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 Nation-building is not just about economic growth, infrastructure development, or military strength. A truly strong and progressive nation is built on the foundation of moral values. These values shape the character of citizens, foster unity, and guide the ethical conduct of leaders and institutions. Moral values such as honesty, integrity, justice, compassion, and respect…
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 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 Bribery is one of the most deep-rooted and challenging issues in governance across the world. It not only erodes the ethical foundations of public administration but also weakens democracy, distorts economic growth, and undermines public trust in government institutions. The statement, “Government servants take bribes because people offer bribes to them. If people stop…
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 A code of conduct is a vital set of ethical guidelines that govern behavior in professional, corporate, and governmental settings. Among the five core principles of a code of conduct—Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, and Transparency—choosing which principle to prioritize is crucial. While all principles are interrelated and essential, Integrity stands out as the most…
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,…