Topic : Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
7. Define the constitutional position of civil services in India. Do you think lateral entry into the civil services can undermine its neutrality? Comment. (250 words)
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question aims to analyse the constitutional position of civil services in India and questions the neutrality aspects of civil services.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the purpose of civil services, its constitutional position and debate upon the idea of lateral entry and concerns around neutrality associated with it.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the purpose of civil services and then move on to mention the constitutional
basis of civil services.
Body:
Discuss in detail the constitutional position of civil services in India, talk about the articles 310,311,312,315 etc.
Then move on to talk about lateral entry; Recently, in a novel move, the central government has opened the highest echelons of the bureaucracy to skilled individuals from the private sector and academia, inviting applications for ten candidates at the level of joint secretary across various departments. Lateral entry into civil services is a mixed bag and is viewed differently for its merits and demerits.
Conclusion:
Suggest solutions to address the concerns around neutrality associated with lateral entry and conclude with way forward.
