Que. The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
प्रजातांत्रिक शासन का सिद्धान्त यह अनिवार्य करता है कि लोक सेवकों की सत्यनिष्ठा और प्रतिबद्धता के प्रति लोक धारणा पूर्णतः सकारात्मक बनी रहे। विवेचना कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Introduce the importance of the “Doctrine of Democratic Governance,” emphasizing the need for civil servants’ “integrity” and “commitment” to ensure positive public perception.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss how integrity, commitment, public perception, and transparency are linked to effective governance and democratic stability.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize that integrity and commitment of civil servants are essential for maintaining public trust, ensuring democratic stability, and fostering effective governance.
Introduction
The “Doctrine of Democratic Governance” underscores that civil servants must demonstrate “integrity” and “commitment” to build public trust. A positive public perception of their actions is crucial in ensuring the success of democratic institutions and governance processes.
The Role of Integrity in Democratic Governance
(i) Building Trust: “Integrity” is the foundation of trust in civil servants. Trust ensures citizens believe that decisions are made transparently, without bias or personal gain.
(ii) Public Confidence: Civil servants who demonstrate integrity foster public confidence in government actions, essential for “social cohesion” and national stability.
(iii) Accountability: Integrity enhances accountability. When civil servants are seen as ethical, they are more likely to be held accountable for their actions, promoting responsible governance.
(iv) Fighting Corruption: Integrity directly combats corruption. A corruption-free civil service is vital to maintain the public’s trust in governance and institutions.
(v) Strengthening Democracy: Integrity in civil servants helps build democratic institutions by ensuring policies are implemented fairly, and citizens feel they are being represented honestly.
The Significance of Commitment in Democratic Governance
(i) Duty to the Public: Civil servants must be committed to serving the “public interest” above all else, ensuring their dedication to the common good.
(ii) Professionalism and Excellence: Commitment means working diligently and competently, contributing to the effective implementation of government policies and services.
(iii) Long-Term Vision: Committed civil servants focus on long-term goals, ensuring that policy decisions have lasting benefits for society and future generations.
(iv) Resilience During Challenges: Commitment ensures that civil servants remain dedicated even in challenging times, contributing to stability and progress in governance.
(v) Promoting Social Welfare: Civil servants who are genuinely committed to their roles prioritize social welfare, ensuring policies address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
The Impact of Public Perception on Civil Servants
(i) Public Trust: Positive public perception of civil servants ensures “trust” in the government. It helps citizens believe their leaders are competent, ethical, and transparent.
(ii) Policy Effectiveness: When civil servants are trusted, citizens are more likely to cooperate with government programs, making policy implementation smoother and more effective.
(iii) Civic Engagement: A positive image of civil servants encourages active civic participation, as citizens feel their engagement will lead to tangible improvements.
(iv) Promoting Accountability: Public perception reinforces the accountability of civil servants. When citizens trust their leaders, they are more likely to hold them responsible for any wrongdoings.
(v) Strengthening Democracy: Positive public perception also reinforces democratic institutions by encouraging public confidence in governance, thereby contributing to the overall stability of the democratic system.
Consequences of Negative Public Perception of Civil Servants
(i) Loss of Trust: Negative public perception leads to a loss of “public trust,” which is essential for effective governance and policy implementation.
(ii) Corruption and Inefficiency: A lack of trust in civil servants may allow corruption and inefficiency to flourish, undermining governance and public services.
(iii) Political Instability: Distrust in civil servants may lead to “political instability,” as citizens may become disillusioned with the democratic process and question its legitimacy.
(iv) Reduced Cooperation: A negative public image leads to reduced citizen cooperation, making it difficult to implement policies or achieve national goals.
(v) Weakened Democratic Institutions: When civil servants are seen as corrupt or incompetent, democratic institutions become weakened, undermining the effectiveness of democratic processes and governance.
Conclusion
The integrity and commitment of civil servants are fundamental to democratic governance. A positive public perception reinforces accountability, transparency, and trust, leading to effective governance. Upholding these values is essential for a stable, functioning democracy.
