Introduction The concept of the Citizen’s Charter is an essential part of modern governance, focusing on transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric service delivery. It outlines the commitment of public institutions toward their stakeholders, ensuring that services are provided efficiently and effectively. This note explores the origins, significance, components, and challenges associated with the Citizen’s Charter. Origins…
Introduction The civil services form the backbone of any democratic nation, playing a crucial role in governance and public administration. One of the most revered and fundamental qualities of civil services is neutrality. The concept of neutrality ensures that civil servants function with impartiality, objectivity, and non-partisanship, serving the government of the day without bias…
Introduction Leadership in public administration is fundamentally about service to society. Public administrators are responsible for making policy decisions, implementing government programs, and ensuring the well-being of citizens. However, leadership in this domain comes with complex ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas arise from conflicts between personal values, organizational policies, political influences, and public expectations. Ethical leadership…
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 The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless spiritual and philosophical text that provides deep insights into life, duty, and selfless action. One of the key concepts it presents is Anasakta Yoga, which translates to “The Path of Selfless Action Without Attachment.” This principle, derived from Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna, emphasizes performing one’s duties with…
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 Public service is the cornerstone of governance, and its success is measured by the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. Tolerance and compassion are two fundamental values that drive public servants to act with empathy, fairness, and justice toward weaker sections. These values ensure that disadvantaged communities receive equitable opportunities and support,…
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 Corruption is one of the most pressing challenges in governance, undermining public trust and hindering national development. In many countries, including India, prosecuting corrupt government officials requires prior sanction from the government or a competent authority. While this provision is intended to protect honest officials from frivolous accusations and politically motivated harassment, it has…
Introduction Governance is the backbone of a democratic system, and transparency is a critical factor in ensuring good governance. The Right to Information (RTI) is a legal mechanism that empowers citizens to access government information, thereby enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. RTI serves as a powerful tool against corruption, inefficiency, and bureaucratic secrecy, fostering…