Such ‘honest–only’ officers forget the fact that they are paid not merely to remain honest but to perform as well. A campaign is launched against those whom he perceives as dishonest. The ‘crusader’ in him gets the better of him and media attention adds fuel to fire. They then take upon themselves the task of cleansing the system. There are honest officers who think that the entire world around them is falling apart. It would also be wrong to assume that all honest officers fall into a single category. There is still a huge area where such pressures either do not exist or if they do, can be managed tactfully. Needless to say, such signals do not augur well either for the system or for society. What is even more appalling is the fact that far from recognizing good performance, there are instances of officers being penalized for doing what they had taken the oath to do. Unfortunately, such occasions are increasing by the day and those civil servants who do not conform are not only shown the door but are also inevitably harassed.

It is also a pity that, on occasions, the civil servant is expected to ensure to uphold the interest of a selected few. Ironically though, on account of the emerging socio-political environment, this performance is not always expected to be for the public good. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Rajesh Kumar, son of PMO Daftary who cleared the civil services examinationĪ civil servant is paid to perform, to deliver. Honesty is necessary but not a sufficient condition for the welfare of the people. But if it is to thrive, honesty alone is not enough.

However, as I point out in my book, “Ethical Dilemmas of a Civil Servant”, in order to do that effectively, the bureaucracy has to not only survive but thrive in the interest of the country and its people. In fact, it has retained its significance as an essential tool to carry out the business of governance. He resigned from Indian Civil Service on Ap'The most important quality in a civil servant is honesty without it, all other virtues are meaningless.' - Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation.Īs mentioned in the previous article, “ Ethics in bureaucracy: does honesty pay?” (published earlier) bureaucracy may be condemned, criticized, castigated, and ridiculed all around the world but it has not withered away. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s resignation letter.

NOT JUST A CIVIL SERVANT by Anil Swarup