• UGI USER
  • Aug 21, 2023
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Q. Objectivity is the key to guide Civil Servants remain unbiased in their decision making. In the light of the above statement, discuss the challenges in maintaining objectivity and ways to overcome them.

Approach:

Introduction: Begin with defining Objectivity.

Body: What are the challenges a civil servant face to maintain objectivity, give examples where civil servants displayed remarkable example of objectivity, how civil servant can overcome challenges associated with maintaining objectivity.

Conclusion: By mentioning relevance of objectivity for civil servants, how it can contribute to nation building

Answer:

Objectivity is the ability to make decisions or judgments based on facts and evidence, rather than on personal opinions or beliefs. It allows Public Servants to uphold reason, the law, and accepted standards, practices, and norms.

Millions of people’s lives are impacted by the decisions made by Civil Servants. It is important that these decisions are made fairly and justly, without any bias or prejudice.

Public Servants has to face many challenges to Maintaining Objectivity like

  • Political interference : Often Civil Servants face pressure from Politicians, Interest groups to act according to their interest. Example: like during COVID, many videos got Viral, where people not following guidelines like wearing masks, when ask to pay Challan, they threaten Public officials about their Political contacts.
  • Personal Biases and Beliefs: Public Servant might hold certain liking or disliking for certain group of people, because of their cultural and social background. Example: Recent example of Manipur Violence where Police Officials of particular community seen favoring their people, keeping aside their duty to maintain Rule of Law.
  • Corruption: keeping personal interest above public welfare, misusing of government funds for personal interest, lure for luxurious life etc. Example: Recent IAS officer from Jharkhand Cadre suspended for misappropriation of MGNREGA Funds.
  • Lack of Information and Expertise: relying on personal Judgment then on evidence and facts, subjective decision making, Lack of Expert Consultation. Example:  Public official who didn’t have much expertise during natural calamities like landslide, tsunami might struggle to take informed decision.

How can Civil Servants Overcome Challenges and Maintain Objectivity?

  • Strengthening ethical frameworks: Robust ethical guidelines enforcement to regulate Public Servants conduct and behavior.
  • Role Modelling: Real life examples helps to encourage Public Servants to strife for Objectivity, neutrality. Like T.N. Seshan: From 1990 to 1996, Seshan, a Civil servant, headed India’s electoral commission. He was well-known for his fight against electoral fraud and dedication to free and impartial elections.
  • Regular Review and Feedback: Implement a system of regular reviews where decisions are evaluated for their adherence to objectivity and fairness. Like – Social Audit, Citizens Charter, Grievances Redressal Mechanism
  • Strengthening the anti-corruption laws: Government should strengthen the anti-corruption laws in India, and ensure that they are effectively enforced, will help to deter corrupt practices among civil servants. Like: Lokpal and Lokayukta
  • Encouraging whistleblowing: The government should encourage whistleblowing, so that civil servants feel safe reporting cases of corruption or other wrongdoing. Like – In May 2022, a whistle blower revealed that the Food Corporation of India in Uttar Pradesh had been defrauded of over Rs. 300 crores.
  • Promoting E-Governance: 11th Report of Second Administrative Reforms Commission stressed the need to adopt information technology to minimize human intervention and reduce subjectivity in decision-making processes.
  • Citizen-Centric Administration (12th Report): The report emphasized citizen participation in decision-making, ensuring that government actions are aligned with the needs and expectations of the public.

By taking these proactive steps, civil servants can overcome the challenges to maintaining objectivity and create a governance environment that promotes transparency, fairness, and accountability. This approach not only safeguards the integrity of public service but also contributes to the growth and development of the nation as a whole.