mridul purohit sir (chrome ias)
TRANSCRIPT
ETHICS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM: TARGET MAINS 2021
theIAShub
ETHICS ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME CSE MAINS, 2021
APPTITUDE & FOUNDATIONAL VALUES OF CIVIL SERVICE
SAMPLE HANDOUT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Aptitude 2
1.2.1 Integrity 4
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WITH MRIDUL PUROHIT SIR (CHROME IAS)
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1.1 Aptitude
Aptitude means the natural or inherent capacity of an individual to acquire an appropriate skill or ability
in the future through appropriate training. It is derived from the word “Aptos” which means “fitted for”.
- Example: Language Acquisition (human beings are born with innate ability to learn languages);
- Budhia Singh (a child from Odisha), acclaimed as the world’s youngest marathon runner. He ran more
than 50 km at the age of 5, which would not possible for a normal child. This shows he had an innate
potential and hence an aptitude to run for long distances;
- Hima Das (Athletics); Mary Kom (Boxing)
Ability is the capacity that an individual already possesses to perform a particular task/ job successfully. It
is the present description of the person’s capabilities.
Skills are the things that one has learned in the past. Skills incline more towards expertise. Example:
Checked by DGCA via
Pilot Proficiency Test Training at GATI (Government
Aviation Training Institute)
Field-level practice as assistant
pilot with commercial flights
Another Example: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have an aptitude for driving. They trained themselves
and achieved ability in driving. They attained expertise by practicing on racing tracks for years. And now, they
can be said to have good driving skills.
Physical Aptitude Mental Aptitude
Denotes physical traits/ capability of an individual like height, stamina, chest breadth, etc.
Examples: Usain Bolt has long legs and hence, the aptitude to run.
Denotes cognitive capability of an individual
Examples: Naturally some children are blessed with good analytical and mathematical skills.
Aptitude Attitude
Aptitude is the potential to develop proficiency in a particular field.
Innate capacity It can be used to predict the future
performances of an individual. Both mental and physical aspects are involved Easier to change aptitude (through learning,
training, and skill enhancement)
Attitude is a predisposition or behavioral tendency towards socially significant objects, symbols, events or groups.
Learned tendency It can be used to predict the behavior of an individual.
Largely a mental concept Relatively hard to change (requires cognitive
dissonance, exposure, etc.)
Civil Services Aptitude includes:
- Intellectual Aptitude: To inculcate values of rationality, reasoning, scientific temper, objectivity, etc.
- Emotional Aptitude: To develop emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion towards the weaker
and vulnerable sections of society
- Moral Aptitude: To work with honesty, integrity, impartiality, objectivity and maintain high standards
of probity in governance.
Training Practice Aptitude Ability Skill
Aptitude and Foundational Values of Civil Service 1
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- Physical Aptitude like minimum height criteria for IPS (Indian Police Service)
Even a civil servant with low aptitude can develop a high level of skill by training, interest, and the right
attitude towards learning.
Attitude, Aptitude, and Success
Both aptitude and attitude are complementary to each other. “Attitude without aptitude is worthless and
aptitude without attitude is directionless”. A person with aptitude also needs to have a good attitude of
dedication, conviction, and fortitude to become successful.
Ability can’t be stretched beyond a certain limit. Attitude helps in shaping success or failure after a certain
threshold of ability is reached.
- Positive Attitude ⟹ More faith and confidence in one’s abilities (Ira Singhal topped UPSC CSE 2014
despite being a Divyangjan)
- Negative Attitude ⟹ Limits one’s abilities (Indulgence of civil servants in corruption like 2G Spectrum
Scam, Coal Block Allocation Scam, Satyam Scam (Ramalinga Raju), etc.)
Case Study: Both Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar had a high aptitude for cricket. Despite that, Kambli
failed to become a great player. Kambli was swayed by the glamour of success whereas Sachin stayed away
from the limelight and focused more on improving his game (positive attitude). Eventually, Sachin
Tendulkar became one of the most successful cricketers in the world.
There has been a rise in preference for skillset and knowledge over ethics and attitude. Less focus on the
“attitude” is restraining the “altitude” of success of the people and organizations.
- Examples: Focus on skillset while hiring employees by tech giants like Google, Facebook, etc. is leading
to issues like misuse of data (Cambridge Analytica Case).
- Pressure on kids to achieve academic accolades is leading to poor stress management and depression
and poor satisfaction.
Skills Development leads to Professional competence (doesn’t care about the means, thus, immediate &
short-lived gains) whereas Skills & Values Development leads to Holistic competence.
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Intellectual Integrity
Types of Moral Integrity Integrity
Professional Integrity
1.2 Foundational Values of Civil Services
1.2.1 Integrity
Integrity is regarded as:
- Consistency in words, beliefs, actions, and behaviors.
- Doing the right thing (right end) for the right reasons (right
intent) even if nobody is watching.
- No gaps between feelings, thoughts, beliefs, standards, ideals,
and behavior.
- Principle of being moral, ethical, and honest in thoughts and
actions.
Honesty vs Integrity
Integrity is the validation of honesty.
INTEGRITY
Integrity Honesty
Integrity is consistent adherence to a moral or ethical code.
Deals with action in behavior Guarantee of honesty
Honesty implies being truthful (even if it is immoral) about a subject in consideration.
Deals with words. Not a guarantee of integrity
Honesty without integrity:
- In the epic Mahabharata, Yudhishthira was honest when he told Dronacharya about the death of
Ashwathama but he lacked integrity since he was referring to the death of an elephant and not the son
of Dronacharya. His intent was not pure.
Meaning Willingness to pursue the truth Being honest with own thinking while making judgement
Significance
Leads to morally correct judgements
Ability to admit one’s mistakes Leads to moral accountability Avoiding discrimination, stereotyping & prejudices Effective use of human conscience.
Examples Raja Rammohan Roy fought against Sati on basis of his
knowledge/ intellect that it was an immoral practice.
Meaning Doing the right thing when no one is watching Unconditional commitment to one’s moral principles
Significance Consistency in private and public ethics (no double
standards)
Examples If one values non-violenece, then he/ she shall not use
violence. (Mahatma Gandhi)
Meaning Acting in agreement with standards, norms and values of
the profession.
Significance Helps in maintaining conscientiousness (deligence) High efficiency & dedication
Examples When a doctor treats a person accused of murder to
ensure him/ her the right to equal justice.
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Mass Transfers
Satyam, 2G, Commonwealth Scam
Politicians Bureaucrats
Criminalisation of Politics Politicisation of Criminals
Malpractices
Politicians + Bureaucrats
NEXUS + Businessmen Nexus Crony Capitalism +
Corruption (Lobbying)
Criminals Businessmen
Reasons for decline in Integrity of bureaucracy
Historical Factors:
- Baksheesh System: The practice of tipping which later evolved into outright bribery during the times
of Medieval History.
- The corrupt Mindset is the legacy of the British era when corruption was prevalent in the East India
Company on large scale (Robert Clive, the first Governor of Bengal Presidency, was accused of running
corrupt administration by British MPs)
Social Factors:
- Lack of public participation in ensuring integrity in governance: People themselves bribe officials to
get the work done. This emboldens the corrupt attitude of some officials.
Legal/ Governance related factors
- Poor implementation of policies and schemes such as PDS (Public Distribution System), PM-KISAN,
etc.⟹ Issues of false inclusions (ghost beneficiaries), delay in payments, etc.
- Misuse of legal protection to civil servants under Article 311.
- Increased Red-tapism and delays in policy implementation, environment clearances, etc.
- Increased Corruption: India ranked as low as 86 in 2020 in Transparency International’s Corruption
Perception Index (slipped from 80 in 2019).
Political Factors:
- Nexus between bureaucracy, politicians, criminals, and businessmen
Ineffective accountability mechanisms:
- Dilution of RTI Act and refusal to disclose the information under the same.
- Less autonomy to CBI (Supreme Court calls CBI a caged parrot)
- Dealy in the establishment of Lokpal (First Lokpal appointed in 2019 whereas the Lokpal Act was
passed in 2013)
Weak enforcement mechanisms:
- Judicial Pendency and Delays: Lack of swift action in instances of loss of integrity
o Demotivates the honest civil servants as corrupt officials are not being punished speedily.
o Reduces deterrence power of laws and rules.
Organised Crimes
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- Weak enforcement has also negatively impacted some honest civil servants. Example: Govind Ragho
Khairnar (IAS), known as “Demolition Man” in Maharashtra, was accused of accepting a bribe and was
suspended. It took nearly 6 years for the HC verdict which was in favor of Khairnar. This shows the
scope of harassment of honest officials in the prevailing scheme of justice delivery.
Economic Factors:
- Inadequate remuneration as compared to the private sector
- Consumerist tendencies with globalization and economic and income growth.
Ethical Factors:
- Aptitude and attitude mismatch: Loss of Integrity = High Aptitude + Low Attitude
- Involvement in many scams: Many civil servants led scams like 2G Spectrum scam, Coal Block
allocation sam, etc
- Increased instances of conflict of interest: Civil servants take sides of personal affiliation.
o Example: Being in judge in his/ her own case, post-retirement sops, etc.
Examples of Integrity
Historical Mahatma Gandhi remained integral on his idea of non-violence and withdrew Non-
Cooperation Movement post the Chaura-Chauri incident
Public Life
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the then finance minister, played a major role in devaluation
of the Rupee and made some gains as he had some dollar savings of his own. He
deposited those gains in PM Relief Fund. (‘No Wealth without work’)
Lal Bahadur Shashtri was granted permission of 15 days by Britishers to meet his sick daughter. However, she died the day he reached home. He performed the last rites and returned to prison, even though he could have stayed for the duration of parole.
Ashok Khemka (IAS) and Pardeep Kasni (IAS) despite being transferred several times in their career, continue to work with high integrity.
Durga Shakti Nagpal (IAS) fearlessly fought the UP’s Sand mafia.
Personal Following traffic rules even when Traffic Police are not present. Didn’t cheat in the examination when the invigilator went out.
Professional integrity
When a doctor treats a person accused of murder to ensure him/ her the right to equal justice.
In the “Raid” movie, Amay Patnaik (IRS) didn’t stop the raid in a corrupt politician’s house without any official written communication from Minister or PM despite the threats and offers of bribe from the politician.
International Pepsi alerted Coca-Cola about the stolen trade secret instead of using it to compete.
Lack of Professional
Integrity
When a doctor prescribes unnecessary diagnostic tests & medicines for personal gains. A journalist was abducted by police in civil clothes in Karnataka. It was later revealed
as an arrest. This shows the lack of integrity on part of Police officials in performing their duty.
QUOTES
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony” – Mahatma Gandhi
Integrity requires self-discipline, fortitude, and willpower capable of resisting
temptation. Its priceless reward is peace of mind and true dignity.
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Knowledge without Integrity: Leads to
clever evils and is dangerous and dreadful
Examples:
- In epic Ramayana, Ravana was highly
knowledgeable but lacked integrity
since he kidnapped Sita against her will
and refuse to even apologize.
- When a doctor uses the knowledge to
perform a sex-selective abortion.
Integrity without Knowledge: If a person
lacks knowledge, his/ her integrity cannot
be put to use by society.
Examples:
- An honest student who has not studied
for the exam will fail
"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and
dreadful." – Samuel Johnson.
Importance of Integrity in Public life
Ensures transparency and accountability in public administration
- A civil servant with high integrity would ensure public availability of the information regarding the
decisions of his/ her office and lay down objective criteria of grievance redressals. This leads to fair
public dealing and impartial decision-making.
Ensures compliance with the law and upholding principles of natural justice and constitutional morality.
Improves compliance with Civil Services (Code of Conduct) Rules
- A civil servant with high integrity would abstain from accepting a gift or any other benefit which might
seem to compromise his/ her judgement.
Reduces corruption
Increases bureaucratic efficiency
Ensures proper utilization use of public resources
Builds good leadership skills: High integrity helps in building faith and trust which in turn enhances the
persuasive power of the officials. Example: Former President, APJ Abdul Kalam, flew his family members
to Rashtrapati Bhawan during his swearing-in ceremony as President of India, but he bore the expenses
himself. Similar instances of high integrity in the life of Dr. Kalam made him a great leader.
Ways to inculcate high standards of integrity in governance
ARC Recommendation: Bring out a code of ethics for all departments.
Increased vigilance through institutional mechanisms:
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- Civil Services (Code of Conduct) Rules
- Central and State Vigilance Commissions
- Central Board of Investigation (CBI)
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas
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- Right to Information Act, 2005
Attitudinal Change: Preaching and teaching Zero tolerance towards corruption
- Building Emotional Intelligence (Sensitivity training, Role Playing, etc.)
- Promoting best practices of ethical and honest civil servants ⟹ NITI Aayog could maintain a manual of
‘Best Practices & Civil Servants of the Year’ which would encourage officers to be enlisted.
- Conducting Integrity surveys and issuing integrity certificates to recognize the officials of high
integrity.
- “Debo Na, Nebo Na” (Won’t give, won’t take) Initiative of Cachar District Administration (Assam) to
curb corruption in the district by S Lakshmanan (IAS).
Ensuring public participation in governance mechanisms:
- Social Audit should be included in all schemes just as in schemes like PMAY-G, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
(SBM), MGNREGA, Mid-Day-Meal (MDM) Scheme, etc.
- Role of Media: There is a need for vigilance and checks and balances by media to discourage unethical
activities among civil servants.
- Spreading awareness about the online grievance redressal platforms like CPGRAMS (Centralized Public
Grievance Redress And Monitoring System)
- Educating masses about the proper use of RTI through online audiovisual tutorials.
Innovative steps were taken by the government to inculcate integrity:
- Rewarding young officers for their good performance on Civil Service Day
- Compulsory/ forced retirement of IRS officers for loss of integrity (facing charges of corruption, sexual
harassment, fraud, etc.) ⟹ “Permanent Bureaucracy” is no longer “permanent” for the dishonest,
corrupt and inefficient.
- 3600 Appraisal Report introduced in 2016 which goes beyond the Annual Confidential Report (ACR)
and receives feedback on the performance of the civil servant from all concerned stakeholders
- Attempts to cultivate a committed civil service: Proposal of giving weightage to the mandatory
“combined foundation” course while allocating services and cadres.
o Lateral Entry system: Increase in the number of lateral entries would increase the efficiency,
competition, and integrity of officers inducted through direct recruitment.
- All India Services Conduct (Amendment) Rules, 2014 focuses on integrity, transparency, and
accountability.
- Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014 to provide a mechanism to investigate alleged corruption and
misuse of power by public servants and also protect anyone who exposes alleged wrongdoing in
government bodies, projects, and offices.
Integrity Pact: It is a tool developed by Transparency International, which is a legally binding agreement
between all parties to comply with anti-corruption best practices and allows the monitor to make sure it
happens. Many PSUs have implemented it and ARC recommends implementing it in civil services too.
Constitutional Protection to civil servants under Articles 311 and 312 should be removed as recommended
by the 2nd ARC.
International Measures and treaties should be implemented in letter and spirit
- UN Declaration against Corruption and Bribery