-making processes.
• Prevention of Corruption: Transparency through RTI can deter corrupt practices by making government operations visible.
• Promotion of Public Good: Information obtained can be used for purposes that serve the overall interests of society.

In essence, both the ethical responsibilities of public servants and the right to information are pillars that support the structure of a democratic society, ensuring that governance is conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and accountable to the people.