2017 · GS Paper 4 · Q2(e) · 2 marks
Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: Spirit of service
In short
Spirit of service is highly relevant to civil service because it drives last-mile delivery, crisis response and public trust, though it needs law and competence to avoid arbitrariness. Odisha's evacuation of over a million people before Cyclone Fani in 2019 shows its impact.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 267 words
Last-Mile Delivery
The Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) asks officers in 112 of India's most backward districts to seek out those whom welfare misses.
Crisis Response
During Cyclone Fani in 2019, Odisha's officials evacuated over a million people, keeping deaths far below the 1999 super cyclone.
Trust and Integrity
Service with dignity builds public trust, and selflessness, the first Nolan principle (1995), leaves no motive for rent-seeking.
Zeal Needs Law and Skill
Service outside rules becomes arbitrariness, so the 2nd ARC's Ethics in Governance report (2007) pairs values with accountability and competence.
Risk of Burnout
Hardship postings breed dedication fatigue, so it must be renewed, which Mission Karmayogi (2020) attempts through continuous, role-based learning.
Service, Not Paternalism
Citizens are rights-holders, not recipients of favours, so public services guarantee laws, starting with Madhya Pradesh's in 2010, make timely service an entitlement.
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This chapter in the exam
Dedication to public service10 questions
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2017 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.