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.
