Q. 1. Conscience acts as an inner moral compass, often clashing with external authority or rules. How can public servants balance personal conscience with institutional duties? (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction 

Conscience refers to an individual’s inner sense of right and wrong. In public service, it may  conflict with official orders or institutional expectations, leading to ethical dilemmas that  require careful navigation.  

“Two things fill the mind with ever-increasing wonder and awe… the starry heavens  above me and the moral law within me.” – Immanuel Kant 

Body 

Conscience as a Moral Compass in Public Service  

Navigating between personal morality and official obligation is one of the most difficult tasks  for a public servant. The following points explain why conscience is central and how it can  support ethical governance.  

  1. Foundation of Ethical Judgment: Conscience helps officials evaluate the morality of their  actions.  Example: Whistleblower Ashok Khemka’s repeated transfers were driven by his refusal to  approve questionable land deals.
  1. Prevention of Blind Obedience: It guards against unethical compliance with flawed  authority.  Example: Officers refusing to follow unlawful lockdown orders during COVID showed  moral courage.
  1. Upholding Public Trust: Actions aligned with conscience often foster long-term credibility.  Example: Indian Forest Officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi upheld transparency, earning public  respect despite institutional pushback.  

 Challenges in Reconciling the Two 

The clash between internal values and external demands creates a zone of ethical complexity.  These tensions are more pronounced when institutions fail to encourage ethical behavior. 

1. Conflict with Hierarchy: Institutional obedience may suppress personal values.  Example: Honest officers face penalties for not following political directives.  

2.Ambiguity in Laws or Rules: Conscience may offer clarity where rules are vague.  Example: Decisions on evictions in slums often require humane judgment beyond legal  strictness.  

3.Fear of Repercussions: Acting on conscience can invite transfers, suspensions, or  harassment. Example: RTI activists and ethical officers often face systemic retaliation.  

Harmonizing Conscience with Duty 

Balancing conscience and duty requires a multi-level approach—structural reform, cultural  change, and individual action.  

  1. Structural Reforms 
  1. Institutional Culture Shift 
  1. Individual Strategies 

Conclusion 

Public servants often walk the tightrope between duty and conscience. Enabling ethical  governance requires structural safeguards, supportive culture, and courageous individuals  who uphold the moral law within them. 

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