What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service?
1. Integrity
2. Perseverance
3. Spirit of service
4. Commitment
5. Courage of conviction
What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service?
1. Integrity
2. Perseverance
3. Spirit of service
4. Commitment
5. Courage of conviction
1. Integrity
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Meaning in Public Service:
Integrity refers to the consistent adherence to moral and ethical principles. In public service, it means honesty, uprightness, and resisting corrupt influences, even in difficult circumstances. -
Illustration:
An IAS officer rejecting undue favours or bribes in infrastructure contracts despite political pressure. -
Impact:
Builds institutional credibility, fosters citizen trust, and ensures impartial service delivery.
2. Perseverance
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Meaning in Public Service:
Perseverance denotes sustained effort in the face of challenges or repeated failures. In governance, it reflects a public servant’s dedication to goals despite systemic hurdles. -
Illustration:
A District Collector relentlessly working to eradicate manual scavenging, coordinating over several months across departments. -
Impact:
Leads to long-term social transformation and sets an example for administrative resilience.
3. Spirit of Service
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Meaning in Public Service:
Spirit of service is a selfless desire to serve citizens, especially the vulnerable. It reflects humility, empathy, and accessibility in administrative conduct. -
Illustration:
A government doctor staying overnight in a flood-affected village to ensure continuous care for patients. -
Impact:
Strengthens public confidence, fosters equity, and humanizes bureaucracy.
4. Commitment
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Meaning in Public Service:
Commitment means deep dedication to one's duties and to the constitutional vision of justice, equality, and welfare. It involves prioritizing public interest over personal or political gain. -
Illustration:
An officer volunteering for a hardship posting in the North-East to ensure implementation of critical development schemes. -
Impact:
Ensures timely and effective delivery of schemes and inspires team morale.
5. Courage of Conviction
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Meaning in Public Service:
Courage of conviction refers to the moral strength to stand by ethical decisions despite resistance, criticism, or personal loss. -
Illustration:
A whistle-blower officer exposing misuse of disaster relief funds despite threats from within the department. -
Impact:
Enhances transparency, ensures accountability, and protects public interest.
Conclusion:
These five values are essential pillars of ethical public administration. Together, they foster a responsive, responsible, and resilient civil service — the kind India needs to meet the challenges of governance in the 21st century.
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