GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

In the context of civil service, what do you understand by "acts of conscience"? Illustrate with an example. In your opinion, what can be the basis of acts of conscience? Explain.

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Sources of Ethical GuidanceCivil Service ValuesIntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government

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 all 3 answers · about 170 words · 33% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition2 of 3
  • No separate opening1 of 3

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 3
  • Points1 of 3

Close

  • A quotation2 of 3
  • A summary1 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 80 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

None written.

Body · points and prose

Conscience refers to that inner source of guidance, which helps us to decide ethicality of action.

Ex:

Diagram
Ariyalur train accident → loss of public trust in governance ↓ Lal Bahadur Shastri ji resigned from post to show that he was not power greedy & that he took full moral responsibility of event.
Diagram
[morals] → [Ethics] ↑ ↑ | Individual | Societal | level | level [Beliefs] → [values] → [Conscience] ↓ [Behavior] (Act of conscience)

Basis of acts of conscience?

(I) Compassion

Ex: Elder person → no Aadhar → no Ration

Diagram
[100% blind objectivity ☹] vs [Compassion based upon 'Daridra Narayan' ☺]

(II) Personal Integrity

& acting upon values instilled by our family, religion, etc.

Ex: Ashok Khemka's grit.

(III) Inner Peace

Diagram
Dilemma < [conscience heard? → Peace] [Ignored conscience? → Agony & Pain]

(IV) Welfare & Greater Good

Keeping Public Interest over self interest.

Ex: Lord Ram (Raghukul Reet)

"conscience is the softest pillow and the highest court"

  • Gandhiji

Close · a quotation

None written.

More on Sources of Ethical Guidance

Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of guidance, and which governs when they disagree.

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