Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration:
7) Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:
- Spirit of enquiry
- Professional autonomy
- Objectivity
- Courage of integrity
- Political neutrality
Why this question?
Every year UPSC asks similar question in GS-4. Be thorough with similar key terms if Ethics.
Key demand of the question:
Instead of just defining them, you should also write about RELEVANCY of these values in the CONTEXT of civil service. Many a times, students just write definition and explain meaning of these words – don’t do that.
Directive Word:
Examine You have to inspect meaning of these values and how and why they are relevant today.
Structure of Answer:
There should be general introduction before answering question 1. Let it be short 2-3 line introduction explaining why today we need civil servants with such values in civil services (you may quote a recent scam or report)
For each value:
First define them and explain with one line example. Then, write a paragraph to explain why these values are relevant today (For example, Spirit of Enquiry – i.e. inquisitiveness and curiosity to learn new things and raise questions, is needed as public is flooded with fake news and any such news can incite a mob into violence. Hence, civil servant needs to have this value to examine veracity of such news and take action. This value also gives rise to innovative thinking which is very much necessary today in administration)
Then quote a current event while writing about relevancy.
Word limit for each is around 60 words.
Write a general conclusion in 1-2 lines – may be a general comment on the role of government in this regard.
Tip: Be concise. Don’t be verbose. Learn to tell more in few words.
