GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024

Civil Service ValuesDedication to Public ServiceAptitude for Civil ServiceProbity in Governance

Syllabus: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 140 words · 25% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening3 of 4
  • A definition1 of 4

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 4
  • Points2 of 4

Close

  • No separate close2 of 4
  • A source1 of 4
  • A way forward1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Ganesh Kumar BaskarAIR 7 · CSE 2019 · 127 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Public service is very different from private jobs in the nature of their aims and values including ethos.

Body · points and prose

Private sector ethosPublic sector ethos
(1) Be law abiding(1) Be ethics abiding
(2) Profit maximization(2) Public welfare maximization
(3) Motivated by personal ambition and financial benefits(3) Motivated by the desire to serve public
(4) Eg: Alfred Nobel who made TNT (explosive) to make money(4) Eg: Subhash Chandra Bose who resigned from ICS for public service

This shows that the primary difference between public and private career is public ethos.

Diagram
* Public service ethos as per Nolan Committee * Accountability * Leadership * Selflessness * Integrity * Objectivity * Honesty * Openness
Diagram
* Private service -> Profit motive * Personal satisfaction * Possible social good
Diagram
* Public service -> Public welfare motive * Personal satisfaction * Definite public good

Close · a source

As per Kautilya, public service should be dominated by concept of "Yogakshema" -> Public welfare.

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