Misuse of Position and Power

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