Q.8. Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil services: A) Transparency B) Accountability C) Courage of conviction

In the context of civil services, the relevance of transparency, accountability, and courage of conviction is paramount for the effective functioning of public administration and the fostering of public trust. Here’s an examination of each:

A) Transparency:

Relevance: Transparency is crucial as-

• It ensures that the actions and decisions of civil servants are open and visible to the public.
• It promotes good governance by making information accessible, which helps in preventing corruption and abuse of power.
• Transparency also enables citizens to understand the reasoning behind government decisions, fostering a sense of legitimacy and credibility for civil services among people.

B) Accountability:

Relevance: Accountability in civil services means that civil servants are answerable for their actions and decisions to the government, society, and the public. It is a mechanism that ensures civil servants carry out their duties ethically and responsibly. An accountable civil service is essential for maintaining ethical standards, ensuring liberty, equality, freedom, respect for people, and facilitating efficiency and quality of service delivery.

C) Courage of Conviction:

Relevance: Courage of conviction is essential for civil servants as it empowers them to act in the public interest, even when faced with challenging and politically sensitive decisions. It involves the willingness to uphold one’s principles and champion what is right, despite opposition or personal risk. This moral courage is vital for maintaining high ethical and professional standards in civil service roles.

Together, these three elements form the bedrock of a robust and principled civil service, ensuring that public officials conduct themselves in a manner that is not only efficient and effective but also ethical and aligned with the values of a democratic society.