UPSC Mains 2022 · GS IV · Q2(a) · 10 marks · 150 words

The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.

हिन्दी में

सभी सिविल सेवकों को प्रदान किए गए नियम और विनियम समान हैं, फिर भी प्रदर्शन में अंतर है। सकारात्मक सोच वाले अधिकारी नियमों और विनियमों के मामले के पक्ष में व्याख्या करने और सफलता प्राप्त करने में समर्थ होते हैं, जबकि नकारात्मक सोच वाले अधिकारी मामले के खिलाफ समान नियमों और विनियमों की व्याख्या करके लक्ष्य प्राप्त करने में असमर्थ होते हैं। सोदाहरण विवेचन कीजिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: ““A public servant's attitude towards citizens often determines the quality of governance.” Examine how positive and negative attitudes impact public service delivery. Suggest strategies to inculcate citizen-centric attitudes among civil servants.”

Rupam AroraAIR 384 · CSE 2025 · 212 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Public service is the bridge between the state and its citizens. The attitude of a civil servant is the lens through which public policy is implemented on the ground.

Body · points

Impact of Attitude on Service Delivery:

  • Positive Attitude:
    • Promotes empathetic listening, leading to better grievance redressal.
    • Increases responsiveness, accountability, and accessibility for the marginalized.
    • Creates a culture of 'Service' rather than 'Rule'.
  • Negative Attitude:
    • Leads to red-tapism, apathy, and delay in decision making.
    • Creates power distance, making citizens feel alienated and hesitant to seek services.
    • Fuels corruption and biases, undermining trust in public institutions.

Strategies to inculcate Citizen-Centric Attitude:

  1. Value-based Training: Induction and mid-career training programs should focus on ethical values like empathy, compassion, and integrity.
  2. Performance Appraisal Reform: Incorporating 360-degree feedback, including citizen feedback, into performance reviews.
  3. Institutional Mechanisms: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and time-bound delivery mandates (like Right to Service Acts) to reduce subjective discretion.
  4. Mentorship: Senior leaders acting as role models to junior officers, fostering a culture of humility.
  5. Sensitisation: Regular interaction with field realities and grassroots communities to help officers understand the human cost of administrative delays.

Close · a summary

Ultimately, a citizen-centric approach transforms governance from being 'process-oriented' to being 'people-oriented', ensuring the 'Last Mile Delivery' of services.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper IV, Q2(a). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.