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:

Impartiality and non-partisanship are indispensable qualities for a successful civil servant, especially in the context of the Indian civil service. These qualities are essential for ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of public services, upholding the foundational values of the civil service, and maintaining public trust in the administration.

Impartiality

Impartiality refers to the ability to make decisions and act without favoritism or bias. In the context of the Indian civil service, impartiality is essential for ensuring equal treatment of citizens and fair allocation of resources. A successful civil servant must be able to deliver public services without any prejudice towards individuals, groups, or communities. This quality helps maintain the principle of equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Illustration: Suppose a civil servant is responsible for allocating funds for the development of various villages in their jurisdiction. If they allocate funds based on their personal preferences or biases, it would lead to unequal development and create distrust in the administration. An impartial civil servant, on the other hand, would allocate funds based on objective criteria and need, ensuring fair distribution and fostering social harmony.

Non-Partisanship

Non-partisanship refers to the ability to remain politically neutral and not be influenced by political affiliations or ideologies. A successful civil servant must work with different political parties and governments throughout their career. Being non-partisan ensures that civil servants can effectively implement government policies, regardless of their personal political beliefs, and maintain continuity in the administration.

Illustration: Consider a situation where a new government comes into power and introduces a policy that the civil servant personally disagrees with. A non-partisan civil servant would still work towards the effective implementation of the policy, ensuring that their personal beliefs do not interfere with their professional responsibilities.

These qualities are closely related to the foundational values of the Indian civil service, which include:

• Integrity: Civil servants must be honest and uphold high ethical standards. Impartiality and non-partisanship are essential components of integrity, as they help civil servants resist corruption and maintain their commitment to the public interest.
• Objectivity: Civil servants should base their decisions on objective evidence and rational analysis. Impartiality and non-partisanship enable civil servants to approach problems objectively, without being influenced by personal biases or political considerations.
• Commitment to Public Service: Civil servants must prioritize the welfare of the citizens and the nation. By being impartial and non-partisan, civil servants can better serve the public interest and ensure that their actions are aligned with the constitutional principles and democratic values of India.

In conclusion, impartiality and non-partisanship are indispensable qualities for a successful civil servant in India. These qualities help ensure that civil servants can effectively deliver public services, uphold the foundational values of the civil service, and maintain public trust in the administration. They also enable civil servants to work effectively with different political parties and governments, ensuring continuity and stability in the administration.