Define public service broadly. How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in…

Question

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.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

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.

**Introduction**

Public service is government action aimed at public welfare, grounded in virtues like trustworthiness and fortitude that sustain ethical governance amid challenges such as corruption and public skepticism. These virtues ensure officials prioritize the common good over personal interests, maintaining democratic legitimacy.

**Ethical Foundations and Institutional Design**

1. **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.

2. **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.

**Manifestation of Virtues**

1. **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.

**Challenges and Preventive Measures**

1. **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.

2. **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.

**Conclusion**

Trustworthiness and fortitude, reinforced by strong institutions and preventive measures, are essential for ethical, resilient public service that upholds public trust and democratic governance.

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