Q. Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.

Model Answer: 

Impartiality and Non-partisanship: Indispensable Qualities for Successful Civil Servants

Impartiality and non-partisanship are often considered vital qualities for successful civil servants. Impartiality refers to the ability to treat all citizens equally without bias, while non-partisanship involves serving the government objectively, regardless of personal political views.

These qualities are crucial for several reasons:

• They ensure fair and equitable governance, promoting social justice and equal treatment for all citizens (e.g., unbiased welfare distribution).
• They maintain public trust in government institutions by demonstrating objectivity in decision-making.
• They allow for consistent governance across different political administrations, ensuring policy continuity.

Illustrations of their importance include:
– T.N. Seshan’s tenure as Chief Election Commissioner, known for impartial election management.
– The negative impact of biased investigations in the Jain Hawala case, eroding public confidence.

However, maintaining perfect impartiality and non-partisanship can be challenging:

• Emotional situations may test a civil servant’s ability to remain unbiased.
• Balancing non-partisanship with the need to implement government policies can be complex.
• Personal beliefs may conflict with official duties (e.g., implementing controversial policies).

While indispensable, these qualities should be considered alongside other essential attributes:

• Competence: Technical skills and knowledge
• Integrity: Honesty and ethical behavior
• Dedication: Commitment to public service

Impartiality and non-partisanship enhance these qualities by ensuring their application is fair and unbiased. For instance, a competent but partial civil servant may misuse their skills to favor certain groups.

In practice, civil servants must strive for impartiality and non-partisanship while navigating real-world complexities. This requires constant self-reflection and a strong ethical foundation.

Conclusion: Impartiality and non-partisanship are crucial for effective civil service, but must be balanced with other essential qualities and practical realities.