The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Q9. The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Civil services, often called the steel frame of India, sustain democratic governance and nation-building. Their ethos is unique: a synergy of professionalisation—rooted in rational-legal authority, merit, and neutrality—with nationalistic consciousness—anchored in collective values, constitutional morality, and service to the people.

Professionalisation

• Ensures merit-based recruitment, structured training, adherence to law, and impartiality.
• Efficiency is visible in welfare delivery through DBT, e-governance in Aspirational Districts, and crisis management during COVID-19.

• Neutrality and procedural rationality safeguard citizens against arbitrariness.
  

Nationalistic Consciousness

• Inspires administrators to uphold unity, inclusivity, and justice in a diverse society.
• Refugee rehabilitation after Partition or RTE implementation reflects duty towards national integration and social justice.
• Schemes like MGNREGA show commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and reducing inequalities.
  

Combination in Practice

• Neutrality + Welfare Orientation: Impartial distribution of resources with focus on poverty alleviation.
• Efficiency + Social Justice: Technical monitoring aligned with equity (Aspirational Districts).
• Law + Constitutional Morality: Aadhaar post-privacy ruling balanced efficiency with dignity.

• Innovation + Nation-Building: Digital India channeled technology to bridge divides and empower citizens.
  

Challenges

• Politicisation erodes neutrality.
• Corruption undermines integrity and weakens patriotic duty.
• Red tape and risk aversion slow innovation, alienating citizens.
• Together, these dilute both professional competence and collective service ethos.

Reforms & Way Forward

Fixed tenure, enforceable code of ethics, lateral entry, and performance incentives are crucial. Mission Karmayogi seeks continuous learning and value-based, citizen-centric training.

Conclusion

The ethos of Indian civil service lies in the fusion of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness. This ensures that administrative expertise serves not narrow interests but the collective mission of social justice, inclusivity, and nation-building in a diverse democracy.

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