Introduction A Citizens’ Charter is a public declaration by a government organization or public service provider, specifying the standards of service, rights of citizens, and mechanisms for grievance redressal. Introduced in India in the 1990s following recommendations by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the charter aims to promote transparency, accountability, and…
Introduction Economic performance of a nation is not determined merely by natural resources, capital investment, or technological advancement. Increasingly, development economists and governance scholars agree that institutional quality—the effectiveness, integrity, accountability, and responsiveness of public institutions—is a decisive factor in shaping long-term economic growth. Among all institutions, the civil service occupies a central position because…
Introduction Civil servants play a crucial role in governance, ensuring the effective implementation of policies, maintaining public trust, and upholding the rule of law. Their conduct directly impacts the efficiency, fairness, and integrity of the government. To ensure ethical and effective public administration, civil servants must adhere to a set of foundational values that guide…
Introduction Immanuel Kant, one of the most influential philosophers of the Enlightenment era, developed a moral philosophy centered around duty and moral law. His doctrine of “duty for duty’s sake”, found in his work Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, emphasizes that moral actions must be performed purely out of a sense of duty, rather…
Introduction Probity is a fundamental principle in governance that emphasizes integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in public administration. It ensures that public officials act in the best interest of society while maintaining transparency and accountability. Probity is crucial for building public trust, preventing corruption, and fostering good governance. The philosophical basis of probity is deeply…
Introduction A public servant is an individual employed by the government who is responsible for implementing policies, delivering services, and ensuring the well-being of the citizens. The role of a public servant is fundamental in shaping a nation’s progress and maintaining good governance. Civil services, which form the backbone of public administration, require individuals who…
Introduction Civil services play a crucial role in governance, ensuring the smooth implementation of policies and administration of public affairs. As the backbone of a nation’s governance structure, civil servants are expected to uphold high ethical standards, demonstrating impartiality and commitment in their duties. These two values are fundamental to a just and efficient civil…
Introduction In the modern administrative framework, emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective governance, efficient decision-making, and a well-functioning work environment. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions while also being able to empathize with others. It is crucial for administrators, as their decisions impact…
Introduction Compassion is an essential virtue that involves recognizing the suffering of others and taking proactive steps to alleviate it. In the context of civil service, compassion is not just an ethical obligation but a functional necessity for ensuring justice, equality, and social welfare. This article explores the fundamental requirements of compassion and its indispensable…
Introduction Tolerance is an essential virtue in a diverse and democratic society. It enables individuals to accept differences, respect divergent viewpoints, and foster social harmony. For civil servants, tolerance is not just a personal virtue but a professional necessity. Given their role in governance and public administration, civil servants frequently encounter complex situations that require…