GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant." Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.

Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and ConductLaw and MoralityAccountability and Ethical GovernancePressure and Loyalty

Syllabus: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

How toppers approached it

From 7 of the 8 answers · about 150 words.

Opening

  • No separate opening100%

Body

  • Points100%

Close

  • A way forward71%
  • No separate close14%
  • A summary14%

The toppers’ answers

Kanishak KatariaAIR 1 · CSE 2018 · 152 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Accepting criticism is a sign of strong & if government is willing to accept the criticism, it is going to benefit the government itself; it doesnt matter if a government servant makes it or someone else.

But there are some lacunaes:

Body · points

  • criticism by government servant may erode public confidence
  • it may lead to policy failures
  • If political Executive cant trust the public servant, governance will come to

an halt & people will suffer.

But absolute obedience is also unhealthy for the society :

  • it 'll not change the status quo

  • Obedience may lead to Yesmanship & subservience & deter independent decision making & risk taking

  • It may stifle freedom of expression in general .

Close · a way forward

Hence as the CS Conduct Rules say although civil servants have to show neutrality to the political executive, it should'nt get converted into absolute neutrality. Any apprehensions should be reported & recorded

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