Q 1(b). "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.
(UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
Theme:
Significance of Constitutional Morality in Governance
Where in Syllabus:
(Political Science and Public Administration.)
"संवैधानिक नैतिकता कोई स्वाभाविक मनोभाव नहीं है, बल्कि नागरिक शिक्षा और कानून के शासन के पालन का परिणाम है।" सिविल सेवक के लिए संवैधानिक नैतिकता का परीक्षण करते हुए लोक प्रशासन में सुशासन को बढ़ावा देने और जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने में इसकी भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए।
Q 1(b). "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.
(UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
Theme:
Significance of Constitutional Morality in Governance
Where in Syllabus:
(Political Science and Public Administration.)
"संवैधानिक नैतिकता कोई स्वाभाविक मनोभाव नहीं है, बल्कि नागरिक शिक्षा और कानून के शासन के पालन का परिणाम है।" सिविल सेवक के लिए संवैधानिक नैतिकता का परीक्षण करते हुए लोक प्रशासन में सुशासन को बढ़ावा देने और जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने में इसकी भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए।
Introduction
Constitutional morality, as emphasized by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is cultivated through civil education and adherence to the rule of law, rather than being an innate sentiment. It is crucial for public servants, as it underpins good governance and ensures accountability in public administration. By fostering a commitment to constitutional principles, public servants can effectively uphold democratic values and maintain public trust, thereby enhancing the integrity and efficiency of governmental operations.
Significance of Constitutional Morality in Governance
● Constitutional Morality:
○ It refers to the adherence to the core principles and values enshrined in the Constitution. It is not an innate sentiment but cultivated through civil education and a commitment to the rule of law.
○ Example: The Indian Constitution, with its emphasis on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, serves as a guiding framework for public servants.
● Significance for Public Servants:
● Guiding Principles: Constitutional morality provides a framework for public servants to make decisions that align with constitutional values, ensuring that their actions are just and equitable.
● Ethical Governance: It instills a sense of duty and ethical behavior, preventing misuse of power and promoting integrity in public administration.
● Protection of Rights: Ensures that the rights of citizens are protected, and public servants act as guardians of these rights.
● Promoting Good Governance:
● Rule of Law: Upholding constitutional morality ensures that all actions are within the legal framework, promoting transparency and fairness.
● Democratic Values: Encourages public servants to uphold democratic principles, fostering participation and inclusivity in governance.
● Public Trust: By adhering to constitutional values, public servants build trust with the public, which is essential for effective governance.
● Ensuring Accountability:
● Checks and Balances: Constitutional morality supports mechanisms that hold public servants accountable, such as judicial review and legislative oversight.
● Transparency: Promotes openness in government operations, making it easier to hold officials accountable for their actions.
● Responsiveness: Encourages public servants to be responsive to the needs and grievances of the public, ensuring that governance is citizen-centric.
● Examples and Data:
● Right to Information Act, 2005: An example of constitutional morality in action, empowering citizens to seek information and hold public servants accountable.
● Judicial Interventions: Instances where the judiciary has intervened to uphold constitutional morality, such as the Vishaka Guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace.
By embedding constitutional morality in their conduct, public servants can significantly contribute to the realization of good governance and accountability in public administration.
○ It refers to the adherence to the core principles and values enshrined in the Constitution. It is not an innate sentiment but cultivated through civil education and a commitment to the rule of law.
○ Example: The Indian Constitution, with its emphasis on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, serves as a guiding framework for public servants.
● Significance for Public Servants:
● Guiding Principles: Constitutional morality provides a framework for public servants to make decisions that align with constitutional values, ensuring that their actions are just and equitable.
● Ethical Governance: It instills a sense of duty and ethical behavior, preventing misuse of power and promoting integrity in public administration.
● Protection of Rights: Ensures that the rights of citizens are protected, and public servants act as guardians of these rights.
● Promoting Good Governance:
● Rule of Law: Upholding constitutional morality ensures that all actions are within the legal framework, promoting transparency and fairness.
● Democratic Values: Encourages public servants to uphold democratic principles, fostering participation and inclusivity in governance.
● Public Trust: By adhering to constitutional values, public servants build trust with the public, which is essential for effective governance.
● Ensuring Accountability:
● Checks and Balances: Constitutional morality supports mechanisms that hold public servants accountable, such as judicial review and legislative oversight.
● Transparency: Promotes openness in government operations, making it easier to hold officials accountable for their actions.
● Responsiveness: Encourages public servants to be responsive to the needs and grievances of the public, ensuring that governance is citizen-centric.
● Examples and Data:
● Right to Information Act, 2005: An example of constitutional morality in action, empowering citizens to seek information and hold public servants accountable.
● Judicial Interventions: Instances where the judiciary has intervened to uphold constitutional morality, such as the Vishaka Guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace.
By embedding constitutional morality in their conduct, public servants can significantly contribute to the realization of good governance and accountability in public administration.
Conclusion
Constitutional morality, as emphasized by B.R. Ambedkar, is cultivated through civil education and adherence to the rule of law. For public servants, it is crucial in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability. By upholding constitutional values, public officials can foster trust and integrity in public administration. As Nani Palkhivala noted, "The Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document, it is a vehicle of life." Embracing this ethos ensures a just and equitable society.