Indian Polity & Constitution
In News: An IAS couple is transferred after dog-walking incident on the tracks of Thyagraj Stadium, Delhi at a time when young athletes should have been practising on it.
What rules govern the behaviour of high officials of the government?
- The three All India Services (IAS, IPS, Indian Forest Service) are governed by the All India Service Conduct Rules, 1968. There are 23 Rules in all
- The other civil services are governed by the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964, which comprise 25 Rules
- By an amendment in August 2014, several points were added that may be seen as having a bearing on the conduct of the IAS officers in the recent cases. These include:
- Every member of the Service shall commit himself to and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and democratic values;
- not misuse his position as civil servant and not take decisions in order to derive financial or material benefits for himself, his family or his friends;
- act with fairness and impartiality and not discriminate against anyone, particularly the poor and the under-privileged sections of society;
- Refrain from doing anything which is or may be contrary to any law, rules, regulations and established practices, among others things.
- The overarching Rule for civil servants is: Every member of the Service shall at all times maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and shall do nothing which is unbecoming of a member of the Service.
- “They shall maintain high ethical standards, integrity and honesty; political neutrality; accountability and transparency; responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker section; courtesy and good behaviour with the public.”
Importance of values and ethics to Public Servant
- Public service values or civil service values are those values and ethics should be followed while carrying out their duties.
Values to be followed
- Adhere to the Values such as Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, Non-partisanship, Impartiality, Empathy, Compassion, Conflict of interest etc
- Patriotism and upholding national pride
- Allegiance to the Constitution and the law of the nation
- Objectivity, honesty, care and diligence, courtesy and transparency
- Maintain absolute integrity.
- Discharge official duties with competence and accountability; without discrimination and in accordance with the law.
- Ensure effective management, professional growth and leadership development.
- Avoid misuse of official position or information and using the public moneys with utmost care and economy.
- Function with the objective serving public.
- Public Servants are to serve as instruments of good governance and to provide services for the betterment of the public at large.
- Foster socio-economic development, with due regard to the diversity of the nation
- These values ensure an effective civil service which functions honestly, impartially and efficiently.
- These values empower the administrator to fill the gaps of trust deficit between the citizens and the Government.
- These foundational values provide lawfulness to the behavior of an administrator and make it more effective.
- Since civil servants have discretionary powers the values are important to give them certain guidance to prevent abuse of power.
Source: Indian Express
