Define public service broadly. How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples. Suggest three preventive measures of corruption.
In short
Public service is government activity serving the public interest, and trustworthiness and fortitude show when officials keep commitments and resist pressure, as Lal Bahadur Shastri did. Three preventive measures are ethics training like Mission Karmayogi, transparency through social audits and RTI, and a stronger Prevention of Corruption Act.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 274 words
Broad Definition and Values
Public service includes delivering essential services like healthcare, education, and justice, treating office as a public trust in line with Kautilya’s wisdom that rulers’ happiness lies in subjects’ welfare. The Nolan Committee’s principles, selflessness, integrity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership, guide ethical conduct.
Institutional Support
Institutions like the Central Vigilance Commission, Lokpal, and RTI laws foster transparency and accountability. Andhra Pradesh’s effective use of RTI and vigilance mechanisms has notably strengthened probity and public oversight, enhancing institutional capacity to uphold ethics.
Trustworthiness Builds Confidence
Transparent and reliable actions by public servants increase citizen trust and team morale. Andhra Pradesh’s community policing initiatives have improved police credibility and citizen cooperation, demonstrating trustworthiness in practice.
Corruption’s Impact
Corruption erodes institutional legitimacy, reduces investment in public goods, and fosters inequality. The Central Vigilance Commission’s 2023 report recorded over 74,000 corruption complaints, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Preventive Steps
Strengthening ethical codes and values-based training through Mission Karmayogi builds integrity. Enhancing transparency via RTI, citizen charters, and social audits, such as Andhra Pradesh’s DBT scheme audits, reduces leakages. Legal reforms to protect whistleblowers and expedite trials reinforce deterrence.
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This chapter in the exam
Public Service ethics, codes, corruption and Lokpal8 questions
Asked in 3 of 8 sittings since 2008
Most tested: Ethical leadership, integrity and accountability in public service governance.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2020 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.