Q. The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

Model Answer:

Doctrine of Democratic Governance

The Doctrine of Democratic Governance emphasizes the crucial role of public institutions in upholding democratic values and serving citizens. Civil servants, as the backbone of these institutions, play a pivotal role in this process.

• Integrity and commitment of civil servants are essential for democratic governance:
– They ensure fair and efficient implementation of policies
– They maintain public trust in government institutions
– They uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights

• Positive public perception of civil servants strengthens democracy by:
– Encouraging citizen participation in governance
– Enhancing compliance with laws and regulations
– Improving government-citizen relationships
– Fostering a sense of civic responsibility

• Challenges in maintaining a positive perception include:
– Instances of corruption or misconduct (e.g., the 2G spectrum scam)
– Bureaucratic inefficiencies and red tape
– Political interference in administrative matters

• Measures to improve public perception:
– Implementing transparency initiatives (e.g., RTI Act)
– Strengthening accountability mechanisms
– Providing ethical training and sensitization programs
– Leveraging technology for better service delivery (e.g., e-governance initiatives)

• Example: The successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission demonstrates how committed civil servants can positively impact public perception and achieve national goals.

Conclusion: Positive public perception of civil servants’ integrity and commitment is vital for democratic governance, fostering trust, participation, and effective policy implementation.