GS4 · UPSC Mains
You have recently been appointed as the Chief Secretary of a state. Soon after, you receive multiple reports highlighting instances of unprofessional conduct by several civil servants, including officers of the All India Services. These include publicly displaying political allegiance at government functions, engaging in culturally inappropriate gestures such as touching political leaders' feet, and posting controversial or sensitive opinions on social media platforms that could be interpreted as partisan and breach of civil service norms. These actions have triggered criticism from the public and media, raising concerns about the erosion of the neutrality, integrity, and discipline expected of public servants. You believe that these actions, if left unchecked, could damage the credibility of the administration and the trust reposed in it by the people. You now face the challenge of taking corrective measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, while also maintaining morale within the services and avoiding overly harsh or demotivating actions. (a) What are the ethical concerns in this case? (b) As the Chief Secretary, what steps should you take to address the situation? (c) How can a balance be maintained between respecting personal freedom and upholding professional standards of civil servants? (Answer in 250 words)
GS4 · Aptitude & foundational values for civil service — integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication, empathy, tolerance & compassion GS4 · Public/civil service values & ethics in public administration — status & problems; ethical concerns & dilemmas; conflict of interest
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akshit Bhardwaj | — | Vision | p.49 |
| Samiksha Dwivedi | — | Vision | p.49 |
| Varun Tokas | — | Vision | p.49 |