Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q.1. “A civil servant’s commitment to constitutional morality must outweigh political loyalty.” Critically examine this statement in the context of rising politicization of bureaucracy. (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
Constitutional morality means upholding the values and principles of the Constitution. Political loyalty refers to allegiance to a political party or leader. A civil servant must prioritize constitutional morality over political loyalty to ensure impartial governance.
Body
Role of Constitutional Morality in Civil Service
- Rule of Law: Safeguards the supremacy of the law over political expediency. Example: Justice H.R. Khanna’s dissent in ADM Jabalpur upheld liberty during the Emergency.
- Neutrality: Ensures policies are implemented fairly across political regimes. Example: Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa resisted political pressure in 2019.
- 3. Integrity: Blocks misuse of administrative power for partisan interests. Example: Durga Shakti Nagpal took action against illegal mining despite political pushback.
- Democratic accountability: Reminds bureaucrats they serve citizens, not governments. Example: Sanjeev Chaturvedi exposed corruption even under ministerial duress.
5. Public trust: Rests on visible loyalty to constitutional values over political ones. Example: Vinod Rai’s audits promoted fiscal responsibility beyond party lines.
“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated. We must realize that our people have yet to learn it.”-Dr.B.R.Ambedkar.
Challenges Due to Politicization
- Political transfers: Reduce bureaucratic autonomy and demoralize honest officers. Example: Ashok Khemka faced over 50 transfers for resisting political interference.
- Fear of reprisal: Discourages ethical action and emboldens wrongdoers. Example: Officers often avoid tough decisions fearing suspension or vendetta. 3. Policy bias: Promotes regime interests at the cost of constitutional fairness. Example: Vote-bank driven welfare policies dilute the principle of universalism. 4. Crony appointments: In key roles damage merit-based governance. Example: Politically pliant officers made Chief Secretaries affect institutional integrity.
Conclusion
Political loyalty may offer short-term comfort but damages long-term democratic governance. Upholding constitutional morality is the civil servant’s highest duty in preserving the republic.
